Target Beauty Box September 2015

 Did you know Target has a beauty box?  Well, they do.  But unlike Walmart's Beauty Box or any of the other boxes around, Target's doesn't have a subscription.  You have to order it from their website when it's in stock.   It is only $5 and the themes vary.   For the past few months they've released one every month, but they don't guarantee that.

This month's box theme was "Fall In Love"   Each box comes with a card describing each item as well as a $3 off $15 beauty product purchase at Target.   One benefit of Target's box is that they list the things in the box on their website, so no surprises (which sucks if you like surprises).  You even know the retail value of the box before you order (Target estimated the value of this one at $19, not counting coupons).

The box is packaged well, and opening it feels like opening a gift (which is one of my favorite things about beauty boxes :D)

Now, it's important to note that I knew the contents of this box before ordering, which means I have NO EXCUSE for the fact that most of the products are for curly or color treated hair, and right now my hair is neither.   Still, though, the box is the cost of a latte and I intend to color my hair soon so I figured it was worth it.  In no particular order:

Aquaphor Healing Ointment (0.25 oz, $1)

This product is a staple at our house.  It's great for small eczema outbreaks, skin irritations, chapped lips, or even dry cuticles.   The small size makes it a perfect addition to my bag.


Colgate Optic White toothpaste (travel size, $1)

What can I say?  It's toothpaste :D  I'll be testing those claims of 'whitens in as little as four days"

Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Styling Lotion (3.2 oz,  $5)

According to the description, this product "protects while restoring moisture and lustrous shine to dull, damaged and chemically treated hair."   My hair hasn't been color treated for about a year now, but it is in fact dull and damaged so I'll try this.   It is sulfate free, color safe, made with natural and certified organic ingredients, and smells absolutely delicious.

Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream (2 oz, $3)

This is another one with certified organic ingredients that is missing a lot of bad stuff (sulfates, silicons, parabens . . . ) and it also smells divine.   I'll be trying this on my board-straight hair, too.   Because I may not need my curls smoothed, but I certainly need to spend a day walking around smelling like a cupcake.   That's not sarcasm--I really want to do that.

Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave In Conditioner (2 oz, $3)

The styling lotion and curl cream both smell like desert.  This one smells like sunny days.   I kind of love it, and I am always in need of a good detangler/leave in conditioner.   It's paraben free, not tested on animals, and vegan.

Dove Advanced Hair Quench Absolute (Full size, $5.99)

Sadly, the one full sized product in the box isn't useful to me.  It's for hair that is curly and coarse.  My hair is fine and straight as a board.   My husband's hair, on the other hand, is thick, wavy, and a little coarse, so I'm going to offer this product to him.   If he isn't interested I'll donate it.

So, the total value of this box was $19.  I honestly shouldn't have bought it--we have a ton of toothpaste (and it seems like I get a new sample every few weeks) and the Dove isn't useful to me.  However, I will use the curl cream and the styling lotion (because seriously?  They smell GOOD) and the small aquaphor is perfectly sized for my purse.  I don't know a lot about more-natural products, so I'm excited to try a few at such a low cost.  I knew in advance I couldn't use some of the products, and I am able to use more of them than I thought when I ordered.  So I call this box a Yes--even though I hope their next one is a little more useful to me!

Smiley 360 Centrum VitaMints Mission

I have been chosen to do a Centrum VitaMints Mission on Smiley 360.   Some basic things to know:

Please keep in mind that this product:
👎 Does not freshen your breath, it simply has a refreshingly minty taste
👎 Does not increase your energy, cure any illness or boost metabolism.
👍 It will help support your energy, immunity and metabolism.
👍 Is only for adults 18 and over.

Go here for a free sample!!!  I'll receive my sample kit in 2-4 weeks and I'll update then.

Smiley 360

Like trying new things?  Have a few minutes?  Go check out Smiley360!!  It's a review site.  You fill out a profile with basic info about your family and then take surveys to be matched with 'missions'.   Missions vary, but basically they send you a product to try and you review it and create social media buzz about it.   I'm not an expert on this site, but I'm enjoying it!!

