Birchbox November 2016 Review - The Finishing Touch

Once again, my Birchbox has arrived for the month of November, and I’m already excited about the theme and my sample choice, so I have a feeling this box is going to be great. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that delivers five beauty samples curated by your beauty profile and the monthly theme to your door for only $10 a month. The products range from hair, nails, body, face, and makeup. This subscription box is a little less makeup heavy, which I love, and I also think they do a great job of selecting products I’ll love. I always find new favorites and must haves each month, so I can’t wait to see what is in store for me this month.

This month’s theme is The Finishing Touch. This month’s products are all about those extra, just-because details that make all the difference. To me, this month is all about luxury and festivities, or at least the warm up to what’s to come. I think these products will be great for getting a little dressier and spending just a little more time on myself. Just because. Also, this box is beautiful. The patterns reminds me of fall plants and thanksgiving, but the colors are modern. This will fit perfectly with my bedroom design, and I will definitely be placing it on my bedside table to store my nighttime beauty products. I would normally talk about reward points at this time, but those are unfortunately no longer, which is still a bummer.

Benefit Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara

$24.00 - 0.3 oz    ($8.00 Value)

I cannot believe that I have yet to try this product before, and when I saw this in my Birchbox, I was really excited. Benefit is one of my all-time favorite beauty brands, and I am actually using one of their mascaras right now. This mascara gives lashes a major curl and reaches every last lash with its flexible hook n’ roll brush. Also, with ingredients like B5, this mascara will also condition your lashes and leaves a satin finish. After one use, I was in absolute awe of this product. My lashes were out of control curly with added volume. I didn’t even have to layer another mascara on top, which I normally do. Also, I love these sample sized mascaras, because you can you the entire product before it dries and gets clumpy. This will be my new go to, and my all-time favorite finishing touch.

Lavanila The Healthy Fragrance in Pure Vanilla

$58.00 - 1.7 oz    ($1.36 Value)

Birchbox does such a great job with their themes. I think perfume is the best just-because detail that can make a huge difference on your look. Every time I wear perfume, I feel just a little more luxe and put together.  This scent is perfect for late Fall, as well. I am a fan of vanilla, and something about it just screams comfort and warmth. What a great scent for these upcoming holidays. It has major notes of vanilla, but tonka bean and goji berry make it a little more interesting. I think I will be wearing this to Thanksgiving dinner, while passing out presents, and most likely while lounging with childhood friends and catching up on their lives.

Davroe Ends Repair

$25.00 - 125 ml    ($10.00 Value)

Of course, I just chopped my hair, so my ends are in the best shape ever, so this isn’t the most exciting product from this month’s box. I am happy to see it can be used for more than just split or crunchy ends. This fast drying, creamy product is makde with rice and wheat proteins, which will leave your hair soft, silky, and flyaway free. Also, if you have color-treated hair, this cream will lock in moisture and stop it from fading. The scent isn’t bad, and after applying to damp hair, I noticed great improvements with the silkiness of my hair, but it did way it down a tad. I think I will keep this for Sunday’s or hair up days, when that won’t matter. Icing on the cake, all Davroe products are vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

Balance Me Tinted Wonder Eye Cream

$38.00 - 10 ml    ($19.00 Value)

I have so many under eye creams that promise to reduce darkness and soften lines, but I still have those problems, and require makeup to cover them. This multi-use product will cover dark circles while treating under eye aging. With ingredients like cucumber seed and rosehip, this cream will brighten, soothe, and hydrate. I love the idea of this product, because I often don’t want to just cover, I want the problem fixed, and this does both. It does cover really well, and I’ve noticed my under eyes brightening. I wouldn’t exactly consider this a finishing touch, but it is something I will use when I have a little extra time to get ready, and it will definitely make me look and feel a little more luxe. I love this product, so I wish it were a little more affordable, but I will use this sample until it’s gone.

jane iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in Forever Pink

$25.00 - 0.1 oz    ($6.25 Value)

Out of the sample choices this month, there wasn’t one in particular that I was dying to receive, but after choosing this lip stain, I have grown to be pretty excited about it. By adjusting to your body’s unique chemistry, this formula will create a customized and flattering hue, perfect for you. With ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, flower wax, and beeswax, this lip color will leave your lips supple, soft, and moisturized. I love products like these, because they give the “no makeup look” a perfect finishing touch, and the color always looks great on me. Overall, I am really happy with this product. It does leave my lips a little less moisturized than I like, but the color is beautiful. This is going straight into my purse for everyday use, but also to give my lips that touch of color without overdoing it.

