Bulu Box June 2015 Review

My Bulu Box has arrived for the month of June, and I am pretty excited. I love Bulu Box and the heath and fitness samples they deliver every month. Bulu Box only costs $10 to be delivered straight to your door. With each box purchased, you receive $5 in rewards to spend in their shop on full size items. You also get $1 for each item you review from your bag. That means each box is initially free, or even worth more depending on the amount of samples you receive. 

Each Bulu Box comes with a heath or fitness card that can help you to become a healthier person. It also comes with a itemized card that not only describes each item, but it also lets you journal the effects. I always keep these and write everything down. Then, when it comes time time to use my reward points, I can go back and see what items I liked the most. Plus, it is fun to remember what items I've received in the past. 

UP4 Adult Probiotics

$36.95 - 60 capsules        

I have been catching every cold, flu, and itchy throat as of late, which is probably due to the long work hours and stress that comes with. I took this supplement when I was starting to feel low on energy and a little bit of an itchy throat. This cleared it up within a day. Unfortunately, I did notice the same feeling come back a few days later, so it didn't get rid of it completely. I do wish I had more of a sample so I could see if this works over a longer period of time. I may just have to purchase the full size product. 

UrgentRx Upset Stomach Relief To-Go

$15.98 - 12 packets        



Bulu Box always delivers natural remedy samples with their subscriptions. Sometimes they are something that I really like, and other times, they aren't something I would really use. This sample is the middle of the road for me. I don't have upset stomaches that often, so I don't have that much of a need to use this, but I will save it for when I do need it. I almost prefer to take a tablet then to spread something over my food or toss it in my drink. I hope this works when I actually need it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Bach RESCUE Pastilles Natural Stress Relief in Cranberry

$15.49 - 2 containers           

I took one of these pastilles when I was stressing about my long to-do list. These little tablets have a light, tart cranberry taste. I was surprised that these weren't too chewable. They are a hard gummy texture that you have to suck on for a while. I didn't mind this at all. I did notice a difference with my stress. It seemed to slowly melt away. I tend to have a lot of stress with work and obligations, so I hope this will help me relax I am a fan of these, and would be interested in trying different flavors.  

Xlear Natural Saline Nasal Spray

$14.99 - 1.5 fl oz   

I don't have allergies too badly in the Spring, but my boyfriend gets them pretty badly each year. I gave this to him to try out, and he really liked it. The saline gel really cleared up his nose, and he could breath like normal. It didn't last buy a few hours, though, and it didn't clear up any of his others symptoms. This is a good alternative to over the counter drugs, but for a full day's relief, it makes more sense to just take something that will last all day and clear up everything in the meantime. 

Martha Stewart Essentials Women's Multivitamin 

$16.99 - 60 capsules           

This is the second item I've received from Martha Stewart's new herbal remedy collection, and it's another full bottle! I take a multivitamin almost everyday, so this is a great addition to my bathroom cabinet. I think that Martha's brand is of great quality, and while I don't really feel a difference when taking these, I know that I am getting all the nutrients I need. Also, I love that this is a full size bottle. I am getting my money's worth from this box with this item alone. I am always happy to receive a full size of any item!

Food For Sleep Recovery Drink 

$24.00 - 6 2.5 oz bottles         

First off, this little bottle of sleep serum doesn't taste very good. You can taste a little of the tart cranberry flavoring, but mainly it is just gross. This reminded me of taking Nyquil. It is a light syrup that made me cringe after every drink. I took this at night when I was having some trouble falling asleep. I drank the bottle and layed down. This didn't help me sleep at all. I was up for at least another hour. This definitely didn't work for me, and it was too painful to drink. This sample just wasn't for me and I won't be purchasing anymore.    

This month's box was both great and not too exciting for me. I love the full size multivitamins, the stress relieving pastilles, and the probiotic herbal supplements. The others, I could just do without. I estimate this box to be worth $36.44, which is a lot more than the $10 I spent, and that isn't counting the $11 this box came with in reward dollars for their online shop. While some of these samples weren't my favorites, the good definitely outweighs the bad.

If you would like to try Bulu Box for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month, you could be on your way to a healthier you. 

Ipsy Glam Bag June 2015 Review - Swim into Beauty

My Ipsy Glam Bag has arrived for the month of June, and I am excited to see what is inside. I did look at a few cheats, but even those don't tell you exactly what you're going to get, so I have no idea what is going to be inside. Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription box with both sample size and full size items that is delivered straight to your door for only $1 a month. The value is always great too. 