**This post contains affiliate links.  If you click the link, I get referral points.  I don't even know what they're good for, but usually it's prizes :D   I don't get any of your personal information, and I have not been paid, beyond the referral points I mentioned, for this post.

Pumpkin Flavored World

Ah, fall.   The changing leaves, the smell (of decay) in the air, finally a break from the heat and rain that have become our summers . . . And pumpkin everywhere.  Pumpkin flavored, pumpkin shaped, pumpkin colored, pumpkin scented--if it can be tasted, seen, touched, or smelled, there's a pumpkin version.   I even live in a town whose biggest yearly event is a Pumpkin Festival.  I have tried pumpkin fudge (good) pumpkin ice cream (ok but odd) and pumpkin bread (YUM!)  I stock up on pumpkin spice wax tarts in the fall, because I just adore the way they smell.   And every year, I stop by local coffee shops to test out the pumpkin flavored beverages.

Which I hate.

Every year, I try them.  I try the lattes and the coffees, the mochas and the cappuccinos.   I take one sip and my stomach churns, and then I spend the rest of the day trying to force myself to finish the overpriced liquid disgusting I forked over hard-earned money for.  

I feel like a failure, like I'm somehow not living up to my position in the world.  I mean, I'm a mom.  I blog.  I volunteer.  I'm an artsy-craftsy person who likes theatre and museums.   Why do I despise the drink other artsy craftsy theatre loving volunteer blogging moms wait all year for?   WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??

I'm joking, of course.  Well, mostly.   I don't happen to like pumpkin in my beverages--not a big deal.  What sets me apart from the pack is that I try it EVERY YEAR.  Multiple times.   Even though I have never once gotten a pumpkin flavored drink that I could stomach, let alone that I liked.    And I hate every one, but I keep trying.   Today was Tim Horton's pumpkin coffee.  It looked so delicious on the poster . . .

Birchbox for CEW Prestige Headliners 2015

Birchbox did two boxes this year from the annual Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Insider's Choice Beauty Awards.   This box celebrates some of this year's finalists and winners.   As of today you can still purchase it here for $18.

I wasn't sure about this box, and I honestly only bought it because I got $5 off when I purchased it in a bundle with the Mass Appeal Box.   But it has some exciting products in it, so let's take a look.


Birchboxes always come packaged really well, which is nice.  It gives an extra level of specialness to each one.  

This one also came with a card explaining each product.  

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Push-Up Eye Liner (0.1 g) $2.40

I've been wanting to try gel eye liner, and this one gets good reviews.  It's billed as a 'gel liner pen' and is waterproof.   Benefit samples always seem to be small but well packaged (to make up for the size, maybe? :D) and this one is no exception.   Still, if I can get the hang of gel liner then this is the perfect size to toss in my bag.    Benefit is an American company run by four women (twin sisters and the daughters of one twin) in San Francisco, California.

COOLA SPF 50 Sport Mango (0.5 fl oz) $3.20

I tried COOLA mineral matte sunscreen with my first Birchbox, and I enjoyed it but the sample was tiny, making it difficult to really try out the product.   This sample is a much more reasonable size and I'll get several uses out of it.  I like that this is a moisturizing sunscreen that is sweat proof and water resistant.  The scent is pretty strong, but not unpleasant.   It absorbed quickly into my skin and didn't leave it super shiny like some of the tinted sunscreens I've tried.  But it also has no tint or skin correction, so this is either for a no-makeup day or to wear under your makeup.  It is a certified organic product that is easy on your skin.  

Fekkai Hair Fragrance Mist in Creme Vanillee (10 mL/0.33 fl oz) $4

The description says "This lightweight mist infuses hair with an addictive scent, plus tamps down static and bumps up shine."  I don't know about static and shine, but it definitely infuses your hair--one spray and I felt like I was walking around in a cloud of vanilla.  The scent reminds me of the Yves Rocher vanilla bean body spray I liked in my early twenties.   Speaking of my twenties, where was this product when I spent more time in bars and restaurants than parks and classrooms?  This would have been very useful back then!!  Still, though, I'll keep it around.  I'm sure I'll use it most when we eat out -- I frequently veto specific restaurants just because I don't like the way my hair smells when we leave!

