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Unboxing – BoxyCharm (April 2019)

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BoxyCharm, which I’ve only been getting for several months, contains four to five full sized products, per their website.  The products are what I would call higher end (versus drugstore). The subscription is $21 per month (plus tax) and will have a retail value of over $100.

Sign up using this link: https://www.boxycharm.com/refer/Courtney-XBMMQTUP

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: I feel like we have a second month in a row let-down from BoxyCharm. Really the only item I’m excited about it the three piece Luxie brush set.  I received variation 6 (as noted in the corner of my card). If you get this box, which variation did you receive? What was in your box? The total retail value of the box, as noted by BoxyCharm, is $126. That’s on par with other months but includes several products that I feel are a bit overpriced, including the palette, glow powder and lip gloss. I’ll probably give the box one more month, maybe two, but if I’m still “meh” on it, I will likely cancel.

This has been the big hyped product for BoxyCharm this month – a twelve pan eyeshadow palette from PUR called the Festival Palette. I think the colors are a nice blend of fun and neutral. At first blush I’ve seen a lot of people complain the colors aren’t usable but if you cover up the three bright shades in the middle row you’re left with a neutral color scheme.

I went ahead and swatched each of the shades (left to right, top to bottom). Some of these took two or three heavy swipes to get pigment down, especially the mattes. The two glitters would likely do better dabbed or patted on rather than brushed or swiped. The $36 retail price for the palette does seem high given there are only 12 shades and the quality of the pigments is nowhere near other brands. You can buy a 12 pan eyeshadow palette from Tarte for $3 more better quality shades. If you like like the bright colors you could look at the Rainbow Palette from Violet Voss – 10 shades for $30. MSRP: $36

This is the items I was most excited for in the box – a three piece brush set from Luxie. The set includes a small contouring brush, a small shader brush and a large shader brush. The brushes are quite soft and I like how they apply product. However, the handles on this set feel light and less substantial than other Luxie brushes I have – to the point where the handles feel like cheap pencils. MSRP: $32.

This is the Diamond Glow highlighting powder from Artist Couture in the shade Purple Dream. On the skin it looks like a pinky/purple sparkle and the sparkle is prominent. I don’t agree with the product card that this can be applied for a subtle finish. Some people got a different shade which I think might be more suitable for a subtle finish. MSRP: $27

This is holographic lip gloss from Appeal Cosmetics, which means it’s really a clear gloss with pink/purple shimmer. When I do go for a shimmer I usually want it for a dark color, and not pink or purple. This is another item I think is significantly over-priced. It is crazy to me this costs more than a Fenty Gloss Balm and Tarte or Anastasia glosses. MSRP: $21

This is the Bodyography Eye Pencil in Bali Bronze which is a gold shade pencil. I swatched this and it did not apply smoothly (it actually dragged across the skin). I would be absolutely terrified to try this on my waterline – it was that rough. The gold color is pretty but I will be passing on this product. MSRP: $14

 

Unboxing – Allure (April 2019) – To Be Cancelled

Allure Beauty Box is a subscription box that is curated by Allure’s editors and contains $50-$90 worth of full and deluxe size products, per their website.  I would recommend subscribing through Amazon (rather than directly with Allure) to avoid shipping and cancellation issues. The subscription is $15 per month.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: This is my third month receiving this box. This box was very hyped as being a collab with Carli Bybel. Allure also said the value of the products in the box would be $93. That’s definitely not the case. When adjusted for the actual product sizes received (this is where my accountant skills come in handy) the box contents were worth $55, barely above their $50 minimum. Based on an Allure Facebook group I belong to, the box I received is consistent with others who order through Amazon. To me, having Allure tout that the box would be worth $93 and then receiving a box that’s worth less than 2/3 of that amount is not only disappointing but tantamount to false advertising. One way I evaluate subscription boxes it the total value of the box divided by the cost of the box. For many beauty boxes I receive, this ratio is about 5x to 5.5x. This Allure box is only 3.7x. Last month the box was, on a size adjusted basis, worth $88, which was 5.9x. So, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to view this box as being a disappointment. Given that and the issues from my February box (a product arrived damaged and Allure has been saying for six weeks they would replace it – but haven’t yet), I will likely be cancelling this box.

