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. 

Birchbox October 2014 Review - Fanfare

My favorite subscription box has arrived, and I can't wait to see what is inside. The month of October is my favorite so I have high expectations for this box in particular. Birchbox is a month subscription box full of samples and full size items that fit your beauty profile for only $10 a month. 

Every once in a while the inside box comes in a different color or pattern, but this month is back to it's normal light brown. Unfortunately, those colorful boxes seem to always have a special extra tucked inside, but who knows, this one could be just the same. 

This month's theme is Fanfare, which perfectly fits this month for me. I am such a huge fan of fall, new TV seasons, and all the things that come with October. I hope this box has some of Birchbox's favorites which will soon become my own.                                                                                                      

dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner

$45 - 1 oz            

Dr. brant is such a great brand. I was so excited to see another one of his products in my Fanfare box. This really helps clean out my pores and practically makes them disappear. Plus, it smells great, which is a plus for a product that I use mostly around my nose. I am a big fan of this, and will continue to be for a while.  

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick Trio in Kitten

$20.00 - Three 0.13 oz Lipsticks               

As one of the picks for this month's choose a sample, I decided to go with this lipstick hoping it would become my new obsession. My wish came true, because I love this product. The color just enhances my natural lips, but the matte finish puts a new spin on products I've tried before. Also, this leaves my lips soft and moisturized. I've already been looking into other colors that are available in this line. 

beautyblender + deluxe solid cleanser

$28.95 - 2 Sponges       

This product actually helped my foundation go on smoothly and more evenly creating a more natural made up face. Plus, it is so soft on my skin. This full sized item also came with a cleanser to clean the blender after use. I love receiving beauty tools along with my samples in my Birchboxes, so this was awesome to see. But, I don't like having to clean it after each use. I don't really have time for that. I will probably use for special occasions. 

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy

$13.95 - 6 oz       

I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this hand cream, because the sample's container felt dated. The smell is yummy and subtle and reminded me of lush products my mother used to own. This hand therapy cream is thicker than I thought and you only need to use a small amount. Plus, it left my hand silky smooth and hydrated. I am going to start using this product as my daily hand cream. 

SAGE + fasten Onward Eau de Parfum

$50.00 - 50 ml         

I've been searching for a citrusy fragrance to use as my staple, so I was really excited to see this in my box. While it does have citrus notes, the strength of this smell is with the apple. Because of this, it isn't my favorite perfume, but it did make me feel happier. I am still hoping for something a little lighter, but maybe after this sample is gone I'll want to buy the full size. 

This has got to be my favorite Birchbox ever. Not only does it contain different products of brand that I love, or new brands that I'm a new fan of, it was win after win for me. I will definitely do some shopping after these samples. I estimated this box to be worth $32.40 which is on the lower end for the worth of contents inside, but that just means the full size items will be nicer to my wallet. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself. just click here. I have definitely discovered a ton of new products I love, and now you will too!

Ipsy September 2014 Review - Street Style

My  September Ipsy Glambag has arrived. I continue to receive Ipsy every month for $10 because I love the beauty samples, fully size beauty items, and the new makeup bag fitting the theme. It is also such a fun surprise to see what each month bag has in store for me.

The theme for the month of September is Street Style. this month is all about creating that urban look perfect for a night out in the city. I am not entirely thrilled about this theme, but I do live downtown and I'm always looking for ways to spruce up my look.

This month's makeup bag definitely fits the theme. It has a shiny metallic color with a border of studs. It could seriously be doubled as a clutch if you forgot a bag to go out in while visiting a city, but I will probably just use it for my makeup. This isn't really my style, but it is growing on me. 

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

$26.00 - 5.25 oz       

My hair is normally on the greasy side, so I try to use a light conditioner. On that not note, this item isn't really for me. I don't really care for the smell either. It smells like a spicy flower. I will probably save this for the next time I dye my hair, and the sample is big enough  to get a few uses. 

NYC Hot Singles Eye Shadow in Innocent & Crown Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush

$4.50 - 1.5 g

At first glance, I really liked this color, but after applying, it is a little dark for everyday wear. Besides that, the color really stood out without having to apply a ton of layers. The single case is also very cute, and I can throw this in anywhere to give myself touchups during the day. I will use this as a base for nights out when I will be wearing darker makeup. 

$17.50


I am in love with this makeup brush. I love that Ipsy includes tools along with the products in some of the Glambags. This is a duel ended brush, so it can be the only brush you need when applying eye makeup. I like the round thicker end when applying a base, and the sharp edged end is perfect for hitting the crease. I'm impressed with this Crown brush and will be looking into purchasing some more. 

Pacifica Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil in Fringe

$11.00 - 0.1 oz             

I have about ten eyeliners and all of them are black, so I was excited to see a new color, and one that works well with my skin tone. This eyeliner goes on so smoothly and the brown color blends in perfectly, even with black mascara. I wore this to a casual wedding, and I felt dressy without going over the top. It is a great eyeliner for any snappy casual event. 

Hikari Lipstick in Cabernet

$13.00 - 3.8 g

This dark red lip color is definitely darker than what I'm used to, but it fits perfectly with the theme, and I'm always willing to try out new makeup colors. Lip colors when not mixed with a moisturizer normally dry out my lips, but this product made my lips feel silky smooth. I will still probably use a moisturizer before or after applying this, but I could really go without. Overall, I am mostly impressed with this product and will be throwing in my clutch for the next evening out on the town. 

This month of September's Ipsy Glambag had some hits and misses, but it was an overall success. I've found a few new products that I can no longer live without, and some others that will help me enhance my street style. The products usually fit in with each month's theme, which is another reason I'm a huge fan of Ipsy. I estimate this bags products to be worth an estimated $43.04, which is much more that the cost. I can't wait to see what next month has in store. 

If you would like to try out Ipsy Glambag for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you can test out new makeup products that just could become some of your staples.