Birchbox May 2012 Box Review

May 182012
 

I got my box last week but have been quite busy! This is my -last- Birchbox unless I decide that they have become suddenly awesome again (like the Teen Vogue box). While I did get some nice items I was very meh about it! Box breakdown.

1. Arquiste Flor y Canto – 1.13ml – Value $3.39 (Full Size 55ml, $165)
Woo, a perfume sample. Smells a lot like the original Michael Kors fragrance (parfum). I don’t care for the scent much and if you like this you will like MK or the original Kim Kardashian fragrances, which are a fraction of the price. This one’s not a spray which is mildly annoying because you end up getting perfume all over your fingers when you open the vial.

2. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream – 0.5oz – Value $3.80 (Full Size 2.5oz, $19)
I am not really into lotions or creams. It’s nice enough and i’ll probably use it because I can always use creams for my cuticles, but I am not totally wowed by it or anything. The scent is alright. Good size to toss in my bag and go though.

3. FusionBeauty LipFusion Balm Lip Conditioning Stick SPF 15 – Full Size – $22
Nice full sized item. I am not really into the whole plumping thing because I have full enough lips and I don’t like the plumping feeling (tingling or burning :/).

4. Ojon damage reverse Restorative Conditioner – 1oz – Value $2.94 (Full Size 8.5oz, $25)
Travel sized conditioner. I haven’t tried any Ojon but hopefully this will work for my hair and not either 1. weigh it down or 2. break me out at the hairline. High hopes for this.

5. Birchbox Notecards – 1 card – Value $0.83 (Full Size 12 cards, $10)
A card. Alrighty then. Can always use blank notecards. Unfortunately they took away the option to give feedback on this for BB points for some reason.

Total Box Value: $32.96

As nice as it was to get a full sized item again I am just not feeling anything in this box. The nature of the beast, but my $10 can be spent better. Sorry Birchbox, but we’re done for now.

 

Beautyfix by Dermstore Spring 2012 Box Review

May 132012
 

Look at that!! I got my Beautyfix box yesterday and it is absolutely amazing. Huge, and amazing. Like I mentioned before Beautyfix by Dermstore is a quarterly beauty box subscription service that retails $49.99 a quarter, and you get 8 items of your choice (of which over half of the items are full size) + a bonus cosmetic bag of your choice. Let’s break it down!

1. Nailtiques Formula 2 & Color Lacquer Kit – Full Size – Value: $20
This Nailtiques Kit contains a full size 1/2oz bottle of Formula 2 nail therapy and a full size lacquer in Moscow.  The kit in itself is a great deal (bought separately the formula is $17.50 and the lacquer $10) and I am very happy to finally get some Nailtiques products because my nails are in serious need of it.

2. SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Enlightened – Full Size – Value: $10
My first SpaRitual. The color is a deep pearly pink. Unfortunately not my kind of shade. But the SpaRitual quality can’t be beat.

3. SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Airhead – Full Size – Value: $10
My second SpaRitual. I love this color, it’s a milky sheer pink, buildable but also great for layering. A true keeper and I absolutely love the formula of SpaRitual polishes. This is super smooth and shiny!

4. Jonathan Product Finish Control High Shine Flexible Hairspray – Full Size 10oz – Value: $30
A big giant can of hairspray is just what I needed and this hairspray fills that need. I love that it gives a nice shine and doesn’t give me helmet hair either (just enough to keep those stray hairs down but i’m sure I could do some nice do’s with this). It’s also 100% Vegan, if that is of importance to you.

5. iQ Derma Clear Remedy Purifying Cleanser – Full Size 3.4oz – Value: $30
A full size bottle of cleanser, which I am excited to try out. I love cleansers and am searching for my holy grail skin regimen, so hopefully I’ll have a hit with this.

6. iQ Derma Clear Remedy Hydrating Lotion – Full Size 3.4oz – Value: $40
The matching lotion to the cleanser above. I really hope this line works out for me as it seems promising.

7. Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle – Full Size 1.6oz – Value: $15.26
This is a 12% Glycolic cream which is excellent for acne marks and wrinkles. I have previously used a Walgreens product with 5% Glycolic and had some good results but not to the extent which I was hoping. I am very happy to get this product in my hands finally after meaning to purchase it for the past two years!

