BoxyCharm November 2017 Review - Sweater Weather

Yea! My BoxyCharm has arrived for the month of November, and since the holidays are right around the corner, these boxes always feel a bit more special. BoxyCharm is a monthly beauty subscription box that delivers at least four (but almost always five or more) full size beauty products to your door for $21. Each month is curated around a theme, and the box always values over $100. I think this the most favorited subscription box out there, and there is a reason why. It is just great. I look forward to this box every month, and I can’t wait to check it out.

This month’s theme is “Sweater Weather.” I am all about this time of year. There is something so special about the weather turning and the days getting shorter that make you just want to cuddle up indoors or rock that sweater in this cool crisp air. Fall means warmer and darker tones with what you wear on your face and your body, so this month’s box will help you warm up your makeup as well. I am hoping for a great lip color or maybe some heavier moisturizer, because cooler air always means dryer skin. This theme was made for me, so I can’t wait to dig in.

Luxie Beauty Quad Eye Travel Set

$32.00

While this quad set of brushes are on the smaller size, they are truly everything you need for a complete eye look. With different density and size, you can create any eyeshadow look. While these don’t feel as expensive or full size, because they were created for travel, these brushes work just as well as those with longer handles. Plus, you can easily travel with them, which is the main point of it all. I really like this set of brushes and the versatility. These will go with me everywhere, and I will probably reach for them first while getting ready at home too.

Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray

$31.00 - 4 oz

Illuminators are the hit of 2017, and you normally see them as primers or foundations, which often get covered, so I love seeing it as a setting spray. It really makes so much sense. I really don’t enjoy the spray part of these products, but once it dries this formula does a great job at holding your hard work into place, but it also leaves a light illumination. I don’t know how often I will be wanting this look, but I think it would be great for a night out when you want to glam it up a bit. I will probably keep this around for summer when shimmer and bronze are all the rage.

Winky Lux Kitten Palette

$25.00 - 0.45 oz

The best part of this subscription box are the amount of palettes they include throughout the year. I seriously never have to purchase any one my own, because these boxes meet any urge I may have. Let’s talk about this packaging. It is so cute and feminine, and I am going to make sure to keep this out on display for everyone to enjoy. Also, these colors inside are great. I love the mixture of basics and bold from light to dark. You will really be able to create so many looks with this one palette. This may be one of my favorite eye shadow palettes I’ve received from BoxyCharm, and I am going to get great use out of this.

LAQA & Co. Cloud Lips in Storm

$17.00 - 2.6 g

Alright, I asked for a dark lip, and BoxyCharm delivered, but I am not sure if I can pull off this look. On a positive note, liquid lipstick have been the thing of late, but I don’t love how these formulas dry out my lips, so I am excited to see your classic tube. This packaging is also so beautiful. I would love carrying this around in my purse. After first swatch, I am so much happier with this color. It isn’t as dark as it appears, but instead wears like a wine red. This is a great surprise after what seemed like a total fail. I’m so happy.

KNC Beauty Collagen Lip Masks

$15.00 - 3 pack

After the month’s and month’s of sheet mask selfies, lip mask selfies have been surfacing, and I’ve been wanting to try one ever since. This lip mask is pretty fun. It is shaped like giant lips, so get your camera ready. You have to leave it on for about 15 minutes and you can’t eat or drink, so I didn’t love staring at my wine glass during this time. I was really impressed with the results. My lips were hydrated, scrubbed of dead skin, and fuller than usual. It is like I got a shot. This didn’t last very long though, and less than 24 hours my lips were back to normal, but they were fun to use, and I like that I have a few others when I’m feeling a little insecure about my thin lips.

Overall, I am so happy with this month’s box. The eye shadow palette is so fun, and I love all the colors inside. The lipstick and lip mask were a fun surprise too. They will both be used all month long. The brush quad is the perfect set for any eye shadow look, and I will be using this with the palette I just received. The setting spray is really nice, but I don’t know how much I will use it. I do like that it is a product for the top of your makeup instead of underneath like many others. This month’s box has a value of $120. That is amazing for a box that only costs $120. And, since I will be using almost every product, That is a total win. I can’t wait to see what December has in store.

