Ipsy Glambag April 2015 Review - Beautifully Bohemian

My Ipsy Glambag has arrived for the month of April. I've been looking at a few spoilers so I knew the theme along with the design of the makeup bag. I also knew some of the items that would be coming this month. A few people received the Juice face peel and I am crossing my fingers this product made it's way into my bag. While the value has been great, I haven't been in love with a lot of the products lately, so I hope this month will turn it all around. I've been waiting for a great bag for a while now. 

The theme is usually a straight hit or miss for me. They are either too girly or right up my alley. This theme is perfect for me. I love natural elements brought into makeup and design and I've always been a little bit of a hippie at heart. Also, this bag is great. I love the pattern and this bag actually has texture unlike the many plastic bags I've received in the past. They used actual straw mixed with other mediums. I will pull this bag out first to use all spring and summer. 

At first glance, I see that I did not receive the Juice face peel. I am a little bummed, but I have to give these other products a fair chance. Another disappointment, these items seem small and there's not a whole lot of them. I will have to check these out each on their own, but as a first impression this bag doesn't seem like it could be worth a whole lot. I will have to see. 

JulieG Nail Color in Damsel 

$3.99 - .35 fl oz

I am not much of a nail polish wearer, and I am pretty sure that it declares this in my profile. That being said, I was pretty bummed to see this in my glambag. Also, this seems like a cheap brand. Probably something you could find in the drugstore. I tried this on my toes, and I don't actually hate it. The color doesn't go too well with my normal wardrobe, but with spring approaching, I will definitely be wearing more bright colors. The coat is pretty good too. I could go with only one application. Like I originally assumed, this is a cheap nail polish, but at least it is a full size item. This will definitely last me a while.  That being said, I just might purchase this polish in another color. 

Olive Natural Beauty Moisturizing Lip Balm in Oats & Honey

$5.95 - .07 oz             

I am constantly applying moisturizer on my lips, so this is a perfect item for me. I also love products with natural ingredients. I was hoping for some in this month's bag, because it would go with the theme. After my first impression, I really like this brand. It feels like a luxury item. Unfortunately, I am not in love with the flavor Oats & Honey. I hate honey and anything that smells like honey. I would have prefered another flavor, like Lavender & Lemon, but I can stand this flavor. Plus, this leaves my lips so soft, and I don't have to reapply as much as your everyday chap stick. I will definitely be using this until it is completely gone. Also, it's another full size item. 

theBalm Nude Dude Eyeshadow in Fit

$36.00 - .336 oz palette with brush      

I am already a big fan of theBalm products. I've received a few of their items in past subscription boxes and have adored each one. I've also recently seen it in a few department stores, so this has become an easier brand to buy. I am happy with the color I've received. It is a nice bronzy beige with a little shimmer. It has nice pigmentation, so the color in the palette is the color that appears on your eyes. I also am a big fan of the packaging. This strong paper case is super cute with a nice magnetic clasp. I also love the "nude" dudes. It makes this product so much more fun. I may just have to purchase the full palette. 

Pandora's Makeup Box Blush in Pink Carnation

$14.00 - .14 oz

I've been receiving blushes like crazy in recent subscription boxes, which is great because I've been looking for a new blush that will compliment my skin and my personality. With all these blushes coming, I've found two great blushes that I love and have been using regularly ever since. On that note, I wasn't too thrilled to receive this item, but after using it I changed my mind. I though it would be too pink for me, but it actually looks nice after it thins out on the apples of my cheeks. This is a full size item too, even though it doesn't appear to be. The normal product comes with a magnetic reusable case. I won't be using this all the time, but it will get used every once in a while. 

Mica Beauty Cosmetics Eye Primer

$44.95 - 8 g             

I wasn't sure what this item was at first. I was really hoping it was a concealer, because I use them regularly, and this would have been a huge sample. To my mild disappointment, this in an eye makeup primer. By spreading this over your eyes before makeup application, it will make makeup last much longer without wearing off. Not only that, but I fell like it made my eye makeup brighter and more vibrant. I've received a primer in the past, and while I liked it, I rarely use it. I will definitely try to use this more in the future, especially because it works so well. Even though this is a large sample, it is not a full size item. But, this is definitely a deluxe sample. It is half the size of the original product. This will last me a long time, so I will not be purchasing the item. It is also a little out of my price budget. 

