We have a new unboxing this month and that is Scent Box! This service has impressed me since I signed up – very professional and they do what they say they will.
With Scent Box , you get a 30-day supply (the actual product is 0.27 oz or 8ml) of a fragrance you choose. If you receive a fragrance you dislike you can exchange it for a difference scent (once per month). The atomizer comes in a nice box and they included a mini sample of a different fragrance. The cost is $9.72 for the first month, and $14.95 thereafter.
The scent I chose this month is Euphora from Calvin Klein. I would call this a sensual or sexy scent with fruity floral notes. It sounds like a lot going on in the scent but it is not overwhelming at all.
Fragrance Notes:
Base: Liquid Amber, Black Violet, Cream Accord, Mahogany Wood
Middle: Lotus Blossom, Champaca Flower, Black Orchid
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 fourth 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. In general this month’s box was better than last month although I did get a mascara for the second month in a row. I much prefer when the sixth “extra” item is perfume.
One of the items received is the Step 1 Skin Equalizing Mattifying Primer from Make Up For Ever. This is the second month in a row I’ve received something from Make Up For Ever. Interestingly, for it being a mattifying primer it says it is hydrating as well. I also received a teeny tiny sample of Glamglow Good in Bed Passionfruit Softening Night Cream. This smells amazing! It says it hydrates the skin and reduces dullness, uneven texture and dryness.
Two Clinique items in my box this month. One is the “bonus” item – a tiny bit of the Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm makeup remover. I have a lot of this product in small jar size samples and find that it takes waterproof mascara off great. I also received the High Impact Mascara. It feels like we’ve been getting several mascaras lately so I hope they start having some more variety.
Two more items from my Sephora Play this month. One is the Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment from Fresh, which is supposed to provide volume and moisture to the lips. I don’t love the smell of this one – it smells different than the other Fresh lip treatments I have. I also received the Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream from Youth to the People. This contains certain herbs and mushrooms and is hydrating.
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.
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
This is my second month getting Ipsy Glam Bag and I’m pretty pleased.
With Ipsy Glam Bag Plus (you don’t actually get a bag), you get five full-size products for $25 per month. Similar to the normal Ipsy bag, they do customize your products using the beauty profile. You do have to have a monthly Ipsy bag membership in order to upgrade. They just announced that there is no waitlist now!
Overall Box Impressions: I’m significantly more wowed but this month’s box (my second) versus my first box last month. I still question if Ipsy is really using my profile or if there is just such a limited pool of full size products. What stood out to me this month was the blend of indie versus commercial brands. I hope Ipsy follows this path in the future. The total retail value of the box, as noted by Ipsy, is $173, which is about $30 higher than last month. I love (and would have bought) the blush palette from Lovecraft Beauty, which is $39 by itself (more than the cost of the box).
Paris Hilton ProD.N.A. Dual-Action Cleansing Gel
This is the item I’m least excited about. I’m very specific about what beneficial ingredients I like in skincare products and this cleanser has more “hyped” ingredients than proven ingredients. These include, per the booklet from Ipsy, exfoliating caviar lime and pineapple-derived enzymes to brighten skin, cucumber to depuff and white tea extract to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help repair sun damange. I didn’t smell the product as I am leaving the safety seal on so I can trade or donate this product. MSRP: $29.
Lovecraft Beauty Blush Palette
When I saw the promo pictures I wasn’t sure the shades would work for me but wanted to try the formula, at the least. When I opened the palette and saw the colors in person – just wow. These are soft and beautiful shades. I could easily use Altheda or Oscalia on their own, or mix either with Dauphine. I love soft shades for a nice natural look and these are so flattering. So next I had to stop and swatch the shades.
Formula-wise these were soft and creamy and literally went on like butter. The swatches above were two swipe stripes. Dauphine is more of an orange brown, Oscalia is a peach shade and Altheda is a gentle rose pink. If you didn’t receive this palette I highly recommend checking it out Lovecraft Beauty’s website. They also have a similar bronzer palette which I am going to look into. MSRP: $39.
Laura Sanchez Moods Eyeshadow and Highlighter Palette
I had not heard of this brand before but was intrigued by the color story of the palette. Some more muted shades and some bright pops of color. I do think you would need to use this in conjunction with another palette (unless you’re doing a one-shade look) and if you normally add an inner-corner highlight, you might need another palette. So, let’s swatch!