If you would like to try BoxyCharm for yourself, just click here. It is honestly the best subscription box out there, and the value is outstanding.

Ipsy Glam Bag November 2017 Review - All You

Yea! My Ipsy Glam Bag has arrived for the month of November, and I am so excited to check out what they have in store for me this time around. Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription bag that delivers at least five full and sample size products to your door around in a makeup bag designed to the month’s theme for only $10. This subscription always has a high value, some fun and interesting new products, and the makeup bags are great to collect and reuse. It is one of the best values out there.

This month’s theme is “All You.” With the holidays around the corner, these next few months can get a little hectic, and you tend to put yourself on the backburner to make time for everything else. So these products will help you give a little time back to the one and only, but they will also make the most of that time with multi-tasking formulas and products that will help you relax along with making you more beautiful. I am guessing we will be receiving some sheet masks and some quick skincare. Either would be great by me. This makeup bag is fun too. It reminds me of fall harvest. That is perfect for Thanksgiving travel.

MUDMASKY Facial Detox Purifying Recovery Mask

$80.00 - 2 oz    ($20.00 Value)

While I have fully embraced this sheet mask craze, sometime I like to fall back on my classic masks, because they tend to give better results. My favorite kind of mask is clay, because it purifies, detoxes, and refreshes your skin, all within 20 minutes. This mask is no different. With just one use, I noticed a major improvement with my skin, and it felt completely renewed. This is a great way to transform your face in a short amount of time. Also, this bottle will last me forever, because I will only have to use this once or twice a month. That is good, because I do not want to spend $80 of the full size product.

ColourPop Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow in Come and Get It

$5.00 - 1.5 g    (Full Size!)

While I used to hate these single pan products, I’ve received quite a few z-palettes in the past few years, so I am more than happy to receive a beautiful shadow to add to my collection. This deep pink is so warm, which is ideal for November, and it looks wonderful with my skintone. I love how the shimmer can be dressed up, or I could even use this all over the lid for a quick look. I am a big fan of this brand as well. I hardly notice any fallout either. This is a great product, and it is full size. Win and a win.

Touch In Sol Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation SPF 30 in Natural Beige

$20.10 - 30 ml    ($6.70 Value)

I was very intrigued with this brand and product after pulling it out of this month’s bag, and after trying I have some mixed reviews. This thick foundation acts more like a concealer, because it covers flaws miraculously, and it is way too heavy to put over your whole face. Also, this doesn’t match my skintone exactly, but because it is a little lighter, this is perfect for any dark spots or my under eyes. This product does tend to rest into pores and wrinkles, so I’d suggest a primer, and the formula is a little oily too. I am definitely not in love with this product, but I could see myself using it when I low on sleep and it really shows. This is great for these busy holidays.

Glamour x Lisa Frank Bitten & Bronzed Matte Bronzer

$4.99 - 6 g    (Full Size!)

When I first saw this product, I had a bit of 90’s nostalgia. Lisa Frank was my girl, and she covered all my folders, binders, and erasers. As for makeup, I think I’ve grown up a bit, so I am not sure how well this will work for me now. This bronzer is quite dark, way too dark for winter, and pretty heavy too. You can blend it out a bit, but the pigments are just too much for my light complexion. This packaging was so fun, but the product is just not for me. I will hand this off to one of my tan friends. They will get a lot more use out of it.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Quirky

$29.00 - 0.2 oz    ($7.25 Value)

Now this is what I’m talking about. I love tarte blushes. They are my absolute favorite. The colors are so trendy, and the pigmentation is light, which leaves a natural glow to my face. It’s never obvious that I’m wearing blush at all. I have two colors from this line already, and this will be the perfect one to complete the collection. This coral pink looks great for my skin, and with it’s light orange undertones, this color will work great with fall and summer. I am so happy with this sample, and since it is quite large, it will last me for a long time.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this month’s bag. First of all, the makeup bag is so cute, and I will love using it when I go home for the holiday. Second, three of these products were complete wins. That blush is beautiful, the eye shadow looks great with my skin tone, and the mud mask will be a great way to detox my face before and after the holidays. The foundation isn’t great, but I will be able to use it as a concealer. As for the bronzer, it just isn’t for me. This month’s bag has a value of $43.94. That is pretty great for a $10 box, and since I loved three of the five items, and am really happy with that amount.

