BoxyCharm May 2016 Review - Spring Vibes

Yea! My BoxyCharm has arrived for the month of May, and I am hoping for some beauty products that are light, pastel, and will get me ready for Spring. BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least four full (but mostly five, sometimes even six) full size beauty products to your door for only $21 a box. The value of this box is usually over $100, which blows my mind every single time, and I am always finding products that I love. This box is a great way to build up your beauty collection at a small price, or a fun way to treat yourself or anyone you love to cheap gift.

This month’s theme is Spring Vibes. Not only are BoxyCharm’s products on point, but they also do a great job with the theme. Not only are their theme perfectly thought out, but the products go perfectly along. Spring Vibes is a little too typical, but I know that these products will be the perfect variety to get you, your face, and your skin ready for spring. I am hoping for a great skin product, some light makeup, and possibly a tanning or SPF product. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me this month.

Makeup Geek Blush in XOXO

$15.00 - 0.15 oz

Alright, I saw the Makeup Geek product, and knew everyone in the world was freaking out except me. While I do like these products, it isn’t my absolute favorite brand, and I prefer less pigmented shades that don’t stand out as much. I am really happy that this is a full size container though, and that I don’t have to purchase a case to put it in since it already has one of it’s own. Also, this shade is very pretty and reminds me of Spring. It isn’t a color that I would’ve picked out on my own, but I really enjoy it, and could possibly see myself wearing more often than I think. I may be slowly changing my mind about this brand, but at least I know everyone else in the world is so excited to receive it right off the bat.

Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Pistache

$10.50 - 0.5 fl oz

I used to hate receiving nail polishes in my subscription boxes, but recently I’ve been really enjoying the new shades. Also, since I don’t normally buy new colors that often, this is a way to try out new shades without spending a whole lot of cash. For this color in particular, I am a little bummed. This mint color is a little dated, and I don’t really foresee myself wearing a light bluish green on my nails at all. The packaging is cute though, and I may change my mind in the future. So, this will go in the closet like the rest of my nail polishes. I hope others really enjoy it.

The Brow Gal Clear Brow Gel

$20.00 - 0.169 fl oz

Yea! I received a brow gel in a BoxyCharm about a year ago, and I used it up pretty quickly. I have tinted brow gels so I felt like I couldn’t purchase another, but I liked using that with my eyebrow pencils. This particular brow gel is a lot stronger than the other one they’ve sent us, yet it still doesn’t leave your eyebrows looking wet or crusty. I put this on in the morning, and by evening I could still feel it in my eyebrow. Also, the brand name is really cute. I am super happy with this product, and I know I will use it right up like the last.

Starlooks Luxe Lip Liner in Charmed

$19.50

First of all, Starlooks isn’t one of my favorite brands. I’ve received a few products of theirs through BoxyCharm, and they’ve never fully appealed to me. I’ve use their eye shadow and eyeliner, but there are always colors and formulas that I like more. This lip liner is a BoxyCharm exclusive, which is cool, but it pretty much stops there. This mauve color is a little dated and matronly, and since I rarely use lip liner, I know that this will never get used. I am sure many other subscribers will love this product, but it just isn’t for me.

PUR Double Ego Duo Ended Eyeliner in Bora Bora

$21.00 - 0.02 oz

I am usually so bummed about receiving eyeliner in my subscription boxes, but they are usually black and not the best formula. I wear black eyeliner very rarely, since it is too dark for my complexion and my normal makeup look. Colored eyeliner, on the other hand, brings a flash of fun to my face, and blue in particular compliments my eyes. I have two other blue eyeliners, but neither of them are this cool of a shade. This is a deep, denim blue, with just a touch of green. Also, it is duel ended, so you can choose between the liquid or the pencil sides depending on what kind of look you’re going for. I am really excited about this color and this product, and I will have to try it out as soon as possible. Just by wearing it on my hand when sampling, I can tell this is pretty long lasting.

