Ipsy January 2016

It's Ipsy time again!!

For those who don't know, Ipsy is a subscription service.  For $10 a month you get 5 deluxe samples or full sized makeup and skincare products in a makeup bag.  



This month's theme is All Eyes On You.

I expected all the products to be eye related, and all but one was.   First, the bag.

That bag!!  It's cute, but not my usual style.  But then, that's part of the beauty of these monthly subscriptions--I get to try products that I wouldn't have otherwise, and frequently I find something I never would have considered that is absolutely perfect for me.  The back is a solid royal blue that matches the satin lining.   It's a good quality bag, and even if I don't use it myself it would make a cute gift bag.  


City Color Eyeshadow Trio in Falling Leaves (Full size, $6)

I haven't been impressed with City Color products in the past, but I'm going to give this one a shot.   The colors are great for a neutral or natural look. 

Mitchell and Peach English Grower's Body Cream in English Leaf (1 fl oz/30 mL $12*)

This is a UK company that I've never heard of before.  English Growers is their brand new line.  Their website says English Leaf is "blended with soft citruses, coriander leaves, basil, mint and floral oils from the Mitchell Estate."  I can't pick out the individual notes, but I do really enjoy this scent.   It's very clean with a slight 'powder' smell without being old lady.  The cream is thick without being greasy and settled into my skin very quickly.  I like it a lot so I hope it's more readily available in the US soon.

*I estimated the price based on the price on their website of £17 for 1.7 fl oz and the amazon price for a different scent of Mitchell & Peach Body cream that was $60 for 180 mL. 

UPDATE:  I'm in love.   This scent is so unique!  It smells clean and natural while still being formal.   I love it so much that I've been scouring ebay for more samples!


Peek Brow Powder in Expresso (1.3 grams, $11 )

Ok, I need to get something out of the way:  I did not make a typo.  I know it should be espresso, but the container clearly has an X.  And it drives me nuts, because I'm weird like that.

This is not actually advertised as a brow powder but rather as "Expresso Natural Stain Brow Powder".  Apparently it's formulated with coffee and possibly henna (?) to stain your brows
rather than a traditional brow powder.  I don't know.  It has rosemary and thyme oil to condition your brows and it's gluten free and cruelty free.   It feels smooth and doesn't really smell like anything.   It doesn't seem very pigmented to me, but it did seem to add a little fullness to my brows. 

Mostly I just can't get over 'expresso'. 

The full size brow powder contains two colors and is $22, and is about twice the weight of this one, so it seems like this is one color of the 'full size' they usually sell.


Pur-Lisse Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Eye Adore Serum (7 mL, $35 !!)

First, I was shocked at how expensive this eye serum was.   The full size is 15 mL and costs $65, so this sample is just under half size.  

I've seen several bloggers complain that they were overwhelmed with Pur-Lisse samples, but this is my first one.   I was excited to see what the fuss was about.   So far, I'm underwhelmed and a little irritated.  I mean actually irritated--the cream burned and irritated my skin.   It was more annoying than painful, though, so I'll give it a couple of days before deciding how I feel about it. 

UPDATE:   It's ok, but just ok.   I have other eye creams (like this one with caffeine or this one that is just awesome) that I like more.  I'll use this sample up, but I won't replace it unless I get some magical effects after more use.


leBalm Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner pencil in Scott B. Bordeaux (deep purple) (Full Size! $17)

I think every subscriber this month received this eyeliner in either the color I received or Jack B. Bronze (rich bronze).   I'm glad I got this color, because bronze or gold only looks good on me if it's a cool shade.   This eyeliner performs well and looks good on me.   So far, I'm not over-the-moon about leBalm cosmetics.  They're ok, but other than the packaging and the creative names, they're nothing special.  

The two brushes in the photo were 'bonus' items I purchased with points.   Ipsy gives points for sharing products and reviewing samples, and you can trade those points for an ever-changing selection of products.   The doefoot blender sells for $6 on their website, the large shadow for $4.


