Sephora Play! April 2017 Review - Step it Up!

My Sephora Play! box has arrived for the month of April, and I am really excited to see what is inside. Sephora Play! is one of my newer subscriptions and it is slowly making it's way to the top of my list. This box delivers six beauty samples (mostly deluxe) of products sold at Sephora collaborated around a theme and sent in a cute bag. These products range from hair, skin care, makeup, and they always include a perfume sample. This box only costs $10, and the value is always close to $40, so you won't just get a great selections of samples to try out, but you'll get your monies worth as well. 

This month's theme is Step it Up! These products are going to take your beauty routine to the next level. We are a people of habit, and our beauty routine probably looks the same day in and day out, but this box is here to help. Whether it be a product we never knew we needed or one that will take two out to save time, these products will switch it all up. This theme is really fun, and they do a great job of delivering products that go along well with it, so this month is sure to please. This month's bag is pretty simple and not too exciting. After a while, these tend to be giveaway items because I have so many.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

$52.00 - 1.6 oz    ($8.13 Value)

This face moisturizer is like science in a bottle. It is made with concentrated hyaluronic acid that transforms atmospheric vapor into fresh and pure water. This gives your extreme hydration that lasts up to three days. I am really interested in trying out this product, because it will help with dullness, uneven texture, and fine lines. I really don't know how this will last three days, because I was my face twice a day, but it's good to know it will keep my face hydrated between washes. This cream feels great on my face, and I am happy to switch this out with my current face moisturizer. 

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

$24.00 - 0.5 oz    ($12.00 Value)

Taglined as "the Hollywood 2-minute facial," this exfoliater will smooth and polish skin to reveal a glowing and radiant complexion. After washing your face, use this product on damp skin to scrub away dead skin, sooth texture, and even skin tone. I am always in a hurry, so I don't like adding an extra step to my routine, but I could find time once a week. With just one use, this did leave my skin looking and feeling great. I am surprised at how well it worked. I don't think I would purchase this again because of the price, but it just may be worth it. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

$36.00 - 1 oz    ($9.00 Value)

I am so excited to receive yet another of this fan favorite primer. While this is already a part of my beauty routine, I tend to use it only for weekend nights out, as I want to use as little as possible so I can have it longer. This sample will allow me to use it a few more times a week. This product is a fan favorite because it works. Not only does it smooth your skins texture by reducing the look of fine lines and pores, but it helps foundation and your other makeup last forever. While I love sampling new products and brands, it is always nice to stock up on products that I love.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in Matte Black

$21.00 - 0.04 oz    ($5.25 Value)

Seriously, this is yet another black eyeliner that I will never be able to go through. While I do wear eyeliner once in a while, it is not part of my daily routine, and it takes me about a year to make it through one pencil. Even though I don't use them that often, I do still like to try out new formulas. I really like this matte black color, and I am also impressed at how long it lasts. It is super creamy and goes on without any tugging. If I were a big eyeliner wearer, I would definitely purchase this, but this sample will be enough for me. 

Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

$11.00 - 4.2 oz    ($2.20 Value)

I really like the Sephora line, because it is an affordable alternative to the other products they sell, but they still really care about the ingredients and how well they work. This makeup remover will take away even the most stubborn waterproof eyeliner and mascara, but it won't irritate your skin. This formula will also strengthen lashes with each use so you get an added bonus to your normal routine. I really like this product, and the packaging is super cute as well. This is a great ending to a batch of new beauty routine products. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette

$80.00 - 1.7 oz    ($1.88 Value)

As I mentioned before, every box delivers a perfume sample. Unlike most, I really like perfume samples. I don't like to stick to a single scent, because I get bored and I like to switch it up depending on the occasion and my mood. These samples give me a few days use, which I really love. This scent by Marc Jacobs is super floral with notes of strawberry and white woods as well. This isn't a scent that I would normally wear, but it reminds me of spring, so I could see myself wearing it on a rainy day to keep my spirits up or one of those early spring snows. This would be great for everyday wear as well. 

This month's box was pretty great. I am a huge fan of four of the six, while the other two I will still be able to use. I was able to try out some new discovered brands and products, but also stock up on favorites, all while updating my beauty routine. I am most excited about that cloud cream and exfoliater, but the makeup remover and primer are amazing too. This month's box has a value of $38.46. That is pretty great for a $10 box, especially since I really like everything inside.

If you would like to try Sephora Play! for yourself, just click here. It is a great subscription to try out the best and newest in beauty at a great price. 