Catherine Malandrino Romance de Provence Eau de Parfum Deluxe Mini Sprayer

$20.00 - 0.3 fl oz

I am one of those people that really enjoy perfume samples or deluxe bottles in my subscription boxes, so I am super excited about this product. I received one of the scents from this brand in a BoxyCharm from a few month’s ago, and I think it is the perfect weekend day scent. Therefore, I have been wearing it to every single brunch date I’ve had since. This is another scent I would consider to be daytime, but it could easily work for a night, as long as you’re not trying to be sexy. This has scents of jasmine  rose, and violet with undertones of . This has quickly become one of my favorite scents of spring, and I could see myself wearing this all summer long. It brings a little joy to catch of whiff throughout the day.

Overall, this box was pretty great, but not one of the best. I am in love with the perfume, eyeliner, and brow gel. They will all be used by me frequently. The blush is really nice, and a great quality, but the color is just a little too bright for me, and I prefer colors that are less pigmented. I really like the branding of the nail polish, but the color isn’t my favorite, and the lipliner is an absolute bust. This month has a value of $106. That is actually a little low for BoxyCharm, but still insane, sicne I only paid $21. Even not loving three of the six items, this box is well worth the price. Also, for the items that I don’t love, they would make great gifts to any of my girl friends.

If you would like to try BoxyCharm for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out different products and brands at an affordable price.

PopSugar Must Have May 2016 Review

Yea! My PopSugar Must have box has arrived for the month of May, and while I don't know everything inside, I've seen the inspirational words and a spoiler and so far it's really exciting. PopSugar is a subscription box that delivers the best and most popular in beauty, fashion, home decor, books, fitness, and food. I like the wide range of products, and the new discoveries I recieve in each box. They also have a slight theme that you can see throughout, which adds to the fun. It is a little pricier at $39.95 a month, but the value is always over $100, so it is well worth the cost. I can't wait to see what is inside. 

This month's inspirational words are fitness, relaxation, health, hydration, yoga, and deep breaths. Every single of of those appeal to me, so I have a feeling that this is going to be a great box. I really enjoy going strong and getting in shape, but I also have to reserve time to relax and take care of my body. I am hoping for a new water bottle, a at home spa product, and a new yoga tool or video. I think it's going to be all great with or without those guesses though.

Bluma Project Capri Bracelets

$44.00

While I do like the meaning and purpose behind these and that they are handmade, but these aren't really my style. They are super cute, though, and I love the colors. They are perfect for Spring/Summer, and I could see these pairing well with a summer dress or a tank and pair of shorts. They are pretty small, so I could see these not fitting everyones wrist, and they are stretchy so I could see them breaking easily. I do like other bracelets on their site that are more my style, though, so I might have to check out the site later. These aren't my favorite item, especially since I don't think I'd ever wear them, but I can see how many other people would absolutely love the pair. I'll just regift or pass these along to one of my friends. 

Happy Spritz Breath Deeply

$25.00 - 3.4 oz 

While aromatherapy is a new fad, I've been using it for years, and have found it to work great as a natural remedy for so many ailments. This not only works perfectly with so many of the inspirational words, but it is also something that I am super excited about and would never expect to receive in this subscription box. This spritz contains peppermint and eucalyptus which sooth, stimulate, refresh, and cool. I like that this can be used when you're immunity is low and you feel a cold coming, or if you need a pick me up while falling asleep at your work desk or when you need a little help to push through a workout. This is a great product, and something I will use a lot. I have a spritz of lavender for my pillow when I am having difficulties falling asleep, and it works every single time. What a great product, and the packaging is great too. Love it!

Spongelle Spongology Body Buffer 

$20.00 - 4 oz

We've actually received a sponge from this brand from a box about a year ago, and I received one recently from BoxyCharm. While this may seem like overlap and boring, but it is actually a great thing. I've loved both of the products from the past. They all smell amazing, the sponge does a great job to buff your skin, and they are so simple and practical. Out of the three, this one smells the least amazing, but the sponge itself is the one I am most excited for. The color and shape is so natural and classic, but it has larger pores to really buff out your skin. These claim to last at least 20 washes, but they really last much longer. I've used ones in the past for at least three months. I can't wait to throw this in the shower and use it over and over again. This product will definitely help you relax in a long bath or clean off after an intense yoga session. 