The five samples this month had a value of $81, not including the value of the bag or the bonus brushes.  I don't hate any of the products and the body cream is a new favorite, so I'm happy with this months' bag.  

If you would like to subscribe to Ipsy, then you should use my referral link so that I get points to trade for more brushes :D   It's a great, low-cost way to try high quality products.  

This blog post contains referral links.   I purchased all reviewed products on my own.  All opinions are based on my own use unless specified in the review. 

Birchbox January 2016

Ah, Birchbox.   Let me count the ways I love thee . . . .

My relationship with Birchbox may have started out a little rocky, but it's grown stronger over the past several months.  It's slowly edging out Ipsy in my affections, to be honest.  It's the rewards program that really gives Birchbox the edge.

I'm really excited about this month's Birchbox, so let's get to it!

Birchbox does a 'collectible' box each month, and each month has a theme.  The theme this month is The Year Of _____________________.

The box came with these cute stickers you can use to fill in the blank.   I'm toying with the idea of doing something cool with this--maybe using it to save money for something specific or to put notes about a goal?  I don't know, but my creative juices are definitely flowing with this box!

 

 

Due to an oversight on my part (an expiring card that I forgot to update.  Oops!)  I didn't get the curated box I chose for this month, but I'm still pretty happy with the products I received.   In no particular order:

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle (Deluxe sample, $4)

 

 

Tati Westbrook (if you haven't checked out her YouTube channel, you really should) included this in one of her favorite products videos, and I've been wanting to try it.  Honestly, this is nothing more or less than an expensive detangling spray.   It does say that it 'locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness.'  It's paraben free, sulfate free, and vegan, if those things are important to you in a detangler.  And to be quite honest, it smells AND performs better than the $3 bottle of detangler I keep in my bathroom--but only a little better.  Definitely not 7 times better, and it's more than seven times the price of my drugstore detangling spray.   I will enjoy using this and will be a little sad when it's gone, but I seriously can not imagine spending the $22 a full size bottle costs.   This is a high quality product, but there are some products you just don't need to be top of the line.   Detangler is one of those products, for me.  

Eyeko Fat Liquid Liner (FULL SIZE!  $16)

I'm not even going to try to be coy about this--I already know I'm going to LOVE this product.   It looks just like a marker, and I love markers.   It goes on smoothly and makes a beautiful, precise line.  It is jet black, sets in seconds and is budge proof.   I'm about to be That Mom in the grocery store with the eye makeup that makes you wonder what exactly she thought she was going to be doing with her day when she put on her makeup that morning, and I am ok with that.  

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen (5 mL, $4)

This blended quickly and seemed to be matte, as advertised.  I've been looking for a good matte sunscreen for those 'no makeup' days, and this just might fit the bill.  I'll update when I've given it a good trial. 

Whish Three Whishes Body Butter in Almond (0.75 fl oz, $3)

This was disappointing.  First, the ingredient list is printed SO small that I had to look it up online to find out if there was any coconut in it (I'm allergic, and I learned my lesson about not checking about two months ago when I used a new coconut-based shampoo and had an allergic reaction so bad that I was on steroids for a month).   The ingredient list I found said 'fruit', which just isn't helpful when you have an allergy.   So, I took a deep breath and tried it on my hand.  'Body Butter' to me brings to mind something thick and creamy and luxurious.  This was just a standard, slightly watery lotion.   It did give a bit of a sheen to my skin, and I could feel it on my skin even after I washed my hands--great if you want good hydration, bad if you're worried that 'fruit' means 'that thing that you're allergic to'.   And the smell is just . . . off.   Ok, I'm going to go ahead and say it--this Almond scented Body Butter reminded me of the cheap hand lotion they put in the little bedpan kit in the hospital.   Not.  Good.  Definitely not worth the $24 price tag of the full size.   There are so many better lotions and creams out there.  Do not waste your money on this one.  




Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel (5 mL, $5)

This is the most exciting product in the box, and I can't wait to try it.  I've been playing around with lots of masks and scrubs lately and have been considering a peel, so it arrived at the perfect time.  I see a spa day in my near future!!!