Laura Geller Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Violet

On the upside, at least its not another black eyeliner. Not sure I’ll get much use out of violet but I will give it a couple tries to see if I like the formula and keep it for special eye looks. I’m hopeful this will live up to the claims of being waterproof and staying all day as I plan to use it on my waterline.

Natasha Denona Mono Eye Shadow in Morgana

This is the item I am most excited for as I’ve never tried Natasha Denona eyeshadow. It’s a coppery metallic shade that’s a bit more orange than what I’d normally reach for but I don’t dislike it at all. Beautiful!

Luxie 231 Small Tapered Blending Brush

I love Luxie brushes and can (almost) always use more eye brushes. If you’ve never felt these brushes, they bristles are quite soft and mine have held up to multiple washes at this point.

Vita Liberata Phenomenal Organic Tan Infused Cloths

So I do not self-tan (seriously, ever) because I know it’s just not something I will keep up with (and Heaven knows I don’t need to buy more foundations just to match). I like the concept of these – cloths instead of product to spread – but still not likely something I will use. My understanding two cloths (what we received) is enough for one application.

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Creme

Love love love Briogeo’s products but not sure this one is for me since I only heat style my hair (straighten) once every month or two. May try this anyways even when I’m not heat styling to see if it helps with my super-tangly hair (because so far my other Briogeo products have even if that wasn’t their purpose).

Additional Hair Care Product

So I was supposed to have received the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner spray and I was so excited because I’ve been wanting to try it since I became aware of it. However, according to the small card from Allure , there were issues with a supplier shortage so instead they put in a trial/travel size of John Frieda creme and texturing spray from Furterer. Now, I can understand a supplier issue but putting in a replacement product that I can go buy at Wal-Mart for $2 does not meet Allure’s claim of providing “lux” products. I have used Frizz ease products before and they were greasy and heavy, and this one is low rated on various sites (despite Allure’s claims that it’s their favorite item from John Frieda). Pretty much a slap in the face, especially given the issue with the total value of the box. If you’re not able to send a high-end product, then at least replace it with a high-end product.

Unboxing – Allure (March 2019)

Allure Beauty Box is a subscription box that is curated by Allure’s editors and contains $50-$90 worth of full and deluxe size products, per their website.  I would recommend subscribing through Amazon (rather than directly with Allure) to avoid shipping and cancellation issues The subscription is $15 per month.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: This is my second month receiving this box. It’s an odd mix of brands and products and at least half are sample size. This month we received three full size products (lipstick, nail polish and multistick). I did take the full-size prices for the remaining products and the sample sizes to determine the value of the sample size items. In total, the items in the box are worth $88. Of the seven items I had heard of four of the brands. I am most excited for the Juice Beauty Cleanser and least excited for the nail polish.

Au Naturale The Anywhere Creme Multistick in Grapefruit

This is basically a cream blush stick (I wouldn’t wear it “anywhere” as the name suggests) and I really like the color. It’s a very soft shade and the cream is nice and buttery. However, I’m most likely to use something in stick form if I’m on the go and cream doesn’t lend itself to on the go touch-up (since I would be applying a cream over a powder).

Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening Gel Cleanser

This is the item I am most excited for given the brand, scent and that it is a gel cleanser. It does have hydroxy acids to help with exfoliation and also contains retinyl palmitate. The smell is nice but still subtle and it is truly a gel.

Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Blush Basin and Londontown Laur in Brit of Love

Both of these products are (very) pink, which does not look flattering on me. I’ve never used this brand of nail polish (I only use gel polish) so I can’t speak to how it applies or wears. I do have the Burt’s Bees lipstick in another shade and it is fairly hydrating. It’s not what I would “creamy” though and that’s where it falls flat for me.

Mamonde Rose Water Toner and Belif Aqua Bomb

Last month we received the Rose petal spa oil to foam cleanser from Mamonde and this month we received the matching toner. I’m not loving the smell and actually already destashed the cleanser to a friend’s daughter. However, I love the aqua bombs from Belif – they’re very similar to the Laneige Water Mask. This is probably the third sample of this I have (other two are from Sephora)

Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil

I’ve heard of blue tansy before from working with essential oils and in that context it is considered to have soothing properties.  This is the first time I’ve seen it in skincare though.  The bottle received is actually a rollerball, which is confusing because the directions on the box say to “warm 1-2 pumps in the palm.” Obviously, a disconnect.

