Birchbox September 2014 Review - Fresh Paint

My September Birchbox arrived, and I can not wait to see what the theme of the month is. Also, last month's box wasn't that exciting for me, so I hope that Birchbox stepped it up for me for this month.

Usually, Birchbox's box is just plain brown, but this month it is super fun and colorful. I know that this is their anniversary month, and I hope that this month's products are that much more exciting. 

The theme for this month is Fresh Paint. With the season's changing and a new school year beginning, Fresh Paint is the perfect way to dive into new colors, products, and inspirations.  I'm excited to see what products in this box will help me mix up and change my beauty routine.  

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit

$24.50 - 3.3 fl oz + 2 muslin cloths        

Recently, Birchbox allows their members to chose one item from a list of new products to try each month. This is the third month that this option existed, and this is the first time that I actually chose one of them. I am super in love with this product. The face cleansing scrub and muslin cloth left my skin brighter and feeling fresh. Yet, it didn't leave my skin dry like most other cleansers. While I didn't opt to pick out one of my samples in the past because I'd rather be surprised, I'm glad I picked this product for my September box. I also like how it goes with the theme!

Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer in Coral

$24.00 - .20 fl oz              

This lip lacquer is great and the color is perfect for my skin tone. I did have to put a moisturizer on before applying this glossy lip color, but I have super dry lips. I didn't have to reapply this color that much, though, because it acted like a lip stain. I will definitely be wearing this until it is gone. It is the perfect color for fall.

Dear Clark, Resurrecting Wash and Rinse

$24.00 each - 8.5 oz           

This shampoo and conditioner left my hair feeling super clean, and while it wasn't anything too special, I did love how it made my hair feel soft and light. This shampoo and conditioner smelled like patchouli, which isn't my favorite smell, but I can deal with it. The samples were hard to use because the bottles are made from a hard plastic, and I won't be buying the full size because it costs too much for something that's not that special. 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

$79.00 - 30 ml       

I'm not too thrilled about this sample. It is super small and I don't really see myself needing this product. It claims to remove dark spots and even skin tone, but this product wouldn't be enough to cover my entire face twice so I wouldn't really be able to notice any improvements. I'm saving this for the only part of my face that really has dark spots, which is under my eyes. I haven't noticed a difference yet, but I hope that I'll eventually be able to see a difference. 

I am completely in love with half of this box! I wish it could be a complete win, but there is always next month. I can definitely mix these products into my new fall routine. I estimate this box to be worth $30.98 which is way more than the $10 I spent. Birchbox has always been worth the value. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you can receive a both full of samples and full size beauty items curated just for you. 

Ispy August 2014 Review - Beauty Schooled

My Ipsy Glam Bag is here for August and I can't wait to see what the theme is for the month. Ipsy is a beauty subscription bag that comes with both samples and full size items in a makeup bag for $10 every month. 

This month's theme is Beauty Schooled. It is the middle of August and school goes back into swing in a couple of weeks, so these items are will help perfect this years new beauty routine. Unfortunately, I am all done with school, but hopefully these items will help me freshen up my look. 

At first glance, I am not completely into this bag or the items inside. I don't like the plastic, polkadot bag, and the none of the items inside look that exciting. I hope that once I sample each one of these they will have more to offer.

Absolute Lip Balm You're the Balm in Green Apple

$5.99 for 2 - 12 g          

I wasn't too excited to see this sample in my bag because I already own this product, but at least I will have a backup if my original one goes missing. This isn't a lip balm I would use to deeply replenish my chapped lips, but it is perfect for a nice glossy look when your lips are too chapped for lipstick. Plus, the green apple smell is so yummy and goes with the school theme. 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

$45 - 1 fl oz               

This primer blends so well and really diminishes your pores. Unfortunately, it left my face shiny, and when I used a powder to tone it down it made my the toner ball up. I will definitely be using this where my pores stick out the most, but I won't use this on my entire face again. I will happily use this sample, but I won't be purchasing the full size item.

Coastal Scents Forever Blush in Fresh and Elegant

$7.95 - 10 g             

These blushes are cuter than I expected. I was super disappointed by the size and colors, but was complete surprised when I tried them out. I was not into the glittery pink blush, but it blends so well and definitely could sport this color with a girly outfit. The bronzy. peach color of the second blush is perfect for my skin tone and could double as a bronzer for my pale skin.

Lord & Berry Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Silk

$19.35 - 4 g         

I am always happy to receive eyeliner in my Ipsy Glam bag, because I never buy it for myself. This eyeliner didn't glide on like I like it to, so I have to warm it up before I applied. It did look nice on, and it lasted the entire night. This is another sample that I'm happy to have, but will not be buying the full size item.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara 

$22.00 - 12 ml         

I have a hard time finding a mascara that I really like, and this one is one of the better that I've sampled. I like out it makes my lashes look longer and separated, but I wish it made them look even bigger. I will definitely use this as a base with another mascara to get the look I want.

