From My Vanity

Beauty, Skincare, and a bit of Lifestyle

BoxyCharm’s September Box Came Out Just in Time for Fashion Week (September Unboxing)

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Before I dive into today’s post, just wanted to explain that I had hoped to do this unboxing earlier in the month. But I visited my family back in Florida for the first half of the month, and with a mix up of addresses the box came here to my home in California.

All that to say, next month I should have my unboxing up earlier in the month. And then I would also like to come back with a review at the end of the month and show you a look where I use all the products. Would you like that?

What s BoxyCharm?

BOXYCHARM is an online beauty subscription that surprises you each
month with name-brand beauty essentials. Our goal is to enhance your
current cosmetic collection by delivering trendy and popular beauty
items right to your front door. Our beauty experts have years of
experience in the health and beauty industry and are dedicated to
selecting the essentials that they know you will love. Each month, you
will receive a beautifully crafted box with full size and luxury size
beauty items.



Let us do the work! BOXYCHARM removes the hassle of picking the right
beauty products. The beauty items are carefully selected to promote
creativity and glamour. Your BOXYCHARM also includes a card with a
description of the beauty items received, keeping you savvy and excited
about your new items. It’s also a great idea for a gift! Our BOXYCHARM
can be delivered to your friends and family for any special occasion. So
what are you waiting for? Be charmed!

And just to add, it’s $21 a month and you get 5 full size products.

What’s Inside of BoxyCharm’s September Box?
We can’t dive into a BozyCharm without first taking time to enjoy the cute packaging that it arrives in.

It’s sooooo cute!

And I had to snap a picture of the pretty “Fashion Week Fabulous” card that greets you when you first open the box. On the back of this card is where they give you additional information on the products you received, as well as the retail price of each item.

I was really excited to see that there was an eyeshadow palette from Coastal Scents in this month’s box — I love eyeshadows and haven’t had an opportunity to try any CS products.

All the products are so exciting this month! I seriously can’t wait to dive in and start trying these products out.

First up was a very pretty perfume. I had a slight problem with this product leaking, but since it was encased in bubble wrap it didn’t ruin anything. And there wasn’t that much leakage, thankfully. The scent is floral and sophisticated — definitely something I would wear. This full-size vial retails for $29.

For those who saw my August Unboxing post, you know that I received a lipstick from this brand and loved the luxurious feel of it. This mascara is no different — it feels so expensive just to hold it!

I’m really hoping that this gives me the lashes I like. 😀 This mascara retails for $19.

Next, the product that I was the most excited about — Costal Scents Go Palette in Cairo, which retails for $12.95

I can’t beleive it, but I totally forgot to take a picture of these colors swatched. If you would like to see that, leave a comment below and I can post it over on my Instagram account. I LOVE the coloring in this palette — definitely something I will use!

I love painting my nails, and BoxyCharm couldn’t have sent me a more fitting color — I love dark colors, especially those in the brown family. This is a beautiful chocolate brown that seems pretty opaque. Can’t wait to do my nails! This NCLA nail varnish retails for $16.

The last item in the box is Tarte Cosmetics’ LipSurgence…

…in exposed. 🙂 This full-size product retails for $19.

As you can see, it has a really unique applicator — one side of it is very flat. I assume this will make it easier to apply, but we shall see.

I was a bit disappointed in the swatch — it seemed more sheer and thin, and I was hoping it would be as creamy and rich as the bottle made it appear. But I’m not giving up on it yet — will put it to the test. 🙂

All in all, it was a great box for Fashion Week. Definitely filled with appropriate makeup. 🙂 As I’ve already mentioned many times, I am looking forward to trying all these products out and can’t wait for next month’s box. 🙂

Let’s do the Math!

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss – $19
Coastal Scents Go Palette – $12.95
NCLA Nail Lacquer – $16
Tarina Tarantino Fleur de Lash Mascara – $19
Hello by Harvey Prince Fragrance – $29
TOTAL = $95.95

Not too shabby — you pay $21 and get 5 full size products that value nearly at a hundred dollars!

