4th of July Nails

*Never got this post up in time but thought I'd post it anyway*

In true nail art addict fashion, I of course had to pay homage to America on my nails. My nails still have not grown out and this was super last minute...not my best work for sure. I came across my Julep polish in 'America' (how appropriate) and did a quick mani before all the BBQ's and celebrating ensued.

(L-R) 

ColorClub- Insta-This

Julep- America

Circus by Andrea's Choice- Reverso

Nailtini- Bloody Mary

Happy Birthday 'Merica!

Summer Beauty Essentials & Tips

Already midway through summer here in Cali and I can't believe it! Seriously, where does the time go?!

This post was suppose to go up right after the July 4th weekend, but here we are...July 17th, whoops.

Over the July 4th holiday weekend I went hiking, to the beach, wine tasting, rafting, and tried to keep cool in the ridiculous heat (if that counts as an activity). I know us Californians are known to be somewhat of weather snobs...complaining at temperatures that are laughable to other states and countries, but it's home, and anything over 80 degrees is hot in my opinion. (don't judge)

Over the 5 day weekend, I brought along some products that proved to be great for the warmer weather and being in water.

Forever 21 Picks

I am an accessory whore so you can imagine how many of my shopping trips ended in my accessories costing more than my clothes...oops. I love getting my accessories at Forever 21 but I like purchasing them online instead of in-store. I know there's always a risk to purchasing anything online, but the selection is just so much better online (clothes & shoes included). Plus it's so much easier to shop through with everything categorized and not all over the place. (The only downside to larger Forever 21 stores...too much stuff everywhere.) 

I was doing a little web perusing on the site as I usually do, and thought I would put a collage together of items that are on my favorites list at the moment. If you have similar taste to me, then feel free to click on the item and it will take you directly to the product!

*Direct links to products provided via ShopSense. More information in Disclaimer*

Shortsleeve Tops
Wedges

Walgreens Beauty Sample Box: Glamour Recharge

To receive a Walgreens Beauty Sample Box, you can read my last post to find out how. As I mentioned in my last post, I picked out my box in February but just received it a few days ago. Definitely way over the suggested 6-8 weeks arrival time! It's free so it doesn't really matter but if you have signed up for one and are wondering where it is, I'm sure it's coming...it just might take almost 5 months to receive it!

Out of the choices at the time, I chose the Glamour Recharge Box. Keep on reading to see what was inside!

Walgreens Beauty Freebies!

Calling all Walgreens shoppers!!! If you buy beauty items at Walgreens, check your receipt before you toss it in the trash!

I hardly shop at Walgreens, something about the ones in my area are just well, g-h-e-t-t-o. Anyways, months ago (like in March), I had purchased some nail polish and some lipstick from Walgreens. When I got home, I was just about to throw away my receipt when I noticed another "coupon" behind my receipt. I decided to actually read it and it was a code to go online and choose a beauty box of free samples! Say What?!

Apparently if you spend $30 on beauty related items, you are qualified to choose a beauty sample box of your choice while supplies last! I'm not exactly sure as to what beauty items count towards the purchase, but if you do make a purchase in this amount, definitely pay attention to all the "coupons" you are handed with your receipt.

As I mentioned, this purchase was done in March, and I just received my box a few days ago! I believe from March to July is a little over 6-8 weeks...just a little.  It had been so long, I completely forgot about this box, so I guess it was a nice surprise in my mailbox.

This post was originally going to be about what I received in the box but before I was able to sit down and write it, I had picked up a few things at Walgreens again. Guess what was handed to me with my receipt? Another beauty sample box code! Since this promo is still going on (I'm not sure if this a year round thing or just for a limited time), I decided to make this post about picking out your box.

Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics

Goody Website

So I'm sure you have all seen these ties before...a stretchy piece of elastic ribbon tied in a knot at the bottom. I was first introduced to them over a year ago because of Birchbox but the elastics were made by a different company. I remember seeing quite a few people rave about them and how cute they thought they were. I was never really that impressed with them and after receiving a bajillion of them in my Birchboxes over this past year, I was totally over it.

The main deterrent for me was the price vs function. They went for $5 for a 3 pack and $10 for a 6 pack. Umm what? I could get like a 32 pack of my good ol' Goody black elastics for under $5 and they worked better.

As you can imagine, I wasn't that excited to see these bands again when I opened up my voxbox.

Although I don't entirely get the whole hype, I will say I'm glad Goody has come out with their own because they are better and more affordable.

Influenster: Sunkissed VoxBox

If you haven't heard about Influenster yet, I highly suggest you go click that link I just provided to learn more! 

In a nutshell, it's a site where you can actively participate in reviewing products you may have tried, earn badges by answering questions about things that interest you (pets, beauty, working out, etc.), all in hopes to be selected to receive free products from companies to test and review. It's all about being active and participating on the site in order to increase your score of "influence." I've been an Influenster for over a year now and some of my friends have joined as well. We have all been selected to receive different items at different times, depending on our interests.

I think it's an awesome concept if you like this sort of thing to begin with. If you are looking to just get free products all the time but not participate, then this isn't for you.

I'm not sure if Influenster is invite only still, but feel free to leave me a comment or message me with your email and I will be more than happy to send over an invite :)

One of my favorite things to be chosen for are their VoxBox's. They have different themes throughout the year and are filled will full-sized goodies to test out and try! I was recently sent their latest beauty related box, Sunkissed VoxBox, and made a quick YouTube video of the contents. I've also reviewed one of the products already which you can read about here. Hope you enjoy!