Review: Beauty Box 5 October 2014

THE SCOOP:

Hey everyone! Here we go with another Beauty Box 5 review, which is one of the most useful subscription boxes out there. The October BB5 theme is "Effortless Allure," reminding beauty lovers that less is more. All you need is a few pops of color, a useful beauty tool, and moisturized skin!

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends out 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription. Overall, the value is always there!

THE BOX:

Review: Beauty Box 5 September 2014

THE SCOOP:

Hey everyone! I have another Beauty Box 5 review for you. The September BB5 theme is "Balancing Act," encouraging subscribers to embrace the fine line between taking care of responsibilities and following new fall trends.

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends out 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription. BB5 also offers half-off or free intro boxes regularly, so keep an eye on my blog for upcoming coupon codes.

THE BOX:

Beauty Box 5 - August 2014 Review

THE SCOOP:

Hey everyone! Ready for another Beauty Box 5 review? The August BB5 theme is "Radiant and Remarkable," and the products are meant to celebrate the radiance of every subscriber and to help us transition into fall. 

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends out 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription. BB5 also offers half-off intro boxes regularly, so keep an eye on my blog for upcoming coupon codes.

THE BOX:

The August box contains a good mix of makeup, hair products, and skincare. 

Nanacoco lip gloss in First Kiss: Full size, $3.99

This gloss has quickly become one of my favorite lip products in my collection! The texture reminds me of a NYX butter gloss because it is smooth, non-sticky, and smells delicious. The vitamin E keeps my lips soft and silky. This is definitely earning its place in my daily makeup bag!

Check out that pigment! The color of this gloss is opaque and bold. 

La Fresh Travel Lite makeup remover wipes: Sample, 8 wipes

I am currently on vacation in New York City, and these wipes have been so useful for me! They take off waterproof mascara with ease, and they don't leave a sticky or greasy residue behind. I love that they are oil-free so my skin stays clear. 

Novex Brazilian Keratin: Sample, 1.05 oz. 

This packet is truly "hair food!" My hair is dry and tends to frizz, so it eats up moisture. This cream is perfect to use during a shower. Massage it into your hair, leave in for 25 minutes, and rinse. Voila! Healthy, happy hair in a half hour. 

Pur-lisse Pur Protect SPF 30 sunscreen: Sample, 0.5 oz. 

I live in Arizona, so SPF is a pretty important part of my life. This lotion is lightweight and non-greasy, so it's the perfect SPF under makeup. I like the high SPF, too. 

NOT PICTURED:

Style Essentials nail polish: Full Size

This polish is so unique in my collection! The color is something I've never seen before. I love the high shine finish and thick brush that allows for easy application. This is my new favorite toe polish color!

THE RECAP:

I received 5 beauty products in the August BB5 that are useful to my life. Each item will be used. I've already finished the LA Fresh wipes, and I'm working on the Pur-lisse and the Novex. I am very pleased with the usefulness of this month's box. 

Make sure to subscribe by 8/21 to get the August box! Otherwise, sign up ASAP to get in on the September BB5. 

Disclaimer: I am a contributor to Beauty Box 5's review team. I received this box for review purposes. The opinions are my own.

Introducing Makeup by One Direction

Get excited, One Direction fans! Coming soon to a store near you is a fun, colorful makeup line by the boys of 1D.

The collection consists of three limited edition tins inspired by One Direction's albums, including "Up All Night," "Take Me Home," and "Midnight Memories." Each kit has a unique color palette and high quality products!

Markwins International, the makers of Physician's Formula and Wet n Wild, says: "A range of makeup and cosmetic products celebrating youth, style, and the uninhibited lifestyle of a new generation. Celebrating life with bold shades, unique formula and infused with limited edition collectible packaging, Makeup from One Direction is fun, bold, often irreverent, with a touch of cheeky mischievousness. Offered at prices that every girl and woman can afford."

Now, on to the fun part... the kit itself!

Beauty Box 5 August 2014 Spoiler

Ready for August's Beauty Box 5? Every subscriber will receive a FULL-SIZE Nanacoco lip gloss!

