The higher the lashes the closer to God

My eyes are my thing. While I wear crazy nutty lipstick a lot I really do like to focus my makeup around my eyes on a regular day. My mom has piercing blue eyes, my dad had brown eyes, and for some reason me and all my sisters ended up with my moms eyes.

One of my friends calls them my blue gems.

So I like to make sure they pop when doing my makeup. There are a lot of tricks to doing this, ranging from using a highlight in the corner of the eye, lining the waterline with white liner, the shape of the shadow and the colors you choose...but one of my favorite tricks is making my lashes look long and luscious.

There are a few mascaras that accomplish this, but when looking for really bold lashes...falsies are fabulous too.

I'll start with my favorite mascaras.

First we have the Benefit They're Real. I know this is a cult favorite and everyone is obsessed with it, so its probably no surprise on my list. My favorite attribute of this mascara is how it lengthens and separates the lashes. They don't look clumped together, and although I sometimes like for mascaras that give off more volume, this one really is great especially for the first coat of mascara. The brush is plastic/rubber and it has little bristles coming out from the top which makes it easy to reach the harder to access spots. It is not waterproof, so make sure you're not planning to get emotional while wearing it. Overall it is truly a great product though and I'd even venture to say its worth the money. Cost: $23

Next, for those of you on a budget, is the E.L.F 3-in-1 mascara. This stuff is pretty comparable to the benefit They're Real and at a fraction of the cost! It will set you back only $3 ($20 less then benefits) and it has the same separating effect in my opinion. The brush is really cool, its sort of strangely shaped but again, this allows for easier access to hard to reach spots. I use this one as a first coat and then typically apply a coat of my all time favorite...

Mally volumizing mascara! Let me tell you this stuff adds volume! At $20, this stuff isn't cheap but it really is worth it. It makes my lashes thick without clumping and of the three I've mentioned, I'd say it gives the best "falsies" affect. I naturally have pretty thick/long/dark lashes but I love using mascara to curl and add the extra kick. This stuff curls and holds for a majority of the day. If I had to recommend any product it would be this one! So go buy it today you will thank my I promise!

When really looking to spice it up and look extra special, I suggest using false lashes. My favorite (and also cheap) brand is Ardell. You can pick them up at your local CVS or drug store. There is a large variety of styles so I'm sure you'll find some you like! Sometimes I even cut them in half and only apply them to the outer corner of my eyes. This gives a fantastic cat-eye effect. You can buy lashes pre-cut, but I prefer to do it myself to assure they are the exact length I like.

I hope this post was helpful! Let me know what you all think. Have you tried any of these? Do you agree with my reviews. Comment and let me know!

Why I'm obsessed with Birchbox

While the word "obsessed" is a term I seem to over use...I promise I am not throwing it out lightly in this scenario. I am not so slightly obsessed with Birchbox.

For those of you who don't know about Birchbox, it is a company that sends out 4-5 beauty related "samples" each month. I'm hesitant about using the word samples because in many cases I have been sent full sized products as well as sample sized products. While Birchbox has both male and female options, I am going to focus on the female boxes in this post. The female Birchbox costs $10 a month. This is comparable to some other monthly beauty box subscriptions currently out. It seems that Birchbox and Ipsy are the two most prevalent. Both are the same cost, do essentially the same thing, and are great pick me ups each month...so why is Birchbox my favorite?

I have a few reasons. The first and most important reason is Birchbox's points system. For every product you receive each month, you are given the opportunity to do a quick review on the website. This is as simple as filling in some bubbles. After completing these reviews, you are rewarded 10 points for each. This means that each month, you are accumulating approximately 50 points. So why does that matter? Well...for every 100 points you earn, you are given a $10 credit to the Birchbox shop. The Birchbox shop carries full sizes of all the samples you've received, and other great products. There are always way too many things that I want in the Birchbox shop so putting those points to use is never an issue. So since you're getting 50 points a month, you're technically only paying $5 per box. The other $5 is given back to you in credit to use in the shop. And while it isn't given back to you in cash, I'm pretty sure Birchbox points are just as good for any beauty junky like myself. You also get 100 points for EACH friend you refer to Birchbox. I've referred 3 people in my time with Birchbox...which means I've gotten another $30 to spend in their shop...just for telling people about my awesome experience!

Another reason I prefer Birchbox is the quality of the products I'm receiving. Ipsy gives plenty of full sized products, however they are more often then not low-quality, drugstore brand makeup. Don't get my wrong, I LOVE my Revlon, Cover Girl, etc. but in my opinion, the thing that makes Birchbox so great is that it opens my eyes to new and amazing products that I would have NEVER purchased on my own. With Ipsy, yes I may get a full sized NYX blush, but this is something that costs under $8 so I probably would have tried it on my own if it seemed appealing enough. Birchbox introduces me to hair oils that cost $30 a bottle, perfumes that cost $70 a bottle, mascara that costs $23....things that unless I knew for SURE how great it was, I would never spend the money on. Thats the whole point in sampling things isn't it? Not getting full sized products but being able to try new, quality products.

Now don't get me wrong, Birchbox still gives out full sized products every so often. I've been purchasing Birchbox's for almost a year and a half now but just off the top of my head I have received the following full sized products:
-Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen- $18
-Model Co Lash Xtend Mascara- $24
-Model Co Party Proof Lipstick- $24
-Mally Mascara- $20
-Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner- $16
-Incoco Nail Appliques- $9

I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff but thats a lot of full sized products...and that doesn't even mention the great sample sizes that were also included in the boxes. I've also received a TON of generously sized nailpolish samples. Many samples are deluxe sized, meaning they are more then just foil packets. DDF and Stila give out incredibly generous sample sizes for example.

Birchbox also has incredible costumer service. If there are any issues with a sample, or any questions/concerns they are prompt and efficient in responding. While they don't make mistakes often, on the rare occasion they have I have been helped quickly and have been given points or replacement samples. They are always kind and understanding as well. They have such quality costumer service!

I signed up for Birchbox excited for the makeup products, but I've found myself enjoying the hair and skin products most. I've used my points to purchase Beauty Protector hair spray which I can't live without now, DDF brightening cleanser, Orfluido hair oil, Shea Terra Black Soap, and more. These have all become such crucial staples in my beauty regime and I can't thank Birchbox enough for introducing me to such awesome products!

So if you are even slightly interested in hair, skin, makeup, and nails...sign up NOW. Birchbox gives you quality and will introduce you to great new products. And at the end of the day, it really only costs you $5 a month...so give up that Frap from Starbucks this week and treat yourself to something you'll get much more enjoyment out of. You wont be disappointed!

Here are a few pictures of past boxes I have received, just to give you an idea!

What are you waiting for?! Go sign up!