Saturday, July 30, 2016

Sephora Play! July 2016 Review - Effortless Summer

As you may know, Sephora Play! is a newer subscription box, and also had a waiting list that was pretty long, so it took me this long to finally receive my first box. Sephora Play! is a monthly beauty subscription that delivers at least five samples of the newest and best in beauty for that month all for $10. They usually have a value around $40 or more, so not only do you get to try out the latest in beauty, but you also get your dollar's worth. This is my first box ever, and I've seen what they've offered in the past, so I have high expectations. I can't wait to see what is inside. 


Along with the samples, Sephora offers a Play! Pass. This will get you in store expert advice and a makeover by one of their stylists. Using this will also give you an extra 50 points to use towards rewards. Also, this card folds out to an entire page of the products. They describe each item, give tips, and list ingredients. This is so informative, and really helpful when trying out each product. The icing on the cake, the samples are wrapped up in a super cute fabric, drawstring bag that can be reused for traveling or storage. This one has a fun popsicle, which is so fitting for summer. 



Beautyblender Blotterazzi

$20.00 - 2 pads    ($10.00 Value)

I am already a huge fan of the beauty blender, and oil on my face is a huge concern, especially in the summer heat, so this product could not be more perfect for me at this time. This reusable blotter soaks up oil on your face while keeping your makeup in place, but unlike other paper blotters, this is reusable for up to 6 months. This is a great idea, and I love reusing something over and over, but it is a little annoying to have to wash after a few uses. My rice paper sheets are biodegradable, and I can just throw those away. I like this product, and I will definitely use it, but I don’t know if it is something I necessarily need to purchase again. I will see how much I use it and miss it once it’s gone.




OUAI Haircare Wave Spray

$26.00 - 5 fl oz    ($8.84 Value)

I've heard about this product recently, and I've seen the amazing curls it creates, so I've really wanted to try this out. My hair is normally pin straight, and even salt sprays only create a small amount of curl to my hair. I would normally have to braid and scrunch to create waves, and those fall flat after only a few hours. First of all, this product smells great. It is bright and fresh, and I love spritzing it in my hair to give it a little refresh. Also, this works really well with my hair. I wouldn’t say it gives beautiful, bouncing waves, but it does add some shape and texture. I did have to braid this to create some waves, but they came out more natural and lasted much longer than usual. I really enjoy this spray, and I am happy I have a deluxe sample for plenty of use.



NEST Fragrances Citrine

$68.00 - 1.7 oz    ($1.60 Value)

I absolutely love this perfume. I am a big citrus lover, and anything fresh and bright is perfect for my day scent. I’ve been looking for a new scent too, so I may have just found exactly what I’ve been looking for. This perfume has notes of lotus flower, freesia, sparkling citrus, and deep woods. I love the masculine scent against the feminine notes, and they really balance well with the light and refreshing citrus. I think this is the perfect scent for summer, and I will be wearing it until the sample is gone. I love trying out these tiny samples, because they really give you a good opportunity to test out new perfumes over a day instead of a bunch at once. I am glad I was able to try this one out at all.



First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay

$24.00 - 4.7 oz    ($5.11 Value)

I have always enjoyed clay facial cleansers, because I feel like they have a deeper clean than your normal face wash. This product promises to detox and clean pores all while cleaning your face from makeup, dirt, and grime from the day. Also, it is a solution for oily skin and acne, which are my two biggest concerns. Like I imagined, this did leave my face feeling cleaner than normal, but I am impressed on how much less oily my face was the entire day after using this. It does dry out your face just a tad, so I do suggest applying face cream after using this product, but not too much that it is uncomfortable. This is my first product from First Aid Beauty, and I really like what I see. I am definitely willing to purchase this product again or try out other products from their line. Plus, this product is completely practical.



Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing

$39.00 - 1 oz    ($9.75 Value)

I've recently had an issue with my foundation not setting on my face, and instead just layering on top. This foundation primer is really going to change things. This cooling thick cream goes smoothly over my face and noticeably fills in my pores and most of my other bumps. It also helped shield some of my wrinkles, which was pretty amazing. I was also really impressed how well my foundation and powder set on top of this primer and how long it lasted too. I really like this product, and I will use every last drop. But, I do think this is a little pricey, and too expensive to repurchase. 



Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate

$30.00 - 0.35 oz    ($6.86 Value)

Man, I was really excited to see this sample in this month's box, then I was super bummed to see that this is for medium to deep skin. I have light skin that barely tans, so anything too dark on my face looks fake and heavy. The last thing I want to wear in the summer is any makeup that looks heavy and unnatural. I do think the color is nice, though, and the pigmentation is also great. This is a great sample, but they really got my skin wrong. I will end up passing this along to a friend or anyone with a darker complexion, since this won't work for me. What a bummer. 



I've been reading reviews of past boxes, and they've always looked great, so I had high expectations for my first box. Overall, I am pretty impressed. Not only is every item high end and a notable brand, but these are all products that I'll use. That face wash, curl spray, perfume, and primer are all winners in my book. They will easily become fan favorites of mine. I really like that blotter and I will definitely use, but I prefer my blotting rice papers that I can just throw away. I was really excited about that bronzer, but unfortunately it is the wrong color. Along with all the positives, this box has a value of $42.16. That is absolutely crazy for a box that only costs $10. I am really happy with this box, and it is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Now that I'm off the waitlist, I can't wait to see what they have to offer month after month.


If you would like to try Sephora Play! for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out brands and collect points for even more rewards. 

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

BoxyCharm July 2016 Review - Modern Merbabe

Yea! My BoxyCharm has arrived for the month of July, and I am really excited to see what they have in store for me this month. BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least four, but usually five full size beauty items to your door for $21 each. This box always has great themes, products, and a super great value, so it is definitely one of my favorite subscription boxes. Also, it is a great way to help grow your makeup collection, and it has definitely done so for me.


This month's theme is Modern Merbabe. BoxyCharm's themes are usually spot-on, but I don't know about this one. It is summertime, so the world is definitely spending more time in the water weather it be a pool, ocean, or lake. Also, it is hard look great while trying not to sweat all your makeup off at the beach or protect your hair and body from the sun, so there could be great items helping out with that. So, I am slowly talking myself into loving this theme and having high hopes for the products. But knowing BoxyCharm, they are going to nail it. I hope I am right. 



OFRA Professional Magnetic Palette

$59.00

This is a real treat to all those subscription box subscribers who have collected so many of these magnetic pods without a palette to put them in. Also, not only did we receive the magnet palette, but it comes with six complimentary colors to start your palette off on a good start. I know that they offer blushes, bronzers, and highlighters in these magnetic pods, so you can create an all-in-one palette to save time and space. These eye shadow colors are also very neutral and are perfect for creating everything from a natural day look to your most extreme smoky eye. Also they have great pigmentation and have a great mixture of shimmers and mattes. This palette may cost me a lot of money in the long run loading it up with colors I love, but I really do love this product, and think it is a unique and great addition to this month’s box.




Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Ice Blue

$18.00 - 0.04 oz

This icy blue shade is very cool and is the ultimate mermaid color. I like that it is a bright color for summer without having to be neon or warm. I love blue eyeliners too, because they make my eyes pop, but I normally go with a denim or dark blue color instead. This color kind of reminds me of something I’d wear in the 90’s, which is totally back in style, but I am not sure if I have the guts to wear a color like this. I am definitely going to try it out, though, most likely to a dark bar, since it is a really cool shade. Also, it goes on really well and as far as I can tell, it lasts. I really like this product, and it will get me to try something outside of my comfort zone, for sure. Also, since it is a cool shade, I feel like I could wear this into Spring. So versatile.



Noyah Lip Gloss in Malbec 

$16.00 - 0.19 fl oz

This is a brand that I've known of for a while, and I've always wanted to try, but never had the chance. That packaging has always been beautiful and appealing, so I am already happy to include this item in with my makeup collection. On the other hand, I am not one to wear a lot of lip glosses. I don’t like how they are sticky, or how they leave a gloss sheen on my lips. I have been all over that matte lip trend instead. This color is very pretty though, and reminds me of summer. It has just enough summer brightness without being too much, so it is a great color to play with, and very versatile. This actually wasn’t too sticky, but it was a little drying and, again, I didn’t like the gloss. I will wear this a few times, I am sure, but it won’t be my go to lip color. I would love to try other products from their line, though.




