Ipsy March 2014 Subscription Box Review - Destination Beauty

My Ipsy Subscription is here! It is always so exciting to receive this pink package in my mailbox. Not only am I excited to see what products are inside but also the makeup bag.

After opening it up I peeked inside, and I love the modern pattern. It was created by an artist by the name Klari and is an interpretation of "street anatomy." 

This is my favorite Ipsy makeup bag and my new go to for traveling. I love the modern look and the artistic take. Keep it up, Ipsy!

The theme for this month is Destination Beauty. All of the items are inspired by different cities or the perfect spring break resort. Also, they are all go to items in petite sizes, so you bring them along and pack light.  

After unpacking my bag, I can see the theme come to life. I am happy to see an item from every category and not having products that all revolve around a certain feature. 

Chella Eyeliner Pen in Bleu Indigo

$24.00

This eyeliner goes on smoothly and easily, and it lasted all day. Blue isn't normally a color I'd go with, because I like more natural colors, but I have to say I enjoyed the look, and it made my blue eyes pop.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready

$18.00 - Full Size

Again, this color isn't something I'd pick out on my own, but my boyfriend loved it, so I'll be sure to break it out on special occasions. The lipstick didn't dry out my lips and lasted forever. Also, all the colors are based on living large, which is perfect for a travel theme. 

Pixi Beauty Flawless Primer

$9.00 - Full Size   

This primer by Pixi matched my skin tone perfectly. It did leave a little bit of a shimmer, but it gave me a youthful glow, and it made my makeup last all day. I will use this product anytime I need a quick fresh glow. It is also reasonably priced.

NYX Love in Rio Eye Shadow in Bikini Bottom

$6.00

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, this gold pallet made my eyes pop on one of the most festive holidays. While these pallets have a Rio theme, I thought my colors were pretty safe seeing as Rio is so colorful, but I'm happy because these are colors I will actually wear. 

While I did love the theme and all of the products, a few of the colors were a little off, but they won't go unused. It gives me a chance to break out of my normal makeup routine. Also, I estimate this box to be worth $41.10, which is well over what I paid, and that doesn't even include the cute makeup bag. 

If you want to try Ipsy for yourself just click here. For $10 a month, it's a steal for the size and quality of products you receive. It also gives you a chance to mix things up and to try new products you may love. 

Birchbox March 2014 Review - Spring Forward

My Birchbox is here! It is always such an exciting subscription box to find in the mailbox. I couldn't wait to open and see what was in store for me. Birchbox is a monthly beauty sample subscription box curated around your profile for $10 a box. 

After opening the outer-shell, the inner box is the normal, classic Birchbox. I've been collecting all my leftover boxes for a diy project so I appreciate that they are the same every month.

This month's theme is Spring Forward, with all the products focused on getting us out of these winter blues and becoming reawakened. It is the perfect theme, especially after this long and very cold winter. 

I am excited to see a lot of the exclusive items the curators pick out every month. These items feel extra special, because they are products that both fit the theme and are the curators favorites. 

COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face

$36.00 - 1.7 oz           

As one of the featured items this month, I was excited to try COOLA's mineral sunscreen. Unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. While I love the added sunscreen to help protect against these spring months where sun protection is often missed, the tint didn't make any difference to my reddish coloring, and the mousse consistency wasn't enough moisture to pull through these drying months. If you would like to try it for yourself, just click on the product title for the Birchbox link.

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle

$21.95 - 8 oz           

This leave-in conditioner made combing my long locks so much easier, and also left my hair feeling super silky. Having long, thin hair, it is difficult to find a product that doesn't weigh it down, but also doesn't leave it feeling greasy. I will definitely be purchasing this product again after my sample is gone! 

theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples?

$32.00 - Pallet     

Not only is the packaging super cute, but the product is long lasting and super blendable. This cheek and lip cream comes in six apple inspired colors. While I wouldn't have chosen Pie, I actually love the pinkish red. I will mostly use this on my lips because the color is too dark for my pale cheeks. 

