Try The World Review - Tokyo Box + 30% off Coupon Code 1st Box.

One of my favorite subscription boxes has arrived. Try the World is a subscription box that arrives every two months filled with food and culture from the featured city. I love that I can take a mini vacation to a new place with each box.

This month's box takes us to Tokyo, Japan. I am thrilled that Tokyo is the city for this box, because my boyfriend just went there without me, and now I can finally share the experience with him. Also, I'm interested in getting his point of view of the items included.

With every Try the World box, you get a collection a cards. These have listed the content with descriptions, tips on culture, food, and drinks, both classics and modern playlists, and movies. These are great for whenever you might actually visit the city, or a better way to enjoy the contents of the box with a movie or some music. 

Japanese Bamboo Chopsticks

$2.99 - each            $5.98

I love these chopsticks, and I really love that they came in a set of two, because I love to share. These look so oriental and heavy duty. They also have little grips on the end for grabbing difficult food. This box was complete with a crash course on using chopsticks. I already use them frequently, so the help wasn't needed, but it's perfect for the average box subscriber. 

Daiyo Shiko Origami Paper

$3.00 - 6 sheets

What I love about the Tokyo box compared to the Paris box is the additional lifestyle items along with the food items. This origami paper is no exception. Even though it is only 6 sheets of paper, each has a different, beautiful pattern. I haven't used them yet, because I don't think my origami is up to par, but I definitely will once I'm practiced up on regular paper. 

Konpeito Sugar Candy

$1.98 - 3.06 oz

This candy instantly reminds me of Tokyo. It is so colorful and full of character. I love that this box included something for your sweet tooth, but it is pretty plain in flavor. I think this item is more fun to eat than something to savor, but I am happy to just that.

Takaokaya Nori

$2.29 - 0.75 oz

Nori are roasted seaweed sheets which are found everywhere in Tokyo. They can be used to wrap up sushi, coned for rice balls, or just eaten plane. They are also a great source of many so nutrients. I have yet to eat these, and I am not sure if it's because I can't get over the fact that it is seaweed, or because I can't seem to master the craft of making sushi, but I definitely plan on trying to soon. 

Kingado Senbei

$4.99 - 10 pieces         $2.50

These Japanese rice crackers are the perfect snack for any Tokyo native. They can be cooked in so many different ways but are usually brushed with soy sauce. These have such a great simple taste. I could definitely snack on these all day, or when I need something to hold me over. This is one item I might be replacing once I run out.

Aoi Tea Matcha in Blueberry

$15.90 - 8 oz             $3.18

Tea is definitely a staple of Tokyo and this tea is the gourmet of teas. I love green tea, but I'm not usually a fan of blueberry flavors. This tea is great regardless and I can't stop drinking it. I've been paring this with all the other food items from this box. 

Imuraya Yokan

$16.00 - 3.52 oz

Yokan is a thick jellied desert made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar. These chewy bars are not my favorite, but I can see myself getting used to this sweet snack. These vegan treats were introduced when red beans and wheat flour replaced gelatin in foods in order to save the animals. Also, these treats are made with only all natural ingredients.

S&B Ginger in Tube

$2.99 - 1.41 oz

Ginger is definitely an acquired taste, and I've definitely learned to love it. This ginger in a tube is perfect for adding to sauces, marinades, or stir-frys in large or smaller amounts. I am going to use it primarily for dipping my sushi. I couldn't see this Tokyo box without any ginger because it is such a huge staple of the country. 

Morinaga & Company Milk Caramel Candy

$2.49 - 12 pieces

These caramels are from a Japanese recipe that is over 110 years old. Even though these caramels are really delicious, I am not thrilled to see them in the Tokyo box. Caramels were included in the Paris box, and I don't really think about the milky treat as a Tokyo staple. I wish that this item were replaced with something that were a little more Tokyo.

Overall, I loved this Tokyo box. I loved the mix of both food and culture items. I also loved that it included food items that I can cook new recipes with. I can't wait to try and cook things that I've only thought I could eat in a restaurant. I estimate that this box cost $40.41 which is less than I paid. But it isn't much less than, and I think it is completely worth it because I get to try new products that I would have tried without my subscription. 

If you would like to receive Try the World yourself, just click here. Plus, you will get 30% off your first box. Each new member starts with the Paris box and receives every city's box along the way. For only $45 a month you could be experiencing a new city every two months.

Birchbox August 2014 Review - Lighten Up

My August Birchbox has arrived and, like always, I cannot wait to see what's inside. I have a few exciting events coming up, and I would love some new beauty items to freshen up my makeup bag. 

I see that new box went back to the old cardboard coloring. I love these classic boxes. I've been reusing them for wrapping gifts. I like them even more when they first arrive to my door and are filled with both samples and full size beauty items. 

The theme for the month of August is lighten up. Each description card has a funny suggestion about August. This month is all about having fun for the last summer month along with lightening up on makeup. I hope this box is full of items that will help me from piling on my face with products. 

LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Menatour

$18.00 - 0.07 oz       

I love how many new lip colors I've worn since subscribing to Birchbox, and this lip color is no exception. I would never pick out a purple, but I absolutely love this color. Also, it goes on so smooth and doesn't dry out my lips. Plus, this color is following this month's theme by lightening up and making makeup fun. It has a nice, fresh minty smell to add to the mix. 

Neil George Shampoo & Conditioner 

$9.00 each - 3.38 oz      

This is not my favorite shampoo by far. I really don't care for the smell and the shampoo barely lathers at all. I had to use a larger gob than normal to cover my entire head, and it still left my head a little greasy. The conditioner did leave my hair soft, but again, the smell isn't my favorite. I'm a little bummed that the shampoo and conditioner took up two of my samples, but at least I know that I don't want the full size item.

                   

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

$42.00 - 1.7 oz               

I use facial cream every day, so this sample is something that I will totally use. It is such a nice formula, but a little heavy for summer, especially if I am going to wear makeup on top. Also, this face cream doesn't have any SPF, so I'd have to add another layer anytime I plan on spending some time outside. I love this sample, but not for August. I'll save these for the dry winter months. 

Dr. Jart+ Dis-A-Pore Beauty Balm

$36.00 - 1.7 oz         

This BB beauty balm is tinted, which I didn't expect, but it was a great surprise. I love that I can wear this one product instead of having to apply both face lotion and foundation. Plus, this totally balances out my face. This product is the perfect way to lighten up. 

This wasn't my favorite Birchbox, but a few items definitely delivered. Most of the samples were a pretty good size, and I feel like Birchbox knows me better each month. That being said, I will definitely be staying with Birchbox, and I can't wait to see what next month has to offer. 

I estimate this box to be worth $36.70, which is much more than I payed. Birchbox always packs in more value than the cost. If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here.

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.