8. Skindinavia Original Makeup Finishing Spray – Full Size 4oz – Value: $29
Skindinavia (if you don’t already know) produces the famous setting sprays for Urban Decay (which are virtually the same formulas with a fancy label). This here is equivalent to UD All Nighter, which is a great product, and the Skindinavia version is no exception. I love this (and I have immediately tossed my ELF setting mist!). Perfect for the summer and keeping my face makeup from disappearing.

Bonus Item - Raw Color Maximum Coverage Foundation Brush – Full Size – Value: $35
Beautyfix from time to time tosses in bonus items, I’ve seen DHC samplers, haircare etc. and I think that’s really cool! They added to my box a really nice foundation brush by Raw Natural Beauty. Nice and dense, perfect for powders! I absolutely love it and the fibers are sooo soft. Yay!

Bag Selection - Beautyfix Flat Makeup Bag Duo – Value: $25
I wasn’t too excited by the other bags but these are absolutely lovely. I love the color scheme and they are lined in a nice satiny look purple nylon. Very durable and sturdy, you can easily wipe the outside clean. One of my new favorite makeup bags!

Total Box Value: $244.26 (!!!!!)

Beautyfix has totally wowed me. After so many disappointing monthly boxes with samples I could easily collect for free, or items that don’t suit me or my needs at all, this service is a refreshing change of pace. If you haven’t tried Beautyfix by Dermstore, I’d say give it a shot because you will get at least double or triple your money’s worth in product of your choice!

Also included with every box is a $25 off $50 gift card when you take 2 item surveys! I can’t wait to pick out a few nice items from Dermstore for myself. :)

You can subscribe to Beautyfix by Dermstore here, and please don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter (Dermstore is also on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest).

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for my consideration. 

Beauty Bar Sample Society with Allure April 2012 Box

May 132012
 

Beauty Bar’s second box arrived to me a couple weeks ago, but I haven’t had time to post it up yet (oops) and I have this month’s box to put up too, so I will just go ahead and do a quick post on this one. I was a bit thrilled to see By Terry in the box and the Boscia cleansing gel has been something i’ve been meaning to try too. On to the breakdown…

1. Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum - 5ml – Value: $3.50 (Full Size: 50ml, $35)
A rather small “deluxe” sample.. not that big of a deal since it’s a serum- a few drops go a long way. The scent is nice and I do like most Oscar Blandi products. Not something I would use on the regular though.

2.Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel – 1.69oz – Value $8.78 (Full Size: 5oz, $26)
This is a nice size bottle of cleanser. I have been meaning to try it out (I do have and love their blotting paper) but never ran into the cleansing gel in person. If it goes well I may have to buy a full bottle, but this is at least a month’s supply for me. The ingredients are fairly gentle which leaves my skincare regimen open for using other products without conflict. Happy to get this.

3. By Terry Creme de Rose  - 0.14oz – Value $13.72 (Full Size: 1.01oz, $99) 
Luxe skincare at its finest. I have been dying to try By Terry products and I finally got one here in my box. This smells absolutely wonderful (roses, of course), was rich and left my skin feeling like silk. I am using it sparingly because the price is very, very high. Maybe one day I’ll find it at a nice price, but right now I will stick to using my samples on those days where I want to really pamper myself.

4. Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer Acne & Shine Control – 0.17oz – Value $5.95 (Full Size: 1oz, $35)
A makeup item, finally! I like Murad skincare so this primer seems like it would be a great thing. It has Salicylic Acid in the primer to treat blemishes. The full size is sold out online so I hope that means it’s good, as I don’t really like trying face makeup targeted at helping blemishes since I have had some pretty bad reactions to these types of products. I’ll probably do a review on this once I get a chance to.

5. DDF Amplifying Elixir – 0.5oz – Value $18.52 (Full Size: 1.7oz, $63)
Amplifying Elixir is a fancy name for moisturizer. The second one in this box, it claims to increase the skin’s moisture barrier by 50%. While I don’t know how true that is, it’s a nice product although pricey. Not sure if I would buy this on my own.