The top two shimmer shades (you can barely see the second one) are the highlights. The gold one is very shimmer-y but pretty if you use a light hand. While the second highlighter looks white in the pan it has a pink reflect when applied (very pink with a bit of a purple undertone). I moved on to the eyeshadows next. For the matte shades (which is the top row of two browns, red and yellow) I did need to go over my swatch two to three times to see the pigments. However, on the metallics, there was a lot of pigments with just one swipe, except for the purple (needed two). So not my favorite formula but the color payoff on the metallics makes this a palette I will still reach for. I absolutely love the darker green and might use that with the copper for a two color look. MSRP: $35
Benefit Cosmetics High Brow Eyebrow Highlighter
I remembered as I started to write this that last month we received a liquid highlighted from Benefit in the Ipsy Plus. So two highlighting products from benefit in consecutive months. Anyways, the eyebrow highlighter is designed to be applied under the brow and/or above the brow.
It’s definitely a pinkish shade so I would recommend blending/smudging it out a bit. Since it is a pencil that requires sharpening, and it is truly a pencil, I probably wouldn’t pay full retail. MSRP: $22
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush #704
This is an awesome item to be included in the box. I have one other IT Cosmetics brush (also received in a subscription box) and I don’t know that I would buy one on my own given the price. The retail value of this Heavenly Skin brush is a whopping $48. This brush has a bit of an angled brush head and is purported to give makeup an airbrushed finish. This item has me perplexed. What is unique is that the brush hairs are infused with anti-aging collagen, silk, peptides, niacin and antioxidants, which is an interesting concept. MSRP: $48
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.
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.
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 third 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 box did get lost in the mail for about a week. And what did show up was not was my personal preview email said I would receive. That was a real disappointment because I was supposed to use receive NARS liquid lipstick and instead I got foundation that doesn’t match. I didn’t have any hits in my box this month and will likely only use one or two products.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in R230
Now I like to try different foundations but it’s pretty important that you actually receive your shade. Sephora notes that they match the shade to you but they only use your Beauty Insider profile which has limited options (porcelain, fair, light, etc.) and doesn’t take into account warm versus cool tones. This is frustrating since Sephora has on file my ColorIQ. Interestingly, there is no shade match in this foundation for my ColorIQ. At any rate this shade is too warm and dark on my skin.
Sephora LashCraft Big Volume Mascara
I have a lot of different mascaras and still haven’t found the *perfect* product. This mascara is volumizing but also lengthening (which I don’t need). However, what turned me off from this mascara was that I started seeing some flakes on my under eye area. I think they might have been from the bottom lash.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
This is a clear sunscreen that is purported to be even more effective once exposed to water or sweat. Now it’s still winter in Indiana so I haven’t had the opportunity to try this yet but will be saving it for a day when I will be outside. If it doesn’t cause my eyes to water I will consider this a winner.
Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
I actually still have about half a sample of this from my local Sephora as it was recommended for my red cheeks. However, this product actually broke out the skin on my cheeks, which is a rarity for me. I examined the ingredient list and the culprit is likely either Niacinamide or the sunscreen components. So, not a product for me, but I’ve heard others rave about the product.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo is supposed to be oil absorbing (yea!) but all volumizing (boo). I love dry shampoo minis though (assuming they work) for traveling so I don’t have to take a large can.
Perfume Sample: Maison Margiela Replica – Music Festival
This is a very warm and spicy scent (think patchouli) that is supposed to be reminiscent of Woodstock. I like patchouli but this scent was too deep/musky for me.
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.
This is my first month getting Ipsy Glam Bag, after spending a couple months on the waitlist (after getting off what I call the “pre-waitlist”). If you want to get on the waitlist you DO have to email Ipsy, it is not automatic.
With Ipsy Glam Bag Plus (you don’t actually get a bag), you get five full-size products for $25 per month. Similar to the normal Ipsy bag, they do customize your products using the beauty profile. You do have to have a monthly Ipsy bag membership in order to upgrade.
Overall Box Impressions: I’m not wowed by my first month of the Plus but I don’t hate it either. I’m really somewhere in between. I’m not sure how much Ipsy Plus actually uses profiles since two of these items I’ve said I don’t want. I realize that with subscription boxes you will still get those items sometimes but for 2/5 to be that off is a bit frustrating. The total retail value of the box, as noted by Ipsy, is $141, which is $20 higher than last month’s BoxyCharm. That said, the most expensive item, the set of five brushes, is definitely over-valued at $50. More on that later.
Purlisse Butter Me Orange Creamsicle Body Butter
An orange scented body butter (texture is more lotion-like) with coconut oil, sugar cane and fruit extracts that purports to benefit your skin. I’ve only tried it a couple times and the level of moisturizing was pretty decent and it dried down. I thought I would love the scent, however, to me it smells “fake” and by that I mean it doesn’t smell natural. I like the concept of fruit scents (a lot) but only when it’s more of a natural scent. MSRP: $24.
