Goodebox - The Subscription Beauty Box That's Actually Good For You

My favorite Goodebox samples from my last five boxes

It is sooooooo difficult to resist the temptation that is the subscription beauty box. Birchbox, Sample Society, Ipsy, Beautyfix - there are too many to just choose one! I had finally resolved to abstain completely as each box would most likely contain products that I could not use due to my silicone allergy UNTIL I stumbled upon Goodebox. For a reasonable $16 a month, 6-7 beauty, health, and wellness samples are delivered to my door from companies that are conscious of what we are putting into our bodies. Products are usually all-natural, organic, vegan or all of the above making silicone rare and me a happy girl. What's really great is that there are new and upcoming companies as well as already well-established ones like Pacifica and Weleda. After reflecting on six month's worth of boxes, here are some breakout stars:


Sugared Beauty's Happy Face Foaming Scrub Cleanser - This was in my first box back in October. It's a multitasking wonder that cleanses, polishes and leaves your face soft and naturally moisturized. At first it was confusing to think that this little pot packed with sugar could do all that but I was pleasantly surprised. Sugared Beauty combines the healthy benefits found in nature with with the joy of dessert and the result is definitely sweet.

Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar from Me and The Girls - In the spirit of multitaskers, this organic bar can do anything - no seriously - ANYTHING! Its a cleanser, moisturizer, primer, and conditioner all in one twist up tube that makes it super portable. The secret is Cupuacu Seed Butter which melts from a solid to a liquid on contact. It could replace half of the items in my medicine cabinet...which is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

Sweet Libertine Cosmetics' Mineral Eyeshadow in Dragonfly - It's not all that common to find makeup in this box (one of my only complaints) so it was a surprise to finds a versatile mineral eyeshadow in the holiday box. It's subtle iridescence was perfect for the season but also natural enough for everyday. The vegan darling is sadly discontinued but there are plenty of other shades to choose from.

Lavender Whipped Shea Butter from Metropolis Soap - Lavender is my weakness so this vegan whipped shea butter from Brooklyn, NY was bound to become a quick favorite. Made by hand from only 4 ingredients this is perfect for my seriously dry skin. It really doesn't get any better than this!

Moom Hair Removal Kit - Last but certainly not least is a certified organic, heatless sugar wax that is honestly the least painful hair removal system hat I have ever tried. When it came in last month's box, I was super skeptical  I have had one too many bad eyebrow waxing experiences that have left me looking like a surprised cartoon character (my sister's words, not mine). So, we decided to let sleeping dogs lie and test this product on our upper lip. Neither of us have ever waxed or threaded our ladystaches but we were surprised by how easy it was to render our lips virtually hairless. This is something I would definitely repurchase even though the sample will last me a loooooooong time.


Overall, Goodebox does a great job of elevating lesser known brands and keeping their boxes fresh. While I'm sure everyone would like a little more say as to what is in their boxes, I am looking forward to what new brands the next box will introduce me to.

Does anyone have a subscription box they really love? Let me know in the comments section below!

Why (K)not Knit?

At Unwind in Burbank, knitters both seasoned and novice can find a place to call home. Here, knitting is truly a communal pastime that requires a unique balance of encouragement and creativity. With a slogan that encompasses all that they do - Knitting for the body and mind - the real question is: Why not knit?

Unwind is located at 818 North Hollywood Way in Burbank, CA 

There are cozy couches and plenty of space for people to get crafty

My knitting bag - can't wait to get started on my next project so stay tuned!

Tuesday's Treat: Georgetown Cupcake in LA

To kickoff my newest segment, I think it's only fitting to start with my biggest weakness: cupcakes!! I was on my way to the MUFE boutique in L.A. when I saw that they had gotten a new neighbor whilst I had been travelling for the holidays. Georgetown Cupcakes, made famous by the TLC show DC Cupcakes, has taken residence across the street at 143 S. Robertson and I could not be happier! I have always wanted to try their fun flavors and now I can without booking a trip back east.

Georgetown Cupcakes is located on Robertson Blvd 

Now, I consider myself a serious cupcake consumer, not just a gal with an overdeveloped sweet tooth. I LOVE cupcakes and there are three things that make a cupcake great:

1. cake - The most important thing here is texture - doesn't matter how it tastes if its tough to swallow (milk is for cookies!) Then comes the flavor where
2. frosting - The best frosting balances well with the cake - can't be overly sweet or thick and it needs to compliment, not overpower.
3. presentation - This may seem obvious but it does matter - creativity is key.