This month's theme is Swin Into Beauty. They themes haven't really been making much sense except they always go along with the season or the holiday. Also, the products don;t tend to go along with the theme. I love the theme of a box, and love seeing how the items coincide. That portion of Ipsy always leaves me a little disappointed. I'm not that big of a fan of the bag either. It is really dark for the theme and feels like a diaper. I will hand this one off to one of my friends.  

This month's bag seems to be filled to the brim. I also looks like there are some full size items in the mix too. I can't wait to see what is inside, and how, if at all, it goes with the theme. Now looking at the bag a little closer, I could see this bag resembling the colors of a bikini, or something similar to swimming. In other words, it is growing on me. 

Selfie Tan'n Go Instant Face Bronzer

$16.00 - 1 oz

This is the first time I've seen a product like this, and I wasn't really how or if it would work. At first, I definitely used too large of a portion, but I learned quickly of my mistake. This clear liquid with bronzer beads quickly turn into a dark brown formula. My face looked really dark, and really fake. But, I was surprised at how well it worked. The second time I applied it, I used a good amount, and it did make my skin a shade darker. I would never actually buy this product. because it left a weird film on my face, and I felt like I needed to wash my face. Also, I have pinkish skin, and this product enhanced the red. I might use this on the rare occasion, but I feel like I'd have to cover any exposed skin around my face for it to not look too weird. 

SheaMoisture Shea Butter Lip Crayon in Sarah 

$9.99 - 0.1 oz

SheaMoisture is a new brand that I've been hearing about a lot recently. It is all natural ingredients, which has become more important to me over the last few years. Chemicals are everywhere, and it is nice to find some ways to not use them on your body. This lip crayon goes on smoothly and kept my lips moisturized. I had to reapply a few times throughout the night, and I was a little self conscious about this wearing off in weird ways. I don't think I would have chosen this color, but I'm glad that Ipsy sent it to me, because that way I can explore different and new colors. I like this brand and I will keep trying out their products. 

smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer 

$36.00 - 1 fl oz           

I am a huge fan of the smashbox brand, and I love all of their products. That is why I am so surprised that I did not like this product. I don't think that it actually works. I applied it on my face before the rest of my makeup as a primer. Besides the fact that it held my makeup in place a little better than a bare face, it didn't create a "Photo Finish." I thought it would fill in my pores or shield my fine wrinkles, but it really did neither. I am not happy with this sample and won't ever purchase. I hope other people are getting better results, but this product really sucks for m. 

treStiQue Shadow Crayon in Aspen Pine 

$26.00 - color & smudge              

I wasn't sure what this item was at first, so a item description card would have been a nice addition. I did go online and found out that it is an eyeshadow. This is normally a little darker than I like to use, but I am into trying new things. I rubbed this on my eyelids and it layed thick wherever I put it. The normal product comes with a smudge, which definitely necessary with this product. I tried to smudge with my finger, but it just wiped it off. I will have to buy an beauty tool or find something I have lying around the house to use as a smudge, or this product just isn't usable. 

BioRepublic Fiber Mask in Aloe Rescue, Green Tea Detox, and Cucumber Breeze 

$14.95 - 3 masks

I love face masks. They turn your house into a mini spa anytime you like. Plus, they make your skin feel amazing. I've never used a sheet mask before, so this was a new experience. I went with the green tea mask first. You have to unfold it very carefully, because it is pretty wet, and the sheets could rip. On the face, this mask was a little funny. I looked a little scary. The mask itself was cooling and felt full of good ingredients. I also liked how this smelled. So light and pretty. After 20 minutes with this mask on my face, it left my skin refreshed and hydrated. I just tapped the leftover product into my face. I am excited to use the other two. 

This month's bag is worth an estimated $56.44. I only spend $10, so that is a good amount of value. Really, I only spent $10 on this Glambag. I am only completely happy with two of these five items, so that is a little disappointing  I feel like Ipsy tends to have items that are a little cheaper, and or a little too new. At least I got to sample these before I purchased the full size and didn't like it. Also, the theme is Swim into Beauty, and I would not swim in any of these products. I wish the themes made more sense. 

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month, you could get beauty samples and full size items delivered right to your door in a cute makeup bag. 

Birchbox June 2015 Review - Say Yes!