The grand total for this month's $10 box is $32.   Even with the yucky lotion, it's still a great deal.   I'm excited to try the peel and that eyeliner is ah-maz-ing.   I swear, though, these boxes are like a drug--I'm already anxious for my next one!!!

Walmart Beauty Box Winter 2015-2016

I thought the Winter box would ship in December, but it didn't ship until January.  That's ok.   I got LOTS of goodies in December, and both my Ipsy and Birchboxes are late this month, so the Walmart boxes helped to sooth my addiction.

You may remember that with the fall box I changed the birthdate on one order to get different boxes.  I did in fact get different items.  The problem is I'm not sure which is the 'younger' box.  Oops :P   Oh, well,   I'll figure it out.  In the meantime, here they are:










Obviously, they're very similar.   Both boxes contained:

Goody Slideproof elastics ($4)

I have super long hair and tend to only use these thin elastics on the rare occasions I wear a braid.   These have silicone 'nubs' on them that are supposed to help them stay in your hair while still being gentle.  

nspa Exotically Creamy Coconut Rich Body Butter (50 mL, $5)

This looks like a nice product, and there's an info card about it included, too.   I've been getting a lot of coconut-based products lately, and it's a real boon to the people around me:  I'm allergic to coconut!   This will make a nice little gift basket for someone.  

Aveeno Skin Relief gentle scent lotion with nourishing coconut (1 fl oz  $1 )
Aveeno Skin Relief gentle scent body wash with nourishing coconut (1 fl oz  $1)

Notice a trend?  I was pretty bummed about it.  I love Aveeno products (usually) and will be very happy to pass this one on to someone who isn't allergic.   I'll also be very happy with the beauty industry moves away from coconut and on to their next 'miracle ingredient'.

Pantene 4 Extra Strong Hold Hairspray (1 fl oz $2)

This seems to be a good hairspray.  Pantene usually makes quality products, it smells good and NO COCONUT!!    Hairspray isn't a product I use often, so I'm happy to have a couple of these small sizes on hand for those rare occasions I need it.


Olay Regenerist foil packets
One sample of micro-sculpting cream and one of tone perfecting cream.   I'm not a fan of foil packs, but my mom and I both enjoy Olay products so these will be used.


Two $3 Olay coupons (one for each of the sample products).  


One box, the one I assume is geared towards the 38 year old, also contained:

Foil Packets of Ken Paves You Are Beautiful Shampoo, Conditioner, and Thick Conditioning Mask ($1)
I'm actually looking forward to using this one.  I've started tossing foil packets in my overnight bag when we travel since they're usually only one or two uses.   The ingredients are not listed, so I'll have to make sure there's no coconut!   Paraben and Sulfate free.  

Vera Wang Embrace sample vial ($3)
Rose Buds and Vanilla are the primary notes of this perfume, with some subtler notes of mandarin and magnolia.   I'm not a fan, but I'm uber picky about perfumes and tend to especially dislike floral based ones--particularly rose :D    I'll add this to the growing pile of perfume samples to pass on to others.  

A Find your current color ring card set from Clairol root touch up, with a $2 coupon off one clairol root touch up.  

$5 coupon for Women's rogaine.  

The other box, the one I assume is geared towards the 20 year old, contained:

Foil Packet sample of Jennifer Aniston the fragrance, including a coupon for $3 off a $22 or more purchase of the line.

Jergens wet skin moisturizer foil packets, one each of coconut and monoi, as well as a $1 off coupon.

Foil packets of Loreal Total Repair 5 shampoo, conditioner, and ceramide.  I've used this product before and like it.  

A find your match card for Loreal true match foundation and a $1 off coupon.  


All in all, I wasn't blown away with these boxes, BUT I would have been if I wasn't allergic to coconut.  And actually, there are enough coconut products in here to make small 'thank you' gifts, so I'll probably do that.   As usual, the boxes are certainly worth the $5 price tag, and I won't be cancelling my subscription.  

OOOPS

Did I seriously skip the ENTIRE month of December?

