Monday, February 25, 2013

Product Review: NYC New York Color Sun 'n' Bronze Bronzer//February Birchbox

I hope you all had a fabulously relaxing weekend! Aside from missing out on Miami due to yet another fainting episode, mine was actually pretty good (considering). Got tons done, caught up with stranger friends, and recharged. Plus, I booked 3 modeling assignments, finished up some reading homework, and (against doctor's orders) ran a mile. Winning!

Equally as exciting, I received a special package from Influenster last week, complete with NYC New York Color Sun 'n' Bronze Bronzing Powder. I've been testing it out for the past 7 days and felt compelled to share my review. 


As a Florida girl, we have a reputation of a certain bronzeness to uphold, so I'll never turn down any form of color enhancement. During my one week testing period, I've determined that this stuff rocks. Sun 'n' Bronze combines the best shades of tint for a completely dimensional sun-kissed look... for $4.99. Really!? I love MAC, and it's been my go-to bronzer for forever... but NYC's bronzer is a close rival for less than a quarter of the cost, not to mention it has increased availability and prettier packaging (marketing is everything, y'all). 



In case you can't tell, I'm trying this whole new "no makeup" look. I figure... it's significantly less effort and a much more mature style (I am 24, you know). Plus, Victoria Secret angels don't have heavy makeup on during their beach photoshoots... right? Regardless, the point is that Sun 'n' Bronze provides a fabulously sexy tan, even without a face full of makeup. It's natural looking, inexpensive, and one of my new favorite cosmetics. 




I think Birchbox has a radar for when I'm unhappy. I've been seriously considering cancelling my subscription due to several disappointing boxes in a row, and all of a sudden they send me a pleasant surprise. Great products, nice-sized samples, and chocolate all in one. Congrats, you bought yourself another month, Birchbox!



1. Juicy Couture//Couture La La: Pleasant new scent from Juicy! It's a fruity flower concoction, perfect for work or any daytime affair. Like it. Full-Size, $19-90. 
2. Secret Agent Beauty//Secret Lip Affair: Gorgeous lip plumper infused with vitamin E. I'll be purchasing this in the full-size ($16). Worth it. 
3. TIGI//Rockaholic Fun Times Flexible Hairspray: This nonsticky hairspray from TIGI leaves a natural-looking finish. I like it, but I'm still a bigger fan of Moroccan Oil. Full-size, $20.50. 
4. Twistband//Thick Headband: These soft elastic headbands keep hair out of your face without creasing, which is fabulous. However, in my opinion, they don't last very long. After a few uses, the color fades and the fabric starts to tether. Like them, but I'm not sold. Set of 6, $19.
5. Ghiradelli//Milk & Caramel Square: Who doesn't love these? Delicious. I'm not sure why this was in my Birchbox, though. Whatever, I'll take it. 

My main issue in the past has been too many foil packets and pathetically-sized samples. These are products that I'll actually use.. and there's enough substance to actually test! (except for the Ghiradelli Square...I ate that in about 5 seconds). I've decided that I'm still going to start my subscription to Ipsy; however, I'm keeping Birchbox for extra product exposure. 



Completely switching gears... Unfortunately, quite a few of my friends are dealing with loser boys at the moment, so I wanted to take the time to share my advice... easier said than done, but a fool-proof method for feeling better! :)



Now for a fabulous week filled with golf tournament planning, doctor appointments, and play dates. This may be my first full week back (nevermind my episode on Friday-- fingers crossed!), so I'm hoping I'm not in over my head... because I also committed to several modeling projects within the next week alone. Also, I may get a kitten. I'll keep you posted! 


Have a wonderful week, loves!

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42 comments:

  1. Wow you have a lot going on! Fainting episode? Hope everything is ok? The no makeup look is gorgeous :) You will nail the modeling gigs! Have a great week and don't make too many commitments! Good health is priority!
    XO

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    1. Blahh, things are okay; I think I just over-exhausted myself last week, and my body collapsed. I feel great after the weekend, though :) and thank you, love! I'm taking it easy, I promise. Have a wonderful week and a FABULOUS anniversary!

      xo

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  2. Nice, I still haven't received anything from Influencster yet. = ( I've been debating on trying Birch Box!
    walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com

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    1. Give it time! I didn't receive any VoxBoxes for the first few months, then they just randomly started sending me every one. I love Influenster, though, so be patient! And BirchBox is hit or miss... I can't say that I love it or hate it. Worth a try, though! Have a wonderful week :)

      xo,
      Steph

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  3. The no makeup look is great for summer, and - YES - beaches! But it also works for every day wear too. =0)
    I just signed up for Birchbox last week!!! I used to have a beauty box subscription (before I became a mommy), and I've missed it. Besides, it's always nice to get something fabulous in the mail, isn't it?
    I like your advice. What's with all the loser boyfriends these days? Some guys just need to grow up and be MEN!
    Hope our Monday is a great one,
    Kim
    http://2justByou.blogspot.com

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    1. I LOVE getting things in the mail. I'm such a kid in that sense... it's like Christmas! :) And I know! Loser boyfriends need to just disappear, or else I'll be single for a reallyyyy long time. Hope you have a wonderful week, lady!

