Birchbox Haul + Mini Giveaway!

Yes! My big Birchbox order finally arrived! As you probably know, the Birchbox store is a regular candyland of beauty products, home goods, as well as lifestyle items and when you have points to cash in? It's hard not to lose yourself in the plethora of palettes and powders. Because of my refusal to spend any points over the past few months, I was able to save up (for once!) and get a total of seven products for a whomping $3.98! How fantastic is that?

For those of you that are new to the Birchbox scene, all BB subscribers can earn points via leaving reviews on the samples they received for the current month, friend referrals, as well as receiving points back on placed orders. The best part? These points add up pretty quickly since every Birchbox itself is worth between 40-70 points and every 100 points is equal to $10 in the BB store.

Keep in mind, this post is just going to be "first impressions", full separate reviews will be up as soon as I have tested everything out for a bit. So, what did I finally cash my points in for???

• Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir - $20.99 // 0.94 fl oz
• Nexxus Hydra-Light Leave-In Conditioning Foam - $16.99 // 5.5 fl oz
• Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser - $16.00 // 4 oz
• Tibi Empire Pouch (Gift W/ Purchase) - $28.00
• Amika Mini Ceramic Styler (Gift W/ Purchase) - $29.00
• DDF Brightening Cleanser/Stila Lip Glaze (Two Pack) - $10.00 

My first experience with the Nexxus Elixir was back in my April Birchbox, this leave-in serum claims to combat damaged, aging hair as well as rebuild strength using ingredients like keratin, argan oil, vitamins, proteins, and omega 3's. Sounds pretty amazing right? Even though the sample bottle that I received was incredibly tiny, I was able to get quite a few uses out of it and surprisingly, I did notice a great improvement with my hair and a decrease in frizz. I'm looking forward to testing out the full size and seeing if the improvement continues.

Okay, okay we're on a bit of a Nexxus kick here but, this was yet another Birchbox sample that was sent out in the past although I never actually received it myself. Since all of you have heard by now just how dry my hair is, I won't go into how I am always on the lookout for new conditioning products. Wait...I just went into it, didn't I? Okay, moving on. I had been wanting to try this product out ever since I first heard about it and I will admit, the words conditioning foam had me intrigued from the very beginning. I have used this everyday since receiving it and I honestly have yet to notice any conditioning magic, my hair feels exactly the same before and after. I am hoping that with continued use perhaps I will notice an improvement?

As someone who has both acne scars and hyper-pigmentation, you would think that I would have purchased this a long time ago (why I did not I have no idea). I have dabbled with black soaps in the past but they were always the cheap brands that sucked every ounce of moisture out my face after using it and because of that, I moved onto other products. But recently, I have been seeing a lot of talk and rave reviews over the Shea Terra brand of skincare and I have been coveting this since. The best thing about this face wash is that is 100% pure, it is exactly what it is supposed to be without all the additives and funky stuff. I have been using this everyday now and each time my face is left feeling cleaner, looking brighter, healthier, and more awake all without so much as a dry patch afterwards. Alright, I sound like an infomercial but I cannot believe that I have finally found a black soap that does not leave my skin dry, tight, and peeling; if these are the results of a few days, I cannot wait to see my how skin is after I have been using it for a few weeks.

Since Birchbox has really been pushing the Tibi collaboration as of late, I jumped at the chance to get a free clutch/makeup bag with my order. And well, I am glad that it was free. While it is a nice bag with a cute print, I do not think it is worth the $28 price tag. Even thought it does seem sturdy and nicely made, the quality doesn't seem to be any different than similar bags available at Target (not to mention my bag arrived smelling like cheap plastic). If they were trying to make this into more of a clutch purse, I would have liked to see the back as a sort of faux leather material instead of the plain grey fabric. Overall, I am glad that I have it since it was a gift with purchase but, I would have been disappointed had I paid full price.

How cute is this mini styler? Okay, I realize that my hair is past my shoulders and so this would probably not be adequate for straightening my entire head but on days where my bangs will not cooperate (which is quite often) or for those pieces of hair that are close to the ears or too close to the roots to risk burning yourself over, this will be quite perfect. I have used this once so far and while it does get very hot, it certainly takes longer than 10 seconds to do so despite what the packaging claims (about 3 minutes give or take). As far as performance, the claim of it being gentle on hair and not tugging is absolutely true, I was able to glide it through my hair without any discomfort whatsoever. The coolest feature? This little guy even has ridges on both sides for better gripping and control. As for straightening ability, it did an excellent job at straightening my wavy roots which is something not easily done. If the full size straighteners were not so expensive, I would happily be purchasing one but, for now I'm content with my Instyler and using this mini for touch-ups and travel.