So, what did I think of Gtown's cupcakes? The store was simple yet adorable and they have a collection of staple flavors in addition to daily specials. I decided on two unique specials: honey banana
(as honey is not commonly a main ingredient) and vegan apple cinnamon (sugar and spice and dairy-free). The fresh fruit flavors were grounded by earthly spices while still being light and well-balanced. The did not disappoint and I, for one, will most definitely be going back for something a bit more decadent and chocolaty. Have you tried Georgetown Cupcakes? Share your favorite cupcake place/flavor in the comments section below!

Two Georgetown Specials:
Vegan Apple Cinnamon (l) and Honey Banana (r)

Three Oscar Races That Just Got Real

Forget "Surprises and Snubs" - this is the long and the short of when the Academy got it right and where it went off its rocker.

1. Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

The Academy better watch it's back - one more DiCaprio shutout and things will get ugly. Look at him and that hammer! 

At the unusually entertaining Oscar Announcement, presenter Emma Stone wittily pointed out all of the nominees in this category have already won before. Co-presenter and this year's host Seth MacFarlane went even further by quipping “Breath of fresh air in that category…” to which the crowd laughed earnestly if not nervously, really begging the question: WHAT IS THE ACADEMY’S PROBLEM WITH LEO???? At this point, this is just getting ridiculous. I have gone over almost every scenario in my head and it just doesn’t make sense. Was Robert De Niro great? Of course! All of them were but DiCaprio’s role was unique in that it required abandon and control that we rarely get to see except when you pair a great actor with a contentious role. He was remarkable and vile - you could not stop watching him and yet you could not wait for him to die horrifically as you knew he must. I cannot fathom a single reason as to the Academy’s continued dismissal of him as an actor. For the time being, I abstain from choosing one of these fine performers because as far as I’m concerned, the BEST is not among the nominees.

2. Best Director

Ben Affleck graciously poked fun at his Oscar snub as he accepted the Critics Choice award - take that, Academy! 

The half-cocked director category was missing major contenders as favorites Ben Affleck (Argo) and Quentin Tarantino (Django) were bypassed for David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook), Michael Haneke (Amour), and Benh Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild). Also overlooked, although not as surprisingly, was Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) which I suspect is partially due to the controversy that continues to surround the film’s depiction of torture. The same can be argued, in a way, about Django but then why would both film be nominated in the Screenplay categories? It’s a mystery and a shame but the real loser here is Mr. Affleck.  As last night’s Critics Choice winner for Best Director, this clearly was meant to be his year.

3. Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

There once was a Hushpuppy who was a total badass and became the youngest Oscar nominee EVER!

In searching for a lead actress, age apparently doesn’t matter to the Academy. This year was extraordinarily diverse in terms of each particular actress and the roles they took on. We have an 85 year old Emmanuelle Riva (Amour) going up against 9 year old (but was 6 years old when she actually made the film) Quvenzhané Wallis – the pint-sized powerhouse from Beasts of the Southern Wild. Neither may be able to beat the formidable Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) and Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) – both of whom have been nominated before, despite their youth and relatively recent arrival on the Academy’s radar (Lawrence was nominated in 2010 and Chastain in 2011.) Clearly these two are the future of Hollywood yet as Riva and Wallis show, it’s never too late – or early – to get into the game.

So Lincoln leads with 12 noms and Life of Pi follows closely behind with 11 - not surprising but what is interesting to note was the Academy’s attention to the little guy over the blockbusters. Silver Linings Playbook and Les Misérables both received 8 nominations, Amour tied with Django Unchained and Zero Dark Thirty for 5, and Beasts of the Southern Wild earned 4 which is 4 more than expected considering they were pretty much shut out of the Golden Globes. It certainly will be an interesting season so keep your eyes out for my coming reviews of all the Best Picture nominees. Happy watching!

Meeting Bobbi Brown

Several weeks ago, I was invited to meet Bobbi Brown at the L.A. launch of her newest book, Pretty Powerful, a culmination of an empowering campaign launched by Bobbi to help women everywhere embrace the beauty within.

I have always loved Bobbi's books and makeup but after hearing her speak about what this book meant to her, I was inspired. She TRULY believes in the power that women can harness if they feel their best. During the comp makeover, I decided to do a look that showcased my true self - glasses and all!!