That's crazy, because I got SO MUCH STUFF in December.   :D

Rather than try to go back and catch up, I'm going to go ahead to January and just hit the product highlights from December as I can.   It's pretty crazy in my life right now, so there's not a lot of time.

But I want to share some stuff.  I got some GREAT products in December, including my first ever order (but certainly not my last!) from Notoriously Morbid.   They're awesome, so if you haven't checked them out you should do it RIGHT NOW!  

Back soon!

Lip Monthly November 2015

Lip Monthly is a monthly subscription service that focuses on lip products.   For $12.95 a month you will receive 4-5 full sized products focused on lips (you will occasionally receive one non-lip product.  This month, I received all lip) and a zippered bag, as well as a card outlining the contents. 

This was my bag this month: 

First, let's talk about that zippered bag.  It's cute.  It's a thick vinyl, more substantial that what you expect from say a dollar store bag.   But the smell is AWFUL.   It's a strong chemical smell with a hint of mothballs.   Last month's bag had the smell, too, but this one is worse.  I'll leave it in the sun to see if the smell goes away, but if not this bag will go into the trash.  I got a headache just from opening the package.

Mirabella Lip Pencil in Red Velvet ($25)

This is red.   Very VERY red.   But the formula is wonderfully smooth and super pigmented.   I don't know if the color will work for me, but I love the formula.

Ofra Lipstick in Mina ($19.90)

This is a pretty lipstick in a deep purple-red.  But there's something wrong with this one.   It smells terrible--almost like spoiled food.   I swatched it on my hand but won't even try it on my lips.    I'm emailing customer service about it, but this is going in the trash.   It makes me sad because that color looks great, and is super pigmented (it only took one swipe on my hand for opaque coverage)

Chapstick Hydration Lock Day and Night ($3)

Ok, this was a disappointment.  It's a Chapstick.   Chapstick is not why I subscribe to monthly bags :(   Still, it is useful, though I'll probably pass it on to someone else.   There was also a coupon for $0.50 off another chapstick.  

Beauty for Real See the Light Illuminating Lip Gloss in Kiss Me ($22)

This product, on the other hand, is EXACTLY why I subscribe to beauty boxes.   I've never heard of Beauty for Real, and if I had seen this packaging in store I probably would have scoffed at the gimmicky nature of it.  But there's a LIGHT in the cap that shines down onto the doe foot wand.   There's a mirror on the side of the bottle.   PERFECT for applying the product on the go.  The product is a gorgeous pink gloss with quite a bit of shimmer along with the shine.   And it smells incredible--a sort of minty vanilla.  This is a 'plumping' product, and I assume that's why it tingles/burns a bit.   It's also very sticky, but again that's not unusual with a gloss. 

From top to bottom--Ofra Lipstick in Mina, Mirabella Lip Pencil in Red Velvet, and Beauty for Real Gloss in Kiss Me.

Total value of this bag was just under $70.   However, the Ofra product is going straight into the trash, and the chapstick is . . .well, a chapstick.   The Mirabella Lip pencil just isn't for me.   The lip gloss is a hit, but it's not worth keeping the subscription for.   I'll be cancelling this one. 

Birchbox November 2015

My love affair with Birchbox continues.   Birchbox ties with Ipsy to be my favorite monthly subscription box.   For $10 a month, Birchbox send 5 or more deluxe samples of makeup and skin care products.   The boxes are curated based on your answers to a survey that you can update at any time.  Birchbox is less likely to include full-size products than Ipsy and sends the products in a pretty box rather than a zippered bag.  It does seem like Birchbox includes more high-end brands than Ipsy, but that may not be the case.   One thing is for sure--it doesn't look like I'm unsubscribing any time soon!!!

So, this is my November box:

 

 

 

 

 

Every box comes with a card. On one side is a little blurb about the month's theme, the flipside has a list of the included items and the retail value (of a full sized product).  This month's theme is Feeling Fancy.