Total Box Value: $50.47

Great box, again a little too much skincare and I hope they expand more into cosmetics and nail products. Sad that there were no full sized items this month and I hope the sizes don’t keep shrinking. Otherwise I am really enjoying Beauty Bar Sample Society, and I got my first issue of Allure this month too. :)

Birchbox April 2012 Box Review

May 082012
 

This would be my fifth month with Birchbox and I have to say I wasn’t too thrilled with this box. Nothing in the box appealed to me, but I tend to give these things about 6 months unless they’re really terrible. I’ll go ahead and break down what I got.

1. Befine Exfoliating Cleanser &  Daily Moisturizer SPF15 – 3 10ml packs of cleanser & 2 10ml packs of moisturizer – $7.25 Value (Full Size:  4oz & 1.7oz, $25 each)
Befine is a great brand! The not so great thing- The moisturizer packets were expired. My two packets expired in 2010, and I’m very glad I didn’t use them because not only is the SPF ineffective BUT most people who did try them said they stunk. I have tried the exfoliating cleanser and it’s a nice product. Birchbox did remedy the expired moisturizer problem by awarding 100 points to anyone who filled out a special form, but it’s pretty bad that they didn’t QC items before sending them out.

2. Alima Pure Organic Nourishing Lip Balm in Rhubarb – Full Size – $7 Value
Yay! Full sized item. Alima has been present in the mineral makeup world for a while now for their fantastic foundations. The lip balms are no exception to their good quality, unfortunately this tinted balm is not a shade I am fond of.

3. willa naturals On The Go Gentle Cleansing Lavender Facial Towelettes – Travel Size 10 count – $2.90 Value
I’ve never tried willa but the brand seems interesting- the only thing I found odd is that this is a brand that is promoted for little girls with the taglines “Start Young. Stay Young.” and developed by girls, for girls”so I’m not sure why Birchbox chose these since most subscribers are in the 18-25 age range. Nonetheless a nice addition and a good toss in for an overnight bag. I’m just not fond of lavender scents so I was hoping to get the Yes To Blueberries wipes, but it wasn’t meand to be.

4. Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift – 0.04oz/1.2ml – $0.71 Value (Full Size 3.4oz, $59.50)
Teenybopper perfume sample. Yawn. Nonplussed. I can go to just about any department store and walk out with a handful of them for free (just ask, and Nordstrom sales associates will gladly make you samples). I wish they would do away with the teen scents and focus on niche fragrances if they’re going to give samples. The scent is nice, but nothing you couldn’t find for cheaper in a body mist at a mall shop.

5. Dropps Laundry Detergent – 2 pacs – $0.60 Value (Full Size 20 pacs, $6)
I like these little detergent pacs. Convenient and makes my Husband enjoy doing laundry (he’s also a fan of those little Downy scent pellets). A nice bonus, but, odd for a beauty sample box.

Total Box Value: $18.46 *wah-wah-waaaaah*

Yep, This box was pretty much a floppity flop for me and influenced my decision to (gasp) cancel Birchbox. I didn’t cancel in time so I’ll be getting a May box, but I’m just not that into you Birchbox.

Beautyfix by Dermstore – Say goodbye to sample packets!

May 042012
 

After deciding other beauty sampling programs just aren’t working out for me I took to the net in search of something new. Something that didn’t give me a box full of packets or tiny sample sizes I could go pick up at Nordstrom or Macy’s for free instead of $10. While I do like some of the subscriptions I have gotten, none of them have truly been a hit until now. I have found sampling nirvana, and it’s name is Beautyfix by Dermstore.

Beautyfix is a quarterly sampling program, similar to other boxes but this one packs way more punch than dinky $10/month sampling programs. With Beautyfix there are NO SAMPLE PACKETS! There are deluxe and travel sizes, and the best part, FULL SIZE products. Yes, this program is a bit more expensive but when you think about it, you are getting 100% of your money back and more in product.

