Glossybox: January. The Man Repeller.

This month, Glossybox teamed up with the man repeller, a popular fashion blogger, to send out some of her favorite low maintenance products. They took forever to ship this month, so I was starting to doubt that I'd even get my box in the month of January, but it showed up this morning!

The box is super cute this month...shiny silver, and feels more durable than normal.

The included card has a little note from man repeller herself and the list of products received in the back. There are a total of 7 products this month, two being small sample sized and two full sized.

Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution. This is the first of the two small samples. This is a rich, detoxifying, rejuvenating moisturizer. I can tell you that I won't be buying this even if I love it, because the full size is $225! But I am excited to try it out.

Narciso Rodriguez for her EDT spray. This is a floral scent with some muskiness to it. It isn't really my usual kind of scent, but it does smell nice. I will be using up the sample.

fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum - This is a serum that promises to purify and clarify the complexion, as well as control shine and minimize pores. I love fresh products, hopefully I like this one!

Vincent Longo Lipstain Lipstick in Americana - This is a pretty red lip color that boasts SPF 15.

It's a nice red, not too warm or cool. It goes on glossy but dries to a more matte finish. I don't wear red or bright lips often because I make a mess of them, but I'm willing to try!

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara - This is a fiber mascara that promises false lash effects. I love trying new mascaras, so I'm excited about this one!

Living Proof Prime Style Extender - this is a hair primer! It promises to extend hairstyles and let you go longer between shampoos and style touchups. As I don't like to shampoo every day, this intrigues me. I am excited to see what it does for me.

OPI Liquid Sand Nail Lacquer in Can't Let Go - This is a matte sparkly purple with their new liquid sand texture. It's a pretty purple color and I am super interested to see how the texture works for me! Never used a textured polish before.

In all, I think this is a pretty great box. It includes some great products...I love man repeller and I think she chose some interesting things for us. If you haven't tried out Glossybox yet, feel free to sign up using my referral link!

I think it's undeniable that Glossybox US has done a great job of sending out good brands and products. However, I feel that their service and shipping needs a LOT of work, so after my free box I redeemed for next month, I'll be taking a break.

Graze.com

I posted last week about a new food sub in the US called Graze. I got my first Graze box this week, so I thought I'd post an update!

Graze ships weekly, a selection of four snacks. Each snack is a perfect single portion, roughly the size of a deck of cards. They offer a pretty wide selection, about 90 options including nuts, dried fruits, and various mixes.

I received:

Bonnie Wee Oatbakes - Cheese and chive oatbakes with onion marmalade. This was GOOD. The oatbakes are crisp and hearty. The marmalade is sweet and tangy. A good combo!

Toffee Apple - Dried granny smith apple with toffee sauce. Mmm, the toffee is super rich and awesome and the apples are a nice, subtle dipper.

British Barbeque - This is a mix of fiery seeds, basil breadsticks, and rosemary crostini, and smoked almonds. This was a tasty mix, though I wished for more nuts!

Apple Cinnamon Flapjack - These were just okay. They're soft oat granola bars, but I wanted more apple cinnamon flavor. The texture was nice and chewy though.


In all, I am loving this sub and can't wait for my weekly snacks!

Graze is still invitation only, but if you're interested, you can sign up using my invite code. Your first box will be free! Enter DFN9NYY at Graze.com.

Little Black Bag - January 2013

After waiting forever, my Little Black Bag showed up a few days ago! I've really been enjoying everything so far.

This will be my last LBB for a few months...I've refreshed my accessories collection, and it's time to take a break for a while! :)

Here's what I got.

Latique Sutton Tote in Grey - I have had my eye on this bag for a while. I wasn't sure about it, then I saw a review on another site, and I was sold. It's beautiful! It's the perfect size, not too big, and the biggest selling point for me - it has a TON of pockets, including hidden side pockets accessible when the purse is zipped. The picture does it no justice, the studs are so pretty and sparkly and the material is nice and soft.

Goose Creek Candles - I kept getting these in previous bags, and then I'd get too good of an offer to pass up and trade them away. So, in this bag, I was determined to get all three of the jar candles. I succeeded, and I also managed to get one of the pillars! The scents are Butter Cookie (pillar), Vanilla Cashmere, Gingerbread Crisp, and Whipped Pumpkin Latte.  They are a great size and they all smell absolutely amazing. They are double wick candles, and the jar lids have an adorable tree on them. I'll be saving the jars to reuse!

