Sephora Play! December 2017 Review - The 2017 Play! List

Yea! My Sephora Play! has arrived for the month of December, and I can't wait to check out all my samples for the month. December boxes are always a little more exciting because of all the festivities and holidays this month. Sephora Play! is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers six samples to your door in a bag for only $10. These samples range from skin care, makeup, hair products, and nail polish. Plus, one sample is always a fragrance to finish up your look. These boxes have a great value, and I always find products that I love, which makes these one of the best boxes around. 

This month's theme is "The 2017 Play! List." It highlights and breakdowns all the stats from the last year for this subscription box, but it also delivers the best and favorite beauty products from the entire year. I am a little bummed that this month's box doesn't highlight the holidays, but I am more than excited for a month full of top rated and loved products. I am hoping for some great hair and skin care, but I wouldn't mind everyone's favorite lipstick, eyeshadow, or blush either. Let's hope for all of the above. 

Smashbox Cosmetics Cover Shot Eye Shadow Duo in Golden Hour

$29.00 - 0.27 fl oz    ($5.37 Value)

Alright, this is what I was hoping for! I love smashbox, and this eye shadow duo is more than I expected. While I normally wouldn't reach for these colors, they are so pretty, and they make the best lid and crease mix. Not only are these great colors for everyday, the warm tones are great for these cool months, and this would be great for travel. It is easily an entire look on the go. Plus, this brand always brings the best quality. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Vintage

$16.00 - 0.16 fl oz    ($7.00 Value)

I feel like Sephora may have read my mind, because I was hoping for some lip color as well, but I am just not a gloss person. I love the matte look that has been trending, and I hate the stickiness of lip gloss. Therefore, gloss is usually my last pick. This color is really pretty, though, and I love it for this time of year, but it would look great any time as well. Also, Anastasia is such a great brand, and I completely understand why so many people love it and it was added in this month's box. I will probably just hand this off to one of my friends. 

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1

$26.00 - 4.2 oz    ($2.16 Value)

While I know of Drybar from their high end blowouts, this is the first I've seen, let alone tried, one of their products. This spray will help elongate your blowout by adding texture and volume while giving your hair a tousled look. I don't really have the time or money to head to my nearest Drybar, so this product may be the closest I get at home. I will say, with one use my hair looked amazing. It was full of life and volume while still manageable and soft to the touch. It also smells great, so clean and fresh. The only downside, this canister is so small, and this will only be enough for a few uses. I'll have to make the most of them. 

Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Wheat

$28.00 - 0.18 oz    ($7.78 Value)

While I do love my classic powder eyeshadows that you apply with a separate brush, these tube shadows have made applying more simplistic and travel so light. Plus, you can use these colors as a one shade / all over look, or they can be mixed with other colors for something more dramatic. This product is a favorite for a reason. It spreads over the lid easily and dries without smudging, especially in the crease. This color is great as well for a touch or light and color without looking too made up. Basically, it was made for me. I am a fan of this product, and I am so glad Sephora added it in my box. 

Peter Thomas Roth 24k Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Prism Cream

$42.00 - 1.7 oz    ($11.61 Value)

Illumination creams have been all the rage this year, so I am not surprised to see this in a best of 2017 box. I love how these products give your skin a touch of glow without making your skin too shiny. But it's not just a makeup product. This cream will help firm and lift your skin's texture while you wear it. I would never spend over $40 on a product like this, but I am so glad I had a chance to try it out. Plus, this deluxe sample is more than a quarter of the full size, so I will get many uses out of it. This is a reason why I love this box so much. 

Tom Ford Black Orchid

$122.00 - 1.7 oz    ($3.59 Value)

Most beauty boxes include five items, and most subscribers dislike when one is a perfume sample. Sephora fixed this issue by delivering six samples with one always a scent. I personally love these perfume samples, because I love mixing up my scent by mood, occasion, or season, and this allows me to always keep it fresh. This scent has notes of incense, orchid, patchouli, and sandalwood. I am not into floral scents usually, but this one is so dark and intense, and I am into it's dark personally. I can see myself wearing it to a dark and intimate whisky bar one a date or out with my girls. 

