Ipsy July 2014 Review - Sensationally Sunkissed

My monthy pink Ipsy Glam Bag has arrived! Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription that comes with both samples and full size items all wrapped up in a different makeup bag. I cannot wait to see what July has in store. 

What do you know, the pink pack contained a pink makeup bag. It is super cute. I love the the girly edges, but it is on the smaller side. The month's card didn't even fit inside. That does allow me to see the theme before peeking in the bag, which for the month of July is Sensationally Sunkissed. 

At first glance, this bag is stocked full of more full size items than samples. This is a great sign, especially since the bag is so small. 

Pop Beauty Sunkissed Bronzer in Secret Sunshine

$10.00 

I am always searching for a good bronzer, especially in the summertime, so this was the perfect addition to this month's Glam Bag. Plus, it works perfectly with the theme. I like to use a bronzer as a blush for the summer. It helps define my cheekbones while giving my face a tan look. I will definitely be using this all summer!

Pur-lisse Pur-protect SPF 30

$55.00 - 1.7 oz        $16.18

I like the idea of using a SPF as your daily face moisturizer, especially during these sun heavy months. I also enjoy how this product calms sensitive skin and is light and moisturizing without adding grease. This could easily be my favorite item of this month's Glam Bag, but I am a little sad it isn't waterproof. That means I will have to use another face SPF for the beach. I guess this will be solely for day to day use.

bareMinerals 5in1 BB Cream Eyeshadow

$18.00 - .10 fl oz        $5.40

bareMinerals is one of my favorite makeup brands and I love this eyeshadow, but I would have much rather preferred a face concealer or a different color. This cream shadow is so light, and doesn't crease while on your eye. This would look great on tan people, but my pink / pale skin just clashes with the color. Great product, but wrong color for me.

Faith Aromatherapy Citrus-Ginger Anti-oxidant Lotion

$17.99 - 8.5 oz          $2.11

This lotion smells great, even though I am sure I am one of a few people that enjoy ginger. I do like that this lotion is anti-oxidant, but other than that there is nothing too special about it. It would be perfect for your skin after a day in the sun. I will definitely enjoy this sample, but I won't be purchasing the full size item. 

Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass Lip Tint in Cherry

$22.99 - 10 g

This product reminds me of something you would find in a sex shop. Despite it's cost, it looks really cheap, and it left my lips a little dry. Plus, I don't think it really works. I will glop it on, but I don't notice a change in my lip color. I don't even understand how this product goes with this month's theme. This product is just not for me. 

This month's Glam Bag was full of ups and downs. Some items I am completely in love with and some were complete misses. The pluses definitely outweigh the negatives though, and the theme was perfect for this hot, sunny month.

I estimate this month's Glam Bag to be worth $56.68, which is great considering I paid $10. If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. 

Birchbox July 2014 Review - Power Up

Birchbox is becoming my favorite subscription box, so you know that I was excited to see it in my mailbox when I got home from work. I hope this month keeps up the great work.

Usually, the box is the basic brown cardboard, but this month, the inside box is actually decorative. Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health magazine for the month of July. I wonder how the theme will work with the samples. 

Just as expected after discovering the team up, this month's theme is Power Up. This is the perfect month to get into shape, energize your routine, and start fresh. It is summertime and bikinis, vacations, and trying new things are all inspiration to better you!

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Acai Grapefruit

$20 - 150ml       

I rarely use shaving cream, but with bare legs all month long, it is nice to use a product to help them look and feel smooth, especially around the bikini line. This shaving cream did leave my legs nice and smooth without any bumps, and it smells great. I will definitely be using this anytime before I spend a weekend at the lake. 

Harvey Prince Hello Body Creme

$22 - 12 oz      

This body cream smells great, but is really strong and shouldn't be paired with a perfume. I prefer a body cream that is a little thicker, but it did moisturize and soften my skin. I won't be purchasing this full size, but I will definitely enjoy my sample. 

Marcelle New-Age 8 in 1 Power Serum

$34 - 1 oz          

Already noticing heavy wrinkles and dullness on my face, this is the perfect product for me. This 8 in 1 serum helps with texture, hydration, radiance, firmness, fine lines, brightness, and deep wrinkles. Basically everything that I would love help with. Because the sample is a little small, I haven't noticed any significant changes, but I'm interested in purchasing the full size product.