An old favorite here, my trusty DDF Brightening Cleanser. I LOVE this stuff! I first tried this back in my October Birchbox (the Goop edition) and in the months that it took me to use up the bottle (this was a huge 4 oz sample) I did notice a big improvement with my acne scarring and how my skin felt as a whole; my skin felt smoother, and looked a lot brighter and not so dull. Although it did not make my acne scarring fade completely, I still love this cleanser; so happy to have another bottle on hand.

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Now, a Stila Lip Glaze is something that I will never wear as I personally do not enjoy lip gloss so, I've decided to give it away to one of my lovely readers! I really hope no one is offended by me giving away a product that I received for free, I just figured that someone else would get a lot more use out of it than I ever would.

Giveaway Rules:

• You must be subscribed to Dollface Beauty via GFC, Bloglovin', or email to enter
• Sorry lovelies, but since this giveaway is so small it is US only!
• This giveaway will be open for 5 days! I will announce the winner first thing 7/26/13
• To enter, please leave the comment "I Heart Stila" below along with your blog link (if you have one)

And of course, the prize is this Stila Lip Glaze in "Camera"!

And don't fret, I will be having a proper giveaway very, very soon which will be open internationally!

Much love & Happy Shopping! xo

This giveaway is now closed. No entries. 

Favorite Product Of The Month! January

Hello lovelies! So sorry that I haven't been putting out as much content as I used to. Things have been a bit hectic for the past couple of weeks but thankfully now I can breathe and I'm back to blogging.

This month I've had a TON of things to try out and review, from new makeup to skincare to a backpack even! (Reviews will be coming shortly). It's all been so exhausting but I love it. Thankfully, most of these products were very good and a few of them are even staples in my routine now. Overall though, there were two products this month that really stood out to me and they were, TheBalm's Balm Jovi Palette and Philosophy's Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Facial Cleanser. The latter I will be talking about in this review!

You might have noticed that this product is labeled as being a 3-in-1, that's because in addition to being a cleanser this product also acts as a toner while it helps to dissolve makeup. According to Philosophy, it's supposed to lightly hydrate the skin as well. While I didn't notice any hydration per se, I did notice that it didn't strip my skin and leave it feeling "squeaky", uncomfortable or tight. This cleanser is great for removing oils because it leaves my skin looking matte but somehow does not strip my skin. How it does that I will never know! I really love the toning aspect because it leaves my skin looking bright, awake and refreshed so I've been using this mainly in the mornings. As someone with dark acne scarring on the sides of my face, I'm always looking for non-harsh products that will not only brighten my skin but, keep it from looking dull as well. This, along with my trusty DDF Brightening Cleanser are now staples in my routine. I'm especially impressed by this product because unlike usual toners, it doesn't dry out my skin or make my skin flaky which the DDF Brightening can do on occasion.

When using this cleanser, I start with a damp face and using only a dime size amount, I rub it into my skin for a few minutes before rinsing. If you are using this product to remove makeup, I would recommend doing this twice to make sure that everything was removed. You can also use this product on your eyes but, I personally haven't tried that yet.

Ultimately, I think this is a great product all around. It cleanses, tones and removes makeup in one step so for that alone you can't beat it. The prices are a bit expensive but, since only a dime size amount is needed it will last a long time and you no longer have to buy makeup remover and or toner separately so that in itself, helps to save a bit of money as well as, take extra steps out of your routine. If you are planning to purchase a full size version of this product, I would recommend buying a pump as well. The reason for this is because, the packaging is a very rigid bottle which quickly becomes an inconvenience as more and more product is used, it becomes almost impossible to get product out and not crush the bottle in the process.

*This product does contain sulfates* as well as: Water, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Alcohol, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Guaiac (Guaiacum Officinale) Extract, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Rosa Damascena Extract, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Seed Extract, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)

Full sizes are $22 // 8oz, $33 // 16oz, $41 // 24oz, $50.50 // 32oz of product
Travel size is $10 // 3oz of product

You can purchase this product in it's various sizes here, here, and here

Much love xo

My Skincare & Haircare Story

Hello lovelies! I thought I would share a little bit about me today. Like so many others, I've been through countless things trying to find the best products and the best routine and let me tell you, both my skin and hair have really been on a journey. From horrific to bad to decent and everything in between. Over the last year or so I have really taken an initiative to get my skin and hair healthy and on track. Like all things, no matter what you do on the outside, it all needs to start from within first and foremost. Because of my PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) condition, my skin, hair and nails have always been in a constant brittle state and no amount of love could really turn that around, until now.