Overall, this month was pretty great. I wish they did a best of all the time, because they really nailed this month for me. I am a huge fan of the eye shadows, and the illumination cream made my face glow while improving my skin. The dry bar spray is really great for my thin hair too. It's just too bad it won't last but a few days use. The perfume was something I enjoyed too. I will have to wear it when I'm going out for some cocktails. The lip gloss was the only real fail for me, and I will just pass that along to a friend. This month's box has a value of $37.51. That is pretty good for a Sephora Play!, but not the best. I really like most of the products, so the value is just icing on the cake. 

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

Popsugar Must Have December 2018 Review

Yea! My PopSugar Must Have has arrived for the month of December, and I am so excited to check out everything inside. December boxes are extra special, because the holidays are here, and the products help celebrate this holiday. PopSugar is a monthly subscription box that delivers lifestyle items in the categories of fashion, beauty, home, fitness, books, and food. These boxes cost $39.95 each, but the value is over $100, so it is well worth every penny. I have found some great staples in previous boxes, so I can't wait to see what else there is to discover. 

Popsugar doesn't have a monthly theme, but instead words of inspiration. This month's words are Cozy, Giving, Sparkling, Traditions, Warmth, and Celebrate. Not only do I want to celebrate the glam and glitter that this month brings, but I also want to get warm and cozy with all the traditions that this month brings. I am hoping for a cozy shall or blanket to keep me warm around the fire or possibly some glasses or jewelry to glam it up for the new year. All of these words scream December and the holidays that come with the month, so I can't wait to check everything out. 

Tilo Twilight Scarf

$95.00

While this scarf does add some glitter to my outfit, this isn't exactly what I was hoping for. during these cold months, I much prefer a heavier scarf, while this one is much lighter and better for spring or fall. Also, this isn't something I would normally wear. On the other hand, this is a great product for someone that fits this style. Also, this single product is double the cost of the box. I do like that you can wear this to family dinners or causal get-togethers over the holidays to jazz up your outfit, but this will not keep you cozy. I will probably pass this along to someone who will wear it. 

Lalicious Extraordinary Whipped Sugar Scrub in Sugar Kiss

$35.00 - 16 oz

We've received a body wash oil from this brand in a previous box, and I was in love, so I can't wait to try this one out. While this is another body wash, this is nothing like the previous. This one is a light, whipped sugar scrub that looks and smells like sugar. I don't often receive body scrubs, but I love exfoliating my skin, so this is really exciting. Sometimes, scrubs can be rough on the skin, but this one is really light and gentle while still washing away dead skin and leaving it soft and smooth. I LOVE this product so much, and I am so happy Popsugar added it in this month's box. 

Chloe + Isabel Pave Bar Long Pendant Necklace in Gold

$42.00

This is another Popsugar brand repeat, but unfortunately, this isn't a winner over the previous item. I do like necklaces, and gold is my preferred metal, but I have been more drawn to smaller charms or tighter chokers. This bar necklace is something I wouldn't worn a few years ago, but why not give it another shot. This necklace is pretty and full or sparkle, so it will easily dress up any shirt or sweater. I think this would be great over a plain turtleneck for dinner with the relatives or over a black shirt to wear out to drinks with old friends. This isn't my favorite piece of jewelry, but I may have to try it out for one of these occasions.   

Wild Ophelia Sugar Cookie Milk Chocolate Bar

$3.50 - 2 oz

I normally don't care for sugar treats in these boxes, especially chocolate, but hey, it's the holidays, and I can't say no to anything sugar cookie flavored. This chocolate bar really does taste like my favorite holiday treat, too! It combines the sugary and frosted taste of those classic cookies mixed in with milk chocolate. I gave this one bite, and I was hooked. Next month, when it's January, please healthier treats, but I am going to enjoy this now. 