PopSugar Must Have April 2017 Review

Yea! My PopSugar Must Have has arrived for the month of April, and I can't wait to check out everything inside. PopSugar is a monthly lifestyle subscription box that delivers full size products in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, books, and food. This box goes for $39.95 and always has a value over $100. I received a few coupons, so I only paid a little less than $30. This box is one of my favorites to receive and open (of course), so I can't wait to see what this month has in store. 

Instead of a monthly theme, this box uses inspirational words and phrases to pick the items. This month's words are Reset, Natural, Healing, Grow, Spiritual. April our first official month of spring, and getting outdoors and enjoying nature is the best way to embrace the warmer weather. Also, I love the idea of reseting and healing, hopefully with some products that will help me relax. I am not sure what the Spiritual item may be, as I know many of us believe in different things, but maybe it will be a candle or incense kit.    

Makers Kit Crystal Sand Art Terrarium

$32.00

OMG! I am so excited about this product. I love terrariums, and this kit will allow us to make it just how I like. Also, that moss and purple crysal will go perfectly with my home decor. I've been looking for a few new pieces to spruce up the apartment, so this could not have come at a better time. Also, this fits so well with multiple themes. I absolutely love this product, and this may be one of my top five favorite products of all time. I placed this in my coffee table tray, so I can see it all the time, and it really brings a natural touch inside so I can enjoy nature all year round. 

MORNING CULTURE Dipped Bamboo Cutting Board

$22.22

This is yet another natural item, as this cutting board is made with bamboo, but it isn't your typical boring kitchen tool. It is dipped in a bluish light purple to give it a fresh and modern look that will brighten up any kitchen. Also, this can be used to serve food (the hole is perfect to hold a bowl of dip), breakfast with your morning coffee, or as a bedside tray. I will be hanging this up in the kitchen to use as a cutting board or display. Personally, I think this is such a versatile item, and I will get a lot of use out of it. This box is off to a great start.  

Tonic Australia Lavender Sachets

$15.00 - set of 2

I use natural oils all the time in my day to day life, and I love how lavender helps me relax, unwind, and sleep. These lavender sachet pillows are filled with scented potpourri that will fill the area with that soft and soothing smell. They suggest putting these in your closet, lingerie drawer, or in your pillow case. I think this would work well in your car to help the stress of driving or in your drawer at work. It is so nice to have two pillows so you can use them at two places at once. I think I will be putting on in my pillow and another in my pajama drawer. That will guarantee a great night's sleep over and over. This is something I would never purchase on my own, but I am really happy that I have them now.   

The Cottage Greenhouse Carrot & Neroli Shower Oil & Body Wash

$22.00 - 11.5 fl oz

I actually just used up the body wash oil from November's box, so this product is absolutely perfect timing, and of course it fits perfectly with the box and the season. This body oil wash is made with carrots, which is super rejuvenating. Other ingredients include honey, coco butter, and beet extract. The consistency is a little more watery than I expected, but it lathers up to the perfect amount of bubbles. The scent is sweet and fresh too, so it reminds me of spring. I love this body wash so much, and I will be using it all spring. Hopefully PopSugar will send me another when this runs out. 

Cocolab Cocofloss in Delicious Mint

$8.00 - 32 yrds

This box has been continually perfect with each item I pulled out, and I knew there was a makeup item coming up soon, so I was expecting something great. This is not what I expected at all, but I actually don't hate this product. While this isn't that exciting, it is super useful, since I floss my teeth all the time. Also, it does a great job (better than my picks) and leaves my mouth feeling and smelling clean. I really like this floss and appreciate the natural ingredients. I would never spend that much on floss on my own, but I will be more than happy to use this one up.

Nourish Holy Habanero Roasted Corn

$1.99 - 1.2 oz

I always complain about the sugar filled items PopSugar sends us month after month, so I am really excited about a savory and mostly natural product. These roasted corn kernels are coated with habenero powder to give them a kick of spice. I love spicy foods, so this is right up my alley. I also love a crunchy snacks, and I haven't had corn kernels in so long. This product seems a little out of place with all the light, natural, and springy products, but I don't really mind, because this is something I am really going to enjoy.

Sensodyne Pronamel Strong & Bright Enamel Toothpaste

$5.99 - 3 oz

Even though PopSugar usually delivers six full size items, this is listed as a "Special Extra." When they throw in an extra item, there are usually seven product in the box, so I am a little bummed by that. Either way, I am really happy with this extra. This whitening toothpaste is specially formulated for sensitive teeth and it will actually help strengthen enamel. I know we wear it down each and every day, so I am happy to take every approach to keep them as strong as possible. This toothpaste works really well, and while it isn't the tastiest I've ever tried, I am really happy about using it up. So practical too.

