June Boxycharm Review

So I realized I should probably do one blog post on my sub boxes, but I forgot. #sorrynotsorry.  So here's my Boxycharm review!

Out of all the Boxycharm boxes I've gotten so far, this one is the least exciting.  Yes, the value is there, but I just am not thrilled with the products this month.

Eslor Chlorophyll Lifting Mask ($38) - I haven't gotten a chance to use this yet, but I do remember what chlorophyll is from middle school science class!  It claims to tighten skin, enhance blood circulation, and diminish fine lines.  I definitely want to give this a try.

Bellapierre Cosmetics Kabuki Brush ($29.99) - I've been using this with my powder foundation and it's pretty good.  $30 good?  Probably not.  I was expecting it to be a little softer I guess.  Oh - and I found this on Amazon.com for $15....so that's probably a more realistic price point for it.

ncLA Nail Laquer in Volume IV ($16) - This is my favorite product out of the box.  The color is perfect for my skin tone and it held up at least 4 days before chipping.  The only minor issue I had was the brush being slightly frayed, which caused small streaks.  But since the color is so nice, I'll overlook that.

The Beauty Crop Lighting Crew Highlighting Cream ($18) - I admit, I haven't tried this yet...mainly because cream highlighters scare me.  I'll give this a fair shot, but if it doesn't work out, I'll be passing it along.

Doucce Click Click Lipstick in #813 Pink Spring ($24) - Fabulous packaging...probably the best I've seen from a lipstick!  The color was just ok on me though.  It's a light pink, but slightly too frosted.  I will try to make it work though.

Total Value: $126

While I wasn't completely excited about everything in here, it's still an amazing value for $21/month!  I don't see myself cancelling anytime soon.

My only recent complaint is that their website is being updated, and the review & referral sections have been down for a few months!  I don't understand why they can't just get their crap together!  It hasn't affected actually getting the boxes, but I want to be able to earn points by doing reviews and referring people!

June Empties!

So July 4th is this weekend.  I feel like summer flies by once we round the corner of 4th of July and that makes me sad.  Anyway - here are my empties from June!  I am proud to say I used up 20 things, and only 2 of them were samples!

Items I will miss most:

• Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment - I say I will miss this the most because I just can't buy it again since it's so damn expensive!  So unless I get it as a gift, bye felicia!

Items I can't live without & have already repurchased (or had a back-up)

• Saline Solution - I use this to rinse my contacts after storing them overnight in Clear Care solution.  I can't use multi-purpose solution because it irritates my eyes.
• Clear Care - BFFs 4 ever!
• Elf Shine Eraser - Love these!!  I bought a bunch of these a while back and still have a couple left in my stash.
• Oral B Flossers - can't live without these!  I find it so much easier than using regular floss.

Items I will eventually repurchase:

• Soap Opera Company Bath Bombs - love, love, love!  The scents are amazing and my skin feels so soft after using them!
• Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer - Once I run out of my other under-eye concealers, I will be getting this again.  It's awesome!
• Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Roaming Cleanser - I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did!  I read "foaming" and thought "drying".  But I was wrong!  I loved using this in the morning.  That reminds me - I think I have another deluxe sample of this stuff somewhere that I should probably look for!

Samples that made me want the full-size:

• Tarte Brazailliance Self Tanning Face Towelettes - these were also in this very same category last month.  LOVE!
• Simple Cleansing Wipes - I got a sample pack of these in my Walmart Beauty Box and though I swore I'd never use cleansing wipes again, I may have to get some of these!

Disappointing products:

• Tree Hut Sugar Scrub in Almond & Honey - wayyyyy too sweet smelling for me!  It still worked great though.  I just prefer the Coconut & Lime scent.
• Philosophy Take a Deep Breath SPF 30 - I tried the non-SPF version of this a while back and really liked it.  But this wasn't the same and made my face super shiny!

Items you couldn't pay me to repurchase:

• Noxzema Razors - no, just no.  Nowhere near a close enough shave for me and it clogged up easily.

