Sephora Play! February 2017 Review - The Soft Side

Yeah! My Sephora Play! box has arrived for the month of February, and since this is the month of love, I am hoping for some great pink and red items for to help celebrate both Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Sephora Play! is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers six sample size products of brands and items sold at Sephora. These products range from hair, nails, makeup, skincare, and there is a fragrance sample in each box. The monthly subscription box only costs $10, and the value usually reaches $50, so this is a great way to try out new brands and products at an affordable price. I can’t wait to see what is in store for me this month.

This month’s theme is Soft Side. Rather it be our skin, hair, or makeup look, this month is all about softening it up and keeping it smooth. I absolutely love this month’s theme. I don’t think there is anything more romantic than cuddling up next to soft skin or keeping your makeup light and soft. I am expecting this box to contain some hair cream, silky lotion, and some soft pinks or nudes to keep our makeup romantically light and pretty. This month drawstring bag is super cute too, and it works perfectly with the theme. The soft pink and satin make this bag romantic and perfect for jewelry or delicate makeup storage.

Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer

$29.50 – 1.7 oz    ($4.16 Value)

I apply moisturizer every single morning, but I tend to skip the toner step, as I don’t normally have a whole lot of time, and I hate applying too many layers to my temperamental skin. This moisturizer by Clinique not only leaves you with 24 hours of hydration, but it also blurs imperfections such as pores and fine lines. This leaves your skin prepped for makeup for flawless coverage, or can be used as a makeup alternative. This product also reduces shine, controls oil, and leaves a matte finish. I am absolutely obsessed with this product, and I have been using it every day since it’s arrived. This product will also help create a soft and beautiful, flawless face that will allow you to get close to your valentine.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

$30.00 – 0.5 oz    ($10.20 Value)

This is a product that I’ve actually purchased in the past, and I absolutely loved it, so I am excited to have more of the product to use. This eye cream is ideal for morning’s after, as it wakes up tired eyes by brightening, reducing unsightly bags, and restoring a radiant look. I personally love the orange, citrus scent, which helps me get ready for the day. I do usually only use eye creams at night, but this will be a great product to use for those mornings that came just a little too early. I also love that it contains coffee beans, so it actually wakes up your skin. I do have so many eye creams that are shelved right now, since I can’t seem to possibly get through them, so this is a little excessive, but I will be reaching for this one first.

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake

$22.00 – 0.14 oz    ($4.71 Value)

Too Faced creates some of the best makeup products, so I am excited to receive an item from their line. This super soft, nude color helps plump your lips all while helping them shine. It is also infused with ingredients like jojoba and avocado oil, which helps soften and smooth your lips. I am not a huge fan of glossy lips (matte is normally what I look for), but this color and shine are absolutely perfect for Valentine’s Day. Also, since it softens your lips, it fits with the theme perfectly. This is also a huge sample, so you won’t ever need to purchase the full size product. This isn’t a product that I would normally purchase on my own, but I am so happy to now have it in my collection.

Sephora Collection LashCraft Length & Volume Mascara

$12.00 – 0.33 oz    ($3.42 Value)

I think big lashes are so romantic, and I wouldn’t dare go on a Valentine’s date without them. This mascara by Sephora helps lengthen, define, and volumize lashes all in a jet black shade. I wear mascara every day, and I am always looking to find the best formulas to create major lashes without gluing on falsies. I am super impressed with this product. My lashes were huge, and I didn’t even need to double coat with a different wand. Also, my lashes didn’t fall flat halfway through the day. I love this, and I am also pretty happy with the price. I will definitely be scooping up one another tube once this runs out. 

Bite Beauty Multistick in Cashew

$24.00 - 0.17 oz    ($9.88 Value)

I love the idea of multisticks. They have so much versatility, and they are perfect for travel. This product is so unique, too, as it applies like a cream, but wears like a powder, so it isn’t heavy and easily blends. This rose taupe is so romantic, and can be worn as eyeshadow, lipstick, or blush. While this color may not be the best for my eyes, it makes a beautiful blush. I was a little weirded out to wear it as lipstick, and while it didn’t have lasting power, it did look nice. I think this color is perfect for Valentine’s Day, and it is soft enough to go with the theme. I want to try out this product in all their colors.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau De Parfum

$225.00 – 1.7 oz    ($6.62 Value)

I am not always that excited about the fragrance sample, as I have so many, and you know, it’s just a scent, but Valentine’s Day pulls those romantic vibes right out of me, and I am really excited about a new scent to wear around my boyfriend. This fragrance by Tom Ford has notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, orange flower, and lavender. It is smells, fresh, vibrant, and sparkling, which are all things I love, but I was hoping for something a little more flowery and sweet. I will still be wearing this to keep things happy and fresh, but just not for Valentine's Day. 

