It's that time of year again--my birthday! And with that, comes loads of promotional birthday treats and goodie goodie gumdrops from my favorite stores. My birthday was on the 22nd and I wanted to spend time with family but, I thought I would share with you guys what Sephora has in store for you all during your birthday month. 

Personally, the only reason I'm on the Beauty Insider rewards program at Sephora is for the free stuff. That's basically what the purpose is for the card but, you have to spend X amount of money to get more money if you know what I mean. I think I look like a fool when I go up to the register and just ask for my birthday gift but, then I'm like, "Who cares--it's my birthday!". 

Anyway, Sephora usually changes the gift that the Insiders receive. Normally, you can choose either a mini makeup kit or skincare kit of two samples. This year I chose the sample sizes of the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and the Fresh Rose Face Mask instead of a sample size Marc Jacobs Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner and a Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; simply because I own enough black eyeliners and pink doesn't really look good on me! I felt like trying some new skincare products from Fresh and I was pleasantly surprised. 

The two products came in really cute packaging that specifically states it's a birthday gift. You have to be a rewards member (super easy to sign up) and all you do is tell them your email and chose which gift you want--no purchase necessary!

I was really excited that the products were from Fresh. I have heard so many great things about the brand and was really impressed with the way the Soy Cleanser cleaned off all of my eye makeup. The description says that it's for all skin types and it left my skin feeling really smooth and not dried out. The one thing that I didn't really care for was the subtle, nutty smell. Soy doesn't smell great anyway but, it's just something I thought to include in the post. 

I was very surprised that they added a sample of a face mask and was very excited to try it out. I only had enough to use one time and it was probably the best face mask I have used next to the Lush ones I have used in the past. Speaking of Lush, this mask did not resemble or feel as "fresh" as the Lush ones are. However, it did feel very nice on my skin and also toned it and left it very oil free. I woke up the next day and did not feel like I had to wipe off any excess oil that usually forms around my T zone. The rose scent was great but, a little artificial-like to me. I like that they included real rose petals into it, though. 

If you're like me and are obsessed with mascara and all things eyes then you're in for a treat! I have my top 4 favorite high end (with the exception of one) mascaras that are amazing and really create fuller and longer looking lashes. 

I am always sad when I have to say goodbye to a really great mascara. When I buy a really nice mascara from Sephora and it gets to the point that I'm questioning if I should just keep it or toss it, it's probably a good time to just buy a new one. I know I'm going to keep buying new mascaras so I thought I could share you the four that I love and will mostly likely finish (a couple) within the next week or so. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara- This mascara has been around on my blog for a while and unfortunately it will have to leave my collection soon due to it being old and dried out. It is an amazing mascara and I used it so much after I first opened it. It did wing out my lashes and resembled false lashes which really surprised me! I might have to buy another it was so good.

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara- Last but, not least, this mascara has been my holy grail mascara. It photographs so well and to be honest, who doesn't want that? My lashes look 10 times bigger and there's no flakiness or clumping. This was a newer find and I'm really impressed with Smashbox's eye makeup range lately. 

Hopefully soon I will discover more, great mascaras because it's not sanitary to hold on to old (but, amazing) mascaras. Are there any mascaras I should try next?

It's that time of year again; everyone's already getting back to school, going back to work, or even going back to the gym! I love buying new workout gear if you guys haven't already noticed. Athleisure and active wear is like my favorite trend right now and honestly, it's so much more comfortable, too.

This was kind of a collective haul because I needed new compression shorts a while ago but, I thought I would share my finds anyway. 

This Purple Ombre Tank was actually a Nike Outlet find. Normally at an Outlet or Factory store, there are discounted items for pretty nice deals. I looked online for this and they didn't have it on the website, however, I did find it for way cheap on Poshmark if you guys want to check it out.

The fabric reminds me of a terry cloth or a "towel-like" fabric. I don't mind it at all and it is very soft and nice to work out in. I did notice that it kind of absorbs sweat like a towel but, it's livable because you sweat anyway when you work out. Plus, it's really cute! 

I don't know about you guys but, I love working out in compression shorts. I ditch the yoga pants during the summer and swap them out with these bad boys! 

If you like wearing compression anything, these would be great for training in the heat. Whether you are outside on 90 degree heat or in a studio at 90 degree heat, these keep me cool while also giving me a full range of motion and comfort. They have longer types of compression shorts if you aren't about that "short life", they have a nice selection of lengths, sizes and colors, too. 

For the big shebang, I needed a new pair of sneakers. "Needed" can be used lightly but, c'mon--these are pretty amazing shoes just looking at them. They're the Nike Free Rn's and I have laid my eyes on them ever since I walked into the Nike store when summer started. 

I think a quality type shoe like these are worth every penny. I have worn these almost everyday and I know I will a lot when I run and I'm not wearing flip flops everyday anymore.  

I have a pretty wide foot so I was unsure about what size to get in the first place but, when I tried them on in the store, my exact shoe size (8.5 US), fit perfectly. It was a little concerning that it fit so well because it wasn't a wide shoe in the first place. Good for Nike! Usually I have a really difficult time finding the perfect size depending on the shoe; these fit great and feel great when I walk and run in them. Obviously, these are training shoes and are not made for long distance running. 

I would recommend these as street shoes to moderate length running. I wouldn't say that I am a distance runner at all so, I can't compare Nike's running shoes to more appropriate or practical ones. 

I have always liked Nike's clothes. I love to wear them to workout in and to just lounge in really! They're super comfy and reliable for pretty much any type of occasion. What are some Nike products you love?

Xoxo, Nat