Unboxing – BoxyCharm (February 2019)

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.

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

Unboxing – SinglesSwag (February 2019)

SinglesSwag was my very first subscription box and while I almost considered cancelling it at one point, it is now my favorite box. Their curation of items is on point and unique.

There are two subscription options: $40 per month for 6-7 full size products or $25 per month for 3-4 full size products. For the larger box you generally you get a piece of jewelry, a tasty treat, at least one skincare item, a beauty item and more.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: This box was very hit or miss in terms of products but the products I like are worth much more than the total cost of the box. The total retail value of the box, as noted by SinglesSwag, is $205. I think that’s overstated just a bit given the estimated $72 value of the necklace, but the total value is still easily over $150. I received seven full size products and a little sample size of chocolate covered nuts. Yum!

Jules Kae Snake Coin Purse & Gemelli Necklace

Aaand we’re back to gold toned jewelry. I do like the design on the heart pendant but since I don’t normally wear gold toned jewelry and I don’t love hearts, I don’t forsee myself wearing this. I suggested to SingleSwag, via their website, in prior months that they include the content/coating of jewelry which I’m happy to note they did this month. The necklace this month is gold-plated so I would have estimated the value more in the $40 range, not the $72 stated on the product card. While the prices on the product card are usually spot-on to the retail price, the jewelry retail values do seem high. It doesn’t actually bother me too much since the total value of the box, even excluding the jewelry is substantially higher than the cost of the box. MSRP: $72. Website: https://gemellijewelry.com/

The pink heart-shaped “coin purse” from Jules Kae is cute and appears to be of good quality. However, as mentioned previously, I’m not big on heart shapes and I definitely don’t do pink. So, I will likely gift this to a tween girl in my life. MSRP: $35. Website: https://juleskae.com/

Naobay Recovery Mask and Rutz Elixir Mist

On the left is a recovery mask for sensitive skin from Naobay. The packaging states the formula is anti-aging. I was really excited for this because it works for sensitive skin, which is rare for masks. While most of the time I can use about anything on my face, sometimes I’m hyper-sensitive and this would be perfect. However, it has a strong smell. THe packaging mentions orange water as an ingredient but I knew that wasn’t the scent. The product does contain lemon extract which is what I think I’m smelling. I may give it a try in hopes that it dries down scentless. If not, I think my mom would like this. MSRP: $29. Website: http://www.naobay.com/en/

The spray bottle is a face mist from Rutz Skincare called “In Your Face Spa-Ahh Elixir Mist.” According to the packaging it can be used as a setting spray, a refresher and a soothing spray. I don’t know that it would be great as a setting spray but it was definitely refreshing and soothing. It can also be applied after toning but before serums and moisturizes to improve absorption. I’m thinking I may keep this in my office at work for a pick-me-up. MSRP: $22. Website: https://rutznaturals.com/Nico New York Silver Bar Necklace

Italian Biscotti Cookies and Bonus Chocolate Covered Almonds

Haven’t popped open the biscotti cookies yet but I have had the chocolate covered almonds from Skinny Dipped before and they are amazing. MSRP: $5

Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

I actually looked at adding this book to my to-read list last year but didn’t get around to reading it. So, obviously, I’m very excited to have received this in my box! This is by the author of Eat Pray Love and is a “self help” book. Would you like a review when I finish this book? MSRP: $16

Give Them Lala Beauty Highlighter

This is by far my favorite item of the box. When I first opened this highlighter I thought it should have been labeled as a bronzer. Then I swatched it on my hand and it was GORGEOUS. I do not have another highlighter that has a rosy shade to it. This highlighter is in the shade Promiscuous. Post note – I mentioned this in a Facebook beauty group and one of the gals RAVED about this highlighter. MSRP: $26 Website: https://shoplalabeauty.com/

Unboxing – Sephora Play (January 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 first 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. My favorite item I received this month is the Belif Aqua Bomb.

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon

Was this one of the 2018 birthday gifts at Sephora? I love love Bite Beauty products in general and I like the lip crayons but the smell of this crayon is straight up offensive to my nose.

This crayon is in the color Glace. Pretty color and it does go on super smooth. I haven’t worn it on the lips yet so will have to update later after a wear test.

Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask

I am pretty excited about this as I sometimes need an overnight moisturizer. However, I wish the sample was large enough to get even two applications out of it. This is like a one application and done sample size, which I understand is typical of Sephora Play samples.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

I need to use exfoliaters a couple times per week so this is a great product for me. And Sunday Riley is a great brand that I wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to try out. The tube is about half full so I think I can get two, maybe three, applications out of this sample.

BeautyBlender blendercleanser solid pro

So it took me a minute to figure this out. It’s basically a bar of soap to run your already-wet sponge or brush across. So cool! I cleaned my brushes earlier this month but I do need to clean my sponges so I’m going to give this a try.