Unboxing – Sephora Play (February 2019)

Sephora Play (actually named Play! by Sephora) contains five sample sized products, per their website.  Products include makeup, haircare, perfumes, skincare and other beauty products.  The subscription is $10 per month.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: This is my second month receiving this box. General consensus is brands are higher end (i.e. the Sunday Riley and Drunk Elephant) but the sample sizes are small. You do receive an extra sample that is frequently a foil pouch or perfume. My favorite item I received this month is the Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick

Pretty color and my favorite Bite Beauty formula, all in one. The shade is Rhubarb, a saturated plum-rose color. The formula is soft and creamy and I don’t have a lot of issues with this transferring to my teeth.

Fresh Rose Face Mask

I love rose face masks as they generally soothe redness and irritation so I’m hoping this one performs in a similar way. The info sheet notes that this mask is designed to be toning and hydrating. I haven’t tried the mask yet but I did sneak a sniff and it has a very strong smell.

Milk Makeup Matte About You

This is a matte primer stick that is designed to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines. It appears from the info sheet instructions that the product is actually intended to be used all over the face but the sample size is likely a bit small for that. I was worried at first this would be too dark for my skin but it says it goes on clear.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

This set of gold foil eye masks are designed to brighten and hydrate the skin, including diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I love Wander Beauty and didn’t realize they made skin care masks so am excited to give these a try.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

This is a gel-cream that is designed to hydrate and calm the skin, using grape water, chamomile and grape seed, all ingredients I like or am interested in trying. I’m going to save this sample for the next time my face skin goes AHHHH from trying a new product it doesn’t agree with.

 Perfume Sample: Stella McCartney

This is the “extra” sample for the month and I much prefer perfume to foil packets. I actually have a sample of this perfume from Sephora (in-store) and liked it. Top Note: Rose; Middle Note: Peony Flower; Base Notes: Mandarin, Amber. Interestingly, I’ve made “perfumes” from essential oils so I understand the concept of top/middle/base notes but I’ve never seen mandarin used as a base note. So, that gives me some ideas for essential oil blends.

Unboxing – Ipsy x 2 (February 2019)

Ipsy contains five sample sized products that are personalized based on your profile.  Products include beauty products with a heavy focus on makeup.  The subscription is $10 per month and you also have the option to add additional samples (for additional dollars) and shopping on their website gives you cash back. All together, very slick.

I actually get two Ipsy bags. I originally set up this structure to test out their profile algorithim and see if it really worked. The results have historically been mixed but I rarely get duplicate items (and when I do, they’re items I like). One bag is intended to be my “makeup” bag and the other is intended to be my “skincare” bag. That said, this month my “skincare” bag had no real skincare products.

Sign up using this link: https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&sid=link&refer=17c1pg

Time to stop yacking and start unbagging! I apologize for the whacky lighting on the photos – I couldn’t seem to get a sunny day for pictures! Don’t fear – my new lights are on the way from Amazon!

My “Makeup” Bag

Overall Bag Impressions: The bag screams Valentine’s Day and if it was red, rather than pink, I’d totally be on board. As my “makeup” bag, my profile for this account is focused on receiving makeup items. This month is pretty spot on, with the exception of the hair product (which was in both my bags even though I don’t have hair products marked). I really wasn’t wowed by ANY of the items in my bag this month. My favorite item is the No Pore Blem priming water.

Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara

This is by far one of my least favorite brands – I’ve yet to receive a product from them that performs well. This mascara fits right in the same category. I normally like curved wands, and maybe this is wonky because it’s a sample size, but in order to line up the curve to your lashes the straight part of the wand you have to hold it nearly against the skin of your temple. Or you have to be a contortionist. This is a nope.

Doucce Fierce & Fine Graphic Pen in Black

This eyeliner appears to have a fine but very flexible tip. Very dark black but haven’t tried it yet to determine its staying power. I thought I unmarked eyeliners in my Ipsy profile but maybe I did that AFTER the selection date. I know that sometimes you will still get those items you don’t have marked but I have a LOT of eyeliners.

