BoxyCharm September 2015 Review - Runway Ready

My BoxyCharm for September is here, and I am pretty excited to see what they have in store for me. This will only be my third box, and since I've already found some great new products, I can't wait to see what this month has in store for me. BoxyCharm is a monthly beauty subscription box with at least 4 full size items, but usually they all tend to be, and it only costs $21 per box. They tend to have a value of over $100, which is a crazy good amount for the price. 

This month's theme is Runway Ready. It isn't your typical fall box theme, but since fashion week does fall during the month of September, this does make sense. I do like this theme and how the products could easily go along with it. I hope there are some items to perfect my skin and makeup to get me ready for a big event of my own. I also hope that these items are trendy, just like the clothes around this time of the year. I can't wait to see what products will come along with this theme.  

Previse Skincare HydroMilk Hydrating Lotion

$48.00 - 2 fl oz

I am so excited about this face lotion in this month's box. I have so many night lotions, but my day lotion supply is dwindling down. This is the perfect lightweight, but hydrating formula I've ever used. It smells great with scents of lavender and geranium, which is pretty important, because you literally put it on your nose. Not only does this lotion contain only natural ingredients, but it fights free radicals. I would never purchase this item for this price, but I am happy I received it in this box. Plus, this will last me forever. 

Scratch Nails Lacework Nail Wraps

$12.00

I have yet to use nail wraps, mainly because I don't like the busy prints and graphics. If I would ever wear anything on my nails, this would be it. The lace is really delicate and the gold blocks are so fashionable right now. I think that these are perfect for fall too, because the colors are muted, but you still have the lace of summer. I bet these would look great on top of a fall color too. I think I will wear them on my bare nails. It makes the lace look more realistic. I like this item in this month's box. I wouldn't go out and buy this myself, so it was nice for it to be included in this box. After these, I may be more comfortable with buying others. 

Vasanti Professional Foundation Brush

$32.00

We received a Vasanti brush in our box just two month's ago, and I really enjoyed it. They are high quality brushes, and it is always nice having a brush for a specific application. Therefore you get a more natural look, and you don't have to clean them as frequently. I used this with my foundation, and it did a really good job blending it into my face. The bristles are nicely packed, too. I am a fan of this brush, and have been of every brush they've sent. Next time I am crossing my fingers for a kabuki brush, though. The two I have are getting old. But, they might surprise me with a brush that I didn't think I needed until I tried it. They tend to do that more often than not. 

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel

$18.00 - 0.17 fl oz

This month for subscription boxes has been all about eyebrows. I received a pencil in my Birchbox, and defining kit in my PopSugar, and now some gel in this BoxyCharm. My eyebrows are really blond, and not that noticeable, so these products really help. Also, I have two different eyebrow shapes, so this defining gel will definitely get used. I like that it is a medium hold without being crispy. I feel like if it were any stronger, my eyebrows would look wet and weird. I really like this hold, and it really kept the shape for a while. I think this will be an easy fix when I can't spend the time to color and shape. I really like this item!

tarte smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Gunmetal

$22.00 - 0.056 oz

I saw this as one of the spoilers for this month, but I still didn't know the color or size. I was definitely hoping for the thiner lined eyeliner, because I prefer that look, but I am really happy with this color. It makes my blue eyes pop, and it is so much less harsh than a black liner. To be honest, I will probably use this as a eyeshadow more than a liner. The smudge tool works really well to blend the color out, and I can't get a smooth enough look with the large applicator. It does kinda suck that I didn't get the eyeliner I would use more, but at least I like the color. This is not my favorite item in the box, but it is still something I will use. 

Kardashian Beauty Black Seed Dry Oil

$16.49 - 3 fl oz ($2.75 value)

This is described as a Bonus Item, and that makes me enjoy it more. My hair is pretty oily already, and pretty thin, so hair oil isn't a product that I would ever purchase on my own. I am definitely interested in the Kardashian line, though, and this oil does seem higher end. It doesn't really smell, but it does leave a dry effect, even though it is oil. I could see myself using this as a styling aid when I want a slicked back look. I'd swap it out or give it away, but it is already such a small amount, I don't think it would be worth it. 

Overall, I am middle of the road with this month's box. I was hoping for a lot more, since it is a fall box, but at least everything in this box will get used. I am a big fan of the face lotion and the eyebrow gel. That makes the box worth it alone. I will definitely use the foundation brush, nail wraps, eyeliner, and hair oil, though. This box is worth $134.75. That is a crazy amount, because I only spent $21 for this box. I may not love all these items or have spent that much on any of these, but there is more than enough value from the items I will use and would've bought. I hope next month has a lot more items that I love. 

