Saturday, July 29, 2017

Birchbox The Best of K-Beauty Kit Review

I have been eyeing this Birchbox Kit for a while, and as soon as I saw it on sale, I had to swoop it up. In addition to Birchbox's subscription boxes, they also offer already curated kits around a theme that you can purchase separately. I love K-beauty, because they focus so much on skincare, and all their makeup products are multi-use and fun. This box usually goes for $25, but I snagged it for $15, so I already know I am going to get a great value. Let's check out the great K-beauty products inside. 




$18.00 - 0.26 oz    (Full Size!)

At first, I thought this mascara was sample or travel size, but I was pleased to find out it was full. I wear mascara every single day, and I am always interested in trying out new products, so this will be fun. Honestly, I prefer smaller tubes, since the product doesn't dry out or get clumpy inside before you can use it all up. This mascara's formula is amazing, and I can see why it has become a K-beauty cult obsession. It was lengthening and thickening, and it made my lashes look amazing. So in love. 




$12.00 - 0.21 oz    (Full Size!)

Ok, this is yet another full size product, and together, these have a value that doubles what I paid for the box. That is amazing. This blush is so beautiful. The color is amazing, and the sheen leaves a perfect glow to a more pale face. This isn't very pigmented, but it instead gives your cheeks a beautiful pink sheen that looks natural and healthy. I have been using just this blush for days now, and I'm in love. I would say I'd like to try this in a few other shades, but this one is absolutely perfect for me. 




$19.00 - 3.3 g    (Full Size!)

Again, another full size product, and this is the most K-beauty item in the lot. This three tier lipstick will give your lips a fun colorful look, but it also gives your lips volume and definition. I wasn't sure how much I would like this product, because I like to keep my look a little more natural, but I was impressed with what this did to my lips. The three colors weren't as distinct on the lips as I though they would be, but instead worked perfectly with the two toned look. The darker color on the inside and the lightest color in the middle made my lips look fuller, which is something I normally cant achieve. I really like this product, and while I probably won't use it all the time, I will happily take it out now and then. 




$20.00 - 3.38 fl oz    (Full Size!)

I lied, this is the most K-beauty item in this kit. This movement is obsessed with their skin, and keeping it healthy, protected, and beautiful is the base to your best look. This agua gel sprays in a fine mist to give your skin a boost of hydration before or after makeup application. I live in a super dry environment, so this spray can come in handy. I like how it didn't leave my skin feeling wet of looking dewy. Instead it almost dried instantly, and left my skin feeling replenished and hydrated. I love this for an instant hit of hydration, It is something just easier than applying a layer of cream.




$18.00 - 0.56 g    (Full Size!)

Alright, I just realized these are all full size products. I don't think that is normal for a Birchbox kit. This eyeliner is another favorite with K-beauty fanatics, and I understand why. It goes on so smoothly, and gives your eyes a dramatic look without too much application. Also, this does not smudge, which is so impressive. I really like this eyeliner, and even though I rarely wear it, and I have so many options, I will be reaching for this first. 



Yeah! I am so happy much more happier with this kit than I imagined I would be, which is practically impossible, because I had a feeling I would be obsessed with these products. That blush and mascara are new favorites, and I have been using them every single day since they've arrived. The gel mist is pretty cool too, and my skin has been so much more hydrated. The eyeliner and lipstick are items that I won't be using as often, but they are so amazing that they will be reached for over and over again. This kit has a value of $87, which is insane, because I only spent $15. It is such a great deal, and the items make it even better.


if you would like to try Birchbox's The Best of K-Beauty Kit for yourself, just click here. I am sure you will be just as obsessed with it as I am. 

Walmart Beauty Box Summer 2017 Review

Yea! My Walmart Beauty Box has arrived for the summer season, and I am excited to check out my drug store samples. Walmart Beauty Box is a seasonal box for only $5 shipping (the box is free), and it is filled with beauty samples, and some full size products, sold at Walmart. I love my beauty subscription boxes, but sometimes the products are just out of my price range if I were to buy the full size item, so it is great to sample affordable items from new brands and brands I love. 


