Pinch Me Sample Box Review - Box 2

 My second Pinch Me sample box has arrived in the mail today. It is always a surprise when it arrives, because it takes a while to arrive and Pinch Me doesn't inform when it is shipped or give me tracking. It also means I can't quite remember what is inside so it's a little bit of a surprise. 

This box is a lot more full than my first, which is super exciting. I also see a full size item in my box. For being free, Pinch Me really does have a lot to offer. 

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Damage & Color Repair Shampoo

$5.99 - 12.9          

This smells great, and it really leaves my hair soft and feeling clean. It is full of vitamins to help with damage and to replenish color. I didn't notice any lasting effects, but I guess I will have to purchase the full size product and see if it works. What a great new brand for such a reasonable price. I will definitely have to try more from this brand. 

Beyonce Rise Eau De Parfum

$22.99 - 1 fl oz    

This perfume is a lot more likable than I though. It is very flowery with a touch of musk. It is also pretty reasonably priced for a perfume. I will definitely use up this sample for night's out and see if I still love it. I love the array of samples that Pinch Me offers. I love trying out everything before I commit, but mostly the higher priced items. 

Sinful Colors Professional in Sunburnt

$1.99 - 15 ml 

I am in love with this color. It is a pretty pink with the perfect touch of orange. I can see myself wearing this on vacation or with my weekend outfit. It also goes on nicely and lasts almost an entire week. It is at such a high quality for such a cheap price. Also, you can find it in mostly every chain drugstore. I can't believe I received a full size item in my Pinch Me box for free. Such a great deal. 

Gevalia Kaffe Signature Blend Ground Coffee

$6.99 - 8 oz            

I am a huge coffee drinker, but I wouldn't call myself a coffee connoisseur. That being said, I really liked this coffee. It made an entire pot of coffee so my household could all try it out. Again, this coffee is reasonably priced for the high end brand. It definitely is rich without being bitter, just like the packaging says. 

This Pinch Me box was full of items I definitely love. I like how this box had both full size and sample size items. I also liked how it offered an array of products. I am definitely going to keep picking out samples every few weeks that they offer them. It is such a great deal. I estimate this box to be worth almost $5, which is great considering it cost me absolutely nothing. 

If you would like to try Pinch Me for yourself, just click here.

Ipsy January 2015 Review - Fresh Start

My Ipsy Glam Bag has arrived for the month of January. This is my 11th bag, so I am so close to my anniversary. Ipsy sometimes misses the mark, but I've liked it enough to keep it this long. For only $10 a month, it is a great value. Plus, the surprise each month is the best part. I can't wait to see what is inside. 

This month's theme is Fresh Start which is perfect for January when everyone is trying to be the best versions of themselves. The bag for this month is so cute too. The double sided, bright colors feels crisp and new, just like the theme. I hope that the products inside are as perfect as the bag and the theme. 

The items inside seem smaller than normal and all comfortable fit inside the bag, but everything looks pretty fun so far. I hope that size doesn't matter in this month's bag. 

(MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm

$12.00 - 7 g

This is my new favorite lip balm! The gel formula hydrates and soothes dry lips, plus it smells like an actual minty mojito on my lips. I like how the lip balm lasts without leaving a heavy residue. What a great addition to the January glam bag!

Hey Honey Take It Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask

$35.00 - 1.7 oz          

I love masks because it is so gratifying to pull off all the dirt and grime. I actually hate honey, and this mask has the same smell and feel of the food. After overlooking this, I did really like the mask. It works like every peel, and left my skin feeling replenished, moisturized, and bright. I love when my glam bag introduces me to brands like this. 

Coastal Scents Liquid Eyeliner in Jet

$2.95 - 6 ml

I love receiving eyeliner in my glam bags, because I wear it every time I go out, but I never like to buy it on my own. This eyeliner is just alright. I like the liquid aspect, because I don't have to sharpen the pencil to keep the line smooth, but this didn't seem to last. It went on smoothly without smudging, but it seemed to flake off. It is really cheap to begin with, so I guess I don't expect it to be great. Kinda a miss for me. 

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Shadow in Ethereal

$3.50 - 2.5 g

I've received this brand before, and every time I've been mediocrely happy. I like this brand and their cruelty-free, vegan formula, but the actual product is pretty basic. I will definitely use this even though it doesn't show much color. I could live or live without this product. But, I guess I wouldn't buy it on my own, so I am happy that I received it in my glam bag. 

Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush

$9.99

I've received a shadow brush in my glam bag before, and it ended up being my favorite brush. Again, I am loving this brush. It does a great job covering my entire eyelid with shadow. The bristles are densely packed, which I love! I wouldn't use this in my crease like they suggest, but I would use it for everything else. I hope that Ipsy keeps on sending my brushes. I love them!

 I really like this month's bag, theme, and products. Four of the five products in this bag were full size, and the only sample was deluxe. Besides the eyeliner, I am loving all the products and will definitely consider purchasing them when they run out. I estimate this month's bag to be worth $35.44 which is much more than the $10 I spent, and that doesn't even include the cute makeup bag. I love this month, and hope that Ipsy keeps it up!

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you could try full size and sample size products curated to you and delivered to your door. 

Birchbox 2015 Review - Let's Do This

My Birchbox for January has arrived! I am always looking forward to my Birchbox every month, and find a lot of products that I love. Birchbox is a beauty sample subscription box with five samples every month that cater to your beauty profile for $10. It is a great value, because each box tends to be worth over $30 of upscale beauty products.

This month's box is so festive. It looks like it is my birthday. I like the classic brown box, but the decorated one's are just that much more exciting. I can't wait to see what is inside.

This month's theme is Let's Do This! This is the perfect theme for January, because everyone is starting new and trying new things. My New Years Resolution is to drink more water, but I can add try new beauty products to that list. Why not!?

Manna Kadar Lip Locked in All of Me

$24.00 - 1.2 oz     

I am not a fan of lip glosses, but this lip gloss stain leaves a matte moisturized look. I wouldn't normally pick this color out on my own, because my skin tone doesn't like purples or mauves, but I love this color so much. The new year is all about starting fresh and trying new things, and this new lip gloss stain will be a fun small way to do just that. Unfortunately, this is a super small sample. Not really getting my money's worth. 

Essentiel Elements Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion

$19.00 - 8 oz        

This pepperminty, woodsy scent smells so good, but it could almost be too masculine. I am all about using products to wake up, because I have been lacking in the beauty sleep lately. The peppermint definitely does the trick. The formula is really light, so I'll be storing this away for the less dry months. I choose this as my pick for the month, and am mostly happy with my decision. 

Harvey Prince Hello Liquid Loofah Exfoliating Shower Gel

$22.00 - 12 oz            

This is my third item Birchbox has sent me from this brand, and this is my least favorite of the three. Originally, Hello is a perfume, which I love! The body wash, on the other hand, is not my favorite. I don't like that the scent is as hard as the perfume, and it feels like I am drenching my body with the scent. Also, I didn't love that the body wash didn't have a lot of suds and left my skin a little dry. I will use up the sample eventually, but I won't be purchasing this in the future.

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+

$39.00 - 1.5 fl oz            

This again is a brand that Birchbox has sent me before. For being a beauty balm, this didn't really moisturize my skin. Also, the tinted concealer didn't really conceal. For being a moisturizing concealer, it didn't really meet either of the criteria. I am really bummed with this product, because I love skincare, and would love to find a new product that I love.

Number 4 Non-Aerosol Hairspray

$30.00 - 200 ml          

I am a little disappointing that I received another sample of hairspray, because I rarely use it. That being said, I did like this product. It smells great (not like your normal hairspray) and it my curled hair stayed in place without making it crispy. Plus, the light formula doesn't contain aerosols, which are terrible for our environment. I can definitely use this as a travel hairspray, because it is the perfect size.

My last January box was my least favorite and this month's box is definitely my second least favorite. I am not overjoyed with any of these products, but I guess I will at least use them all. I estimate this box to be worth $14.39, which is a little disappointing. Some of my Birchbox's have been worth over $40, so this month seems like a gip. Next month is my birthday month, so Birchbox better step it up for me. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month, you can receive high end beauty products delivered to your door. 

Beaty Box Five July 2014 Review - Defining Moments

My Beauty Box Five for July has arrived. I love receiving subscription boxes no matter what they are, but I was a little disappointed with last month's box, and I am still trying to see if I like it enough to keep my subscription. Beauty Box Five is a beauty subscription box with five full size and sample size items. For $12/month, this box is delivered to your door.

This month's theme is Defining Moments. It is all about the things that have made a change in your life for the better. These products will hopefully be their very own defining moments for me and become new favorites.

