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:

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 - 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.

Ipsy February 2014 Review

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry how long it has been since I posted last. I just wanted to share a recent subscription box that really impressed me.

This month's Ipsy bag was titled "The Look of Love." The bag is bright pink with a white zipper, and the lining is pink cheetah print! I love it, and the slightly different shape than usual.

I received my bag slightly later than normal, but still at a reasonable time during the month.

Ipsy is $10/month. Sign up here!

The Contents:

City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon

I am thrilled with this blush. On camera, it appears very orange, but in real life, it is a bright, watermelon pink. I love the matte finish and the pigmentation.

Eyetini Eye Base in Ambrosia

This is a cream eyeshadow base. I adore the color! It is a brown with flecks of pink and purple. It doesn't crease and blends really easily. A new favorite of mine!

IPKN BB Cream in Light

I tried to use this, and it squirted all over my hand! It's such a small sample, so that wasted a lot... but it's orange on me anyway. This is not light.

Zoya Nail Polish in Dot

I really wanted Odette, the purple shade, but I do love light pink nails! Zoya has fantastic polish that dries quickly. I am quite happy with this!

POP Beauty Pouty Plump in Peony Petal

This lip gloss is wonderful! The pigmentation, the texture - I love it! It gets a slightly grainy texture during wear, but it's such a pretty, pigmented gloss.

Overall, I give this bag an 8/10! I am really happy with 4/5 items, and that means this bag is a winner in my eyes.

*Contains my personal Ipsy referral link

Influenster's Jolly VoxBox 2013 Review

Hurray! My second Influenster VoxBox has arrived, and I got a chance to check out each of the products before I wrote this review. I am very pleased with this box, especially considering it's my second box of freebies in two months! I previously received the Varsity VoxBox, which contained NYC lipgloss, Airheads Extreme Bites, Tide PODS, Clearasil face wash, and Kiss nail stickers.

This box was supposed to have a "Naughty and Nice" theme... I'm not sure I quite get that theme, but I am happy with these products nevertheless. 

And on to the contents...

Here's a closer look:

First up is duck tape from the Duck brand. This is a mini roll in a blue and white floral print. I used it to give my phone charger a makeover. I will also use it for packages and other craft projects.

Retail: $3

This single pack of Puffs tissues is a great addition to my purse. I always find myself in need of a tissue while I'm out, yet I don't have one on me. These will be great because they have lotion in the tissues themselves, so my nose won't get irritated.

Retail: $0.49

Next up is the Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer. This is basically a liquid lipstick. The color payoff is amazing and opaque. The color I received is Luna, and it is a beautiful peach color. I will definitely use this up. My only complaint is the weird cucumber smell and strange applicator.

Retail: $5.49

This is the NYC HD Color Trio eyeshadow in Long Beach Sands.This is one of those products that has instructions for where to use each shade, whether it's on the brow bone, crease, or lid. I already have so much neutral eyeshadow, but I really like the colors.

Retail: $2.99

Finally, my sweet tooth had something to be excited about! These Skinny Cow chocolates filled with peanut butter cream are delicious. I have tried the caramel version before, and these are just as good. The peanut butter is a bit salty for me, but I love them otherwise. This box contains 6 packs of 3 candies each. I've already eaten 3 packs... oops.

Retail: $3.99

Overall, the Jolly VoxBox was a great box, and I am very happy that I received it. I look forward to continuing to use these products and review them on my blog and other social networks.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary of Influenster. The opinions are my own.

Beauty Box 5 Review - November Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review Beauty Box 5, which is a $12/month beauty subscription. The November boxes that I have seen did not contain these products, but I am still excited to try everything out!

The contents:

Every Beauty Makeup Remover Pads:

This package contains 5 pads. You just add water and then they act like makeup/face wipes. I am looking forward to trying these out tonight.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion:

I've used plenty of samples of this lotion, as well as several full size bottles. It is a basic moisturizer, and I will use it up.

H2O Oil-free Marine Moisturizer:

I have many face lotion samples, but I have been wanting to try this brand since it was featured in Ipsy and I didn't receive it.

BellaPierre Mineral Powder:

This powder came in Storm, which is a pretty light gray color. This is the only product that was actually featured in the official November Beauty Box 5. I saw many people get a blue color, and I'm so happy I didn't because I already have a blue loose eyeshadow from Ipsy. One blue mineral shadow is more than enough for me.

Nubar Nail Polish:

This nail polish is in the color White Tip. I really don't like it at all. It's white, but almost like an eggshell white... there is something off about it, like a grayish tinge. I don't like this, but I will give it a try anyway. It also appears to be free of any harmful ingredients.

Disclaimer: I received this box complimentary of Beauty Box 5 for review purposes. The opinions are my own.

Sample Society November 2013

This month, I received a free Sample Society box as a promotion for first-time subscribers. These boxes are distributed through Beauty Bar and Allure magazine for $15/month.

The box is smaller in person than I pictured it when reading other reviews! However, it is packaged nicely. The paper in the box reminds me of Glossybox's packaging.

Voila! The box contents are for Kit B. The theme is Winter Wonders.