PYT Hair Oil Treatment 

$30.00 - 1.01 fl oz

This hair oil treatment prevents split ends, reduces frizz, and creates instant shine without leaving your hair oily or greasy. While this looks like a great product, this isn’t something I necessarily need. I have really fine, straight, and soft baby hair without much volume, so basically any unvolumizing product weights it down. Also, like I said before, I have zero curl and hardly any frizz, so I couldn’t use it for that either. The one thing that does catch my eye is to use it for split ends. I do have split ends, and between haircuts they can feel a little crunchy and look unkempt. I think I will start using this oil at night on my split ends before I wash my hair in the morning, and going off how greasy it makes my hair, I will use this during the day. This isn’t that big of a bottle, but since you don’t have to use all that much at a time, this will last forever.




Overall, I am really happy with this month’s box, but honestly Boxycharm rarely disappoints. The theme isn’t my favorite, but since it is summer, and we all spend more time in the water, I understand where they are coming from. Also, they only had four samples in this month’s box, which is one less than normal, but the value is so freaking high without the fifth item, so I just cannot complain. This month's box has a value of $123. That is absolutely insane for a $21 box. There are $50 boxes without that kind of value. I have no idea how BoxyCharm does it month after month. 



If you would like to try BoxyCharm for yourself, just click here. It always has great high end items at such a low price. 

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Target Beauty Box July 2016 Review - Fresh & Fabulous

Yea! My Target Beuaty Box has arrived for the month of June, and I am excited to try out all of the products inside. Target Beauty Box isn’t exactly a subscription, but a monthly box you order individually from Target the delivers full size and sample size beauty products that are sold in store. They range from $5 to $10 depending on their value, and usually have a value around $20. Sometimes they offer multiple boxes, and once in a while they even offer a Men’s box. I have really enjoyed my Target Beauty Boxes, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me this month.


This month, Target actually sent out two boxes with different themes. This box’s theme is Fresh & Fabulous. It is all about staying fresh and fabulous during these hot summer nights. Also, these products will help you freshen up after a long day in the heat. I am hoping for some cooling products and possibly a hard working body wash. Along with each box, Target comes with a descriptive card detailing all the products inside and a coupon for $3 off $15 spent at Target on beauty products. There are great to use on anything that you absolutely love and want to stock up or a full size product of a small sample. 



Tom's of Maine Peppermint Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste

$3.99 - 4.7 oz    ($0.85 Value)

I know of this brand from their Deodorant, which doesn't work that well, so I've never really given this product a chance. This product is all natural, which is great for something you put in your mouth. I noticed that it doesn't work as great as a my normal whitening toothpaste, but it does work pretty well. I may use this as my morning toothpaste, and use the stronger one at night to balance it out, or I will use it for travel. I love receiving these smaller items for those times that I don't want to pack up my full size products for a weekend trip. This is a good product that I will definitely use, but I won't purchase this full size product. 




Dove Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo & Conditioner

$4.99 - 8.45 oz    ($1.18 Value)

I've tried Dove shampoo and conditioner before, but I've never tried this regenerative formula before.This creamy shampoo & conditioner smells refreshing, and the light formula doesn't weigh down your hair. These will help replenish and protect damaged hair. The sun and salt water has already done a lot of damage to my locks, so this product is perfect for summer. I think it cleaned really well, and my hair felt stronger after even one use. I like this shampoo and conditioner, and I will definitely use these up while traveling, if I can even wait. These might be going into my shower right away. 



Garnier SKINACTIVE Clearly Brighter Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

$14.99 - 2.5 fl oz    ($6.00 Value)

I wear face lotion every single day, and during the summer, it is nice to have SPF included so I don't have to layer products. I've actually tried this product already before, and I think it is a great lotion for a day in the sun. It does have the texture and light smell of a SPF, so I wouldn't exactly want to use this every day, but I think this is perfect for heavy sun days. I've been using this product a lot on the weekends weather it be going to brunch, golfing, or a day at the beach. I really like this product, and this sample will last forever. It is a perfect way to keep fresh during the summer. 



