Target Beauty Box August 2017 Review - Hello Routine

Yea! My Target Beauty Box has arrived for the month of August, and now that it is the final month of summer, I am hoping for some great transition pieces. Target Beauty Box is a monthly subscription box that delivers full size and sample size beauty products to your door between $5 and $10 depending on the value of what’s inside. These items range from hair, nails, makeup, skincare, and fragrance, and you can find all the items at your local Target. I love this box, because it is a great way of trying out new products from brands you love that are affordable to purchase again and again. Let’s check it out.

This month’s theme is Hello Routine. I love this theme for the month of August, because we’ve been living that easygoing summer life, but school is about to be back in session, so it is time to get back into a routine. While I try to keep a routine all year round, it always slips a little during these summer months, but I am ready to get back to my old regimen. When I think routine, I think brush, floss, wash, moisturize, so any product that would fit into my nightly drill would be great for me. I also wouldn’t mind some quick fix products, like dry shampoo, when we are a little behind schedule.

Up & Up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

$3.84 - 25 count    (Full Size!)

This full sized product is amazing, and it works perfectly with my lifestyle and theme. Some nights or mornings, I just don’t want to or have time to go through my three-step cleansing routine, so these wipes quickly do the trick. These wipes do a great job at removing even the heaviest makeup to prep it for a soft cleaner, or bed if you are having a lazy day. It doesn’t leave a residue like some makeup wipes either, which makes it a win for me. Also, this is an item that I repurchase over and over, so this item technically saves myself a trip to the store. I am really happy with how this box is starting out!

Dove Invisible Clear Finish Dry Spray Deodorant

$5.49 - 3.8 oz    (Full Size!)

I have never tried a deodorant spray before, so I am pretty excited about this item. I just assumed that this product would leave white marks and a sticky residue, but instead it was dry and clear. Also, I am so impressed with how well it works. It outlasted my normal solid applicator. I really enjoy the scent as well. It is fresh and flowery and smells much more like a body splash than deodorant. I think this may be one of my favorite discoveries from a subscription box even if it is just a deodorant. And look, it’s another full size product. Does it get better than this?

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

$7.99 - 14 count    ($0.57 Value)

Even though I’ve received these pore strip samples in my boxes many times before, I am happy about it each and every time. It really saves me from purchasing a pack, but instead I treat myself to this deep cleaning once one arrives. These strips work wonders to that heavy blackhead area on and around your nose, and I love looking at all the gunk it collected after removing it from my face. Don’t check it out if you are easily grossed out. These strips come as free samples in magazines, so that is a little annoying that it came in a box I paid for, but I am happy to have either way.

SpaLife Nourishing Facial Mask in Orange

$2.49 - 0.81 oz    (Full Size!)

Ohhh, I love sheet masks, so I have a feeling I am really going to enjoy this product. I don’t really have the funds for a day at the spa let alone a facial, so these are a great way to relax at home and improving your skins appearance. The orange scent is nice, and it awakens me and my skin. While I tend to use sheet masks at night, this is a great one to use during the morning with the vibrant citrus. The nourishing ingredients will also help calm and revitalize your skin. I really enjoyed this mask, and I am interested in trying out different product from this brand. The best part, I can pick them up at my local Target.

Garner SkinActive Clearly Brighter Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

$5.99 - 4.7 fl oz    ($1.27 Value)

I actually have this line’s moisturizer on hand, and I love how it actually brightens my skin with a light sheen, but since this is cleanser, I am not completely sure how that will work. To begin, this product does a great job at removing makeup and dirt from the day, and my face felt completely clean. I did notice that light sheen I receive from the moisturizer as well. There is normally not much to say about a product like this, but this added brightener gets your face ready for the day (I would avoid using it at night). Plus, it works. Win, win.

Herbal Essences Repair Argan Oil Shampoo

$5.99 - 13.5 fl oz    ($0.62 Value)

While I am already a fan of Herbal Essences, I am happy to try out their new shampoo line. I really haven’t purchased Herbal Essences in a while, so I have not been introduced to their new formulas or scents. This travel size bottle catches me right up. This new formula is much more luxurious than I remember from their brand, and I love how my hair feels after even one use. I am also impressed with how clean it feels and smells. While this is a product I was excited to sample right away, these small bottles are ideal for travel, and I like to hold onto them for my next trip.