These boxes don't normally have themes, or a card detailing the items, but it was nice to see this quote on the inside of the box. The summer heat is radiating for sure where I am from, so I would like to still be able to look and feel beautiful while it is still hot and humid. These boxes aren't the best at delivering items specific to the season, because most drug store finds don't, but I still hope to see some colorful makeup items and possibly some sunscreen. We will see!




$5.47 - 25 count    ($1.53 Value)

Ohh! Yea! These are my favorite cleansing wipes of all time. I love receiving products I've never tried before, but it is always nice to restock on those that I will already repurchase. These wipes do such a great job at removing makeup, but they also don't leave a weird film behind. These wipes are perfect, and I haven't found anything I like better. I may save this pack for travel. These sample items are always great for that. 




$3.84 / $4.97 - 12.6 fl oz / 17.7 fl oz    ($1.00 Value)

We've all tried Pantene Pro-V in our day, so this definitely isn't a new discovery. The best part of this box, like I kinda mentioned above, are all the travel size products. If you were to purchase this shampoo and conditioner in sample size at the store, they would cost at least $3. This box allows you to stock up on all your travel sized products at a great price. Pantene is one of my all time favorite shampoo and conditioner, especially when it comes to drug store brands, so these will be the first to travel with me.  




$2.50 - 2 count    (Full Size!)

This is finally a new item for me, and one I am pretty excited about. I use quite a few face masks, and they are pretty difficult to remove sometimes. A washcloth doesn't have enough grit, and takes quite a few rinses to fully remove. These sponges soak up a ton of water to help break down the dried mud, and the pores help scrub away any thick or hard product. I am so happy with this item, and it is something I didn't realize I needed until I owned it. I wouldn't use these over and over, though, because sponges hold bacteria. These will be great in the meantime though.




$4.12 - 1.25 oz    (Full Size!)

This is the first item in the box that just isn't for me. Usually, the items in this box are so generic, that I usually use them all in my daily routine, but this item doesn't make the cut. I have long, thin, and straight hair, so I like to keep it light and clean to keep up the volume. Hair gel just weighs it down. Luckily, I have a boyfriend that can use this. He gave it a try, and wasn't too impressed. He much prefers pomade that lets you toss and restyle throughout the day, and this just hardened his hair to a crisp. I can see him using this now and then, but he wouldn't repurchase. 




$4.50 - 36 count    (Full Size!)

This is a really cool item to receive in this box, since it is almost the cost of the box, and I can see a lot of girls really enjoying this nail set. Unfortunately, I am not one of them, just because this style isn't really me. I do like the three different colors and prints, which make it fun to mix and match, but also, they go together so perfectly. I have a few friends that will really like these, so I will just pass them on. 




$7.98 - 5.1 oz    ($0.39 Value)

You are bound to get foil samples in this subscription, and I don't really mind because this box is technically free. Plus, this is one that I will be able to use. I, of course, clean all my brushes regularly, and I am always running out of cleansing productions. This gel will remove all the makeup and impurities from your brushes to leave them as clean and new as the day they arrived. This gel was a little difficult to use, since I normally use bars, but I ended up really liking it, and my brushes felt and looked great. I would definitely consider repurchasing. 



Overall, this is a pretty good box, but I am a little bummed about a few of the products. The travel sized shampoo and conditioner are great, because I can take them with me anywhere, and the makeup wipes are my absolute favorite. The sponges are a new discovery, and I will be repurchasing over and over. The sample of brush cleanser was nice to try as well. The nails and hair gel just isnt' for me, though. This box has a value of $14.05. That isn't great for a $5 box, but at least it doubled the cost. I hope that next season's box will fit me better. 