RealHer Liquid Lipstick in I Am Adaptable
I have another liquid lipstick from this brand that I absolutely love (side note: they changed the packaging). This color is a brighter red (poppy red) than I normally purchase but I want to give it a try. The inspiring color names are motivation and not cheesy at all. At $14 a pop I also think these are more affordable liquid lipsticks compared to some higher end brands. Very excited to see this in my box! MSRP: $14.
Huda Beauty Obsessions Palette in Mauve
I rarely receive the color option I hope for but I did this time! I love the pigment of these colors in the pan and they’re a nice mix of mattes and shimmers/glitters. My past experience with the 9-pan palettes from Huda has been that there is a lot of fall out and a powdery consistency. Now, I was hoping this was because of the colors I previously used (green), but just from swatching I can tell this is the same formula. Even when swatching the powder gets everywhere and the swatch stripes don’t lay down evenly. I’m still going to try to make it work because I do love the color, but will definitely do my eyes before my face when using this palette. MSRP: $27
Benefit Cosmetics Sun Beam Complexion Highlighter in Golden Bronze
This liquid product is supposed to be primarily a liquid highlighter but also function like a bronzer (in that it will warm up the skin). Now I’m not big into highlighters at the moment and a liquid highlighter is more effort and mess than I want to put into a type of product I’m not excited about to begin with. I will be looking into if a few drops of this can be added to foundation or moisturizer to create a radiant glow. MSRP: $26
F.A.R.A.H Brushes – 5 Piece Eye Perfection Set
This item has me perplexed. This is a five piece eye brush set with a silver metallic handle from F.A.R.A.H (we frequently receive singular brushes from this company in the regular bags). Where I’m tripped up is that the MSRP for this set is $50, or $10 per brush. That is more, per brush, than a brush from Morphe. So then I went on the company’s website to find this product – no “perfection” brushes listed in a set or alone. Ok. So then I looked for eye brush sets. I found one ten piece brush set including five eye brushes and five face brushes (called Baby I’m your’s in white) for $40 – so an additional five face brushes for $10 less. I also found the “Black and White Smoke 8 pc Eye Set” for $32. So, three extra brushes for $18 less. Long story short, this appears to be a custom product made for Ipsy and to me the $50 MSRP is probably overstated by about $20. I don’t feel like the brushes are any softer or nicer than any of my other brushes (ELF, Luxie, Real Techniques). Did you receive these? What did you think of them? MSRP: $50
You might want to go get a drink before you sit down to read this, because we’re going to be here for a while.
So regular BoxyCharm 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.
On the quarter months (March, June, September and December) BoxyCharm offers BoxyLuxe as an upgrade. Instead of your regular box you receive a box with 9 to 10 full-sized beauty items worth over $250. The box costs approximately $50 total.
Overall Box Impressions: This was a rough month for BoxyCharm in general. There was a large snafu with the face palettes (more on that later) and as of today (Tuesday the 12th), many regular boxes (versus Luxe) haven’t even shipped. In terms of box contents I was hoping to be wowed since this was my first Luxe box but honestly, the number of products I like is the same as the regular box. The next Luxe box will be in June and generally we see most spoilers far enough ahead of time such that I am seriously considering downgrading back down to the regular box if I’m not impressed by the contents. This month’s box by far has the highest number of products I will be destashing/selling, which is very unusual for me.
My two favorite items are the Becca lipstick and the IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. I love cream lipsticks and haven’t tried the Becca lipstick yet so I appreciate the chance to try it. The Confidence in a Cream says it helps to reduce the look of pores and discoloration which are two items I struggle with. I received variation 1 (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 $302.
CoverFX Perfector Face Palette
This was the largest hyped item for this month’s box, not only the BoxyLuxe, but also the regular BoxyCharm. In February the leader of BoxyCharm went on social media and told Charmers to make sure to fill out their BoxyCharm profile because they would be using that to determine if you got the light-medium palette or the medium-dark palette. Now I am fair-light skinned (Snow – Born this Way, Mont Blanc – NARs Sheer Glow) and noted my skin tone in the profile. I was very excited for this palette since I do not have an all-in-one face palette and I’ve never used a product from CoverFX. Then last Thursday (March 7) BoxyCharm sent out an email to certain Charmers saying that they had a “data issue and identified a small group of Charmers” who might be receiving a shade that did not match their profile. Uh-oh. Fast forward to now as BoxyLuxe Charmers are receiving products and there are a much higher number of light-skinned Charmers receiving the dark palette than vice versa (based on the Facebook BoxyCharm group I follow). And the dark palette is dark. Like the top left highlighter would really only work as a bronzer. Given the number of Charmers posting that they are looking for the light palette, this appears to be much bigger than a “small group.”