 

 

 

 

 

The included products, in no particular order:

AYRES Body Polish in Pampas Sunrise (1 oz, $3.75)

 

I love the packaging.  I think I'd like the formula . .. but I can not stand the scent.   Now, I'm not saying it smells bad.   But it says on the side "with essential oils of lemongrass and patchouli."  I hate both.   I'm more of a jasmine and vanilla or dark currant and cinnamon or peppermint kind of girl :D   I'll pass this one on--probably to my mother, who will love it.  

 

Davines This Is a Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid  (50 mL, $6)

 

I received a Davines product in an earlier box and I hated the scent (noticing a trend?  I'm sensitive to smells).  However, this one smells pretty nice, and I'm looking forward to trying it.  From the Birchbox website:  If only our dates were as modest as this super-effective hair moisturizer. It not only gives us straight, controlled locks—it’s also a total powerhouse. The flake-resistant formula adds major shine, eliminates frizz, moisturizes, humidity-proofs, and even preps hair if you’re wrangling it with hot tools. And since it works by gradually releasing ingredients, you don’t have to worry about it suddenly ghosting (also something we wish for in dates). 



Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask (1 mask, $7.50)

 

 

I've been hoping to get a sheet mask to try.  I'm nervous about this one because it's designed to address redness and dryness.  I've had a bit of redness lately but my skin tends more towards oily than dry.  Still, this will eventually be part of a 'spoil myself' evening.  


leBalm Cosmetics Blush/Shadow in Frat Boy (0.57 g, $1.50)

 

This is my second subscription box sample from leBalm, and just like the last one it is exceptionally small.  Still, it's got some great pigment.  It's a very pinky pink, so I'll have to be super careful not to look like a Raggedy Ann doll when I use it.   The formula is soft, smooth and wears well.   I'll definitely explore leBalm products the next time I'm at one of the department stores. 

LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in On Point (Full size! $10)

 

 

Birchbox has teamed up with Tati Westbrook (who I ADORE) for the inaugural set of their new makeup collection.   I chose this shadow stick for my 'sample choice' this month--three eyeshadow colors and two lip colors were available.  I'm a little disappointed in the color--not extremely, but a tiny bit--because it's a little rosier than I had hoped.    But oh my goodness it's BEAUTIFUL.   Smooth and sparkly and just gorgeous.   It covers like a dream (the swatch below is a single swipe) and you've got about 30 seconds to blend before it sets.  And then it's THERE.  I bruised my hand trying to rub it off (because that's the kind of thing I do) and it stayed right there, even through washing my hands twice!   And yet it came off easily with my eye makeup remover.   I'm sold on this new line.  Great job Tati and Birchbox!  Now I need a few more shadows and a lipstick or three :D  

Update:   I wore this last week when I had a meeting and needed to feel powerful.   I put it on over Prestige Eye Primer on the inner half of my lid and the inner corner.  I then blended it out with some other shadows and found that I needed to go back in and punch up the color (I overblend.  It's what I do).  This second coat left it looking very cakey.  It was still a nice color, just . . . cakey.   It stayed in place ALL day, and I actually had to put some effort into taking it off.   It's still one of my favorites, but I'll be using it more for quick looks than layering.  
 

leBalm Cheek and eye color in FratBoy and LOC one and done pencil in On Point
Swatched onto bare, zombie-pale skin (ok, not really, but I am pretty pale)

  

 

The full value of this month's box is $28.75.   I'm pleased with it.   That eye pencil is incredible,  I'm  impressed with the leBalm blush, and I get to try a sheet mask.  It's not the most amazing Birchbox I've received, but the products are all high quality.    

Dermstore BeautyFix Box, October 2015

The Beauty Fix box is available from Dermstore.  It's a combination of makeup and skincare items, many full size or deluxe samples.   The regular price is around $35 for a single box or $25 if you subscribe, though there are frequently discount coupons for your first box.  For this one, I subscribed and used a coupon code to get my first box for $5 (DEFINITELY a bargain!)  Here's what I got:

Avene Thermal Spring Water (Full Size, 150 mL $12.50)

I've been wanting to try a water spray, so I figured this was as good as any other.   I overcleansed my face after Halloween and it's been irritated ever since.  I've even avoided makeup for a couple of days to give it some time to heal.   This spray seemed to help a bit.   It felt very calming and refreshing to spray it on my bare skin.   I'll update once I've been brave enough to try it to set makeup. 

Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream (8 mL $13)

Ok, I love this stuff.  I use it at least a few times a week.  I can not honestly tell you if it actually makes my eyes look better, but it certainly makes me FEEL less tired.  

Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Treatment (2 packets, about $20)

This is one of those expensive skin treatments I never would have tried without a sample box, but I'm glad I get the opportunity.  According to the included card, you can  'Visibly improves the appearance of dull, tired, and aging skin with this innovative, fast acting, lifting technology." Ten packets of this are $110 on Birchbox.  I'll update when I get to try it--it's currently in my 'try this soon' bin :D

Ahava Dead Sea Water Mineral Hand Cream (20 mL, $5)

This hand cream feels great.   It sinks into my skin quickly but leaves that firm-but-moisturized feeling behind.  It's not greasy and I didn't feel the need to wash my hands afterwards before touching things.   The scent is odd.   It's like a cross between baby lotion and that medicinal-lotion smell . . . and yet somehow it's nice.   When I describe it, it sounds terrible.  And yet I like it.   In any case, this one is now in my handbag :D

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair (deluxe sample, about $15)

"Improve your skin's elasticity and restore firmness with this peptide-packed facial cream wonder."  This one also got added to my 'try this soon' bin.

Replenix Neckletage (0.35 oz, $15)

"Boost collagen and elastin while lightening uneven skin tone:  designed for your neck and décolletage which can often reveal your age."  I for one have not been worrying about how much my décolletage will reveal my age, but I'm still happy about this sample.  I've not seen a product designed specifically for my cleavage before.  I'll probably try it on date night :P  

Follimedica, Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women (Full size,  $35)

"Stimulate hair follicles and promote healthier strand growth for fuller, thicker-looking locks with this low-dosage, minoxidil-based treatment."   I haven't had any problems with hair loss so I'll probably pass this one on.  Too bad--this is a full 30-day supply.


CoTZ Flawless Complexion: The Healthier Sunscreen SPF 50 (1 g, about $0.25)

This wasn't officially part of the box, just an included sample.  I'm interested in trying it, but I'll wait until full winter.   I tend to hibernate in the fall and don't get much sun until we play in the snow :D  

Cargo Eyeshadow -- Moreton Bay (Full Size, $16)
Osmosis Colour Eye Pencil in Charcoal (Full size, $14)

These two products are the reason I actually ordered this box, and they did not disappoint.  The eyeliner is GORGEOUS--it's a beautiful charcoal grey color with silver sparkle.   It's very soft and creamy, especially for a pencil.  My only complaint is that it didn't wear well when I swatched it on my hand and didn't seem to set.   I'll try it on my eyes and set it with powder.  

I'm also going to try to the cargo eyeshadow on my eyes before passing judgement.  As of now, I'm disappointed.  It took quite a bit of work to build up the pigment on my hand--not what I was expecting (I've never tried Cargo before and I was expecting . . . better)   It's a lovely matte color, though, much more burgundy-purply-brown than I was expecting from looking at the color pot, but honestly that makes it a bit more wearable.  

Update:  The Cargo eyeshadow wore pretty well.   It did take some work to build it up--the color was more sheer than I wanted.   But it's a good quality product.  I'll be looking for different colors. 

I'm in love with this liner.   I did set it with some black shadow, but you could still see the silver sparkle.   I love it :D 

I got this box on special for only $5.  The total value is $145.75  It was WELL worth it, and honestly would have been worth the regular price of $25.   I have temporarily canceled this subscription, but I'll definitely be watching for more sales, and I'll consider resubscribing in the spring (after the holidays!)

One note:  I couldn't figure out how to unsubscribe online, and I hate calling to cancel subscriptions.  So I changed the credit card info saved on their site (which I frequently do when I cancel or pause a subscription, anyway, because I'm not a trusting person :P)