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

$24.98

I am super pumped about this product. I know that they sometimes have fitness items, and they really aren't often enough or that practical. This product, on the other hand, is perfect. I use a yoga mat all the time, and mine is crumbling apart, since it was pretty cheap. This mat has a lifetime guarantee, so I know it won't fall apart all over my carpet, and the folding ability allows you to store it in smaller places. This is finally a yoga mat that you can pack into an overnight bag or throw into a backpack. Sometimes, it is nice to not have to carry around a big log. I am really happy with this mat, and I know I will use it so often. This is a great addition and possibly my favorite in the whole box. Also, this will help with fitness, relaxation, health, deep breathes, and yoga itself. 

Kocostar Foot Therapy 

$10.00 - 1.35 fl oz

While this may be a cheaper item, I am so pumped about this product, and seriously can't wait to try it out. I've always had problems with my feet, and they are constantly sore and itchy. Let's not even get started with the calluses. This is like a sheet mask for your feet, and they are little booties that you wear for an hour and a half while you rest or watch tv. The ingredients like castor oil, dandelion leaf, and lactic acid soften up calluses and hydrates skin. I used this last night, and my feet look and feel great. It wasn't a huge difference, but I am much more willing to take off my socks and put on some sandals, which is perfect now that the weather is warming up. It did kinda hurt while it was in the solution, but not that badly, and I could see myself purchasing more of these in the future. What a great way to treat yourself and get ready for spring all at the same time. 

Jimmy Bar! Peanut Butter Clutter Clean Snack Bar

$2.49 - 1.6 oz

I absolutely love clean snack bars that are more chewy than crunch, and this is all of the above. It reminds me of my favorite Cliff bar, and it is both filing and satisfying. Since these are gluten free, dairy free, and all natural, I don't feel so bad eating them. Also, the whole bar is less than 200 calories, so I don't feel terrible about eating the whole thing. I really enjoyed the food product for this month, and I feel pretty healthy after eating it. Plus, there is a ton of protein, so this would be a great pre or post workout snack. 

Revlon Volume + Length Magnified Mascara

$8.99 - 0.28 fl oz

This is listed as a special extra, so I am already happy about receiving a full size beauty product as an item that doesn't even go against the cost of the box. This mascara promises to create mega volume while still lengthening lashes. I've tried other mascara products from this brand, and I liked them well enough, so I think that I am really going to enjoy this mascara, especially since I really try to achieve both of those things. I really like the packaging too. The blue top is pretty cool, and I like that the brush matches. Pretty cool. 

Hint Kick All Natural Caffeine Kick in Lemon Cayenne

$1.69 - 16 fl oz

This drink is a pretty cool concept, and I am really excited about being able to try it out. This water is all natural, and is basically water with just a caffeine and flavor additive. I know that most people wouldn't really care for the lemon and cayenne flavors, but that is totally up my alley. The flavor is really light, but it really is as much as you'd want. Also, since there is the same amount of caffeine in here than a cup of coffee, this would be a great alternative when I don't especially feel like a cup of coffee, or I want to hydrate but still want the energy kick. I think this would be a great pre workout drink or something to sip while at the beach or at the park. I really enjoy this special extra and would totally pick up another bottle if I ever see it in the store.  

Half Hitch Goods

$10 Gift Card

Usually their gift cards have a larger value, but this is a nice little addition and fun extra in the box. I've been checking out their website, and I really like all the homemade gifts from stationary to blankets, clothing, and children's toys. I am really interested in their natural beauty products too. Unfortunately, the only item for $10 or under is sold out, so you'll have to fork out some of your own money, but that could help cover half the cost. I might buy myself a mug or a chapstick, or maybe find a gift my my niece or nephew. 

I absolutely love this month's box. I don't think I've liked a single subscription box more. The yoga mat, aromatherapy spritz, body buffer, foot therapy, mascara, snack bar, and caffeinated water are all a hit. The gift card is fun too. The bracelets aren't my favorite, and it is the only product that I won't use all the time, but they are still pretty, and I like the good cause. This month's box has a value of $147.15. That is insane for a $40 box, and since I really like mostly all the products, I will get full use of that value. I don't know if PopSugar will ever be able to do this again, but I am really happy with this subscription, and I am excited to see what they have in store for the months to come. 

