May Boxycharm Review!

This is my 3rd month being a Boxycharm subscriber and I'm still very happy with it!  Let's go over what I thought:

• ModelCo Bronze Shimmer ($24 value) - I prefer matte bronzers...always have, always will.  I will probably try this on my decollete or pass it along to someone else.  I haven't decided yet, but I will give it a fair shot.  It is a nice bronze tone though; not too muddy or orange.
• The Lip Bar Lipstick in Purple Rain ($20 value) - I'll be honest, when I opened this, I thought there was no way in hell I would use this.  I posted my concerns on IG and my dear friend Danielle from Everyday Beauty showed me some different ways to layer it with more neutral lipsticks/glosses.  I think I can make it work, but I still haven't decided if I will pass it along or hang onto it.  Their packaging is so pretty and sexy....other cosmetic companies need to take note!  Oh and after researching the company, it turns out they were on Shark Tank!  Fun fact.  :)
• Bodyography Essential Brow Trio ($19 value) - I love brow products, and I adore brow powders, so I was super excited to get this!  The quality of the packaging is impressive and I really like the powders.  I will say I get a better result with my Anastasia brush, but we'll talk about the Bodyography brow brush in a minute.  :)  The powders are extremely blendable and set nicely with a brow gel.  I am impressed and will look into more products from this brand. 
• Bodyography Brow Brush ($19 value) - I was hoping for a little more from this brush.  The bristles were slightly too soft and flimsy for me.  I prefer the stiffness of my Anastasia #7 brow brush.  But the spoolie is nice on the end!  
• Lauren B Beauty Nail Polish in Sunset Blvd ($18 value) - What a great nail polish!  The color is perfection and it dries fast and is pretty chip resistant.  The opacity is great with 2 coats, which is a requirement to me.  I will definitely be checking out more shades from this brand.  

Total retail value: $100 and the subscription is only $21/month!  

While I wasn't completely in love with everything I got, Boxycharm still is an amazing value!  

Sign up for Boxycharm here!

May Birchbox Review!

First of all, can we just talk about how beautiful the box design is this month?  They've really stepped up their game with their box designs!  This month was another great Birchbox month for me.  Here are my thoughts:

• Harvey Prince Yogini (full size 50ml $55 / sample value $1.62)  - I wasn't expecting to like this after reading reviews on it when I found out I was getting it.  I was pleasantly surprised.  The description says "top notes of purifying sandalwood, refreshing grapefruit, and sensual Egyptian myrrh.  Subtle cues of golden amber, incense, and star jasmine."  I am not a person that gravitates towards incense or myrrh (because I think HIPPY) , but this was actually nice!  I could definitely smell the grapefruit, which is a favorite scent of mine.  I don't know that I'll purchase it, but I will use up the sample.  
• Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Water (FS 3.9 oz $32 / SV $1.31) - This is another item I was unsure about before trying it.  The traditional Smashbox primers haven't agreed with my skin in the past, but this one is so different (in a good way).  It feels so nice when you spray it on and I feel like my makeup lasts much longer!  I've been using this under MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural powder and it works wonderfully.  I've read some reviews and some say they use this as a setting spray too (which I will be trying tomorrow)!  I will definitely be putting this on my wish list!  
• Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel (FS 1.7 oz $24 / SV $3.38) - I LOVE this!  It is perfect for a daytime moisturizer in the summer.  It has a gel-like consistency and it feels amazing when you put it on, and absorbs pretty quickly.  I am adding it to my Birchbox favorites for sure!  Also, the price is very good, compared to other moisturizers in my stash!
• Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment (FS 4.2 oz $40 / SV $9.52)  - This was my sample choice for May.  I love hair oils, especially the one by Beauty Protector.  Let's be honest, I chose this sample because the sample bottle they showed in the Sample Choice video looked HUGE, so I figured it was a no-brainer!  I love this brand's spray on oil, and this one is similar, but a little more intense.  It smells AMAZINGGGG just like everything else in their line.  I'm glad I picked this!  I work a dime size amount through my damp hair and wrap it up in a towel for about 20-30 mins and it really works great!  
• Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Sample Quad (FS 19.95 / SV $1.60) - I received the Desert Bloom Sampler Quad.  The colors are pretty bold, but the quality is good.  I own the Revealed 1 and the Revealed 2 palette.  I must've missed when they released the 3 because at first I thought this was a sampler from the 2 palette!  I do like these colors, but I have way too many eyeshadow palettes to justify buying this one.  I do love the size of these sample quads though.  They really give you a lot!