Overall, I am not too happy with this bag. I will eventually use all of the products, but there isn't anything that I love. My favorite thing from this month's bag was the bag itself. One the plus side, three of the items in this bag are full size and one is a deluxe size item. Another plus, I estimate this month's bag to be worth $50.17. That is great for a $10 subscription. I have received bags in the past that I love, but unfortunately this month just doesn't hit the mark for me. I haven't received a bag that I absolutely love in a long while, so I hope that it is coming right around the corner.  

If you would like to try Ipsy Glambag for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you could be receiving a bag full of beauty samples and full size items right to your door. 

Birchbox April 2015 Review - Fresh for Spring -

Yea! My Birchbox for April has arrived and pretty early in the month. I already know the theme and my sample choice for the month, but I kept everything else a secret. It is more fun that way, right!? I get more excited about each Birchbox as they get closer to summer, because with each spring, their products become more colorful and lighter. All the things to help get excited about the warmer months. 

Birchbox teamed up with Rifle Paper Co this month. Rifle Paper is a stationary company that creates beautiful designs. Besides their springy patterns and for purpose of decorating the box, I don't completely understand this collaboration. I do think the box is super cute, though, and I will definitely keep it out on a shelf for storage. 

The theme for the month of April is Fresh for Spring. What else could it be?! Ha ha. At least it fits. I personally am all about the theme for April, because living in a cold state, I am ready to take off some layers and lighten up. I hope these products will help me freshen up and get my winter skin ready for spring. 

POP Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait

$26.00 - 36 color palette       

This was my sample choice for the month, and the main reason I didn't go with the Mad Men curated box. I am hoping that this box is still worth it. I've received POP Beauty products before, and I've always liked their brand. My eyeshadow palette is mainly browns and whites, so I thought that it would be great to add a little bit of color. Plus, these three are perfect for spring. These colors went on a little thicker than I normally like, but I just have to learn to use less. I really like the peach color and the white. It has just the right amount of shimmer and color. If I wore eyeshadow everyday, I would probably go with this palette. I love this sample and almost everything about it. I'm glad I chose this as my sample of the month.

Number 4 Volumizing Shampoo

$34.00 - 8.5 oz        

I am a little bummed about this sample. Actually a lot bummed. I got this shampoo in my last month's box without the volumizing formula. I complained to Birchbox, but they said it's a different sample. I liked this shampoo when I first sampled it, but it isn't something that I loved and I wouldn't buy the full size product. I didn't feel like this left my hair any more volumized than the original formula. I do like how it had a light lather and how my hair felt really clean afterwards. Other than that, I am not happy with this sample. It doesn't go with the theme, and I already received it. I am starting to wish I picked the Mad Men box. 

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Blueberry

$20.00 - 150 ml      

This sample was in the Mad Men box, and one of the main reasons I decided to go without it. But what do you know, I received it in my April box anyways. The problem with this is that I've already received a Whish shave cream in a previous box in a different scent. When I first tried it, I was mostly happy with it, but didn't love the sugary scent. Again, I am super bummed that I received a duplicate sample which Birchbox also said was different because of the scent. I will definitely use this eventually, but I won't purchase the full size item. This does work with the spring theme, though. It is a perfect help to move from pants to baring those legs and making things fresh. 

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil

$25.95 - 4 oz            

I've received this brand before in previous boxes, and while everyone is in love with this brand, I wasn't wowed. On the other hand, I do like this sample. Oils are something I never though my hair would need, but they leave my hair nice and silky with a touch of sheen. With just a small dab, I smoothed this over the length of my hair, and it left my hair really pretty. I can't use a lot because my hair is so thin, but this works as an advantage. I also am happy with the ingredients and how it will protect my hair from the enviornment. The only thing I didn't care for was the coconut smell, but mainly because I don't care for coconut. I like that this fits in with the theme, and I will definitely be using it to protect my hair from that new, brighter sun. 