BB5 says: "High shine and flawless color should always be in your beauty arsenal - and on your lips! Nanacoco's lip gloss has a rich formula in stunning shades that glides on like velvet - never sticky. Plus, soothing vitamin E makes it a moisurizing must-have!"

Make sure to sign up for BB5 by August 21st to get this month's box!

Giveaway: Makeup by One Direction and Concert Tickets

Get ready, One Direction fans! I have a great opportunity for you to win makeup products designed by the members of 1D and Markwins International, the creator of Wet n Wild cosmetics, as well as concert tickets for the "Where We Are" tour!

The collection consists of three limited edition tins inspired by One Direction's albums, including "Up All Night," "Take Me Home," and "Midnight Memories."

Markwins says: "A range of makeup and cosmetic products celebrating youth, style, and the uninhibited lifestyle of a new generation. Celebrating life with bold shades, unique formula and infused with limited edition collectible packaging, Makeup from One Direction is fun, bold, often irreverent, with a touch of cheeky mischievousness. Offered at prices that every girl and woman can afford."

Up All Night Kit

A party girl look

Beauty Box 5 - July 2014 Review

THE SCOOP:

Hey everyone! I'm back with another Beauty Box 5 review. The July BB5 theme is "Defining Moments," encouraging subscribers to celebrate the events that made us the women we are today. 

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription. BB5 also offers free intro boxes regularly, so keep an eye on my blog for upcoming deals.

THE BOX:

What to Expect in the July 2014 Beauty Box 5

Drumroll, please...

That's right! All BB5 July boxes will contain Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume mascara. This mascara promises long lashes, dark pigment, and high shine - sign me up!

Let me know what you get in your box this month. My review will be up in the coming weeks!

Influenster Venus® Snap with Embrace Review

Hey everyone! With the Arizona summer in full swing, I find myself in public with bare legs often. I use the heat as an excuse to whip out my dresses, skirts, and shorts so I can stay cool and look cute. However, sometimes you don't have time to shave before you head off to run an errand. Or maybe you need to bring a razor on a weekend getaway, but you have limited packing space. Or perhaps you are a gym rat who likes to get their shaving over with in the gym shower.

Here is your solution: the new Gillette Venus® Snap with Embrace!

Photo from Amazon.com

No matter the situation, Venus® Snap with Embrace is a perfect match for your lifestyle. We are all busy, and sometimes we need smoothness on-the-go. This portable razor will help you get a smooth shave #InASnap!

Recently, I went to the gym and wanted to take a dip in the pool afterward to cool down. I hadn't shaved my legs in a few days, and I felt self-conscious about the stubble. I pulled my Venus® Snap with Embrace out of gym bag, and I was able to go for a swim without any worry!

The carrying case for this tiny razor is so convenient and allows you to bring it on the go anytime. The mini handle has a grip on it so there is no worry of it slipping out of your hand. Also, the 5 Curve-Hugging blades provide a close shave, and the Ribbon of Moisture, activated by water, provides comfortable smoothness.

Overall, this razor has been a welcome convenience in my life. Are you planning to try it?

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary of Influenster for testing purposes.

Beauty Box 5 - June 2014 Review

THE SCOOP:

Hey everyone! I'm back again with a Beauty Box 5 review. The June BB5 theme is "Summer Chic." With the first day of summer approaching quickly, this box is perfect for any beauty lover to prepare for the warmer months.

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription. If you are a first-time subscriber, use the code "614FREE" for a free box.

Beauty Box 5 - May 2014 Review

THE SCOOP:
Hey everyone! I'm here with another Beauty Box 5 review. The May BB5 theme is "Fresh and Focused," and the BB5 team created this box to help subscribers get back in the zone when all we can think about is laying on the beach with a good book and a margarita.

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription.

CONTENTS:

MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask: Full Size, $5.99

This sheet mask is paraben-free, vegan, and 100% biodegradable! I enjoy how eco-friendly the brand is, and I love masks of any type. This one has cute packaging and feels really moisturizing and soothing.

Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths: Sample, $0.87

The May BB5 came with three of these cooling cloths. I have never tried anything like these before, so I was really excited. They leave a nice scent and a powdery, dry finish. They work really well for the summer heat in Arizona.

