May 2014 Birchbox

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box service. For $10 a month, they will send you 4-5 'Beauty and Lifestyle' samples. 

They also have a points system, which is the best I've seen. 100 points = $10 to spend in the Birchbox shop. Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend (monthly boxes don't count, except for the first one) and they offer a lot of promo codes to get extra points. You can also earn 10 points for each review of your monthly samples. That's like getting $4-5 back each month! You also get 50 points for each person who signs up through your referral. If you would like to try Birchbox, please consider using my link: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/pdwbx

This month's theme: Freewheeling

This month is all about spring. They also advertised an exclusive Kate Spade offer inside, so everything is themed around that: the outer shipping box was yellow (usually pink), yellow tissue paper this month (I'm glad they started changing it up. It was also always just pink before), and even the inside of the box has a different pattern. 

Here's what I got this month:

Number 4 High Performance Hair Care - Volumizing Shampoo: ($34 for 8.5oz) **Bonus: "We added in this volumizing condition for the ultimate in lightweight hydration. (Full size, $36 for 8.5oz)" It's so great that they included the conditioner, even if in a little packet. It smells really good. The full size packaging is different too: they're box shaped with pumps on the top. This brand is sulfate-free, which I've started using on my fine hair so that's good! The first time I used it, my hair was super soft! The next couple times, my hair almost felt like straw when I was rinsing it. I don't like that at all. Even with leaving the conditioner in a couple minutes. I guess it's soft when it's dry, but not any more than my normal sulfate-free shampoo. Guess I don't have to want this any longer, because I couldn't afford it anyway.

 CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40: ($20 for 1.5oz) Such a tiny tube, and only seems to be about half full. I didn't take a size reference picture but it says 2g on it. It's lightly tinted, oil-free, mineral sunscreen that is supposed to have a matte finish.

 Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream - Acai Grapefruit: ($20 for 150ml) This comes in 7 different scents and looks like a normal aerosol type can of shaving cream. I like this tube. It's a decent size at 22ml. I loved that it was even printed on the back that it is a Birchbox exclusive. But how can I express how much I don't like this product? First of all, it doesn't lather. It's like a lotion, which made me think I was using it wrong for the first couple minutes. Also, because of the lotion texture, it gunked up my razor (exactly how if you've ever tried to shave without water and just use lotion) and took longer to rinse each time. I hate the smell! I really don't like grapefruit smell so there's that. When I rinsed my hands, they felt super dry and almost like I had oil on my hands and trying to get it off with just water. My legs didn't feel very moisturized either, but I can't say for sure because I used my body wash after shaving and put lotion on when I got out of the shower like I usually do. Sure, my legs were smooth, but they are when I shave really quick under running water too... ick.

 LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil - Purple: ($18) I don't know if I believe it, but it looks like this little stick is considered the full-size. The website says $18 for .07oz and the sticker on the back of this tube says .07oz. I knew they had smaller sizes but this doesn't seem like a great deal for the price. It's not quite that purple when applied to the lips since it's a sheer, buildable color and it goes over top the pink of your lips. Since Orchid is the color of the year, I understand why they sent this. It goes on smooth and light, but not as moisturizing as my Tarte Lipsurgence pencils. I wore this with a colorful dress yesterday and really liked it. It's not as scary as I thought. It is pretty drying though. The color lasts for a while (I can't say how long for sure since I wasn't paying attention, and reapplied for more moisture) but started to fade unevenly. It's nice to have for more fun makeup days.

SmartyPants All-in-One Gummy Vitamins for Adults: ($29.95 for 30-day supply) This was the "lifestyle extra" this month, which is something the staffers thought was amazing and threw in everyone's (or almost everyone's) box. I'm a little disappointed that there's only 2 in this packet, since the back says a full serving is 6 gummies per day. I'll have to compare it to the adult gummy vitamins I already take, but I think they're probably about the same, but my brand only requires 2 a day.

Overall, I'm happy with my box this month. I'm usually really happy with it and can't understand how people complain all the time about what they got. You know it's a mystery sample service, so why even pay for it if you're not going to at least try everything? I've found a lot of great products from Birchbox already that I never would've tried, or even known about otherwise. 

May 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. 

When you sign up, you take a "beauty quiz" to let them know what you like. I guess Ipsy is kind of a social network-type beauty website, but I don't do all of that. There's also some sort of points system that I haven't quite figured out. You get 10 points for each review, but you usually need 1000 points to get some kind of bonus product, of which they only have 3 to choose from at a time. There are points for referrals too, but I don't badger my friends into signing up. If you would like to sign up, please consider using my referral link: http://www.ipsy.com/r/4q7r

This month's theme: Fresh Picks

Here's the bag this month. It feels more like the recycled fabric texture, which is different than the more plastic/vinyl fabric of the bags we've been getting. It's a great size too. The bottom expands a little so it's a great size. 