 

Beautyfix offers a plethora of amazing brands like SpaRitual nail polish, Jonathan hair care, 3LAB skincare, Skindinavia, Perricone MD, Jane Iredale, Kinerase, Murad, Juice Beauty, Becca, Pur~lisse and so many more. With your Beautyfix subscription you get to pick 8 products of your choice from a selection of OVER 60 different items, over half of which are full size. You also get your choice of a bonus bag- a soft travel train case, barrel cosmetic bag or set of two cosmetic bags.

With your subscription you also get a free $25 Dermstore gift card after you submit two product reviews, as well as access to a special members only boutique with special deals on products and brands seen in the boxes. While Beautyfix is a more expensive program, I believe in the saying “you get what you pay for”- and I was tired of paying $10 for boxes of mostly free samples I could obtain on my own!

I have ordered my own kit and will share with you all once I get it! Do any of you subscribe to Beautyfix? Will you now?

Beautyfix by Dermstore retails $49.99 per box quarterly with free shipping and can be purchased at Beautyfix.com. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page for giveaways as well as their parent company Dermstore at Dermstore.com and Facebook.

SoFlaJo Happy Hour Collection – Golden Cadillac Review & Swatches

May 012012
 

Indie nail polish maker SoFlaJo recently released the Happy Hour collection of polishes which includes names like Pink Lady, Tequila Sunrise, and Blue Martini- What I have in front of me today is the wonderfully sparkly Golden Cadillac!

Adorably packaged with fun confetti and a freebie hair clip, SoFlaJo is about presentation from the start! I loved opening the envelope to see all this together. I love the little bow on the handle.

Golden Cadillac is described as “jelly with short holo tinsel and gold holo glitter”, which is accurate. It also has a bit of a gold mica shimmer in there too- which is very fun to play with when layering. Layering? This whole collection is all about that- try them over each other or any polishes. You can also build up coats- in around 3-4 coats you will get a shimmery gold with the glitters.

Naked nail with SoFlaJo Golden Cadillac.

I chose to layer Golden Cadillac over Zoya Charla, a mermaid teal shimmer. Golden Cadillac’s gold shimmer turned Charla into almost an emerald green in some lights! Fantastic!

The consistency of the polish was perfect and NO rough glitter! Perfectly smooth with no issues in application. Would I recommend SoFlaJo polishes? Yes!

SoFlaJo polishes come in 5ml minis like I have shown here ($5) and full size ($10), and can be purchased here at SoFlaJo.com or at SoFlaJo on Etsy. Be sure to like SoFlaJo on Facebook to keep up with sales (yes, sales!) and the latest collections.
disclaimer: this product was sent for my consideration. my review is my own experience with the product and I was not compensated for this review.

 

Reviva Labs Eye Gelee Concentrate Review

Apr 272012
 

You can never have too many eye products. Unfortunately for me, I don’t really like creams but I LOVE gels. Today I have Reviva Labs Eye Gelee up for review and I have to say, I really enjoyed it!

Reviva Labs’ Eye Gelee promises to help reduce puffiness with its’ herbal extracts, and fight dryness and lines under eyes with elastin, collagen, and mucopolysaccharides. It contains aloe for soothing and softening properties, and can be used all around the eye area (eyelids too).

I used the eye gelee for two weeks, during the day after washing my face. The instructions are simple- pat a small dot on your undereye area and you’re good to go. The formula is a nice, not thin but not very thick gel with no scent. The product is suggested for daytime use since it’s a light formula. It feels a little tacky while you’re patting (don’t rub) it on, but the tackiness is gone when it dries in. Doesn’t leave a film or feel heavy. Looks a little bit shiny while drying but that’s just the nature of the product.

 Ingredients: Deionized Water, Aloe Juice, Soluble Collagen, Glycerin, PEG-8 Glucopyranose Copolymer, Mallow Extract (and) Ivy (and) Parietary (and) Cucumber (and) Sambucus (and) Arnica Extracts, Caster Oil, Elastic, Hyd. Mucopolysaccharides, Polyvalent Tissue Complex, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.

Here’s some before and after application pictures so you can see; I felt like it did help my undereyes and relax some of my fine lines going on there. These were taken after my shower and yes, it’s sans makeup because it’s a skincare product haha.