Glamglow THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment (0.24 oz)  $10
            with bonus POWERMUD Dualcleanse  (0.1 oz) $2

This is one of those samples I'm never sure about.  On the one hand, I would NEVER pay $12 just to try a product (and the Powermud is the dreaded one-time-use foil packet).  On the other hand, both products have good reviews on amazon and apparently a loyal following.  I'm glad I'll get to try this one as part of the box.

Marula Facial Oil (5 mL) $8

I'm iffy on this one.  It says it's for all skin types, but I wouldn't normally put an oil-based anything on my face--I'm too prone to breakouts.   I'm going to research this one a bit more before trying it.

Nudestix Lip/Cheek Pencil in Ripe (0.088 oz) $24??

I found this pencil on the Sephora website in a slightly smaller size (0.05 oz) for $24, but that one had a sharpener and case included, so I approximated the value based on that.   This is a highly pigmented pencil in a corally-orange shade that I probably wouldn't have chosen on my own.  I like the smooth formula though.   I suspect this will be an occassional cheek color for me rather than a lip, but honestly I have a lot of lipsticks and only a few blushers so that's fine by me.


So the total value of this $18 box was about $53.60.    (I actually paid much less than $18, which you can read about here)  I'm happy with it.   I get to try a gel eyeliner and a few cleansers/moisturizers I haven't tried before, and the hair fragrance, sunscreen, and nudestix pencil were all hits.  I'm not sure about the marula oil, but who knows?  Maybe it will become my new favorite product!


****This post contains affiliate links.   If you click through the links and buy something or subscribe, I'll get reward points or even a tiny percentage of the money spent.   I do not see what you bought or even who bought it, nor do I have access to any of your financial information.   All opinions expressed are my own based on personal use of the products listed.   No kittens were harmed in the writing of this blog.

Birchbox for CEW Mass Appeal Box 2015

Burt’s Bees® Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands – Full size  $8
Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths – 10-Pack     $3
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask – Sample size   $7
Olay™ Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Correcting HydraSwirl™ Eye Cream – Full size $22
Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves – Full size  $5
Simple® Skincare Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer – Full size $10



$15 Box approximately $55

Birchbox Order August 2015

As I mentioned here, I wasn't really impressed with my first Birchbox delivery.   While the products were high quality, some of the samples were so small that I didn't feel like I was actually able to determine how I felt about the product.   But there's something that Birchbox has that is SO much better than every other subscription box program I've seen, and that's their rewards program.

When I signed up for Birchbox, I used a code to get 50 points or $5 store credit (current code BBJetBlue10 will actually get you 100 points, or $10 to spend in their store!).  I reviewed the products in my first box and that gave me enough points for $10 off in the store.

I noticed that their Mass Appeal Beauty Collection Box (reviewed here) included a full size Olay Regenerist Hydraswirl Eye Cream (which you can read about my love for here) as well as some other products.   The box was only $15, and local stores have that eye cream for around $25, so I knew I needed to get that box.

When I added it to my cart, I noticed that the Prestige Headliners Beauty Box could be bundled with the Mass Appeal box (you can read my review of the prestige box here) for a $5 discount.   A full size product and six more samples for $13 after the discount . . . what bargain hunter could pass that up?  Not this one!  So into the cart it went.

I hate paying shipping, so I started playing around with my cart to see what the free shipping threshold was.  It seemed like it was $50, BUT the amount needed for free shipping is calculated BEFORE discounts.   I added another of each of the boxes and it gave me free shipping but not an additional $5 discount.  I didn't feel like the Prestige box was worth $18 for me, so I reduced that down to 1 again.   Then I checked their bonus shop.  Now, you can only add one coupon code per order (bummer) BUT they have a 'Mystery samples' pack that is free if you spend $35 and doesn't require a code--you just add the $10 item to your cart and if you have spent $35, it automatically takes off $10.   AND that $10 counts towards total spent, so that bumped my total up over $50 to get free shipping!!  I also found a coupon code on retailmenot (LOVE that site!) for 20% off my entire purchase.  So my order looked like this:

2 Mass Appeal Boxes @ $15 each =    $30
1 Prestige Box @ $18                     =    $18
1 Mystery Samples @$10               =    $10

Total:                                                     $58

Minus:  

                 Box Bundle                           -$5
    Mystery Samples if you spend $35   -$10

                 20% off code MOBILE20   - $8.60
                 100 points                             -$10

Grand Total:                                         $24.40!!!