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

This Lala Retro Whipped Creme from Drunk Elephant seems to be a pretty common inclusion in subscription boxes. But, similar to Sunday Riley, its a brand I wouldn’t otherwise be able to try. I actually really want to try the TLC Framboos Serum but haven’t seen any samples of that yet.

Marajo Nourishing Cleansing Creme & Deep Treatment Butter

It appears this was the “extra” sample for the month. I don’t like receiving shampoo/conditioner in subscription boxes for two reasons. One, I have thick, long hair so a foil pouch is not always enough for one hair wash, and never two. Two, they don’t match the type to your hair, even if covered in the profile. Case in point – I have color treated hair and therefore only use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. I have looked at the packaging and the website for this line from Marajo and cannot find anything that states this product is or isn’t sulfate free. Bah!

Unboxing – Birchbox (January 2019)

Birchbox contains four to five sample sized products, per their website. Products include makeup, haircare, perfumes, skincare and other beauty products (I received toothpaste in December). The subscription is $10 per month.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: This is the one box I get that I keep saying I’m going to cancel. I’ve had several issues with customer service, they seem to ignore my profile and prior feedback on products received (seriously, no more hair products), and the samples are pretty small. My favorite item I received this month is the Sand & Sky Mask (which was the one I selected). I think I’ll give it one more month (remind me I said that).

Design.ME Fab.ME Hair Treatment

So far I’ve received a hair care product every month and this month is no exception. This hair treatment is intended to be applied before styling for heat protection and strengthing. Now, I very very rare heat style my hair (also noted in my profile) so heat damage isn’t a huge issue for me. My mom blow dries and curls her hair everyday so I think I’ll save this for her.

Lavanila Plure Vanilla Fragrance

I actually don’t mind receiving perfume samples occasionally since I don’t use perfume every day and samples meet my regular needs. However, this scent is pure vanilla and very, very strong. Like, don’t press the mister all the way down and certainly not more than once. But, my mom likes vanilla so I’ll save it for her.

Sand & Sky Face Mask

This is the Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask. Since I have large pores, I’m looking forward to trying this mask. With Birchbox you get to choose one of your samples each month and this is the one I chose. This mask is intended to detoxify and brighten the skin and the ingredients include clay, aloe vera and plum. I’m going to give this product a try, and will report back later.

Stila Costmetics HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara

This mascara is intended to leave major volume, curl and lots of length. While I’m generally skeptical of a product that claims to do so many things, I do generally like Stila as a brand. Generally I focus on looking for volume and curl as my lashes are already pretty long. A friend has previously tried this mascara and really liked it. So, after I try it out for a couple days, I will report back.

Winky Lux Strobing Balm Cream Highlighter

At first I was very worried this would be took deep in color and too dark as a highlighter but after swatching it (below) on the skin, I’m actually really liking the look. The resulting highlight is actually quite subtle. The shade of this one is “Radiant Pink” but doesn’t appear pink to the eye. The balm isn’t a true cream – it feels like its between a cream and powder and is super soft.

Unboxing – Ipsy x 2 (January 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 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.

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!

My “Makeup” Bag

Overall Bag Impressions: The bag (light blue and white stripes with pink piping) doesn’t really scream January to me but it is stylish. As my “makeup” bag, my profile for this account is focused on receiving makeup items. Usually it’s pretty spot on, however, this month I received a hair care item and nail polish, even though I’ve indicated in my profile I don’t want to receive these types of items. But, since this is a one-time issue, I’m not upset about the items. The nail polish is actually pretty cool but not my color. My favorite item is the Tarte foundation.

Ella Eden Eyeshadow

I received this eyeshadow in the shade “Julia” which is a shimmery light neutral. While I love the look of the eyeshadow, the color is lighter than what I usually wear. The other option you could have received was a burgundy crimson and that would have been perfect for me. But, this will still be nice for a shade to wear during the day to work since the shimmer is fairly subtle. I’ve never used or heard of this brand so I will need to test out the eyeshadow for blending, longevity and fall-out. I will let you know later what I think!

Pure Brazilian Leave-In Conditioner

This leave-in conditioner is designed to control frizz, flyaways and static. I love a good leave-in conditioner but it has to be lightweight and not weigh down my hair. That seems to be pretty hard to find and this appears to be a heavy cream that is applied in a mist. I will report back after I use it a few times.

Nailmedic Nail Polish in Rose and Chill

While I’m not terribly excited to receive nail polish (I rarely paint my nails, and when I do, it’s a dark red), the concept behind this polish is unique. The polish formula is infused with rosehip oil and green tea leaf extract, which is intended to result in strong and healthy nails. If I had received this in a darker color I would likely give it a try. One of my friends has already claimed this – she loves nude nail polish colors!