If you would like to try BoxyCharm for yourself, just click here. It is only $21 a month with over $100 value. 

Ipsy Glam Bag September 2015 Review - Face Fashion

My Ipsy bag is here for the month of September and I am excited for these Fall products. I love fall month and the items that come with. Hopefully this month will offer a great set of products for fall, and items I can wear all season long. Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription box with five full size and sample size items in a cute makeup bag for $10 each month. The value is usually always great, and there are so many products that I can now not live without. 

This month's theme is Face Fashion. I am guessing this is for fashion week, which is this month. I am definitely excited for fashion week, but not so excited about this theme or bag. The makeup bag is definitely not fashionable, and looks like something my mother would wear. The texture is nice, I guess, and the gold is in season, but you wouldn't see this fabric at any of the fashion shows. I bet the older generation will like this bag more than the younger. The theme is also OK. I like that it goes with this month, but Ipsy includes items for your nails and body also, so this doesn't make much sense. 

This makeup bag seems fully packed. I do notice some beauty tools along with other full size items. I also notice some fall shades, so these products will be a great addition to my fall rotation of makeup products. I can't wait to check each one of these out individually.  

NYX Cosmetics Ipsy Eye Shadow Trio

$6.00 - 1 g 

I've received a NYX eyeshadow trio in a previous Ipsy Glambag, and I still use it to this day. This palette was created solely for Ipsy, but it is very similar to their Love in Rio trio in Voodoo Love Spells, except those are all matte and the darkest shade is the only matte color in this palette. NYX is a nice, cheap brand and really pigmented with lasting power. I like these colors, but won't use them as often as others, because they are a little too dark for everyday wear. I will definitely be packing this in my bag for weekends with nights out or for a wedding. Plus, these are so cheap, I may purchase a few more pallets. 

Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Moisture Mask

$26.00 - 50 ml         

This is another brand that I've received before from Ipsy, and it didn't go to much use. This, on the other hand, is right up my alley. I love face masks, and because they tend to be a little pricey, they are one of my top favorite items to receive in my subscription boxes. Once using this, I realized it is more like a face lotion than a face mask. It is a heavy cream that you apply in a heavy amount, then pat off any access with a cotton ball. I think this would be a great night cream when the dry winter weather sets in. This is a tiny sample, though, so it won't last me that long. This is actually the only sample sized item I received in this box, which is pretty awesome, but defiantly a bummer since it is my favorite item.  

Swiss Electroplated Eyelash Curler in Purple

$5.00

I do love receiving tools in my bags. The last two brushes I've received I've used almost every single day. I did end up purchasing a really nice and pretty expensive eyelash curler not too long ago, so this particular beauty item probably won't be used by me. I do like the gel plating, and it has a nice strong curl. I wish I didn't spend all that money on my tweezerman, because this works pretty well at a much cheaper price. I will probably hand this off to a friend or my sister depending on who needs one. Too bad I won't use it on my own. 

J. Cat Beauty #MOTD Waterproof Slide on Pencil for Eyes in Bronze

$2.49 - 0.05 oz

This always seemed like a cheaper brand to me, and this price kinda proves it. I feel like I receive an eyeliner every single month from Ipsy, so they are getting a little boring. I do like this lighter brown color, and is less harsh on my light skin. I've been experiencing with different color liners, and this one is totally new for me. I like brown, and I really like this. It shapes and adds drama to my eyes without making them too dark. This is defiantly a cheap product, though. The tip fell off when trying to apply it to my eyelids. Also, it tugs on my eyes instead of leaving a smooth line. I really like this color, but the brand is definitely cheap. This is a full size item, which is really nice to receive. 

Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted

$15.00 - 17 ml

I don't normally care to receive nail polishes in my subscription boxes because I rarely wear any, and the colors aren't something I'd pick out. This color is super cute and works well with my wardrobe.The medium lavender is both girly, yet modern. I am going to try this under my matte topcoat to make it a little edgier. I also like the formula. It doesn't chip too easily and lasts longer than many of my other colors. This is also a full size item! It wouldn't matter either way, because I've never gone through an entire bottle of nail polish, but it is nice to have a full size item. I think this would be a better color for spring, but this will help make summer last a little longer. 

Overall, I am both happy and disappointed with this month's bag. I really like that four of the five items are full size, and the nail polish and moisture mask are the perfect items for me. I do like the eyeshadow and eyeliner, but they aren't my favorites. On the other hand, I will not use the eyelash curlers, and the bag is only worth $31.09. That is not a lot for Ipsy. Usually they are worth more than $50, but because I only paid $10, I guess I can't complain. The theme and bag aren't really my style either. I bet next month will be better. 

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. They always include a wide range of products and are worth well more than you paid.

