Today, these amazing lip tars from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics landed on our desk, and wouldn’t you know it, our entire office is in love.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is a cult brand based in New York that’s known for their ultra-bright lip colors. These hyper-pigmented shades, which are 100 percent vegan & cruelty free, come in a wide range of hues like seriously neon pink, true cyan blue, and even neon orange. Some of us, (here’s looking at you, Meredith and Rachel) are obsessed with their extra-bright pinks, which are the first we’ve found that really give a magazine photo-like pop to our puckers.
True to it’s name, lip tar goes on like a liquid lipgloss, but they have a completely matte finish and stay on your lips for hours. Take note, the colors are best applied with a lip brush and you really only need a couple drops of the tar to coat your entire pout. Click through to see Birchboxers model lip tar!
Read more
Last Saturday, we shared an Instagram of Rachel’s ‘Brunch Braid’ (a.k.a. an upside-down French braid with a bun) and we were overwhelmed by the interest in how to create this style! Your wish is our command. Rachel re-created the look with step by step photos and tips so you can do it yourself.
You will need:
- 1 strong pony holder
- 1 thin pony holder
- 1 sock that matches your hair color
- Scissors
- Bobby pins
- Hair spray
- Hair Brush
Step 1:
As with most styles and updos, second or third day hair is best.
Step 2:
Flip your head upside down and brush your hair out.
Read more
This winter, forgo the heavy makeup in favor of a refreshingly clean look that places all the emphasis on your eyes. Consider it the beauty equivalent of a detox: instead of eyeliner and shadow, enlist an eye brightener to whisk away dark circles and a false fringe (hey, we didn’t say it was completely low-maintenance) to doll up your lashes. Finish with a generous dusting of blush to create a healthy just-in-from-the-cold look and all eyes will be on you. Read on for the step-by-step instructions.
We found Melissa when she responded to our recent Birchbox Mom’s post. She told us that she was a Birchbox mom too and that she valued Birchbox as a way for busy moms like herself to treat themselves every month. If there’s one thing we love around here, it’s moms, so we reached out to learn more about Melissa. Here’s what she had to say:
Name: Melissa Hunt
Hometown: Palm Bay, FL
Read more after the jump!
Read more
Operations associate, Loren, has a thing for nails- and we can’t blame her. We love reading about new finishes and fun techniques, so we thought we’d give her a weekly slot on our blog to wax poetic about all things manicure (and pedicure!) related. Check back every Thursday for Nailing It, Birchbox’s dedicated polish series.
Last month was all about keeping things clean and simple. This month, however, I’m switching gears and need a bit of rejuvenation. I want to kick off February with a burst of color that will keep me pumping through the rest of winter (that darn groundhog!) and I think that Color Club in Disco Dress is just what I need. Violet is thought to be associated with imagination and inspiration and I’m hoping this super-charged purple will spark both. The perfect mix of bright and dark, I can’t wait to paint my digits in this electric shade!
What color are you looking to wear this month?
Another great shade for February? Va-va-voom red.
Photo: beautyhigh.com
Another dispatch from the seemingly never-ending Photoshop debate. Britain’s Advertising Standard Authority has banned Rachel Weisz’s new ad for L’Oréal Revitalift Repair 10 due to, of course, too much photoshopping.
Read more
Courtne Smith, a.k.a Queen Shmink, is a world traveler with extraordinary fashion and beauty sense. The Toronto-based blogger is one of our favorite ladies to follow on the Interwebz because she makes her impeccable style (fancy fur is her specialty) feel so accessible and easy to recreate. Plus, she always has a killer manicure. This week, she teaches us her secrets that keep her perfectly primped when she’s both at home or on the road with her bff, Drake.
Photo: style.com
Vivid prints and patterns are totally my thing, which is why I can never seem to leave the house without a bright chevron knit from Missoni. One of my favorite looks for spring/summer 2012 is this dress (above) by Etro. I’m obsessed with the color combination, and as soon as I saw it, I started to think about what makeup would go well with it.
Summer = sun-kissed skin = the perfect palette to work with. All I can think about is coral lips and shimmer everything! Here are my picks to get that easy-breezy summer look:
Eyes
Stila Sparkle Liquid Eye Liner in “Royal”
Face
Too Faced Peach Leopard Brightening and Perfecting Bronzer
Lips
Dior Addict Lip Polish in “Glow Expert”
Nails
Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in “Mermaid’s Dream”
Searching for a way to get the summer glow even when it’s cold out? Try this sheer, glowy luminizer from RMS.
For those with sensitive skin, VMV Hypoallergenics is a dream come true. Founded by a leading dermatologist/dermatopathologist, all of the brand’s formulas are created to be as allergen-free as possible, omitting 76 of the most common allergens, including fragrances, dyes, parabens and preservatives. This week, the brand is kindly sharing its unique insight into the world of complexion issues—and dispensing pertinent advice for people of all different skin types and concerns.
One letter can spell a world of difference. In Greek, the prefix “hyper” means more. “Hypo” means less. Hence the term “hypoallergenic,” which is quickly becoming a buzzword in the world of skincare. “Hypoallergenic” is frequently confused with claims like “dermatologist-tested”, “skin-safe” and “natural”, but there is a fundamental difference. Click through to learn more!
Read more
You wouldn’t know it from how much we talk about cookies, but Birchbox staffers are a pretty healthy bunch. We love our veggies and mind-clearing workouts, and are always up to try the latest fitness class or nutrition bar. Which is why we have new regular column: Well-Balanced. Check back weekly for our latest wellness obsession.
Image: Healthy Stream
A few weeks ago, I went to a friend’s place, ostensibly to watch Downton Abbey. Little did I know that both football and a rerun of the CrossFit Games were on, and that the man of the house was home. Needless to say, the historical British drama was trumped by sports. Read on for my experience:
Read more