Baublebar Sugar and Spice Coasters

$38.00 - set of 4

I was hoping for something drink related in this box to help bring in New Years, and these are great for the big night or really any other time of the year if it fits your schedule. I also love that these aren't specifically alcohol related, so even those water, tea, or coffee drinkers can enjoy these. I am a little disappointing with the quality, and the plastic top layer wasn't even or smooth. Other than that, these are so cute, and I can't wait to bring them out each and every New Year. These would be great for bachelor parties or girl's nights as well. 

Ashkahn "For You" Gift Tags

$12.00 - set of 10

These simple tags are a great way to spruce up any and every present, and since I will be doing a whole lot of gift giving this month, these will come in handy. I always have the cutest wrapping paper on hand, but I never have tags to address the package. With just a ribbon, these add so much detail and a whole lot of cuteness. These can be added to gift bags as well, which make them reusable with just a snip of the tag. I love this little addition, and they will really come in handy. 

Pier 1 Imports Cocktail Filled Candle in Vanilla Bourbon

$14.95 - 6.8 oz

I was already really happy with this month's box, but them they have to include one of my favorite items, candles. These drink inspirited candles will not only make your house smell great, but it will help make it feel like a party. This vanilla bourbon is the perfect mixture of masculine and feminine with it's soft vanilla and oak finish. This does a great job of giving the room a great scent without overpowering. I am interested in trying out all of their cocktail inspired scents. They are all so festive, and you don't even have to get dressed up.  

Overall, this box was pretty good. I think they did a great job of accumulating items that are festive for the holidays, but would also be great for use any time of the year. I am a huge fan of the body scrub and candle. The coasters, chocolate, and gift tags are great as well, and I will really enjoy them. While the scarf and necklace aren't really my style, I like how they will help dress up an outfit and get it ready for the holidays. This month's box has a value of $240.45. That is crazy for this price, and I think the most ever. January is a new year, which means a new body and mind set, so I hope next month is full of re-inventive items.  

If you would like to try Popsugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. it is a great way to treat yourself to the best in lifestyle at a great price. 

Ipsy Glam Bag December 2017 Review - Snow Globe

Yea! My Ipsy Glam Bag has arrived for the month of December, and I am really excited to check out everything inside. These December boxes feel extra special because of the holidays and all the joy and happiness that comes with. Ipsy is a monthly subscription bag that delivers at least five full and sample size products to your door in a specially crafted makeup bag for only $10. These always have a high value, and they deliver products from a wide range, so each month is a fun surprise. I can’t wait to dig in.

This month’s theme is “Snow Globe.” Ipsy does have a new theme each and every month, but the products rarely represent them. Instead, the theme is carried through by the specially created makeup bag. This month’s bag reminds me of the winter chill, and it is pretty cute. These makeup bags are great for organizing, light travel, or even packing for kids. I like to use them when I travel or to organize all my samples.

Purlisse Beauty Coconut + Rice Nourishing and Green Tea + Ginger Treatment Sheet Mask

$8.00 each    ($16.00 Value)

I am a fan of both the brand Purlisse and sheet masks, so I am happy to see this addition to this month’s box. These two sheet masks offer two different remedies. The first will nourish the skin with coconut and rice, while the second will rejuvenate the skin. A lot of my current sheet masks are for moisturizing, which is the same effect I receive from face cream, so I am happy to receive these different options. I am most excited about the rejuvenating mask, because sometimes my skin needs an extra lift. These will be great to hold onto when my skin needs some added love.

TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Grean Tea Watery Moisture Cream

$25.00 - 60 ml    ($4.17 Value)

Korean skincare is so trendy, and this green tea moisturizer is not only the essence of this trend, but it also works so well. I am used to using cream moisturizers, but this watery gel does the trick, and it doesn’t leave you face felling or appearing wet like I expected. It also did a great job moisturizing, but it is so much more. This product will help repair and rejuvenative skin as well. After a few uses, my skin looked bright and younger. I love this item so much, and I just may need to repurchase. It isn’t a bad price either.

Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lipstick in Legendary

$21.00 - 0.1 oz    ($16.80 Value)

There is no lip color better than the classic red, and this Smashbox sample is one of my favorite I’ve ever received. I am not in love with liquid lipsticks, because they dry out my lips, so these classic tube lipsticks with their updated formulas have been and still are my go-to purchase. This color is so great as well. It has the perfect blue undertones that keep my eyes and teeth looking whiter than ever. This may be small, but this sample will last me forever, because I rarely go with a bold lip, but when I do use this, it will fit perfectly in my small clutch.