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

I was SO excited to receive this (in both the makeup and skincare bags) as I’ve been trying different foundation formulas recently. Long story short, I need a full coverage foundation that will hide (or at least not accentuate) my large pores. Also, I have some acne scars and redness that the foundation needs to cover. Ipsy matched my shade well (fair sand) too. This matte foundation from Tarte is designed to be long-wearing (12 hours) and has SPF 15. What is your favorite foundation formula?

Belle En Argent Lurie Lip Gloss in Bored Now

This is an ultra-glossy lip “gloss” with a lot of shine. I do like that it includes natural ingredients like jojoba and castor oil. Normally I love receiving lip glosses but this one is a bit lackluster. It really doesn’t have any tint to it but does leave behind a bit of sparkle. In reality I’ll use this more as a gloss topper over a matte lip.

My “Skin Care” Bag

Overall Bag Impressions: I’m pretty pleased with this bag, even though it has more makeup items than skin care items. I also received an eye brush, which I forgot to include in the above photo. I truly liked all five items in this bag and the mix of items so choosing a favorite is too hard. The liquid lipstick is in a color I love to wear and the sheet masks look fun! I know some people dislike receiving makeup brushes but I like building (and adding to) my collection. I use a lot of different colors of eyeshadow so having lots of eye brushes is helpful.

Jeju:En Face Mask Set

These masks are so fun! We received two masks and they’re both very usable despite being different from each other. One is called “You Can’t Handle This Sheet” and is infused with volcanic ash extract to absorb oil and tighten pores (this would be great for me). The other one is called “This Sheet is Bananas” and has hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and add radiance. I like using masks (sheet masks, clays, muds and peel masks) but haven’t heard of this brand before. After I’ve had a chance to use one I will definitely report back.

Hola Neon Velvet Liquid Lip in DF

Time to try out this new-to-me brand of liquid lipstick! This waterproof formula is specifically designed to be long-wearing and is supposed to be creamy and moisturizing. That seems to be a rare combination so I’m hopeful the claims ring true. I love love love this color – it’s something I would wear regularly. Here is a quick swatch – it’s a deep burgundy color.

I will report back after I wear it a few times.

Jersey Shore Cosmetics Star Mint Glossy Balm

I’m a big fan of peppermint and a fan of lip balms, so putting them together, while not innovative, results in a product I’m sure to like. The product description does say its infused with moisturizing ingredients like vitamine E and organic peppermint essential oil but doesn’t list other ingredients. As someone who makes lip balms for personal use I would like to know what constitutes the base of the balm (i.e. beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter).

Slmissglam Eye Brush

My friend also received this brush and said her young daughter claimed this brush as a “unicorn” brush. Apparently I’m a child at heart because I had the same thought. This eye brush is soft and I anticipate that it will be a great blending brush for the eye crease. Per the description, the bristles are synthetic. I’ve never seen this brush before so I will give it a try and report back.

Unboxing – BoxyCharm (January 2019)

BoxyCharm, which I’ve only been getting for a few months, contains four to five full sized products, per their website. However, I have heard some beauty YouTubers mention that sometimes travel size items are included and this is the first month it appears I have received a trial size item. The subscription is $21 per month and will have a retail value of over $100.

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 Tarte eyeshadow palette and the OFRA liquid lipstick. I received variation 4 (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 $115. That’s a little lower than last month but I will use more of these items than those received last month.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette Vol. III

Full confession: I actually saw spoilers for this product. I was so excited for two reasons – one, I don’t own any eyeshadow from Tarte and two, I love nude shades.

There are eight shades, seven of which are shimmer/metallics. I’m actually ok with only one matte shade because the shimmers are very subtle. My first impression is the shadows have good pigment and go on smooth. I swatched the darkest and lightest shades below. The shade closest to the eyeliner is malibu and the shade below it is treasure.

I will review this product in detail, and swatch all the shades, at a future date after I’ve had a chance to use the palette several times. MSRP: $36. Website: https://tartecosmetics.com/

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Face Mask

I’ve never had the opportunity to try a Tatcha product before but my opportunity is here! These are the luminous dewy skin masks and are intended to be restorative and radiant. I’m excited to use one soon given the dry winter conditions. MSRP: $24 (for two). Website: https://www.tatcha.com/

Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Pencil

Eye pencils. A common inclusion. . .appears in almost all subscription boxes. I mean, has anyone who receives subscription boxes had to buy an eye pencil? That said, this one from Starlooks is brown, not the usual black. I prefer a brown liner as it produces a bit softer of an effect, so I’m actually happy to receive this pencil.