I had a feeling I was really going to enjoy this box, and I was completely correct. Those towelettes and deodorant are so practical, and they cost more than I spent on the box, so it is already worth it to me. The shampoo and cleanser are nice too. I like that they are new products from brands I love so I get to try them out. These sizes are great for travel as well. The pore strip and sheet mask are ideal for an at home spa, and they are ideal products to use before your first day of school or a new job. This month’s box has a value of $14.28, which isn’t the best for a $7 box and really the only thing that I don’t love about it, but since I will use everything, it can be overlooked.

If you would like to try Target Beauty Box for yourself, keep an eye out for them on the website the first or last Monday of the year. They sometimes sell out quickly, so scoop them up as soon as you see them.

FabFitFun Editors Box 2017 Review

Yea! My FabFitFun Editor’s Box has arrived for the Summer/Fall season, and while I already know what is inside, I can’t wait to check out the products. FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box that delivers full size lifestyle products for $49.99. These range from beauty, fashion, home, and fitness, and each item is curated perfectly with the season. Between seasons, when the previous box is sold out and the next box is not available, FabFitFun features an Editor’s Box with a collection of items from previous boxes. These can be purchased as a start of your subscription, or if you are already in a current subscription, these can also be purchased in addition, which is what I did. There were so many great items in this box, and the value looks amazing, so I had to scoop one up.

Since this is a midseason box, these items aren’t curated around a specific season, but instead they are the best products from the last few boxes, so there will be a few seasons in the mix. While I do like boxes filled with items that I can use right now, it is great to receive items that can be used all year round. Also, since it is the best products of the last few seasons, I believe this box could be better than the original. I can’t wait to check each item out!

Spongelle Bulgarian Rose Body Wash Infused Buffer

$16.00 - 3 oz

This is one of those items that I’ve received before, and I loved all the different variations from my boxes, so I am excited to receive another. This sponge is infused Bulgarian Rose which off a relaxing and soft scent perfect for those times we need to unwind. I love how this scent stays with my throughout the day as well. The last few sponges I’ve received from this brand have had strings to hang in the shower, which is missing on this one. I don’t know if it’s a few dollars cheaper without it, but I am a little grossed out leaving this on the ledge in my shower for a week or so. I am still happy to have it, though.  

RealHer Playbook Eyeshadow Palette II Do Your Squats

$28.00 - 0.36 oz

I’ve actually received this exact item before in a previous box, and while I don’t really need another, I can give rave reviews on the one I currently own. These colors are perfectly pigmented, so they are easily buildable, or you can leave the colors light. Also, these reddish browns are beautiful. I love that you can go a little wild with some of the darker reds or keep your look natural with the tans and browns. You can also whip up a great smoky eye. This comes wrapped in plastic, so it is great as a gift. I think I will hold onto this for the holidays and put it under the tree for my makeup loving sister.

Luv AJ Full Bloom Lariat Necklace in Rose Gold

$75.00

I am not always a fan of the jewelry included in my subscription boxes, because they tend to be too dainty and girl for me. So, while I didn’t think I would like this piece, it is actually very beautiful. The rose gold metal allows it to be both dressy or casual, and while I normally wouldn’t wear jewelry on a regular basis, this would look really cute with a thin sweater or flowy top. Knowing me, I will hold onto this for a wedding or holiday dinner. This piece of jewelry could’ve been a complete miss, so I am happy that I like it as much as I do.

bkr Little Bottle in Romeo

$35.00 - 500 ml

I am absolutely obsessed with these water bottles, and this one makes my collection a total of three. They are made with glass, not plastic, so they are so durable, and you don’t have to worry about toxins releasing into your water. Also, the silicone cover and plastic top are so cute, so I want to bring this bottle with me everywhere. I like to keep one of these in many places, so it is good I now have three. One always sits on my desk at work, while the other two would be great for home and travel. Plus, this blue is so peaceful and beautiful. I am definitely happy with this item.