Question to My Readers: Which product were you most interested/excited about in BoxyCharm’s September box? Are there any products that you would want to see a full review on? Share in the comments below!

I
received one or more of the products mentioned above from
BoxyCharm in the hopes that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless,
this does not guarantee a review or feature on my blog. I only share information that I think will be useful for my
readers and I only recommend
products I have personally used.

My Wedding Day, April 26th, 2014 (Picture Heavy!)

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This post has been a LONG time coming, and I apologize for that. When I set about revamping my blog, it completely slipped my mind until last week. I hope you will still find this post interesting and enjoyable, even though it’s coming to you nearly 5 months after my wedding day.

So let’s just dive right in. Since my wedding wasn’t any different than a typical wedding, this post will be mainly pictures. I’ll start in order of how this unfolded on my wedding.

For those who weren’t following me at that time, I got married to the man of my dreams on April 26th of this year, 2014. The ceremony started at 2pm, followed directly afterwards with a reception. Because my husband is in the Navy, I was able to get married on base at the chapel and we used the Atrium next door to host the reception in. Everything was so lovely — I’m blessed to know some very talented ladies who did all the decorating for the ceremony and reception. It was beautiful!

And now, to the pictures!

So, the morning of April 26th we started at about 7 o’clock (if I remember correctly) curling hair.

I had 6 bridesmaids, 3 flowergirls, my mom, and myself to get hair and makeup done by noon. Some of the bridesmaids helped do hair and I also had four friends come over that morning to help out. (My friends are amazing!)

If you are curious on what hairstyle I did on my bridesmaids, I have a tutorial on it HERE. I call it Boho Braids with Curls.

I know this might seem unusual, but I decided to do my own hair for my wedding. So after I finished my mom’s hairstyle, I started on my own. I also did a tutorial on it, if you’re curious. I kind of made it up as I went along, but I really liked the end results! You can find the tutorial HERE.

Now we skip over to the reception room. This is the seating for the wedding party.

The centerpeices for each table. I was blessed to know VERY talented ladies!

My cake topper. Which was also my mom’s cake topper and my mom’s mom’s cake topper. 🙂

I thought this was SO cute! It was placed at the beginning of the food table and also on either side of the doors where the ceremony was held.

Picture time for the guys! What a good-looking bunch 🙂

And they can do pretty epic jumps in-synch with each other!

And, of course, they had to do the traditional guy-getting-cold-feet picture. (Though why it’s tradition I have no idea…)

Then it was the girl’s turn for pictures. The wedding gown I am wearing is my mom’s — just a few days shy of 26 years old. 🙂

My beautiful braidesmaids!!

In case you were wondering, four of the bridesmaids are my sisters. One is my husbands sister. And one is my older brother’s fiance (now wife). I’m sure you can guess who is who. 😉

And my three flower girls were my sisters as well!

This is my family! At the time of this picture my older brother (on the right) was engaged and my older sister (on the left) is married with a little daughter of her own now. 🙂

Then we swapped things up and got some pictures with the bride and groomsmen…

…and groom and bridesmaids. 🙂

After that it was show time! After all the guests were inside we shut the doors and my wedding party waited outside. To make sure I wasn’t seen, I waited with my dad around the corner of the building. 🙂

My youngest sister and little nephew made an adorable couple!

Me and my handsome father doing the most important walk in my life!

My photographer got some really neat shots during the wedding!

The first time we ever kissed! For a girl’s first kiss…it was pretty epic 😉

Our wedding bands. 🙂

Got to have a few funny poses thrown in. 🙂

For those who are interested: My mom and dad — and my mom’s mom and dad — did this exact same post on their wedding day. I wanted to carry on the tradition and get a picture as well. And in her dress, too! 🙂

Because of our schedule, we decided to do the ‘fairwell’ after the ceremony and before the reception. So here we are getting into our ride.

After a (very quick) ride around the base we walked around with the photographer to get some couple pictures.

A picture outside of the chapel we were married in. It was a beautiful day!

Our first dance together as a married couple.

I LOVE the harp and it was always a ‘dream’ to have it at my wedding. What do you know — my husband had a friend who played and she graciously offered to bring it to the wedding. It was SO special!