Overall, I am really happy with this month’s box. The face moisturizer and eye cream are complete wins, and I will be using every last drop. The mascara is great too. It is the ideal cheap alternative to those high end brands. The lip gloss and multistick are both items I would have never purchased on my own, but I am glad I have them to play with now. I was hoping for a more sweet and romantic fragrance, but I will definitely wear this eventualy. This month’s box has a value of $38.99. That is actually a little lower than usual, but still pretty incredible. I am really enjoying this subscription more and more every month, so I can’t wait to see what is in store for me in March.

If you would like to try Sephora Play! for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out the best of Sephora brands at a great price.

BoxyCharm February 2017 Review - Would You Be My Galentine?

Yeah!! My BoxyCharm has arrived for the month of February, and I am hoping for some lovely items that will work great for those dressed up date nights and those movie weekend spa nights. BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least four (but usually five) full size beauty products ranging from hair, skin, nails, and makeup. The boxes are curated based on a monthly theme and costs $21 each. They always have a value over $100, which surprises me every single time. I do love my fall subscription boxes, but a close second are Valentine’s Day boxes, so I have high hopes, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for me this time.

This month’s theme is “Would You Be My Galentine?” I freaking love Galentine’s Day, because it is important to let your favorite girls that you love them, just as much as you love your significant other. Made famous by Leslie Knope, this holiday is celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day, and I plan on spending it with my girlfriends watching chick flicks while painting our nails and doing face masks. Because of that, I am hoping for a cute nail polish, preferably pink, and maybe a face mask or two. They do send both of those items once in a while, so it isn’t a stretch. We will see.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator

$79.00 -2 oz

OMG! You guys. This is a full size Dr. Brandt product, which are so expensive, and this product alone with worth almost four times the cost of the box. This exfoliator promises to refine the look of your skin’s texture and soften imperfections for a clearer, smoother, brighter, and more radiant complexion. With ingredients like lactic acid and oxide crystals, this product will gently whisk away dead skin cells. It will also diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Brandt products always promise to transform your skin, but the samples I’ve received in the past just aren’t large enough to notice a large difference. I am so stoked about this product, and I can’t wait to see some major improvements in my skin tone and texture. I wouldn’t mind watching those wrinkles disappear as well. This is a great start to this month’s box, and I will definitely use every last drop of this product.

Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Pan in Roulette & Creme Brulee

$6.00 each – 0.064 oz    ($12.00 Value)

We’ve received Makeup Geek eyeshadow pans before, and since they’ve also sent us a magnetic palette, I am excited to fill it up. Makeup Geek is a recent fan favorite, and I understand why. The pigmentation is great, there isn’t fallout, and their colors are always on trend. These colors are unfortunately pretty basic. This taupe is something I have in a million palettes, and the rose is another color that is everywhere, and a color that I wouldn’t normally draw towards. I love receiving this single pans to fill up my palettes anyway I’d like, but I am a little unimpressed with these colors. Maybe I will be able to swap them out with some of my girlfriends. That being said, I think these colors work great with the theme.

Z Palette in Small

$14.00

Well, look at this. I was just talking about how nice it was for BoxyCharm to previously send us a magnetic palette, and here is yet another to fill up. This magnetic palette is definitely smaller than the first, but it is much more sturdy, and both of those things make this great for travel. I am also a fan of the design. It looks like they took Z palette and BoxyCharms signature look and blended these together. Now that I have two magnetic palettes, I am excited to organize my colors a little better, but also probably purchase a few more. This will not be the best for my bank account. Also, that heart goes perfectly with the valentine’s theme.