Here's what I got this month:

Pur~lisse Pur~Moist Hydra Balance Moisturizer: I was just thinking I needed a new night moisturizer for my face. It's sort of like a gel/cream formula. There is a slight smell but barely noticeable and just clean smelling. Feels nice. Don't know if it's any better than what I have, but it's nice to try.

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF 50: Just in time for our 100 degree days here in LA! I just noticed that the back has tiny print that says "provided by COOLA" (or powered, or presented, not quite sure because it's too tiny) which makes me excited because I love the Coola sunscreen I got from Birchbox in March, so much so that I bought the full size, then bought the same thing for my mom. It's very creamy and spreads really well. A little goes a long way, and has that sort of classic sunscreen smell - which I was always ok with. It's a great travel size and I just read that it is water resistant up to 80 minutes. I actually don't use an SPF this high usually, but I'm sure I'll get some use out of it.

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Moonbeam & Unicorn: Apparently this mineral eyeshadow is coconut infused. The description also says "gorgeous color pay-off", but it took a few layers to get to the levels on that swatch. The white is pretty nice, but I'm hoping the purple will be more intense with some primer.

Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff Brush: I was just thinking I needed a good eyeshadow brush. This isn't as soft as the name suggests though. Didn't seem to work too well with the Pacifica eyeshadow - not sure if it was the shadow or the brush.

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Champagne: The color is very neutral, but shiny. I put it next to my bare nails to show how light it is. I love it. I don't have any color like it. The formula is very smooth and creamy and the color is actually very opaque with one coat. Since I'm back to having longer nails again, I decided to just paint the tips with this color and it just adds a nice shine. 

I'm actually pretty happy with my bag this month. There is less actual makeup than usual, but a nice selection otherwise. So many people complain about everything in their bags - it seems pointless to pay for a service when you know it will be a mystery, just to complain about everything. Don't get the bag then. My makeup and skin care selection has grown so much from trying all these products. I don't always like everything, some I've used once and never again, but I'm so glad I get to try them!

Lancome Concealer/Eye Cream/Brow Gel

I went into Ulta today thinking I was going to buy the CKOne concealer that was recommended to me last week when I picked up the Smashbox Primer Try It Kit. Then a wonderful Lancome representative helped me. She did try other products on me, but turns out the Lancome products seem to work better in comparison. I spent way too much money, but I'm really happy with my products. I also thought I might buy Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel because I like the clear gel I got in my Birchbox, but I hate trying to use a pencil. Again, I liked the Lancome product better.

Here's what I got:

Effacernes Concealer in Light Bisque

It is a Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer. The website says: "This natural coverage concealer lets you instantly eliminate tell-tale signs of stress and fatigue. Provides complete, natural-looking coverage, evens skin tone, covers dark circles and minimizes fine lines around the eyes for a soft, matte finish."

We tried the CKOne Concealer, It Cosmetics, and Tarte's Concealer and they either didn't cover enough for my dark circles, or they started creasing right away. The Lancome concealer had good coverage and less creasing. It is a little more expensive, but the tube is a really good size and you only need a tiny bit, and it is very good for layering. It brightens as it covers, which is always a plus. The tube has a fine tip for dispensing the product, so it stays very sanitary. I found that I still need a primer under this, so my Smashbox kit will not go to waste :) When I tried it the next day with just my eye cream, the concealer seemed to smear and not cover very well. It also works better (for me) if I squeeze some out on the back of my hand, then dab with my finger and dab off some extra, pat under my eye, then use my beautyblender. Just using my fingers didn't give as nice of a finish. You could also use a brush if you don't want to use your fingers.

Before^

After^

Yes, the lighting seems a little different, but it was mostly the angle of my head. But you can definitely see that the purple under my eye was covered up. I still have some intense shadows but I'm trying to get over that. That's how my face is built, not something makeup can really cover.

Modele Sourcils Brow Gel in Brunet

The website says: "Keep brows perfectly in place with this lightweight gel that brushes on easily for natural-looking definition. The unique formula is made to work alone or over a brow pencil for a flawless, well-groomed look. Perfectly portable for on-the-go touch-ups anytime."