Sweet Spot On-the-Go Wipettes

$2.99 - 7 wipes    ($1.28 Value)

This is the first time I've heard of this product and brand, but I am excited to try these out. These refreshing wipes are for your lady parts when you want to freshen up. The hot summer heat can leave you sweaty, so these wipes will definitely come in handy. I will definitely keep one of these in my purse for when I need keep things fresh, or even in the bathroom. These are a cleaver new product, and even though they aren't glamorous, I am happy to see Target include them in their beauty box. 




Umberto Beverly Hills Lifting Powder 

$11.99 - 0.16 oz    (Full Size!)

This is another product and brand that I've never heard of, but I am really excited to try. I have really greasy and flat hair, so this will help lift and soak up moisture. This product does have a strange texture, but it does help lift my hair where it needs it most. Also, this is completely unscented, which is a nice change. I'd rather it not have a scent at all than smell like try shampoo. Also, this is a full size product. The bottle feels really light, but the product is basically powder, so it makes since that it doesn't have much weight. I am glad I was able to try this out, and I will definitely get a lot of use out of this product. It is absolutely perfect for me. 



NYX Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night

$5.99 - 0.16 oz    (Full Size!)

I love this brand, and I actually own this lipstick in a different color, but this color is just not for me. Knowing from the color that I absolutely love, the lipstick is moisturizing and has great pigmentation. Also, it is a great product for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, this color reminds me fall, and isn't something that I would wear during these hot summer months. Also, I don't think I could ever go this dark on my lips to begin with. This is a cool color, though, and I could see some girls rocking it. I will pass this along to a friend or sister, since I would never use it, but it still is a great addition to the box. 



Overall, I am pretty happy with this month's Target Beauty Box. I really like that lifting powder, shampoo and conditioner, face lotion, and personal wipes. The toothpaste isn't my favorite, but it will definitely go to use. The lipstick is the only thing I'm not a fan of, but that is only because the color just isn't for me. This month's box has a value of $27.29, which is pretty good for a $7 box. Target Beauty Boxes don't normally have a great value, but since these items are all so usable and things I would purchase anyways, they have a much larger value to me overall. I can't wait to see what they have in store for me next.


If you would like to try Target Beauty Box for yourself, you have to keep an eye out for when they go on sale. It is usually during the first Monday of the month, so I’d start looking around then.

Target Beauty Box July 2016 Review - Simply Radiant

Yea! My Target Beuaty Box has arrived for the month of June, and I am excited to try out all of the products inside. Target Beauty Box isn’t exactly a subscription, but a monthly box you order individually from Target the delivers full size and sample size beauty products that are sold in store. They range from $5 to $10 depending on their value, and usually have a value around $20. Sometimes they offer multiple boxes, and once in a while they even offer a Men’s box. I have really enjoyed my Target Beauty Boxes, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me this month.


This month, Target actually sent out two boxes with different themes. This box’s theme is Simply Radiant. It is all about looking and feeling your best all summer long. It is hard to keep things radiant in this summer heat, but these products will get your skin, hair, and makeup looking and feeling great all summer while still keeping it simple. Along with each box, Target comes with a descriptive card detailing all the products inside and a coupon for $3 off $15 spent at Target on beauty products. There are great to use on anything that you absolutely love and want to stock up or a full size product of a small sample. 




$9.99 - 8.5 oz    (Full Size!)

First of all, I can’t believe there is a full bottle of shampoo in this box. That is worth the cost of the box alone, and I am pretty excited to try out this brand. The clay shampoo deep cleans your hair while still leaving it moisturized and shiny. I absolutely love how this smells too. I will say, this cleaned just as well or better than my normal shampoo, and my hair felt and looked super clean. Also, the scent stayed with me all day, which was really nice. I am happy with this product. The only issue, where’s the conditioner?




