Birchbox - July 2013

Wow, I am behind on my posts this month. I received my Birchbox at the beginning of the week (early in the month for me!) This was the first time in ages I got my box before the contents were listed on the site...it was nice to be surprised for once!

This month, Birchbox went with a theme of "Power Play", promising hardworking samples to help us take control of any situation, and they had cast members of the tv show Suits (which I've never seen or heard of, but whatever) pick some of the samples. Interestingly, they had added points to my account before I even got my box letting me know that I was getting a duplicate sample that I had received in a past month. They didn't say what the duplicate sample was, so I was really curious, and hoping that it was one that I had liked.

Here's my box!

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect spray - This was the sample that I had gotten in a previous box. Luckily for me, I loved it, so I was okay with getting it again! It is a leave in conditioner, and it detangles and protects from heat and the sun. It's free of sulfates and has lots of good natural ingredients in it. It kept my hair nice and soft and smooth, and I would buy the full size if it weren't so expensive!

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin cream - This cream has lots of ceramides! It promises to combat redness, roughness, and irritation as well as being super moisturizing.  I love a good skincare product, so I am really happy to get this! It feels nice and hydrating on my skin, and I look forward to seeing what it does for me with repeated usage.

ModelCo Party Proof lipstick in Get Naked - This is a longwearing matte lipstick in a perfect nude. I actually do not own a nude lipstick and I am really impressed with this one! It is lighter than my lips (which are quite pigmented), but it doesn't look bad with my very pale skin. I am excited to wear this with some of my bolder, brighter eye looks. It has a nice fruity smell and a super hydrating feel!

La Fresh Instant Body Smoother wipes - These are refreshing wipes with a minty scent, made to help refresh and relax you. I tried one after walking home in the scorching sun and it felt amazing!

Birchbox bobby pins - This is the extra this month. They are super cute, and very heavy duty! I love bobby pins for my barely long enough for a ponytail hair. This is one of my favorite extras!

Here is the lipstick on my arm and on my lips. I think it will be great alone or to tone down a bright/bold lippie!

Overall, I think this is a great box, and I am happy to use everything. Birchbox and the cast of Suits did a great job this month, in my opinion. 

What was in your box?

Starlooks Starbox - June 2013

June marked Starlooks' one year anniversary! June's box delivered staple products they thought we could use every day. (I do my makeup differently every single day, because I'm crazy and I get bored, so I don't really HAVE staple products, but, that's beside the point...) The looks book and card featured a mod 60s look that was really fun, and there was special anniversary packaging, too!

The anniversary box is super cute, and the black and white theme matches the theme of the looks book and contents card.

This month, we received three products and a little extra. 

Bronzer in Montego Bay - This is a bronzer with a satin finish. It can be used to contour, and can also be used on the body! Note that it looks darker in the photo than it really is! Now, this product is a scary one for me - I am pale and pink toned, and I have never had a tan in my life, so items meant to make you look tan generally look terrible on me. But, I am going to play with this and try to find a way to make it work for me! Someone suggested using it for contouring under my foundation, and I think I'll be giving that a try soon.

Eye Pencil in White - This is a creamy eyeliner pencil in white. As with Starlooks' other pencils, it is very soft and creamy! It can be used on the waterline to make the eyes look better, or it can be used on the lid as a shadow base. I will likely use it for both! I have recently come to love white liners, so I am happy to get this.

Precision Eye Pen in Black - This is a fine tipped liquid liner in black. This is actually their first repeated product (they generally don't repeat exact items, but to me it makes sense to repeat basics like a black liquid liner after a year or so)  - they sent it out in their very first box, and it is a great staple item. I love that you can get a really fine line with it.

The bonus is a cute peace sign pin. It goes with the mod theme of the month, and while I've seen a lot of people complain about it, I think it's pretty cute and will attach it to a jean jacket or one of my messenger bags.

As always, this box was a really great value. I do have to say that I am a bit disappointed in this anniversary box, simply because there is nothing exciting in it! The liners are nice, and I don't have and have never really used a bronzer so that will be interesting to play with...but it's hard to get excited over a box full of staples! I wish they had included one fun color item! Regardless, Starlooks remains one of my favorite subs and I'm really excited to see what they do for July.

