Ipsy December 2014 Review - You are a: Creative Genious

My December Ipsy Glambag is here, and it is about time. I got it the last week of December, which is crazy because it was sent a few weeks prier. I was starting to think it wasn't ever going to come, but it must have been slowed down with all the Christmas packages that go out around this time. Even though it took so long, I am go glad that it eventually came. 

This month's theme is You are a: Creative Genius. I am not sure if there were multiple themes this month with the "you are a," but either way I am a little disappointed. I thought that this month would have been a little more festive with all the holidays. Also, for the theme focusing on creativity, the bag is a little blah. I'm not a fan of the black with maroon heart. I hope the contents are more creative. 

At first glance, I am liking what I am seeing. The bag is full of what seems to be full size items. I love seeing a filled makeup bag. I hope that the items can turn around my feelings about this month's bag.

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Marshmallow

$4.00 - 4 g

I am a huge fan of tinted lip balms, so I was excited to see this in this month's Ipsy Glambag. That being said, I am super bummed with the color. I would have loved any other color that NYX offers except this one. I am just not into beige lip colors. Despite the color, this butter lip balm kept my lips nice and moist. The color seems to last too, but I can't really tell because it blends in with my natural lip color. I will just use this as a normal chapstick. 

CAILYN Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchard

$15.00 - 2.5 g

At first, I thought this was a nail polish and was super disappointed. After realizing it was an "eye polish" I was pretty skeptical. I shouldn't have been, though, because this is my favorite part of this month's Glambag. I love the color with my skintone. It is a nice light gold color and has the perfect amount of shimmer. The applicator is a little different, and it takes a little longer to cover my entire eye than with normal applicators, but it does a nice job and I can get the creases and the corner of my eye a lot easier. I love that this is a full size item, because I will definitely be using this until it is gone. 

Style Sexy Hair 450 Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray

$18.95 - 4.2 fl oz          

This is supposed to protect your hair from heat damage from your blow dryer, but because I let my hair air dry, I can't really see if it works. I did spray this into my damp hair before blow drying, and it did leave my hair shiner after it dried. I am a little disappointed that Ipsy sent this to me, because my profile states that I don't blow dry my hair. On the other hand, it does have a nice soft sent that stayed with me all through the day. 

Beauty Without Cruelty Premium Aromatherapy Facial Cleanser

$11.95 - 8.5 oz         

This lightly-foaming, soap-free cleanser works just as good as any face wash I've used. It left my skin clean and smooth, but a little stiff. You will definitely have to use a moisturizer after using this. I do prefer to use scrubs to cleanse my face, but I will definitely use this. I love that it is cruelty free and has 3% AHA complex. It is also reasonably priced. 

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

$20.00 - .24 fl oz          

I am a big fan of mascara. It is sometimes that only makeup that I wear, and I love trying out new formulas and brands. This mascara claims to lengthen, curl, volumize, and condition your eyelashes. I like the coverage, it did coat all my lashes, but other than that, I didn't see anything too special about this mascara. I will definitely use this as a top coat to get extra coverage, but this won't be used as a base. I like this mascara, but I won't purchase the full size once the sample is gone. 

Overall, this month's Ipsy Glambag was middle of the road. Only one of the products was something I would consider that would help me with my creativity. Other than that, I will use most of all the other products. I estimated this month's bag to be worth $37.81 which is awesome, because I only spent $10 for all these products. I do appreciate that Ipsy always contains way more value and a lot of full size items. 

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you can get full size and sample size beauty items delivered to your door. Also, it would make an awesome gift for your friends or family. 

Birchbox December 2014 Review - Decked Out

My December Birchbox has arrived at my door, and I am extra excited for this month's box, because I am sure that it is extra special and festive. Birchbox is a monthly beauty sample subscription that is delivered to your door each month personally curated to you for only $10 a box. 

This month's box is super cute. I love how festive it is, even with it being blue. This month's theme is Decked Out. This month is all about celebrating with our loved ones by exchanging gifts and ringing in the New Year. Birchbox's samples are an early gift to get this season started off right. I can't wait to see all the new ways to get myself sparkling for these holidays. 

TOCCA Crema de Mano - Hand Cream in Cleopatra

$10.00 - 2 oz             

This hand cream has a nice light scent of grapefruit and cucumber and absorbs really quickly so you can use your hands right away. I like the compact tube and it is a good sized sample. I do have to use it quite regularly, though, because it's not as thick as I'd like. It is reasonably priced though, so it could be a regular buy for me. 