If you would like to try PopSugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. It is a great value and is a great way to treat yourself or someone you love. 

Ipsy Glambag May 2016 Review - Destination Chic

Yea! My Ipsy Glambag has arrived for the month of May and I am really excited to see the new makeup bag, theme, and beauty products in store for me. Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers at least five beauty samples and full size products in a makeup bag for only $10 a month. This subscription has been very exciting and very disappointing in the past, so while I am really excited to see what is inside, I am hoping that the products inside will be great for me. Either way, the value is usually great, so I know that the products will at least be worth the cost. 

This time of the year, I feel like every subscription box has this theme. Now that it is warmer out, everyone is traveling, going outdoors, and exploring, so I understand why. Ipsy products tend to not go with the theme that well, but since these will probably all be samples, they would be perfect for travel, so that already works. I really like this month's bag and the new snap closure is really cool. I like all the famous monuments from all around the world, and it really inspires me to get out and explore. It is a little weird that the card is vintage and the bag is bright and girly, so they don't go together at all, but the card itself can be a postcard, which is cool and unique. 

This month's bag is pretty light, and the products seem pretty small, but I know that doesn't exactly judge the value. I do see a wide range of products, so that makes me happy, and I really can't wait to try them all out. It is looking like a great bag already. 

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow Trio in Crush, Skinny Dip, and Lovely

$12.00 - 0.1 oz    ($8.40 Value)

I love this brand, and I already own a few of their eye shadow palettes. They are always my go to colors, and I love their medium pigmentation. This trio palette isn't exactly full size, but pretty darn close, and since I've never actually gone through an entire eye shadow pan, I am alright with this deluxe sample. These colors are a little darker than I expected from first glance, and that purple, warm tone is just a little too dark for me. Otherwise, I really like the brass and the tan color, which will work perfectly once I get a tan. I really like this product, but it won't be a go to like my others. 

Hanalei Lip Treatment

$25.00 - 15 g    ($8.33 Value)

I am pretty excited about this product, because it is really high end, it is made from natural ingredients, and my lips are always really dry, so this will be put to great use. Ingredients like nut oil, agave, and grapeseed oil smooth and moisturize your lips, but also helps contain the moisture so your lips don't dry out quickly afterwards. After my first use, I wasn't too thrilled with this product at all. It tastes really weird, which sucks since you're going to eventually get some in your mouth being on your lips. Also, it seems to be just a glorified petroleum jelly. I expected more out of a product that is high end and on the expensive side. This was a miss for me, but since it is so practical, I will use it up eventually. 

Trissola Chia Smoothing Oil

$26.00 - 2 oz    ($6.50 Value)

My hair is already fine and flat without much texture, so this smoothing oil just doesn't make since for me. This product was created to help with manageability and shine, but for me, it just makes my hair look a little greasy. I think I would be able to put this on my ends as a treatment and wash it off in the morning. Otherwise, I don't think I would ever use this. This is a quarter of the regular size, so it is a good enough sample size, and this would last anyone a while. I am a little bummed about this product, but I know others will love it. I just wish I received a volumizer or deep conditioner instead. 

Smashbox X-Rated Mascara

$22.00 - 0.3 fl oz    ($7.33 Value)

Everyone absolutely loves Smashbox, and I can say that I am a part of that crowd. One of their mascaras is already a favorite of mine, so I know this mascara is going to be nice. I can't believe how great this makes my lashes look. It separates my lashes, but still creates major volume and drama. I usually layer mascaras, but with this product I can only use this. I would totally bring this along with me on a trip since it is already small, and I wouldn't have to bring an additional makeup product. This is my favorite sample of the box, and I am glad I got a chance to try this out. 

Glamour Dolls Blending Brush #10 Sperm Whale Edition  

$3.99

I really enjoy how Ipsy delivers both beauty products and tools in their subscription boxes. I use some of the brushes I've received from Ipsy almost every single day. This is actually a type of brush that I already have, and the brush itself isn't the best quality, but I have to say, those whales are super cute, and I could see myself happier while getting ready just by using this. The bristles are super soft and medium packed, so this would be a great brush to use to smudge. I really like this brush, but it isn't the best one I've ever received, but I will still use it anyways. In the future I am hoping for an eyebrow brush or a all over powder brush. 