Glamour Doll Eyes OTM - June 2013

Well, this post is a little late...because while I received mty OTM last week, unfortunately my shadow was fused shut! I was able to see the prettiness, but not play with it - torture! GDE has great service, though, and they promptly sent me a replacement!

This month, the OTM came in the cutest blue pouch with bonus pop rocks! It's a beautiful blue with red and silver shimmers - perfect for the 4th of July!

The top swatch is on bare skin, while the bottom is on primer. As you can see, the color is super vibrant!

As always, I am super happy with my OTM. I can't recommend this sub enough if you're a fan of shadows!

Recent Purchase; Zoya Polish Haul!

Recently, Zoya had a buy one get one free promotion on polishes from their current and past summer lines! As Zoya is my favorite brand of polish, I couldn't resist picking some up!

Zoya polishes always have a great formula. They aren't too thick or too thin for me. They are free of nasty chemicals (they are 5 Free!) and though they cost only $8, I find them to rival or beat the more expensive brands.

They come in a huge variety of gorgeous colors, and they are the ONLY polish that I can wear for 2-3 days with minimal chipping (I work in healthcare, which is a nightmare on the hands! I can't even count the number of times I wash my hands on any given day...) I picked up eight gorgeous shimmery/sparkly colors that you probably need in your collection!

Midori is described as "glowing medium apple green with yellow undertones and strong gold shimmer". It is different than any green I own. I can't wait to wear it!

Zuza is a "deep, saturated oceanic turquoise with gold and silver metallic shimmer and a foil-like finish". This color is amazing! I wore it for three days with very little chipping and lots of compliments. It's the perfect summer shade.

Charla is a tropical blue sparkling metallic. It is quite possibly my favorite polish that I own! Pictures do not do it justice. It is like sparkly blue and green mermaid polish! I'm wearing it right now and I can't stop looking at my nails!

Tallulah is a "medium electric cobalt blue with bright aqua shimmer", and it is just a gorgeous bright blue. I will be rocking it for the 4th of July, for sure!

Kimber is a "rich, bright, and saturated medium magenta with strong gold metallic shimmer and a foil-like finish". I generally prefer blues, purples, greens, and other unconventional shades for my nails, but this one is just gorgeous!

Carly is a "rich, bold, red-toned purple with iridescent red and silver metallic shimmer and a dense foil finish". It's a perfect purple color.

Mimi is a royal purple sparkling metallic! It is a much more blue-toned purple than Carly, but is equally gorgeous. 

Faye is a "bronzed mauve with purple and brown undertones flooded with bright gold sparkle". This is a really unique color! It alternates between looking purple, brown, and gold depending on the light. There is a TON of sparkle! 

Here is Zuza being worn, though pictures don't show its beauty. Such a perfect color!

And here is Charla! This polish is so insanely sparkly and so rich and bright! It is definitely one of my favorite shades, along with Storm!

As with all of my other Zoyas, I am impressed with the formula of all of these that I have tried so far. I will be spending the rest of my summer wearing these beautiful colors...I'm having a hard time wearing the same shade for more than a day without wanting to strip it off and try the next!

Have you tried Zoya yet? What are your favorite colors?

Bloglovin

I believe we only have something like 3 more weeks until Google Reader is gone. So, if we haven't followed each other on Bloglovin yet, let's make sure to do so!

Here is my bloglovin page! 

New sub: Unmentionably Cheeky (a monthly panty subscription service!)

Living in a tiny town, there just aren't many places to shop. As such, I have really come to love and appreciate subscription services - they are the main way I try beauty products, but they're also branching out into other areas!

Unmentionably Cheeky delivers panties to your mailbox every month. Currently, you can get 3 pairs a month (in sizes small, medium, or large) for $8 a month! They are run by a husband and wife team and they aim to send out undies that are fun, flirty, and feminine.

I was recently given to opportunity to try out their service! My package came quickly, discretely packaged in a pretty pink envelope.

Inside, they were wrapped in pretty tissue...like a little present!

And, the undies! I received three different styles and colors. All are nice, soft lace!

These black ones are probably my favorite! So simple, but so cute. The lace is soft and stretchy.

These pink ones with black trim are equally soft, with a fuller cut in the back. I love the little pink bow!

The blue ones are a bit different! They have the soft lace, but also cotton. 

The back is adorable on these!

All of these panties are branded by Unmentionably Cheeky!