Currently, I'm using Benefit's Gimme Brow. I really like the fiber gel formula and the tiny brush, but it seems to dry out so quickly. I didn't get it that long ago and it's already a little clumpy and is giving me less product. I wanted to find something that would last longer since I really like the effect on my brows, and I hate using a brow pencil. I actually don't really know how to use it, and when I try my brows always end up too dark. Tinted gels are my perfect product, and so much faster.

Without^

With^

The change isn't too drastic, which is what I like about it. I don't wear liquid foundation but always have a powder on. As I put the powder on, it gets into my eyebrows and makes them dull. I never paid attention to that before, but now I notice a huge difference when I wear a tinted brow gel. And it's so quick and easy!

Genifique Yeux Eye Cream

The website says: "Formulated in an elegant gel texture enriched with Genifique technology, Genifique Yeux helps reactivate key signs of youth and fight against visible signs of fatigue. Use daily for a rested, youthful-looking eye contour, as after a good night’s sleep. Results: See visibly younger, brighter eyes in just 7 days. Dark circles, fine lines, eye bags and under-eye circles seem to diminish, and the eye area looks fresh and luminous."

The associate used this on my eyes after wiping off each product. I really liked how the gel texture felt and I don't have a dedicated eye cream. It was way too much money, but you only need a tiny amount every time. Not that I'm against sticking my finger in the pot (like a lot of people, but nothing against them. I just never thought about it that much), but I've started using the little spatula that came with my Erase Paste to scoop some product out. I never used it on my Erase Paste because I just use a brush. I've been using this cream every day and night. I'm excited to see if it really does make a difference in a week.

We also chatted a lot and she gave me some samples:

La Base Pro Primer

I liked how this primer felt when she was using it also, but I didn't see much difference between this and the Smashbox primer. It's great to have the samples (love me some samples!) but one little packet is going to be multiple days of use and I'll have to find somewhere to keep it without getting squished.

Dual Finish Powder Foundation (She used Ecru II 230 on me but only had a sample of Buff II 220)

This will be fun to try, but it is very expensive and I really like my Benefit Hello Flawless foundation right now.

La vie est belle Perfume

This is Lancome's newest fragrance. I've been seeing the commercials a lot now. It smells pretty good, but reminds me more of something my mom would wear, not for someone still in their 20s. I've been trying it off and on but I just bought a full size perfume from Birchbox a few months ago. It was my first "real" perfume purchase in probably 8 years. I've been wearing Bath and Body Works Body Spray, since I never seem to notice the scent after an hour anyway.

The thing I love about buying my products from Ulta is their return policy. If I find after a week, or even a month of using, that the product is just not worth the money I spent, I can return it. They have a 60-day return policy - just save your receipt. I'm also a member of their rewards program and had racked up 100 points so I got $3 off this purchase. I also got double points from these items also, so I have a discount for next time!

Smashbox Primer Try It Kit!

I have very dark circles under my eyes so I've been using Benefit's Erase Paste concealer. I love the coverage, but it's really bad if you have lines under your eyes like I do. (I'm pretty young but started applying makeup by tugging on my skin around my eyes and don't know any other way. I'm trying to relearn though...) I read some mixed reviews about Smashbox's Hydrating Under Eye Primer but I saw that it came as a trial size in this kit, so I figured why not? It was only $14!

This kit includes:
Photo Finish Lid Primer (0.02 fl. oz.): Locks on shadow and keeps it crease-free for up to 8 hours

I really like this lid primer. I don't usually use an eyeshadow primer, but I can see that this helps make the colors bolder/darker and it really will last all day.

Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer (0.17 fl. oz.): 10 under-eye benefits, 1 primer breakthrough

I haven't really had luck with this primer. I was hopeful but the reviews were about 50/50 with people loving it and it just not working. Hasn't seemed to work for me. Maybe it's really just the concealer. I am going to keep trying it.

Photo Finish Foundation Primer (0.25 fl. oz.): Creates the perfect canvas for makeup application

Seems to work really well. I don't wear liquid foundation so I don't really need a primer like this. I mostly only use a primer for mattifying under my powder. It was suggested to me to use this under my eyes to fill in the lines though. We'll see how that works.

I love the tiny sizes. They're great because you don't need to use much product anyway. I feel like the eye lid primer and under eye primer will last me a long time. If I really like the foundation primer, I may buy a full size. (BTW: I have tiny hands. My ring size of those index fingers is between a 6 and 7. Just to show you how small the samples are.)

StitchFix #2 Review

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell us your style, size, and budget preferences, and we send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. Each Fix^™ is unique and hand-picked just for you.