Briogeo Rosarco Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Creme

$24.00 - 4 oz

This is the first item that is just a complete miss for me. I tend to air-dry my hair, so no heat protectant is needed for me, but I guess I can use for those few times that I do decide to blow it dry. That being said, I do think this is a great addition to this box. Many girls do use heat on their hair every single day, and they really need to protect their hair. Also, this is a full size product from a brand we all love. Personally, I love the soft flower scent that leaves my hair smelling fresh and clean. Too bad I won’t get much use out of it.

dr. brandt PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator

$58.00 - 2 oz

Alright, this item alone is worth more than the cost of the box. Also, I am in love. This exfoliator is one of those items that I hate to splurge on, but they do wonders to my skin, so every sample I receive is used up instantly. This product vacuume cleans your pores, which makes them appear smaller and much less noticeable. It does wonders to the rest of your face as well. When using this item, my skin looks noticeably younger, and my acne basically disappears. I am so happy to have a full size bottle of this, and my skin will thank me.

Milly "Beach Please" Zip Pouch

$45.00

Ok, this is so darn cute, and what a practical item as well. Every time I go to the beach, I have the hardest time keeping my wet and dry separate. Whether it be a book I’m reading or my phone that has to come along to snap pics, they always get a little dirty and damp. This pouch will keep all of those items dry from my wet bag, and without taking up much space. Also, this would be great for taking your swimsuit back from the pool. I assume that is always a problem after your morning workouts. The quote is very fun, and the color screams summer. This is such a great item that I will definitely use and didn’t know I needed until I had it.

Michael Stars Ruana in Blue

$54.00

This ruana by Michael Stars is another item that I am excited to use all summer, fall, and really any other time of the year. This cover-up can be used in so many different ways, so even though summer is almost over, I can still incorporate this into my wardrobe. This can be used as a shall over a sweater with a belt to give your wardrobe instant color. It can also be used as a wrap scarf for those days that I need a little more warmth. I really love this item, and while I will use it mostly for summer, I won’t be able to help setting it aside until then.

Manna Kadar Lip Locked Stain in Lucky

$24.00 - 0.17 oz

At first, I thought this was a liquid lipstick, which dry out my lips terribly, so I was happy to find out it was instead a lip stain. Manna Kadar is such a loved brand, so I am excited to try out one of their products. This lip stain sets within minutes, and it does not budge. Plus, this color is just so beautiful. This rosy mauve is great for literally every season, and I could see myself wearing this with a summer dress and sandals or a sweater and boots. I really like this item, and it will easily make my rotation.

Overall, I am so impressed with this box. It is filled with so many great, high-value products that can be used all year long. The bkr bottle and Dr. Jart exfoliator are wins for me, and I would have purchased them both separately if I were to splurge on myself. The ruana and zip pouch may be ideal for summer, but they are great items that I am happy to use as often as possible. The lip stain and body wash sponge are going to be used right up as well. I am a little bummed about the missing string, though. As for the palette and conditioning cream, they are high valued items that I will unfortunately not use. I am a rarity here, so I’m not too bummed. The necklace will be great for one of those weddings I have coming up. This box has a value of $359. That is incredible for a $49.99 box, and it is a complete steal if you used a $20 or $30 coupon. I can’t wait for the next editors box if it is anything like this one.

If you would like to try FabFitFun for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat yourself with high-value items at a super low price.

GlossyBox July 2017 Review - Tropical Beauty

Yea! My first ever GlossyBox has finally arrived, and I am really excited to check it out. GlossyBox is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers full and sample size products to your door for only $21. The boxes usually value around $80 and contains about six or seven products, so it is definitely worth the cost. These products range from hair, makeup, skincare, nails, and fragrance, so you are always going to receive a wide range of items and brands. Since this is my first one every, I am really interested in checking out what’s inside and possibly discovering a new subscription box.

This month’s theme is Tropical Beauty. Summer is officially here, and these products will help make the most of them. If you are going on a tropical vacation of your own, or you’d like to make the most of your summer at home, these products will help you enjoy and embrace that summer heat. This box is really cute too. Just this alone reminds me of a tropical vacation, and I will happily use this around the house during the summer months  ahead. As I understand, we get a cool designed box every three months. Personally, I wish it were every single time, as I love decorating and organizing with these, and this size means I can fit more inside. I am hoping for sunscreen or some tropical eye colors. Let’s see!