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel

$48.00 - 1.7 fl oz      

I am not sure how this peel works, because it is chemical free, but it quickly removed all of my dead skin. By rubbing this gel into my forehead, cheeks, and neck, it rubbed off all my dead skin leaving my face bright and replenished. This is also great for spring and fit in well with the theme of freshening up. I thought at first that this was a generous sample, but you have to use quite a bit to cover all those areas. I will still get a few uses out of it, which is fine because you don't have to use this that often. I am happy with this sample, but I probably won't purchase the full size item.  

I am a little bummed about this box. While I really liked three of the samples, two of them were items I've received in previous boxes. If only I could pick and chose my samples, because there are quite a few products I've been dying to try from their store. I will reuse those samples, though, so it's not a complete bust. If Birchbox keeps this up, I might have to consider canceling my subscription. It just isn't fun receiving the same items.

I estimate this box to be worth $22.93. That is good if you consider that I only paid $10, $4 of which I can use in the store after reviewing. This isn't good if you consider the value in the past. I've had boxes worth almost $40 in previous months. I think they are getting a little stingy on their sample giving.

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. This box isn't my favorite, but I've been mostly happy with this box in the past, and it is the one I look most forward to each month. Definitely worth the $10 a month for the surprise and for descovering new brands. 

Pet Gift Box March 2015 Review - March Mutt Madness

I decided to give Pet Gift Box a try. My dog had already received BarkBox and Happy Dog Box in the past, and while I really liked them, I was starting to receive a lot of the same items and for close to $30 a month. This box costs only $17.99 monthly, and with my coupon code you could get your first box for only $12.99. I hope this one lasts, because my dog really appreciates all the treats and goodies, and it is so affordable each month. 

This month's theme is March Mutt Madness. Every item goes along with the basketball theme and aids in your dogs inner athlete. Each of the item description cards comes with a pet tip. This month is how to get your pet an adequate amount of exercise in the winter months. My dog definitely gains some winter weight from the lack of activity outside, and it could be as easy as playing fetch with a plush toy inside for him to burn off those extra calories. I love this pet tip and I love the theme. Now my dog can join in on the bracket fun. 

Bubba Rose Hoop Star Biscuit

$3.99 

What fits better with the March Madness theme than a basketball biscuit. I normally never splurge on gourmet items like this for my dog, so this was a real treat. I like the local, organic, and fresh ingredients, so I don't feel bad letting my dog eat this sweet. I also am a big fan of this company. It is full of really cute decorated items. It has great treats, birthday cakes, and cupcakes all for you pup. I really want to get my dog a birthday cake for his next birthday. They aren't exactly cheap, but reasonably priced, and something I would love to splurge on my my dog's birthday. 

Spot Plush Basketball

$4.99

Another basketball fits perfectly with the theme, and this will definitely last longer than the treat. This plush basketball is super cute, and perfect for playing fetch inside. I wish that we would have gotten the brown one, because it looks more like an actual basketball, but I am sure that my dog appreciates the brighter colors. My dog has already torn most of the insides out of this toy already, but surprisingly, it is still holding up. While watching all the basketball games this season, my dog will have a new toy to play with while joining in on all the fun. 

Pride Bites Hip Sneaker Dog Toy

$9.99

This is the second toy in this month's box. I love how this is still a plushy inside safe toy, but it is completly different than the first. The basketball shoe fits in with the theme, and even better, these are my school colors. This toy is durable, yet soft, and can even be used in the pool or lake because it floats. You can use this as a tug or fetch toy inside, or use it as an outdoor toy when the weather gets a little warmer. Don't worry about getting this dirty, because it is machine washable. My dog has yet to tear this one open, which is surprising, but I know it is only a matter of time. The best part of this toy? It squeaks. My dog can not resist.

FFD Pet Fou-Stick Soothe

$4.99

This is an item that you wouldn't normally see in another pet subscription box. You normally get treats and toys, but never a handy item like this. My dog gets rough paws through the spring and summer from long runs days a the lake. This soothing balm goes right on their paws to help with the chapping, itching, and cracking. You can use it on other parts of their body too. This product is suitable for dogs and cats. Also, your pet will probably lick this up, but don't worry, that will not harm them. Plus, it still works. I will use this entire tube eventually, but it will take a while because it is such a large tube. There are other products with this brand that I will be happy to swoop up. 