Overall, I am pretty impressed with this service! The panties are great quality for the price. It's not uncommon for a cute pair of undies to cost twice what you're paying for all three pairs, here! This sub combines something that everyone loves (getting something in the mail) with something everyone needs (cute underwear). How can you go wrong with that?

Definitely check Unmentionably Cheeky out, either on their site, their Facebook, or their Twitter!

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a product free of charge for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated and all opinions are my own.

Fortune Cookie Soap - Summer Soap Box

I've been wanting to try Fortune Cookie Soap for ages! They're a small, independent bath and body company with really fun and whimsical products (like soaps shaped like fortune cookies, of course). They offer a seasonal (quarterly) subscription box, which contains around 8 sample/travel sized products for $19.95. This is my first one!

This is a fortune cookie soap in "One in a Melon". It smells like a watermelon jolly rancher! It's so cute, and I've been using it all week. Just a nice soap that looks adorable chilling by my sink.

Whipped Cream in "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere". This is their version of body butter. I love the texture! It's nice and rich, but not too thick or stiff. It absorbs well and moisturizes well. The scent smells like fruity drinks, and is fun for summer.

Sugar Scrub in "I Scream, You Scream". This is a scrub that smells exactly like neopolitan ice cream, with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate. This is my favorite item in the box! It's a creamy sugar scrub rather than an oily one. I wanted to eat it!

Don't Be Jelly jelly soap in Body Shot. This is a cool product, I've never tried a jelly soap! It smells (and looks) like jello shots! Fun!

Where The Sun Don't Shine solid suncreen stick. As a super easily burnt person, I am happy to get this! It is SPF 15 and perfect to keep in my bag to add a little extra protection. It smells like banana and coconut, super summery!

This is sea salt hair spritz in Aquaholic. It is meant to give that beachy hair t to exture. Now, these sprays never work for me when it comes to beachy waves, but I like this to add a little texture when I want to tie my hair back or braid it. It smells just like a pina colada!

OCD hand sanitizer in "Do You Salsa or Mango?" It sanitizes your hands and smells like mango salsa. It's a different scent, and I like it! I use a ton of hand sanitizer at work, so I was happy to get this!

"Mother Pucker" shower steamer. This is kind of like a bath bomb, only for the shower. I didn't really get much enjoyment out of it, though - it smelled nice, but the scent was overpowered by the other products I was using in the shower. Fun to try, but not something I'd buy.

Overall, I really liked this box! Lots of fun products. I will be buying some more of the "I Scream, You Scream" scent and I am already excited to see what comes in the fall box!

Have you tried Fortune Cookie Soaps yet?

Ipsy-June 2013

Wow, I'm behind on my posts lately! I've had my Ipsy bag for about a week now, and I'm just now getting around to playing with everything!

June is Ipsy's 2nd month using the IpsyMatch system, attempting to match us up with appropriate bags to suit us. As such, there were once again quite a few different bag variations you could receive. The theme this month is "On the Wild Side". Here's mine!

Starlooks - Lip Pencil in Tipsy - I actually already have this exact pencil I received in a Starbox, but it's a beautiful coral pink with a super creamy texture. I will absolutely use this one after I finish my other one.

NYX Cream Blush in Rose Petal - I am glad I got a cream blush! This color is nice - a peachy pink, great for a natural look. The texture is great - almost like a mousse or gel!

J Cat Eyelashes - MEH. I have tried a billion different ways and times, and I cannot apply false lashes to save my life. I will put these aside for a trade or gift. To their credit, they are cute and seem like they'd look very natural!

J Cat Sparkling Cream Palette in Volta - Okay. This product looks gorgeous in the pans, but it is terrible. Big chunky glitter in a greasy base, not safe for eyes...it is essentially body glitter. I love sparkle, I love glitter...but what the heck am I supposed to do with this?

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil - This is a creamy nude pencil. It is actually a bit darker than my skin, so for me it isn't much of a highlighter, but the skin around my eyes is darker than the rest of my face and I find that this does brighten them up as a base and/or on the waterline! 

I have to say that I am really bummed that I didn't get the purple gel liner that many got this month. The idea of IpsyMatch is to suit our styles, and this bag doesn't really do that for me. The bag itself is my favorite part, and I do like the blush, lip pencil, and highlighter! Not a terrible bag, but not one of my favorites.