 Lord & Berry Paillettes Glitter Eye Pencil in Black

$18.00 - 0.04 oz        

I've had a Lord & Berry eye pencil in my Birchbox before, so I am already a fan of the brand. The eyeliner goes on really smoothly, and doesn't smudge throughout the day. I like how the glitter wears evenly, but it isn't something I would wear on a regular basis. I'm glad that I got this sample right before New Year's, because that is probably the only time I would wear glitter. I am happy with this sample size, because I won't be using this too regularly.

amika: Nourishing Mask

$28.00 - 250 ml          

I normally have greasy hair, so deep conditioners aren't really necessary for me. Regardless, my hair has been a little staticy because of the dry, winter weather so I gave it a try. I have to say, the mask didn't over moisturize to the point that it weighed down my hair, and I loved the berry scent that stayed with me all day. The sample is a little small, but I will use this until it is gone. Plus, it is paraben-free!

RUSK Texture Spray

$18.00 - 8 oz         

Again, I'm not much of a hairspray user, but I do use it once in a while when I curl my hair. The hold was alright, but at least it wasn't sticky or crusty. I do like the coconut smell. They do suggest to use this as a body spray, which I could definitely work with. Just spraying my roots, I felt like I had volume all night and loved my party hair look. 

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in New York

$29.00 - 7 g           

This lip stain goes on nice and creamy and dries to nice matte classic red. It does mostly last, but it did come off on my drinking glass. I wasn't too sure about this product when I first saw it, but it really is a nice lip stain. This color works well with my skin tone and I look super sophisticated. I will be wearing this for New Year's!

This month's box had a little cheaper samples than Birchbox normally delivers. Also, it had a few samples that I would normally not use. That being said, I am pretty happy with this month's box, and these samples fit perfectly with the theme. I will be using them all for the holidays and throughout these winter months. I estimated this month's box to be worth about $32.16 with the added $10 Gap cash coupon. I probably won't use it, but it is a nice addition! Perfect for buying someone a small gift or stocking stuffer. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself just click here! I love receiving samples in the mail each week curated for me. Plus, it could be the a great gift for any of your loved ones. My sister is receiving a subscription from me!

Birchbox November 2014 Review - Giving

My November Birchbox has arrived! Birchbox is my favorite subscription box, and I always look forward to it all month. This month Birchbox teamed up with [red] which goes with the month of November and remembering to give to others. Each post of this month's box on social media, Birchbox will donate $1 towards the fight against aids. 

The inside box is it's normal brown color. I have so many of these saved up, and I am looking for a fun project where they can be reused. 

The theme for the month of November is Giving. I love that Birchbox's theme always goes well with the month and how the products tend to fit in perfectly. Instead, this month is focusing more on the power of Birchbox and showing how small efforts can make a big difference. I will definitely be posting a picture of mine to give to the greater good. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

$38.00 - 1.7 oz      

Wow! This moisture tint rocks. It completely enhanced my skin tone and left a nice matte, even look. I wouldn't use this as my primary moisturizer, but I would use it as my final foundation. It says to layer for additional coverage, but I could go without. This is an item that I would definitely purchase.

Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion

$15.00 - 8 oz           

This brand has been given to me in a previous Birchbox, and I have to say it is a like over a love. I really like the smell, and the lotion works well, but I would prefer a thicker cream for my dry skin. Especially during these dry, cold months. I won't be purchasing this full size item, but I will use up this large sample.

Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Supreme Mascara

$25.00 - 0.35 oz      

Mascara is my go to makeup product, and it is hard to get me to love a new formula. That being said, I love this Laura Mercier mascara. It made my lashes full, long, and feathered. This is the perfect mascara for everyday wear! I would end up layering it for a night out, but this will be used during every workday. It is a little pricier for mascara, but I could definitely see myself splurging on this item. 

Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask

$58.00 - Six 0.33 oz tubes                  

This item was my Birchbox pick of the month. I will only pick one of the selected items if something really appeals to me, and this item definitely does. I love the refreshing smell, and the mask has a nice exfoliating feel before it hardens into it's mask form. After washing off this mask did leave my face tighter and more toned. I will be using this once a week until it is gone!

TONI&GUY Classic Shine Gloss Serum

$15.00 - 1 oz

I have super staticy hair during these dry, cold months, and this serum definitely helped keep my hair manageable. I also liked how it helped my hair look glossy and shine. The smell was nice, but not my favorite. I'm not one to use hair products, because they normally weigh my hair down, but this one did the trick. 

Chuao Chocolatier Honeycomb ChocoPod

$9.95 - Eight 0.39 oz bars              

As a new addition to Birchbox, they are including items that are completely and only an Bonus. These items will not count as one of the samples so there is no reason to hate it. That being said, I am not a fan of chocolate or honey. I do enjoy that they went with food for this food heavy month, but I could have done without. I will let my partner enjoy this snack. 

This month was an overall win for me. Even the products that I didn't love were good additions to my beauty routine. I estimate this box to be worth $46.53, which is so much more than the $10 I spent. Birchbox continues to be such a good value and a great way to try new products. That is why Birchbox is easily my favorite subscription box. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It would make a great gift for the holidays for your closest girlfriends, you sister, or yourself!