Overall, I am so happy about this month’s box. I am obsessed with every single product, except the hair cream, and even that is something I will use. That mascara is an instant go to, and the perfume is perfect for this time of year. The under eye cream and lip color are also two simple ways to give a my look a little extra. Also, I think all of these products are especially fitting for the holidays. This month’s box has a value of $44.61 which is really great for a $10 box and for Birchbox. They usually value around $25/$30, so this a great month. Since the value was amazing and the products matched, this box has been overwhelmingly great. November boxes always seem to impress. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is a great gift giving option as well. 

Sephora Play! November 2016 Review - Best in Glow

Yes! My Sephora Play November box has arrived, and quite surprisingly. I didn’t receive shipping confirmation, so I had no idea it would be waiting for me when I arrived home from work. Sephora Play is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers six beauty samples to your door for only $10 each. Since they only deliver products sold in store at Sephora, it is a good blend of higher end and high end beauty products. Since these products are more expensive, it is great to sample them first. Also, they deliver a wide variety of beauty products from hair and nails to makeup and fragrance. I can’t wait to see what Sephora has in store for me this month.

Each month, Sephora Play curates their products to a theme, which also inspires the drawstring bag. This month’s theme is Best in Glow. I think this is such a clever theme for the month of November, because it fits perfectly with beauty products and an inspiring look for your skin, but watching the dog show on the morning of Thanksgiving is a family tradition. This month’s products will get you glowing, whether it be skin, face, or makeup. I normally prefer natural makeup, but for me, I am always willing to wear a lot more celebratory colors. Also, who doesn’t want glowing skin. Especially when cold weather sets in. Each month comes with a fold out itemized card that details each product in your box. You can also bring in smaller black card into Sephora for some great tips and added points.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer

$38.00 - 1 oz    ($6.08 Value)

How fitting for the theme that the first product I pull out to be an illuminator. This theme is already working out well. And, this product is amazing as well. Not only will this primer help cover large pores and wrinkles while holding onto your makeup for a longer lasting look, but it also illuminates your skin, helping catch light and giving your face a natural glow. That’s not it, though. The primer itself also promotes glowing skin with ingredients like gatuline, hylasome, and panthenol. These will give your face an before makeup glow by supporting microcirculation, hydration, and toning. Therefore, you won’t eventually eliminate the need for an illuminizer altogether. I would say, I’ve used better primers, but this did a great job of making my skin glow. Even with foundation and primer on top, I was amazed by my young and healthy complexion. I love this product, which is great, because this sample will last me at least a month.

The Estee Edit Dissolve the Drama 2-in-1 Makeup Remover + Cleanser

$32.00 - 6.7 oz    ($2.39 Value)

What is better than a multi-use product, especially while getting ready for bed after a long day? I’d say probably nothing. This makeup removing oil cleanser will dissolve the most suborn makeup while leaving skin clean and ready for bed. To use, just spread the oil on your face with clean fingers or cotton. Let sit for a moment, then add water. This will turn the oil into a milky cleanser to get deep into pores. Just wash away and all the makeup and dirt is gone. With ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe, and cucumber, this product will also condition skin and leave it luminous. Now I’ll get some real beauty sleep. I love this product, and it is perfect for me and my lifestyle. This sample is tiny, so I may just have to purchase the full sized product. 

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold

$29.00 - 0.05 oz    ($17.40 Value)

Shadow sticks are here to stay, and I am really excited about receiving another in this subscription box. When you are in need of a splash of color on your lids, but don’t have time to blend, these shadow sticks come in handy. Also, these are great for travel, as you don’t require brushes. This product in particular is super long lasting, so once it sets, it stays. Also, you can use as a highlighter if you have bronzer skin. I think this is a beautiful color. It is subtle, but with a touch of glam, and definitely illuminates the eyes. They suggest also blending these, but for me, shadow sticks are for those effortless looks that really are effortless. I love this product, and since the sample is more than half size, this will last me forever. I would consider purchasing a few different colors, though. 

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink

$12.00 - 0.11 oz    ($10.91 Value)

Sephora loves including some of their own products in the box, but they usually are deluxe samples, so I am happy to see them, usually. This is one of those times that I’m not too thrilled with their chosen beauty product. This lip gel is basically a lip gloss, but with an added touch. It includes added light-reflecting shine that creates the effect of fuller, plumped lips. I do have really thin lips, so this product would come in handy, but I absolutely hate lip gloss. It is sticky, shiny, and drying. This does promise to be hydrating, but I just hate lip gloss so much, I won’t even give it a try. The color just isn’t for me either, and I don’t know many people who are opting for bubble gum pink this time of year. I will say, this will make your lips shine, not exactly glow, though. I do appreciate that it isn’t tested on animals. This one is going straight to a friend. No lip gloss for me. Did I say that enough?