Aerin Luxurious Tangier Vanilla Body Wash

$60.00 - 7.6 fl oz

While I would never ever spend $60 on a body wash, and this product could never amount to that price, this is a very nice and luxurious product. First, the packaging is so nice. I love the box (which makes it very gift able), and the bottle looks clean and beautiful in my bathroom. Next, the scent is wonderful. The vanilla is soft and stays on my skin all day. It would also be great for night to help calm you from a crazy, caffeinated day. Again, I don’t think this bottle is worth the price tag, but I will definitely enjoy, and I still consider the value of this worth the cost of the box.

Dr. PawPaw Multipurpose Soothing Balm

$10.00 - 0.8 oz

This product is a cult favorite, and while I originally just considered this to be a more expensive petroleum jelly, I am starting to understand why. While this can be used on your lips, nails, or dry skin like all other balms, this one contains one main ingredient that helps heal and replenish. This Caria Papaya is a completely natural product and is believed to be the best at topical healing. I used this on my cuticles and lips, and both felt completely revived with just one use. I am already a fan of this product, and this will be going straight into my purse.

NCLA Celan Up Your Act

$16.00

At first, I was really excited about this product. Every time I paint my nails, I get nail polish everywhere, and I usually wait until my next shower to peel it off my skin. This pen will help remove polish from the unwanted area of your skin. I thought this was such a great idea for a product, until I realized how basic it really is. This pen doesn’t include any product, so you have to literally dip it into your own nail polish remover. Also, the tips can be used about once before they need to be tossed, so this is good for four uses. To me this is just an expensive q-tip, and not really worth the money. I guess I will get my four uses out of it at least.

Doucce Blush Palette and Blush in Summer Sunset

$10.00 (Palette) / $14.00 (Blush) - 0.12 oz

I’ve received so many Doucce single pods, and now I have a place to hold them. Plus, this z palette includes an extra blush to start off your collection. I am really impressed with this compact. I love how it can hold two singles with space for a brush or three pods tightly. Plus, this snap closure makes this ideal for travel. The blush is very pretty as well. The rosy pink matches perfectly with your new tan, and I can see myself wearing this color for those night parties on the beach. Also, it looks like we get to pick out another color for August. That is pretty exciting. This is a win. 

De Bruyere After Sun Lotion Monoi

$12.00 - 1.76 oz

While I was hoping for a product with SPF, this will work just as nicely. While I do always wear sunscreen while out and about during these summer months, I am bound to get a touch too much color, and this after sun lotion will help soothe, heal, and moisturize. This tube size is perfect for an entire summer’s use, and the scent reminds me of summer as well. This worked really well on my light burn, and within a day my skin was back to normal. I am going to throw this in my bag for my next summer vacation. 

De Bruyere Pearly Eyeshadow Pencil in Bubble

$17.00 - 0.05 oz

I was hoping for another makeup product, but this one really missed the beat for me. While the color is very nice, it doesn’t remind me of summer at all. I would much rather have received this color is a fall or winter box. Also, while the creamy formula allows the shadow to easily smooth over your eye for placement, it also tends to crease up, which doesn’t look too pretty. This is a fine product, but it doesn’t live up to its price tag, and I was hoping for some summer brights instead. I will just have to store this away for winter.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$15.00 - 13.5 fl oz    ($0.56 Value)

I’ve received this exact sample in a subscription box before, so I can say it is a product that I enjoyed, but something that I am not dying over receiving again. This product does do a great job leaving my face feeling clean, but it wasn’t anything too special. It says hydrating on the packaging, but I will say I needed to moisturize after using this. Also, this is a sample/travel size, which is kind of a bummer. These boxes cost more, because they offer full size items, but I received this same item in a $10 subscription box. This will be great for travel, though, which I really appreciate.