      xo,
      Steph

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  4. Replies
    1. Fabulous stuff! I'm warming up to it a bit more. When my Moroccan Oil runs out, I may switch to Rockaholic. We'll see! Have a fabulous week!

      xo,
      Steph

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  5. I grew up in FL and a little tan is essential when you are able to wear skirts / tanks and shorts year round. Thanks for the bronzer tip !

    www.not-going-out-like-that.com

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    1. It's so true... you can't live in Florida and be completely pale, which is unfortunate because I'm Polish. It's tough, so bronzer is an essential product for me! Of course :) So glad you stopped by!

      xo,
      Steph

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  6. That's a good value at $4.99! I actually like most of the NYC products I've tried.
    New follower from the GFC hop :)
    Lacey @ CHARM + Sass

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    1. I know! NYC product prices are incomparable to any other company out there for the quality of makeup. Love it. And so glad to have you :) Have a fabulous week!

      xo,
      Steph

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  7. The bronzer looks fab on you! Good luck with the modeling gigs, you'll rock it!

    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Sofia! I'm gonna try my best :)! Have a wonderful week!!!

      xo,
      Steph

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  8. I have been on the lookout for some new bronzer! Thanks for the suggestion! I will def try it! xoxo!

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    1. You should! It's definitely worth a try (especially at $4.99)! So glad you stopped by :) Have a fabulous week!

      xo,
      Steph

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  9. I've been eyeing Birch box since December.. It looks like such a cool thing! & Thank for the bronzer tip! I've been looking for a good one!!!

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    1. NYC and MAC are my absolute favorites, but NYC is substantially cheaper. And you should give Birchbox, Ipsy (Glam Bag), or GlossyBox a try... I've heard GlossyBox is the best, but it's also the most expensive. I love getting these in the mail, though; seriously feels like Christmas! Have a fabulous week!

      xo,
      Steph

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  10. Oh, that's actually a different bronzer than I was thinking of! If you want to pick up another, try NYC Sunny Bronzer in the round brown package. It's about $2.99, and it's a great light, matte bronzer when you're not super tan :) I'll be sure to try this version too!

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  11. I have bronzing beads from The Body Shop that I've been using for years. They do give a nice healthy glow. I tend to wear less make up in the summer... finding a good tan is enough color that all I need is some mascara and lipgloss... and sunscreen :-)

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    1. I've heard GREAT things about The Body Shop bronzer! I'm the same way. The less makeup the better, especially during summer! Have a fabulous week :)

      xo,
      Steph

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  12. Cute post hun, hope you feel better soon, xoxo.

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    1. Thanks, lady! I'm feeling much better already. Hope you're having a wonderful week :)

      xo,
      Steph

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  13. I love personalized valentines gift! It's so romantic!


    Mika


    New follower from Tea on Tuesdays Blog hop!
    Rubbish Removal London

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Agreed! So glad you stopped by :) Hope you're having a great week!

      xo,
      Steph

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  14. that's a fun quote and very true! hope you're feeling better!

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    1. Thanks, lady :) I am. Fainting is never a fun phenomenon, though. And yes, learned it from my mama! Hope you're having a fabulous week.

      xo,
      Steph

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  15. Dontcha just love influenster?! The bronzer looks great on you and sweet job with the modeling gigs! :)

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    1. I do. I want all their VoxBoxes, though!! I miss out on the current one :( and thank you, lady! I'm excited! Hope you're having a fabulous week.

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  16. Just found you on the blog hop. I am following you on GFC, twitter and FB. I love this blog, how fun! great birch box too!

    XO Chelsea
    http://shesaidhesaid-fashion.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hey girl! So glad you stopped by! I'll check out your blog, as well :) Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

      xo,
      Steph

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  17. Thanks a lot for your comment and following, we´re following you now! =)
    I don´t usually use bronzing powder because I´m really pale and it looks like I have Nutella on my face....I look like Valentino, it´s awful!!

    KISSES
    http://sharpenstyle.blogspot.com.es/

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    1. Yay, so glad! And TRUST ME, I understand. I'm Polish, and my natural color is the palest white you can imagine. Hence, quality bronzer is of the essence to keep from blinding people. Blah. Have a fabulous weekend!

      xo,
      Steph

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  18. Such a pretty shade for bronzer. Definitely have to go check it out.

    New follower from the blog hop.

    http://shoppingobsessionblog.blogspot.com

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    1. You should, I love this stuff! So glad you stopped by! Have a fabulous weekend :)

      xo,
      Steph

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  19. You have such a lovely blog!! And I was so bummed I didn't get this one from Influenster. I love NYC products.
    I just found you on the Tea on Tuesday Blog hop and am following via GFC. Would love it if you checked out my blog as well. :)
    Have a lovely weekend!
    Danielle
    http://kalamityjanekosmetics.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Danielle! Absolutely :) Have a fabulous weekend!

      xo,
      Steph

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  20. Replies
    1. Thanks, lady! Have a wonderful weekend :)

      xo,
      Steph

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  21. I'm almost out of bronzer and I think this convinced me to give this a try... and the no makeup look looks great on you!!!! Keep rocking it, woman!

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    1. Thanks, girrrl! I highly recommend this stuff... it's an inexpensive yet quality product. Love it! Happy Tuesday!!!

      xo,
      Steph

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