Father/Daughter dance. Such an emotional dance — I love my daddy! It was the only time I cried that day…

Mother/Son dance 🙂

We also did a Marriage Appreciation dance. My mom’s parent’s were the longest married couple there that day — 50 years!

Time to cut the cake! According to our guests, we were WAY too polite to each other 😛

And, of course, I could not end the day without a picture with the two closest people in my life. My husband and sister 🙂

And that was the end of my wedding day!

We spent our honeymoon in both Destin, FL and Boston, MA before flying to our new home in California.

We’re only a week or so shy of celebrating 5 months married. My husband is so amazing and we’ve quickly bonded and grown as a couple. Not to say that we haven’t had bumps in the road — that comes with life — but we learn how to ride them together, as a couple, and we get stronger each time. 🙂

I hope you all enjoyed that. If you have any other requests or questions — you know you just have to leave them in the comments below! Thanks for taking time to look at a special day in my life!

Physicians Formula has a Product that You NEED in Your Makeup Collection (Makeup Revew)

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 This past week CVS had a pretty sweet deal on all Physicians Formula, so I took this opportunity to buy a back-up of my favorite neutral eyeshadow palette (which I have hit major pan on!).
Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Review & Swatches // FromMyVanity.com

Which made me realize that this was a perfect time to review this palette, since now I had a brand new one in the box! So, let’s dive right in. If you’ve never tried this palette out before, you’re really missing out!

I purchased the product below with my personal funds.

Physicians Formula’s Matte Collection Quad Eyeshadow

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Packaging // FromMyVanity.com

 

Retail Price: $7.25

~ Fragrance-free. 
~ Hypoallergenic.
~ Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. 
~ Dermatologist Approved.
~ Silky smooth formula. 
~ Easy to blend.

Purchase from…


WALGREENS  //  ULTA

My Review

First Impressions & Packaging:
The first thing that grabbed my attention about this palette was the fact that all the shades were matte and varying shades of brown/taupe. 🙂 (You know this girl — all about them mattes!) I hadn’t really heard much about this palette, so wasn’t sure how the pigmentation or lasting power would be.

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Information & Packaging // FromMyVanity.com

There are three different quads in this collection, and I picked up the one called ‘Canyon Classics‘. The packaging is really cute, compact, and easy to take on the go. There’s also a little double-sided doe-foot applicator inside, though I never used it and eventually lost it along the way.

Product & Application:
This compact palette quickly soared from an uncertain purchase to my all-time favorite eye palette to use. The colors are beautiful and suit my skintone perfectly when I want a more neutral eyelook for the day. Not that it’s sheer or doesn’t show up — if I want, I can get a beautiful smokey eye with this palette!

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Close Palette // FromMyVanity.com

The shadows blend out beautifully and I find it really easy to build up the intensity of the color, depending on if I’m doing a day or night look. I know that two of the shadows look very similar, but they’re actually not. One works beautifully all over the lid and the other I blend into my crease as my contrast. They both work together perfectly.

Major Likes & Dislikes:
There are SO many things I absolutely LOVE about this palette. It’s pigmented. All the colors are matte. It blends like a dream. You can easily take a look from day to night. It’s travel-friendly.

You get the picture. 😉

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Name of Palette on the Back // FromMyVanity.com

When it comes to thinking of dislikes for this palette…I have a very hard time with that. One thing that I do notice is that if I’m doing a more intense eyelook and want to darken the outer V, I have to finish by using a different black (from my LORAC Pro to Go Palette) to intensify the color.

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Opened Drugstore Palette // FromMyVanity.com

The darkest shade in this palette is more of a smokey black or gray then a true, pigmented black. I personally don’t have a problem reaching for another color when I need black. And for an every day look, the darkest color in this palette will suite me perfectly to darken my outer V.

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Hit Pan on My Favorite Drugstore Palette! // FromMyVanity.com

Final Thoughts:
I’m pretty sure you can tell by this time (and because I said it’s my all-time favorite palette, obviously…), but I absolutely love the Matte Collection’s Quad Eyeshadows! If I’m ever doing my makeup and don’t know what eyeshadows to use, I instantly grab this one and know that I will love the end results.