If you would like to try Walmart Beauty Box for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to sample new products on the market at a great price. 

FabFitFun Summer 2017 Review

Yea! My first ever FabFitFun box has arrived, and I am so excited to check out everything inside. FabFitFun is a seasonal lifestyle subscription box that delivers items that range from beauty, fashion, home, and fitness for only $49.99 per box. I have been watching the spoilers for about a year now, and I finally caved. I've been more and more impressed with the items, and the value is always insane, and when I saw this box, I decided to make it mine. I am really excited to open up my first box and check out all the items in person. 


This box doesn't really have a theme, because their items go along with the season, but instead they offer a couple page newspaper that details each item, but also includes some articles on the products and summer in general. While I do love my themes, I don't mind a seasonal box not having one (besides the season), and this was both unique and fun. I loved reading up on the items, but getting a little dose of pop culture as well. Now let's dig in. 



Michael Stars Batik Print Convertible Ruana

$54.00

I don't think it would be a summer subscription box without a type of coverup or beach wear. This ruana can be used as a over-sized scarf, a draped cover-up, or a tied skirt. I can see myself sporting all three looks with this fabric, which makes this product transition easily from summer into fall. The box delivered three prints, and if you are a seasonal subscriber, you can choose your color, but unfortunately this is not the one I would've chosen, but instead is my second favorite of the three. Since I did receive this color, I don't think I will wear it as often as I would with the black print, but I will still use it now and then. I like this item, but it isn't a home run. 




BKR 500 ml Little in Romeo

$35.00

OMG! I love these glass water bottles, and while I already have one in millennial pink, I appreciate having another in my cabinet. This water bottle doesn't only look cute, but it keeps my drinks cool, and it is really durable with the silicone cover (something you wouldn't expect from something made out of glass). I have been keeping mine at my desk at work to refill throughout the day, but this bottle is great for travel too. I love having high quality water bottles that will stay sturdy and new for years. This water bottle alone is one of the reason's I decided to splurge on this box. 




Cargo Cosmetics Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Highlighter in Bronze

$30.00 - 0.26 oz

As you can see in the picture, this item unfortunately arrived to me damaged. I did email them right away with this picture, and while they told me they would send me a replacement right away, they ended up running out and offered to send me a replacement item or give me $20 to spend in extras for next season. I ended up pressing together what I could on this item, so I don't think it is a total waste. I like that this highlighter is a little darker, which will work perfectly with my summer tan. The shimmer is beautiful, and I love how it wore on my skin. While this was a little bit of a bust, I ended up making it work, and I got a little extra for my trouble. I'll take it. 




Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate

$29.00 - 0.5 fl oz

Oh, yeah! I am really excited about this Juice Beauty product in this subscription box, and an eye smoothing concentrate is perfect for me. This brand delivers high quality products with all natural ingredients. This product will help battle dark circles, fine lines, and any puffiness, which is basically every concern I have. This felt luxurious underneath my eyes, and I noticed an improvement with just a few used. This full size bottle will last me forever, and I hope it changes my appearance as well. I am loving this second beauty item!




Kris Nations Mystic Bar Necklace in Peach Moonstone

$58.00

I received a few Kris Nations products in my subscription boxes, but this is by far my favorite piece of jewelry yet. This moonstone necklace is delicate, but yet quite a statement with it's row of gems. I am a gold girl, so I appreciate the color of the chain, and the peach is so delicate and it will go with everything as well. My absolute favorite part of this necklace is how the gemstones promote well being. This one in particular provides strength, inner peace, and growth. I am going to enjoy wearing this all the time, not only because it is cute, but it will help me grow. 




Eau Thermale Avene Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

$24.00 - 1.7 fl oz

Again, it wouldn't be a summer box without a sunscreen item, and this one is great. I love Avene, because it is such high quality, but still affordable. I hate putting SPF on my face that might clog my pores and create acne, so this will be the perfect alternative. This is so light that I can wear it under or over makeup, which also makes it perfect for day to day wear. I love the sleek bottle and the dispenser knob works so well at delivering the perfect amount. I really like this sunscreen, and it will keep my protected from the sun all summer long. 