Overall, I am really happy with this box, but it did have a few draws. That terrarium is amazing, and I already enjoy it in my house. The cutting board and lavender pillows are great as well. That body wash could not have come at a better time, and I love how it freshens and nourishes my skin. The toothpaste and floss are both nice as well, but they are both so practical, I can't complain much. I am a little bummed about the five items and one "Special Extra," but at least there were six total. This month's box has a value of $107.20. That should wow me more, but I am so used to the crazy value of this box. I can't wait to see what May has in store for me. 

If you would like to try PopSugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat yourself to products you wouldn't normally purchase for yourself at a great low price. 

BoxyCharm April 2017 Review - Boho Glam

Yea! I am so excited about this month's BoxyCharm arriving in the mail (finally!), and I can't wait to see what is inside. I've seen a few spoilers, and I already like what I see, so I have real high hopes for the rest of this box. BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least four (but usually five) full size beauty products to your door for only $21. These products range from hair, nails, skin care, makeup, and tools, and I always find some great treasures. Also, the value is always over $100, which is insane. I can't wait to dig in.

This month's theme is "Boho Glam." Festival season has just started up with Coachella which is the best time to bring out that bohemian vibe. This month's products will bring out your hippy side with natural colors with a touch of glam. While I do love a natural makeup look, I am hoping for a touch of color, like rosey pinks and turquoise blues. I wouldn't mind some fun face stickers or design tools either. Hopefully, I will be surprised.

OFRA Cosmetics Rodeo Drive Highlighter

$35.00 - 10 g

OMG! I am so excited about this product. I've tried out quite a few highlighters in my day, but nothing will touch the quality or color of this brand. With just a light touch so much powder comes off on the brush, and it is extremely pigmented. Also, the color is so beautiful and blends perfectly. I knew this was a fan favorite, but I had no idea how amazing it could possibly be. Plus, this pan is huge. It will seriously last me forever. Unfortunately, this got a little shaken up in delivery, but it was an easy fix to get back into working shape. 

Pur Cosmetics Blend Squad: 3-Piece Contour Blending Sponges

$36.00

I just said to myself how I needed to purchase a few more blending sponges as mine are getting a little warn, so this is such a fun surprise to pull out of this month's box. I know of PUR, but I had no idea they made beauty tools, sponges included. That being said, I am excited to try them out. They were a little tough at first, unlike my beauty blender, but they softened up with a few uses. I also really like these colors; it looks like Spring. While these aren't the best sponges I've ever tried, it is nice to add a few into my rotation, especially when I don't have time to wash. What a great start to this box!

Measurable Difference The Diamond Collection Concealer Palette

$20.00 - 0.8 oz

While I do like to lightly contour my face, I don't think I will ever find use for this entire palette. On the plus side, this palette offers every single color, which makes it usable for every single subscriber. Also, this would make a great palette for someone who does makeup professionally. Unfortunately, I only do my own makeup, and I have pretty light skin, so I will only be able to use a few colors. This will be fun to play around with for those big nights out, but otherwise, this isn't too big of a win for me.

Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lip Gloss in Umbria

$16.00 - 0.08 fl oz

Honestly, if I were to pick out a color for Coahcella, I would've grabbed this lip gloss instantly. While it is a great festival color, this isn't something that would suit me that well. I do like experimenting with fun colors, but I really can't get back on the lip gloss train. I hate sticky and shiny lips, and they normally dry them out as well. This may not be the best color or product for me, but this does go perfectly with the box. I think one of my friends is going to be super lucky to get this from me.

Project Beauty Hairgurt Smoothing Yogurt Shampoo

$10.00 - 4 fl oz

We received this conditioner in a previous box, and I was obsessed, so you have no idea how excited I am to try out the shampoo. I loved how the conditioner left my hair super soft and smelling great, and this does not differ. The strawberry banana scent reminds me of spring, and the natural ingredients make me feel good about using on my hair and skin. My only complaint is just a small one. I wish I didn't use up the conditioner so quickly so I had a chance to use them together. Otherwise, what a treat.

It is hard to say how I feel about this month's box. I am absolutely obsessed with three of the items, while two were just not for me. That highlighter is amazing and a new favorite. The shampoo and sponges are great as well. They are both items I needed and no longer have to go out to purchase. The contour palette isn't something I will really use, and that lip gloss just isn't for me, so this box was far from perfect. Another plus, this month's box has a value of $117, which makes it well worth the cost of the box and easier to forget about the two products that I didn't love. I can't wait to see what next month has in store.