Once again, this box was the middle of the road for me. The mascara is the only product that I absolutely loved, but the eye shadow and brush were nice. The lip treatment kinda sucked, especially for the price, and hair oil just isn't for me and my hair type. Another plus, though, that makeup bag is really fun, and it is one of my all time favorites I've received from them. This month's bag has a value of $34.55. That is actually on the lower side for Ipsy, but it is still great for only spending $10. This month's bag wasn't a win, but since last month's was, I am going to continue with my subscription until it seems unfit.  

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out different brands and products for a reasonable price. 

PopSugar Must Have Mini May 2016 Review

Yea! The second PopSugar Must Have Mini has arrived, and I am excited to see what is inside. PopSugar Mini is a brand new subscription box for $18.95 that delivers two full size products that go along with the full size box's theme. Last month was alright, but I wasn't too thrilled, and the value wasn't that great. I decided to stick it out for another month and see if it got any better, which I think it will. I can't wait to see what is inside this month, and hopefully they will turn everything around for me and all their subscribers. 

This box doesn't come with it's own themes, but the products are based off the full size box. Those inspirational themes are hydration, yoga, deep breathes, fitness, relaxation, and heath. All of those words really appeal to me, and I am sure I will enjoy these products. I do also like that they list out the products on this card with descriptions and prices. That way I can fully understand the product and why it stands out among the rest. I hate when I have to go to other sources to check out the price, or even worse, how to use it. 

Zing Anything Zingo Tritan in White

$12.99

I am super pumped with this water bottle. I put lemon in my water almost every single day, but I don't always get enough citrus flavor. This bottle is a perfect way to get a ton of flavor without getting seeds and food particles in your mouth as you drink. Also the bottle itself is super sleek and modern. I don't like anything too bright or girly, so this bottle is perfect for me. I was a little worried about the middle leaking, but it is verified leak proof. Also, I like that is it versatile and the middle piece can be taken out completely when you want just a bottle of water. I can't wait to try this out with a bunch of fruit and vegetables, and I don't think it will be leaving my side for a ver long time. 

H20+ Oasis Hydrating Treatment

$36.00 - 1.7 fl oz

At first, I wasn't too excited about this product. I didn't absolutely love the products I've used from this line, but that was mainly because they weren't anything out of the ordinary. Also, I have so many face creams, that I'm a little overwhelmed about using them all. I started getting excited about this product after reading the reviews. Many people were long time, devoted users who where obsessed with the product. I know if anyone can use the same product for 20 years plus, it's got to be great. I like how this is pretty light and vanishes quickly. It makes it easy and quick to get ready in the morning. I really enjoy this face cream, but it isn't anything too special I don't think. I may change my mind after using it for a while. 

Overall, I am pretty happy with this box. They didn't nail it yet, but it is so much better than their first compilation. The hydration theme of the box is perfect since it is simple, and is one of the themes of the large size box, but the products are both very different but still work together perfectly. This month's box has a value of $50.99. I am really happy with that value since it is more than double the price of the box, and both items are practical, high quality, and exciting products. I am really happy with this box, and I am glad they turned it around for me. I couldn't possibly cancel after this box was so great. 

If you would like to try PopSugar Must Have Mini for yourself, just click here. 

Birchbox May 2016 Review - Out of Doors

Yea! Once again, my Birchbox has arrived, but this time it is for the month of May. This month doesn't have much going for it, except the spark of summer, so I am excited to receive my subscription boxes even more. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that offers at least five samples and sometimes full size beauty products curated to your profile for only $10 a box. Also, they have specially crafted boxes to the theme, so it is always fun to see what's inside. 

This month, Birchbox teamed up with Keds to create this super colorful box. I really like these pastel colors and how well it goes with spring, but otherwise, this isn't really my style. When I really enjoy the pattern on the box, I like to put them on display, but otherwise I will use them to organize my beauty products, especially since I have so many samples. This one in particular won't be put on display, but it will be helpful to organize my products. 