Ready, Set, Create! Art Kit!

$22.00

I see that this season was a little special and delivered a item from one of these hobbies: cooking, travel, or art. If I would've had the opportunity to choose, I would probably have chosen art, so this is what I was meant to receive. I know a lot of subscribers aren't happy with this kit, but I personally love it. Sometimes I love to just get crafty while watching TV, and this kit will come in handy. Also, I love putting my own up on the wall, so this will soon decorate my house. While this isn't really a high value item, it is one that I will really enjoy for a long time, and it will keep my busy as well when I'm feeling a little bored. 




Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

$20.00 - 3.2 oz

First of all, I go through dry shampoos so quickly, and I am always restocking, so this full bottle is well appreciated. Second, I really love this brand, and this product. I've received samples of this product in a few of my subscription boxes, so I've been able to see how well it works. Other dry shampoos leave a white powder in your hair, but this still soaks up all the dirt and oil without any discoloring. This is such a practical item, and one I will  easily use up, which is ideal for me. This is such a great addition to this month's box. 



Vital Proteins Marine Collagen 

$46.55 - 10.16 oz    ($1.60 Value)

This special extra is a tasteless supplement powder to toss in your water, coffee, or smoothie to help promote collagen in your skin. Collagen helps fill in fine lines and adds elasticity to your skin giving you an overall younger appearance. This sample isn't enough to notice a difference, but I will say, this was tasteless in my coffee, so it was simple to drink. I could get into the habit of including this into my morning coffee, but at this price I don't think I will be purchasing. This was fun to try out anyways. 




Overall, I am really happy about my first FabFitFun box. I've been tempted to purchase them for a while, but I think I jumped on the right one. I am in love with that water bottle, highlighter, dry shampoo, and eye concentrate. The ruana and necklace are beautiful, and they will definitely get used, while the sunscreen is so handy. Even the canvas will be great for a lazy night in. This season's box has a value of $273.60. That is absolutely crazy for $50 box, and you really get your monies worth. I am really enjoying this box, and I can't wait to see what the next few season's have in store. 


If you would like to try this box out for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat yourself with items perfect for the season. 

BarkBox June 2017 Review - Chewrassic Bark

Yea! My dog's BarkBox has arrived for the month of June, and my dog is going to be pretty darn excited. BarkBox is a monthly subscription box that delivers toy and treats to your sized dog around a monthly theme for only $29.95 a month. I used a coupon, and have a longer subscription length, so I only pay $20. This is a great way to treat your fur baby with cute and healthy items at a great price.  


BarkBox has been going around the work with it's themes this year, which I've really enjoyed, and I think this is the first time they've stepped away. I guess Jurassic Park is a place to visit, but only in fiction, so it doesn't really count. That being said, I really like this theme. Dinosaurs are such a kid's obsession, and I know my fur child will like them as well. I have a feeling we are going to get a few dinosaur shaped toys and possibly some bone shaped treats. We will see. 




$8.00 - 3.35 oz

My dog absolutely loves his jerky strips, so he is going to really appreciate these. They are made with all natural ingredients, and the packaging goes with the theme so well. These treats are perfect for those well deserved dogs that have good behavior on a long walk or was home alone all day. I also like to give my dog a bit of a larger treat when I am eating a treat myself. That way, he won't drool while watching me, and can instead be a part of the family. 




$8.00

While this isn't a dinosaur exactly, this extinct animal is so cute as a stuffed toy. He is so detailed for a dog's toy, and I am always impressed with the durability. My dog tends to tear toys apart as soon as he gets them, but he surprisingly leaves his BarkBox toys whole for a while. I honestly think he likes them the best. This has a squeak inside, so it is great for tossing and chewing, but it is so compact and durable, that it can be used as a fetch toy as well. I can see this guy being an instant favorite for my dog. 