The PCOS causes thinning spots in my hair but lately I've found that my hair is a lot thicker, stronger and overall much healthier. I start by washing my hair every 7-10 days or so. I know this might seem like a loooong time to some people but because of my extremely dry hair (we're talking BONE DRY here!) this is what works best for me. I've been using John Freida's Frizz Ease Hydrating shampoo & conditioner and I really like these two. Unlike other shampoos that I've used, this one does not make my hair feel dry or like straw, my hair actually feels really silky and soft after using it. After washing, conditioning and towel drying my hair. I use Organix Extra Strength Moroccan Argan oil in my hair, about 2 quarter size amounts, because my hair is so dry, I use this daily. I then use a quarter size amount of John Freida's Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Smoothing Creme. I brush my hair well and blow dry my hair on low hot until it is about 90% dry and I finish by letting it air dry. Every 2 weeks I deep condition my hair with pure olive oil and egg yolks, I mix the two together and leave in on my hair under a plastic cap for an hour before washing it out. My hair has really come a long way since I started this routine and trying to eliminate as many chemicals and heat sources as I could.

For my skin, again because of the PCOS, my skin is VERY acne prone. For as long as I can remember, I've always picked at my face and spots. Horrible I know. Even though I know better now, the damage has already been done in the form of dark spots and acne scars all around my face. Add that to never using moisturizers and you can see why my skin was in such a horrid state. For awhile I had been interested in skin lighteners but I've always been weary of using them out of fear of what might go wrong. Thanks to Birchbox who sent me the DDF Brightening Cleanser which is now a holy grail product for me, it has lightened my spots and scarring and really helps keep my breakouts at bay as well. For a moisturizer I use the Philosophy Miracle Worker Anti Aging serum and moisturizer. I like to leave my skin pretty natural and so I don't use foundation, I personally try to stay away from caking makeup on my face and more so, I just don't like the way it feels. I use a primer + powder for a matte airbrushed face. Every few weeks I like to give myself a whipped egg white facial, I use one egg and let it sit on my skin for 15 minutes.

Because of my condition, it is very vital that in addition to my medication, I supplement with a multi-vitamin, echinacea and probiotics. Not only have these helped my overall health but they've done wonders for my nails. I also drink tons of water and have altered my diet to include lots of fruits and veggies. I have always had trouble with my nails breaking and peeling. The only product that I've found to help this has been Revlon's Calcium Gel, I use a coat of this under all of my nail polish. It took a long while but my nails have gotten a lot stronger and they don't peel nearly as much. I might not ever see a day where my nails are completely problem free but as of right now I couldn't be happier.

My biggest problem overall was stress, eliminating stress from my daily life has been the hardest thing to accomplish by far and even though I haven't mastered it completely, I've noticed that just doing simple things have helped my health so much more. After battling these problems for so long, it finally seems like my skin and hair have taken a turn for the better and I can only hope that it continues from there. I cannot explain the sheer embarrassment and low self esteem that I used to experience because of this and I know that even though that's all better now for me, people everywhere are still dealing with it. I encourage you to do like I did and take the initiative to turn it around and remember that no matter what, always love yourself. You are gorgeous just the way you are and all of your flaws are what make you perfect. Also, if you are a woman battling PCOS let me know in the comments below, send me an email and share your story with me, I would love to hear from you.

I love you guys but please, please, please consult with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet. It's for your own safety.

Much love xo

What's YOUR Holy Grail Beauty Product?

Hello lovelies! I know that I haven't been blogging a long time but you'd be amazed by how many of my favorite products have been replaced! From skincare to eyeliners, it seems that almost everything has changed from my first "holy grail" post and even my "40 Beauty Questions" post. It's almost exhausting searching for the gems of the beauty world but I definitely have fun rising to the challenge. It takes a lot of epic fails to find that one product but at the end, it's worth it. Here are my new and improved (with a few old loves) holy grail products:


1. Ulta Precision Liquid Eyeliner (Carbon Black): 
I've gone from gel to to liquid now and I can't see myself moving again. I have shaky hands and because of this eyeliners short length, I can easily hold it and make clean, bold lines.

2. Philosophy Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Serum & Moisturizer:
I LOVE both of these products. They are lightweight and leave no dreaded oily residue.

3. Organix Extra-Strength Moroccan-Argan Oil: 
This hair oil is absolutely perfect for my extremely dry hair. It softens my hair and gives it a nice glossy, healthy sheen. I use a quarter size amount on both damp and dry hair daily.