This month's Birchbox has finally arrived. The last few month's, my Birchbox came during the second week of the month. Since this box didn't arrived until the second to last week, it seemed like forever. I must be a little spoiled. Or, a lot spoiled, because I get Birchbox every month. Birchbox is a beauty sample subscription box for $10 a month filled with great new beauty products and has the best rewards program. I don't think I will ever cancel this subscription, because I love this box so much. 

I saw the three different style boxes for this month in the spoilers, and I love the one that came to me. I love the ombre pattern, and these colors are my favorite. I love that birchbox now decorates it's box every month. I keep the cute ones on my book shelf for storage, while others I use as storage in my bathroom cabinet. 

This month's theme is Say Yes! I really like this theme. It is so easy to be lazy and turn down invitations because I'm tired, or I don't want to get ready. Also, by saying no, we all could miss out on opportunities that might not ever come our way again. By saying yes, we all get to live a little more. This theme is perfect for June, because it is heating up outside, and we can all be a little more adventerous with our style, with our makeup, and just in general. I hope these products help me Say Yes!

Birchbox Plus

RumbaTime Orchard Gloss Watch in Lights Out

$45.00 - $28 w/ Birchbox Plus

For the last year or so, Birchbox has offered Birchbox Plus, which are a few additional items, usually accessories, that are offered with your BIrchbox for a discounted price. Usually, I like the items, but they aren't something I need, or I don't want to spend more money on something I don't love. This month, they featured a watch I have been eyeing for a while. It is normally $45, which is why I didn't buy it before, but with the discounted rate of $28, I really couldn't pass up on the offer. Plus, I knew it would be out of stock for a while after featuring it with their subscription. I love this watch, and it is really durable, while making my outfit look a little classier. I am glad I splurged on this, and will be more willing to purchase more of their plus options. Look at me, I already went with their theme and said yes!

Supergoop! Everday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology

$48.00 - 18 oz                

I've received a Supergoop! product before, and it was very similar to this item. I am not complaining, though. I do like the Supergoop! brand, and I love receiving high end sun block in my Birchboxes, because I don't tend to splurge on these items, and they save my face from wrinkles down the road. While this tube sample wouldn't be enough product to cover my whole body, I will save this to use solely on my face. I'll save the cheaper stuff for my body. I don't notice a difference with the Cellular Response Technology, but I bet it is doing something. This goes on light, and it doesn't smell like your basic sunscreen. This will help me protect my skin when I get outside after saying yes!

Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water

$32.00 - 8.4 oz              

This was my sample choice of the month, and while it was a hard decision between a face wash / toner and cool firming eye gels, I am happy with this sample. I love toners, and this one cleans off all your makeup while purifying. I used this after a night out when I was too tired to wash my face, and it prevented me from gross, pimply skin in the morning. It does leave a super light film on your face, but I didn't care, and you could always rinse it off. I am really milking this sample, because I like it so much. The full size is a little expensive, so while I still will probably buy it, I want to make the most of what I already have. 

Pure Vida Lace Headband 

$18.00 - 8 pieces           

This headband was a Bonus item for the month, which makes me happy, even if I am not completely satisfied with the product. This neon, sherbert orange color isn't exactly my favorite and the doily pattern isn't my style, but I will happily wear this when I need to pull back my hair at home or while working out. I saw that other people received hair ties, which I would have much rather preferred. But, since this was an extra item, I can't complain too much. This headband was both simple and sturdy. I will definitely keep an eye out for her other items.  

Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Eyeshadow Quad

$19.95 - palette             

This sample wasn't one I was too thrilled with to begin with, but has grown to be one of my favorites of the month. I am not one to wear actual color on my eyelids, I usually opt for brown and white shades, but these colors are great. I like the gold shimmer with a little bit of deep reddish purple or dark lilac. Plus, this formula leaves the perfect amount of pigment on my eyes and lasts all night. I've received a Coastal Scents product before, and while I thought it was a cheaper brand, this product has really opened my eyes. These colors are the perfect example of me saying yes!

Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter 

$19.50 - 13.4 oz            

I really like this shampoo. It smells so yummy, like a mango margarita, and left my hair soft, smooth, and manageable. It had a nice lather, but I wish it were a little easier to spread over my hair. My arms and hands were actually tired after scrubbing my scalp. My hair wasn't exactly dry, but this shampoo definitely added some life back into my hair. The new shininess is proof. I wish I didn't love this so much, because I'd rather fall in love with a cheaper shampoo, but I seriously cannot resist. I will definitely be buying this from Birchbox very soon. 