Before

After

I see a difference.. do you? :)

Overall I would have to say this is a great product- the price is great too; only $11.00 for a full 1oz bottle.

Reviva Labs does not animal test and has been in the skincare business for over 38 years! You can purchase their products online at RevivaLabs.com as well as health food and wellness retailers.

disclaimer: this product was sent for my consideration. my review is my own experience with the product and I was not compensated for this review.

Beauty Bar Sample Society March 2012 Box Review

Apr 132012
 

As I mentioned before, I signed up for Beautybar.com’s Sample Society with Allure box. With Beauty Bar they promise actual deluxe samples from higher end brands (no packets or teeny tiny tubes). They charge $15 a month but if it means bigger items I will gladly pay the extra $5. I got my first box a few weeks ago but couldn’t find the picture I had taken of it! This is the first box and I feel like they really delivered with this one. I hope it doesn’t drop off in subsequent months, but a strong start is always a good thing.

Box Breakdown

Inside the box were 5 items and an info booklet with a code for $15 off a $50 purchase of items from the box. The packaging is the same box as Birchbox, but they use a black colored box and silver tissue, fit inside a tougher cardboard box for shipping. Let’s take a look at the items and the box value now.

1. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – 13g – $8.66 Value (Full Size: 75g, $50)
I had already gotten the exact same item in my Birchbox so it wasn’t anything new to me. It’s a good product and a decent size, better than a small packet. No complaints.

2. Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask – 15ml – $7.50 Value (Full Size: 50ml, $55)
Ren products are always good. I am already a fan of the mask and the tube is a decent size. Enough for more than a few uses. Note:  This exact size is found in a 4 piece travel set from many stores for $30, so the value is based off of that and not the price per ml from the full size. Going by the price per ml, it’s $16.50 value.

3. Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream – 1.6oz – $9 Value (Actual Retail Item)
This is an actual retail size of the Glossing Cream. I have seen the same bottle at a bunch of stores, so this is nice to get. I have already tried the glossing cream many times over from free packet samples, and I like the scent and what it does for my hair. I just need to remember to use hair products more often.

4. Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen – 0.14oz – $20 Value (Actual Retail Item)
Full size! This feels extremely nice on my undereye area.. I think I may have to get more. I am really happy about this, I have heard many good things about skyn and for this to deliver was just awesome. The price is expensive but I really love a good eye cream.

5. Oscar De La Renta Esprit D’Oscar Rollerball – 3ml – $12.50 Value (Full Size: 6ml, $25)
I don’t care for the scent and it’s been around for ages. It just doesn’t appeal to me and smells dated, and sets off headaches for me. No problem though because I don’t expect to like everything I get in these sample boxes! But this is half of a full size rollerball, so not bad.

Total Box Value: $57.66

Not bad at all for a $15 box! I’d have to say that this solidified me getting another box and I am very pleased. Not to mention if there’s anything you don’t like, they are good enough sizes to keep around for small gifts for holidays. The only thing I am hoping for is makeup to make an appearance- there was none in the box!

If you are interested in subscribing, you can sign up here: https://www.beautybar.com/SampleSociety/

“Mini” Giveaway!

Apr 122012
 

Hi guys! I’m having a “mini” giveaway.. literally!

 

You can win this set of 5 brand new deluxe minis including: Jouer Birchbox Pink lipgloss, Everyday Minerals Show Me eyeshadow, Benta Berry G-1 facial moisturizer, Bon Bons Black nail polish & Sally Girl Behave nail polish. Check out the Rafflecopter widget below for all the details and fine print.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck everyone!

OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection for Summer 2012

Apr 042012
 

The latest offering from OPI for this summer- Vintage Minnie Mouse! How ADORABLE is this? I am a big fan of all things Disney and I have to have every color even though they are the usual offerings of pinks and reds. Except for the heart shaped glitter polish! Usually that is left for the Nicole by OPI line! Exciting.

 

I’m All Ears – Nothin’ Mousie ’bout It – If You Moust You Moust – The Color Of Minnie

Seriously how cute are these? I’m dying. I need them! They will be available June 1st at your local salon or specialty retailer. OPI Nail Lacquers retail $8.50.

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