At first sight, this Ipsy Glam bag was one of my least favorites, but after checking out the samples I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. None of these samples are must haves for me, but they will definitely add something different to my makeup collection. This month is now middle of the barrel. 

I estimate this month's Ipsy Glam bag to be worth $24.55, which is definitely more than the $10 I spent. If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. 

Try The World Review - Tokyo Box + 30% off Coupon Code 1st Box.

One of my favorite subscription boxes has arrived. Try the World is a subscription box that arrives every two months filled with food and culture from the featured city. I love that I can take a mini vacation to a new place with each box.

This month's box takes us to Tokyo, Japan. I am thrilled that Tokyo is the city for this box, because my boyfriend just went there without me, and now I can finally share the experience with him. Also, I'm interested in getting his point of view of the items included.

With every Try the World box, you get a collection a cards. These have listed the content with descriptions, tips on culture, food, and drinks, both classics and modern playlists, and movies. These are great for whenever you might actually visit the city, or a better way to enjoy the contents of the box with a movie or some music. 

Japanese Bamboo Chopsticks

$2.99 - each            $5.98

I love these chopsticks, and I really love that they came in a set of two, because I love to share. These look so oriental and heavy duty. They also have little grips on the end for grabbing difficult food. This box was complete with a crash course on using chopsticks. I already use them frequently, so the help wasn't needed, but it's perfect for the average box subscriber. 

Daiyo Shiko Origami Paper

$3.00 - 6 sheets

What I love about the Tokyo box compared to the Paris box is the additional lifestyle items along with the food items. This origami paper is no exception. Even though it is only 6 sheets of paper, each has a different, beautiful pattern. I haven't used them yet, because I don't think my origami is up to par, but I definitely will once I'm practiced up on regular paper. 

Konpeito Sugar Candy

$1.98 - 3.06 oz

This candy instantly reminds me of Tokyo. It is so colorful and full of character. I love that this box included something for your sweet tooth, but it is pretty plain in flavor. I think this item is more fun to eat than something to savor, but I am happy to just that.

Takaokaya Nori

$2.29 - 0.75 oz

Nori are roasted seaweed sheets which are found everywhere in Tokyo. They can be used to wrap up sushi, coned for rice balls, or just eaten plane. They are also a great source of many so nutrients. I have yet to eat these, and I am not sure if it's because I can't get over the fact that it is seaweed, or because I can't seem to master the craft of making sushi, but I definitely plan on trying to soon. 

Kingado Senbei

$4.99 - 10 pieces         $2.50

These Japanese rice crackers are the perfect snack for any Tokyo native. They can be cooked in so many different ways but are usually brushed with soy sauce. These have such a great simple taste. I could definitely snack on these all day, or when I need something to hold me over. This is one item I might be replacing once I run out.

Aoi Tea Matcha in Blueberry

$15.90 - 8 oz             $3.18

Tea is definitely a staple of Tokyo and this tea is the gourmet of teas. I love green tea, but I'm not usually a fan of blueberry flavors. This tea is great regardless and I can't stop drinking it. I've been paring this with all the other food items from this box. 

Imuraya Yokan

$16.00 - 3.52 oz

Yokan is a thick jellied desert made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar. These chewy bars are not my favorite, but I can see myself getting used to this sweet snack. These vegan treats were introduced when red beans and wheat flour replaced gelatin in foods in order to save the animals. Also, these treats are made with only all natural ingredients.

S&B Ginger in Tube

$2.99 - 1.41 oz

Ginger is definitely an acquired taste, and I've definitely learned to love it. This ginger in a tube is perfect for adding to sauces, marinades, or stir-frys in large or smaller amounts. I am going to use it primarily for dipping my sushi. I couldn't see this Tokyo box without any ginger because it is such a huge staple of the country. 

Morinaga & Company Milk Caramel Candy

$2.49 - 12 pieces

These caramels are from a Japanese recipe that is over 110 years old. Even though these caramels are really delicious, I am not thrilled to see them in the Tokyo box. Caramels were included in the Paris box, and I don't really think about the milky treat as a Tokyo staple. I wish that this item were replaced with something that were a little more Tokyo.

Overall, I loved this Tokyo box. I loved the mix of both food and culture items. I also loved that it included food items that I can cook new recipes with. I can't wait to try and cook things that I've only thought I could eat in a restaurant. I estimate that this box cost $40.41 which is less than I paid. But it isn't much less than, and I think it is completely worth it because I get to try new products that I would have tried without my subscription. 

If you would like to receive Try the World yourself, just click here. Plus, you will get 30% off your first box. Each new member starts with the Paris box and receives every city's box along the way. For only $45 a month you could be experiencing a new city every two months.