Popsugar Must Have - December 2013

December is my favorite month to get sub boxes! My family doesn't really do a whole lot when it comes to Christmas and gifts anymore, but the kid inside of me still loves to have surprises to open in December. The goodies sent out also tend to be festive, cozy, and/or sparkly...all of which I love! So I waited for my December subs with even less patience than usual.

I was excited to get my Popsugar box pretty early this month!

I always love the packaging and how much it just feels like a little present! I also love the booklet we get each month, with details about each item. It said this month's box should be thought of as the wish list we never knew we needed. Interesting! Here's what was inside!

CCMade Caramel Corn - This is a handmade caramel corn made using organic corn! It comes in a few varieties...I got the classic caramel. I already ate this for brunch one day, and it was super delicious! It might be the best packaged caramel corn I've ever had...a bit salty and a bit sweet. I still prefer my homemade caramel corn (nice and gooey..yum) but this is great and I wouldn't mind trying the other varieties!

Ghirardelli Squares - Milk & Caramel and Holiday Assortment - These are some of my favorite candies. The Milk & Caramel are on my list often. The Holiday Assortment is new to me! It is a mix of three flavors: Peppermint Bark (a longtime favorite of mine), Eggnog (white chocolate that tastes like nog!), and Pumpkin Spice Caramel (YUM). Absolutely delicious! These are considered extras this month but they are some of my favorite things in the box!

NCLA Peppermint Lane Nail Wraps - These are pretty red and white nail stickers. I've used this brand before, and they are super cute, but they don't last long on me before peeling off. However, they will be fun to wear for Christmas at work! I love the mix of stripes and polka dots, and I will wear them together!

Mixt Studio Holiday Gifting Set - This is three cute sheets of wrapping paper (on newsprint!) with included tags and twine. I know many were annoyed about getting this, but I actually like it. I still have the finishes touches to put on my secret santa gift that is being mailed out tomorrow and this will be great for that! I am not a great wrapper, and I like having everything included in a cute and unique set like this.

ModelCo Fibre LashXTend Black Mascara - This is a mascara that promises clump free voluminous lashes with a glossy texture and added fibres. I admit I wasn't terribly excited about this. I do like the ModelCo brand, but I am currently being sent mascara by at least 2 subs every month, and I am swimming in it! I will eventually get around to trying this out!

Govino Go Anywhere Flutes - These are reusable, disposable plastic champagne flutes. I think they're cute! I have long since given up on having nice wine and champagne glasses, but these will be fun for a picnic, or a little party with my nephews or the kids I take care of at work. Not something I'd buy myself, but something that will be good to have!

Lulu Frost for Popsugar Bracelet - This is a mixed metal bracelet by Lulu Frost - a brand famous for mixing vintage and modern elements in their pieces. This is a brass chain with a silver charm. I think it's super cute! I don't often wear bracelets like this, so I first thought of putting the charm on a chain and making a necklace, but I found myself way too fond of the two toned effect to do that. 

Overall, I am happy with this month's box. I know many ladies on makeuptalk were less than thrilled with this month's box, and I do understand why. It isn't the highest value, nor is it mostly things I would buy myself, but it manages to feel nice and Christmassy, and I'm not disappointed!

What do you think of this month's Popsugar?

If you haven't signed up yet, feel free to do so using my referral link!

Birchbox - November 2013

I am so indecisive. Especially with my subs...I'll obsess over one for a while, then find myself getting jaded and cancel...only to sign back up a few months later. Birchbox and I have gone through this cycle probably four times now! We just spent several months apart...but again, fter a hiatus, I found myself missing Birchbox and saving up points for a splurge...so, I decided to sign back up mid-month. I am an addict.

I received my November box without a shipping notification or anything. It was a nice surprise!

It's still fun to receive these cute little boxes.

This month's box came with a little holiday guide as well as the usual product card. Cute!

November's theme is "More Good". It's reflecting the season's general themes of abundance, and mentions more thanks, more giving, more thoughtfulness, and more goodies. Sounds good to me!