$8.00 - 5 oz

I love how BarkBox delivers a variety of treats, because it always differs in the type of treat that fits best with the environment and activity. These don't really go along with the theme, but I don't care too much, since it is great to receive some dental treats in this box. We are always purchasing what we call "breath treats" when his goes sour, and they always freshen it up. These do a pretty good job at freshening up his breath, but also clean his teeth as well. That is good for a dog that refuses to have his teeth brushed. I think I am going to appreciate this treat a little more than him!




$10.00

Alright, there is the dinosaur I was looking for. This guy is so darn cute, and my dog is going to be obsessed. His bubble body makes this toy great for gripping, and I can see my dog using this guy as a tugger, tosser, or chewer. It is quite a lot bigger than it looks, which gives it enough surface area to not get the accidental bites. I have to say, this toy really things about what the dog wants, because I can see my dog really enjoying this guy. 




$4.00

BarkBox always delivers a single treat with it's items, which i love because I never want to spend full price of them, but my dog always enjoys them. Rather it be rawhides, pig ears, or crunchy bars. This pork roll isn't super hard, so it will only take him about an hour to eat, but that is perfect to keep him busy and happy while we are home watching a movie, or just as a special reward for being such a good dog. He always freaks out when his box arrives, and I usually put most items away, but I tend to give him this to keep him happy. Lucky dog!


Overall, I am really happy with this box. I love the theme and the variety of the products, something BarkBox always does so well. The toys this month are so cute, and I can see them both being my dog's favorites. I also really like the treats. Those jerky chews are going to be well appreciated, and I am happy to receive some dental treats, since I always have to purchase those on the side. This month's box has a value of $38. I spend $20 on this box, so I am really happy with that amount. I couldn't purchase all five of these products in the store for under $20 either, so this is great. 


If you would like to try BarkBox for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat your loved dog with toys and treats at a great price. 

Popsugar Must Have June 2017 Review

Yea! My Popsugar Must Have subscription box has arrived for the month of June, and since summer is finally here, and am excited for some goodies to enjoy that warm weather. Popsugar is a monthly subscription box that delivers full size lifestyle products in the categories of beauty, fashion, home, fitness, books, and food. These boxes cost $39.95, but the productions always have a collective value over $100, so they are well worth it. I love this box, because it is a great way to treat yourself to items that I normally wouldn’t purchase for myself at a great price. I can’t wait to see what this month has in store.


Popsugar doesn’t exactly have a monthly theme, but instead they curate their items around inspirations. This month’s inspirational words are Beach Reads, Swim, Waves, Breeze, Mermaids, Palm Trees.These all remind me of a the perfect summer box, and really get me in the mood for the good weather. I love reading light and easy books while at the beach, so I am hoping for one of those. Also, everyone knows I will be swimming in the waves so beach gear will be well appreciated. I already see the item with the palm trees, and it looks pretty darn cute. Let's dive in. 




Billabong Aloha Forever Trucker Hat

$17.95

Alright, I am on the fence for this item. First of all, it is so cute, so summer, and so practical, but I just never wear hats. Billabong brings me straight back to high school, and this is the ideal summer beach brand. This hat is really cute too. The Aloha is a fun summer touch to the classic trucker hat. This would be a great item to take with you to the beach to keep sun off your face or to keep your hair back while playing sports in the sand. This is a great summer accessory, and something we haven't received from Popsugar before, so I am happy about that. 




Captain Blankenship Mermaid Sea Salt Hair Spray

$24.00 - 4 fl oz

OMG! I am so pumped about this item. I've sampled this product before, and I was an instant fan, so now I have a full size bottle to work through. Second, I love sea salt spray. I have very fine and straight hair, but I love how the ocean gives it fun volume and curls. This product replicates that look but giving it a touch of waves, and no heat is required. Plus, it gives my hair a soft, summery scent. I am a big fan of this product, and while I probably never would've purchased this on my own, I am so happy I have the full size product to use all summer long (and probably longer).