The total value of the box is $17.43, which isn't the highest value I've received, but I will use everything in here, so that is a plus!

Click here to sign up for Birchbox!

Right now, if you enter promo code TATIOFFER, you can get your first box for $1!!!

#JustOne Tag!

My dear friend Stephanie from The Wonky Brow Blog tagged me to do this.  If I could only pick just one product from each category, which would it be?  A couple of these were really tough to choose!  Here we go:

Just One....

1. Lipstick:  NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Ceto.  This was the first NYX lipstick I tried and it came in one of my first Ipsy bags.  The color is so nice and natural, but also has a nice sheen to it that looks more put together than a balm or a gloss.  
2. Lipgloss:  Cover Girl Colorlicious Lip Gloss in Juicy Fruit.  The formula of these glosses is so nice.  Not too sticky but not too thin.  This particular color is so versatile.  You can use it over any lipstick or on its own.  
3. Blush:  Bobbi Brown Blush in Apricot.  I saw this on Essiebutton's YouTube channel and knew I had to have it.  It is the perfect pink and is super pigmented.  It looks great when I am tan and when I am pale and the staying power is awesome!  
4. Eyeshadow Single:  ELF Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow in What's Your Name I don't even know how I acquired this little gem, but I just recently pulled it out because I had forgotten all about it.  It's a purple/taupe that is amazing.  I found it on Amazon, but it's not on ELF's website anymore!  It does not crease and stays put.  I love pairing it with my Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barley Branded for super easy daytime eye!
5. Eyeshadow Palette:  Urban Decay Naked2 Basics.  This was a hard choice, but I chose it because I use every shade in this palette.  Yes it looks boring, but it really is a nice shade range and the quality is excellent!  I can even use the darkest shade as a liner and the lightest shade is my favorite under brow highlight shade.  
6. Mascara:  Benefit Rollerlash.  Without a doubt.  I got a sample of this from Sephora and fell in love immediately.  The first few times I used it, I still used my lash curler.  One day I was running late and decided to skip the curler and guess what?  I haven't used a lash curler in 2 months!  It doesn't flake or smudge and the curl lasts all day.  Plus I get volume and length!  I will definitely repurchase (until I get bored and someone comes out with something new and revolutionary)!  PS - try They're Real over this....ah-mazing!
7. Foundation:  Cover Girl Ready Set Gorgeous This is my go-to lately.  I've tried a few others in my stash and always come back to this.  It looks great all day, but doesn't look cakey or over-done.  I think I need a darker color soon because I've been self-tanning.  The best way to apply it is with a Beauty Blender.  It reminds me of Estee Lauder Double Wear Light!
8. Facial Cleanser:  Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil.  I've tried a ton of cleansing oils, but this one is my favorite.  It smells the best and it cleans the best.  I love how it makes my skin feel after using it too.  I am on my third bottle of this and have one more in my stash!  Note:  I do have to use a separate eye makeup remover, but this does a good job of removing what that misses!
9. Powder/Bronzer:  Benefit Hoola is my favorite bronzer, by far!  It is the perfect shade - not too muddy and not too orange.  It blends wonderfully since it is very finely milled.  I wish the packaging was a little more compact though.  My favorite powder is Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder.  It really does help keep me matte throughout the day without looking like I'm wearing powder.  I wish my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder hadn't been discontinued, but this is a good dupe!
10. Nail Polish:  Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish in My Papaya.  This shade is so perfect.  It is a really bright coral with a hint of orange.  I love it in the summer, but also in the winter when I need a pick-me-up.  The formula of these polishes is amazing.  Every one I've tried has been great!  They stay on and don't chip until maybe the 4th or 5th day!