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment

$69.00 - 1.2 oz    ($17.25 Value)

First, I love face masks of all sizes. Peels, sheets, clays, seriously all of the above. Second, I have had a problem with acne for about a year now. I am in my late twenties, and I have the face of a teenager. Acne is my number one skin concern, so I was really excited to see this mask in my box. This mask is scientifically advanced to visibly draw out dirt while dramatically brighten and soften skin. It promises to clear up acne, blemishes, white heads, and black heads, all while reducing oiliness. I was impressed how great my skin looked after one use, and I really think it could clear my skin within a few weeks. Unfortunately, this sample is enough for maybe three uses, so that may not be enough to really find out. I love this product, and it will definitely make your skin glow. I just wish it weren’t that expensive. Otherwise, I’d swoop up a bottle of two in an instant.

Stella McCartney Pop Eau de Parfum 

$72.00 - 1.6 oz    ($2.25 Value)

Sephora always includes a perfume sample in their subscription box, but because they include six samples, unlike the typically five, this feels like a little extra instead of taking away from something possibly great. Also, I love perfume samples. I hate wearing the same scent over and over, because I like to switch them up by occasion and mood, so samples are the perfect way to refresh my scent every single day. This perfume was created to make you feel and smell bright and positive. It has notes of tomato leaves, green mandarin, violet, tuberose, plumeria, sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk. To me, it is very nice and clean, but not as interesting as it leads on to be in the description. Also, it is a little darker with the musk and cedarwood. I do like it though, even though it isn’t spectacular. I will definitely wear it, maybe to an art gallery.

Overall, I am really happy with this month’s box. That GLAMGLOW mask for acne is my favorite item I’ve ever received from Sephora, but the primer, makeup remover, and shadow stick are all great as well, and will definitely be used by me on a regular basis. The perfume was nice, but not great, and that lip gloss was a pure flop for me. I am sure one of my friends will really appreciate it though. This month’s box has a value of $56.28. That is absolutely crazy for a $10 box. Not only were the samples great, but the value is something I can attest paying $10 for. I love this box, and I am glad I finally decided to join. I have a feeling December is going to be great as well.

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

Ipsy Glambag November 2016 Review - Rockstarlette

Yea! My Ipsy Glambag has arrived for the month of October, and I am excited to see all those goodies inside. Ipsy is a monthly subscription box that delivers five sample size, and sometimes full size, beauty products to your door in a specially curated makeup bag for only $10. The products range from hair, nails, body, and face, and they each month usually have a great value. They typically include products totaling $50 or more, which is great for the price. Ipsy has sometimes missed my preferences, but sometimes they are too good to be true. Fall and holiday boxes are the best, so I have high hopes for this one.

Out of all the subscription boxes, Ipsy does the worst job with themes. They often do not makes since, and the only tie to the theme itself is the makeup bag. The products rarely match. This month’s theme is Rockstarlette. It is a mixture between rock star and starlette, which is a fun play on words, but doesn’t make much sense. This month’s bag is really cute. The constellations in the stars shape out beauty products. Star is the common word in the theme, so I am happy to see stars covering this makeup bag, and the zip pull is also shaped like a star. This theme doesn’t have much to do with the month, or the Thanksgiving holiday, but at least I like the bag enough to use it over and over again. They really are great for organization or travel.

Doucce Freematic Blush in Zen Orange

$28.00 - 8 g    ($11.90 Value)

I often wear blush, and I love colors that can be used as both a blush and bronzer for those lighter makeup days, so this is already a win. The coral orange is a color I really love, and it is just pink enough to compliment my skin tone. This is the second sample I’ve received from Doucce, and I’m starting to really enjoy this brand. They deliver high quality products with beautiful colors. Unfortunately, this isn’t a color I would reach for during these cool fall/winter months, but instead would wear this will my summer dresses. That being said, I will be putting this aside for now, but it will be a great surprise when May rolls around.

Leaders Cosmetics USA Aloe Soothing Renewal Mask & Aquaringer Treatment Mask

$5.00 each    ($10 Value)

First of all, I absolutely love receiving sheet masks in my subscription boxes. They are my number one favorite product, because not only do they create a little spa at home or on the road, but they leave your complexion looking and feeling great. The aloe mask promises to calm irriataion caused by the cold weather, and the aquaringer will hydrate dry, tight skin. My skin dries up during these months, and I’ve also noticed redness from the bitter cold, so these two masks could not have come at a better time. I can’t wait to use these when my complexion needs a little lift, or the weather has really taken a toll on my skin. Way to go, Ipsy!