Klorane Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter 

$16.00 - 5.07 oz            

This is a small sample, so I didn't think I'd get much of a judgement from the uses, but I could tell a major difference with one use. This conditioner was heavier, so I didn't have to use as much to get it through my entire head of hair. I liked that I could comb my fingers through my hair in the shower, and it rinsed out easily. My hair was a little difficult to comb afterwards, but after it dried, my hair was soft, shiny, and bouncy. I love this conditioner. Also, it smells amazing!

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Indigo 

$11.00 - 1.2 g             

I've received a blue eyeliner before, which is a refreshing against all the black eyeliners I normally receive. I like how the blue eyeliner gives a new, cool look, and it really makes my blue eyes pop. Plus, it goes well with my other makeup choices like my go to coral lipstick. This eyeliner goes on smoothly, really, really smoothly, and lasted all night. I was able to rub it off when I rubbed my eyes, so its not too permanent. When Birchbox said that everyone would receive a Marcelle eyeliner in their box, I thought that it meant we would get the full size product, but it is only a sample. I guess I don't go through eyeliner that often anyways, so this will last me a long while. 

I am really happy with this box and all seven, yes SEVEN, samples that I received. I estimate this box to be only worth $11.67, which is pretty low compared to what I've received before, but I don't really care. I love all these samples, and I get $7 to spend in their shop after reviewing all of these. The bonus was a fun product that I will definitely use, and I am so happy I splurged on the Birchbox Plus item. It is something that I've been eyeing, and the discount made it a must. I am going to say yes to all of these products. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month, you could receive beauty samples and full size items delivered to your doorstep every single month. 

Target Men's Beauty Box - Summer 2015

Along with this seasons Target Beauty Box is this Father's Day Box. I really like this idea, but I didn't think my father would use these items, so I bough it for my boyfriend. He is so used to seeing subscription boxes come in the mail for me, so I thought it would be fun for him to get one of his own. This box only cost $5, and it is always fun when Target comes out with more than one with a season. Why not just buy them all. 

I was wondering what the inside card would say, because this is the first box I've seen directed towards a dude, and this made me smile. I also am happy with the items listed on the back. It is good to know what the item is, how much it costs, and what it does. These were all pretty straightforward, but sometimes I will get an item that I am not 100% sure what it is. 

Orabrush Tongue Cleaner

$4.49

This tongue cleaner was a perfect item for my boyfriend. He doesn't always brush his tongue, and this will remind him to do so. The first time he used this, he was surprised by how well it worked. He said he really noticed a big difference. I could also sense the fresher breath when he gave me a kiss. I like that this is reusable, and they suggest to get a new one with each toothbrush. I think this will be a new custom for him in our household. 

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor

$12.59

This razor alone makes this box worth the cost. Razors are always so expensive, and this one is brand new, so that makes the price go up too. My boyfriend really liked the close shave this gave him. He says that the ball gives the blade a motion he's never seen before, which really helped the blade contour to his face. I did notice that the blade did actually give him a knick, but that tends to always happen with your first use. It is nice, but my boyfriend says he wouldn't buy it for the price. This would be a timesaver item, though.  

Dove Men + Care Oxygen Charge Shampoo

$5.99 - 25.4 oz                    

My boyfriend wasn't too excited about this item. He tends to not really pay attention to what goes on in the shower, because he is normally still half asleep. I did see that his hair was a little bouncier, and it smelled great. He did like the smell too. I wish this was a two-in-one product or came with a conditioner, because he definitely needs something after shampoo to soften those locks. I think he might recognize this in the store and purchase it on a later date. 

Axe Styling Messy Look Gel

$6.29 - 6 oz                   

My boyfriend doesn't normally do anything with his hair and only has one hair product, so I thought it was funny when I saw that this is the exact same product he already has. This is a good thing, because I know he will use this. He really likes how this clay-like hair gel holds his hair without making it crunchy or shiny. Also, when it wears down throughout the day, you only need a little bit of water to reset your look. I like this travel size container, because now he has one to pack up with him when we go on trips. 