$3.99 each - 12.6 oz    ($1.08 Value)

These are the shampoo and conditioner samples that I am used to. Once again, these smell amazing, and the color protectant is perfect for me, and I usually dye my hair. I’ve actually tried this product before, and I really enjoyed it in the past. These will be great for traveling, and I always like keeping these samples around for that reason. Also, these tiny bottles are over $1 each if you purchase them in store, so this is a great way to save. It is nice to get a product that I already love and know I’ll use.




$4.99 - 0.27 fl oz    (Full Size!)

Yet again, Target included another full size product in this box, and this is another one I’ll definitely use. I wear mascara every single day, and while I tend to purchase those more expensive, higher end products, it will be nice to try out a cheaper brand that will help out my bank account. This mascara is pretty nice, and I could definitely use this regularly, but I’d have to layer like I always do. It isn’t amazing, but it does work well, and I will definitely use this up. This is another great addition to this box, and I will definitely be saving some dollars in the future using this.




$16.99 - 0.5 oz    ($4.76 Value)

I love Derma E, and everything I’ve tried from their line has worked really well. This under eye cream promises to fade dark spots and reduce fine lines. I definitely have dark spots and fine lines under my eyes, so this product is perfect for me. I tried this once, and with one application I could feel a sensation as if it were working. I didn’t notice a difference right away, but I know it takes more than one use to really see any changes. I am sure this will work, though, and I will keep it by my bed to apply every night. Also, since you use so little, this tube will last forever. That is awesome, since they are usually so expensive. I am happy with this sample for more reasons than one. It was fun to try, and I will get a lot of use out of it too.




$9.99 - 4 fl oz    ($2.50 Value)

This is another brand that I really like from Target. It is higher end without being expensive, and the ingredients are health conscious. I’ve tried their face moisturizer before, and I absolutely loved it. The cream itself moisturized and brightened, and the scent helped wake me up and get me ready for the day. This scent is very much like the lotion, and is perfect for a morning face wash. Also, the gel lathers up really well, and leaves your face feeling fresh and clean. I prefer scrubbing face washes, or at least creams, so I won’t purchase this again, but I definitely will use this up. I’m going to throw this in the shower for those groggy mornings.




$6.99 - 3.5 oz    ($0.50 Value)

I've received so many of these Vaseline type products in my subscription boxes lately, that I don't know how I will ever use them all. Even though I have so many of these, they are pretty useful. I use them on cracked elbows, cuticles, and ultra-dry lips. I can get my boyfriend to use them on his cuticles too. Once in a while, I will use they on dry feet at night to allow it to really soak in. This product is a little greasier than I like, but if I do use it at night, it won’t really matter. I already have one of these in my purse, in the bathroom, and by my bed, so this won’t be used right away, but at least I know I’ll have backup.


Overall, I am really happy with this box. There isn’t anything too exciting, but everything is so usable. I am really happy with that full size shampoo, and the trial sizes are nice too. I absolutely love that eye cream, and I will use up the mascara quickly. The face cleansing gel is nice, but I wouldn’t buy it just because of preferences. I do have a lot of those vasaline type healing balms already, but I will just use this one as backup. This box has a value of $23.82, which is pretty good for a $7 box. These boxes don’t usually have incredible values, but they do have higher end drug store products that I usually love, and everything is also usually so useful. I love these boxes, and I will be sure to keep on top of ordering them as soon as they are sold.


If you would like to try Target Beauty Box for yourself, you have to keep an eye out for when they go on sale. It is usually during the first Monday of the month, so I’d start looking around then.

Ipsy Glambag July 2016 Review - Hot Summer Nights

Yea! My Ipsy Glambag has arrive for the month of July, and I am hoping this one will kill it after a few not so great bags. Ipsy is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least five full size and sample size beauty products to your door in a themed makeup bag for only $10 a month. They usually have a great value around $40, but once in a while they are pretty low. Plus, you can review their products in exchange for points that can be used on more samples. I am really excited to see what they have in store for me this month.