100% Pure Gingerade Shower Gel

$15 - 8 oz              .25

I am not a big fan of foil samples, but I did enjoy this body wash's smell. Plus, it was nice and creamy, so it didn't dry out my skin. Plus, this body wash is all natural and vegetarian. I have a few friends that would totally be into that.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in Valentine

$20 - 0.17 oz       

I am usually not a huge fan of lip stains, but this left my lips nice and smooth without drying them out. Plus, it lasted all night. I used this on a night out, and even into the late hours, it was visible on my lips. This color is way cute too!

Along with the samples this month, Birchbox included a booklet on 12 ways to Power Up all aspects of your life from getting into shape to getting a better night of sleep. Plus, they have a box to check off once you've completed that task which makes it even more inspiring to get it done. Along with this extra, this month's box came with a free year subscription to Women's Health magazine. That is a whole year of inspiring changes!

This month's samples weren't my favorite, besides the lip stain and the face serum, but the two extras made this box just as great as those in the past. I do hope that Birchbox keeps up the great work and continues to put value in each sample box.

I estimate this box to be worth $31.55, which is much more than the $10 I spent for this subscription. If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. Set up your own beauty profile and see for yourself what Birchbox has to offer you!

Birchbox June 2014 Review - Away We Go

Yea! Another Birchbox has arrived, and I am pretty excited. While I have may subscription boxes showing up at my door every month, Birchbox continues to prove it's high quality taste in beauty products.

Birchbox is a beauty sample subscription box that is delivered to your door for $10 a month. They curate each box according to your taste. Plus, you can earn points which can be used  towards purchasing full size items.

 
The theme for this box is Away We Go. All the items in this month's box are perfect for packing in your carry on for jet setting anywhere around the world, road tripping to the next state over, or even having a luxurious staycation. 

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

$34 - 120g         

This face rejuvenator is such a great face wash. It left my face clean and bright. Plus, it smells like your on vacation. Perfect for those of us who don't have the time to actually leave home. I will be using this when the sun has touched my face a little more than usual, but I'll avoid it when I have an acne flair. Unfortunately, this formula doesn't contain any acne mediation. 

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner in Silver

$16 - 0.04 oz        

I am not into any exciting or daring colors, so this silver eyeliner is just not my thing. I am a little disappointed in Birchbox for sending me this color, but maybe I'll give it a try. I do like how smoothly it goes on, but I tend to prefer a sharper line. This sample just isn't for me. 

Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo

$24 - 8 oz       

I love, Love, LOVE the smell of this shampoo. I could smell this in my hair all day. Also, it left my hair so soft and manageable. I wish it were a little cheaper, but it could be completely worth the price. I'm not sure how this fits in with the theme, but at least it's compact. 

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner

$27.50 - 8 oz               

This condintioner smells just as great as the shampoo, but it's formula was a little heavier than what I like. This conditioner is specifically for curly and unmanageable hair, which is far from my straight and limp hair. Also, the sample size is pretty small compared to the shampoo. I guess I won't get to use them completely together. 

Davines Ol / All In One Milk

$28 - 135 ml                  

Hair oil isn't exactly something that I need for my hair, because it is normally not too dry, but I will be able to use this after dying or a long weekend in the sun. This product smells as great as the shampoo and conditioner, which is the best quality. I hope that Birchbox stops including hair cleansing samples in every single box. I'd really prefer more practical makeup.

Egyptian Magic Skin Cream

$26 - 2 oz              

This magic skin cream did smooth out my rough feet, but I wasn't a huge fan of the oiliness it left behind. With it's aloe additives, it can be used as a treatment for burns after a long day in the sun, which is great for my pale skin, but I'd rather use it as a moisturizer. If only this were in my January box instead of the June box. It would make more sense to me. 

Folle de Joie eau de Parfum

$98 - 3.4 fl oz       

This perfume mixes the scents of strong and spicy with powdery floral. It isn't my favorite scent, because I prefer more citrusy and playful scents, but I will definitely use this up. Every time I smell it, I imagine myself on a vacation to an exotic island. I will definitely be using this for a sexy summer date.