Birchbox Find: Ghirardelli Toffee Crunch Bar - This is a "Birchbox Find", which is what they call a mass-market product they love, usually a new product, which we get as an added bonus. I love things like this! This month, I got this chocolate bar - it's filled with a creamy chocolate filling and toffee bits...and it was totally amazing. Chocolate is always welcome in my boxes!

Atelier Vanilla Insensee Cologne Absolue - This is a fragrance sample...it's a blend of vanilla, jasmine, and lime. It smells really great - a warm, grown up vanilla scent. I have tried a couple other Atelier scents and they are great...and I love that the little sample vials come with a corresponding postcard. I mixed a bit of this one with my Orange Sanguine sample, also by Atelier...AMAZING. I smelled like a creamsicle. I think I need to get my hands on both of these fragrances...

derma e Soothing Skincare Collection - This is a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer sample that promises to calm sensitive skin and fight signs of aging. I haven't tried it yet but it sounds good and the ingredients are good! I love that it came with all three steps.

Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Opal - This is a pretty lipgloss with a high shine finish. It is a great peachy nude color! I haven't opened it yet but it's a great size and looks like it will be a perfect everyday shade. 

Color Club in Baldwin Blues - This is a super pretty blue creme. I love blue polishes, but I'm not crazy about Color Club's formula. I do like the collection of these minis I've gotten from Birchbox over the years, however. This color is right up my alley and I'm super excited to wear it this winter.

Aloxxi ColourCare Leave-In Conditioner - This is a detangled that protects color and leaves hair smooth and shiny. This is a total win for me. I usually hate getting hair products from subs - I don't use hairspray, gel, or mousse, or anything with hold. But I do love leave-in conditioners. This one is really great! It isn't too heavy and leaves my hair feeling really nice. This is the star of the box for me!

Overall, I think this box was a really great welcome back to Birchbox! Not only did I get 6 items, but every single one is something I will use and enjoy. Keep it up this time, Birchbox!

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

What was in your box this month?

Starlooks - November 2013

Last week, I made the snap decision to resubscribe to Starlooks Starbox for November and December. I was a subscriber for a long time, but I made the decision to cancel several months ago. I was always really happy with the products and value, but I was on sub and makeup overload, so I thought I should quit for a while. IF you haven't tried Starlooks Starbox yet, it is a monthly subscription that sends 3-4 full sized makeup items every month for $15 plus shipping (it usually comes out to $16.98).

 With winter approaching, I found myself craving more new makeup and colors to play with. I also loved what they did last November and December (they sent out a neutral shadow quad in November, and then a colorful 15 shade shadow palette in December...so much fun) and I decided I really didn't want to miss what they did this year!

Surprisingly, only 2 days after I resubscribed, I received my shipping information, and while USPS had some hiccups this month (sent my box back and forth between the same two towns THREE TIMES), I received my box quickly. Here's what we got for November!

I have always loved how the Starbox is packaged. It looks and feels like a little present. It is always well padded, and the boxes are different colors each month. 

When I subscribed before, the makeup packaging was kind of boring black. I love the new look! Bright and modern and eye-catching. It's a small thing, but the little things count!

The first item I pulled out was a little extra - a sharpener! I am always losing my sharpeners, so an extra is very welcome. I love that Starlooks often adds in little bonus items.

Slanted Liner Brush #824 - This is an angled brush perfect for precise eyeliner application. 

It is neither too wide or too narrow, and it is the perfect stiffness for me! I have 2 other Starlooks brushes and I use both of them all the time...the quality is really great. So excited to have another! And it goes perfectly with the next item.

Infinity Pot Liner in Orion - This is a long wearing cream/gel liner that can also be worn as a cream shadow or base! At first glance, I thought it was a basic navy, but it turns out it is a GORGEOUS shimmery dark blue with a hint of green. It is absolutely perfect, and I own nothing like it! I imagine I will be using this all winter long.

5 Shade Shadow Palette in Monaco - This is a great mix of brights and neutrals! They are nice and soft, with pretty good pigmentation, and are quite buildable, but they are also able to be applied sheer for a more subtle look. I have a few different Starlooks palettes and they are all nice and fun to use, with a combo of matte and shimmer. I"m super happy to get this and I'm excited to play with these colors!