Ipsy November 2014 Review - Girl Meets Glitter

I look forward to my Ipsy Glambag to arrive all month! I love fall months, so this pack should have some seasonal things that I love! I can't wait to see what is inside. Ipsy is a beauty subscription bag with both full size and sample size items for only $10 a month.  

This month's makeup bag is pink and glittery. This is something I would expect with December of January, but not november. The last of the fall months, I would expect November to stick with the dark nature colors and comfort of this month. Also, the bag is really cheap this month. I can barely zip it up without a struggle. They teamed up with Forever 21, which is a super cheap store. I don't think I am going to love what is inside. 

This month's theme is Girl Meets Glitter. I'm not a girly girl, and the only time you will see me wearing any sort of glitter is on New Year's Eve. I can already tell this theme is not for me. They should have saved it for next month. 

Marc Anthony True Professional Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hairspray

$8.29 - 9 fl oz         

I am not one for hairspray, and only wear it about three times a year, but this will definitely get used eventually. It smelled like hairspray and it was sticky and didn't hold better than anything I've used before. The claims of this product didn't hold up for me. You might as well purchase a cheaper product. 

 J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint in Red Potion

$4.99 - 10 ml


When I put this on, my boyfriend literally laughed out loud. It is such a dark and thick color, the tube is the worst packaging. You have to put it on your finger to use, which stains your finger. After applying it with my finger I looked like a clown. This should really be in a applicator tube. Also, this color is wayyyyyy to dark for me. This will end up in the trash or given to someone as a prank. 

 Temptu S/B Highlighter

$27.50 - 1 fl oz        

This highlighter didn't really do anything. I am not one to make myself look completely different with layers of makeup, so a highlighter doesn't really make my makeup bag. I could see myself trying this for New Years or another glam day like that, but I'm not sure it would really do anything for me. 

Be A Bombshell Eye Base in Submissive 

$14.00 - 2.5 g


This isn't my first Be a Bombshell product, so I am finally happy to see an item in my glambag. This is a eye base and is used under your normal eyeshadow. I do like how it makes my other eyeshadow powder stick, and could be used all on its own with its subtle color and shimmer. This is something I will definitely keep and use.

 IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

$24.00 - 8 g                

I have really dark circles under my eyes, and this thick cream actually helped hide them. I like how the color was just a little brighter than my skin tone, and how it really had staying power. It is definitely a higher end product, which changes my opinion of this entire Ipsy glambag. Again, I will definitely use this product. 

Overall, this is my least favorite Ipsy Glambag so far. The products just seem to get cheaper and cheaper, and I don't think they take my beauty profile into consideration. I have it noted that I go for a more natural look, so three of these products just don't make since for me. Ipsy is definitely for someone that likes a full makeup look. I estimate this bag to be worth $32.55, which is much more than I expected. 

Hopefully next month is more my style, and I will definitely keep with my subscription to find out. I am not going to give up after one bad month. If you would like to try Ipsy Glambag for yourself, just click here.  

Beauty Box Five June 2014 Review - Summer Chic

This is my first Beauty Box Five and I also got it for free with a coupon code. I am interested to see how this one compares to my Birchbox and Ipsy subscriptions. This subscription box offers 5 full size and sample beauty products for $12 a month. I can't wait to see what is inside. 

This month's theme for the box is Summer Chic. This month's mantra is less is more. The products inside are iconic hot weather basics. Weather it be a few coats of mascara or your basic coat of paint on your nails, it will be light enough to beat the heat. 

Glam Natural Mascara in Black 

$28 - 0.25 oz          

This mascara is pretty basic for me, but a true classic. There is nothing extraordinary about this product except its ingredients. It is completely vegan without adding any parabens. It is also hyperalergenic. I like the mini bottle and it will come in use to throw in my beach bag when day turns to night and we end up at the beach's bar for the evening. 

Vita Bath Body Wash in Cupcake Couture

$7.99 - 12 oz        

I am not too excited about this products either. The cupcake frosting smell seems really cheap, and it is nothing I'd want to lather myself with. Also, I am not one to take baths in the dead of heat, it is more like a cool, quick shower for me. On another note, I did like the lather and the sample is a decent size. 

Nicka K New York Nail Color in Ripe Apple

$4.99 - 15 ml

I am not one to wear a lot of nail polish, especially those that are so dramatic. But this does seem like a nicer brand, and it is nice to have a deep red for special occasions. I really wish Beauty Box 5 picked a more playful color, but at least it is a full size item. Also, you have to have some color on your toes if you are going to hit the beach. This product is a June must. 