Jane Iredale Lip Drink mini lip balm: $4

This product retails for $12 normally. This sample will last a while, but it's very tiny. It is pretty cute though, and I use lip balm constantly, so this product is a no-brainer for me.

Illume Balsam & Cedar mini candle: $3

The full size candle retails for $36 and comes in a beautiful jar. This "travel sized" candle (who travels with candles??) is in cute tin. I'm burning it right now, and it smells like winter to me. It's a great Christmastime scent.

Borghese Splendore Brightening Makeup: $15

This product retails for $29.50 in the full size. It is basically a liquid highlighter. I tried a bit on my cheekbones but wasn't impressed. I don't love looking really shimmery. Maybe I can find a way to use this, or try using just a small amount.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer: $10

The full size retails for $65. This is a brand that I recently received samples in the mail from, but I didn't get a sample of this, so I'm happy to try it. It comes with a decent amount in a cute little jar that I can reuse.

Annick Goutal Eau D'Hadrien perfume: $3

The full size is $92. I love the smell of this. I normally hate perfumes and only wear fruity body spray, but this smells light and citrusy.

According to the package, the scent is a tribute to Goutal's passion for Italy. It encorporates citrus fruit, cypress, basil, and rosemary. It smells very fresh.

This box has a value of $34. I will use all of these samples up, except maybe the brightening makeup. I will use it, but very slowly, because it is extremely shimmery.

I am not sure yet if I will keep this subscription next month. I hope a spoiler comes out that will help me decide.

Glossybox October 2013: The Byrdie Box

Imagine my surprise when I got a package in the mail from Glossybox. I had signed up for a 3-month Glossybox subscription on the last day of October, but cancelled the same day because I saw the spoiler for November (black eyeshadow) and wasn't impressed.

Well, after I cancelled, they accidentally shipped the box anyway, despite my account showing that it was cancelled. I also never got a shipping email so I figured it cancelled like normal. 

I can't say I'm disappointed... I do love this box, and I can't believe I got it for free. I feel a little guilty, but I didn't do anything wrong, so I'm not too worried about it.

This is my first time every receiving a Glossybox, and the packaging is to die for. The quality of the box itself is wonderful, and I love the pretty pink ribbon. It's like opening a fancy present.

And without further ado, here is what came in my October Glossybox.

I am in love with all of these products. They are all quality items that I will use up.

Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream by Fresh: $12

This is definitely a deluxe sample. The full size retails for $42.

I am excited to try this. I love face creams and this one smells fresh, like cucumbers. 

Bulgari Eau Parfumée Soap in Au Thé Blanc: $8

This is a cute little soap bar with a fresh smell. The full size retails for $30, so I wouldn't repurchase, but I will enjoy using this up.

Balance Me tinted lip salve in super soft beige: $16.50

This product is full size. It has an off-putting smell that I can't quite describe, but it does have a plumping effect and tingly feel. It is a pretty color. I don't know how often I'll use it, but I like it.

Sesha Renu Exfoliating Gel: $16.80

The full size retails for $42. This product claims to remove dead skin cells with papaya enzymes. I'm really excited to try this. I don't have any scrubs right now, so I am happy to have this on hand.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara: $23

This full size mascara has been said to beat Benefit's They're Real mascara, which is a beauty blogger favorite. I haven't opened it yet because I already have three or four tubes open, but once I throw those out, I will open this one next. I love the extravagant gold packaging. It looks really luxe.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this box, especially because I got it for FREE. It's crazy. This box is valued at about $76. I cannot believe the value in a box that is only $21. I am very impressed with Glossybox, so if any spoilers come out in the coming months that excite me, I'll definitely resubscribe. 

Ipsy October 2013

 It's here! My October 2013 Ipsy Glambag arrived today.

I really love the pink packaging. It's fun to see it in my mailbox.

The theme this month is The Art of Beauty.

The bag is white with a pink lining and zipper. The quote on the front is by Ralph Waldo-Emerson and states, "Love of beauty is taste, The creation of beauty is art."

Here are all five products from my bag this month.

 The first is from Sexy Hair and the product is called Spray Clay. This product says it adds texture to a matte look. I am interested to see how this works and what matte hair looks like.

Deluxe sample

Retail: $6

Next up is the Coastal Scents medium eyeshadow brush. I am excited about this because I could always use another shadow brush.

Retail: $2.49

Bella Terra mineral powder in Navy. I don't like blue eyeshadow, as I've stated, but I'm going to give this a try as a liner. 

Deluxe sample

Retail: $12

I just used this and it is the most beautiful nail polish I've ever seen! It's a Zoya polish called Giovanna and it's an emerald green with blue undertones.

Full size

Retail: $8

Lastly is the Starlooks lip pencil in Tickle Me Pink. This swatched beautifully and I am happy to own my first lip liner!

Full size

Retail: $12

Bag value: $40.49

Not a bad value for $10. This isn't my favorite Ipsy bag, but I definitely enjoyed it and I think the products will all go to use.

What did you get in your bag?

Want to sign up for Ipsy? It's $10/month or $110/year.

Click here to join using my referral link.