Bonus:  Any two items you couldn't live without:

1. The Beautyblender - I used to go back and forth with this.  I've tried dupes and even the synthetic brushes, but I always come back to this.  Seriously, if you haven't tried one, do yourself a favor and order it!
2. Clear Care Contact Solution - I just can't wear contacts without using this stuff.  I don't know how I lived without it!  It makes a huuuuuuge difference and I will never stop using it!  Finally my contacts don't dry out by 6 pm and I don't feel like I have stuff in my eyeballs!

I tag Danielle from Everyday Beauty and Dianna from Snacks on Rotation to do this tag!  And anyone else who wants to of course!

April Empties!

Okay so I'm so behind on this blog post!  But it took me a while to go back and figure out what I actually used in April.  Now I am making a running list, so May will be much easier!  Here is a summary of what I used up.  

*Disclaimer:  I borrowed this format from my girl Stephanie from The Wonky Brow Blog.  Hey girl, hey!*

Items I will miss the most:

• Nars Creamy Concealer - I really, really, really liked this!  The color was perfect, the formula was amazing, and the coverage was great!  Sadly, I have too many concealers to work through before I drop $29 on this bad boy again.
• Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - Yes, I will miss this item the most because it's been DISCONTINUED!  This was my go-to drugstore powder!  And I've heard the new formula isn't as good.  I haven't tried it yet though.

Items I can't live without and have already repurchased:

• Clear Care Contact Solution - I really wish I had discovered this years ago.  I have worn contacts since the 9th grade and have always used the multi-purpose solution.  I only discovered Clear Care last month, after Erica (@beautyempties on IG) posted her love for this.  It is amazing!!  Seriously, I will never go back to the old solution.  My contacts don't feel dry and I don't constantly feel like something is in my eye!
• Suave Visible Glow Lotion - I finished this and went out (before my no-buy began) and bought 2 more!  I really like this stuff and it's CHEAP!  Plus it doesn't have that bad self-tanner smell...at all!  I don't know how they manged to do that.
• Tree Hut Coconut Lime Scrub - I love this!  I especially love when hubby uses it on my back in the shower...although I do have to reciprocate, which is lame.  But this stuff smells amazing and really has helped with breakouts on my back!  I tried other scents from this line, but I love this one the most!
• Anastasia Clear Brow Gel - What had happened was....I got one of these in a set, and now I'm hooked and am a brow gel snob.  I've heard NYX and Elf brow gels are just as good, so maybe I'll try them next.  Technically I didn't repurchase this when I ran out because a mini size came in my April Birchbox.  But I still love this!

Samples that made me want the full-size:

• Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion - I've heard mixed reviews on this, but I tried a sample and immediately got the full size (before my no-buy!).  No, it is not as hydrating as regular lotion, but it's great to use in the shower and then apply normal lotion after you dry off!  And even if I'm too lazy to apply normal lotion, that is ok!  I will probably always have this in my shower.
• Fekkai Dry Shampoo - This is probably one of the top 3 dry shampoos I've used.  The smell is incredible and there is no white cast.  I haven't gotten the full size, but it is on my list!
• Dr Brandt Pores No More - Funny thing...the full size I purchased (with a Sephora gift card) has a slightly different consistency than the sample I had?  It still does the same thing, but it makes me wonder....

Disappointing Products:

• Dr Jart Dermaclear Micro Water - I didn't care for this.  It left a sticky feeling on my skin.  It didn't really remove all of my makeup, so I used it after removing makeup and I just couldn't deal with the feeling it left.  I use the Simple cleansing water and I love that!
• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - Flake city!  No, just no!  I liked (read: not loved) the way it made my lashes look, but I hated the flakes!  And the wand was huge and awkward.

Products you couldn't pay me to repurchase:

• I didn't really purchase this because it was a sample, but the Hourglass Immaculate Foundation was a waste of my time.  The color was wrong, but even the coverage was non-existent!  

Full Size Products Used:  23

Samples used:  9

The Target Beauty Box - my thoughts...

I was finally lucky enough to snag the Spring 2015 Target Beauty Box - thanks to all the gals who posted a heads up on Instagram!  It became available ONE DAY after I started my no-buy...but someone was watching over me because I remembered I had a Target gift card in my wallet with juuuuust enough on it to cover the cost!  Here are my thoughts:

Maybelline Color Elixir in Rose Redefined -  Value $5.95

This is a full size (yay!).  I have another one of these in Glistening Amber and I like it, but I really like this shade.  The formula is great - more pigmented than a regular gloss, just the right amount of stickiness, and it smells good too!  It lasts slightly longer than a standard lip gloss, but not as long as a long-wear lipstick or stain.  It's easy to apply and doesn't need lip liner or a lipstick underneath.  I am happy with this!