Axe Styling Spiked Up Extra Hold Gel

$6.29 - 6 oz             

This is a new hair product for him to try out, and unfortunately, he didn't like it as much. This one definitely has a stronger hold, but with the stronger hold comes crunchier and greasier hair. He doesn't really do a spiked up look, so this item isn't really for him. He does like how it smells, though, and I agree. This really makes him smell more masculine, even if it reminds me of my high school days a little. 

I am really happy with this box, and so is my boyfriend. There is only one item that he does  really care about, but it will probably end up using it. This box cost $5 and I estimate it to be worth $18.86. That is a little more than Target estimated, but I'm happier with my number. This was well worth the price to me also, because it was so much fun to see my boyfriend go through each product and help me critique them. It was really cute and a fun bonding moment. 

I will always get the additional boy's Target Box when it is available. The value is always good, and my boyfriend was happy use all the products. I hope that Target continues to do this in the future. 

Target Beauty Box - Summer 2015

The Target Beauty Box has already been released for Summer, which came super quickly after the Spring Box. I am not complaining, though. Target Beauty Box is one of my favorite boxes. They are a great value, and I like to sample drug store items along with the high end items that I get in other boxes. I like that Target shows you what you get for what price, so you can decide if it is worth it for you before you buy it. But, because it is so cheap, I'm talking $7, I don't see how it wouldn't be worth it. 

Each season's box comes with a item card. These tell you what each item is, what it costs, and how to use it. I am glad that this comes with this card, because sometimes I am not 100% sure what the items are. Plus, if I love an item, and can instantly see if it is affordable. 

Olay Regenerist Luminous HydraSwirl Eye Cream

$23.99 - 5 oz           

This is a great product. One that I will use and love. I have really dark under eye circles, mostly from lack of sleep, but also because of genetics, and this has made them noticeably lighter. I am not sure how this product goes in or comes out of the swirled container, but it is pretty cool. I like Olay, and this is an item that I wouldn't normally purchase for myself. But, since this box only cost $7, I can say I am happy I received this sample in my box. Plus, that it is definitely worth it. I use a tiny amount every night, so this will last me forever!

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Gladiolus

$7.99 - 0.1 oz 

This is a true red, and not your normal lipstick. Also, this is another full size item. This lip color looks great on, and gives the classic red lip look. I like that it felt like moisturizer going on, but after a while, my lips dried out. Also, I had to reapply a few times. It would be difficult for me to wear this lipstick for a full night out without the ability to do multiple mirror checkups, because this color wearing off would be quite noticeable. I wish it were more long lasting, because I really like this lipstick and the true red color. 

SinfulColors Professional Nail Color in Thimbleberry

$1.99 - 1.5 oz

I've received this item before for free in a different color, so I wasn't too happy to receive it in a box I payed for. I do like that it is another full size item, and I do like this color, though. It isn't the nicest nail polish I've ever used, but it goes on nicely and only starts to chip away after a few days of wear. I could definitely see this on my toe nails all summer long, so this is perfect for their summer box. 

Cutex Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover Pads

$3.99 - 10 pads                

I don't wear a whole lot of nail polish, so I seriously do not have nail polish remover in my house. I usually pick it off with my nails or repaint overtop, so this is an item I will definitely use. It is true, you only need one wipe to get all 10 nails, and they worked pretty well. I do like this idea of a presoaked pad, because you would normally have to use a cotton ball of your own. This does make it a little pricier though, and it uses much more packaging waste. I think after these samples, I am going to buy a bottle of the normal nail polish remover instead. 

Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo

$7.99 - 1.7 oz

I love this dry shampoo so much. I actually have received this item before, and I used it to the last drop. This dry shampoo works really well, and turns my second day hair into freshly manageable non greasy hair. Also, this smells great, which is important with something you end up smelling all day. I am going to definitely use this up, and now that I know target sells this for a good price, I will purchase it over and over and over. Also, I am trying to wash my hair less, and this helps save my hair from oil stripping shampoos. 

I estimate this box to be worth $30.65, which is a little less than Target gave, but still worth the cost. I only spent $7 on everything, including shipping. I am really happy with three of the five samples. The two nail products just aren't for me. But, for everyone else, this would be a great box. Besides the color of the nail polish, I don't really see why any of these products would be specific to summer, which makes me a little disappointed.  

Besides not being seasonal specific, I really enjoy this box. I like getting drug store items that I can afford from a place that I go regularly. Once seasons change, I always keep an eye open for these Target Beauty Boxes, because they tend to go quickly.