This box is fantastic, and I am SO GLAD I decided to resubscribe! Everything will be used and I am beyond obsessed with the liner. What do you think about this month's Starbox?

If you haven't subscribed to Starlooks yet, feel free to use my referral link!

Beauty Box 5 - November 2013

 Beauty Box 5 is another monthly beauty subscription. They provide around 5 full or deluxe sized products each month for $12. They are unique in that they offer a mix of well known drugstore brands, higher end brands, and lesser known specialty-type brands. As I am a person who uses products at all different price points, I appreciate this!

November's Beauty Box 5 had a theme of "prep, primp, sparkle" and it's all about preparing for what the night brings and adding a bit of sparkle!  It's a great theme for this time of year...and I always welcome some sparkle. I am always impressed with this box's fast shipping, it always shows up on my doorstep before I'm expecting it!

This month brought five products, most of which are full sized!

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant & Deodorant - I actually used to use the original version of this and it's great! Even on my hardest work days, it keeps me dry and fresh. I only stopped using it because the formula (it was the really soft kind that dispenses through little slots) was too messy for me. I am SO excited to see that it now comes in a solid stick! It still works just as well but goes on clean. This will definitely be seeing use!

 

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash - This is a really nice body wash. It doesn't dry out my skin and it smells like lavender! I love this for a post-work shower. I get off at 10 p.m., so anything that can get me ready for sleep is a great thing. I am always a fan of Aveeno's products and this body wash is no different.

Montagne jeunesse Glacial Cooling Face Mask - This is a mud mask in sheet mask form (which is really cool!) It cleans and tightens pores. It smells fruity and feels cool and refreshing. I love the sheet mask format, and this is the first time I've ever seen a mud mask in a sheet form! It left my skin looking and feeling smooth and radiant. As an added bonus, you look super creepy while wearing it!

Scary, right? Perfect for disturbing men and children of all ages.

Body Drench Lip Drench in Coconut Lime - This is a moisturizing lip balm. I go through lip balm like water in the winter, so I'm always happy to get another. I haven't opened this yet as I have many open already, but it sounds promising! I don't usually care for coconut lime scents, but I'll certainly try this out anyway!

Bellapierre Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in Champagne - This is a shimmery mineral shadow! I received the shade "champagne" which is great - It will also be wonderful used as a highlighter! It is nice and soft and shimmery without glitter chunks. I foresee myself using this often.

It's nice and subtle and blendable. 

I really like everything I received this month! I like that BB5 sends out a mix of common readily available products and lesser known specialty brands! I also think the sizes sent out are great. I will definitely be buying more of the masks!

What do you think of this box? What items are you loving for December?

Disclaimer: I am a member of the BB5 review team, so I receive complimentary boxes to review. I am not compensated for my opinion and all thoughts are my own.

Blush Mystery Beauty Box - November 2013

Well, I will start this off by saying that I cancelled my Blush subscription for a while. It's not a quality thing, as I have really liked all the boxes I have received! However, I am quickly amassing more products that I can use, and as this one sends out full sized or large samples in bigger quantities, they're starting to pile up! I'll probably come crawling back after I use up some of my stash!

I got the November box pretty early this month. Here's what was inside!

Now that I've gotten several of these little fabric bags, I have found them great for keeping shoes/sandals/flats together! I put my summery shoes in them so I won't have to dig for the mates when I'm ready to use them again!

These were my bonus extras this month...a lotion and NeoStrata serum! I already used the lotion, and it was okay but nothing special. I am a big fan of serums, so this one was added to my stash! I really love that Blush sends out a couple of random extras every month - everyone gets different ones, and it's fun to see what you get.

Paula's Choice Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum - This is a serum for oily or combination skin, which I have. In fact, I had sampled this particular line of Paula's Choice products, and I fell absolutely in love with the products! I have full intentions of using up the full sized products I have now, trying to make a dent in my samples, and the next time I purchase skincare, it will be Paula's Choice. My skin never looked better than it did the couple of weeks I was using the samples!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Hydrafull Gloss in Sorbet - This is a cute, tiny little lipgloss in a bright pink shade. It's supposed to hydrate and plump! I haven't used it yet, but the tiny sample is perfect for me, as I like to keep one in my bag.