TOTALS:

• Full Size - 18     $225.36
• Samples - 2       $   3.36
• TOTAL VALUE  $228.72

June Birchbox(es)!

So I was sneaky and signed up for the $1 Tati Birchbox with another email address....and I am sure if you're reading this, you did the same thing (or are now kicking yourself for not doing it!).  Here are my thoughts on both boxes!

My "Real" June Birchbox

• Coola Sport SPF 50 - Mango (Full Size 5 oz  $32 / Sample Value $3.20) - This smells nice, but had a heavier feeling than I expected it to have.  I love Coola's Matte Tint BB cream, but this is likely something I won't buy.
• Marcelle Eyeliner (FS $11.00 / SV $4.50) - I don't normally wear blue eyeliner, but I got 2 this month.  The one I got in this box was a brighter shade, which I will probably try and feel like I took a time machine back to 1988.  I swatched them and the formula is nice and they seem to have good staying power.
• Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant (FS 3.3 oz $26 / SV $7.87) - Now this, I like....a lot.  I used this way back in college (before Paula's Choice was well known) and for some reason forgot about it. I was so excited to get this in my box!  It works wonderfully!  I have dark spots from past breakouts and some sun spots, and while I haven't seen drastic improvements yet in fading those, my skin definitely feels smoother and looks more even!  I plan to buy the full size of this, for sure!
• Temple Spa Good Hair Day Shampoo and In Good Condition Conditioner (FS 6.8 oz $14 each / SV $1.73 each) - No, just no.  Hated the smell (it's minty), hated the fact that the shampoo didn't clean my hair well at all, AND the conditioner left a waxy film on my hair.  No bueno!
• L Erickson Pony Tail Holder (FS $18 for 15 / SV $1.20) - This is a pretty good ponytail holder, especially for holding your hair up while working out.  I still prefer the ribbon hair ties for casual ponytails though.
• RumbaTime Watch (Retail Value $45 / paid $28) - I love this watch!  And I can't believe Birchbox offered it at such an incredible deal!  The band is silicone, which I really like, and the color is very unique!  It's very comfortable to wear.  I definitely want to get more watches from RumbaTime!

Total Value $20.23 (not including watch)

My $1 June Birchbox

• Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris (FS $65 1 oz / SV $3.90) - I've gotten this sample before and I was so excited to get it again!  It's citrus-y and sweet and really nice!  I really want to get the full size once I get through this sample.  It's so unique!!  I usually don't get excited about perfume samples, but this one is a huge exception!
• Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow (FS $27 1.6 oz / SV $4.05) - Another sample I have gotten before via my "real" Birchbox.  I just can't get this one to work for me.  It's just too dewy and accentuates my pores.  No thanks.  The color is nice though!
• Marcelle Eyeliner (FS $11.00 / SV $4.50) - The shade in this box was a darker navy blue, which I will actually wear!  Yay!
• Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect (FS $32 200ml / SV $4.80) - meh.  I've had this before too and wasn't super impressed.  To be fair, I did only use it with the crap shampoo & conditioner mentioned above.  I guess I should give it another shot with my normal combo.  It does smell nice though!
• Supergoop Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen (FS $19 2.4 oz / SV $2.70) - This is nice!  I've only used it once so far, but I may consider buying the large pump bottle next summer since I am already stocked up on sunscreen for this year.  
• L Erickson Pony Tail Holder (FS $18 for 15 / SV $1.20) - see review above.

Total Value $21.15

I'm pretty happy with my boxes.  I will probably cancel the 2nd box after the July one comes and I get enough points to cash in on something around $10!  I am a little bummed I got two of the same box designs though.  

Subscribe to Birchbox HERE for only $10/month!

May Empties!

I have to say, I went through some stuff in May!!  41 products total!  And here are my thoughts....