This isn't my least favorite Birchbox, but it is close to the bottom. I'm tired of receiving shampoo and conditioner samples, and Birchbox seemed to not pay attention to my preferences this month. Plus, I didn't see how many of the samples pertained to the theme. I estimated this box to be worth $32.38, which is at least more than I spent. I will continue on with Birchbox because I'm hoping that this month is just a sour apple. 

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month, you can discover new luxury items to add to your beauty routine. 

Ipsy June 2014 Review - Pretty In Paradise

Ipsy is slowly becoming my favorite subscription, so it is always a joy when I see this pink bag in my mailbox. Ipsy is a beauty sample and full size subscription that is delivered to your door for $10 every month. 

Each month comes with a different makeup bag and a different theme. This makeup bag is super cute and stocked full. I can't wait to see the theme and what goodies are inside. 

The theme for June is Pretty In Paradise. All the items inside are perfect for a day at the beach, a hot summer night, or escaping for a moment and making your home bathroom into a mini spa paradise. 

For only $10, this makeup bag seems to be packed to it's limits. I really feel like Ipsy is well worth the money, and does a really great job of picking items I'll love and not skimping on the amount of products.

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

$8.79 - 4.2 fl oz         $3.18

This is my favorite discovery I've received in my Ipsy box yet. This gave my pin straight hair soft waves without making it crunchy, and the coconut smell brought paradise straight to me. This look is perfect for day, or it can be used for a quick way to go from the beach to dinner and drinks. I will definitely be purchasing this product when I run out of the sample.

Skinn Olive & Enzyme Rich Balm Cleanser

$24 - 4 oz             $12

This product can be used as a face wash, a makeup remover, or as a mask, just depending on how long you leave it on your skin. I love this mask and how it gives me a little escape. Plus, it smells like paradise with the orange oil and olive polyphenois. It also left my face refreshed and bright like I just spend the day at the spa.

Be a.... bombshell Mascara in Lash Out

$15 - 0.25 oz

This isn't my favorite mascara I've ever tried, I normally prefer formulas that make my eyelashes explode in fullness, but I do like the light application for the summer months. This mascara is perfect for a trip to the beach where you don't want to wear a full application of makeup, but don't want to leave your eyelashes bare. Plus, this is a full size mascara! That is worth the price of the Ipsy Glam Bag all by itself. 

NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee

$5.00 - 0.23 fl oz

I am usually not a fan of lip gloss because it leaves my lips sticky and dry, but this gloss's formula left my lips buttery smooth. I'd prefer a different color, but at $5 a pop, they are cheap enough to pick up a few different colors. I will be using this for late summer dinners or cocktails by the ocean.

Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

$6.99 - .017 oz

This eyeliner is my new favorite. Out of every eyeliner I have ever tried, this one has the easiest and easiest application. Plus, it lasts all night. I've been using this for all the wedding outings I have going on this summer. I do love the exotic look of this eyeliner and can definitely see the myself wearing this on a jungle vacation. 

Ipsy box is surprisingly becoming my favorite subscription box. I continue to love all the samples, and the value of the samples and full size items are always much greater than the $10 I spend each month. I estimate this Glam Bag to be worth $42.17. Seriously, a really great value. 

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month you could be on your way to discovering new beauty staples and fun, new makeup looks. 

Barkbox May 2014 Review - Just Right + $5 Off Coupon Code

Once again, my BarkBox has arrived in the mail. I swear my dog knows it is for him, and gets really excited when he sees it. He must be able to smell all the delicious treats inside. I get just as excited to see what treats and toys he has in store for him. And, I always look forward to unboxing the month's theme.

BarkBox is a monthly subscription box delivered to your door every month for as little as $18 a month and is packed full of exciting toys and treats. At least two of each in every box. 

This month's theme is all about healthy eating. Perfect for the dog that may have put on a few pounds over the cold winter month. Also, the toys promote exercise, which is a necessity for dogs young and old. This months treats are picked straight from the farm.

Loopies Rozcoe Corduroy Kitty

$21.75

This kitten is super cute, and my dog goes crazy for anything with a squeaky inside. Unfortunately, my dogs main objective is to get every toy open and get the squeaky toy out, so this toy was diminished within a few minutes. I tend to only get stuffed animal type toys from garage sales for change, because it just wouldn't be worth the money otherwise. 

