Spring Beauty: Get Glowing!

With the warmer months ahead (sooner or later!), I tend to reach for less and less products, and rely more on double-duty products - blush that can act as a lip color, cheek highlighters that can add a little color to my lids, etc. Add in a pretty pink lip gloss- and I'm set for the season. I was generously sent a two products from Beauty for Real recently that will be making a frequent appearance in my beauty routine. Keep reading for my review and special offer for my readers!

First up is the Get Glowing! Cheek Tint & Luminizer. This little gem is the perfect duo to have on hand in the warmer months, and the the sleek packaging (which I love) is great to keep in your makeup bag. Each product swivels out of the side of the compact, and also includes a mirror for easy application. 

Beauty for Real Cheek Tint & Luminizer in Get Lit/In the Pink, $29*

I received the Get Lit/In the Pink duo, which gives my skin a really warm, natural glow. The "glow" in the luminizer is due to a patented ingredient called Luminera which features a diamond core complex designed to capture invisible UV light particles. There's definitely a noticeable sheen to my skin when applied, but it isn't overly shimmery or glittery, and the texture is creamy and so easy to blend. I would normally use a brush for blush and highlight, but I found that my fingers gave me the control that I wanted.

Vitamin E and grape-seed extracts are also found in Get Glowing! for antioxidant protection, hydration and oil absorbing qualities. The cheek tint has the same creamy, easy-to-blend texture, and very pigmented. The color is a warm pink on my complexion, and you can definitely build the color for a more dramatic look. 

Light Up Lip Gloss in Pinkini, $22*

Next up is the pink lip gloss I've been looking for - it actually shows up on my pigmented lips! The newest  shade in the Light Up Lip Gloss range, Pinkini is a medium-toned pink gloss with a slight shimmer. I'm really impressed with the color payoff of this gloss, and it manages to be moisturizing without it being sticky on the lips. I highly recommend Pinkini if you're looking for the saturated color of a lipstick with the ease of a gloss.

If you're looking to add either (or both) of these babies to your collection, Beauty for Real is offering my readers a special offer! Enter the code SLRBLOG at checkout on the Beauty for Real site for $10 off your purchase. The code expires on May 31st 2013, so get shopping!

Review: Spicy Subscriptions

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and if you're looking for a gift for your significant other that's  more intimate than a box of chocolates, Spicy Subscriptions is perfect. Similar to the beauty box subscriptions we know and love, Spicy Subscriptions offers an assortment of intimate products that you've probably never tried. I was surprised at how many products were included in this Valentine's Day edition, and I highly recommend it if you're on the hunt for something special. Be sure to visit the site for details on the Valentine's Day specials, and check out my YouTube video below for my (and my boyfriend's) full review.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant

I have to be the last woman on the planet to try the famed Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, and after spending months on my beauty wishlist, it finally made its way onto my face, body, and lips. I was originally going to purchase the tube (as its commonly seen), but I decided on a tub instead. There's also a fragrance-free version for those who are iffy about the strong (but pleasant) scent. It lives on my dresser, and is so easy to pop into my handbag without getting lost. This skin protectant is definitely a cult favorite, and I love it for its multipurpose qualities.

I've been using it as a balm for dry patches on my face, as an overnight lip treatment, and to tame my brows. I've also heard you can use it as a highlighter, a cuticle treatment, and as a cure for dry feet.  I'm convinced I can never be without, and I highly recommend buying a tube for yourself! Or a tub, like the version I have.

Have you tried this product yet? What do you use it for?

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub

While out doing some last minute Christmas shopping, I stopped into LUSH for the much-hyped Popcorn Lip Scrub. I tend to avoid the shop closest to me since it's always crowded, but I had to see what the fuss was about. I'm happy to say, it's worth the hype! The Popcorn Lip Scrub not only tastes exactly like caramel popcorn, but does an amazing job at softening and exfoliating the lips. Since I'm obsessed with caramel corn (especially Garrett's), I probably would've bought the scrub even if it wasn't the best. But it is! Definitely try it if you haven't already.

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub,$8.95

Review | LuvmyBox

I've had the pleasure of testing out almost all of the beauty subscription services, but after a while, they can become a bit boring. I love the idea of a monthly box that has a little something different - and by different, I mean something my boyfriend and I would both enjoy. Enter LuvmyBox, a curated box full of products that are meant to spice it up in the bedroom (and other rooms as well).  I think the best part of Luxmybox is that it makes it so easy to try products without having to set foot in an adult store, which we all know can be a little shady sometimes.  By now I know you're wondering, what's in the box? Check out the video below to find out :)

Review: Zoya Smoke Collection

I was fortunate enough to receive the Zoya Smoke Collection as part of a gift bag from Blogger's Night Out. I've heard great things about the brand, and when I saw the fall-ready color palette, and I couldn't wait to try them!

The collection includes (l to r):

Jana - A medium nude putty creme with grey, mauve and purple tones

Petra - A dark, smoky, dusky grey creme with strong purple undertones

Codie - A blackened espresso brown creme with subtle olive undertones

Anja - A rich, deep, vampy red-toned wine purple with a glossy creme finish

Cynthia - A smoky, blackened peacock teal with soft warm undertones

Dree - A light, dusty drab olive green with yellow tones and a touch of grey

I must say that the colors are very pigmented, and are opaque with just one coat. I didn't apply a basecoat to my nails before application, and the formula is very creamy, shiny and easy to apply. So far my favorite in Anja, and I have to say it's the perfect wine color. I'll post each of the colors as I try them.