Birchbox June 2015

What's in

the box?

The theme for Birchbox's June was Adventure.  I love the purple and yellow box I received. This subscription is one of the cheapest out there in box land.  It is $10 a month with a huge store to earn points to spend them in.  It is a huge company now with even a store in New York, Soho area. Really, the only criticism I have for Birchbox is that the England boxes are much better.

The box included a code to enter on the site for a chance to win prizes.  Sadly, mine was a $10 off coupon when you spend $50.

Clean by Fresh Laundry - (full size $20)  The name is perfect for this perfume - it does smell sort of like rubbing alcohol when it first goes on but that goes away. It is very fresh smelling and reminds me of laundry day.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting fluid in spf 15 -     ( ~$3 sample - $49 full price)  I did not think I would like this but it is not greasy or too dark for me.  It moisturizes, contains sunblock, and minimizes pores.  It is a very nice little primer and I will enjoy using it.  I doubt I will buy it in full size at this price.

Dr Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water -   ($32 full size)  This is a hydrogen, mineral water.  I chose this product as my pick this month.  This is used with a cotton ball, no rinsing needed.  This is perfect for traveling or just tossing in your gym bag for a clean face.  It does make your face feel very nice.

Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter and bonus conditioner sample -   ( ~$1 and full size $19.50)  I am more likely to buy the conditioner than the shampoo in this.  I do thank them for including a sample of the conditioner. I really dislike getting one without the other. 

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner - ( full size $11)   There was a different eyeliner we were all supposed to get in our boxes this month but there was a dock dispute that held it up.  This is another donation to my sisters eyeliner collection - she will never have to buy it again between my boxes and hers.

L Erickson Grab & Go Ponytail holder -  ($1)  I like it when Birchbox adds a lifestyle item as a bonus to the box.  This is really cute and my daughter will enjoy.

This was not my favorite box since I have subscribed but it is hardly the worst.  I will use almost all of it so that is a win for me.  The boxes they have sent lately have been little works of art too - and I am still excited to hear their ideas for how to re-use - we are supposed to be saving them all up for the end of the year.

Tuesday is Monday's Ugly Sister

Tuesday is here again and I have a few sets I have not reviewed around the house - the Josie Maran Pure & Free and the Smasbox Smoke Box.

Josie Maran Pure & Free - ($36)  I picked up this set at Sephora while I was browsing.  It is a five piece set of some of Josie Maran's favorites. 

 

Bear Naked Wipes -  (full size $12)  These are wipes to remove your makeup and free of loads of chemicals that are bad for you.  A portion of the sales go to the Polar Bears - a perfect reason to stock up on these. 

Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil -  (full size $28)  You can use this to hydrate the skin, condition the lips, and illuminate the complexion.  

Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Be Spirited Sweet Citrus  -   (full size $35) This smells heavenly!  So soft and a lovely citrus!  I am so happy with this.

100 Percent Pure Argan Oil Light -  (full size $48)  This is a smaller sample of Argan oil that is great for your skin.  I like this light version too.  

 Argan Black Oil Mascara -    (full size $22)  I love trying new mascara's so I was excited this included an Argan oil mascara.  I love packaging as well.   The brush is very different but actually seems to be more ergonomically correct for applying mascara.

I am very happy I picked this at Sephora instead of another palette to sit on the shelf in my collection.  

Smashbox Smoke Box - ($10) This was a deal on Hautelook last week and I could not resist it.  It came as a set with this silver case.  

O-Gloss Gold -  (Full size $22)  I love that this included a lip product.  Lip products are my favorites next to eye shadow palettes. 

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner -  I thought this was an eye liner but it is actually eye shadow with a nice smudge brush on one end.  I will definitely be trying this out. 

Smoke Box eye shadow palette - ( full size $40) This is currently sold out in lots of stores but it is just the sample version.  I do like that though because I never use up a palette before I get bored with it.  

The Smashbox Smoke Box was another great deal that I am thrilled to have found out about.   These go on sale every little bit at Hautelook so keep your eye out for them.

Glossybox April Box

What's in

the box?

This box had me at the cover!  I had already cancelled this box but when I saw the preview of this box on Instagram, I jumped at ordering it.  Glossybox ships for $21 a month and is a great quality box.  

How pretty is this box?  I love the makeup theme.

First look:

Marrakesh Ends Argan & Hemp Oil Therapy - ($5.99)  I always love getting this type of hair product in my boxes; I use these every time I wash my hair.  I will be buying this in full size.  