If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out different products and brands at a great price.

Birchbox November 2017 Review - Ready for Kickoff

Yea! My Birchbox has arrived for the month of November, and I am so excited to see what's inside. The holidays are here, and the boxes this time of the month always seem to be a little more special. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that delivers at least five beauty samples, sometimes more or full size products, for only $10. Birchbox does such a good job at delivering products that I love, and I always find something I repurchase, so I can't wait to see what is in store for me this time around.

This month's theme is Ready for Kickoff. It is the official start to the holiday season, and these products will help you either start it off with a full new look, or get you set up with products that will easily take you from day to night in a hurry. I love this theme, because this time of the year comes with quite a few parties and get-together's after work, and with everything else that needs to get done, where is the time to get ready? Let's see what quick fixes are inside.  

12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment

$22.00 - 8 oz    ($4.13 Value)

I love quick fix sprays that get the job done with so little effort, so this product is right up my alley. This leave-in conditioner comes with 12 benefits including strengthening, shine, moisture, vibrancy, and prevents further damage. I do love how this leaves my hair silky smooth and the scent is light and nice, but it isn't my favorite leave-in spray. Other products make magic of my hair and gives it life when it’s dry, but this did leave my hair soft and smooth, and I know it’s working magic that I can’t see. Plus, this bottle will last me a while, because you don’t need much each time.

LAQA & Co. B'Lighter Blush + Highlighter in Preacher's Daughter

$17.00 - 4.3 g    ($10.67 Value)

Wow, this color is so beautiful and perfect for me, and I was so excited to give it a try until I realized it was a cream, not a powder. I have so much experience with powders, that I know how to use them, but I just can’t master the cream. It just doesn’t look as natural to me, but I will have to give it a try, because I love this color. This product is labeled as a highlighter and blush, because this could be used as both on darker complexions. I am so light, that this won’t work as both on me. Also a plus, this cream is long lasting and blends pretty easily. I don’t think this will be too hard to master.

Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Liquid Lipstick in Driver's Seat

$24.00 - 0.13 oz    ($6.00 Value)

I am not the biggest fan of liquid lipsticks either, so this is the second formula that I don’t normally use, but I am a big fan of Smashbox, and this color is great for my skin tone and November, so I am going to have to learn to love it. This warm pink screams late fall, but it isn’t too dark, which I love. While I don’t love how liquid lipsticks dry out your lips, I do love that they are long-lasting, and this one does the trick. Plus, this sample size is great, and it will really last me forever. No need to repurchase. 

TOCCA Emelia Eau de Parfum

$72.00 - 50 ml    ($2.88 Value)

I love this perfume so much that I already own it, really! TOCCA carries some of my favorite scents. They have so much personality while still staying light and feminine. This one is adventurous and vibrant with notes of clementine, fig, and coconut, but still has a feminine side with notes of magnolia and geranium. I love scents that are fresh and citrus but still sweet, so this is perfect for me, and I think it compliments my personality well. While I do have this already, this sample will be great for my purse or when I’m traveling. Birchbox just knows me so well.

too cool for school All-in-One Egg Mellow Cream

$36.00 - 1.76 oz    ($10.23 Value)

I am excited to try any K-Beauty product, especially when it’s from a brand that I already know and love, so I think this one is going to be a winner. This multitasking cream will be all you need as it acts as a serum, moisturizer, neck cream, eye cream, or sleeping mask. I apply so many layers every night, so it will be great to narrow down my routine. This cream is packed with ingredients unlike most creams too, such as collagen, egg yolk, and omega, so it won’t just hydrate, but it will visibly plump your skin. This is a dream cream, and I will use it to every last drop. I might have to purchase this when it’s gone.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II