So basically I bought ONE hydraswirl eyecream and got everything else FREE.   It was like Christmas when that box arrived :D

I've reviewed the two boxes separately, but here's the two free samples I got for spending $35:

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (1 fl oz) with cloth (about $10)

Haven't tried this one yet, and honestly it seems a little complicated for someone who usually interrupts her nighttime routine for a few renditions of "Go back to BED right now young man!"  But the promises of 'naturally active ingredients' has me looking forward to an opportunity to try this one.

Laqa & Co Lil' Lip $8.50

I can't find the color name on the product or packaging, but I think it's their Bossy Boots.  It's a highly pigmented, almost crayon red color.   I personally didn't love the shade or the packaging, but the formula is great--rich color, a little bit of gloss without glitter.

The retail value of the free with purchase Mystery Sample pack is $18.50

Each of my Mass Appeal boxes were valued at around $55 (reviews here)
The Prestige Box value is about $53.60 (reviews here)

So for $24.40, I received $182 in products!!!!   Definitely a win :D


***This post contains referral links for Ipsy and Birchbox.  If you subscribe to either service using my referral links, I earn referral points that I can exchange for products.   Ipsy and Birchbox are in no way affiliated with this blog.  All opinions expressed are my own based on my own use of the products discussed.   Any amazon links may also be affiliate links (or may not be, depending on whether or not I remembered to make it an affiliate link)  I'm not even sure how that program works, but it's my understanding that if there's a bajillion dollars in sales through my links I get free shipping for any package over $35 :P  *** 

Birchbox Review August 2015

Since I was so in love with Ipsy I decided I wanted to try other subscription services.  Birchbox is the same price as Ipsy ($10 a month).  I was disappointed to find out that while Ipsy frequently sends out full-sized products, Birchbox only sends samples.  However, Birchbox has an incredibe rewards program:  you earn points the same way you do with Ipsy, by referring others or reviewing products.  But with Ipsy it takes several months or referrals to earn enough points for a reward, and the rewards are a handful of products selected by Ipsy, Birchbox points translate directly into credit in their online store, for any product they sell.   If you share your $10 box each month and review all five products sampled, that gives you $6 store credit (you can only use it in $10 increments, but still).  

Without further ado, here's my first box:

Yes, that's the actual box (Note:  other photos in this blog are from the Birchbox website, mostly because I'm not that great at photography).  And that's my actual hand, which would be waving hello to you if it weren't holding the large-index-card-sized box of minuscule samples.   To say I was disappointed is a bit of an understatement--maybe Ipsy has spoiled me, but I expected deluxe samples or full sized products, but three of these are teeny-tiny!  It was a real let down, I put away my disappointment to review the products.   You're welcome.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser  (0.25 fl oz)  $3

This is a small sample, good for no more than 2-3 very sparing uses.  Still, I was excited by the idea of a pore-shrinking cleanser.   I feel like my pores are huge, so I had high hopes.   They were dashed the minute I started massaging the product into my skin--the smell is SO medicinal.   I did not notice any pore shrinkage after using, but I did notice that my skin felt uncomfortably tight and dry.  I'll keep this around for a bit and try it again if my skin feels particularly oily, but my first impression of this product is No.




Coola Mineral Sunscreen Matte Tint, Unscented (.17 fl oz)  $2.40

I actually liked this product.   I have tried a few 'tinted' sunscreens lately and they all left my face so shiny that I had to powder over it.  Since my reason for using a tinted sunscreen was so that I didn't have to put on foundation and powder, it defeated the purpose.   This sunscreen went on easily and did not leave my face shiny.  However, it did feel a little gritty putting it on.   I may pick up a full-sized version of this one--I don't feel like the sample is really large enough to let me get a good sense of the product, though the two times I used it (before running out :( ) I liked the results.  I think this product is a Yes, but due to the small sample size I'm going to have to keep it at Maybe for now.