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Shampoo - 3.2 oz Value $3.99

This does smell amazing, but I am not sure if I'd purchase a full size.  It's a little heavy for my fine hair, so I can't use it every time I wash my hair.  It is sulfate free, and my hair needs the sulfates.  But I will use this up and consider buying a different formula from this brand.  I have some bath oil and bath salts from Shea Moisture and LOVE them!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Facial Moisturizer - Value $2.65

I was really excited to try this, but was a little underwhelmed.  It is a little sticky when you first apply it, so for that reason, I will just use this at night.  I did like the way my skin felt the next morning.  This might be a good night cream in the summertime when I don't need my First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  

TRESemme Tre Two Spray - 1.5 oz Value $1.47

This is my go-to drugstore hairspray, so of course I was happy to receive a small size for travel!  It doesn't flake, it's not too stiff, and it smells nice!  

L'Oreal Infallible Pro Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray - Value $13.99

This is the full size people!  I really like this.  It is just as good as the Urban Decay All-Nighter, in my opinion, and is much cheaper.  I work out in the afternoon, and this helps my makeup look presentable afterwards! (Unless I'm really sweating, in which case there isn't a setting spray made that would help!)  I wish the spray was as fine as the UD, but I have an empty UD bottle that I may pour this into.  Problem solved!

The Verdict

I am really happy with this box.  The combined value of the products is a little over $28, and they also included a $3.00 off a $15 beauty purchase coupon.  The advertised value is $38, but I can't figure out where they got that number.  Still, it's an amazing value and I will definitely jump on the next one!  I wish they would offer it as a subscription box like Walmart does though.  Did you get one of these boxes?  What did you think?

Book Review - "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty...oh and I joined a book club!

Earlier this spring, I decided to join Audible.com, again....I went on a "cut unnecessary expenses rampage" a few years ago and Audible didn't make the cut.  I love audiobooks because it makes my time in the car so much more bearable.  I can't stand mindlessly flicking through radio stations!  

Anyway....back to this book.  It is set in a suburb in Australia and revolves around a death that occurred at a Parents' Trivia Night event at the elementary school.  The three main characters are moms of kindergarten students (hey, that's me!).  Madeline is the outspoken mom that is having trouble with the fact that she is turning 40.  Plus, her ex husband and his new yoga instructor wife just moved back into town and their daughters are in the same class!  Celeste is the stunningly gorgeous mom of twin boys who lives in a monstrous house on the beach and "seems" to have the perfect life.  Jane is the single mom of Ziggy who moves into town just before the school year begins.  Early in the book, Ziggy is accused of bullying a little girl.  Ziggy swears it wasn't him, but Jane starts to have her doubts.  

Without giving too much away, it all hinges on Jane and Ziggy's past.  This book clearly shows that while people's lives may look picture perfect on the outside, they live in an entangled web of secrets and lies that they even start believing themselves.  It deals with bullying, domestic violence, adultery, and other suburbia scandal.  While there is a lot of serious subject matter, the author manages to keep things light too. 

I highly recommend this book.  I found myself sitting in my car when I got somewhere to listen just a little longer!  It's captivating and you won't know what really happened until the very end...and trust me - you will be shocked!

Also - I joined the Beauty Blogger Book Club!  I found out about it on my Instabestie Heather's blog - Love To Be Busy.  Each month a member chooses a book and we write a review on our blogs and link the other members' reviews too.   This month we are reading "Where'd You Go Bernadette" by Maria Sample.  I'd never heard of this book, but the reviews on Amazon are great! 

If you are a blogger, and are interested in joining our book club, please comment below to learn more. If you do not write a blog that is ok, because you can still join in on the fun!  Each month, one of the Beauty Blogger Book Club (BBBC) members will choose a book for the Club to read. At the beginning of the following month, we each write a book report/summary for our readers to enjoy and share the book for the following month!!