$60.00 - 0.5 oz    ($2.40 Value)

While I don’t love foil samples in subscription boxes, this feels like an extra, because Birchbox usually only delivers five products. Looking at it as an extra, this is such a great product, and I am excited to give it a try. This night eye cream will help with aging issues such as dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. With one use, I did notice a brighter under eye, but those wrinkles are still quite present. I wish this were a larger sample so I could try it out a bit longer, but I do like what I see so far. Too bad this full size bottle costs $60, or I would be adding it to my cart as I speak.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this month’s box. These items will definitely help get me ready for the holidays. I am in love with the Egg Mellow cream, and it’s nice to have more of my favorite perfume. The leave-in conditioner is nice too, and I’ll be happy to use it. The lipstick and blush may not be my favorite formulas, but the colors are just too nice not to use. The eye cream sample was a nice addition too. This month’s box has a value of $36.31. I am happy with that amount, and it is pretty good for Birchbox. I am not too worried about the value if I love the products, and with this box, I definitely do.

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to try out new brands and products at a great price.

Target Beauty Box November 2017 Review - Hello Pause Button

Yea! My Target Beauty Box has arrived for the month of November, and since the holidays are rolling in quickly, I am excited to receive some beauty items to get me ready for the holidays, but also some travel size items perfect for packing when heading home. Target Beauty Box isn’t exactly a subscription box, because you have to purchase each one when they go on sale, but like subscription boxes, they deliver sample and full size items each month around a theme. I love this box, because it is so inexpensive, and it delivers more affordable health and beauty items that you can purchase at Target.

This month’s theme is “Hello Pause Button.” The holidays can get a little hectic, and even a small break or relaxing moment can make a big difference. These items will help you remove yourself from these crazy days or help you speed up your beauty routine so you have a little time to squeeze in something else. I think this is a great theme for this time of year, and Target offers so many great quick fixes or spa time items at their store. I am hoping for a sheet mask or two and maybe some on multi-use beauty products. I try not to look at the items when I purchase the box, so this should be a bit of a surprise.

Dove Derma Care Scalp Anti-Dandruff 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

$4.99 - 12 oz    ($0.75 Value)

I normally don’t care too much for 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner products, but I do love dove, so I’ll give it a try. I don’t normally deal with any dandruff, but my scalp can sometimes get dry and itchy, so this should help. With one try during these dryer winter months, I noticed a major improvement with my scalp. It also left a nice soft scent. My favorite part of this sample is the travel sized bottle. These are great for holding onto when you are leaving for the weekend and don’t want to pack those full size shampoo and conditioner bottles. Also, since this is a 2-in-1, you can pack even less.

Skinfix Ultra Rich Hand Cream

$9.99 - 3 oz    ($3.33 Value)

I’ve heard of this brand, but I haven’t had an opportunity to try out many of their products, so I am excited to give this hand cream a try. My hands are always dry, especially during the winter, so I store hand cream in my purse, at the office, and next to my bed stand. This size will work perfectly at any location. Now, onto the product itself. This hand cream is perfect. It is super hydrating, but doesn’t leave your hands greasy, and it smells so nice as well. I love this hand cream, and it might be one of my favorite discoveries from Target Beauty Boxes so far.

MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro-Gel Mask

$6.00

Just as I thought, Target included a sheet mask in this month’s box. Sheet Masks are such a simple way to quick fix many problems with your skin, and since they are so easy to apply and remove, you can really do one anywhere. This gel sheet mask helps renew cells to give your face an instant lift. It will help hydrate and remove fine lines as well. I normally don’t notice too much of a difference with sheet masks I’ve tried in the past, but this noticeably revived my face. I would definitely use this again when my skin complexion is dull and I need a quick fix.