H2O+ Aqualibrium Marine Cleansing Gel: Sample, $1.35

This cleanser is made with sea salt and energizing marine botanicals. It is also oil-free and has gentle exfoliants. I have been using this while out of town, and I really enjoy how clean it makes my face feel.

Harvey Prince Hello Fragrance: Sample, $3.50

This perfume has notes of mandarin, grapefruit, and plumeria. It is my perfect summer scent. I have worn it every day since I received my box. It is so fresh and happy.

Cattiva Precisione Eye Liner: Full Size, $20

This retractable liner is waterproof and smudge-resistant. The swatch below stayed on my hand after vigorous scrubbing. It goes on smooth and dark. It's a great addition to my makeup collection!

May's Beauty Box 5 did not disappoint. The value is over $30, so I think it's a great deal. I will use all of these products. I can't wait to see what June has in store!

Disclaimer: I am a contributor to Beauty Box 5's review team. I received this box for review purposes. The opinions are my own.

This Just In: Try on High-End Makeup at GlamST!

Hey everyone! Today I'm bringing you some information about GlamST, an extremely useful website where you can try on high-end makeup before making a purchase.

All you have to do is sign up, head over to the Virtual Tester, upload your photo, and start playing with pretty new looks!

You can also search through the looks that other GlamST members have created, and you can even try on their creations. If you are interested, here's my look, including a before an after!

The Products I Tried:

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation in Vanilla

YSL Touche Eclat Concealer in Luminous Toffee

Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush in Petal

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner in Black

Lancome Color Design 5-Pan Palette in Sienna Sultry

Benefit They're Real Mascara in Black

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Washed Seashell

Make Up Forever Lab Shine Lip Gloss in S2

My favorite tools on GlamST were the eyeshadow and eyeliner options! There are many different eyeliner styles to play with, whether you want a bold wing or a thin line. The eyeshadow feature allows you to choose which colors in a palette you want to use and what shape you want to try. It's so fun to see what looks best on you!

I also recommend saving your looks so you can check them later and remember which products you want to pick up. You can even click on "+info" to get smart recommendations from GlamST of similar looks. This website can really change the way you look at makeup! I highly recommend checking it out.

Disclaimer: Sponsored by BrandBacker.

Beauty Box 5 - May 2014 Spoiler

Ready for the May 2014 Beauty Box 5?

The first spoiler is out, and every subscriber will received a full-size Cattiva Precisione Eye Liner, a $20 value!

BB5 says: "Creamy, black, and paraben free, Cattiva's Precisione Eye Liner withstands sweat, heat, and (happy!) tears. Travel-friendly and retractable, this water-proof pencil defines and emphasizes your best assets all day long!"

BB5 is a subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products every month for just $12.

Sign up by April 30 to be guaranteed a May box.

Beauty Box 5 - April 2014 Review

THE SCOOP:
Hey everyone! I'm here with a review on the April 2014 Beauty Box 5.

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription.

BB5 sends out some of the most useful products I've seen in beauty subscriptions.

This month's theme is Shades of Beauty.

CONTENTS:

Nicka K New York Hydro Lipstick in Begonia: Full Size; $4.99

This lipstick is an interesting color. It changes in the light from a bright pink to a bright red. It has a shimmery quality that reminded me of Dorothy's ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz! When I first saw it, I assumed I would dislike the shimmer because I am more of a cream lipstick lover. However, the finished look was gorgeous! It goes really well with a golden eye and peach blush.

Bonne Bell Lip Definer in Soft Brick: Full Size; $3.95

Boy, it has been a while since I have used Bonne Bell. This lip liner is not the smoothest in application, but it provides natural definition for the lips. I think it would be great for people who want to line outside of their natural lip line to give the illusion of fuller lips.

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Palette: Sample; $3
I have never tried BH Costmetics. This sampler was given away last summer in Ipsy bags, but I was not a subscriber at the time. I really enjoy these three colors, one from each California palette. The purple shade is unlike any other purple I own. It is a royal purple. The brown has gorgeous golden shimmer, and it goes perfectly with the golden color on the right.

Swatches of the BH Cosmetics California Sample Palette 

Blum Naturals All-Purpose Cleansing Wipes in Fresh Scent: 30 wipes; $2.49

I really love that BB5 included makeup wipes this month. I could always use more wipes because I use them to take off my makeup at night before washing my face. This little container has a keychain for on-the-go use, but it contains 30 wipes, which is a great amount. I am excited to use these!

Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer packets: Sample; $1.50

Although I have light skin, I decided to try out these packets, which are meant for medium to tan skintones. I have used the first two packets, and I am mostly impressed! I have a beautiful tan now that looks fairly natural. My only problem is that I noticed a few streaks. This is probably due to my application, and I will be more careful to make sure everything is rubbed in properly from now on. I will definitely purchase this in the light version.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Swatches of lipstick in Begonia and lip definer in Soft Brick

I did an eye look using all three colors from the BH Cosmetics sampler. The gold is on my lid, the brown is in my crease, and I used the purple as a liner by wetting an angled brush and dipping it into the shadow.

These shadows are very easy to blend. I'm very impressed!

Here is my final look, using the eye look from above, the lip definer in Soft Brick, and the lipstick in Begonia. You can see the beautiful red quality here, but when I move, the shimmer causes it to change color. It really is beautiful!

Overall, this month's box was worth about $16. The value here is very high for me because I will use all of the products! Keep it up, BB5!

Disclaimer: I am a contributor to Beauty Box 5's review team. I received this box for review purposes. The opinions are my own.

Beauty Box 5: Makeup Madness Box Available Now!

Beauty Box 5 curates one of my favorite monthly beauty subscriptions. Every month, BB5 sends out 5 products that range from cosmetics to haircare to skincare for just $12 a month (even less with longer subscriptions). 

Right now, there's a special deal going on with the March Madness box!  

This limited edition box boasts about $115 worth of high-end products for only $39 plus shipping!

The contents of the box:

• Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting Eye Liner inCafé Noir ($27.00)
• Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara in Blackened Brown ($7.99)
• Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Old Hollywood ($25.00)
• Lancôme Le Crayon Lip Contour (assorted colors) ($25.00)
• Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad in Golden Lilac ($30.00)

Make sure to check out this limited edition box before it's gone!

Disclaimer: Photo and information provided by BB5.

Beauty Box 5 April Spoiler

Voila! Here is the April spoiler for Beauty Box 5. All subscribers will receive a full-size Nicka K New York Hydro Lipstick. 

BB5 says, "These long-wear lipsticks are formulated with jojoba oil for moisturized, lightweight, full-bodied color." They are also paraben-free and come in a myriad of beautiful colors! I am hoping for a radiant orchid color, like Fabulous. Which color are you loving?

In case you haven't heard, BB5 is a subscription service that delivers five beauty products to your door every month. Make sure you sign up before March 31st to receive an April box!

Disclaimer: Photo and information provided by Beauty Box 5. 

Rimmel Brand Prize for the Influenster Jolly VoxBox

I received these products as a complimentary prize for unlocking the Rimmel brand prize for the Jolly VoxBox. All badge holders received the Scandaleyes mascara, but only a select few (the top badge holders) received this larger prize. 

The Contents:

Scandaleyes Retro Glam mascara in Extreme Black

I haven't opened this yet because I already have two tubes of mascara open. I am looking forward to trying it out.

60 Seconds nail polish in Red Steady Go and Blue Eyed Girl

I am excited about these! I don't own anything like them. I surprisingly don't own red nail polish, and I love the bright blue color. 

Exaggerate lip liner in Red Diva

I am so pumped about this! I have no red lip liner, and it's a great color to have. 

Kate Moss matte finish lipstick in 111 Kiss of Life

This is a bright red lipstick with orange undertones. I already have 4 red lipsticks, so I will probably give this away.

Stay Blushed cheek tint in Pop of Pink

I can't find these anywhere in stores, so I am thrilled to try one out! This is a beautiful pink color that blends easily on the cheeks. 

Thanks, Influenster and Rimmel! I am so happy about this prize.

Walgreens and Target Haul: Wet n Wild, Rimmel, and Ponds

Today I went shopping for some items that I have been coveting for awhile. Take a look at my haul!

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, $2.49: I am excited to try it with my Rimmel Stay Matte foundation. 

Wet n Wild Walking the Red Carpet limited edition palette, $4.11: My first WnW 8-pan palette! I've been searching for this and I'm so excited to use it. 