The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

$26.00

I laughed when I saw this book in my box, not because it is funny story, or an unwanted item, but because I just purchased this book last week. That being said, this is the perfect summer read. It is a nonfiction story about a Hollywood starlet and the crazy life she lived. Normally, I think trashy love novels or silly reads when I think of summer, but this book looks like it is going to be a juicy, gossipy read. I can't wait to dig in. Now that I have two copies, though, I am not 100% sure what to do with this one. I guess I will hand it off to my sister. I wish I would have went with another book last week, so I could have two new summer reads. Either way, I'm heading straight to the pool. 



Aloha Collection Ocean Coco Palms Pouch (Mid-Sized)

$36.00

This is the first item I actually pulled out the box, and it really got me in the mood for this summer box. This pouch is made from a plastic material that keeps everything inside dry and clean from the water and sand, or it keeps everything wet and sandy inside away from your clean clothes and electronics. I always have items that I bring to the beach that I want to keep away from the environment, so this will come in handy for me. I think it would be great for a wet bikini too, so this would be ideal for taking to your pool workout as well. I love this item, and it is so handy as well. 




NCLA So Rich Mermaid Tears

$18.00

I actually own an NCLA cuticle oil already, so I am a little on the fence with this item. I do really like the one I own, but I've used about an eighth of it in half a year, so I really don't need another. This mermaid tears treatment does contain vitamin E, so it is super hydrating, and it will get your cuticles in great shape with only one use. Maybe I will use the one I own on and off with this new product, but I really didn't need it in the first place. I do appreciate the summer and beach theme to this product though. 



Belgian Boys Mini Cookie Stash Butter Cookies

$0.99 - 1 oz

Every Popsugar box includes a food item, and they are usually sugary indulgences. This one does not differ from the pack. These butter cookies in the shapes of mustaches are both super yummy and fun. We've received my favorite food item of all time from this brand (they were caramel waffle crackers), so I had high hopes. They didn't match the deliciousness of the past snack from them, but they were still really good. I wouldn't say this is a great food item for summer, but it will still take care of that sweet tooth. 




Meri Meri Blue and White Party Straws

$5.95 - 24 count

Popsugar usually contains six items, so this seventh item already feels like a special extra. These paper straws are light blue and white stripped so they pair perfectly with your summer pool party or drinks on the ocean sand. While I normally don't use straws, these will be great for a boy's baby shower or summer get together as well. Plus, since they are paper, they won't just get thrown away, but instead are biodegradable. These are a great addition to this box, not only because they are great for summer, but so practical for any other month of the year as well. 




Starbucks Frappuccino Mocha Coffee Drink

$2.19 - 9.5 fl oz

Yes! This special extra is just want I needed, for now and most every other day. While I do normally stop and get myself a coffee every day, it is nice to have one ready for me in the fridge. It tastes great, has the added dose of caffeine that I always need, and it requires zero work. I will say, these contain a lot more calories than I usually consumes in my morning coffee, but this is definitely just a treat. Plus, in the summer heat, nothing is more refreshing than an ice cold coffee.




Overall, I am really happy with this month's box. I think it is a great start of summer box that will get me ready for these hotter months, and so many of the items are fun and usable. The pouch is amazing. It is something I don't have and will use all summer long. The sea salt spray is amazing as well. I wouldn't ended up purchasing a cheaper brand without it. The straws are nice and the cookies and coffee are going to be delicious. The hat just isn't my style, and the nail oil is just more of something I already own. All together, this box has a value of $131.08. That is amazing for a box that costs $39.95. I can't wait to see what July has in store. 



If you would like to try Popsugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat yourself at a great price.