The 12 Empties of Christmas

Joining in on the #12emptiesofchristmas challenge, started by the awesome @Jencoempties on Instagram!  Here are my picks!

1.  Dove Go Fresh Body Wash in Pomegranate & Lemon Verbena Scent

I have no idea why I bought a 3 pack of these at Sams Club.  I don't really care much for the scent.  I liked it at first, but now I'm tired of it.  This 3/4 full bottle has been sitting on my shelf forever and it needs to go!

2.  Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night

I really like this - when I remember to use it!  I've noticed more lines on my forehead and around my eyes, so I want to force myself to use this.  It's a retinoid, which my skin seems to respond to.

3.  Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

This is the first Tarte blush I got, and I started to make good progress with it, until I became hooked about bought more shades!  (I now own 5, or 6? I forget!)  But this color is great and goes with everything.  It looks great when I'm pale and when I'm tan.  

4.  Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Great color on me - not muddy, not orange, perfect to contour.  I've tried the drugstore "dupes" but the color just isn't right.  And it blends beautifully!  This is probably the only bronzer I've ever hit pan on!  All the others just weren't the right color!

5.  Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

This stuff is so good and it tastes amazing!  I included it so I would be reminded to actually use it!  I have another one in my stash.  I want to try the popcorn flavor next!

6.  Josie Maran Argan Oil Lite

LOVE this!  I want to use this bottle up so I can get the larger bottle next!  I use this on my face at night, either by itself, or mixed in with my First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  It's also great on cuticles.  I need to try it in my hair - I keep forgetting to!

7.  Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded

Perfect eyeshadow base.  I almost threw this out because it was starting to dry up, but I learned from my girl @abeautyproject on instagram that you can use saline drops to revive it!  It works perfectly!  I pretty much use this every day with a neutral taupe or mauve in my crease.  

8.  Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Body Lotion

This feels really nice.  I got it in the winter and it wasn't hydrating enough then, but I think it will be a good summer lotion.  I can't wait to finish it though because sometimes the scent is a bit too much for me.

9.  Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator 

I was between this and the Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion.  I got this because it was a way better value.  I included this because I tend to forget this step and I notice a difference when I use it 2-3x a week.  I will definitely be buying it again!

10.  Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient Rich Facial Mask

I am lazy when it comes to masks, but this one doesn't dry like clay masks do, so it's perfect to use in the shower.  I also feel like the steam from the shower helps it sink in better.  It does tingle when you first apply it, but it does subside.  It has glycolic acid, which my skin seems to like.

11.  Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydromist Blow-out Spray

I've had this forever and I just want it to be done so I can throw it away!  I have about half left.  It's nice, but the smell isn't my favorite.  It does volumize, but you have to be careful not to overdo it!  

12.  Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream

I got a small sample of this in one of my first Birchboxes and really liked it, so I got the full size.  I've had this a while and I've got about 1/3 of it left.  I want to try something new next.  I don't think it helps with dark circles like it claims.  But it does feel nice and works well under makeup.

Wish me luck!  I will post updates as I work through all this stuff!!

Root Beer Pulled Pork

I have a love/hate relationship with my crockpot.  For some reason, I just cannot cook chicken in that thing without drying it out.  And some things just have that "crockpot" taste...it's hard to explain.

I love BBQ pulled pork, but have never been able to perfect it at home...until I found this recipe.  My main mistake was using the wrong cut of pork.  I was buying the shoulder roasts or the butt roasts, which are HUGE AND EXPENSIVE....not to mention very fatty!  So I stumbled across a recipe on Pinterest that uses root beer (of all things) and I was curious!

I tweaked the recipe a little and have made this on a weekly basis for probably 4 months now!  Even my 5 and 2 year old love it!

Here is all you need!

• Pork Sirloin Roast (this is the KEY!....a 2-3 lb one will feed us 4 plus leftovers)
• Dry BBQ Rub - any brand
• 1 Can of Root Beer
• Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce - I've tried a couple different sauces, and this one is by far the BEST
• Crockpot

1. Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray
2. Place the roast in the crockpot and season all sides with the BBQ Rub
3. Pour can of root beer over pork
4. Cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 4-5 - until pork shreds easily.  
5. Drain out all but maybe a half cup of the rootbeer.  
6. Shred pork 
7. Pour BBQ Sauce over shredded pork - Maybe about 1/3 of a large bottle?  I just pour and mix till it's the consistency we like.  Don't make it a huge science project! 
8. Let it sit and soak up the sauce for a little bit on the warm setting.
9. Serve on potato rolls - again, this is KEY!  