PopSugar Must Have September 2015 Review

My PopSugar Must Have box for the month of September is here, and I am more excited then ever. Fall is my favorite season, and I love all things that come with it. I have recently become a subscriber to PopSugar, even though I've been wanting their box forever, and this will be my first fall box. PopSugar is a monthly subscription box for $39.95 that delivers full size items in categories such as beauty, home, food, fitness, and more. 

This month's themes are Fashion Fix, Travel, Refresh, Beauty Recovery, To-Go Snacks, and XOXO. I am all about these, except the travel theme. It was already a theme this year, and I think everyone is done traveling now that summer is over. Me included. I hope that the fashion fix is a warm weather clothing item to help beat the chilly weather, and I could definitely use some items to refresh and body and skin after the summer sun and heat. I can't wait to see what items this month has in store for me. 

Hudson + Bleecker Labyrinth Onyx Travel Trio

$45.00

I wasn't too excited about this item at first, but the more I check it out, the more I can see myself finding these items useful. This is a trio travel with two totes for shoes, intimates  and or wet items, and a clear zipper pouch that will fit all your toiletries on your carry on. I am not planning on traveling that much in the next months, but I will hold onto these items for when I do. Travel has been a popular theme for the last few boxes, and I would rather have these items earlier in the summer. These are defiantly higher end, and while the pattern isn't my favorite, I do like it alright. I would never pay this much for these items, but these are worth the cost of the box, so at least the value is already there. 

Kris Nations XO Stud Earrings

$35.00

I am not a huge fan of delicate jewelry, but I will wear little studs in my ears. The XO isn't really my thing, but the mismatched set is pretty fun. I do like that these are made with recycled brass and have a gold plating. I do like a lot of the other items from the website, and wish a different style were part of this box. I will probably hold onto these and regift for a sister's birthday, or even christmas. This does go along with the Fashion Fix theme, but because I'm not a huge jewelry fan, I was hoping for something more like a shawl or watch. 

Too Faced Cosmetics Brow Envy Shaping and Defining Kit

$39.00

Brows are so in, and I've been looking for different products to help shape and darken mine from their invisible brown. I am already a fan of the Too Faced brand, and this brow kit is really cute. I was a little overwhelmed by the different steps at first, but they really walk you through it, and it has become easier already. They also include stencils to create the best brow shape for your face. This item is perfect for me, and I will definitely get a lot of use from it. This is also the perfect Beauty Recovery item to help shape and fill my eyebrows. I also think this is a great back to school item for a more simplified, toned down makeup look.

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray

$20.00 - 5.1 oz

This is a brand that I've grown to love. Their products are all natural, and great quality. This product fits those characteristics perfectly, too. The product is very light, and smells great. I like how it helped me comb out my wet hair, and it dried full of moisture and super soft. It didn't seem to weigh down my hair either. I currently am using a leave-in conditioner that I love, but it is pretty expensive and won't be purchasing it again, so this is perfect timing. This is a great Beauty Recovery item too, and a great item for fall. My hair tends to dry out during colder month's, and this will help keep it hydrated and smooth. I believe it goes along with the Refresh theme pretty well too. 

NCLA So Rich Vitamin E Enriched Cuticle Oil

$18.00 - 0.5 fl oz

This is yet another Beauty Recovery and Refresh item for this fall box. This is a nice brand, not too high end, though. I could definitely use a cuticle oil at this moment, and this one is nice. I like the smell, and it leaves my nails shiny and smooth. I haven't seen any major improvements with my cuticles, but I'm sure it will work. This bottle is really cute, and I will definitely leave this out with my other cute products. That will help remind me to actually use it. 

Nourish Snacks Almonds to Cherries

$2.00 - 1.4 oz

I am usually not too excited about the food item, but these are something I will really enjoy. I love almonds for their energy and taste, and these tart cherries are also a little sweet. It is nice to get a food that is actually healthy for you, and these are particularly good. They contain no GMOs and are also gluten free for all those watching their carbs. This is the perfect snack to take with you for road trips or to keep in your desk for late afternoon cravings. Plus, the protein will keep you awake until you go home. 

September is one of my favorite month's, so I had high hopes for this box. Besides the brow shaping kit, there isn't one particular item that I love or feel like I couldn't live without. But, besides the earnings, they are all items that I will eventually use. I am feeling just mediocre about the contents of this box overall. This month's box has a value of $159. That is defiantly on the higher end for this box, and I am very happy with that amount. I always figure I could swap or regift the items I don't love, so the value is still there. 

If you would like to try PopSugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. It is a little pricey at $39.95, but you always receive a great value of products, and what better way is there to treat yourself each month.