If you would like to try BoxyCharm for yourself, just click here. You will absolutely love it if you are anything like me.

Ipsy Glambag April 2017 Review - Sideshow

Yea! My Ipsy Glambag has arrived for the month of April, and I am really excited about these products. Ipsy is a monthly subscription box that delivers five (mostly samples but some full size) beauty products to you each month in a specially created makeup bag to you for only $10. This subscirption is perfect for makeup lovers, as it is heavy on the eyes, lips, and face makeup, but it does deliver beauty tools, nail polish, and body care as well. This subscription usually has a great value, so I am excited to see what this month will deliver. 

This month's theme is Sideshow. It is all about dressing up your look for the performance of your lifetime or to show off your quirky side. I like to keep my look more natural, so this theme may not be the best for me, but I am sure there will be some great items inside for me. This bag is super cute, though, and pretty nice quality. I love going to the movies, so this fits me perfectly. I could see myself adding a chain and using this as a purse on a date. Maybe there will be more toned down makeup for me to wear to the movies.

Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter

$25.00 - 10 g    ($1.75 Value)

This sample is so small, but I am excited to try out this product. I am a recent fan of Elizabeth Mott, and I have also been wearing highlighters more than ever. This color is so beautiful, and the shimmer really pops. Plus, it looks so natural on my skin. The downside, this isn't the easiest sample to fill a highlighter brush, so it might serve a better purpose as an eye shadow, but it is a pretty color on your eyes as well. This would be a great product for date night as well. 

THEORIE Marula Oil Transforming Hair Serum 

$26.00 - 3.4 fl oz    ($2.60 Value)

I have really flat and fine hair, and hair serums tend to just weigh it down, so they aren't the most exciting product for me. This serum is really nice, though, and it does great work. This oil goes straight to the root and helps moisture dry strands while giving lackluster hair a brilliant update. While I wouldn't use this everyday, I would definitely apply the night before a wash or to my roots to keep them less brittle. Since I won't be using this that often, this sample will last me forever. I can get on board with that. 

Adesse New York Cupuacu Butter Lip Balm

$24.00    (Full Size!)

At first, I was overjoyed with this product. I love tinted lip balms, because my lips tend to be super dry, and regular lip colors make them even worse. I like how this product has color around the edge and moisturizer in the middle so you can blend it together as you apply. This color is really pretty and fun, and I think the perfect color for spring. The one draw, glitter! I hate glitter, especially on my lips. We are heading back to 90's style, but not this far. I really wish this didn't have glitter, because I would love this product otherwise. I think I will just be passing this one along to a friend. 

Ciate Mini Bamboo Bronzer in Palm Island

$28.00 - 0.35 oz    ($6.16 Value)

Normally bronzers are way too dark for my skin, since I am pretty light, but this bronzer is absolutely perfect for me. The light tan color gives my skin a light bronze without looking fake, especially in these early summer months. Also, this would be great as a highlighter on dark skin. I am so impressed with this formula, and this sample will last me forever. I think this is my favorite item of this month's box, and I am so excited to use it all spring long. 

Luxie Beauty Dreamcatcher Precision Foundation Brush 660

$23.00

I really like how Ipsy send beauty tools along with the products, so receiving brushes is always fun. Unfortunately, I do have a few foundation brushes in my collection already, so I don't know how much I am going to use this one in particular. On the other hand, I really like this brush. It is the perfect size for contouring, so I can use this for highlighter, bronzer, or blush. It is super soft, so it can be used for blending too. Honestly, this may just make it to the top of my stack.

Overall, this is a middle of the road box. I am a huge fan of the light bronzer, and the brush is really nice as well. I do like highlighter, but the sample size is just so small so it will be difficult to use. The hair oil isn't something I'd really use, but I guess I can find some ways, and that tinted lip moisturizer would be great if it weren't for the glitter. The bag is really fun though, and it is always fun to open up all the surprises each month, so I am definitely going to keep it going. This month's bag is worth $57.51, which is crazy. I only paid $10 for everything inside. That makes me feel a lot better about not liking the products as much.

If you would like to try Ipsy Glambag for yourself, just click here. It is great for that makeup loving person in your life too. 

Birchbox April 2017 Review - Inside Out

Yes! My Birchbox has finally arrived, and while it is usually the first subscription to make it to my mailbox each month, this time it came dead last. That really means the rest came early, because my Birchbox arrived about the normal time. If you don’t already know, Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that delivers five beauty samples (and once in a while a full size item) to your door for $10. These items range from makeup, skincare, hair care, nails, and perfume. They do a great job of delivering products I love and new routine items each month. I hope this month is no different.