Luxie Beauty Precision Shader Onyx Brush 239

$14.00 

Ipsy does a good job at including beauty tools with their makeup products, and I am always excited to receive a brush, sponge, or curler. Unfortunately, they always, and I mean always, send me eyeshadow brushes, which I have way too many of, and really don’t need anymore. If that were not the case, this shader brush from Luxie is really nice. The bristles are packed perfectly, and the brush is built nicely. While I may not need this brush, it is a great addition, but Ipsy should pay attention to how many they send me. I DON’T NEED ANYMORE!

Glamour Dolls x Lisa Frank Eyeshadow in Hearthrob

$6.99 - 3.5 g    (Full Size!)

This month’s Glam Bag has been mostly amazing, but this is just not for me. I love that my 90’s childhood is back with this Lisa Frank and Glamour Dolls colab, but my makeup has grown up since then, and this eye shadow just does not fit with my classic look. This brown looks like a bronzer, but instead is a highly pigmented eyeshadow, and one that is really bold. The product itself is nice, and I like that you don’t have to keep applying to show true color, but unfortunately, I wouldn’t want to show this true color anywhere on my skin. This will be passed on to one of my friends.

Overall, this month’s bag was pretty good. The bag design is nice but nothing too special. I am in love with the green tea moisturizer and lipstick, and they are two discoveries that I will continue to use. The two sheet masks are great as well, and I will be happy to use them when my skin needs a lift. The eyeshadow brush is nice, but I have so many that I really didn’t want this, and the eyeshadow is a complete bust. This month’s bag has a value of $57.96. That is pretty great for a $10 box, and while their boxes always have a great value, this is better than normal. This month had a few great finds and a complete bust, but I still can’t wait to see what they have in store for me the next time around.

If you would like to try Ipsy Glam Bag for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out so many brands and products at a great price.

Target Beauty Box Men's Winter 2017 Review - Hello Holidays

Yea! My boyfriend’s Target Holiday Box has arrived for the 2017 year, and while these products aren’t for me, I love opening them up and checking each item out with him. Target comes out with a women’s beauty box every month, but they do come out with a men’s box twice a year, once in the summer and another for the holidays in December. These boxes range from $5 to $10 depending on the value, but this one in particular cost $7. They are stocked full of full size, travel size, and single sample products, so they are always worth the cost.

This year’s holiday box’s theme is what else, “Hello Holidays.” I guess when you come out with only two boxes a year, you don’t have to get too creative with the theme, but at least it works. Really, and theme isn’t quite important for the men’s boxes, because they tend to deliver products from the same few brands. We both like this though, because he finally has travel size products to pack for our overnight trips, and he doesn’t like to stretch too far from his comfort zone. Let’s check out to see what is inside.

Axe Dual 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner

$6.79 - 12 fl oz    ($1.70 Value)

We are already off to a great start with this dual travel sized shampoo and conditioner, as this is a brand that he knows and love, the only time he conditions is if it is a two in one, and this travel size will keep him from packing his huge bottle for a one night trip. (It adds so much weight and space to our checked luggage too.) We both really like this scent as well. It is masculine without being too much, and it leaves his hair cleans and shiny. This is a win!

Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Dry Spray in Invisible Fresh

$5.49 - 3.8 oz    (Full Size!)

I received this product for women in one of my more recent Target boxes, and it has quickly become a favorite, so I am happy that my boyfriend now has a spray deodorant of his own. I thought that this would leave my pits damp, but the spray goes on dry. Also, it smells amazing. My boyfriend loves using this after a workout when he needs a little extra help, and when he isn’t wearing a shirt, it is so easy to use. For me, it does get a little difficult if my shirt is too tight, because I need some room to disperse the spray. 