Overall, my first Glossybox was pretty good. There were a few items that I really loved, while others were just flops. I can definitely justify the $21 cost of the box, but a lot of these items were heavily overpriced. The body wash is great, and I will use, but I would never pay the full price tag. The soothing balm and after sun lotion are great additions as well, and I will happily add these to my collection. The blush and palette are the true winners in my book. Everyone could use another z palette, and the blush is beautiful. The eyeshadow just isn’t in season and the nail polish removing pen is expensive plastic. This month’s box has a value of $125.56. I would say it really has a value of about $50, which is still great for a $21 box. I will stick it out for another and see how I feel.

If you would like to try GlossyBox for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out many different products at a great price.

BarkBox July 2017 Review - A Lick in Wonderland

Yea! My dog's BarkBox has arrived for the month of July, and we both can't wait to see what is inside. BarkBox is a monthly subscription box that delivers toys and treats perfectly sized to your dog around a theme for $29. Everything is such high quality, and the treats focus on ingredients, so it is well worth the cost. Plus, I used a coupon code, so all of my boxes cost $20, which makes it even more enjoyable. Even though my dog may not need anymore toys or treats at the moment, I can't wait to see what is in store for us this month.

This month's theme is "A Lick in Wonderland." All year long, we've been going on a trip around the world, and it looks like we've fully stopped the trip. Instead we've gone to a fantasy world to hang out with Alice and all her mystical creatures. I personally love this story, and it is so unique, so I am sure we are going to have an assortment of fun and cute items. I was really excited about stopping at a different pin on the map, but this theme will be way too cute to not enjoy. Let's see what's inside. 

Bark & Co We All Wag Here

$6.00 - 5 oz

These treats are straight out of the wonderland with that familiar smile we all know on the packaging and the cat shapes cookies. These are made with all natural ingredients, but your dog will still love the taste. These treats are perfect for rewarding him after a good walk without barking or a long line of well executed tricks. For us, I like to give him a treat like this right before I leave for work as a reminder that I love him. These work with the theme perfectly, and they are a great start to this box, so I can't wait to see what's in store for me next time around. 

Bark & Co Rare Bespectacled Hare

$12.00

I just can't with this super cute bunny head, and I think my dog will feel the same. This plush squeaker is perfect for tossing or chewing, and I don't even mind seeing it in the middle of the floor, because it is so cute. While this isn't a go to toy for him quite yet, I know he will grow to love it. Plus, this way it will last much longer than normal. 

American Hound Chicken Nibbles

$6.00 - 4 oz

BarkBox is so good at delivering a variety of toys and treats, and this is no exception. These tiny chicken nibbles are perfect for those quick rewards whether it be teaching your pup a new trick or to get his attention when he needs a distraction from getting into trouble. Again, these are all natural, so I never feel guilty giving them to my fur baby. Plus, they go perfectly with the theme with the card suites. I wish the treats were shaped like them as well, but at least the packaging is cute. I am hoping my dog may learn a few new tricks with these in stock. 

Bark & Co A Most Curious Croquet Mallet

$10.00

Alright, BarkBox nailed it in cuteness this month, as this is one of my favorite toys from a Barkbox of all time. While the play may be a little limited with this long legged creature, there is no lack of fun. With a squeaker in the belly, this is great for tossing and chewing, while those legs are great for tugging. This toy isn't as durable as many other Barkbox items, but the details are well worth the cost. My dog is just as obsessed with this toy as I am, which makes it a complete win.   

etta says! Rabbit Recipe Chew

$3.00

Every BarkBox wraps it up with a one-time chew. I love that they include these because they are a little too expensive for me to purchase separately for my dog, especially for something that only lasts a few minutes. This rabbit chew is the perfect size, as it will keep him occupied for about five minutes, but isn’t big enough to become a choking hazard. I like to give him these when he has been a good dog all day, or I need a little relaxation myself, and he needs all my attention. What a great way to round out this month’s box. 

Overall, I am pretty happy with this month’s box, and so is my dog. I am a little bummed that we have officially ended our trip around the world, but since this theme is really cute, I can’t be too upset. The two toys in this box are great. They are a little weird yet super cute. The treats were well rounded also. I like a box that offers a wide range and product, and this one definitely hit the mark. This month’s box has a value of $37. That is pretty great, especially since I only spent $10. If I did spend the actually full price, I don’t know if it would be worth it.