This month’s theme is Inside Out. These product’s ingredients are the real stars, and what is in the inside will have you looking great on the outside. I love this theme, and I can only imagine the amazing products that will go with. The box is pretty cool too. The brown box is a throwback to their classic look, and the design is on the inside. Since it will go with basically go everything, this will definitely be put out on display. I love reusing these for storage and organization. Plus, they can really spruce up a boring spot. I can’t wait to see all the goodies “inside.”

Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray

$24.00 – 8 oz    ($3.00 Value)

My hair is naturally flat and without body, so these types of sprays are perfect for me. Since I don’t normally blow dry my hair, I am happy to find out that this works for both damp and dry hair and promises to protect, nourish, smooth, and volumize. If you do use it before blow-drying, this spray will give it texture and lift, while misting dry hair can help facilitate restyling. I noticed that this product helped control frizz, and also gave my straight hair some natural waves. Also, it smells amazing. I really enjoy this spray, and I am glad I get to try it out. Also, this sample is quite large, and I will get quite a few uses out of it before I have to repurchase.

Lollia by Margot Elena Dream Eau de Parfum

$55.00 – 3.4 oz    ($0.65 Value)

I, unlike most subscribers, love perfume samples, because I love to switch up my scent by mood, season, and event, and these little bottles give me the best opportunity to do so. Plus, sometimes I fall in love with a new scent that I’ve never heard of before. This perfume is not the case. While it is a great scent for spring with notes of linden, white tea, bergamot, and honeysuckle, it is a bit to powdery for me. I do like how it blends with my skin throughout the day which creates a little deeper scent, but I really wouldn’t grab this perfume again. I’ll throw this in with my other samples and may grab it for Easter Sunday or a baby shower. Otherwise, this was a flop.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

$48.00 – 1.7 oz    ($4.80 Value)

This item was my sample selection, and I can’t wait to try it out. I am a huge fan of Dr. Jart+, and while the products are always super expensive, they work so well, so trying out their samples are the way to go. This cream is a dream for sensitive and irritated skin (Me! Me!), and to start it off, the scent is earthy and natural, so it won’t continue to mess with your skin. This product promises to solve redness, blemishes, inflammation, and dryness with ingredients like nolsome capsule and centelle asiatica leaf. Also, it will start repairing your skin as soon as you put it on, so it will instantly relive dry, itchy skin, and all that redness. I hate putting moisturizer over pimples, but not with this. I am surprised at how well this works, but not really, because it’s Dr. Jart+! 

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Double the Lip in Pink Thrills

$20.00 – 0.06 oz    ($6.66 Value)

Benefit comes up with the most practical, creative, and high performing products, and this lipstick does not let us down. With two different colors in one tube, this lipstick gives you your lip liner and lipstick all-in-one. For me, I always try to match my liner with my lipstick, but I love the two toned look, so this product will help me break out of my shell. These two tones may be a little too dramatic for a beginner like me, but they offer more colors combinations that blend a little better. While I am not a huge fan of these colors, the formula is great. It is hydrating and long-wearing. Also, it does budge once you swipe it on. This is a great size sample as well. It will last forever.  

Number 4 Jour d’automne Sugar Texturizing Spray

$22.00 – 4.9 oz    ($4.49 Value)

While I am not too thrilled about receiving two hair sprays in a month, I am really excited about them both, and they will also definitely get used. Again, I have super fine and flat hair that tends to have zero volume, so these sprays are a lifesaver. These texturizing sprays used to use salt as a main ingredient, but as it dries out your hair, sugar is now in. This spray is formulated with sugar cane, antistatic properties, and flexible styling aids to give you perfect styling hair. Personally, I like to spray this in my roots for added volume and movability, but this would also work great to hold loose waves. Honestly, I will be using this almost daily.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this box. I absolutely love my sample selection of the Dr. Jart+ cream, as it does wonders to my skin. The two hair sprays are great too. I will no longer have to complain about flat hair with zero volume. The lipstick is a great idea, but the color isn’t for me. I will keep it in my collection until I have the guts to rock it, though. The perfume is a flop, but I do think they did a great job of choosing a springy scent. This month’s box has a value of 19.60. That is pretty great for $10 box, even if it isn’t as great as many other boxes. I love Birchbox for their brands and curation, so the value doesn’t make it or break it for me.

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is a great subscription for trying out new brands and products perfect for you.