Ipsy Glambag February 2015 Review - #ipsyLOVE

My Ipsy Glambag for February has arrived and right in time for Valentine's Day! I like how a lot of subscription boxes will get out there box early in February so it arrives before the holiday. That is great, too, because they are usually themed with love or are packed with things to use on the holiday. 

This month's theme is #ipsyLOVE. I thnk the hashtag is a little dumb, and I am really sick of models all over the card, but at least the theme is Valentine's day related. Just what I wanted. I hope there are some items in here that I can use on the big day.

The bag isn't as jam packed as normal, but these items look really fun. There seems to be a variety of items. I hope that I find some items that I love. No pun intented. 

eva.nyc Up All Night Volumizing Spray

$24.00 - 8 oz     

I don't usually blow dry my hair, so I used this as an after work refresh before going out on the town. This did freshen up my hair and gave it more volume. I also love the way it smells. This is a great product, except it left my hair a little crunchy. I guess I'll take that over flat hair any day!

GLAMGLOW Brightmud Eye Treatment

$69.00 - 12 g    

At first impression, I though this was another cheap brand, but after looking at their website and the price, I quickly realized the opposite. I am all about face masks and eye creams, and this is the perfect blend of the two. The gel/mud scrub rests under your eyes like a mask. After one use, I could already see some improvement with my dark circles. I used only one pod for both eyes so my sample will last longer, and it was plenty. I probably won't be buying this, because it's a little on the expensive side.

rob. Scheppy for tini beauty Powder Shadow in Pearl Fizz

$12.00 - 1.6 g 

This is my least favorite product from this month's box. I tend to get a lot of little eye shadows from Ipsy, and they all tend to be whites and beige. I would like to try some new colors. Also, this white goes on thick. It almost reminds me of my middle school days. It looks like this company is going out of business, because there website is down. I don't really care, because I wouldn't be purchasing products from them anyways. I guess I could use it as a base or for highlighting. I really don't want to just throw it away. 

City Color Cosmetics Lip Balm in Berry 

$3.99 - 2.1 g

I have been wearing some pretty fun colors lately, so this will definitely get used. It is a full size item, but it's a cheap brand, so I'm not sure if this is a win or a lose. Overall, I like the product. The lipstick is moisturizing and stays for a long time. My only complaint is the color on is a lot different than the color in the tube. I'm alright with getting cheap brands if the product is great. I'm interested in seeing what else this brand has to offer.

ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder in Peach Bellini 

$22.00 - 8 g         

I am already a huge fan of ModelCo, and this blush didn't let me down. I like the classic pink, and it goes really well with my light skin. I've been looking for a new blush, and I think this is the winner. It isn't full size, but it's almost half the size of the full, so it is a pretty nice sample. Plus, this size will last me forever.

    
La Fresh Group Eco-Beauty Good Day. Day Moisturizer

$40.00 - 1.7 oz   

This was an item that I received using my points. It was in last month's box, and I was a little disappointment not to see it in mine, but at least I can sample it now. I am really liking this face lotion. It moisturizes well and dries completely, which is great for wearing makeup over. I like all the natural ingredients too. A lot of people complained about the smell, but I kinda like it. This is a pretty nice sized sample, and it will last a while with me. I might even after to purchase the full size.

This is a really great bag. I love the Valentine's day theme and all the products but one. I also finally got to spend some of my points on something I really like. Plus, there is one full size item and two deluxe size items that I won't ever run out of. Ipsy does a really great job of delivering full size goods, even if the brand is cheap. I estimate this bag to be worth $40.39 without the lotion and $52.15 with. That is a great deal for the $10 it costs. That doesn't even include the price for the makeup bag. 

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. You will get past the waiting list using this link!

Birchbox February 2015 Review - Rent the Runway

My February Birchbox has arrived, and I was shocked to see it at my doorstep, because I had yet to receive shipping information. I know that Birchbox likes to get them out before Valentine's Day in February, but this is early! I already know what I am going to get, because I picked the curated box of the month from the creators of Rent the Runway. I normally like the surprise, but I was loving almost all the items that they picked out, so I decided to give this month a try.