Tom's of Maine Creamy Coconut Natural Bar Soap

$3.99 - 5 oz    ($1.08 Value)

While I love all organic and mostly natural products, I haven’t ever been too excited about Toms. It just doesn’t work as well as your normal brands, and I’d rather spend a little more on an organic and natural product that does the job well. Also, I don’t tend to use bars of soap too often, so I don’t know how quickly I will use this. Even though I wasn’t too excited about this product, I am pleasantly surprised. It doesn’t dry out your skin like normal bar soaps, and this would be a great option instead of body wash. It lasts so much longer and is so affordable too.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black

$4.49 - 0.44 fl oz    ($1.53 Value)

Wow! I love that Target Beauty Box included this mascara, because it is bringing back so many fun memories. This is the mascara my mother used for years, which also made it the first mascara I used. I don’t think I switched to another brand until college, which makes me laugh. While it is a classic, and it does work well. There are so many other brands and formulas that make your lashes longer, fuller, and curlier. This product is great if you are looking for just a little bit of color and something inexpensive, but there are much better products on shelves now.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$14.99 - 13.5 oz    ($0.56 Value)

At first, I wasn’t what was too great about this product. To me it was just a simple cleanser that cleans your face, which is what they all do, but now that I’ve dealt with more skin irritations, I have grown to appreciate anything that is gentle, especially when other products would normally leave my skin dry and raw. Speaking of dry, this cleanser leaves it fully hydrated, so much that I don’t feel like I need moisturizer right away (even though I do it put it on anyways). This little guy is great for travel as well. It is more than enough to get me through a full week of washes.

Overall, this is a pretty good box. I will definitely use everything, but I would have preferred different formulas and brands for some of these items. I wish the 2-in-1 were just a shampoo or conditioner, because my hair will need a leave-in conditioner in addition to using this. Also, the mascara is nice, but I will reach for others before this almost every time. The bar soap was nicer than I thought, but I don’t know how quickly I will use it. I am in love with both the hand cream and sheet mask. Both are complete wins. The cleanser was great as well. This month’s box has a value of $13.25. That is alright for a $7 box, but not great. I would like the value to be at least double the cost, but I do still have fun checking out all the products.

If you would like to try Target Beauty Box for yourself, check out their website on the first Monday of the month. They sell out quickly, so make sure and grab it once you see it.

Popsugar Must Have October 2017 Review

Yea! My Popsugar Must Have has arrived for the month of October, and I am so excited to check out everything inside. I love fall subscription boxes, and October is my favorite month of the year, so I am hoping for some great products in this month’s box. Popsugar Must Have is a monthly subscription box that delivers full size lifestyle products from makeup, fashion, home, fitness, books, and food. These items always value over $100, and you get all of them for only $39.95. It costs even less with longer subscription lengths. I am a big fan of this box, and I find so many great products in each box.

Popsugar doesn’t really have a theme, but instead they use words of inspiration. This month’s words are “Destress,” “Cozy,” and “Bedtime.” This is what I really need right now, so I have a feeling I am really going to enjoy this box. While I normally think about the holidays this time of the year, it is also a stressful time with a lack of sleep, so these items are going to come in handy. I am hoping for some lavender pillow spray, or maybe a cute decorative pillow. I can’t wait to see.  

Lolli Life Dream White Tea & Honeysuckle Perfumed Shower Gel

$22.00 - 8 fl oz

I have never heard of this brand of body products before, but I am already interested by the packaging and the scent. This giant bottle of shower gel by Lolli is both luxe and practical, which is a double win. The scent is really soft and relaxing, which will calm your mind and body to help de-stress but also get ready for bed. The shower gel creates the perfect amount of foam and leaves my body feeling clean and soft. It doesn’t over-dry either. I am loving this new body wash, and since this bottle is so large, it will last me forever. This is a great start to this box.

Patchology FlashPatch Restoring Night Eye Gels

$20.00 - 5 pack

What is second best to getting a full night’s sleep, waking up with eyes that are refreshed and bright. This pack of eye gels are to be used right before bed, and after removing they will continue to work while you sleep. These eye gels will help brighten dark spots, blur small lines, and firm your under eye skin. I love that they can be used right before bed, but will still work for hours later. That way you won’t need to sleep with them on your face. Also, with just one use, I noticed some major improvements. I might not always have the time to get enough sleep, but with these you’ll never know.