Items I will miss the most:

• Tarte Brazilliance Maracuja Self Tanning Face Towelettes - I held off on trying these for a while because I was nervous.  I had never used a tanning towelette before.  I got this in a Sephora 500 point perk with some other Tarte products.  I have one more in my stash and I really want to buy these!  They aren't orange or streaky at all!  And when I used it, I felt like I needed less makeup.  :)
• Aquareveal Satin Bright Soft Water Face Peel - got this sample in a Birchbox and I looooooved it!  I got quite a few uses out of it because a little goes a long way.  It was so cool and gratifying feeling my dead skin cells ball up.  My face felt amazing after using this.

Items I can't live without and already repurchased (or already had a backup):

• Ole Henriksen Truth Serum - I cashed in a Sephora gift card on the full size after using two smaller bottles that were part of a set.  I love this stuff and it is one of the only things I can tell a difference when I DON'T use it.
• Kenra Volume 25 Hairspray - This is my go-to hairspray.  I am on my last bottle and hopefully that lasts me through the end of my no-buy (July 21)!
• Clear Care Solution - You all know how much I'm obsessed with this stuff.
• Garnier Cleansing Oil - Still have one more in my stash!  Love this stuff!
• Beauty Blender - I got a set of 2 and the cleanser with a Sephora gift card I got for Christmas.  I dug out the newer one a few weeks ago and noticed how smoother the texture was!  So I figured it was time for the first one to go.  I had been using it since December.

Items I will eventually repurchase:

• L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter/Concealer - Loved this so much, maybe even more than my Nars Creamy Concealer....it was the perfect shade and consistency for under my eyes.
• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle - So cheap, and so good!  Once I run out of hair mask and deep conditioner samples, I'm getting this again!

Samples that made me want the full size:

• Benefit Rollerlash - so good!  I cashed in some Birchbox points on the full size after getting a sample at Sephora.  Although, I think I liked the sample better....I dunno....hate when that happens!
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum - I tried a foil packet of this and fell in love.  Then I remembered I had one of those little GWP bottles somewhere.  Thankfully I found it, because I ALMOST broke my no-buy for this stuff!  I don't know what is in it, but it is magical!
• Aquareveal Satin Bright Soft Water Face Peel - see previous comments about this.  I wannnnttt.
• Tarte Brazilliance Maracuja Self Tanning Face Towelettes - see previous comments.

Disappointing Products: 

• Studio 35 Cotton Squares - this is a Walgreens brand and I didn't like them.  They fell apart and left little bits of cotton on my face.  No thanks...
• Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara - Don't see what all the fuss is about with this.  It flaked on me and didn't really do much for my lashes unless I piled it on, but that just made it flake more.
• Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Liner - I got this in the Matte Brown.  It faded on me, even with primer.  One would think that since it was $19, it wouldn't look patchy and faded at the end of the day!

Products you couldn't pay me to repurchase:

• Dove Revive Body Wash - Not because this was terrible, but for some odd reason I thought it was a good idea to buy this in a 3 pack at Sams Club!  So needless to say, two years later, I am beyond sick of this scent!!!!

Totals:

• Samples - 16          $ 61.47 
• Full Size - 25         $249.42
• TOTAL VALUE:     $310.89

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 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!!

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!

April Birchbox Review!

Birchbox - April 2015

I ended up choosing the Mad Men New York curated box AND upgraded to get the Rifle Paper Co. tote!  This was a great Birchbox month for me.  I won't go into much detail about the tote, but I will say it was much bigger than I expected!  It's larger than a purse, but smaller than an overnight bag.  There aren't any zippers or pockets anywhere, but I still really like it and plan to get a lot of use out of it this summer!  Here are my thoughts on this month's products:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel - $22.00 full size 0.28 oz / $6.67 sample value .085 oz

I actually just cracked this one open because my full size of this was just about done.  I love this brow gel.  It's not too goopy or sticky, but holds every hair in place.  I use it with my Anastasia brow powder duo in Medium Brown.  Will definitely buy this again once I run out.