Cargo High Pigment Pencil in Brown - This is a creamy chocolate brown pencil. I get bored with black, and I have brights, so a brown is welcome! I have several Cargo products and love them. This is creamy and pigmented, and I haven't worn it all day to test its longevity, but it's a really nice liner.

Nick Chavez Horsetail Root Lifting Spray - This adds volume, shine, and oomph to hair. I have fairly thick hair, but as it's cut into an angled bob, I can always use more volume and shine! I haven't tried it yet, but I am excited to do so.

Pur-lisse Pur Protect SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer - This is a moisturizer with spf. I have tried a sample of it before, and it's nice! I'll probably save it for spring, as I have several sample sized sunscreens to go through, but it will be used, for sure.

SmartFx Smartlash Eyelash Enhancer  - This is an eyelash enhancing serum. I love products like this, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it works on my less than  impressive lashes. 

Elizabeth Arden Maximum Volume Mascara in black - A basic black volumizing mascara. I have to admit I am burned out on receiving mascaras...I currently have a giant stash I'll never get through. What's more is that most people found this one to be dried out when they received it. I haven't opened it, but if it is, I will not request a replacement...I have plenty to use already.

Overall, I think this is a nice box with a good value. There's nothing in there that I am super ridiculously excited about, but they're all good quality products that will be used.

Here is a swatch of the lip gloss and pencil. Both are nice and smooth!

Overall, I'm not regretting cancelling Blush at this point. Great value, but I really need to use up some of what I have. Have you tried Blush yet? What do you think of it?

Ipsy - November 2013

My Ipsy bag showed up without any tracking info this month. I always love it when that happens - it's so much less stressful than watching and questioning DHL's incredibly show shipping process. Seeing the pink envelope in the mailbox was an exciting surprise!

November's theme was "Glam It Up". I normally go for more edgy looks than glam, but I was excited, nonetheless! Ever better, this month was a 6 item month!

The bag this month is a cute gold snake wristlet. It's not my general style, but it is a nice change. Adorable.

Starlooks Gem Liner in Amethyst - I really love these gem liners...they're so pretty and soft and shiny. This one is a nice light purple, and it looked great with my eyes. Super happy to have this!

em cosmetics lash gallery dramatic volume mascara in black - When I learned we'd be getting an em item (one of several), I was really hoping to get to try the pretty waterliners. Instead, I got this mascara. I am up to my ears in mascaras right now, so I have no idea when or if I'll use this. I have gotten mascara from Ipsy 3 of the last 4 months, so I really hope for a break after this!

Be a Bombshell lip crayon in Shameless - This is a pretty berry shade. I am so glad I got this one instead of the bright reds I usually get from them! It lasted a few hours on me without needing reapplication, and the shade is really flattering. I think I'll be wearing this a lot over the next couple of months!

pixi bronzer in Subtly Sunkissed - This is not nearly as dark as it looks in photos. In fact, it is the first bronzer I've ever been able to use with my pale rosy complexion without looking dirty! It's nice and subtle. I was really bummed when I heard we were getting a bronzer, but I ended up loving it!

nailtini in Champagne - This is a shimmery nudey champagne color. I don't have anything with it, so I'm happy to have it! The formula and brush are really nice on this one.

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette Sample in Sun - This is a gorgeous baked eyeshadow from the Galaxy Chic palette. It goes on as a gold with a bit of red - super pretty. The quality is amazing. I'm going to have to pick up this palette!

Here are the color items swatched. First is the eyeshadow, then the gem liner, the lip crayon, and finally, the bronzer (which is hard to see, but it's nice and subtle!) Gorgeous colors this month.

Overall, I think this is a really great bag! I love that I got a variety of products, and all of the colors are gorgeous! My one disappointment is that I got another mascara, but that's hardly a deal breaker, since there are 6 items. I'm happy with Ipsy after a lackluster month last month.

What was in your bag this month?

If you haven't signed up for Ipsy yet, feel free to do so using my referral link!