Jack + Lucy Pillow and Blanket Set

$49.99

I am so excited to see this pillow / blanket set in this month’s box, and I can’t wait to incorporate it in my house. While both items are on the smaller side, this pillow makes a great accent pillow for your couch, a chair, or your bed, and this blanket is perfect for those early fall nights to throw on your lap. The black and white stripe not only works with October and Halloween perfectly, but the colors and pattern mesh with my personal style. I threw this on my office chair for a little back support and something to cuddle up with when it’s a little chilly inside. I love this set, and they are a great addition to my home office.

Perpetual Shade Dream On Cotton Lux Sleep Mask

$39.00

I have never owned a sleep mask before, so I am really excited to be a brand new owner of this item. This black mask is super soft, so it will be comfortable through an entire night of sleep, and the cute quote is fun for everyone else that may be in the room. Your body gets the best sleep in a pitch black room, so this won’t just look cute, but it will help you make the most of your limited time. I take a lot of redeye flights, so this will be a great item for travel as well. This also goes perfectly with the theme, and it is a practical item that many people don’t already own, which makes it a great addition to this month’s box.

Nature's Bakery Double Chocolate Brownie

$1.49 - 2 oz

While I often complain about Popsugar’s continued addition of sugar and chocolate food items, I am a brownie lover, so I am pretty excited about this treat. This individually wrapped brownie is super moist and yummy as well. Also, I love that you can take them on the go, which isn’t always the easiest with a snack like this. This was a fun little treat for this month, but I really prefer those healthy snacks. Hopefully by the new year we will be back on track.

Framebridge Gift Card

$30.00

I’ve been hearing about Framebridge everywhere, and really like the concept, so I am definitely interested in this $30 gift card. Framebridge is an online framing store that allows you to send your prints or paintings to directly, and they will send it back with in your preferred frame. This is a really good idea, but I really don’t know what I would send to be framed. Also, this gift card isn’t enough to pay for one single item, so you’d have to dish out a little bit of your extra cash as well. That is a bit of a bummer. 

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Ointment Body Spray

$9.99 - 3.7 oz    ($2.32 Value)

This is another item that I’ve seen quite a bit of, especially in other brands, but never got an opportunity to try. This spray on ointment is so easy to apply, and it does a great job at distributing evenly. I did expect this texture to be more like body lotion, but instead it was a petroleum jelly. Since it is such a heavy duty product, this would be great for those hard to reach elbows or super dry skin. Otherwise, this just isn’t for simple hydration. I would like to try out the lighter lotion now.

Keurig Hot The Original Donut Shop Coffee K-Cup

$10.99 - 18 ct    ($3.66 Value)

What is needed after a good night’s sleep, a cup of coffee, of course! These K-Cups are the perfect way to get an easy and quick cup of coffee while tackling the rest of your morning. Unfortunately, I don’t have a Keurig anymore. I decided to rid of it after the realizing how the non-recyclable plastic was adding to our planet’s waste. But, for those of you who have a Keurig, this is a great addition. I will just pass these along to a friend.

Quaker Overnight Oats in Toasted Coconut & Almond Crunch

$1.59 - 2.43 oz

Once again, this special extra fits in with the theme perfectly, and this is something I am pretty excited to try. To prep, just fill with milk, then let set in your fridge overnight. In the morning, you can grab and go. I love a granola morning breakfast, because it gives you energy and keeps you full. Also, this looks so yummy. I wouldn’t mind trying out a few different flavors too. Also, how simple!

Overall, this month’s box is pretty great. I love the theme, and every single item fit in perfectly. There are usually six full size items in each box (not including gift cards), but since this had three extras, I can deal with the limited amount of items. Also, there are so many great products, I can overlook this little flaw. With everything inside this box, I know I am going to get a much nicer sleep all month long. This month’s box has a value of $170.05. That is pretty amazing for a $40 box, especially since I will use almost everything inside. I know the next two boxes are going to be party ready, so I will enjoy these relaxing products until then. 

If you would like to try Popsugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. It is a great way to treat yourself, and they make great gifts too!