To complete this look, I relied on something old and something new. One of Bobbi's favorites is her Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink. I could not get over how smooth the formula was and it really does have some serious staying power. The scene stealer here, though, is the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. The tapered end gives you ultimate control - I had to have it! I also had to have her new Creamy Matte Lip Color in Razzberry. I mean, just look at that pink!! It's easily my new favorite pink lipstick and I feel SUPER confident whenever I wear it. Mission Accomplished!

Three is company: Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, Creamy Matte Lip Color in Razzberry

Check out the video below to see some of my favorite Bobbi Brown products. It was an absolute honor to meet Ms. Brown and speak to her candidly about how beauty and confidence intertwine. Thanks to her and to you for all the support!

November Picks

Hello my loves!! Thank you for being so patient - the wait is over. I'm back and couldn't be happier!! I figure I would start with where I left off and do a Novembers picks video. Let's see what goodies I have found this time, shall we?

My November Picks

1. The pretty and posh butter London - The Remover Collection Trio. I've had my eye on this collection ever since I got a free sample of the Powder Room one when I was purchasing some of butter London's 3 Free Nail Lacquers. Not only are these removers travel-friendly and acetone-free but they are lightning fast at removing even the most stubborn polishes. They are super gentle and smell divine - what's not to love?

2. I have been hooked on these little smooth spheres for over a year now so when I found the eos Limited Edition 3-pack lip balm collection inspired by Alice in Wonderland, I nearly jumped for joy! 95% organic and 100% natural and cute to boot - would make a great gift but I might have to keep these for myself this year.

3. It's official - Bond is back and sexier than ever but the O.P.I. Skyfall Collection - The Living Daylights takes the cake. A fantastic blend of blue, gold, silver, and bronze, this glitter fest is O.P.I. sleekest yet.

4. Having truly combination skin is much easier to manage with boscia Lavender Blotting Linens. A quick, gentle way to blot away the midday t-zone that calms the senses and gives peace of mind AND face.

5. At last we have come to the "star" of my video, CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara

In their October 2012 Best of Beauty issue, Allure did some early promoting as it was featured as one of the breakthrough products. I look forward to that issue every year so I immediately starting doing some research. The brush itself is designed with the size of the average clump in mind so that it would be able to comb it out. Brilliant, right? I had to try it ASAP!

The naked eye (no mascara)

I definitely see a difference and as I explained in the video, this is probably the best volumizing mascara I have tried for this price point. I HATE clumps and spidery looking lashes and have found Maybelline and L'oreal's formulas to do just that to my little lashes. CoverGirl has been my go to for a loooonnnngggg time and while I have tried every one of theirs that has come out in the last two years, I've remained fiercely loyal to Lash Blast Lengthening mascara because I never get clumps no matter how many coats I pile on.

3 coats of Clump Crusher back to back

But who's got time for that many coats? Clump Crusher delivers on its promise as long as you don't wait too long between coats. I did 3 fast ones in a row and you can see the results. (I really didn't pay attention to the bottom ones but I think the top looks fab!)

Now lashes are just like hair so what's good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. Try it out and let me know what you think!



Thanks for checking this out and be sure to like my new FB page TheMixxChic! I'm doing a little bit of a blog facelift at the moment so I can't wait to show you all the new stuff!!

May Picks!!

Happy May!! Hope you are all doing well. I would just like to quickly mention the reason I have been a little MIA as of late is because of an allergic reaction that effected my face neck and chest. As of right now it is about 95% gone but it took two weeks to get the hives under control. A bit of a scare but all is well now and I have so many ideas for videos - so much to come!! Without further ado, here are this month's picks:

A different take on BB Cream, this lightweight tinted moisturizer plus everything gives me just the right glow without looking orange and fake. It's a great quick fix, especially when I don't want to put on foundation but still need a little coverage. 

A Silicone-free primer that is oil-free and still gets the job done. The consistency is more like that of a lotion than a primer but it still acts as a barrier between my face and the makeup world. 

Essie's color of the moment: Mint Candy Apple.
Pure Perfection.

MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in "Sweet Heat" and the new 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush
are both multitasking little miracles!

Thanks so much for checking this month's goodies! Be sure to come back soon for more reviews and tutorials!

xoxo,

The Mixx Chic