4/5. NYX Pore Filler & Shine Killer: 
These two are amazing. The pore filler is tinted and so I actually use it as a foundation. A little goes a long way with both of these and I use these two separately as well as combined for special occasions. The pore filler has a light, airy, fluffy texture and has a nude skin tone tint to it. The shine killer is a clear silicone gel similar to Smashbox Photofinish and Palladio's Foundation Primer. I've used both of those in the past and I can without a doubt say that in my opinion the NYX crushes both of them.

6. Too Faced Shadow Insurance: 
My absolutely favorite eyeshadow primer. It holds my shadows on all day and they don't even think about budging even with my oily lids.

7. Earth Therapeutics Complexion Brush:
I use this daily to cleanse and gently exfoliate my face and it works like a dream.

8. DDF Brightening Cleanser:
A new found holy grail thanks to Birchbox! I received this in my October Goop box and I couldn't be any happier. My dark spots and acne scarring have already started to fade and my skin is brighter, glowing and more healthy looking.

9. ELF Eyebrow Kit (Medium):
A forever holy grail for me. In the past i've tried everything from pencil to shadow to mascara and I could never get the natural eyebrow look until I started using this.

10/11. Paladio Herbal Tinted Lip Balm (Rosey) & Essence of Beauty Lip Butter: 
I love both of these and depending on what look i'm going for, I use one or the other. Since the Palladio is tinted I use it both alone and sometimes over my Scarlet Ibis lipstick for a stunning color. I use the Essence Lip Butter mainly at bed time or after I take off my makeup. Both of these balms are extremely moisturizing and keep my lips soft for hours.

12. Aroma workshop Shea Butter Body Cream: 
Best body butter I've found. This product is super thick but non greasy and keeps my skin nourished.

Let me know what your holy grail beauty products are below! If you have any questions or would like me to do a separate review on any of these products, check out my contact page!

Much love xo

DDF Brightening Cleanser- A review

Sweet holy cannoli !! I have now found my favorite new face cleanser. I received this in my October Birchbox and I officially couldn't be any happier.

I was initially very excited to try this because I have acne scarring and dark spots on the sides of my face but upon looking at a few reviews online I became a little hesitant. It seems the product is one of those things that you either despise or you can't live without it (i'm happy to say that i'm the latter) The product itself is a clear liquid with an almost gel type consistency and has a light, pleasant smell. I can't seem to pick up the licorice smell that the product claims to have. A little goes a long way with this, I use about a nickel to quarter size amount and it lathers just enough. This bottle is definitely going to last a long time.

Ingredients list

I truly love this cleanser for multiple reasons, even after the first use my skin was significantly brighter and more fresh and awake looking, because of this I especially love to use this in the morning. After about a week of using this product daily, my acne scarring definitely looks better and has started to fade just a bit. I AM THRILLED! Another pro to this cleanser is that for me, it controls the oil on my T-zone, as i've stated before I have combination skin but a severely oily T-zone which I absolutely hate because I love a matte face. After washing my face with this product it keeps my face matte throughout the entire day, I can even go so far as to say that I haven't seen any oil on my T-zone since using this cleanser. I have also seen less pimples/spots and a more even skintone since using this.

This product contains both salicylic and glycolic acid (AHA) which can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun so use with caution and protect your skin! As with anything, if you notice any irritation then immediately discontinue use.

I wasn't sure if this cleanser could be used all over the body so I did a bit of research and it can! The DDF website states: "Excellent for face and body as part of an overall hypigmentation program" For this I am especially grateful because like any other plus size girl, I experience chub rub, so this will be a great way to keep those areas from turning dark.

Brush is by Earth Therapeutics ($2.99)

How I use this product: personally I have always washed my face with cold water (the world lets out a collective GASP!) I know that a lot of people are strictly against using cold water as well as water that is too warm but I have found that this works for me and I have experienced no ill side effects as of yet. My routine is very simple, I start by wetting my complexion brush and squeezing a small amount of cleanser directly onto it, I splash a bit of water onto my face and then clean and exfoliate for 3-5 minutes before rinsing off. The brush is gentle enough to use daily. Depending on your skintype, this cleanser can be drying so be sure to use a moisturizer afterwards.

In short, I honestly can't thank birchbox enough for sending me this. I've always been curious about lightening creams/cleansers because of my acne scarring but was too afraid to try anything but i'm glad that I have now! I encourage anyone with similar skin troubles to atleast give this a try! The full size retails for $38.00.

Much love xo