NYX Runway Collection eyeshadow palettes in Strike a Pose and Jazz Night - I have been curious to try more NYX products, as I've previously only used the loose pearl shadows and a lipgloss. I was excited to get my hands on both of these palettes! I find them nice and soft and blendable, and adore the colors.

This is one of my favorite LBBs to date, and I ended up with everything I set out to get. Awesome!

What's your favorite product by NYX?

Ipsy Glam Bag - January 2013

After what seemed like forever, my January Ipsy bag arrived a few days ago. Ipsy is consistently one of the best subs when it comes to value, and this month is no exception. They also listen to their customer feedback! After hearing a ton of complaints about getting too many of the same types of products (namely black eyeliners and pink/red lipglosses), they went with all new products this month.

There is no makeup in this bag, but there are some awesome products.

Nailtini Straight Up Color nail lacquer in Frappe - This is a sheer pinky nude polish. The formula is really nice! While the color isn't a very exciting one for me, it is also one that I don't already have and will come in handy.

Soho eyeliner brush - This is a wide, flat liner brush. It is nice and stiff with an ergonomic design...I think this will be especially nice for lining with shadows and powder liners. I love receiving brushes in my subs.

bigsexyhair Spray & Play volumizing hairspray - I just chopped over a foot off of my hair this month, so it's a great time for me to get a hairspray, which I never used to use! I haven't tried it yet, but it promises fullness, lift, and shine. Nice!

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter - This smells AMAZING, holy cow. It's a nice moisturizing body butter with the most delicious fruity scent. I will definitely be buying more of this.

Josie Maran Argan Oil - This is a 100% pure argan oil. I have been using it on my face as a nightly moisturizer and I'm loving it! It can also be used in the hair, on the body, or on the nails/cuticles. 

The bag itself is navy blue with a cute starry interior. It's a great size, too.

In all, I think this was a pretty great bag, and I love that they changed it up. I am still super happy with Ipsy, I think they do a great job of sending out good sized quality products.

What products are you loving right now?

Starlooks Starbox - January 2013

It's been a pretty blah week, so I was ecstatic to wake up to my Starlooks Starbox this morning!

Starlooks is quite possibly my favorite sub. The products are so high quality, and it's great to get an all makeup box (sometimes with tools!)

I love that they change up the box color every month. This one is super pretty...and since emerald is the color of the year, always happy to receive some greens!

This month includes four items and a bonus! Loving the bright colored packaging.

This cute green beaded bracelet is a bonus. It comes from Abby Rose Designs. It's a wrap bracelet, so it will fit everyone, and it's super cute.

This is a blush in the shade Cuty Peach. It's such a pretty color! Not as dark as it photographs, it's a lovely peach with just a hint of gold shimmer. It feels super soft and silky. Really excited about this!

This is a Diamondline pencil in the color Fancy. It's a beautiful metallic, shiny light green. It's freakin' gorgeous, and nice and soft. I can't wait to wear it. You can wear it alone or mixed or layered with other shades.

And this is an eyeliner in brown. A basic brown pencil is always welcome, and this one looks and feels  really nice. They say you can layer it with the Diamondline for a pretty olive color, so I'll definitely have to try that.

We also got a brush this month! A soft small dome fluff, which is great for all kinds of eye-related tasks. The brush is nice and feels well made, and of great quality.

The brush isn't too fluffy, which I love (I have an abundance of fluffy brushes at the moment) and it is a great shape and sizeAnd I actually don't have a brush shaped exactly like this so I'm more than happy to get it...it may even be my favorite thing in the box.

And the quartz crystal they always include is there, too (after a hiatus last month, due to the size of the palette). I think this is a pretty amazing box, and with a retail value of $63, definitely an amazing deal. So excited to wear my pretty new colors! 

Have you tried Starlooks yet? If not, you should!

graze.com - new healthy snack sub in the US.

I've been seeing UK-ers post about their graze boxes for a while and I've been jealous - they always look good and fun.

Graze is a little different from the other food subs I have tried - they deliver weekly. For $5 a week, you get a little box of four healthy snacks. They have a current selection of around 90 options. You rate the options, choosing those you'd like to try, those you like, those you love, and those you never want to try.