Air Repair Rescue Balm

$12.00 - 0.9 oz

This all-purpose skin salve and lip balm is the perfect way to heal my winter skin. I also like how it is an all in one, so it is perfect for throwing in my purse for whenever my skin needs a little moisture. It is also a great price for being such a high-quality item. 

Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream

$11.99 - 7.5 oz                

This item is an additional item that is included in this month's box. These mass-market items are Birchbox finds that may be available everywhere, but deserve credit for their high quality. I love my BB body cream, and while it is Jergens, it is the perfect way to get my body ready for shorts and tank tops. I also enjoy how Birchbox credits this as free addition so the box doesn't lose it's high end quality. 

Overall, I am so happy with my Spring Forward box. It has the perfect products to get my skin, hair, and face ready for spring. While I was starting to second guess Birchbox, this box put me back on track. I will definitely use all of these samples until they are gone. 

Every month my Birchbox gets better and better. After I rate each product, Birchbox gets a better understanding of what I like compared to what I didn't and crafts the perfect box of samples for me. I estimate this box to be worth $13.92, which is a little more than I paid, but I can review the products for points to purchase full size items in the store. And, the monthly featured items ship free!

If you would like to try Birchbox on your own, just click here. For $10.00 a month, you can't go wrong. 

Conscious Box February 2014 Review - Vegan + Free Box Coupon Code

My Conscious Box has arrived and I am excited to try new products that promote a healthier lifestyle with natural alternatives. Conscious Box comes in three different styles: Gluten Free, Vegan, or Classic. Today, I will be reviewing Vegan.  

Conscious Box comes with an outer shell, which I thought was a little wasteful, especially since it is a subscription box with a "conscious" theme, but both boxes are made from post-consumer and post-industrial material. Also, both boxes are completely compostable.

The inner shell box is very cute, and used with light yet sturdy materials. The theme for the February box is, of course, Love. Included with the box every month is a sweepstakes to win another box filled with full size items with the theme. Unfortunaltely, I was not able to enter the sweepstakes, Be Ours Box of Love, because my box arrived March 1st and the deadline to enter was February 28th. 

While the box had a love theme, the items inside did not fit it whatsoever. But, on the plus side, all the items are very useful around the house, and I'd rather have everyday items than themed items I would never use. 

While I did enjoy most of the products, they were mostly all samples with only three full size items. I spent $19.95 for this box and was hoping for at least half the box to be filled with full size items. At least I can review each item and receive points that can be used to purchase full size items that I did love from the box. 

Each box comes with a pamphlet that further explains each item. This is definitely helpful for food items and brands I've never heard of before. 

Farmers Market Organic Pumpkin

$2.39

This Organic Pumpkin is perfect to make an additive free pumpkin pie. While this is something I would prefer in a fall box, I've never turned down a pumpkin pie anytime of the year. You can also go to their website for more recipe ideas such as pancakes, oatmeal, and lattes. I want to try all three!

Stur Truly PomeCranberry

$3.59

This stevia sweetened water enhancer is a great way to drink more water, which is something almost all of us need to do a little more. The bottle is compact, and can easily be taken with you to work, a restaurant, or really anywhere. I also love that you can add how much or how little you'd like according to your taste. 

Via Nature - Soothing Skin Lotion & Moisturizing Skin Lotion 

$5.84 - Full Size                  

These paraben free, vegan lotions make your skin feel hydrated and renewed. While I'm not a big fan of foil samples, these were definitely used. They both smell great, and it feels good to use natural products directly on my skin. 

People Towels

$6.00

As an alternative to paper towels, one People Towels can reduce landfill waste by 23 lbs. By using this towel, you can also save a quarter of a tree and 250 gallons of water. I love the simplicity of the design, and I feel good using it. I hope that I receive more of these towels in boxes to come. 