Benefit Watts Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter (0.08 oz)   $8

I wasn't sure about this one but a friend (Hi Barbie!) says it's one of her favorite products.   I have to admit it's a great product--good coverage, good pigmentation, lasts well.  And a highlighter is one of those things that I always stole from my theatre makeup kit because the closest you could find to it on the retail market was a concealer.   The tiny packaging makes this hard to use in my opinion (it's a twist-up tube with the product smaller than a lip balm) but I can use a brush or my fingers to apply.   The product itself is a high quality one, and I'll probably purchase a full size when this one runs out.  This is a Yes.


Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner in Mulberry ('travel' size)  $4

The first time I tried this, I hated it.  The color just added to my already-dark eyes to make them even darker.   After a few weeks of using my new favorite eye creme (more on that here), it's one of my go-to liners.   The purple hue looks like a faded black on my eyes, which is great for day time.   If I put on a few layers, it builds up and really pops.   The formula itself glides on smoothly, almost like a liquid, and it has great staying power.  The 'sample' is a single travel sized pencil, but to be honest I tend to throw out eye pencils before they're half-used so travel size is probably a good size for me.  This is a Yes.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk--Natural Tint (50 mL) $9

I have never used a dry shampoo before, always afraid of residue.  The first time I used this one, I made my son my guinea pig :D   He has super thick hair that he is determined to keep just below his ears, but he's not yet great at rinsing his hair after washing, often leaving his hair looking oily.   A quick spritz of this made his hair look great.   Seeing his results gave me the courage to try it myself, and it really was an easy way to pick up a flat hairstyle.   I expect this product to become a staple at our house.  This is a resounding YES.


The total value of my $10 box was about $26.40.   It's not terrible, but I do feel like Ipsy is the better value.  However, I gained $6 in points for reviewing/sharing my box, plus I got some bonus points when I signed up.   I traded them in on a Prestige Headliners Beauty Collection box.  I also bought (2) Mass Appeal Boxes.   Those reviews will be coming soon!!! 

Eye Savior--Review of Olay Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Correcting HydraSwirl Eye Cream

Before I tell you about this product, I need to tell you a bit about myself.   I come from a very religious family that believes, among other things, that women shouldn't wear makeup (no, it's not a cult.  They just believe that focusing on your appearance is vanity and that energy could be better spent in prayer or service to others).   While a few members of my family did use moisturizers and some of the women (including me) wore makeup, my mother did not.  So I didn't grow up watching someone do a makeup routine or a moisturizing routine.   I learned a lot about makeup in my teens (by trial and error, YIKES!) and twenties (through makeup classes and a bit more sophistication) but still I never really had a beauty regimen or routine.   I'd treat blemishes or use biore strips, but for the most part my skin care routine consisted of an occasional mask and daily astringent when I wore makeup and plain water or a very mild cleanser for the decade or so when I rarely wore it.  I had some vague idea that I should probably be doing more, and even occasionally bought a product or received a trial sample but nothing consistent.  

Fast forward to a month or so ago, when I had decided it was time to focus a bit on myself.   I was cleaning my bathroom and doing one of my regular product purges (I buy or sign up for samples for an embarrassing array of products that I'll use a few times before decided my bathroom is cluttered and gathering up the products I don't love or haven't gotten around to trying and getting rid of them.  I usually either share them with friends and family or donate them if they're unused).   Anyway, I came across a few Olay Regenerist products that I had picked up somewhere along the way.   There was a face cream, an eye cream, and a cleanser.   They were all three unopened, which would have destined them for the women's shelter if not for that pledge to do something for myself every day.   So, I thought I'd try them out and if I didn't like them after a few weeks, no harm done.   And that's the very long story of how I came to try Olay Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Correcting HydraSwirl Eye Cream at least a year after I first purchased the product.

Now, just before this happened, I received a deep purple eyeliner in a Birchbox (You can read more about that here).  I tried it right away, and it blended perfectly into the deep-purple darkness of my eyes, that I had just assumed was the permanent result of almost a decade of sleep deprivation.   This is an important point, because it's how I knew the Hydraswirl eye treatment was working--before I started using it, my eyelid matched the Mulberry hue of the eyeliner.