Here is a swatch of the lipliner, blush and the highlighter. I applied the blush heavily then blended it down so you can see how it can be intense or sheer!

Despite being a bit disappointed this month, I still love Ipsy and look forward to seeing what else they have in store. As always, if you haven't joined, feel free to join using my referral link!

What was in your bag this month?

Birchbox - June 2013

I feel like I waited for ages for my Birchbox this month! (I didn't, I guess I was just impatient.)  I don't know what it was about May, but it felt like it lasted a century! Now that I've aged a half a century, my box finally showed up a few days ago.

This month, Birchbox went with a theme of wanderlust! They say these are products from near and far that will work for our summer adventures. Well, I am old and boring and I have to work all the time, so my adventures are limited...but my beauty stash doesn't know that! Last June was probably my least favorite box ever (I got a ziploc bag and a self tanner wipe...), so I wasn't expecting much.

First of all, BB gave themselves a bit of a facelift this month. The website has a whole new look, as does the packaging and logo. I like it, and I like change!

The outer box is still their trademark pink, but now it has the new logo.

The inner box has also changed, it is now simpler, but more sturdy.

I have to say I'm underwhelmed with my box this month, but it is not terrible!

I got:

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - This is a dry shampoo spray with natural ingredients. I have never had much luck with dry shampoos, but I tried this one and it is actually nice. It smells fresh and it doesn't leave my hair stiff or sticky. The sample is a great size and it should last a while! I won't be buying the full size, though, simply because it is $18.

Color Club + Birchbox Wanderlust Collection polish in London Calling - Birchbox and Color Club created a four shade collection together inspired by cities. I got London Calling, which is a neon pastel green. The color is fun and bright, but I truly hate Color Club's formula...it goes on streaky and uneven and peels and chips on me. 

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder - This is just what it sounds like - a mineral perfecting powder. The sample is small but I can definitely get several uses out of it. It left my skin nice and matte even after sweating. It's a great product, but I don't find it to be superior to other powders I have and it is much more expensive. I am glad I got the chance to try it, though!

29 Cosmetics - 29 Preserves Skin Care Collection - This is a quartet of skincare products with antioxidants to protect and firm skin. I am not too thrilled with this, because I think with skincare, one time use samples are not enough. So, I have already used these, and while they didn't do anything bad to my skin, I won't be buying the products, due to the skimpy sample size. I really wish companies would include about a week's worth of uses in their skincare samples!

Twistband - Nautical Collection - I love twistbands, and I have a whole baggie of them. It's a less exciting sample than it would have been a few months ago, though, simply because I chopped off my hair. I can still use it to pull it into a micro ponytail, though, and I love the sailboat print!

There were also 5 cute postcards, but I forgot to put them in the picture!

Overall, this is a pretty blah bag, but the powder and shampoo are good enough. I think I was mostly disappointed because there were a ton of products I really wanted to try this month, and I didn't get any of them! My last few boxes have been pretty nice, though, so I can't really complain.

If you haven't tried Birchbox yet, you can feel free to sign up using my referral link!

What was in your Birchbox this month?

Glossybox - May 2013 - Celebration Box

May marks Glossybox's first anniversary in the US! As such, they have themed this month's box "Celebration Box", a box that includes treats that embrace their past and future (?), and a nod to NYC.

Here's what I got this month!

Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray - This is a volume- building spray gel. It is supposed to add volume while remaining soft. It can be used while blowdrying or air drying. I don't usually use products like this, but I will give it a try!

My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer - This is a moisturizer that has moisturizing and anti-aging benefits as well as acting as a primer. It has a matte finish. I find that it has a thicker consistency than I look for in a moisturizer, but it will be great as a primer!

European Wax Center The Exfoliate and Slow It Body Lotion - These are little sample packets. The exfoliate refines skin without abrasives, and the slow it lotion is designed to soften  hair  and decrease its growth. These are pretty blah to me, but I will use them.

etre belle Collagen & Aloe Vera Hydra Mask- This is a sheet mask with collagen and aloe vera! It promises to boost moisture and improve elasticity. I already tried this out last night and I love the way it made my skin feel! Though, as with all sheet masks, you look pretty creepy when you wear it!

Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick - This is a solid perfume stick in a line of fragrances that are inspired by New York City. I received Parc de 59, inspired by Central Park! It's a fresh green scent with notes of green tea and florals. It isn't my usual type of scent, but it actually smells really nice. I'm impressed with the level of fragrance for a solid perfume, too.

AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact - This is a really cool product - it moisturizes and has high SPF as well as having coverage. This is something I would have been really excited about, had it been in a wearable shade! Unfortunately, I received a shade far too dark and yellow for my pale skin.

As you can see, it's just not a match. However, I applied it and it feels nice! So while I won't be wearing this sample, there is a chance I'd buy it in an appropriate shade.

In all, I don't think this box is terrible by any means, but I just don't think it's very exciting. I would have expected a more exciting box for their anniversary! But the good news is, next month's box is a collaboration with Dallas Shaw, and it looks amazing.

What was in your Glossybox this month?

Starlooks Starbox - May 2013

I'm a little late with this one, as I got it last week...but better late than never! As this is my favorite sub, I couldn't let it go unposted.

Starlooks is a monthly sub service that sends out three or four full sized makeup items from their line. The products are amazing quality and the customer service is phenomenal. They are a fun company and I love this sub every single month!

This month, Starlooks went with a tribal theme. The thing I love about this sub is that they send me shades I'd never buy, and I end up loving them. This month is no exception!

The packaging this month was extra cute! I'm keeping this one to organize...something. I love the fact that they change the box each month to complement the contents. This month, we got three products and a bonus!

This is an Eyebrow Shader Compact. It is intended to help fill and sculpt your brows, regardless of their color! These are slightly less pigmented than their eyeshadows, and as such, can be worn as shadows as well. I love this as I have very few neutrals, and I admit that my brows are severely neglected. I'm really happy to try this out!

This is a Pigment luster in Cinnamon Toss! It's a gorgeous loose pigment in a golden brown, almost olive shade. It is super pretty, pigmented but not too much.

This cream blush in Emphasize is a dark brick red color. It looks intimidating but goes on nice and sheer, and is buildable. It has a dewy moisturizing finish, and on my pale skin, it looks like a nice natural flush. This is a color I never would have picked out for myself, but I have absolutely fallen in love with it!

This month, the bonus is a mini file in a cute tribal pattern! I am excited to have a mini to keep in my bag!

Altogether, this box has a value of $55 and I am very happy with it! Every single item will be used, as usual. I've already worn everything a few times, actually! I've swatched the blush and luster, since they look a bit intimidating in pan.

Here is the Emphasize cream blush. The top is a single swipe, and on bottom is a swipe blended out. As you can see, it is super wearable even on my pale skin. 

And here is the pigment luster in Cinnamon Toss, applied in a single heavy line and then blended down, so you can see how it can be dramatic or a sheer shimmery veil. So pretty!

Here's a quick basic look I wore using the brow kit (lighter two shades on my lids), pigment luster (blended into my crease), and blush ( on my cheeks, and I had the blush dabbed on my lips, as well!) Not so intimidating when worn!

As always, I'm loving my Starbox. Have you tried Starlooks yet?

Glamour Doll Eyes OTM - May 2013

This is my second month of Glamour Doll Eyes's OTM program. Each month, they send out a shadow (OTM = of the month) which is available only as a part of the subscription. Sometimes, other goodies are included as bonuses.

I have about a dozen GDE shadows, but I always missed out on the OTMs (slots are very limited, they open once a month and sell out super quickly) so I was so excited when I snagged a spot last month. This month is even better!

This month's pouch is super cute, and has already found its way into my bag.

Along with the usual shadow and candy, this month we got a bonus new product - a blush! And two sample baggies from an upcoming collection.

(sorry it's upside down...but you get the idea). The blush is called Risky Business, and it is described as a soft to medium pink with subtle gold shimmers. The shadow is S&M, a dark purple (almost black) with blue and green sheen and silver shimmers.

The two samples are called Facade and Fearless, and they are from the upcoming Matte Masculine collection.

The blush is SUPER vibrant and pigmented, and is a gorgeous shade. The shadow is nice and sparkly!

Products swatched over a clear primer:

Risky Business blush

S&M shadow

Facade shadow

Fearless shadow.

Impressed as ever with GDE's products, I'm really happy with this month. What do you think of these colors?