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

BoxyCharm July 2017 Review - Cutie Pie

Yea! My BoxyCharm has arrived for the month of July, and I can't wait to see what this month has in store. BoxyCharm is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers at least four (But usually five) full size products for only $21. This box always values over $100 (I don't know how they do it), so it is definitely a great value. These products range from makeup, nails, beauty tools, hair, and body, and they deliver great brands as well. I can't wait to check them out.

This month's theme is "Cutie Pie." I love the cherry pie theme for the most patriotic month of the year, because there isn't anything more american than this. I also appreciate how the theme works with beauty as well. Usually BoxyCharm does a good job incorporating their products with the theme, but this one is pretty generic. That is, unless this box is full of american classics like red lipstick, black eyeliner, and peach blush. I would be happy with a box like this. Let's check it out.  

Blinc Electric Eye Palette

$45.00 - 0.38 oz

When I read electric, I was expecting a palette of neons and brights, but these reds are much more classic and natural than I was expecting. For a five shade palette, these colors are pretty much everything you need for a complete eye look. The white is the perfect highlighter, while the bronze is a must for your smoky eye. I really like that deep mahogany for a pop of color. I love it when you can create a full look with one kit, which makes this great for travel as well. I don't think I have a reds palette like this, so this will be a great addition to my collection. Plus, this item alone is double the cost of the box. Amazing. 

ColourPop Ultra-Matte Lip in Beeper

$6.00 - 0.1128 oz

I think ColourPop is one of the best brands for color selection, and this liquid lipstick is a great example. The rosy mauve will look great with any skin color, and I could wear this color anytime of the year. I will say, I don't really like liquid lipsticks, because they dry out your lips so much, and this one is a definite culprit. I don't know how often I will reach for this, just because it is uncomfortable on, but I do like this color a lot. It may not be red, but this is a color as classic white pears. 

bareMinerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo

$32.00 - 0.31 oz

First of all, this duo is HUGE! I rarely run out of powder colors, so this will last forever. At first, I though this was a highlighter duo, but instead it is a setting powder and highlighter. I have pretty greasy skin in the summer with the humidity and relentless heat, so a translucent mattefying powder is a must. The highlighter is very pretty as well. I like the bronze marbled in with the pearl color. It gives a beautiful highlight yet still looks natural on my skin. To me, this is such a high end product, and I am going to love wearing this all summer, fall, winter, and spring. 

Winky Lux Uni-Brow Universal Eyebrow Pencil

$12.00 - 0.28 g

At first I was so excited about this product. I love brow pencils, and this pencil tip is ideal for a natural looking application. But, there is one problem. This universal color isn't so universal. I have pretty blonde eyebrows, so I don't like to go too dark with my pencil, but this is too dark. Even with light application, my eyebrows looked like caterpillars on my face. The idea of one color fits all is pretty bazaar to me, and it definitely doesn't work in my case. This is such a great product, and I wish it worked, but this just doesn't work for me. I am a little bummed. 

Project Beauty Spray. Set. Go. Makeup Setting Spray

$32.00 - 2 fl oz

While I do love the makeup included in this box, I love stocking up on those products that aren't fun to purchase. This setting spray is a summer must have, as it will help your makeup last throughout those hot summer days or those long nights out. This spray is a little heavy, and it feels like it soaks my face, but it works really well once it dries. This is a great practical item for this month's box, and I will definitely use it despite the initial flood. Plus, it is a great way to set your classic summer look. 

Overall, this is box is pretty good, but there are a few bummers. The two palettes are amazing, and so expensive if I were to purchase them separately. The eyeshadows are perfectly pigmented, and I love the highlighter and setting powder duo. The setting spray is a great practical item as well. I love the color of the liquid lipstick, but the formula is less than ideal, and that eyebrow pencil will just not work for me. This month's box has a value of $127. That is amazing for a $21 box (it is over $100 more!). Even though this wasn't the best box ever, there is still a lot of value in the items I will use, so it was more than worth it to me. I can't wait to see what is in store for me next month. 

If you would like to try BoxyCharm for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to stock up on items at a great price.