The second morning after I used the Olay products, I noticed that I looked more well rested.  I noticed that I LOOKED more well rested in spite of the fact that one of my sons had had a bad night and I had only gotten 3 hours of sleep.  But I was tired, so I didn't really think about it.

I kept using the product every night, less because it was 'doing' anything and more because I was enjoying that three-minute ritual of cleansing and moisturizing.   After about a week, I accidentally grabbed that same mulberry eyeliner that had blended into my eyelids a week before.  It looked terrible, highlighting the brownness of my eyelids.  As I was removing the eyeliner, I realized that it didn't just 'blend in' to my eyes anymore.   My eyelids had actually changed color, and they were now brown instead of purple.

Every day, I noticed that my eyes were just a little less dark.  After about two weeks, my eyelids and under eye area are only slightly darker than the rest of my face.   I wish I had taken pictures every day so that I could show the progression, but the best I can do is tell you that I now wear that mulberry eyeliner--it looks like a faded black now, and the same eyeliner that first just blended into my dark eyelid and later looked absolutely horrible against them now looks great.   My eyes have gone from an almost-bruised looking purple to a normal skin tone in just two weeks.   And no, they weren't bruised to begin with, and no I am not getting any more sleep.   The only thing I'm doing differently is using Olay Regenerist eye cream.

Ipsy Review, August 2015

My love affair with Ipsy deepened this month with their Prep School themed box.   Here's what I got:

This bag:

This AWESOME, incredible bag.  When I saw it in the preview I had hoped it was a tweed-like fabric material.  It's so much better--it's a wipable vinyl bag with an Escher-like texture to enhance the hounds-tooth pattern.  I can not tell you how much I love this bag, except to say that even with my cheap ways, I would have paid real money for this bag.  In fact, if I find a bigger version in a store at some point, it will be mine.   Even the hot pink zipper (and I am not a fan of pink) gives me the warm fuzzies, because it gives a classic pattern a modern touch.  



Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco (0.7 oz)  $3.50

I don't use oils on my fine hair (it weighs it down too much) but my hubby has been using Argan oils for a while, so I asked him to try this one out.  He liked it a lot, and was especially pleased with the small size so he could take it with him.  


Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted (full size) $15

I'm a nail polish addict.  I have hundreds of bottles,and I'm always searching for a fun new color in a formula that will stand up to my lifestyle (which destroys your average drug-store-polish manicure in about a day).   I was pleasantly surprised by how well this one did--even without a base or topcoat, it still held up without chipping for three days.  That's just short of a miracle for me.   The color is a fun purple that perfectly suits my personality.   It's a bit pricier than I usually spend on nail polish, but then again it held up better than 99% of the polishes in my collection.  Plus, it’s 7-free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. This one joins my short list of nail polish favorites.  

Hikari Lip Gloss in Merlot (full size)  $13

I hated this product the first time I wore it.   It was SO sticky!   Or at least, I thought I hated it.  Then I found myself putting it on again the next day . . . and the next . . . and then I added it to my purse, so I had to admit I kind of liked it.  It is sticky.  VERY sticky.   Don't-do-anything-dusty-right-after-applying sticky.   But it also hangs around like a dream--I went through my entire day and my lips were still merlot-colored at the end of it.   That's an entire day of eating, drinking, kissing foreheads (no transfer after it finally set.  Which took a WHILE :P)   This product is not for everyone, but if you like sticky lipgloss with good pigmentation and shockingly great staying power, then this is for you.  

Doucce Ultra Precision Eye Liner in Black (full size)  $22

This eyeliner promised to be waterproof, long lasting, and 'a soft application'.   It's a soft application.   It does require eye makeup remover to get it off completely, but it smudges and fades pretty easily.   It's a meh for me--I added it to my makeup bag because it fades so well that I can use it day or night, but I will keep looking for the 'perfect' waterproof liner.  