Royal & Langnickel OMNIA EyeKit Brush Duo

$29.98

BoxyCharm sends us many tools and brushes along with the beauty products, which I really love, but I swear, I have so many eyeshadow brushes, I will never be able to use them all. This eye duo contains an allover eye brush with a very small detail brush. I think this duo is very practical, and you could really do an entire makeup look with these two brushes. They are both high quality, and the colors are fun and make them feel like they are expensive. Also, the bristles are soft and full. I may just put these in the front of my rotation, because I like them so much, but I’d really like if BoxyCharm mixed it up a little in the future. I will definitely be pulling this out with my girlfriends this Galentine’s Day.

Realher Moisturizing Lippie in No Filter

$18.00 - 0.12 oz

I absolutely insist on having a moisturizing formula in my lip products, as my lips are always dry, and I cannot put color over cracked lips. This lipstick is super moisturizing, and I love putting it on my lips. I am not sold on this color, though. It is really pretty, but it pretty bold at the same time. I always try for a more natural look, so I am going to have to be brave to wear this. I could see how this would be an ideal color to wear for Galentine’s Day date night with your girls, or even with your man for the romantic holiday. I have never heard of this brand before, but I am a big fan already, and I would love to try out other products from their line. This is also a great color for a dark lip during these late winter months.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this box. That exfoliator brings up the value so much, and is a fan favorite, so I am happy to have a bottle of my own. Besides that product, these didn’t fit my personal Galentine’s Day, but I will definitely be using these products every other day this year. I really like those eyeshadows, and that magnetic palette will be the perfect place to store them and my others I already have. The lip color is nice as well, but I don’t know if it will be the first color I reach for out of a collection. The eye kit brush duo is something I am half excited for. I do not have a detail brush like that, but I have so many of the other eyeshadow brush. This month’s box has a value of $152.98. I always amazed at how they can put so much value in such an affordable box, but they do it month after month.

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

Ipsy Glambag February 2017 Review - Much Love

Yea! My Ipsy Glambag has arrived for the month of February, and since I love Valentine’s Day, February boxes are some of my favorites. Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers at least five full size and sample size beauty products to your door in a specially created makeup bag for only $10 a month. These range from hair, makeup, skin, and nails, and the value usually adds up to around $50. Ipsy is very makeup heavy, and doesn’t do the best job delivering me product that I love, but they do usually send me a few items I love, and the makeup bags are fun and so handy. Like I said before, this is the month of love, so I am hoping for some romantic items for both date nights out and in.

This month’s theme is “Much Love.” This month is all about those beauty items that you love as much as your favorite pair of blue jeans. I didn’t understand this bag design at first, but with that description, I can understand the denim fabric. Also, I can understand that feeling of love towards your favorite pair of jeans and your favorite beauty items that work perfectly for you. Since Ipsy isn’t the best at finding me the perfect items, I am a little worried they won’t get this right, but if they deliver fan favorites, I am sure I will get behind them. This isn’t the cutest bag, but the idea is really fun, so I have high hopes for these items.

NYX Professional Makeup Butter Lipstick in Lifeguard

$6.00 - 0.16 oz    (Full Size!)

I’ve received this exact lipstick in a previous Ipsy, but last time the lipstick was purple, so this color is much more wearable. First, I am really happy that this is a full size product. I never go through an entire lipstick, but I’d much rather receive a full size product over a tiny sample that I will just lose over time or never use. Second, I love this formula. I normally hate lipsticks, because they leave my lips so dry, and the application then looks crazy, but this is super hydrating. Also, I like that you can either buildup color or leave it a little light with one coat. This color is really pretty, and this will be perfect for my Valentine’s Day date night, so my wish came true. I really wouldn’t mind if I received another lipstick from this line either, Ipsy.

IBY Beauty Highlighter in Bubbly

$12.00 - 1.8 g     (Full Size!)

I have pinkish skin, so this light pink highlighter is going to perfectly compliment my skin, and I am so excited! I don’t really get excited about this brand, and I wasn’t too excited about it after my first impression, but once I was able to try it out, I fell in love. I usually shy away from white highlighters, because they just look so unnatural, but this does a great job at both highlighting and looking natural. This is another full size item as well, which really adds to this boxes value, but this container isn’t very large. I know it will last forever, though, since it is a highlighter. I think this is a great Valentine’s Day product as well.

Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer

$25.00 – 8 g    ($2.19 Value)

Ugh! And the train stops here. This month’s Ipsy was doing so well, but then I received a bronzer in FEBRUARY! It is the end of winter, and my skin is now as pale as it gets, so a bronzer just looks so unnatural. I will say, though, this will come in handy once summer hits, and I love this formula. I am a big fan of matte powders, because shimmers on look unnatural, and this color has brown undertones, so you won’t look like an Oompa-Loompa. Also, this powder is on the creamy side, somehow, and I like how it blends. This is a sample, but there is quite a bit of product in there, and I will be able to go through it before it goes bad. This is a nice product, but it came at the completely wrong time. I’ll just hold onto this for later.

Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Blush Brush 514

$18.00

Ipsy loves Luxie, and fortunately, I do too. This blush brush is really great quality, and the size is perfect for applying your blush or bronzer. I do already have a blush brush, but it doesn’t hurt to have another. This way I won’t have to wash them as frequently, or I can keep one for blush and one for bronzer. I’ve received quite a few of these pink Luxie brushes, so I’m really starting to make quite the collection. I like this for when I bring my brushes in public for travel or getting ready with my girls. I do like that Ipsy delivers beauty tools along with the rest of the products, because these are fun to try out and collect. Plus, they always push up the value of the bag. This solo brush actually costs more than the cost of the subscription. That is amazing.

Biobelle Sheet Masks in #StayGorgeous and #Iwokeuplikethis

$4.99 each – 0.88 oz    ($9.98 Value)

I love receiving sheet masks in my subscription boxes, and this twin pack is really cute. I have never heard of this brand before, but the packaging and names put me in a fun mood. The #StayGorgeous is packed with almond oil to soften and moisturize skin. #Iwokeuplikethis contains orange citrus with Vitamin C, that won’t just wake you up, but it will brighten your skin. I always get moisturizing sheet masks, which is nice, especially during these cold months, and don’t get me wrong, I will use them, but I am really excited about the citrus, brightening mask. To top it off, both masks are made with special biodegradable fiber that adheres to your face like no other. I think these will be perfect for Galentine’s Day, or while getting ready for the big night out.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this month’s box. I don’t think they did the best job at bringing classic products or items that would fit me well, but there are a few that I really love. That highlighter is my favorite, and I will love using those sheet masks. The lipstick is a pretty color and that brush is nice, and will work in my rotation. The bronzer doesn’t fit in this month’s bag, but I will be happy to hold onto this for the future. This month’s bag has a value of $48.17. That is great for a $10 box, but surprisingly a little less than normal. I had high hopes for this month, and Ipsy just fell short, so I hope that March really delivers.

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat yourself or to gift to a friend.

Birchbox February 2017 Review - Lip Love

Yeah! My Birchbox has arrived for the month of February, and since this is the month of love, I am hoping for some pink or red, girly products that will get me ready for the Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day events ahead. Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers five beauty samples (and once in a while a full size product) to your door for only $10 a month. I love the products and the brands that this subscription delivers, and while they are usually on the smaller side, and the value isn’t the most amazing, I often find product that I love and easily work into my daily routine. Also, they know me better than any other subscription box I received. Birchbox allows you to pick their monthly curated box, so no items are a surprise, one of the items from the selected variety, or do nothing and keep it a surprise. I personally like to pick one and keep the rest a secret, which is what I did here. I can’t wait to explore all the products.

This month’s theme is Lip Love. This month is all about giving your lips some extra love, rather it be taking care of them and keeping them beautiful, or making them pop with some warm or “cool” hues. Since this is the month of kissing, I love that this theme focuses that part of our body. Also, the month’s sample choices were all lip care or colors, so we are all guaranteed to get at least one new product focused on our pout. This box is so pretty, and is perfect for both the theme and Valentine’s Day. I think I will maybe keep this for Valentine’s Day décor for the next time the holiday comes around, but this would also make a cute box to deliver a gift for your Valentine. I hope there will be a few more lips products in store than the one sample choice.