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // =Swatches // FromMyVanity.com
Swatched twice

As you can tell from the picture of my current palette, I’ve hit major pan on all of the shadows.
That right there should tell you something — while I wear eyeshadow on a daily basis, I’ve never hit pan on any of my other shadows.

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad // Canyon Classic // Easy Matte Eyeshadow Look with Drugstore Palette // FromMyVanity.com

This palette is definitely one that you need to have in your makeup collection. It’s so dependable! And if you’re wanting to get your first neutral eyeshadow palette, this is a $7 well spent. It will last you for a while and has the essential neutrals to give you a beautiful eye look every time.

Question for My Readers: What is your go-to palette for a neutral eyeshadow look? Have you ever tried this palette from Physicians Formula?

I purchased the products mentioned above with my own personal money. I was not compensated in any way for posting this review. I only recommend products that I have used personally and believe will be beneficial for my readers.

Get the Tightest Line with It Cosmetics’ New Waterproof Mascara (Makeup Review)

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The weeks just fly by sometimes — especially when you are having fun. I hope your week has been going as well as mine has. To close out this week, I have a review for a product that was instrumental in giving me awesome lashes on my wedding day!

Which, by the way, I have begun working on my wedding day post. It will be up soon, and with LOTS of pictures! If you want to see/hear about a certain aspect of my wedding day, leave your requests below!

I received the product below from the company.

About It Cosmetics’ Tightline Waterproof Mascara

Retail Price: $24

The next generation of lash innovation! This budge-proof, waterproof
full lash length black eyelash primer is another true game-changer in
mascara and eyeliner technology, clinically proven even after 12 hours
of wear! 
This multi-tasking beauty must-have utilizes an ultra-skinny
wand, allowing you to start coating your lashes at their actual root, so
you coat black along your entire lash length (unlike most mascara
brushes that are too large to get to the root, leaving the first 1/3 of
your lash roots bare!). This gives you ultimate length and volume. 
But
the best part is, if you have sparse or missing lashes, the Tightline™
brush lays down black pigment along your entire lash line, filling in
spare spots, giving you a full beautiful lash line and the look of an
eyeliner and its waterproof even after 12 hours!

My Review:


First Impression & Packaging:
I wasn’t sure what to make of this mascara when it first arrived from It Cosmetics. The packaging is so sleek and small, and when you open it the wand is even smaller! My first thought was, “Oh, how cute!”

 
I admit I was a bit skeptical about the size of the wand. As you can see in pictures, it’s so small you almost can’t see the spirals sticking out. But I’m always game to trying new things — especially if it would give me beautiful lashes. 

Product & Application:
While the mascara is tiny and the wand borders on being micro, I found applying this to my lashes was easy and effortless. In fact, because it has such a tiny wand, it’s easy to apply this without accidentally smudging it onto eyelid (a problem I constantly have with regular mascara).

In fact, I’ve never messed up while using this mascara. Ever. Which is such a relief for me not to have to worry about ‘fixing’ anything. As for how it looks once applied, this mascara really does get right down to the roots of your lashes and coats the entire length of them! I also like that the wand is small enough that I can easily coat the back of my lashes.

This mascara definitely gives you wonderful definition and length. The color of the mascara is a really beautiful, intense black. I find that after I apply this mascara and wait a few seconds, I like to follow it up with a volumizing mascara to top it off. This mascara does give you volume — don’t get me wrong — just not as much as I like on a typical day.

Major Likes & Dislikes:
I love that the wand is so tiny, and therefore really easy to use to get into the inner corner without accidentally getting it on my lids. I also like the fact I can easily apply it to the back of my lashes. While that step isn’t necessary, it does give you a more seamless and intense black look to your lashes — on both top and bottom. (sometimes we forget people can see that area when we blink…) 

The price of this mascara is rather high — but not as steep as some high-end mascara’s I’ve seen — so it depends on the individual consumer if this product is too expensive or not. That’s really the only con that I can think of. It’s always been a dream to take off at the end of the night. No problem’s there. And I’ve never noticed any flaking or fall out on my cheeks throughout the day. (definitely a plus there!)