Revlon Bold Lacquer Length + Volume Mascara

$7.99 - 0.24 fl oz

Mascara is my favorite makeup product and this box came with a full size tube! I like the full coverage of this mascara and it definitely lengthened and created volume with my lashes. I am happy with the full size item, but I wish it were something that didn't come straight from a department store. On the bright side, I like the formula and it is something I will definitely use. Plus, I have never tried it before.  

SimySkin Anti-aging Eye Serum

$70.00 - 1 oz             

I love under eye treatments, because I have always had dark spots. This is a small sample, but because you need so little, this will last a long time. I have been using it for a few days and have yet to notice a difference, but it could definitely take a few days more. I smells nice and fresh, which is nice, because the application is so close to the nose. The full size item is a little too pricy for me, so I will happily use up the sample and call it a day. 

H20 Plus Aqualibrium Marine Cleansing Gel

$18.00 - 4 fl oz       

I love face products, especially those that purify. This was a nice lightly foaming cleanser, and it left my face smooth and cleansed. It did leave my face a little dry, so I did have to use lotion afterwards. I tend to prefer face scrubs, because it feels like it gets a deeper clean. This will definitely get used, though. Unfortunately, it is a tiny sample and it will go quickly. 

Body Drench Candy Licious Lips

$3.99 - 0.09 oz

My lips are always chapped, and I am always putting on chapstick, but this was a miss for me. This product fells a little cheap and reminds me of something I would have gotten when I was a teenager. The red licorice flavor is nice, but I feel like a kid using it. I do like the red tint that this leaves on my lips, but that means I have to apply it with a mirror so I don't have clown mouth. That feels a little unnecessary for such an unglamorous chapstick. 

Hask Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

$2.99 - 1.75 oz 

I tend to have greasy hair, so I don't really care to use deep conditioners until the dry, winter months. That being said I will save this for that time. I like the smell, and I trust this brand. I hope that is doesn't weigh down my hair too much. 

I estimate this month's box to be worth $28.09. I am more happy with this month's box than past boxes, but some of the products were complete misses for me. One thing I like about Beauty Box Five is the mixture of low and high end products. I am still not sure if I am going to continue with my subscription. Maybe I'll give it one more chance, but I am spending less on Birchbox and Ipsy and tend to get more value.

If you would like to try Beauty Box Five, just click here. For $12 a month, you could receive beauty products delivered right to your door. 

Ipsy December 2014 Review - You are a: Creative Genious

My December Ipsy Glambag is here, and it is about time. I got it the last week of December, which is crazy because it was sent a few weeks prier. I was starting to think it wasn't ever going to come, but it must have been slowed down with all the Christmas packages that go out around this time. Even though it took so long, I am go glad that it eventually came. 

This month's theme is You are a: Creative Genius. I am not sure if there were multiple themes this month with the "you are a," but either way I am a little disappointed. I thought that this month would have been a little more festive with all the holidays. Also, for the theme focusing on creativity, the bag is a little blah. I'm not a fan of the black with maroon heart. I hope the contents are more creative. 

At first glance, I am liking what I am seeing. The bag is full of what seems to be full size items. I love seeing a filled makeup bag. I hope that the items can turn around my feelings about this month's bag.

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Marshmallow

$4.00 - 4 g

I am a huge fan of tinted lip balms, so I was excited to see this in this month's Ipsy Glambag. That being said, I am super bummed with the color. I would have loved any other color that NYX offers except this one. I am just not into beige lip colors. Despite the color, this butter lip balm kept my lips nice and moist. The color seems to last too, but I can't really tell because it blends in with my natural lip color. I will just use this as a normal chapstick. 

CAILYN Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchard

$15.00 - 2.5 g

At first, I thought this was a nail polish and was super disappointed. After realizing it was an "eye polish" I was pretty skeptical. I shouldn't have been, though, because this is my favorite part of this month's Glambag. I love the color with my skintone. It is a nice light gold color and has the perfect amount of shimmer. The applicator is a little different, and it takes a little longer to cover my entire eye than with normal applicators, but it does a nice job and I can get the creases and the corner of my eye a lot easier. I love that this is a full size item, because I will definitely be using this until it is gone. 

Style Sexy Hair 450 Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray

$18.95 - 4.2 fl oz          

This is supposed to protect your hair from heat damage from your blow dryer, but because I let my hair air dry, I can't really see if it works. I did spray this into my damp hair before blow drying, and it did leave my hair shiner after it dried. I am a little disappointed that Ipsy sent this to me, because my profile states that I don't blow dry my hair. On the other hand, it does have a nice soft sent that stayed with me all through the day. 