This box is super cute. I love the vintage flowers on the side. I may have to reuse this one and place it on one of my shelves. It would be great storage for jewelry, notes, or even samples I've received from Birchbox! This box is already perfect for Valentine's Day.

I am really excited to try out these items. I am not so sure about the eyeliner or the lip gloss, but the dry shampoo, body wash, and face scrub were all selling points for me. I also like how this box is Valentine's Day themed. Birchbox doesn't always do a great job picking samples for their theme or the big holiday of the month.

Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo

$10.00 - 1.7 fl oz

This was the one item that I was most excited about, and the main reason I picked the Rent the Runway curated box. I've been wanting to sample some dry shampoos, because the two full size products I've purchased leave a white residue, and leave my hair looking dirtier than before. This item didn't leave the white residue, but I didn't make my hair feel that fresh. Maybe my hair just doesn't work well with dry shampoo, because it is so fine, but this is the best out of the three I've tried. I will definitely use this one until I find something better. It smells great, and at least made my ponytail look less dirty.

theBalm Cosmetics Read My Lips Lip Gloss in Bam!

$15.00 - 0.3 oz            

This is a really sweet color for the month of love. I'm not usually a fan of lip glosses because they leave my lips dry, but this kept them subtle without stickiness. This is my second item from this brand, and I've loved both. I also saw the entire line at Kohl's this weekend. Very accessible! This was one of the items I wasn't too excited about, and it ended up being one of my favorites. Plus, it goes so well with Valentine's Day. I will definitely be wearing this on the special day.

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner in Raina

$11.00 - 0.06 oz        

This is another item that I wasn't too sure of, because I never wear a color eyeliner that strays from black or brown. That being said, I love this color on me. I have blue eyes, and it makes them pop. I can wear all my favorite coral colors on my face with this blue eyeliner, because they mesh so well. This eyeliner goes on smooth, and lasts forever. So much that I had a hard time getting it off at night. Great brand and great product.

derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub

$12.75 - 4 oz            

I am in love with face scrubs, and this promises to reduce wrinkles. I have noticed some wrinkles forming on my face, and I would love to get those to disappear. This face scrub smell great, and I love the big scrubbing beads. Right after using this, my face feels fresh and looks more vibrant. Also, a little goes a long ways with this product, and this is a larger sample, so I hope to be using this for a while. When I'm out, I will definitely be purchasing the full size. It's a great price!

Not Soap, Radio Bubbles for Bath or Shower in The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrows In

$15.00 - Five 1.25 fl oz bottles       

I love themes, and this body wash / bath bubbles is perfect for Valentine's Day. It is loaded with Ginseng, which kicks up production of pheromones. That means that your body will produce more of your scent that promotes physical attraction. I wasn't impressed with the amount of bubbles, and when I used it as body wash, i had to use a little more product than I'm used to. Otherwise, I love the smell, and I love the brand. I want to try all of their scents!

Overall, I am super happy with this box,. It was nice to receive all items that I will use. I will definitely go with the guest curated box again if all the items are something that I will like. I did miss getting surprise samples, and have been looking at other blogs to see what I missed out on. But, I'd rather get items that I love than surprises I hate, right! I estimate this box to be worth $25.19. That is $15 more than I spent. The dry shampoo alone is worth $10!

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you can get five or more beauty samples selected by your beauty profile delivered straight to your door.

First Box Free (or Mostly Free) Subscription Boxes

I am always looking for subscription boxes that are free or close to free for their first box so I am able to sample them before I commit. I've made a list for myself and though I would share it with everyone. Be sure to read the fine print, because some of these companies like to charge you for another box before you even receive your sample in the mail. I hope you all have fun sampling. 