Final Thoughts:
I’ve liked being able to add this product to my makeup routine. While I rarely wear it just by itself, I like using it as the base to my mascara. It just makes the end results look SO much better than if I just used my regular mascara.

I used this mascara on my wedding day: because of all the days I wanted my eyelashes to look seamless, black, and beautiful, it was on that day! And it preformed like a dream. I’ve already recommended this product to my other bride-to-be friends. It’s especially handy if you have light-colored lashes and you want to make sure mascara coats each lash and makes them as black as they can be. 🙂

Is the Tightline Waterproof Mascara a must in your makeup collection or routine? I would say that if you can budget it in, then yes! Definitely worth the purchase! But if your heart stalls when you think of buying a $24 mascara every three months, I would recommend purchasing it only when you know you’re going to be having a special event (such as a wedding 😉. The price isn’t cheap, but it’s a unique mascara that will change the way your lashes look.

Question for My Readers: What do you look for most in a mascara? Volume? Length? The most intense black?


I received one or more of the products mentioned above from It Cosmetics in the
hopes that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless,
this does not guarantee a review or feature on my blog. I only share
information that I think will be useful for my
readers and I only recommend
products I have personally used.

Ebates: How to Get Paid for the Products you Already Buy Online!

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For those who’ve been following me a while, you might remember that I’ve talked about Ebates before on my blog (here), but that was nearly two years ago. So I thought it would be good to revisit this topic.

Especially now that I’ve been using it for a while and I can share with you if it’s really worth the hype. 🙂

What is Ebates?

It can easily be summed up just by repeating their logo…

ebates, where it pays to shop online

If you want more detail, I can do that, too. 😉 When you sign up for an account on Ebates, you discover that they link to TONS of different websites. Many that you already shop online for. (My personal favorites? Yep, Sephora…Ulta… 😉 And when you go through Ebates before you order, they will give you a percentage of that order back to you.

In cash!

Pretty sweet, right?

How Does Ebates Works?

It’s a three step process. Nice and easy. 😉 All you do is, before you place an order, go to Ebates.com…

and…

and…

And there you go! Shop as you would usually do. Two or three days after you place your (Sephora) order, you will see the cash back amount (varies from store to store, depending on percentage) in your Ebates account.

How easy is that?!

About Ebates Special Deals

It varies, but Ebates always has some sort of deal going on. As you can see on the home page, they always have a themed ‘Double Cash Back’ going on. This week is really sweet, as it’s all fashion related! 😀

And they also have a Daily Double Deal that changes every day (duh, katie, that’s what daily means!), so it’s always fun to see each morning.

How Much Does it Cost to Sign Up?

Nothing!

Not a penny! 🙂

How Does Ebates Pay You?

It’s up to you, but you can have it sent to you via check or give them the email that’s connected to your PayPal account and they will deposit it that way. Easy-peasy. 🙂

How do I sign Up with Ebates?

Ebates has a referral program for all of their members. So if you want to sign up, just click my link and it will take you straight to the page. Typically Ebates gives you a $5 bonus for referring someone, but they also do run specials on that, too. 😉

If you don’t like using someone’s referral links, then feel free to just type in ‘www.ebates.com’ in your web browser. No problem. 🙂

Oh, and if Ebates ask you ‘who referred you’ just include my email address — legacy1993(at)gmail(dot)com.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up and start saving money on stuff you already order online!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

Question for My Readers: Do you have an Ebates account? How do you like it? Isn’t it nice to get a big chunk of change every few months?? 🙂

PIN IT! SAVE IT!

How to Get Paid for the Products You Already Buy Online // From My Vanity

 

This post is not sponsored in any way. The thoughts are 100% my own. I shared this information because I honestly enjoy using this website and think you might, too. There are referral/affiliate links included in this post.

The Safe Lands Series Comes to a Climatic Conclusion in REBELS (Book Review)

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This past week I was stuck on a airplane for several hours. I wasn’t flying with my (totally amazing!) husband, so I decided to get in some reading to help the time pass quickly. And, boy, did it pass quickly with this book!