It turns out perfect every time! Enjoy and let me know if you try it. :)

March & April Boxycharm Review!

So I cancelled Ipsy last month.  I was just getting tired of receiving the same (ahem, boring) brands on rotation, plus products that I will never use.  I had always been curious about Boxycharm and my girl Stephanie (The Wonky Brow Blog) raved about it.  You get 4 full size items plus a mini full-size for $21/month.  I signed up in late March and they sent me the March & April box at the same time!  

March Boxycharm - Total Value $112

LVX Nail Lacquer in "Deco" - $16.00

I received the shade Deco, which is a really nice coral shade.  Though about 60% of all the nail polish I own is in the coral family, I don't have one like this!  It's kind of pale and muted, but still vibrant...haha I know that's totally contradictory.  I did need 3 coats to get the opacity I wanted, so I wish it wasn't so thin.  It wore nicely too - about 4 days before the first sign of wear on the tips.  

Tarte LipSurgence lip tint in Charmed - $24.00

I am a Tarte junkie.  I love just about everything I've tried from them.  This color is so nice on me.  It's a blue toned pink that is buildable.  It has the minty flavor like all of the other LipSurgence tints.  It's a great everyday lipcolor.  I have a few other of these, but not this shade, so I was excited!

Previse Nutrify Skin Type 1-6 Universal Tonic - $48.00

Wow that is a long product name.  I'm not so sure about this one.  It's not an oil, but more of a serum.  It claims to "hydrate skin and speed healing while fighting free radicals and surface irritants".  It does absorb very quickly - almost to the point that I don't even notice I applied it!  I haven't used it long enough to notice a difference in my skin.  I will update if I notice anything dramatic (good or bad)!

OFRA Eyeliner - $13.00

No.  Just no.  It claims to go on smooth, but no!  It's chunky and gritty and just bad.  The color I received was Navy - not sure if all charmers got this shade?  I don't wear navy liner, but even if I did, I wouldn't wear this.

Oscar Blandi Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray - $11.00

This product was the "mini full size" this month.  It claims to offer 450 degree heat protection and safeguards hair from all hot tools.  I've only used this before blow drying and it's fine.  Nothing ground-breaking.  It smells good though.  Kind of wish I got the dry shampoo instead...

April Boxycharm - Total Value $117

Harvey Prince Signature Mini Roller - $21

I am a fan of Harvey Prince, but I'm not sure about this scent.  It's a little too mature for me.  I do love Hello & Ageless by Harvey Prince!  

Coolway Smoothing Lotion - $24.95

I've only used this once, but I think I used too much.  Seemed a bit heavy for my hair.  I will try it again and use less!  

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette - $20.00

The card that came with the box said this was worth $39.95, but that's what Coastal Scent's website says as the retail value - yet it's always listed for $19.95!  So I'm going with that for an actual retail value.  Regardless, it's still a good palette.  I have the Revealed 1 and this is just as good.  I haven't swatched next to my Urban Decay Naked 3, but I've heard there are lots of dupes.  Some shades are a little chunky and powdery, but as a whole, it's a nice addition to my palette collection.  

OFRA Blush Stripes - Illuminating - $35.00

Wow this is shimmery.  I think I will get more use out of this as eyeshadow than highlighter.  Not sure why they call it blush because it's definitely NOT blush.  The top color is so pretty!  And the whitish color would be really nice as a highlight under the brow.

Model Co SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss - $16.00

This is nice.  I got the bright pink shade and it is really pretty!  It's not too sticky, it doesn't have a bad smell, and it even has a mirror on the side!  Here is a swatch on my hand:

So far, Boxycharm has hit it out of the park with these 2 boxes in terms of value!  I'm really glad I signed up and can't wait to see what we are getting in our May boxes!

Click here to sign up for $21/month!