Ecover Dishwasher Tablets

$6.39 - Full Size    

These dishwasher tablets worked just as well as what I normally use, yet they are all natural, which is great. I am no longer eating out of chemically cleaned dishes. I didn't like how is says free on the packet, because I paid for box, but they did introduce me to a new brand that I love.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts

$5.95 - Full Size   

These are a great snack on top of yogurt, salad, or by themselves. These seeds are full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber. It is a super easy way to get more nutrients in your life. Plus, they are pretty yummy.

Amazing Grass Raw Reserve Green Superfood

$25.79 - Full Size 

This probiotics supplement will make you feel great, but I would suggest adding it to something other than water, because the berry flavor wasn't the best. Also, these supplements are organic and vegan.  

Aloevella Wrinkless Cream

$49.95 - Full Size 

After using this wrinkle cream, I did notice a subtle improvement to my wrinkles. I wish I had more of this product in order to see if it had any long term results. Also, it is made with winter cherry extract, so it's all natural and smells great. 

Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile with Lavender

$4.99 - Full Size

I am always buying this brand, it is actually in my right cupboard now, so I was happy to see it in my Conscious Box. Chamomile is perfect for helping you get into that sleepy state before bed, or easing woman cramps. I actually brewed this tea while unveiling my box.

Crystal Deodorant Towelettes

$2.99 - Full Size

These towelettes are perfect for after the gym, but I wouldn't recommend to use them before. They didn't work as well as my over the counter deodorant, but it is an easy way to rid more chemicals from my life. I would suggest to not use them on a hot, sticky day.

Along with all of the full size items and samples in the box, each Conscious Box is filled with additional coupons. Unfortunately, you have to spend money before saving money, but they are perfect for using with any item you loved from your box.

I estimated this box to be worth $29.58, but mainly because the full size wrinkle cream is so costly. I spent $19.95 for the monthly subscription, but you can save $3 by purchasing 3 months, or save $12 for 6 months. 

If you are trying to drastically change your lifestyle to be more natural, organic, vegan, or gluten free, this is a great box for you. On the other hand, it barely is worth it's cost, and they've made a few errors with my subscription that they apologize for rather than fix.

If you would like to subscribe for your own Conscious Box just click here. Also, use the code THREEFREE for three free boxes, just pay $19.95 shipping.

Pinch Me Sample Box Review - Box 1

My first Pinch Me box has arrived, and even though I picked out the items that would included in my box, I was excited that it had come. Pinch Me is a free sample box that is sent weekly in exchange for sample reviews. 

The box was quite small, but expected for just being samples. It will easily fit into your mailbox, so there is no need to be home when it is delivered.

I am quite satisfied with the size of the samples. They were bigger than most samples that have arrived in boxes that I've paid for. Also, if you love the samples, Pinch Me directs you on where you can purchase full size items.  

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Body Care Shampoo

$4.49 - 12.7 fl oz          

The first item in my sample box was Clear Scalp & Hair Total Care Shampoo. While I've never used this brand, I will definitely be using it again. This shampoo made my hair feel clean without weighing it down. It's a high quality shampoo for a reasonable price.

Suave Smoothing with Cocoa Butter & Shea Body Lotion

$4.79 - 18 fl oz       

The second item in my sample box is Suave Smoothing with Cocoa Butter & Shea Body Lotion. This lotion smells great and leaves a light, smooth look and feel to your skin. It also instantly changed my rough and pink skin to be completely moisturized. It's such a great sample size for being entirely free.

While the box only contains a few samples, the products are of great quality, and they are a perfect size for traveling. In return for the free samples, Pinch Me asks for you to review the samples, which only takes a few minutes. I estimate this box to be worth only a little more than a dollar, but hey, it's free. 

If you would like to start receiving your own free samples, just go to here. 

Nibblr March 2014 Review

My two snack box subscriptions arrived within one day of each other, so while I wasn't in need of a snack, I was excited for more variety. Nibblr is a snack subscription box that is comes weekly, bi-weekly, or montly, depending on your desired frequency. Each box only costs $5.99.