• Aloha is a relatively new subscription that offers daily vitamins, powder supplements, and superfood chocolate. The free trial gives you a two samples that you get to choose. All you have to do is pay $4.79 shipping. These are all great products, and I really enjoyed adding the powders into my smoothies. To get your free trial just click here. 

• Beauty Box 5 is a beauty sample subscription box that offers five samples and sometimes full size beauty items. The brands are all over the place, which is nice, because you can sample items in everyone's price range. Beauty Box 5 offers last months box for free with your subscription so you can get two months for $12. If you would like to try Beauty Box Five just click here and use code FREEBOX1.

• Birchbox is a beauty sample subscription box that offers five items each month curated to your beauty survey. I like Birchbox because their products are all high quality. This was my first and still my favorite subscription box. Use this link to get 100 points with your first Birchbox. That is $10 to spend in their shop. Birchbox is $10 a month so you basically get your first box free. Be sure to use the code BBSTORE100 when you check out. 

• Bulu Box is a sample subscription box that offers healthy, nutrition, and weight loss products for $10 a month. If you would like to try Bulu Box for yourself, just click here and use code FANTASTIC for your second box free, or use the code BULUGAN792 for half off any subscription. That would make your 3 month subscription only $15. Plus, you can review your items for money to spend in their shop so your subscription is technically free. 

• Conscious Box offers hand selected food, bath, beauty, and home products that are all natural and GMO-free. You can choose from the Classic, Vegan, or Gluten Free box. If you would like to try Conscious Box, just click here. You will get your first full size box free, just pay $6.95 for shipping. 

• ePantry is a self curated package that send you health and cleaning products from natural brands. You get to choose everything that gets shipped to you, so it's never a surprise and you are always saving money. Use this link to get $10 off your first shipment. You just have to spend $20 before your box will ship, but you are basically getting $10 free off items that you would buy anyways.  

• Farmivore is a fruit and vegetable subscription that sends you four prepackaged juicing recipes. I always drink the same three juices, and love that this offers more idea. I was so excited to try this, but it doesn't ship to my zip code.  If you would like to try Farmivore for 75% off just click here and use the code ADDICTION. That's only $9.95.

• Graze is a snack box that offers four homemade snacks with really fun recipes. Graze offers your first and fifth box free. They are $6 per month, so you get 5 boxes for $18. You can also cancel after your first box, which you will still get free. Just click here and use code DEANNA9XP.

• The Honesty Co is a new brand that offers natural items for cleaning, health & wellness, and baby. You can get two free trials for only $5.95 shipping. Just use this link and click on the free trial box at the top of the page. 

• Julep is a nail polish, nail tool, and beauty subscipriton box. Use code WOW to get your first box for 50% off. That is two nail polishes and a beauty item for only $12.49. Plus, you get to choose every product yourself or pick the curated box. 

• Kiwi Crate is a children's activity box full of crafts, toys, books, and stickers.     Use this link and get $10 off your first box. That is only $9.95 for a box full of fun for your kid, grandchild, or any youngin' in your life. I got this for my nephew, and he loved it!

• Le Tote is a clothing and jewelry subscription box that ships three items of clothing and two pieces of jewelry as many times as you like a month on a loan basis. If you love any item, you may purchase it at a disconted rate. Le Tote used to offer their first month free, but I could never get it to work. You can use TWICETHESTYLE to get $20 off your first month. Just click here. 

• Lip Monthly offers five lip products every month all in a cute makeup bag. Just click here and use code LIPLOVER1 for your first box half off. That's only $5. If that doesn't work you can also use 1ST699 for only $6.99 for your first month, 1ST299 for only $2.99 for your first month on a 4 month subscription, or 2FREE for two free boxes on an annual subscription. 

• Love With Food is a food snack box stocked full of items from their monthly theme. I have loved mostly all of the items from my subscription and it really did introduce me to a bunch of new snacks. Use this link and get your first box free. You only pay $2 in shipping. It is definitely worth the money. 