I haven’t posted a book review in forever, but I hope my new beauty followers will enjoy it nonetheless and maybe discover a new book to add to their wishlist. 🙂

About Jill Williamson

Jill
Williamson is weird, which is probably why she writes science fiction
and fantasy novels for teenagers. She grew up in Alaska with no
electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the
land of the midnight sun, and she could stay up and read by the summer
daylight that wouldn’t go away. But the winter months left little to do
but daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer.
Her debut novel, a medieval fantasy called By Darkness Hid, won an EPIC Award, a Christy Award, and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. Jill has since published twelve books.
Jill loves working with teenagers and encouraging them to respect
their dreams. She speaks and gives writing workshops at libraries,
schools, camps, and churches. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two
children, and a whole lot of deer. Come visit Jill on her Facebook
author page or on her website at www.jillwilliamson.com, where adventure
comes to life.
– See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/press-kit/#sthash.VNH0UMj2.dpuf
Jill
Williamson is weird, which is probably why she writes science fiction
and fantasy novels for teenagers. She grew up in Alaska with no
electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the
land of the midnight sun, and she could stay up and read by the summer
daylight that wouldn’t go away. But the winter months left little to do
but daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer.
Her debut novel, a medieval fantasy called By Darkness Hid, won an EPIC Award, a Christy Award, and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. Jill has since published twelve books.
Jill loves working with teenagers and encouraging them to respect
their dreams. She speaks and gives writing workshops at libraries,
schools, camps, and churches. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two
children, and a whole lot of deer. Come visit Jill on her Facebook
author page or on her website at www.jillwilliamson.com, where adventure
comes to life.
– See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/press-kit/#sthash.VNH0UMj2.dpuf

Jill Williamson is a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms
and the award-winning author of several young adult books including the
Blood of Kings trilogy, Replication, the Mission League series, and the
Safe Lands trilogy. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two
children and a whole lot of deer. Visit her online, where adventure comes to life.

More About Jill Williamson…

Website  /  Facebook  /  Twitter

About Rebels: Book 3 in the Safe Lands Series

The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten yet.
The Safe Lands have long kept secret from their people what it means
to be liberated. Mason and Omar are about to discover the truth.
Levi doesn’t want to give up on his brothers, but when Jemma is
captured and becomes the Safe Lands new queen, Levi’s best option is to
take up the role of The Owl that Omar began, leading the rebels in their
quest to overthrow the government.
But will The Owl be enough to safe Jemma? Will Ciddah be able to
deliver Shaylinn’s babies safely underground without the help of a
surgeon? And will Mason be able to keep Omar from dying as they search
for a way back?
If only they could unite their efforts, together they could expose
the Safe Lands lies to the people. But if they fail, they will surely
die.
– See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/the-safe-lands/#sthash.w9zFwGlq.dpuf
The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten.
The
Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from
their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason
and Omar soon discover the truth.
Levi watched his brothers’
public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is
forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife,
Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only
choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover
vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the
government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?
Meanwhile,
Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’”
children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in
the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness
could be fatal.
If they can all unite their efforts, together
they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if
they fail, they will all surely die.
Where you can purchase Rebels…

My Review:

I read the first book, Captives, and was completely ‘captivated’ by the world that Jill Williamson created in front of me. When the adventure continued in Outcasts, the intensity of the plot continued to mount with every page. It ended with a pretty significant cliffhanger, and ever since then I’ve been so curious and anxious to find out how this series ends. Finally! The last book, Rebels, released earlier this month and I’ve already flown threw its pages.

Wow, what an adventure! There are a lot of characters in The Safe Lands series — starting with the three main characters, brothers Levi, Mason, and Omar — and each one of them had their own little suspenseful adventure going on throughout the book. Surprisingly, Jill Williamson was able to weave them all together so seamlessly, I never felt confused or lost amid all the different events going on in different character’s lives.