Pacinos Styling Pomade

$15.99 - 4 oz    ($4.00 Value)

This is my boyfriend number one favorite item to receive in these boxes, and I am happy it is a new brand he has never tried and a pomade (not a gel), because it makes his hair look so much more natural and handsome. This pomade has a really nice light scent, and I’d say it works well too. He likes it as well. He says that it styles easy and leaves his hair in place without making it appear crunchy. Knowing him, he will probably be repurchasing this once he runs out.

Crest 3D White Whitening Therapy Toothpaste

$6.99 - 4.1 oz    ($1.45 Value)

While he may not be too excited about this item in his box, I am really happy, and I will most likely be stealing this from him. I love receiving travel sizes of products I recently use in these subscription boxes, and I have been using Crest’s 3D white products for a while now. I drink a lot of coffee and have noticed my teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, but by simply switching out my regular toothpaste with this, they have brightened dramatically. I will be saving this for my next trip.

Olivina All-In-One Cleansing Cloths in Bourbon Cedar and Juniper Tonic

$10.00 - 10 ct    ($2.00 Value)

Something we want to work out, but we don’t have the time to shower, but these body cleansing clothes are the perfect way to wipe down your body easily and quickly without feeling like you are sweaty and gross underneath your clothes. My boyfriend won’t easily reach for these, but I gave one a try. I wasn’t a huge fan of the scent, because it was a bit to hipster male, but the cloth did work well. I wish it didn’t dry as quick as it did though, and you really might need two to cover your entire body, but this was a great sample to try out. I probably won’t be purchasing though.

Dove Men+Care Elements Minerals Sage Body and Face Wash

$5.49 - 18 oz    ($0.55 Value)

It wouldn’t be the Men’s Beauty Box without a body wash sample, and I’m glad it’s included, because his body wash bottle is so large, and he loves to bring it with him whenever we travel. This body and face wash from Dove is a tried and true product in our household, and this is another product my boyfriend is excited to add to his travel collection. This does smell just as you expect, but it isn’t too harsh and I like it a lot. It is nice to receive these loved product along with new samples.

Cremo One-For-All Beard Scruff Cream & Oil

$11.99 each - 4 oz / 1 oz    ($2.55 Value)

This one may be the only complete bust in the box, as my boyfriend does not wear a beard, ever. As soon as he gets just a little scruffy, he shaves it all off, so this product will just have to go completely unused. While he doesn’t have any close friends with beards, I know he has some with, so he’ll have to wait until one of them heads over so he can hand it off. I do like the new product, though, and it would be a great addition if he did.

Overall, this was a pretty great box. I like that they included a deluxe sample size of the shampoo and body wash. These will be great when we travel and will no longer need to pack two large bottles for a weekend trip. The full size spray deodorant is so practical, and my boyfriend is in love with the pomade. Personally, I am happy about the toothpaste sample. The body wipes and beard oil were nice to try, but he won’t be repurchasing. This season’s box has a value of $17.74. That is pretty good for $7, but it is actually a lot less than it usually is. I think Target has been lowering the value over the years. Even still, I will be purchasing them each and every time.

If you would like to try these Target Men’s boxes for yourself, check out the website around the first of July and December. Be sure to purchase them when you see them, because they do sell out.

Birchbox December 2018 Review - On the Dot, Off the Cuff

Yea! My Birchbox has arrived for the month of December, and I am so excited to dig it. The holidays are here, and these boxes always feel a bit more special. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least five samples (and sometimes full size items) to your door around a theme for only $10. This subscription does a great job a curated items to your profile and reviews, which means they always send me an item that I incorporate into my routine. Le't see what is in store for us this month. 

This month’s theme is “On the Dot, Off the Cuff.” No matter if you are spending hours getting ready for a planned event or running from work to a last minute drinks date, these products will help you look your best. They will also give you those joyful and spirited vibes of the season. I love this theme, because this month is always a little crazy, and I have so many events that have been planned for months, but there are always those parties that come up last minute. I am hoping for some glam products mixed with some items that I can carry with me in my purse.