Laritzy Lip Gloss in Curve

I received a bright red gloss from this company in a prior box (not Ipsy) and it was only so-so. It was very sticky and was very attracted to my long hair. Laritzy products are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly (per their own representation. Interesting note, the card from Ipsy suggests putting on a balm under the gloss, which I’ve never heard of doing before for a gloss product.

Marc Anthony Strengthening Grow Long Anti-Breakage Mask

This hair mask is designed to strengthen and improve the elasticity of hair strands. I prefer a good leave-in conditioner over a hair mask (because you have to get BACK in the shower to rinse out the mask) but I will give this a try. This winter the shafts and tips of my hair, especially in back, have been dry and prone to breaking, so maybe this will help. I did receive this in both of my bags.

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Priming Water

I just received the Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer in my BoxyCharm so I was glad this was a slightly different product from Touch in Sol (priming water versus priming lotion). Touch in Sol is a Korean beauty brand and per Ipsy’s tip, a little bit goes a long way.

My “Skin Care” Bag

Overall Bag Impressions: This bag is so-so – as in better than my “makeup” bag but disappointed there are no skin care products. The powder foundation sample is super small and very cool toned for my skin. Lip treatment sample is also very small. Hopefully Ipsy doesn’t go the way of BirchBox by having teeny tiny unfunctional sample sizes. My favorite item is the Luxie brush.

MAC Studio Fixed Powder Foundation

This matte-finish powder foundation is supposed to give medium to full coverage and is buildable. Unfortunately, this sample is too small to even get me through one full coverage application. It’s also very yellow and warm.

Belle En Argent Lip Luire Lip Gloss

Wait – didn’t I just receive this lip gloss in a different shade literally LAST month? Since I subscribe to Ipsy to try new products and brands, receiving the same product two months in a row is off putting to me. Ok. That said, I do like the shade, I Love That Car. The gloss is made with jojoba and castor seed oils.

Hanalei Lip Treatment in Peach Pink

I love a nice hydrating lip treatment but this sample is teeny (and the tube is not full). This balm includes kukui oil, which itself includes vitamins A, C, and E. As I’ve mentioned previously, I frequently make my own clear lip glosses with vitamins, essential oils and cocoa and/or shea butter. So, I likely wouldn’t run out and re-buy this.

Luxie Precision Blending Eye Brush

I always love receiving a Luxie eye brush because they are great for blending and shading. This are vegan (and cruelty-free) brushes. The precision eye brush has a tapered head and I love using these for adding a darker shade to my outside corner or along the lash line.

Unboxing – BoxyCharm (February 2019)

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BoxyCharm, which I’ve only been getting for a few months, contains four to five full sized products, per their website.  The products are what I would call higher end (versus drugstore). The subscription is $21 per month and will have a retail value of over $100.

Sign up using this link: https://www.boxycharm.com/refer/Courtney-XBMMQTUP

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: I was hesitant to subscribe to a box with full sized items because I was worried I would be left with full sizes of items I didn’t love or wouldn’t use. That hasn’t been the case though – the curation of items in BoxyCharm it top notch.  My two favorite items are the Touch in Sol Primer and the Pretty Vulgar highlighter. The mascara is one of my staples so I guess that’s a third favorite.  I received variation 3 (as noted in the corner of my card). If you get this box, which variation did you receive? What was in your box? The total retail value of the box, as noted by BoxyCharm, is $121. That’s a little higher than last month and about the same as the month before that.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

This has been the big hyped product for BoxyCharm this month – a full size tube of my favorite mascaras. I’m going to keep it sealed up while I use my current tube. I also have the waterproof version, which I think is more clumpy than the regular version. Both are extremely volumizing and really separate your lashes.