The nibblr box contains four different snacks and a cute small poster for your wall. Unfortunately, Nibblr doesn't accommodate to anyone with allergies. It also does not let you rate the items before or after you receive them, so you may get items that you don't care for or cannot eat. At first glance, I am pleasantly happy with the four snacks that were sent to me

The first snack from the box is Cluster's Last Stand which contains roasted nuts and clusters. This is the perfect snack for low blood sugar attacks, or something to hold you over a little longer when dinner will be later than normal. And, this whole pack is only 180 calories.

Next out of the box is my favorite of the month, Key Lime Bliss which contains key lime cookies, lime granola clusters, and tasted coconut. This tastes like a yummy desert, and will definitely help me with my sweet tooth. This box is definitely better alternative, because it is only 170 calories. 

Punch Fruit contains pomegranate infused cranberries, pineapple, passion fruit, and lemon fruit pieces. This snack is perfect for the beach. If only I went away for spring break this week. It can also be used as a way to transport yourself to a tropical island, and it's only 100 calories. 

Curry Up is another snack favorite. It contains coconut curry pretzel pearls, toasted coconut, and pistachios. The curry flavoring is a great addition to these everyday snacks. Plus, it's only 120 calories. I hope my next boxes contain this again. 

Overall, I did love my Nibblr box. The containers are easy to carry with you outside of the house, and can easily be used as a snack to tie you over before dinner. 

You can get your own Nibblr box subscription at http://www.nibblrbox.com/ for $5.99 per box. 

Graze March 2014 Review + Code for 1st and 5th Box Free

My first Graze box has arrived! It was perfect timing, too, because I was craving a snack. I couldn't wait to open it up and see what snacks I received. Graze delivers four snacks each week, bi-week, or month based on your subscription, and the snacks are chosen by your ratings.

After opening my box, I am happy to find two of the snacks that I was most excited to try. I did rate them Love, and I'm glad Graze listened. Besides the items that I knew I wouldn't like, I left them at Try, because I wanted it to be a little bit of a surprise. 

The welcome card included Nutrition Facts on the four snacks that I received. Graze allows you to check off your food allergies so those food items will not be included, which is a step up on their competitors. Also, they have a low calorie box, so only items with less than 100 calories will be included. The regular box includes a mixture of both. 

The first item in the box was My Thai. This is one of the items that I really wanted, so I marked it as Love before trying. I am certainly glad that I did, because it was delicious. The My Thai is one of their new dipper items. It not only includes a crunchy snack, but it comes with a complimentary dipping sauce. The My Thai includes baked soy bites with sweet chili sauce, and it was only 84 calories. I hope that I get this one again.

The next item made me a little disappointed. I thought that I marked all the snacks that included chocolate as Trash, but I must have missed one. The Florentine includes belgian dark chocolate, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds for 198 calories. It does has the vitamins and nutrients leaf printed on the package, which means it contains at least two vitamins and nutrients. 

 These Wholegrain Banana Caramel Dippers were my favorite snack of the four. The banana flavored dippers were nice and moist like they came right out of the oven. The banana flavoring was just right. The caramel sauce complimented them very nicely, and surprisingly, this whole package is only 150 calories. This is another one that I hope that I receive in a later box. 

Last but not least are Eleanor's Apple Crumble, which contains raisins, and cinnamon honey almonds and apples. Not only is this snack only 114 calories, but it also contains at least two vitamins and nutrients. This is the perfect light snack for when you need a nutrient boost, but don't want to ruin your dinner. 

I am over all very happy with my Graze box. It not only had an assortment of snacks, but the snacks were great quality. I also enjoy that each snack is packaged individually and they can be taken with you to work, on an outing, or along a car ride.

If you would like to try Graze for yourself, use my link and receive your first and fifth box free.   https://www.graze.com/us/p/DEANNA9XU Or, use my code DEANNA9XU at checkout. You can cancel after your first free box if you don't love them, but I'm sure that you will.

Graze costs $6 for each box and can be shipped to your work or your home.