Organix Coconut Water Shampoo & Conditioner

$7.99 each - 13 oz         

I don't really need much hydration for my already greasy hair, but I did like the way that this shampoo and conditioner smelled. It also left my hair super clean. It reminds me of summer, for sure. I prefer my pharmacy brands to most shampoo and conditioners, but I will consider this brand when shopping at the mall. Super small sample, though. 

Eslor Smoothing Refiner & Cleanser

$28.00 - 2 fl oz      

I followed the order of this four step treatment, and I'm excited to see the results. I am all about being good to my skin, and I am always looking for new ways to treat it. This cleanser  is light and soapy with light bubbles. I prefer the cream types, but this did the job. 

Eslor Replenishing Scrub

$28.00 - 1.7 fl oz            

The scrub is nice and mositurizing. With bigger beads than the normal micro scrub, I felt like it really exfoliated. I like this item more than the first in the system. 

Eslor Comforting Mask

$38.00 - 1.7 fl oz      

Face masks are my favorite, and I like how they can really change your face. This mask hardened nicely and was easy to wipe off. It left my face brighter and renewed. 

Eslor Smoothing Cream

$65.00 - 1.7 fl oz       

My face was definitely dry after the last three steps, and I was ready for some moisturizer. This face cream helped kick the dryness, but its a little lighter than I prefer. Again, I would have liked a thicker cream, but my face is dryer than normal. Overall, I really liked the system, but it's definitely on the pricier end. 

This is my first Beauty Box Five and I'm all over the place with these samples. I like that there are full size samples, but the foil samples have to go. Also, it has some really expensive high end items mixed with super cheap products. I am a little upset about the nail polish, because in my beauty profile I did say that I never wore it. On the bright side, this box pays attention to the ingredients and supplies a lot of natural items. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is as little as $12 a month. I estimate this box to be worth $29.06 which is more than I spent.

Ipsy October 2014 Review - Beauty Candy

My Ipsy Glambag has arrived for the month of October, and I am in high hopes for this month's products. Ipsy is a subscription bag for $10 a month and includes both full size and sample size beauty items in a cute makeup bag.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The theme for the month of October is Beauty Candy. I like how the theme goes with this month and the amount of candy you get trick or treating. This month gives us the treats we really want, and that is new beauty products to try out. 

 I really like this month's makeup bag! I love the turquoise color and the quilted pattern. The plastic fabric makes this easy to clean for any spills, which is necessary for any makeup bag. The makeup bag is stocked full of products and at first sight I like what I see. 

 Ecru Acacia Protein BB Cream

$30.00 - 4.2 oz              $7.14

I don't normally wear any hair products because my hair is so thin and silky, but this is one that I would be happy to continue to use. By adding it to the length and ends of my hair, it creates an all day added shine and body. I thought hair products would weigh my hair down, but this one helps create some additional volume. Well worth the price.

Patagonia Ayres Body Butter

$28.00 - 6.75 oz            $4.15

I love this branding and the packaging is really high end. This body butter is lighter and fluffier than I would have predicted. Plus, it smells great with added essential oils such as jasmine and rosemary. I like how it leaves my body moisturized but not greasy. I will definitely be using my sample up. 

Starlooks Lip Gloss in Guilty Pleasure

$12.00               $4.00

I am not into lip glosses, so I wasn't thrilled to see this in my Glambag. This miniature lip gloss does have the same stickiness that I don't like, but I do like the sheen and color. I will use this for days I have to get dressed up, but it will sit in my makeup bag until then. I am not a hugh fan of this brand either. 

Jesse's Girl Mineralized Baked Powder Eye Shadow in Esmeralda

$3.99 - 2 grams

Jess's Girl is another cheaper brand that I'm not completely into, but I do enjoy new eye shadow colors, and this one looks interesting. I like how it leaves a darker metallic sheen on my eyes once on. It is interesting on how those two colors combine. I am glad that I received this color, because I probably wouldn't be a fan of any of the colors. 

Skyn Glacial Cleansing Cloths

$15.00 - 30 cloths               $5

These are my absolute favorite cleansing cloths I have ever used. I love the clean and refreshing smell, I love the the sudsy clean that I don't have to rinse off, and I like the fully saturated cloth so it feels like I'm able to use each cloth to its fullest potential. I've been getting a lot more zits after working out, and I will be able to use these for the times that I can't jump in the shower directly after my workout. I've already purchased this full size item. 

Again, this month's Ipsy Glambag is full of products that are new favorites and other products that I can live without. I continue to still think that the value is well worth the cost, and I love discovering new products and the surprise that comes with opening each bag. I estimate this bag to be worth $24.28, which doesn't even include the makeup bag. 

If you would like to start receiving Ipsy Glambag for yourself, just click here. It also makes a great gift for your family or friends for any holiday! Any subscription length is just $10 a month.