First Impressions: Philips Sonicare PowerUp

*I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as a part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Lets talk about first impressions. In about a month here I start at a new stage of my life, at a new school, in a new city. We all remember those first day of school jitters, but this time around I'm definitely feeling more anxiety than a few butterflies in my stomach. So in an effort to put my best foot forward I'm planing on making a few adjustments to my appearance before school starts. A new hairdo, a different makeup routine, maybe a new outfit or two, and most importantly a pretty white smile.  

Recently I was given the chance to test out a new Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush, specifically the PowerUp. Usually I'm not one to fall for sweeping promises made in advertisements, but when I saw that with the Power Up I would have more brush strokes in one day than I would in a whole month with my manual toothbrush, my interest was certainly piqued. I already drink too much coffee and red wines have become my drink of choice, so I can definitely benefit from some deeper cleanings. I've never used an electric toothbrush, and honestly assumed that they weren't much better than a trust manual toothbrush from the dentist.

(Don't judge, this was really me brushing my teeth at the end of the day)

After only a week of using the PowerUp I'm able to tell a huge difference in my teeth. They feel so much cleaner when I'm done brushing, it's like going to the dentist. Love that! I swear my whitening toothpaste is working better which I attest to the fact that my teeth are cleaner.

I can't wait to see what they'll look like in a month when I actually start school! Honestly I can't believe the difference between an electric toothbrush and a manual one. While I'm still holding on to my old manual toothbrush it's been banished to my cleaning bin, let's hope it works better on grout stains than it did on my teeth. I mean come on, just look how far the toothbrush has come over the years!

Grab your own Power Up at Walmart (on sale!) for less that $20! You can't beat that!

Friday's Fancies: Fourth Fun

Hope y'all all had a great fourth yesterday! I spent my day relaxing, watching baseball, drinking beer, watching fireworks and being kept up late into the night with "bombs bursting in air" seemingly right outside my window.

This weekend I'm just hanging out enjoying DC living while I still can! What are y'all up to?

Dorothy Perkins / Flat shoes / Havaianas , $23 / Hat Attack fedora hat, $155 / Sheriff&Cherry pink sunglasses

I'm thinking this would be a perfect look for a cookout this weekend don't you? I'm kind of obsessed with those flats too :)

Four Things: Fourth of July Fun

I can hardly believe it, but July 4th will be here tomorrow! Growing up Didn't the 4th always feel like the "middle" of summer? This year is just flying by.  My Dad's Birthday is July 4th, so my 4th is usually focused on celebrating him and America!

This year I'm unable to be with him, but I'm certainly looking forward to having the day off to relax and celebrate the USA here in the nation's capital. 

The four things I looking forward to this year are 1. Fireworks. 2. Yummy treats. 3. Fun Americana nail art and 4. Fresh berries.  Is there anything better? If you're heading out of town this weekend stay safe and have fun! I have to work on Friday, so I'm sticking around, but the DC countdown is on so I'm definitely going to try and get out and enjoy the city. 

Beauty Box 5 Review

*I was provided with a press sample to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are solely my own.*

We all know I have an on-going love affair with Birchbox and last month I talked about my new found obsession with beauty army. Well I have another one for y'all.

Beauty Box 5. 

How it works: for $12 a month (or less if you increase your subscription length) you get 4-5 deluxe beauty samples ranging from drugstore to high end, some cult favorites or some vegan products. The folks a Beauty Box 5 are committed to introducing you to your new favorite products. 

What I got:

MODEL Co Illusion Lip Enhancing Pencil - Full size ($20) - This is a nude lip liner allows to to create the perfect lip shape i.e the perfect pout. Super creamy, long wearing, and it comes with a sharpener on the lid! Genius. 

Blinc Mascara - .02 oz  ($3.68) - I've actually already tried this product and I loved it! "Tube your lashes" don't paint them. This mascara basically wraps your lash in a tube that not only lengthens your lashes, but the mascara stays put all day and night! No flaking or smudging. I love it! But you definitely need a good eye makeup remover at the end of the day. 

Bodyography Foundation Primer - .53 oz ($15.90) - I received the clear primer and I have to say it's awesome. So silky smooth, great at reducing shine, odorless. All around great primer. 

Jean Pierre Oil Absorbing Facial Tissues - full size ($1.99) - These help absorb that dreaded summer shine, and they do a great job. They definitely are more absorbent that other brands I've tried so I like that I only need 1 sheet for my whole face. Not 2 or 3. 

Brazen Eye Shadow Full size ($7.49) - This is a loose mineral eyeshadow. My sample is in "birthday suit" which is a tad dark for me, but has great pigmentation and is a gorgeous matte lid color. I've never really used loose eyeshadow, but I like it! 

What I thought: Great box! I was really happy with everything I got. I thought it was a good mix of low and high end products, and the sample sizes were great! If you do some quick math my box was worth $49.06 so not a bad return on a $12 investment.