Wet n Wild lipstick in Bare it All, $0.64

Wet n Wild "bronzer" in Reserve Your Cabana $2.21: I've been wanting to try this as a highlight/setting powder for awhile now. 

Wet n Wild coverall stick in Fair, $0.64

Wet n Wild MegaLast nail polishes in Valet Tag and Champagne Toast, $0.49 each

Pond's BB cream in Light: free!

Wet n Wild was 25% off at Walgreens, and Rimmel was half-off. I had 5 $1 off Wet n Wild coupons, 1 $1 off Rimmel coupon, and 1 free Pond's product coupon, so my grand total came to be about $13! I am pretty proud of this haul.

Beauty Box 5 - March 2014 Review

Hey everyone! I'm here with a review on the March 2014 Beauty Box 5.

Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription service that sends you 5 beauty products each month. The box is $12 a month for a month-to-month subscription, but you can save money if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription.

This month's theme was Spring Cleaning, which is very fitting for a March beauty box.



I really enjoy Beauty Box 5's packaging. The box is very compact, but the products are packed nicely and the outside of the box is cute, too!

THE CONTENTS:



Bellapierre Cosmetics Makeup Base: .25 oz, $18



This is the product that was used as a spoiler for March boxes! I am so happy to receive this. According to Bellapierre's website, this base can be used as an eyeshadow base/primer, a concealer, or an all-over face primer. I have tried it as an eyeshadow base and as a concealer. It's not quite creamy enough for a concealer, but it covers well. I love using it as an eyeshadow base. It turns shimmery shadows into a matte finish. It's really useful for any shadows that are too shimmery on their own. You can also use this on days where you are not wearing eyeshadow to even out the skin of your eyelids.

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime: 2 oz, $2.50

I'm so excited to receive this product because I don't own any body butters! This has a delicious coconut lime smell. I am saving it for the summer months because I think this cream has the perfect summer scent! It feels extremely moisturizing.

H2O Plus Hand & Nail Cream: 1 oz, $2.50
I'm so excited to receive H2O products in this box. I think they make great quality products. This hand and nail cream has a nice, clean smell and feels very luxurious and moisturizing. I love keeping it in my purse!

Swissco Dual-Sided Facial Pad: $2
This is a two-sided facial exfoliator. One side is more rough (the one that is shown), and the other side feels more like terry cloth. I have used this several times, and I think I prefer it on my body rather than my face. It is really useful for the summer time when you're self-tanning and shaving more often.

Jane’s Pick All Natural Soap: $2
I am very happy to sample an all-natural soap! This is a beautiful handmade soap that smells delicious. The scent is called Patience, and it is described as having black spruce, fir needle, and rosewood notes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this box. It has a value of about $27, which is a great deal for the price of the subscription. I have subscribed to other beauty boxes, and oftentimes, the products won't be very useful. However, I will use each item from this box, and I am really looking forward to next month!
What do you think? Are you going to subscribe to Beauty Box 5?

Disclaimer: I am a contributor to Beauty Box 5's review team. I received this box for review purposes. The opinions are my own.

NYC Badge Prize for Varsity VoxBox from Influenster

Last month, I received the brand prize from NYC that I received for completing activites based off of the Big Bold Gloss that was in the Varsity VoxBox. As a reward for completing these activites, NYC and Influenster sent me a prize package.

I love NYC makeup! It's fairly cheap at the drugstore, but it's still fun to try.

NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in Pink Cheek Glow 723A

I really enjoy this "face powder"... though I consider it a blush. It's too pink to be just a highlighter, but I would consider it a highlighting blush. It's very pretty!

NYC Applelicious Lip Balm in Pink Lady 353

This lip balm has a delicious apple smell and a soft pink color. It's a lightly tinted lip balm. I love the cute apple design in the center!

NYC HD Color Eyeshadow Trio in Streets Paved in Gold 792

This is my favorite item in the box! I received a trio from NYC in the Jolly VoxBox in a different color combination. I didn't like that one because it lacked pigmentation... but I LOVE these shadows! The golden tones look great with my brown eyes. I even use the golden highlight color on my cheekbones.

Thank you to Influenster and NYC! I love getting these goodies to try out.