Now, to BoxyCharm’s credit, they did provide 4,500 charms for their Charm Room to each affected Charmer (that received the email). However, their Charm Room is well-known for not having much in the way of products to spend their charms on. With the addition of the 4,500 charms, I now have over $70 worth of charms. But I have yet to see something still in stock and I’d actually want to spend my charms on. And this is where most of my frustration lies. I’ve considered cancelling my BoxyCharm but if I do, I forfeit those charms. So I feel a bit stuck with BoxyCharm. As mentioned previously, I will be looking at the spoilers closely for June and at a minimum downgrading to the regular box if I’m not wowed by those spoilers. I will also be looking to sell the pictured medium-dark palette above.
MSRP: $45. This seems in line with what I would expect for a face palette from a high end brand.
Moda Brush Duo and BoxyCharm Traincase
We received a pair of Moda brushes, one for applying face powder and one for highlighting (soft glow). Very soft and the rose gold handles are pretty. I will definitely keep the brushes and use them. However, I think the stated MSRP of $30 is high for two Moda brushes. I’ve purchased Moda brushes before from Wal-Mart where you get six brushes (including two face brushes) for $10. Now, these could be higher end brushes than what you purchase at Wal-Mart but $15 per brush for that brand seems high.
We also received an exclusive BoxyCharm rose gold bag. Now I really like the style of the bag – it’s the same as my toiletries bag. Color really isn’t my style but the bag is nice and is a different product than what we normally receive from Boxy.
MSRP: $30 for the Moda Brushes and $20 for the traincase
Iconic Eyebrow Cushion & Lilly Lashes
The eyebrow cushion from Iconic London is definitely a unique product. Not just in terms of what we receive from Boxy, but what I’ve seen in the market in general. The compact contains a duo-tone liquid cushion and an angled brush to sort of “stamp on” the pigmented liquid onto the brows. Everyone received the shade medium which is much too dark for me (and I use Gimme Brow to make my brows red to match my hair). So while I think this is a cool product I will likely try to destash/sell to someone who can use and enjoy it.
The lashes are exclusive faux mink gaia lashes from Lilly Lashes, which I understand is a popular brand. I actually don’t use adhesive false lashes so while the lashes are beautiful (and very full) I will be destashing/selling these. Postscript – already found someone to swap with – my lashes for their Becca lipstick in Mocha – win!
MSRP: $40 for the eyebrow cushion, $25 for the lashes
Wander Beauty Peel of Mask & it Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream
Wander Beauty has been in a lot of subscription boxes lately, which I love because I appreciate the quality of their products. The Lift Off Purifying and Brightening Peel Off Mask contains a variety of natural ingredients (acai, goji berru, blueberry and more – remember not to eat the mask) and is designed to purify and replenish skin. In addition, it is purported to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. So, all benefits I’m interested in.
One of the other hyped items in the box is the Confidence in a Cream from it Cosmetics. The cost of this product is actually almost the cost of the box itself. I’m excited to see how if performs and if I see improvement in my pores, skin tone and scarring.
MSRP: $34 of Wander Beauty mask and $48 for Confidence in a Cream
Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Lipstick Love
I’m a lipstick hoarder. I admit this. We’ve discussed this. This is a new lipstick so I’m beyond thrilled to try it out. I received the shade Crimson and am going to try to trade some of the products I don’t like for additional colors. This lipstick is purported to be an 8-hour longwearing silky satin color and is infused with hyaluronic acid.
MSRP: $24
Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish
These nail polishes are absolutely tiny but supposedly they give you the effects of gel polish without the damage. I’ve tried many polishes that make that claim but I am so hard on my nails nothing other than a true gel manicure holds up. So, I will be passing these along to someone who can enjoy them.
MSRP: $20
Morphe Eyeshadow Palette
I received this 15-shade palette in the shade 15B – Babe Brunch. Lot of neutrals and pink tones. I’ve actually already found someone on FaceBook to swap with for the 15N palette, which has neutrals and more purple toned shades. Morphe has a lot of very affordable palettes but their formula isn’t my favorite (especially in regards to blending). So I’m mixed on this being included in BoxyCharm.
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.
MooseBeauty 