MSRP: $24. Website: https://www.toofaced.com/eye-makeup/mascara/better-than-sex-mascara/80021.html

Pretty Vulgar Shimmering Swan Highlighter

This highlighter is just beautiful – I don’t know of a better word to describe it. The one I received is in the shade Sparkling Sass, which is a light gold with very peach undertones. The box variation was to receive this highlighter or a bronzer. I have yet to find a Pretty Vulgar product I do not like. I only wish my Sephora carried them in store so I could sample a few of their other products! MSRP: $32. Website: https://www.prettyvulgar.com/shimmering-swan-highlighter.html

Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer

I had actually never heard of this primer from Touch In Sol before, even though I’m always on the hunt for a good pore-minimizing primer. I also received a small sample of this in one of my Ipsy bags, so apparently its pore minimizer month :). I’ve never heard it mentioned by beauty YouTubers I follow but it is highly rated and I look forward to giving it a try. MSRP: $18 Website: https://www.sephora.com/product/no-poreblem-primer-P419640

Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser

So not a great product for me (it contains honey which causes me to breakout in a horrible manner), which is a bummer because I was looking forward to trying something from Farmacy. Aside from the honey, of course, it sounds like a great cleanser with many natural ingredents (ie chamomile and calendula). I have actually already found someone to swap with – I’m sending her this cleanser and she’s sending me an item from February’s BoxyCharm that I didn’t receive! MSRP: $22 Website: https://www.farmacybeauty.com/products/clean-bee

Trestique Prime + Glaze Lip Crayon

I’m a lipstick hoarder.  I admit this.  We’ve discussed this. What I think is so cool about this lip crayon (aside from the magnet in the lid that makes it snap close) is there is a lip primer in one end of the crayon. Perfect travel lippie – everything is right there in one. The color I received is English Rose which is a deep rose shade. I have a feeling I might me wearing this soon – like tomorrow. MSRP: $25 Website: https://trestique.com/products/lip-glaze

 

Haul – Blue Mercury (January 2019)

Last weekend I went to visit a friend in Chicago and went to Blue Mercury for the first time. If you’ve never been, this is a skin care and cosmetics store with really more of a focus on skin care. Here are a few items I picked up.

Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask

The products from Mario Badescu tend to be great for sensitive skin. And while mine isn’t terribly sensitive I do have perpetual redness from just, well, life. This mask should help to smooth and hydrate the skin.

Avene Eau Thermale

I spoke with the associate at Blue Mercury about products that would be good to use on a nightly basis to deal with redness and she recommended this. I liked that they had it in a smaller sample size so I could see if it works for me before shelling out the big bucks.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

I’ve heard several YouTubers discuss this product and was happy to find a sample size to try it out before making a commitment on a larger product. The product description says this primer will reduce the look of redness and pores – both features I need. 

Freebies – Samples

I received these free samples at Blue Mercury – shampoo and conditioner from Oribe and serum pads from M-61. I’ve never used anything from M-61 but my friend I was visiting spoke highly of the company. And, even more exciting, the shampoo and conditioner samples are safe for my color treated hair!

Haul – Sephora and Ulta Mini (January 2019)

This is a mini-haul item wise but I’m so excited by the products I had to share. Even though I know I have a big Sephora adventure next weekend (makeover included) I was already at Ulta to get my brows waxed back into shape. And Ulta happens to be right next door to Sephora.

Benefit Gimme Brow Eyebrow Gel ($24 at Sephora and Ulta)

I’ve looked at this product before but never brought one home because I incorrectly assumed there wasn’t an auburn shade. While getting my brows waxed, I asked about a fast and easy product for my decently thick eyebrows. She recommended this brow gel in color 3.5, which is a warm auburn brown and matches my hair well. A few quick swipes and my brows are done.

Benefit Porefessional Primer ($13 at Sephora for the mini size)

I have been using the pore minimizing primer from NYX on a day-to-day basis but I use this primer from Benefit when I want to look extra nice. So I picked up a trial size, which should get me through for a while.

Urban Decay Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette ($49 at Sephora and Ulta)

I have been eyeing this palette since its release because I love red shades. I finally bit the bullet because I’ve never caught it on sale. My two favorite shades are Develish and Young Love and all the shades are super creamy. I looked around at the Huda Beauty red palette, some singles available from Anastasia Beverly Hills and some other random singles but this palette had the shades I would use the most for the best cost. It just didn’t make sense to build a four shade palette for $32 when I would get all of these shades for $49. This is a spendy palette for me but I do expect to get a lot of use out of it. I had hoped to also be able to pick up the Naked Cherry setting spray from Urban Decay but apparently it is sold out in store and online :(.