While this book is marketed
as a young adult novel, I personally feel that the many sexually
suggestive aspects of the book makes it for an older audience. And not
necessarily only for adults — things are only eluded to and never
outright said or explained — but definitely not appropriate for
preteens or young teens. Again, this is just my personal opinion, but
know that sexual undertones are sprinkled through the book.

Throughout the series, the mystery of ‘Liberation’ has always been looming — and much to my surprise and delight, the mystery is finally uncovered. I’m not sure what I had guessed Liberation might be, but I wasn’t expecting what Mason and Omar discovered.

Williamson created such a unique– but realistic — dystopian worth in the Safe Lands series and writes in such a way as to completely submerge her readers into the moment. And while there were hero’s and heroine’s, none of them are perfect. I loved how the author kept it so realistic in this regard. The characters experience heartache, temptation, lust, addiction, fear, and shame, just like anyone would if they were thrust into this world. Yet, at the end of it all, we see the Lord bring characters like Omar from the depth’s of despair to walking on the clouds of promise.

The whole series brings such a strong feeling of hope and redemption, I think whoever reads this series will take away something special. I highly recommend the whole series!

I
reviewed this book for the author. It was not required
that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and
opinions of this book, which I have done.

LORAC’s Fall 2014 Collection includes PRO Matte Lip Colors (Makeup Review)

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Before I launch into today’s review, I wanted to make sure you knew that I’m running a giveaway for this product on my blog right now. Go here and enter to win the same color that I received for review below!

I received the product below from the company.

About LORAC‘s PRO Matte Lip Colors

Retail Price: $16
Go PRO with LORAC PRO Matte Lip Color! This velvety-smooth, matte lip
color is infused with anti-aging antioxidants of Acai Berry,
Pomegranate, Grape Seed Extract and Vitamins C and E to help nourish and
protect your lips. The PRO tip hugs the curves of your lips with
precision and control while the weightless, PRO formula easily glides on
with a long-lasting, matte finish. PRO Matte Lip Color comes in an
array of highly-pigmented, buildable, rich colors from natural nudes to
vibrant hues for a modern, matte lip in any shade you desire.

My Review of Lorac’s PRO Matte Lip Color

First Impression & Packaging:
I love matte colors. Whether it’s mattifying face powder or matte eyeshadows…I just prefer the mattes over sparkles and shimmers. Several of the matte lipsticks and lipcolors that I own are so drying, I can only wear them when my lips are really well moisturized and not flaking (which isn’t often). Because of this, I was eager to put LORAC’s Pro Matte Lip Color‘s to the test and see if they would be any different.

Product & Application:
While this has the pigmentation of a lipstick, it’s shaped like a jumbo-sized retractable lip liner. I like the sleekness of the product, as it enables me to get a really precise application on my lips.

The cap does a little ‘double-snap’ when you close it, and I learned the hard way that you have to make sure you hear both snaps in order to ensure it’s closed. I didn’t hear both snaps the first time I threw this into my purse, and the cap ended up coming off and coloring my wallet a pretty mauve for me. 😛

One swatch of Mauve

Major Likes & Dislikes:
My favorite aspect of this product is that it looks matte, but is not drying at all! My lips have been really dry lately, but I’ve been able to wear this lip color and the application still looks smooth and flattering on me.

I wish this retractable lip pencil came with a sharpener somehow, as I really like the pointed tip that the Pro Matte Lip Color came with when I initially received it. After so many applications, however, it rounds out and isn’t pointed anymore. It still gives a pretty precise application, just takes a little more work for me.

Final Thoughts:
I really, really like this product! It gives a very matte appearance on the lips, but doesn’t feel drying at all. The price is really reasonable for being a high end product, so you can’t complain there. In short, I highly recommend you check out these LORAC Pro Matte Lip Colors the next time you go into Ulta. Especially if you like matte lip colors (which appears to be trending right now).

Question for my Readers: Do you like matte products? Or are you a sparkles-and-shimmer kind of girl? 

~  PIN IT  ~

 

I
received one or more of the products mentioned above from LORAC in the hopes that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless,
this does not guarantee a review or feature on my blog. I only share information that I think will be useful for my
readers and I only recommend
products I have personally used.