Marsk Pro Line Eye Shadow Brush  $26

This brush is everything I never knew I wanted in an eyeshadow brush.   I have a good set of makeup brushes already, so I considered adding this one to the donate pile without trying it.  I'm so glad I didn't.   This brush is really great.  The bristles are soft but hold their shape very well.   The brush doesn't seem to hold much color in itself--it all gets transferred to my eyelid.   And the shape is perfect--I use one side to smooth color on my lid, the other side to put a highlight under my brow, and the tip is perfectly sized and shaped to put a deeper color on the crease.   This was a great addition to my makeup bag!


The value of this month's bag was $79.50 plus the bag itself--for only $10!!!Now to be fair, I didn't like some of the products and I seriously doubt I could have brought myself to pay $26 for that eyeshadow brush no matter how much I liked it, but I still consider this month's bag a great value.   I don't know how Ipsy will top this bag next month, but I look forward to finding out!

Ipsy is a subscription box service.   For $10 a month you get '4-6 deluxe samples or full sized products' and one zippered makeup bag in a theme that changes monthly (the bag is the same for everyone, but the products change based on your style survey).   That is $10 including shipping!   And when they say deluxe samples they mean it--no foil packets or 'is there any product in that?' tubes.  

If you'd like to sign up for Ipsy, go ahead and use my referral link!  I'll get points that I can use for free products.

Ipsy review, July 2015

Ipsy, where have you been all my life?   My friend Tabitha over at Happy Cake Crafts has been blogging about Ipsy for a while, and I finally decided to take the plunge.  I am SO glad that I did!!  This box not only kickstarted my new dedication to taking a little better care of myself, but also introduced me to products I never would have tried otherwise.   I am truly infatuated with Ipsy, and it is quickly turning into a deep love.

In case you aren't aware, Ipsy is a subscription box service.   For $10 a month you get '4-6 deluxe samples or full sized products' and one zippered makeup bag in a theme that changes monthly (the bag is the same for everyone, but the products change based on your style survey).   That is $10 including shipping!   And when they say deluxe samples they mean it--no foil packets or 'is there any product in that?' tubes.   Did I mention I'm in love?   I promise, if you try it you will be too!

July's theme was 'Summer Lovin''  And for $10, here's what I received:


This bag.


Honestly, I didn't love it.  The color combo is not to my taste and the stitching had some raveling when it arrived.   However, I still use this everyday over a month later (some essentials for the kids live in it) and it is holding up very well.  It's a thick-muslin type material, and seems to be both durable and washable.

Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser (25 ml)  $2.50

I was a little disappointed in this sample.   It's small, but not terribly so.   I was mostly disappointed because I couldn't find instructions on the packaging to make sure I was using it correctly (it either wasn't there or was so tiny I couldn't read it)   It seems like a good cleanser though and it didn't irritate my skin, so I put it in my 'travel' basket--I'll grab it when we're going on a trip.

Coolway Beachy Salt Spray (0.5 oz) $2


I did not even know this was a thing, and honestly can't imagine WHY I would want my hair to feel like it had ocean salt in it (sometimes, I'm just not cool enough).   It smells great, but it's not really a product I would use regularly.

City Color Cosmetics HD Powder (4 grams) $4

This is a good go-to powder for a quick makeup set.  It's a translucent 100% silica powder that is finely milled.   I like that it sets my makeup without adding an extra layer of color, so it feels and looks like I'm wearing less makeup.  The sample is very generously sized at 4 grams, and will last me a good while.

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 shadow liner (full size) $5

This is a really fun product in a shade I never would have guessed I'd like.   It's a beautiful coppery color.  The product goes on so smoothly, almost like a lipstick rather than an eyeliner.   It sets well and is a 100% cruelty free product.

Be a Bombshell lip balm in French Kiss (full size)  $14

Ok, this is the product that convinced me to keep Ipsy past the first month.   Let me start out by saying that I never, ever in a million years would have paid $14 for a lip balm before I tried this one.  In fact, I don't even like to pay $2 for a lip balm--it's just a tube of palatable grease you'll slick on twenty times a day in the fall and winter, right?  WRONG.   This lip balm is everything I never knew a lip balm could or should be.   The color itself is little more than a glossy tinge of pink, which is fine--I've never been a fan of tinted lip balms.  But the texture--it's not even a little bit greasy going on.   Even better, I realized at the end of a long day that I had never reapplied it, not even once, and my lips still felt hydrated!!!   Did you get that?  Not remotely greasy but hydrated lips.  I have since used it alone and under lipstick.  I simply love it, and will be forever grateful to Ipsy for introducing me to a product that I'll happily pay full price for in the future.