Cargo Swimmables Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos - $26.00 FS 0.37 oz / $7.72 SV .11oz

I remember Kate from The Small Things Blog talking about this on one of her posts a while ago.  It's a really nice tangerine color with a touch of shimmer.  And it really does last all day!  Maybe even longer than Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes?  I really have to be careful when applying this because it is soooo pigmented.  This color is ok on me - I think it will look better once I am more tan.  I really want to try the other two shades:  Bali (medium rose) and Ibiza (shimmery, sheer bubblegum pink).

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil - $25.95 FS 4 oz / $1.62 SV* .25oz

I have gotten this before in a Birchbox and loved it.  It smells amazing, just like all of Beauty Protector's other products.  I really like putting this on my hair and letting it air dry the night before I plan on curling it with a curling iron.  It really helps keep the frizz down.  It also works great before blowdrying.  Once I use up my other hair oils, this might be my next purchase!  *Note - the sample value is a guess because the sample bottle doesn't say how many ounces it is.  I'm guessing it's about a quarter ounce.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion - $25.00 FS 5 oz / $8.00 SV 1.6 oz

This product wasn't what I was expecting.  I was expecting a thin eye cream (hence, lotion), but it's more like a toner for your eyes...which is something I've never tried before.  It claims to help calm and de-puff eyes, plus remove any traces of eye makeup left behind after cleansing.  My eyes do feel refreshed after using this, and it didn't irritate my sensitive eyes.  I am also a contact lens wearer.  

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream - $20.00 FS 150 ml / $2.96 SV .75 oz

This does smell nice, but I prefer foams or foaming gels when shaving my legs.  Or at least something that lathers at least a little bit.  I wouldn't ever spend that much on a shaving cream anyway.  

This was probably one of the best Birchboxes I've received, and I've been a subscriber since December 2011!  The total box is valued at $26.97, so for 10 bucks, it's a great value!  

Click here to sign up for Birchbox

Dessange Paris California Blonde Collection REVIEW

When I received an email from Influenster saying I was receiving a VoxBox from Dessange Paris Hair, I figured I would be receiving travel sizes and more foil packets.  However, when I received the box, I was blown away!  I got full sizes of the California Blonde Illuminating Shampoo, Conditioner and the Brass Color Correcting Creme!  They're available at Target (exclusively I believe).  I've been using them for about a month and a half, so here are my thoughts on each:

California Blonde Illuminating Shampoo - ($9.99 - 8.5 oz)
This cleans my hair really well without stripping or over-drying.  It lathers well (which is important to me, this girl needs sulfates).  A lot of reviewers stated the smell was too strong, but I enjoy it!  I think it does brighten up my highlights - and each time I use it, my hair seems shinier than usual.  I will definitely repurchase if I can catch this on sale at Target.  

California Blonde Illuminating Conditioner - ($9.99 - 6.7 oz)
This makes my hair so soft and the smell matches the shampoo.  It has a nice slip and definitely leaves my hair shiny and bouncy.  I like to mix this with a little bit of the CC cream (below) on days I don't use the CC cream full strength. I will definitely repurchase! 

California Blonde Brass Color Correcting Creme - ($11.99 - 4.2 oz)
I've always used "purple" shampoos and conditioners to help with brassiness.  I kind of rolled my eyes when I saw yet another product claiming to be a CC cream - for hair?  But this stuff WORKS.  It's a very pigmented purple cream and I use it once or twice a week.  The tube says to wear gloves to protect your hands from staining, but I never do and haven't had a problem.  I really like the packaging and the nozzle tip that screws shut to avoid leakage.  I will definitely be repurchasing this instead of buying the expensive purple shampoos and conditioners from a salon!  

Since using all three of these together, my hair has been shinier and so soft and my highlights really stand out!  I am so glad I got this VoxBox, because I probably would've never tried these products on my own.  Thank you Influenster!

**I received these products complimentary to test and review.  All reviews and opinions are honest and my own**

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