JW Pet Megalast Ball

$11.29

My dog LOVES this ball. It is nice and durable, so he can absolutely not tear it apart, and the weight and bounce makes this a whole lot more fun than his other balls. I don't know why BarkBox sent me the large size instead of the medium, because I did note that my dog was a just right, medium size. This ball is just a little too big for my 25 lb dog.

Nootie No Grainers BBQ Chicken Jerky Chews

$12.99 - 16 oz bag        $4.06

This 100% USA made treat is a great soft chew for any dog. They stink just a little, but my dog loves them so much, I don't even mind. Also, these treats can be broken into smaller pieces for learning tricks or taken along for a walk or to the park. A great way to embrace a healthy pup lifestyle. 

Max & Ruffy's 24 Carob Gold Strawberry & Carob Flavor

$7.25 - 8 oz bag       $4.530

The biscuit like treat is USDA organic and made from all natural ingredients. If humans can switch to an organic lifestyle, why can't our furry best friends. These aren't my dogs favorite treats, but that does't stop him from gobbling them up. 

I do like that all the items in my BarkBox are full size, but this one didn't match my dog like the past boxes have. Also, there were only four items. I can spend my $29 a lot better and wiser at the pet store. This box was worth $41.63, which is a little more than I spent, but the most expensive item wasn't worth it for my dog. I hate to say it, but this might be my last BarkBox for a little while. 

Despite my complaints, my dog really enjoys every BarkBox he receives. As long as my dog is happy, I'm happy. And yes, he is quite the spoiled pup.

If you would like to try BarkBox for yourself, just click here. You will also get $5 off your first box at any subscription length. 

Bulu Box Weight Loss May 2014 Review

My third Bulu Box has arrived, and I can not wait to see what samples they have in store for me this month. Bulu Box is a health and fitness sample subscription box that is delivered to your door every month for $10 a box. 

Along with the samples, Bulu Box is packed full of coupons and additional online workout samples. This particular box came with a free trial for both Booya Fitness and Fit Fusion. 

Smarty Pants Adult Multivitamin

$29.95 - 120 count            

This is the second time I've received Smarty Pants Multivitamins in my Bulu Box, which stinks a little, but at least I liked the sample to being with. You can taste the vitamins in the gummies, but overall they taste pretty good. I do hate taking pills, so being able to chew them up is great for me.

 Smarty Pants for Kids

$21.99 - 120 count            

I don't have kids, so these were used by me. I am not sure why I would need to sample almost the exact same item, but again, at least I enjoy them. For anyone with kids, these multivitamins have both omega 3's and vitamin D, which no other kids vitamins have. Also, they are easy to chew, and with only 5 grams of sugar, these vitamins are a major health benefit that will help your little ones grown strong.

RidgeCrest Herbals Anxiety Free

$23.50 - 60 capsules               

These all natural capsules help fight fatigue and anxiety that factors into weight gain. From the sample, I didn't notice any change in my weight, but I did notice myself feeling less stressed and getting a better night's rest. This might be on my grocery list. 

Power Crunch Orignal Bar

$24.99 - 12 40oz bars        

Again, I received another food item in my Weight Loss Bulu Box, which I don't really understand, but this little bar is only 50 calories and is packed full of protein, which will help with forming muscles. This french vanilla bar was pretty tasty and did help me get from lunch to dinner without any further snacking.

FitMiss Burn

$38.99 - 90 capsules      

The day that I used FitMiss Burn, I did notice myself less hungry and with more energy. It also claims to reduce water retention, which is great for anytime you need to look your absolute best for a special night. I didn't notice a weight difference, but I guess I can't expect much from a one day sample. I think I will be purchasing this with my reward points.

Manitoba Harvest HempPro 70

$52.99 - 2 lb bag        

I have tried HempPro before, so this sample wasn't my first use. This powder makes it easy to consume this protein packed hemp, but I prefer the hemp hearts, because I like the way they taste, and they are a great granola substitute for your yogurt. This powder can easily be mixed into the your yogurt or soup, though, and it makes a great protein shake. 

This wasn't my favorite Bulu Box, but I did get introduced to a few things that I will continue to use. I estimated this box to be worth $6.32, which is less than I paid and a little disappointing. Each box does come with at least $15 in reward points, so it is still worth the $10 I spent on the box. 

If you would like to try Bulu Box for yourself, just click here. This subscription box is a great way to help change your lifestyle, be healthier, and happier.