This month's theme is Out of Doors. Every single subscriber is going to receive a SPF sample this month that will get everyone prepped for the outdoors. The rest of the samples this month will get you and your body ready for the warmer weather and baring more skin. I do live in a warmer area, but I have yet to bare my legs this year, so I am excited for some products that will get me prepped for the next few months. Also, I don't love SPF samples, but I know I should wear it more often, and it is a necessity, so it will be a product that I will use. I can't wait to see what is in store. 

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel for Body

$34.00 - 5.4 fl oz    ($3.15 Value)

This was my sample choice for the month, and it is something that I am really excited to try out. I have the face peel already, and it leaves my face bright and luminous, just as it claims, so I know this body peel will do wonders. You can literally use this anywhere on your body, and it produces different results. You can use it on your collar and shoulders to get your skin ready for summer, on your bikini zone to help reduce red bumps, or on your feet to soften. I think this is the perfect product to get your body ready for summer, and I can't wait to try it out. 

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

$24.00 - 5.3 oz    ($3.40 Value)

People love this dry shampoo, and I've always wanted to give it a try. I am pretty disappointed about the size alone. I go through a bottle of dry shampoo in less than a month, so this sample will probably get me about three uses. On the plus side, this smells amazing. It's a mixture of berry and clean linen, which is the perfect scent when trying to freshen up your hair. I thought that it worked pretty well. It isn't as powdery as some, which helps soak up the oil, but at least it doesn't leave your hair white. I liked this sample, but it was too small, and it is a little too expensive for something I don't love. I am happy I finally was able to try it out, though. 

Coola SPF 50 Sport in Mango

$32.00 - 5 oz    ($2.18 Value)

I don't love receiving sunscreen samples in my subscription boxes, since they aren't that exciting, but they are always nice to have, because I will eventually use them, so it is always a mixed feeling. This is their new mango scent, and I really hate smelling like sunscreen, so this might be a perfect product for me. It does have a touch of sunscreen scent, but it's not as harsh as most and the mango is pretty soft overall. This blends in almost immediately, but it does give my skin a little bit of a shimmer, which I don't love. Also, this packaging makes it appear like there is a lot of product inside, but it is actually barely filled. That is a little bit of a bummer. I like this sample, but it isn't my absolute favorite. Again, just an alright product that I won't end up purchasing. 

ModelCo Lip Lacquer in 

$24.00 - 3 ml    ($12.00 Value)

I am a huge fan of ModelCo, but I prefer tinted moisturizer over creamy lip color. I have four of their lipsticks, and they are my favorite matte lip product I own. This product has a little bit of shimmer, but I really enjoy it, especially for a liquid product. Also, this color is perfect. It is a great feminine pink, but is still super modern. I love that it is a pretty classic shade too. I could see myself wearing this all summer long, especially with those summer whites. There are little specks of gold in this shade that also make it glamorous and fresh. I am in love with this color, and I can't wait to wear it all spring/summer long. 

Kalos Skincare Triple Threat Detox Masque

$39.00 - 60 ml    ($9.75 Value)

I absolutely love face masks. I like to do them a few times a week, and I love seeing how they give my face a clean, luminous, and moisturizing glow. This mask is a triple threat and cleanses, nourishes, and exfoliates which leaves your skin dewey and fresh. It also moisturizes, so this helps with more than just three things. This product smells super natural, and it actually reminds me of a mask I received from another subscription. As soon as I applied this product to my clean face, I could feel it working. Also, I noticed a brighter completion after taking if off. I really enjoy this face mask, and it is possibly my favorite product in the box. It will last me a while too, since the size is pretty large. 

Overall, I am happy but not overjoyed with this month's box. I absolutely love the liquid lipstick, but it does dry out my lips. The face mask and body peel are both nice too, and I will get great use out of these. The dry shampoo was nice to try, but I like other products more, and the price is way too steep. Also, even though I will use the SPF, this isn't as wonderful as was promised. This month's box has a value of $30.48. That is pretty normal for Birchbox, and I'm happy with that amount. Even though the box doesn't have an astronomical value, I will use everything, so it is well worth the $10 I spent. Even though this wasn't a great month, I will keep my subscription going, especially since they always get better. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is a great gift for yourself, or anyone in your friend or family group that loves beauty products.