Enlighten from Estee Lauder - ($15~)  The full size is $62 and I have never bought it but I have gotten a few samples in my many boxes.  I have liked the way my skin felt after this but I prefer my Perfectly Posh Sweet Dreams.  

Julep's Gel Eye Glider -   ($16) I do like this brand but I do not use eyeliners frequently enough to like getting them in my boxes.  I will pass this on to my sister who loves eye products. 

Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar & Stain-  ($18) I have gotten this before in boxes and have been very happy with it - although these usually do come with a little brush for application and this one did not have that.  

Aerin Waterlily Sun - ($20)  This smells so pretty and reminds me of Spring.  I am happy with the size of this sample too - I have a dozen small vials of perfume. I prefer this size. 

Thursday Friday bag -  ($25.50) This is an exclusive for Glossybox but similar bags ran for $25.50 and I love this.  It is so gorgeous and I will use it for my lippies.  There was also a mystery gift card in the pouch to use on their website.  Still deciding what I want to pick.  The gift card is for 50% OFF! 

I came up with a value of $100 for this box; a great buy at $21.  I am most excited about the Thursday Friday bag and gift card.  Definitely happy I picked up this box.   It has a great variety of products and a lifestyle item.

Julep Cupid Mystery Bag!

What's in

the box?

I found out about this great Cupid Mystery bag Clutch deal and was excited to get it!   I have not bought any nail polish in awhile but really love the Julep nail polishes.   This special deal was $25 with free shipping. 

First look: love these colors!  They remind me of Valentine's Day!

Clutch -   ($)  I love this little clutch.  It will be perfect for night's out.  

Gel Eye Glider in Smoky Plum -  ($10) These are really smooth gel liners and this is a really dark purple.  

Lip Gloss in Splendid - ($10) I really like this lip gloss and the shade is just right for me.  I am a lip product person so this was perfect to get in my mystery bag. 

Julep nail polish in Rochelle (It Girl) - ($14/$10)  This color is so pretty and may be my favorite one in the box.  It is very shimmery.  I love shades of burgundy so this will be going right on my toes.

 Julep nail polish in Margit (It Girl) - ($14)  This is another shade I would wear so that is a big plus!  I like neutral tones.   I would have picked this out for myself. 

Julep nail polish in Yuki (Classic with a Twist) - ($14/$11.20)  This is a glittery top coat.  So pretty! Not sure what under coat color I would choose but this is fun.  I could not find it on their website anymore so it might be discontinued. 

Julep nail polish in Joanne (Boho Glam) - ($14)  This is another dark shade I would have bought for myself.  It is a more fall and winter color too.  

Julep nail polish in Valentina (Bombshell) - ($14/$11.20)  This must be sold out on the site right now - I could not find it to link it.  It is a glittery top coat.  I think it would look pretty with a pink under color. 

Very happy I grabbed this cute little bag mystery item from Julep.  This had a value of $84 and was perfect.  I love the colors in this and the extra makeup items were nice. 

IPSY January 2015

What's in 

the bag?

Ipsy is a monthly subscription bag that ships for $10.  It always includes a little makeup bag and 4-5 makeup, hair, or skin products.  It used to contain more makeup than anything but here lately it's been about half and half.  I count it a good bag for makeup when I get 3 makeup items.  

The theme this month is Fresh Start:

The bag was kind of plain this month - white on one side and blue on the other:

 Manna Kadar Sheer Glo -  (full size $29)  This is a highlighter to get a shimmery glow.  I am not thrilled with the ingredients here since it has parabens.  I will probably pass this on to my sister.  I looked on their website and it does not look like you can purchase this size tube unless it is in a package.

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow - (~$5)  You cannot buy these as singles but as a part of a set.  I really like this and love the fact that these are natural products.  It is a shade I would have purchased for myself.

Malin + Goetz -Mojito lip balm -   ($8)  I have tried several items from this brand through Birchbox, and I have loved them.   They are also a natural based company who does not believe in putting chemicals in their products like parabens and sulfates.

Hikari Eye Liner in Storm -  ($13)  I rarely wear eye liner so I will pass this on to my sister but I like this brand.  

LA Fresh Eco-Beauty  Moisturizer -   ($13.99)  I really like the fact that this sample has a spout on it - much better than the normal foil packets that you use once and have to just toss because it does not stay in one place.  I love moisturizers and am excited to try a new one.

 There was a nice value in this month's bag but there are only about 3 of the items that I will be using.  I do like that there are 3 makeup products in it.