Zuke's Power Bones

$6.99 - 6 oz

This is a huge bag of treats, and it is something different than I am used to seeing in stores. These small square treats are packed full of natural energy to keep your dog going all day long. With ingredients such as chicken, peanut butter, barley, oats, and rice, you won't have a problem feeding these to your dog. My dog is still a puppy at heart, so he normally doesn't have a problem with keeping his energy up, but these will be perfect for a hike or right before we go on a long run. We both have a lot to look forward to this spring and summer. Also, I love how these goes well with the theme. Absolutely and plus, plus. 

Spot Muttz-Rrr-Ella Dental Chews

$13.99 - 15 oz

This is the one item that doesn't go along with the theme, but I am really happy with it anyways. I love dental chews for my dog, because they remove all that tarter and plaque that builds up over time. Also, they leave my dog with fresh, kissable breath. This is also a huge bag of treats, and they will last a really long time. Also, the inside of each treat is filled with a yummy cheddar cheese inside so my dog always comes back for more. This bag of treats is a great deal, because dental chews are usually really expensive, and this bag along costs almost as much as the entire box. You really get your money's worth. 

Licks Athlete 

$14.00 - 5 pack      

My dog never wants to take his pills. I literally have to shove it down his throat and hold his mouth shut until he swollows. I don't even think the treat afterwards helps. This liquid vitamin packet was easy to get him to eat so it must taste good. I also think that this is so new to him so he thinks he is getting a real treat. His muscles will for sure be sore after the first few times running around, because he has been stuck inside for so long, so these will definitely help. The vitamins inside will help with endurance and expedite muscle recovery. This also goes great with the theme.  

I am super happy with this month's box. It is full of items that my dog loves, and comes with things that I will love using with my dog. I estimate this box to be worth $47.74. That is $34.75 more than I paid, because I got $5 off my first box. I am going to keep getting this box for my dog, because there is nothing that I don't like about it. Plus, my dog is so happy with all of his treats. 

If you would like to try Pet Gift Box, just click here. You will get $5 off your first box. That's all this for only $12.99. That is a great deal. I really like the value and the assortment of goodies. The theme keeps me coming back for more. 

Ipsy Glam Bag March 2015 Review - Flower Power

My Ipsy Glam Bag for March has arrived, and I am so excited to see what is inside. I did take a small sneak peak, so I knew the pattern of the makeup bag, but what is inside is a complete surprise. Maybe if it arrived earlier each month, I wouldn't have to sneak, but it is here now so I am happy. Ipsy is a monthly subscription box that delivers five samples and full size items to your door in a cute makeup bag for $10. It is always filled with a ton of great value. 

The theme this month is Flower Power. Like I said before, I sneaked a peak at the makeup bag this month, so I knew what was coming. This bag is so cute and fits perfectly with the theme. I think this theme is better for May, but I appreciate the hopes for Spring. It gets me excited for warmer weather ahead. I hope the items inside are perfect to pare with the new pastels and lighter clothes I'll be wearing for the next few months. 

At first look, I am not sure I like all that I see. The colors aren't what I expected and the items seem small. I am used to my Ipsy Glam Bag being full to the max. I hope that my impression changes after this first look. I could definitely see myself ending up loving all these items. 

Evelyn Iona Natural & Organic Concealer in Flawless

$18.75 - 3 g   

I love receiving concealers in my subscription boxes, because they are so expensive and they are usually a great deal. This is a great example of that, but it does come with some problems. This didn't blend perfectly with my skin, but it did hide some imperfections. I did have to use a lot, though. This is a pretty nice sized sample and will definitely last me a long while. I am also all for the natural and organic ingredients. Plus, this formula is very light. Perfect for Spring. 

Pur-lisse Pur-delicate Cleanser and Makeup Remover

$36.00 - 5.6 oz       

Face cleansers get used so quickly with me, and I am always excited to try new brands. I've used this brand before, but never as a cleanser. This formula was very gentle on my skin. It is super light and feels like lotion on my skin. I didn't remove makeup as well as I hoped, mainly the hard stuff. It also left my skin a little dry. Otherwise, I am really happy with this cleanser and the natural ingredients. 

Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in Fifty Shades

$22.50 - 1.2 g

This is a full size item, which was a little surprising, because it is a little small. I am always saying that I am tired of getting the same color in my subscription boxes, so this was fun to see. I am a little nervous about wearing this still, though. It is a little darker than I usually wear, but I could see this being perfect for a girls night out. Again, these are used with all natural ingredients, which makes it easier to put on my skin. 

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Hunk

$5.99 - 4.5 g

I knew as a spoiler that everyone would be getting a full size NYX product, so I knew something like this was coming. I am completely in love with this lipstick. It covers well and it leaves your lips super soft. Unfortunately, I am not in love with this color. I am really bummed I got this color. Not that it is pretty, I am just not brave enough to wear this out of the house. I am a little dissapointed with Ipsy because I said I wasn't brave with color, and this color seems brave. Wish I would've gotten that light pink for Spring. 

Acure Day Cream for the Face

$18.99 - 1.75 fl oz  

I wear face lotion every day and night, so this is a perfect item for me. It says day cream, but I would have know that with just using the product alone. It is on the lighter side, and the citrus smell completely wakes you up. This formula is perfect for spring, and because the lotion is light, I am glad that this didn't come during those cold, dry winter months. This is a deluxe sample, so this might actually last a while. 

I was starting to think every item in my bag was organic or all natural until I saw the lipstick. I definitely like to see that these products are more on trend. We should all pay attention to what is inside the items we put on our body. At first sight, I wasn't too excited about this month's bag, but after the second look I am really liking the products. There are two full size items and two deluxe sample size items. That is great for $10. I am also happy with all the items, except the color of the lipstick. I estimate this month's bag to be worth $52.11. So much value with such a small bag!

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. You will jump straight to the front of the line, so no need to wait. 

Birchbox March 2015 Review - Creativity

Birchbox is my favorite subscription box, so I always look forward to it every month. I find the most items that become everyday basics, and the value is always great. For $10 a month, Birchbox delivers at least five samples of beauty items curated to your profile. I can't wait to see what this month offers. 

The box is normally just a light brown cardboard, but this month is super special. I think this is the cutest box I have ever seen. I like the greens with the pink and the mix of prints. I especially like the green for March, because it goes so well with St Patrick's Day. I am going to leave this out on my dresser for months to come. 

The theme for the month is Creativity. The season is changing once again, and what better time to mix things up a little. This month is all about being different and trying new ways to wear the same old things. The box is already super creative, I hope the items inside will be fun and new ways to can change up my look. 

Cargo Swimmables Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos

$26.00 - 0.37 oz     

This is the first item I pulled from this month's box, and I am already in love. I am always looking for a great blush, and I think that I just found it. This peachy pink goes perfectly with my complexion, and it blends into my temples so well. It is also waterproof, which is another plus, but I don't know how much I will be out in the rain and requiring this addition. This is a sample size, but its a jumbo sample. This will last forever. 

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo

$32.00 - 8.5 oz      

This is one of the best smelling shampoos I have ever smelled. Good smelling shampoo makes the entire day better. I was really hoping that it would love everything else about this shampoo, but I am not entirely impressed. I had to use a lot of shampoo, because it didn't sud up that well. On the other hand, my hair felt really clean afterwards. When dry, I couldn't really smell the yummy fragrance anymore, and my hair didn't feel as soft as normal. I like this sample, but I won't be purchasing the full size product.   

Number 4 Reconstructing Masque

$58.00 - 5.1 oz     

Again, I love how this smells! It is so yummy. This masque works like conditioner, and I loved the creamy formula. I left it in my hair for a couple minutes and let it do it's magic. Unfortunately, this didn't leave my hair as moisturized and as soft as I would like. For such a nice brand, this wasn't my favorite masque. I definitely liked it enough to use it again, but not enough to pay the full price. Also, I am not a fan of the foil sample. This at least feels like an extra, because there are six samples in the box. 

