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 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.  

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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!

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

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?

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!  

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