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

$128.00 - 50 ml    ($38.40 Value)

Made with padina pavonica, an algae from the Mediterranean that moisturizes while deeply firms and tones, this thick cream will soften the look of fine lines and reduces inflammation. Also, with added rose, it will cut down on redness and heal acne. Seriously, how could the product get any better. The cream tackles every single last complexion concern. The smell is really nice, which is important for any beauty product that is applied close to your nose. The thickness of the cream is great for these cool, dry months as well. I am not worried about anything too thick, as it will easily soak up, and I won’t sweat it off. I’ve used this once, and I haven’t noticed too much of a difference, but I am hoping for some major improvements. We will see.

Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja Oil

$48.00 - 1.7 fl oz    ($6.49 Value)

Oils have always scared me in the past, because I didn’t understand why I would want to add an oil to my already oily hair and skin, but surprisingly, oils will stop the body’s overproducing powers and leave your skin glowing and dewy. A multi-use product, Ipsy recommends using this a night cream to stop the appearance of aging, as a shine booster and moisturizer to your hair to smooth as well, as a cuticle miracle to add moisture and sooth, or as a makeup remover for those hard to remove products. This is seriously a do all. As my hair get enough oil, and I rarely have issues removing makeup, this will be used as a night and cuticle oil. I can’t wait to start using it, and hope I see some great improvements.

theBalm Cosmetics Mad Lash Mascara

$18.00 - 0.8 oz    ($1.80 Value)

First of all, I love theBalm. They deliver such high end product, beautiful shades, and fun packaging, which to me describes the perfect brand. Second, I wear mascara Every. Single. Day. That means this will definitely get used up, and quickly. Third, these deluxe sample sizes give the perfect amount of product before the mascara starts to dry and clump. I actually prefer them to the larger tubes. This mascara in particular promises to volumize and life, but is able to get to every single lash with its ultra-flexible wand. Also, the super black color creates a dramatic effect. I have tried plenty of different mascaras over the last few years, and I have to say, this is one of my all-time favorites. Seriously, theBalm, you did it again. I will be purchasing this product over and over. 

Overall, this month’s bag blew it out of the park. I normally like a few of the products, but these are mostly all at the love level. Those sheet masks are amazing, and they are perfectly paired with the weather. The collagen cream is a dream come true, and that multi-use oil will make the perfect travel companion. That mascara, I’m just saying, is possibly the best mascara I’ve ever tried. It is a win, win, win. Even the blush is great, but I wouldn’t exactly chose that color for this time of the year. This month’s glambag has a value of $68.59. That is pretty great for a $10 subscription, and that isn’t even including the value of the makeup bag. This month was a complete win, and possibly one of my favorite bags of all time. This is two months of great bags for me, so I hope they can keep it up. 

If you would like to try Ipsy Glambag for yourself, just click here. It would make a great gift for those upcoming holidays.

PopSugar Must Have November 2016 Review

Yea! My PopSugar Must Have box has arrived for November, and I am so excited to see what’s inside. Fall boxes are my absolute favorite, but nothing could get better than fall mixed with the holidays, which makes November boxes some of the best. Therefore, I already have a feeling this one is going to be great. PopSugar is a monthly subscription box that delivers products from the best of beauty, fashion, home, books, fitness, and food. These curated boxes are delivered to your door for $39.95 each. They always have a value over $100, and sometimes over $150, so the value is there. Most importantly, the products inside are great, and I always find those “how did I live without this” products each month.

PopSugar Must Have doesn’t exactly have a theme, but instead they have inspirational words that help tie together the products to the month. This month’s theme words are Togetherness, Elegant, Essentials, Inviting, Celebration. I know that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it is the best holiday for solely spending time with friends and family. These words all symbolize the best Thanksgiving holiday to me, so I am hoping for some great products. Maybe there will be some great serving products or a warm sweater scarf. I am also hoping for a great makeup item and possibly a luxurious bath product. I have a feeling, either way I’ll be happy.