Supergoop! Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream

$45.00 - 0.5 fl oz      

I am a huge fan of all eye and face creams. I love having a great complexion, because then I can wear less makeup. Supergoop! is such an awesome brand, and they really care about your skin. I've been using this for a few days now, and haven't really noticed any big difference, but I know that these take a while to work. It is a tiny sample, but you don't have to use a lot each time, so I think this will last me a while. I love the added SPF and the pure ingredients. I may have to purchase the fill size item when I'm out. 

Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Mousse

$19.17 - 6.3 oz        

I used to use mousse all the time growing up. I have super limp hair, and mousse promises to lift and volumize. This one has an added thickening and strengthening formula. I like how this smells, and I also think it does the job. My hair looked more volumized and thicker, but I didn't like how it was crunchy and felt full of product. I will use this when my hair needs a little lift, but I am not going to purchase the full size when this is out.  

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss

$22.00 - 3 g          

I've received this brand before in another lip color, and while I changed my mind about the brand being a lot nicer than I originally though, I am not too happy with this particular color. This product allows you to use it as a glossy color or a matte tint. I love matte lips, so this is great for me. On the other hand, this color reminds me of my mother, which is a little too old for me. I could see myself using this every once in a while, but I have too many lip colors, so I won't grab this one instantly. 

This box was full of complete hits and nearly misses. I am all about that blush and eye cream, but I wish the rest of the items were a little different. There were a lot of deluxe sample sized items in this month't box. I prefer all full size, of course, but I know that these brands are a little nicer, so full size isn't always an option. I estimate this box to be worth $37.23. I only spent $10 on this box and get back $6 in reward point to use at their shop, so this box is more than worth it.   

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. You will get an extra 100 points which is good for $10 in the shop!

Julep Maven February 2015 Review - Valentine's Day Box

My Julep Maven box has arrived for the month of February and with the Valentine's Day theme, I am hoping for a some colors that would be perfect for the big date. I love the value you get from each Julep box and the extra beauty item you get with the nail polishes. 

This box is so well curated. Not only do the products all go with the season, but it is all safely transported. I love the paper confetti that creates a nice bedding for the products. I've rewrapped many presents in this box. Why not reuse, right?

I didn't expect my Valentine's Day box to be anything but pink and red. I see some nail polishes that I know that I am already going to love and some others that I'm excited to try. I am usually really excited about the extra beauty items, but I've never been a fan of lip gloss. I hope that this isn't the normal sticky, drying lip color. Knowing Julep and their products, I doubt it will be. 

Julep Lip Gloss in Charming

$80.00 - 5 7.5 ml tubes       

Again, I'm not a fan of lip glosses, so I wasn't overjoyed to receive this item. The color is a little "old" for me at first glance. After trying it, the color went so well with my skin tone. Plus, it is perfect for a nice date night. It was a little sticky and drying, though. I prefer something with moisture, so I won't be wearing this on a daily basis, but I will definitely include this for a fancy night out. 

Julep Nail Color in Hartleigh

$14.00 - 8 ml

I have never been a huge fan of confetti nail colors, because they feel really cluttered on my nail and are impossible to apply. Julep's confetti polish actually spreads out across the nail and doesn't dry before application. I don't really care for the girly hearts and colors, but I could definitely sport this on Valentine's Day. That would probably be the only day of the year, though. 

Julep Nail Color in Myriam

$14.00 - 8 ml

Everyone needs a classic red in their nail polish drawer, and this color is perfect. I love Julep colors. Everything from the perfect color mixes, the easiness of application, and how long the color lasts. I will be wearing this on Valentine's Day and for months to come. This color goes perfectly with a little black dress. 

Julep Nail Color in Fifi

$14.00 - 8 ml

Pale pinks are so me. They offer the slightest amount of color that is both edgy and girly. I can wear this color all the way through spring with pretty much everything. Pale pinks are one of my favorite colors to wear on my nails, because it is so versatile. I only wish that they had a matte top coat to make this color even cooler. 

Overall, I am pretty happy with this box. Two of the nail polishes are such classics, and I won't stop wearing them. I am a little indifferent about the glitter nail polish and the lip gloss, but I am happy that they are in my vanity to mix it up one in a while. I estimate this box to be worth $58, which is great considering it costs $24.99. 

If you would like to try Julep Maven for yourself, just click here. This subscription box is perfect for the nail polish lover!