• Nature Box is another snack box made with all natural ingredients. These are all high quality treats, and I cannot stop eating them once I've started. You can get a free trial for only $2, just use this link.

• Nibblr is another snack subscription box, but the four containers of snacks are all created by Nibblr. They run $6.99 a month, but with this reference code 1376 you can get your first box free. Just click here. 

• Pet Gift Box is a pet box full of toys and treats for either your cat or dog or both! I like this box because it gives you the option between dog and cat, but the items are a little cheaper than what I'm used to with BarkBox. That being said, this box is so reasonably priced at $17.99 per box, and you can get $5 off your first box at $12.99. That is such a good price for how much you get inside. Just use this link. 

• Plated is a subscription box that delivers the exact ingredients and recipe cards for two different meals. All of their recipes are chef created, and mostly things I've never tried before. I like to do this for times I can't make it to the grocery store or have time to plan a meal. For only $10 you get two meals for two. You can add more if your family is larger. Just click here and use code FIRSTPLATED.

• Rocks Box is a jewelry subscription box that sends five items to you as many times as you like on loan. If you end up loving a piece, you can purchase it for a discounted price. Each month is $19, but you can get your first month free. Just click here and use code erinxoxo1.

• Scentbird is a monthly perfume subscription box. For $14.95 a month, you get an 8 ml spray of high end branded perfume, which is enough to last you a little longer than a month. By taking a quiz, they select a dozen perfumes that you would probably like. You get to choose each scent you receive each month. This is a great way to try out different scents without committing to a $100 bottle. To get your first box 50% off just click here and use the code BIRD50. That's only $7.48!

• Stunner of the Month is a sunglasses subsctription box that sends you a new pair of sunglasses for $9 a month. With the code trystunner you can get $2 off so your first pair will be $7. That is pretty cheap for a pair of sunglasses. It is also fun to try new styles that you wouldn't normally wear. Just use this link. 

• Swaag Box is a lady subscription box for that time of the month. You get a box of pads or tampons, a piece of jewelry, some makeup, and a sugar treat. You can get all this for $5 for your first box which normally goes for $8. That is less than I spend on a box of tampons alone so the first box is definitely worth it. If you want to try Swaag box just click here.

• Walmart Beauty Box is a beauty sample subscription that cost $5 per season. This box is full of drug store brands with mostly samples, but occasionally comes with a full size item. The box tends to not be worth much, but definitely more than what you pay. If you would like to try Walmart Beauty Box just click here. There is not coupon code needed. 

If you know of any other subscription boxes with great deals or their first box free, just leave a comment. Also, let me know if any of these coupon codes have changed so I can update this page. Have fun with all your new subscription boxes. I definitely had fun receiving all my subscription boxes and testing them out. 

Pinch Me Box Review - Box 6

Another Pinch Me box has arrived to my door. This time it is an envelope instead of a box, so there must be smaller samples inside. It always takes a couple of weeks for these items to arrive, so I always forget what is coming. Pinch Me are samples that are delivered to your door for absolutely nothing. You don't even pay shipping. 

This envelope seems like it would have barely nothing inside, but I am surprised at how many samples were stuffed inside. Even though there are quite a few samples, they tend to be on the smaller side. Let's see what's inside. 

Gevalia Kaffe House Blend Ground Coffee

$6.99 - 8 oz    .73

I've sampled their signature blend before, and it was too fancy for me. I like their house blend so much more. It is rich, without being too bitter, and I could drink it all day. I like that they give you enough for an entire pot so my entire family could enjoy it. I don't know if I will stray from my Maxwell House or Starbucks blends, but this was definitely fun to try out. 

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo for Fine, Flat Hair

$4.99 - 12 fl oz        .42

I've received the conditioner as a sample in an earlier box, so I am happy to finally receive the shampoo. I do like the Dove brand, and this smells great. It left my hair completely clean and left my hair weightless with tons of body. I like the sample size they give you, especially because it is free. It's reasonably priced, too, so I will definitely be purchasing the full size the next time I need shampoo. 