It went on my hand creamy and consistently, so I think this will be a winner eye liner for me, especially on my waterline. MSRP: $19 Website: https://starlooks.com/

Briogeo Leave-In Hair Mask

This brand is another common inclusion in subscription boxes. This leave in mask is supposed to moisturize and strengthen damaged hair. I’m going to give this product a try, and will report back later. While I don’t have heat damage, I do have very tangle-prone hair and my ends sometimes become split. So, I’m hopeful this will help with that without weighing down my hair. This does appear to be a travel size as I cannot find a 2 ounce bottle of this product on Sephora or the Company’s website. MSRP: $16 (for 2 ounces) Website: https://briogeohair.com/

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick

I’m a lipstick hoarder. I admit this. Even moreso if its a non-drying matte lipstick. While this will be the first opportunity to try OFRA liquid lipstick (my Ulta does not carry it and I hate ordering unknown shades online) I have heard so many wonderful things about this product from beauty YouTubers.

I got the color Havana Nights and it is a deep dark saturated red. What colors do you like and think I should try? I will wear this for a full day and report back in a review. MSRP: $20 Website: https://www.ofracosmetics.com/

Unboxing – SinglesSwag (January 2019)

SinglesSwag was my very first subscription box and while I almost considered cancelling it at one point, it is now my favorite box. Their curation of items is on point and unique.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: This might be my favorite box from SinglesSwag yet. We got silver toned jewelry which I’m excited about and the liquid lipstick is in a shade I frequently reach for. The total retail value of the box, as noted by SinglesSwag, is $213.

Spongelle Pedi Buffer

The Spongelle Pedi Buffer is a buffer with built-in cleanser and soothing extracts for your feet. I’ve never tried one of these before but I’m excited try this out since my feet are so dry this time of the year. I will review this product in detail at a future date after I’ve had a chance to use it repeatedly. MSRP: $16. Website: https://spongelle.com/

Purlisse 6 piece Blue Lotus and White Tea Sheet Mask Set

One of the reasons I love SinglesSwag – when they say full size, they don’t skimp. Another box that includes full size products sent two face masks and while the dollar amount was there, it still didn’t feel like a full size product. SinglesSwag doesn’t skimp – they included six masks. These masks from Purlisse are infused with Blue Lotus, White Tea and other botanicals and says it is moisturizing, nourish and renewing. I used one today after spending large chunks of time outside shoveling snow in the wind so my skin needed some TLC. I felt like the mask was very hydrating and I liked the subtle smell. I will definitely reach for this again when my skin is dry. MSRP: $38 (for six). Website: https://purlisse.com/products/blue-lotus-white-tea-treatment-sheet-mask

Nico New York Silver Bar Necklace

Silver tone bar necklace from Nico New York

Historically the jewelry pieces have been gold toned so I’m very excited by this silver piece. The chain is about 18 inches long and there’s a short extender. I do wish SinglesSwag would put on the information card what the content/coating of the jewelry is. I emailed them previously when we got jewelry in a prior box and they said that gold tones necklace was “brass and gold plated.” So I would assume this one is silver plated. Given the stated retail price though I would expect this to be sterling silver. I did suggest in my email to them that they start adding the content information. MSRP: $64 Website: Not Found

Socada Milk Chocolate

Very soft taste. For a while we’ve been getting cookies so I like this change up. MSRP: $5 Website: Not Found

Headbands of Hope Black Confetti Beanie

A slouchy style beanie that is pretty thick and I love the flecks of bright colors against the black. Even more cool, for every product sold, Headbands of Hope donates a headband to a child with cancer. As a knitter I can tell the hat is made from an acrylic yarn so I don’t expect it to be as warm as the wool or alpaca hats I usually wear, but I think the thickness will keep it warm. MSRP: $32 Website: https://www.headbandsofhope.com/

Real Her Matte Liquid Lipstick

This is by far my favorite item of the box. I’m a lipstick junkie but I’ve never used this brand before. This is a lightweight matte liquid lipstick and each lipstick has an inspiring message.

I got the color I Am a Rockstar and it is a deep dark saturated red (almost burgundy). I will wear it for a full day and report back in a review. MSRP: $18 Website: https://www.realher.com/

Zoe Ayla Classy Rose Gold Eyelash Curler

Zoe Ayla is capitalizing on the popularity of rose gold with these eyelash curlers. I’ve never heard of this brand so will have to try them out to comment on their effectiveness. The MSRP seems a bit high for eyelash curlers – the Tweezerman pair my friend has are only $22 at Sephora. I also can’t find any eyelash curlers on Zoe Ayla’s website. MSRP: $40 Website: https://zoeayla.com/

MooseBeauty

A beauty and lifestyle blog featuring unboxings, new products and reviews

subscriptionboxes

Unboxing – BoxyCharm (February 2019)

Unboxing – SinglesSwag (February 2019)

Unboxing – Sephora Play (January 2019)

Unboxing – Birchbox (January 2019)

Unboxing – Ipsy x 2 (January 2019)

Unboxing – BoxyCharm (January 2019)

Unboxing – SinglesSwag (January 2019)