This month’s theme is Hot Summer Nights. Ipsy theme’s don’t mean much for the actual products, but their bags tend to go along each month. This month’s bag is pretty cute, but a little cheap, and I don’t know how sun umbrella’s transfer to summer nights. I won’t keep this particular bag in full rotation with other bags that I like more, but this one will be perfect for storage or filling with gifts for a present. I am hoping for some hot weather products and possibly some neon colors. I would like to try out a new lip color for summer.



$42.00 - 0.756 oz    ($1.00 Value)

First off, I am so freaking excited about a product from theBalm. I love this brand so much. Their packaging is so cute and everything I’ve tried from their line has been really high quality. I am a little disappointed about this color, though. It is darker than I usually go, by a lot, and the plum color doesn’t exactly scream summer. I did look into the palette that goes along with this color, and the rest of the colors in general look amazing. Plus, matte is totally in style and right up my alley. I don’t think I will use this item, even with a smoky eye, but I know that someone in my life will love it. This is definitely the first bummer of the bag.



$13.00 - 0.04 oz    (Full Size!)

Even though I rate every single product Ipsy delivers to me, and I continue to dislike every single lipliner, they send them to me over and over again. I have never used a lipliner except a clear one to keep my lip color in line, so I have no idea why they still send them my way. On the other hand, I really like this brand, and the products of theirs that I do use are always high quality. I also really like this color. I tend to not love mauves, but this lilac tint is really beautiful. This is another product that I will end up sending off to a friend or sister, or maybe I might just try it out. The problem, I don’t have a lip color to match. Strike two for me.



$28.00 - 2.6 oz    ($2.69 Value)

I've never heard of this brand before, so this is a brand new discovery for me. Along with makeup, I like seeing purposeful products in my subscription boxes. This all-in-one product is a face moisturizer, makeup primer, and makeup remover. Since I use face lotion every single day and night, this will definitely come in handy. I’ve also noticed recently that my makeup is just sitting on top of some of my moisturizers, toners, or serums. Sometimes I have to start from the very beginning after doing makeup since it isn’t blending in. This primer/moisturizer will be the best product for quick weekday morning. I am really hoping it works well, because I need a product like this in my life.




$22.00 - 0.01 oz    (Full Size!)

Again with the eyeliner. I swear, Ipsy sends me one at least every other month, and usually in a basic black. I have so many eyeliners, I don’t know how I would ever go through them all in a lifetime. This is a new brand discovery, though, and I am really happy with this vegan and ingredient conscious product. Also, I like the click style and the smudge bottom. The matte black is really pretty, and it goes on really easily. I am really happy with this item, and another plus,  it is full size! This one I’ll keep and use, but Ipsy, please stop sending me black eyeliner.




$10.00

One thing I really enjoy about this subscription are the beauty tools they throw in with the beauty products. I’ve received a few brushes from this line, so I’m starting to create quite a collection. I am happy with this, because I like the classic pink, and I really enjoy the quality. I actually don’t have a brush with this edge in my collection, so this will come in handy for me. I’m a pretty basic eyeshadow applicator myself, but I believe this brush could really step things up for me. It will help me create some detail, and really blend out those colors. I am happy with this product, and I’d be alright if Ipsy sent me every single brush from this line.


Overall, this bag just is definitely not a favorite. I am not a fan of the bag really, and only 2.5 of the products are something I’d use. I am really excited about trying out the moisturizer/primer duo, and that brush will get use, but only once in a while. I really like that matte black eyeliner, but I just don’t need anymore. Ipsy sends them to me all the time, and I only wear eyeliner about twice a month. That eyeshadow color just isn’t for me, and I don’t wear lipliner, so those two items will be handed off. This month’s bag has a value of $48.69. That is one great thing about this bag. I only spent $10, and with the mixture of full size and sample size products, the value is always great. I am going to redo my quiz and hope that Ipsy starts understanding my beauty preferences.


If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. I think this is a great bag for the makeup connoisseur or anyone trying to build up their beauty collection.  

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Birchbox July 2016 Review - My Morning Routine

Yes! My Birchbox has arrived for the month of July, and I am pretty stoked to see what is inside. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least five sample size and sometimes full size beauty products to your door curated to your profile. Also, you can review your samples for points to spend in their online store. I think Birchbox knows me the best out of all my subscription boxes and always delivers products that I absolutely love and become a part of my normal beauty routine. I can't wait to see what this month has in store for me. 