Beauty Without Cruelty Premium Aromatherapy Facial Cleanser

$11.95 - 8.5 oz         

This lightly-foaming, soap-free cleanser works just as good as any face wash I've used. It left my skin clean and smooth, but a little stiff. You will definitely have to use a moisturizer after using this. I do prefer to use scrubs to cleanse my face, but I will definitely use this. I love that it is cruelty free and has 3% AHA complex. It is also reasonably priced. 

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

$20.00 - .24 fl oz          

I am a big fan of mascara. It is sometimes that only makeup that I wear, and I love trying out new formulas and brands. This mascara claims to lengthen, curl, volumize, and condition your eyelashes. I like the coverage, it did coat all my lashes, but other than that, I didn't see anything too special about this mascara. I will definitely use this as a top coat to get extra coverage, but this won't be used as a base. I like this mascara, but I won't purchase the full size once the sample is gone. 

Overall, this month's Ipsy Glambag was middle of the road. Only one of the products was something I would consider that would help me with my creativity. Other than that, I will use most of all the other products. I estimated this month's bag to be worth $37.81 which is awesome, because I only spent $10 for all these products. I do appreciate that Ipsy always contains way more value and a lot of full size items. 

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you can get full size and sample size beauty items delivered to your door. Also, it would make an awesome gift for your friends or family. 

Birchbox December 2014 Review - Decked Out

My December Birchbox has arrived at my door, and I am extra excited for this month's box, because I am sure that it is extra special and festive. Birchbox is a monthly beauty sample subscription that is delivered to your door each month personally curated to you for only $10 a box. 

This month's box is super cute. I love how festive it is, even with it being blue. This month's theme is Decked Out. This month is all about celebrating with our loved ones by exchanging gifts and ringing in the New Year. Birchbox's samples are an early gift to get this season started off right. I can't wait to see all the new ways to get myself sparkling for these holidays. 

TOCCA Crema de Mano - Hand Cream in Cleopatra

$10.00 - 2 oz             

This hand cream has a nice light scent of grapefruit and cucumber and absorbs really quickly so you can use your hands right away. I like the compact tube and it is a good sized sample. I do have to use it quite regularly, though, because it's not as thick as I'd like. It is reasonably priced though, so it could be a regular buy for me. 

 Lord & Berry Paillettes Glitter Eye Pencil in Black

$18.00 - 0.04 oz        

I've had a Lord & Berry eye pencil in my Birchbox before, so I am already a fan of the brand. The eyeliner goes on really smoothly, and doesn't smudge throughout the day. I like how the glitter wears evenly, but it isn't something I would wear on a regular basis. I'm glad that I got this sample right before New Year's, because that is probably the only time I would wear glitter. I am happy with this sample size, because I won't be using this too regularly.

amika: Nourishing Mask

$28.00 - 250 ml          

I normally have greasy hair, so deep conditioners aren't really necessary for me. Regardless, my hair has been a little staticy because of the dry, winter weather so I gave it a try. I have to say, the mask didn't over moisturize to the point that it weighed down my hair, and I loved the berry scent that stayed with me all day. The sample is a little small, but I will use this until it is gone. Plus, it is paraben-free!

RUSK Texture Spray

$18.00 - 8 oz         

Again, I'm not much of a hairspray user, but I do use it once in a while when I curl my hair. The hold was alright, but at least it wasn't sticky or crusty. I do like the coconut smell. They do suggest to use this as a body spray, which I could definitely work with. Just spraying my roots, I felt like I had volume all night and loved my party hair look. 

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in New York

$29.00 - 7 g           

This lip stain goes on nice and creamy and dries to nice matte classic red. It does mostly last, but it did come off on my drinking glass. I wasn't too sure about this product when I first saw it, but it really is a nice lip stain. This color works well with my skin tone and I look super sophisticated. I will be wearing this for New Year's!

This month's box had a little cheaper samples than Birchbox normally delivers. Also, it had a few samples that I would normally not use. That being said, I am pretty happy with this month's box, and these samples fit perfectly with the theme. I will be using them all for the holidays and throughout these winter months. I estimated this month's box to be worth about $32.16 with the added $10 Gap cash coupon. I probably won't use it, but it is a nice addition! Perfect for buying someone a small gift or stocking stuffer. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself just click here! I love receiving samples in the mail each week curated for me. Plus, it could be the a great gift for any of your loved ones. My sister is receiving a subscription from me!