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin 

$4.99 - 5 fl oz         .16

I tend to prefer face washes that exfoliate with the little beads, because I feel like it gets a deeper clean, so this is right up my alley. I did like the citrus smell which was perfect for waking me up in the morning. I am always looking for new face washes and I could definitely see myself purchasing the full size item. This was a small sample, but it was enough to see if I like it.  

Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil Deep Nourish for Dry, Damaged Hair

$5.99 - 5 fl oz          .12

This oil from Garnier has five different uses. You can use this as a pre-shampoo treatment, conditioner booster, overnight leave in, blow dry accelerator, and ends finisher. I used it as a pre-shampoo treatment to protect my hair from the nutrient depleting shampoo. I did feel like it left my hair shinier, and it even felt healthier after one use. I really liked this sample, but I probably won't purchase the full size item. It's an extra step that I just don't need.  

This box had a lot of small and cheap samples, so I estimate this box to be worth about $1.50. It really doesn't matter, because I paid nothing for it. I am happy with my samples. There are a lot of beauty products along with my favorite drink, which is coffee. I will continue to order Pinch Me boxes for my free samples, because there really isn't a reason not to. 

If you would like to try Pinch Me for yourself, just click here.

Pinch Me Box Review - Box 5

Another Pinch Me box has arrived in the mail. I love receiving Pinch Me, because it is all completely free, and they are full of both full size items and small samples for me to check out. I've already found a few items that I now can't live without through Pinch Me, so I hope that this box has more items like that. 

There are quite a few different items in here for me to sample. Also, I notice a full size item. I love receiving my samples and especially full size items, because they are all completely free.

Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant in Wild Lavender

$5.99 - 64 g

I've never purchased all natural deodorant, because I hear that it doesn't really work. I know of the Tom's line, so if I were to sample one, it would definitely be this brand. The deodorant smells great, and it did work. It left my armpits a little sticky, and I had to reapply at the end of my long day, but it worked great. I would definitely reconsider using a natural brand so I don't cover myself in chemicals. Plus, this is a full size item. I basically have a full one to use for the next month. And it was free!

Gevalia Mocha Latte K-cup and Froth Packet

$9.29 - 6 pack    

At first, I thought that this was a two sample set, but after reading more into it, I see now that this is a two step process for one cup of coffee. Unforunatly, you do have to own a Keurig machine to sample this, which I don't own, but I did take it to work to check out. First, you empty the froth pack and dump its contents into your mug. You then use to same mug with the Keurig machine to brew your coffee. This two part system allows you to recreate a frothy mocha latte at your home and without an espresso machine. I think this is so cool, but I wouldn't purchase it in the future, because I don't drink lattes or cappuccinos. This is a great way to save time and money for those who do like them though. 

Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge Shampoo & Conditioner

$3.99 each - 13 fl oz     

I am already a fan of Garnier Fructis, so this is a product that I am excited to try before I buy. The smell reminds me of all of their products, so nothing new there, but it is still really nice. These dry winter months leave my hair staticy and limp, and this shampoo / conditioner duo replenished my hair back to normal. It did leave my hair a little heavy, but my hair is super thin and anything moisturizing tends to do that. I guess that's the price I have to pay. I love these small samples, and will consider buying the full size bottle. 

Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge 1-Minute Moisture-Replenish Treatment

$5.99 - 8.5 fl oz 

I love leave in treatments to give my hair a extra boost, and this product definitely did the trick. Again, it did leave my hair a little heavy, but it's my thin hair. This product will be perfect for me to use once a week to put my hair back to its hydrated self. Plus, it is so reasonably priced. It is like a high end product at a price that everyone can afford. 

This box didn't have as many samples as the last, but it is worth more than any I've had yet. I estimate this box to be worth $6, which is great because I spent nothing. I really like Pinch Me and trying out all the different samples. 

If you would like to try Pinch Me for yourself, just click here.