Birchbox September 2015 Review - Better Together

My Birchbox is here for the month of September, and I can't wait to see what this month has in store for me. I love fall month's, so these products always seem to be more exciting to me. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box with five beauty samples curated to your beauty profile. It is only $10 a month, and I normally happy with every product, so this is a great way to start a beauty collection, or to find new favorites. 

I really like this month's box design. It was inspired by three different designs by Birchbox subscribers. It is pretty artsy, and full of color. It defiantly goes with my interior decoration, so I could put this anywhere in my house for display. I love these boxes and each month's design. They are so fun to decorate with, or to store all your new products. They are so good for organizing, too. 

This month's theme is Better Together. Like I said above, this is their 5 year birthday, and this month is all about Birchbox and their customers working together to make Birchbox and their customers better. Also, these products make us a little better / happier / prettier when we use them, so all in all the products and us are also better together. I really enjoy this month's theme, even if it doesn't go along with the month or fall. I hope the products inside and I are better together. 

Rene Furterer ABSOLUE KERATINE Sublime Renewal

$40.00 - 3.3 oz     

This luxe leave-in hair cream is full of keratin and promises to strengthen, smooth, restore, and protect your hair. I have become a fan of leave-in conditioners, even though I still use a hair conditioner in the shower. They tend to leave my hair really shine and helps detangle my knots. This has a really nice smell, like a powdery flower, and stays in your hair all day. I did think that this helped smooth my hair, but other than that, I didn't notice any real difference. I will defiantly be happy to use up this sample, but it didn't do enough for me and my hair to spend the money for the full size item. 

L'Artisan Mure et Musc Eau de Toilette

$100.00 - 50 ml          

I have enough perfume samples to last me a lifetime, but I don't care, as long as I like the scent. Plus, it gives me the option to switch up my scent as often as I'd like. I've received a L'Artisan perfume scent before, and I really enjoyed the light citrus musk. This particular scent is a little heavier. This one has notes of sparkling blackberry and wood. I like the deeper, darker scent for fall, but this isn't one of my favorites. It is nice to try though, and I would definitely wear this one once in a while. I could see it being perfect for a late fall bomb fire or a trip to a winery. Again, I won't be buying the full size bottle. 

treStiQue Correct & Cover Concealer Crayon in Bisque

$26.00 - 0.025 oz        

I have some serious under eye problems and pinkish skin under my nose, so this concealer stick is perfect for me. I've received this brand before in an Ipsy bag, and it wasn't the best product for me in particular, but I did like the quality and the packaging. This packaging is basically the same, and super cute. I do like this formula too. It isn't heavy, nor is it too light. This didn't do the best job covering my dark under eyes, but it did help. This did do a great job on my red spots, though. I will definitely use this all the time under my powder until it is gone. Also, this is a deluxe sample, so it will last forever. I am so happy with this item!

TOCCA Esfoliante de Corpo-Nourishing Body Scrub in Green Tea & Lemon

$32.00 - 6.8 oz               

I am already a big fan of the TOCCA brand from previous items Birchbox has sent me, and this body scrub is also the perfect item for me. I am a big fan of scrubs and how they make my skin feel replenished and smooth. These particular scrub salt scrubbers are on the bigger side and really do a great job. I also like how this smells. I am a fan of both green tea and lemon, and this leaves me feeling and smelling great. This is a good size sample, but it really won't last that long, because you have to use so much to cover your entire body. I like it enough to buy the full size item. Yum! Now a new favorite. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil in

$23.00 - 0.1 oz         

This is the item that I chose for this month, and I am super excited. I've been wanting an eyebrow pencil for a while to fill out my spotty eyebrows and help give color to my blonde hair. This color really works well with my skin tone and is just dark enough to make my eyebrows stand out. This also had pretty good lasting power and helped define my eyebrows. This is a tiny sample, but since you use so little each time, it will really last me a while. I actually almost purchased this item a few month's ago, so I had to choose it from this month's options. I really enjoy this eyebrow pencil and the shade is great. I would happily purchase this once the sample runs out. 

Overall, I am really happy with this month's box. I love the eyebrow pencil, the body scrub, and the concealer pencil is also a great addition to my makeup bag. The perfume and leave-in conditioner isn't my favorite, but they will definitely go to use. This month was all about items that make life and your beauty routine better together, and I really think Birchox nailed it. Also, there was a wide range of products this month from hair, face, scent, body, and makeup. I estimate this box to be worth $37.56. That is pretty good for Birchbox. The value is usually good, but not great, but the products are always high end and items that I will definitely use. Plus, you get $5 to spend in the shop after you review your samples, so this month's real value is more than $40. That is great for a $10 box. 

If you would like to try Birchbox out for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you could be on your way to discovering new beauty items from many different categories.