So the total value of my first ipsy bag was $27.50 plus the value of the bag.   I received two full sized products in this bag and three deluxe samples (one of which, the powder, I didn't even realize wasn't full size until I looked it up on the website).

If you'd like to sign up for Ipsy, go ahead and use my referral link!  I'll get points that I can use for free products.

TOM Box -- September 2015

So, after years (literally) of focusing on my children and neglecting myself, I've started to begin some self-care routines.   I've found that I LOVE subscription boxes.  For a low price I get to try things I may not have picked up on my own, and I've already discovered brands that I love.

TOM boxes (Time Of the Month) are a genre of subscription boxes, with tomboxes.com (formerly swaagbox) being one of the first.   Some reviews I had read said this box contained tampons or pads (your choice of type and brand), some jewelry, makeup, candy, or other pampering products.    I found a half price link on http://hellosubscription.com so I decided to try it. Their regular price is $16, shipping included.

For $8, I received:

14 Count Always Ultra Thin Overnight (I use a variety of feminine products, and just happened to be running low on these when I ordered)   $4

This goldtone Y necklace.   It's a very light piece of costume jewelry that is not to my taste.   I would guess the retail price is around $10, but again it is not something I personally would buy.

This four-foil-pack sample of eslor--two packs of 'soothing refiner & cleanser' and two of 'chorophyll lifting mask' (each packet 5 ml)    I don't really love foil packets, but these appear to be generously sized and reviews of the products on amazon and birchbox seem promising.   $10



And then there was this box of three products.  

Suds! Bath and Body Lavender Chamomile foaming bath salts (0.5 oz)  I'm excited by the bath salts.   We're a bath salts/natural products/aromatherapy loving family, and this product hits all three.   I am not a bath lover, but I will still sometimes put some salts in the tub while I shower  (and soak my feet simultaneously :D).  I'm  really pleased that this product is handmade by an etsy seller, which is not something I expected.  It was a great surprise.  $0.50

EVOLV(H) Smart Start Leave-In Conditioner (2 oz)
Evolv(h) is another brand I had never heard of, but I have been in need of a new leave in conditioner as we move into fall.  I have very long hair and while I have a bajillion strands they're pretty fine, making product choice important.  I look forward to finding out if this conditioner is strong enough to condition my hair without weighing it down.  It's paraben free, gluten free, and vegan, and it smells REALLY good.   $10

Hakari mascara in Jet, full size
For a bunch of reasons, I have recently started wearing makeup again after ten years of wearing it no more than a couple of times a year.    That means I last wore makeup regularly when I was a student/employee/theatre person in my mid twenties and I am currently trying to figure out how to apply makeup to a mid-thirties face.  It's a whole new world :D  I've found that products I loved a decade ago just don't cut it now that my face--and lifestyle--have changed.   I've tried a few other Hikari products recently and I feel like they're high quality, and this mascara is no different.   It has become my go-to mascara for day.   The color is great and really brings out my lashes without being too heavy.  I do have to be careful when I'm applying it because it tends to flake, but once it's set I'm good to go.  Hikari does not test on animals.   $15

So for the math whizzes in the audience, the total value of this box is approximately $49.   Not too bad for a box that cost $8.   I've paused my subscription until I determine how much I like the products that were sent to me--and with this shipment I'm stocked up on feminine hygiene products.  I'll probably restart the subscription in a month or two though, or try another service.   The convenience of having my feminine hygiene products delivered combined with the cool gifts make for a great value.  

Hello!

Hi!   Allow me to introduce myself.   I'm a never-at-home mom of three who loves trying new products and has opinions about . . . well, basically everything :D   I frequently find myself wanting to tell others about the products I've tried, so this is my forum to do that.   Welcome!