This month's theme is My Morning Routine. The products in this month's box will help us all get ready in the morning, rather it be great everyday products or those products that will help us transform our faces in a jiffy. I really like this theme, because I am always hitting the snooze, so I am hoping for products that will speed up my routine, but some others that will be once in a while products to really give my look a fun change. This box is really cute, too, and I can't wait to incorporate it into my morning routine. 



$12.00 - 0.09 oz    (Full Size!)

I love it when I receive full size products from Birchbox, first of all, and I've absolutely loved every single product they've sent me from their lines. This lip gloss pencil is a great color, and perfect for a summer pop, but it isn't something I'd be willing to wear all the time. The lip color itself isn't super long lasting, but it still stays put in a while, and I am pretty impressed with the moisture, and how it doesn't dry out my lips. I really like this product, and will definitely have to break it out once in a while to complete my morning routine. I think it will be the best pop of color to brighten my face, especially with a summer tan. 



$80.00 - 1.7 oz    ($2.82 Value)

To be honest, I already own this perfume, so this sample isn't something that I'm super excited about, but I do love this scent, so at least I will use it. I am thinking this may be perfect for taking with me on trips, or even throwing in my purse for some freshening up or splashing on before meeting up with friends. This perfume has notes of mandarin, grapefruit, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, and gardenia. I love how the citrus mixes with the flower to create the perfect light, summer scent. I find myself wearing this to Sunday brunch or the neighborhood farmer's market. To me, it smells like an easy weekend summer day. Birchbox nailed it with this one. 



$58.00 - 2 oz    ($7.25 Value)

This is yet another product I've owned before receiving it in my Birchbox, but since I love this brand and the product, I am happy to have a sample size to use for travel. This pore dermabrasion works serious magic and cleans my pores so well. Also, it leaves the rest of my face feeling completely clean. I don't love those little beads, because they are always hard to remove completely from my face, but I've learned to use this product in the shower instead of at the sink. This is a great addition, and even it I didn't discover it from Birchbox, they nailed it on the head once again with finding me a product I love. Also, this is great addition to your morning routine.




$14.00 -  0.28 oz    ($7.50 Value)

For our sample choice this month, we were given the option to sample one of three mascaras, and since this is the only one I haven't already tried, I had to go with this mascara. I am pretty excited about it, too. This formula and brush will give your lashes major extension and crazy curl for the falsie look. Also, it is hypoallergenic and won't leave clumps or flakes. I am pretty impressed with this product, and it does everything it claims. I usually like to layer my mascaras, but with this, it is absolutely not necessary. Plus, it curls as good as a curling wand. I am really impressed with this product, and it is also a great price. I could see myself purchasing this in the future. It is definitely a major part of my morning routine. 




$36.00 - 1.7 oz    ($7.20 Value)

This is a product that is so fitting for the theme, the month, and for me. I try to wear SPF every single day, but sometimes it is just too much layering for my face, and I don't want to apply to freshly applied makeup. Also, I've been wearing setting sprays more and more often lately, as the summer heat makes my makeup melt away. Since this product is a two in one, it takes a step out of my morning routine, but it also makes sure I am protected from the sun. I absolutely love this product, but since it is a little expensive, I probably won't purchase it in the future, but I will cherish every last drop of this sample. What a great product, and how freaking perfect. 


Overall, this is one of the best boxes I've ever received. I absolutely love setting spray, mascara, face wash, and perfume. I probably won't wear that lip pencil that often, because the color is a little bolder then what I normally pick for my lips, but the color is beautiful, and the product is really great quality. That is amazing to be my worst complaint out of all these product. I also like the theme, and all of the products fit perfectly. This month's box has a value of $36.77. I am really happy with that amount, and that is pretty high for Birchbox. This subscription always does a great job of finding products I love at a great value, but once in a while, they blow it out of the water. I hope they keep this up.


If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is my favorite subscription box of them all, and at the price, it is the perfect gift to yourself or anyone you love.