LAQA & Co. Avocado Lipstick in Ninza

$25.00 – 0.14 oz    ($5.00 Value)

This was my sample choice, and while I wouldn’t normally pick out this color, or wear it really, I thought I would break out of the norm and choose a product that I’ve don’t have rather than stock up one something I already do. This warm plum is such a beautiful color, and instead of looking goth or dark, it instead gives me a cool look that would be perfect for pairing with an otherwise minimal look. Also, this sample isn’t the largest, but since I won’t be wearing this a whole lot, it will be plenty before it expires. I appreciate how this doesn’t dry out my lips, since it has ingredients such as avocado and is also paraben free. I am really impressed with not only this color, but the product and brand. I would be interested in purchasing a few more colors. Possibly those that I may be wearing a little more often.

Coastal Scents Blush & Bronzer Duo

$19.95 – 1.58 oz    ($0.29 Value)

I am not the biggest fan of Coastal Scents, since their formulas aren’t always the best, but I do like to try out new bronzer and blush shades, so this may be great. Unfortunately, this sample is a complete flop. This is a blush and bronzer palette, but these shades remind me of cheap contouring. This white shade is definitely a highlighter, and which is nice, and a might use, but I prefer more crystal white shades. The other color is a mix of a blush and bronzer, too light for a bronzer, and not pink enough for a blush. Really, I do not know what to do with this one. I guess it would work as a pale winter skin bronzer, but normally I wouldn’t wear it during these months at all. Checking out the rest of the palette, I really wished I received other colors, but I guess I could play around with these for highlighting or as eyeshadow. This is definitely not a winning product.

The Organic Pharmacy Double Rose Rejuvenating Face Cream

$88.00 – 50 ml    ($12.32 Value)

This is a product that is way too expensive to purchase alone, yet I’ve heard great things, so I am pretty excited to receive this in this month’s box. First of all, this smells so nice. It has light notes of rose hips, ginger, and marigold, so it smells and feels luxurious on your face. Also, this works wonders, and the positive reviews prove it. The cream promises to promote cell regeneration, sooth sensitive skin, reduce broken capillaries, and make it glow. It helps skin look amazing, all while hydrating. Icing on the cake, this formula is completely organic. I am in love with this sample, and my only complaint would be its smaller size. (I WANT MORE!) This may be my favorite sample in this box, and I will be using it to the very last drop.

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream with SPF 35+ in Light to Medium

$32.00 – 1.6 fl oz    ($2.04 Value)

I am a mediocre fan of Supergoop, because I know this company takes pride in their ingredients, and I am really excited to try out a makeup product. This primer and foundation CC cream helps smooth lines and uneven skin all while protecting it from the sun. Also, it contains mica minerals that soften your skins appearance and create a flawless completion. I often skip primer, since it is an extra step for those rushed morning, so I like that this product blends the two together. I am pretty impressed with how well it works as well. It blends into my natural skin tone really nicely, and I notice a softer look. Also, it is really light and feels like silk on my skin. This already includes SPF, so that takes out another step, and this is ideal for summer use. I think most of us are in winter towns, so this product is a little premature, and would better fit a summer month. Other than that, I am in love.

Oribe Crème for Style

$42.00 – 5 fl oz    ($4.20 Value)

This hair cream from Oribe helps prevent frizz and general unruliness all while giving your hair the effects of a fancy salon do. First of all, this is Oribe, so it smells amazing. I am going to love using this product just so I can smell it all day long. I appreciate that this dries flexible, not sticky, yet still holds. It also works on all hair: curly, straight, or wavy. While this isn’t a product that I necessarily need, it will be nice to use, and I am really impressed with how it makes my hair look just slightly more luxe with just rubbing it into damp hair. It also helps hydrate protects my hair from the environment. Originally, this wouldn’t be a product I would reach for, but this will be nice to have on hand for those times I need to smooth out my look a little.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this box. I am overjoyed with the face cream, and the lipstick and CC cream will be great additions to my beauty collection. The hair cream is nice too, but I definitely don’t “need” a product like this. The blush/bronzer are kind of a flop, but I may play with them a little to see where they work best. One other bust, all these samples are pretty small, and they barely take up any space in this already small box. It would be nice to receive product that are just a little larger. That way I can really get a sense of the product. This month’s box has a value of $23.85. That is pretty typical of Birchbox, and I am definitely good with that amount. I cannot wait for March and all it has to offer.

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out different products and samples.