Kendra Scott Elaina Rose Gold Bracelet in White Pearl

$50.00

PopSugar rarely sends out jewelry that I love, but this is beautiful. I love the simplicity, romantic, and vintage feel to this semi-dainty bracelet. The white, yet iridescent stone, is classic and will really go with anything, while the closure is something I’ve never seen before, and I really think it adds a modern touch to this piece. I could see myself wearing this with a sweater for family dinner, or even with a dress for those holiday parties. There is so much detail to this bracelet, it really could easily stand alone as a statement piece or layered for a more dramatic effects. This is a great start to this month’s box, and I really don’t know how they could top this. I can’t wait to wear this throughout the holidays.

Pehr Chambray Runner in Wine

$44.00

PopSugar does a really great job of offering a variety of products, and this table runner is something I would never have thought of receiving. It is definitely the product that many of us don’t have, but plenty of us will enjoy. Also, what a great way to spruce up your table for a friendly gathering or a holiday dinner. This style could be considered country, contemporary, or vintage, so I could see it fitting plenty of style homes. Also, this muted wine and cream color is great for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I could also see myself getting it back out for the 4^th of July. This unfortunately doesn’t fit my style perfectly (I like a mix of midcentury modern, industrial, and urban), but I think it will be great for decorated during the holidays. Also, it adds the perfect amount of warmth to the serving or dinner table. This isn’t my favorite item, but it will definitely get used.

Stowaway Cosmetics Dawn To Dusk Palette

$25.00

This is the second time PopSugar sent us an item from Stowaway, and I think it is once again perfect timing. These travel/deluxe sample sized beauty products are created small so you are able to use the full product before they expire. That means less waste and less bacteria, which is a win to me. This tiny compact is about the size of your credit card, but even though it is small, it is mighty. The palette includes every natural color you would want from a matte white to a glittery granite, and a gold copper. It also gives you a dark blue to give your eyes a pop. This palette is perfect for anyone with brown or blue eyes, which is most of us, so I think a lot of subscribers are really going to enjoy it. It also comes with an angle and smudge brush for application. I love this palette, and it could possibly be the best one I’ve ever received. I will be traveling for both holidays coming up, and this will definitely be coming with me.

AJ Goods Charcoal Nest Wire Bowl

$35.00

I am surprised to see not one, but two home products in this month’s box, but we do tend to spend more time at home around these chilly month’s and I’ve had plans of hostessing events with my friends. While the first product wasn’t really my style, this one is perfect for me. I love the industrial wire, but I could see this blending with many other home styles as well. You can use this as a fruit bowl (which I will probably do), put a cloth napkin down for dinner rolls, or use it to decorate and fill it with Christmas tree bulbs. Seriously, so many options. I think this is a great addition to this month’s box, and it will definitely be used. I think it screams every single inspirational word. Well done, PopSugar.

Meri Meri Star Party Picks

$8.00

It wouldn’t be the holidays without PopSugar including a glittery, decorative piece, but these happen to be so practical. These star shaped party picks come in two colors and sizes, and can be used for so many things. You could stick them in cheese squares with salami rolled on top, or use them to garnish drinks. If you’re anything like my family, these will go next to the meatball crockpot for some curve the hunger snacks.  I think these may be a little to celebratory for Thanksgiving, but I will be using them for Christmas and New Years, as the stars and sparkle are perfect. Again, these aren’t my favorite item in the box, but they are really cute and perfect for the holidays gatherings. I’ll just have to remind myself to use them.

Oogie's Toffee Butter Popcorn

$2.99 - 4.25 oz

PopSugar always includes a food item, and much to my dismay, they are always sweets, or like I call it “junk food.” I’m not completely clean, but I like to eat real food as much as possible, and I’d rather have healthy snacks around the house over sugar heavy treats. I do like popcorn, though, as it is pretty natural if you don’t add anything to it, and it is at least a healthy base. The toffee isn’t for me, though. I don’t care much for the flavor, and one of my least favorite sweets. That being said, it is all natural, which I commend, and gluten free for those with that diet restriction. I cross my fingers every single month for something I know I will love, but is also good for me, and it never comes. Here is to hoping for next month.

Overall, this box has been a grand slam and possibly one of my favorite boxes of all time. The products, the theme, the relateability to the holiday. Everything was great. That palette is my absolute favorite item from this box, and that bracelet and bowl are right up there. The table runner and star picks are perfect for hostessing or decorating as well. The toffee popcorn isn’t my favorite, but I am not going to let this $2 item bring down the greatness of the box. This month’s box has a value of $164.99 It is usually high, but not this high, so really that is the icing on the cake. This has been a win for me, and I am really happy about all these great products. Now that holidays have to come quicker so they can all be used.

If you would like to try PopSugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat yourself every single month. They make great Christmas gifts as well.