Davines MINU Illuminating Shampoo & Conditioner

$26.00 / $30.00 - 8.45 fl oz    ($9.11  Value)

Davines makes some of my favorite shampoo and conditioner products, as they leave my hair extra shiny and soft, so I am really excited about this deluxe sample of shampoo and complimentary conditioner. This formula is made for dyed hair to bring it back to the color we, well, dyed it. But, it also illuminates hair by leaving it healthy and shiny, and the scent it so great too. While this isn’t my favorite formula from their line, I still liked it quite a bit, and it is so practical as well. It may not go along with the theme, but this is still a great start to this month.

Davines MINU Hair Serum

$25.00 - 5.07 fl oz    ($0.99 Value)

If you thought your shampoo and conditioner were the only way to protect your colored hair and make it last longer, you were wrong. This serum uses ingredients like caper blossom to seal in color and create major shine. Also, it smells just as good as the shampoo and conditioner. While I am happy to try this out, I really wish it were in a spray bottle. That way, I’d be able to apply it evenly to my hair. Otherwise, I think this gave my hair an extra boost. This would be perfect to use before a big night out. 

Whish Botanical Primer

$35.00 - 2 oz    ($8.75 Value)

I have been wearing  lot of primers lately, and I am a fan of the Whish brand, so I am excited to try out their primer. This product is packed with ingredients like Japanese honeysuckle and seabuckthorn which nourishes while it preps your skin for makeup. I personally love that it balances, protects, and hydrates my skin as well. Honestly, it does such a good job, I could just wear this alone. I feel like this held onto my foundation all day and prevented caking while minimizing pores. This is the product I’ve been looking for my entire life.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum

$85.00 - 1 oz    ($14.37 Value)

Everyone is obsessed with Sunday Riley, but I haven’t had a chance to try out enough of their products, so I am glad I received another sample. This serum can be applied either day at night on a clean face to help brighten, tighten, and plump your complexion. With ingredients like Vitamin C and E, this product will also help stop the signs of aging and even out your complexion. At first, I thought this was more of a makeup product and worked like an illuminator, but I am excited it will actually repair my skin. With one use, I already see a difference.

M.A.C Cosmetics False Lashes Mascara

$23.00 - 0.28 oz    ($5.75 Value)

One of my favorite items to receive in my subscription boxes are mascaras. I love trying out the different formulas and ingredients, but I hate paying full price for a tube that I hate. Also, I wear mascara every day, so it is really practical. This formula and wand delivers volume, curl, and color without smudging or flaking. I really like this mascara and it made my lashes look great. Usually I have to layer two different products, but this gives enough volume and fullness to wear alone. I am a definite fan.

Juliette Has A Gun Anyway

$100.00 - 50 ml    ($3.40 Value)

I feel like everyone in the perfume game is doing it the same, until it comes to Juliette Has A Gun. Their perfumes are a little weird and hard and can be worn by both men and women. This scent is made with notes of lime essence, neroli, jasmine, and ambroxan which gives it a citrusy yet flower scent. The other scents I’ve tried from their line have been spicy and wild, but this is so up my alley. I could wear this to an outdoor festival or an art opening. This creative mix will match both environments perfectly.

Birchbox Eyelash Curler

$13.00

It’s the holidays, and Birchbox is celebrating by sending this eyelash curler as an extra gift in everyone’s box. Once upon a time, I would use an eyelash curler every single day, but now my mascara does the trick. But, now that I have a new one, I may have to jump back on the train. I did pack this with me over the holidays, and I was a little disappointed to see the foam bar had already fallen out, but at least I was able to find it and fit it back in. This may be on the cheaper side, but I do like that Birchbox gifted this to us. I love that they are even in the holiday spirit.

Overall, I really liked this box. I was really excited to receive three Davines products, and the mascara is one of my new favorites. The face serum and primer are so great as well. The perfume is unlike anything I’ve worn before, and I am glad to add it to my collection. Honestly, everything was really a hit, and I think I may have discovered some new favorites. The eyelash curler is a nice special extra too, even if it is on the cheaper side. This month’s box has a value of $55.37. That is absolutely amazing for a $10 box, and it is much more than the average Birchbox. I hope they keep this up in the New Year.

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