They currently have a selection of dippers, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, savory snacks, and mixes. Excited to see how they taste!

It's currently invitation only, but you can get your first box for free if you are invited. My invitation code is DFN9NYY or you can join using this link.

Little Black Bag - January 2013

I got yet another LBB shipment today! I have one more bag on its way to me, and then I am taking a break for a few months...now that I've refreshed my accessories for a bit!

This bag, I went into with some goals - I was determined to end up with this Pink Cosmo Studded Satchel and the two Love Nail Tree necklaces. They were all three super popular items, so I had to trade myself stupid...but I did it! And I also ended up with this Big Buddha satchel that I liked, but didn't love...until I got it. Really happy with this bag!

Both of these necklaces are by Love Nail Tree. I am in love with them both...so cute.

This is the Big Buddha satchel I got last minute. This picture does it no justice! It's much bigger than I thought, and a very pretty grey. It feels nice and looks really cute and classy. It's a very different shape for me and I'm excited to use it!

The entire bag is two compartments that zip. It's deep and also has smaller pockets in each compartment. The lining is cute and satiny.

And the bag I was dying to get - the Pink Cosmo studded satchel. I adore this bag! It is huge and simple. I have no brown bags, so this is a welcome addition to my collection. It has a thick, sturdy strap and several pockets.

I didn't realize that the studded part is actually a little zipper pouch! Love it...perfect to drop my phone and keys into! This might be my favorite bag I've gotten from LBB yet.

What are your favorite accessories right now?

Conscious Box - January

Conscious Box is a monthly subscription service that focuses on natural, sustainable, green products. Unlike most others, Conscious Box is truly a variety box - in any given month, you might receive food/snacks, supplements, beauty products, cleaning products...it is $19.95 a month, and that includes priority shipping.

They sent me a free box to review this month, and I was really excited to receive it!

As usual with Conscious Box, this month's box is full of a ton of little things, so I hope I don't miss anything!

January's box was very fitting for the new year, as this box was focused around food and edibles. The box itself is cute and a great size for reusing. Here's what I got!

1. Hail Merry Macaroons. These are raw, gluten free, and vegan with no refined sugar. They're dehydrated at a low temperature to preserve the organic oils!They are chocolate coconut bites, and they are surprisingly tasty.  They are literally made with 6 ingredients, all organic, and they're sweetened with maple syrup. Mmm!
2. Pamela's Products Chocolate Brownie Mix - This is a wheat free, gluten free, dairy free mix that you prepare in the microwave in under a minute. Cool! Excited to try these.
3. TeeChia Super Seeds Cereal - This is a mix of chia, flax, quinoa, amaranth, ramon, and pumpkin seeds with currants, dates, and blueberries. It's to be prepared as a hot cereal. Sounds awesome!
4. Nutiva Organic Hemp Seeds - These are shelled hemp seeds. I'm going to add them to a salad!
5. The Chia Co - Chia Shots - a little packet of chia seeds. These come with a soup recipe attached and I'm very interested in trying them that way!
6. Larabar Uber in Roasted Nut Roll - I generally dislike Larabars, but the Uber bars are actually very good! This is full of nuts and honey and has that salty sweet thing going. I like it!
7. Whole Grain Indulgence Minty wafer cookies - These are awesome. MInt wafer cookies covered in dark chocolate, plus they're whole grain. Yum!
8. Amazing Grass kidz superfood drink mix - this is a blend of a huge number of fruits and veggies to be mixed into water or juice. A really cool way to get then into your system!
9. Nordic Naturals DHA fish oil tablets - These are fish oil tablets, but with a strawberry flavor and scent. 
10. Waxelene petroleum jelly alternative. I'm excited to try this on my dry heels, as I try to avoid petroleum products!
11. Minteas Lime Mojito tea mints - These are tea mints with a lime flavor. Love the cute little tin!
12. Maakoa Koopuwa - This is a blend of cupuacu, acai, and other superfruits in a juice form. I love acai so I'm very interested in this!

Lots of healthy goodies in this month's Conscious Box! If you're looking to try the best pure, sustainable products, Conscious Box remains a great way to do so!

Edgar certainly enjoyed it!

*I received a box for free for review. I was not compensated, and all opinions are my own.

Birchbox - January 2013

After a few lackluster months in a row, I decided to take a 3 month break from Birchbox and explore other services. I found myself really missing their points system, though - I really like being able to use those points to splurge on items I know I wouldn't otherwise buy. So, I came crawling back to Birchbox. January's box is my first box after my hiatus.

January's box is themed around helping 2013 be the best year ever. They included a fold out poster based on this theme this month, as well, which I won't be using, but it's a cute touch. I received four items and a bonus this month.

This is the item in my box I'm most excited about. It's an Acne Control Treatment by DDF and it is meant to be used while you sleep. It contains salicylic acid, aloe, and witch hazel. It's a good sample size and I look forward to seeing how it helps my hormonal breakouts.

This is 24 Hour Miracle Cream by Embryolisse. It's a moisturizer that can also be used as a primer. It's a pretty tiny sample, but it's enough to get a few uses out of. I've been curious about this brand, so I'm happy with getting this.

This would probably be my favorite sample, BUT I already have the full sized version of this.  It's Hot Mama by theBalm, and it's actually my all time favorite blush, it's a perfect peachy pink with a golden glow. The little sample is a perfect size to keep in my makeup bag.

This is Shimmer by Aerie. I like getting perfume samples, and this one sounds nice - a blend of bergamot, peony, and vanilla. I can't smell it right now thanks to an epic cold, but it sounds right up my alley! We'll see.

And this was my bonus this month - La Fresh makeup remover wipe. I've used these before and they work well enough. This wipe will be great to throw in my makeup bag.

In all, I think this is a decent box. While the samples are so tiny compared to those I have received from other companies, I have found that the points system makes it worth it and this is a selection of products that suits me.

What was in your Birchbox this month?

Little Black Bag - late December 2012

While Little Black Bag isn't really known for their fast shipping, this box took the cake. It was MIA with no updates for 4 days once it hit the hub an hour from here...and then when it finally showed up, it was crushed. Thanks, Newgistics!

This is AFTER I attempted to "unfold" it. The bottom was coming apart, as well. Yeesh.

Luckily, nothing inside was harmed. And here's what I got!

Vieta Maddie satchel in grey. LOVE. I was skeptical about this bag after I shipped, because the last Vieta bag I got (Blaze) ended up having a defective zipper and had to be returned.

Glad to say that this one feels much nicer! The style and colors are really different for me, I love it.

It feels nice and well made. It has lots of cute little details, like the turn-lock on the front.

The zippers on this one are nice and substantial and, you know, actually work!

I love the shape and the cute stud details on the sides.

This bag has a zippered pocket on the bag, a large pocket in the front, and three pockets on the inside. The lining is nice and smooth and simple, with the Vieta logo all over it.

The bag is adorable and I am no longer hesitant about Vieta as a brand. :)

These Nila Anthony cosmetic cases were added as a free gift...I didn't initially get one, as I opened before the promo. But I ended up trading something for one. It's larger than I expected, and it'll be great for keeping my vanity organized...I plan to use it to hold tiny little tubes and samples so they don't get lost!

This is the item I was determined to get! I ended up trading way down for it, but totally worth it. It's the medieval axe necklace by Flea Market Girl and it's freakin' adorable. This is probably one of my favorite jewelry pieces I've gotten from LBB!

This is NCLA polish in Rock Solid! It is my first NCLA...I fell in love with this color. It's grey with silver sparkles!

Here's a quick, sloppy single coat. A 2nd coat evens it out and makes it opaque. I think there's just the right amount of glitter. The only thing I don't like about this is that it does not dry smooth, definitely needs a topcoat. But that's normal for a glittery polish...I've just been spoiled by Zoya. After trying this, I don't think I'd ever pay full price for a polish by NCLA, but more would be welcome in my LBB.

This is the item I felt kind of blah about, and I actually ended up loving it! This is Pixi polish in Mink Grey. It's a very different color for me - a greige shade with a purple lean. The formula is awesome! It is almost a one coater, and it dries super shiny and smooth. Pleasantly surprised! I had, at one point, all 4 Pixi polishes in my bag and traded them away...now I wish I'd kept the others!

In all, I like everything in my LBB this time.

What was in your last Little Black Bag?

If you haven't tried it out yet, feel free to use my referral link! :)