^From the website^

Here's how I explain it to people: You fill out a profile with your sizes and tell them what your style is. Then for $20, a stylist will pick out 5 different items, clothing and accessories, to send to you based on your choices. (You can also tell them if you only want dresses one month because you're going to a wedding, or like I did and told them I didn't want accessories my first time.) You choose when you want it sent to you - I had to wait a month from when I signed up, but that month went fast! And you don't have to get it every month, just whenever you tell them. So you try on your 5 items at home, with your own jewelry and other stuff from your closet, then decide which ones you like. Whatever you don't like, send back in the pre-paid mailer they send in your box. You have 3 days to do this. Whatever you decide to keep, they will then charge your credit card for the amount of the item, BUT that $20 you spent goes toward that cost! Plus, if you like all 5 items, you get 25% off.

This is my second Fix. I requested some summer dresses, a cute clutch, and maybe another cardigan. Apparently they love blue this month. I got all blue dresses. Luckily I like blue, but I thought there would be more options. Here's what I got.

They always include a personalized message about their choices, along with style cards to help you style each piece.

Emperia Kim Two-Tone Wallet with Wristlet: $28

Very cute and functional. But when I asked for a clutch I was looking for more of a purse type... a bag, not a wallet. I don't even use the large wallet I have. I wish I could keep it but for $28...

The Verdict: Sadly, it goes back.

Papermoon Charlotte Airy Knit Drape Front Cardigan: $48

I like the sleeves and the material overall. It's nice and light, but I really don't like drape front things like this. I don't know why... but it makes me feel very maternal for some reason, or something. Even though boyfriend likes it. 

The Verdict: Sending it back.

Kensie Larsa Sleeveless Stripe Fit & Flare Dress: $68

So soft! And very cute. I was a little concerned about the size. They sent me all smalls... and I'm usually more of an extra small in dresses but that's not an option on their profile. (Actually, I think the smallest option is Size 2, only numbers as options.) I thought I wanted it a little tighter, but the more I wore it around the house, I decided it was very comfortable.

The Verdict: Keeping it.

Collective Concepts Galen Racerback Polka Dot Dress: $78

I can't believe this was the most expensive dress they sent me. It's a bag. The waist is adjustable, but that's about the only redeeming quality of this dress. The material feels cheap, and seems like this size small is for someone with a DD top. I understand looser fit clothing, but this is just big in the wrong places.

The Verdict: Gone!

41Hawthorn Harriet Aztec Print Fit and Flare Dress: $64

I don't know where this Aztec print trend came from but I don't really like it. But I do like this dress so I'm torn. There is a zipper in the back so it's more fitted, and it's a little longer than my other dresses. I thought it would be the most expensive choice, being more tailored and dressy, but it's the cheapest option. I really do like it, but I don't think I would wear it very often, as it feels just little bit too dressy. Also, I have to start watching what I spend.

The Verdict: Sadly, sending it back :(

They've already charged my credit card the $20 for the fix when they sent it. I'm keeping the Kensie dress, so it's really only like $48.

Beautylish Inglot Eyeshadow Palette

I have so many eyeshadows that I never wear! I've only been wearing about 5 colors lately: Gold, Pink, Purple, Green, and some other sparkle/base like White. I finally looked into making my own palette of just the colors I use. I know you can do this with Mary Kay shadows and I think Urban Decay has something like that. After just googling "custom eyeshadow palette" I found Beautylish! The link took me right to a page that lets you choose how big you want your palette: 2, 4, 5, 10, or 20 spots and what colors you want. There's also an option to view what the colors look like on light or dark skin. After a lot of debating, because the price was a little more than I'd hoped, I finally decided what I wanted. I made an account and immediately got an email saying they were giving me $10 off $50 or more just for signing up! That meant if I chose one more color (a sixth) then I would be paying LESS with taxes, and shipping was free (I forget why). Plus, if I placed my order before 7pm Pacific time, they would be able to ship the order the same day! I got my box 2 days later.

The box came stamped with a personal signature.

All packed in there nicely.

AND it came with a personalized note! How cool is that? It definitely makes me feel comfortable ordering from them again, knowing they put such care into their shipments.

My palette and all the little shadow boxes.

Here's what I chose! All sparkly: White, Beige, Gold, Pink, Purple and Green.

They are all magnetic and came in this plastic packaging.

I thought I could just pull on the corner to peel it off, but the green was being stubborn. The plastic was thicker than I anticipated.

The rest of them had nice corners to peel up.

All four corners of the lid are magnetized so you can slide it up like this, or just slide it up from one side as I sometimes do in the mornings if I knew I want one of the end colors. The lid is also a very durable plexiglass type material.

This picture makes them all look very light but they are buildable and I don't like my eyeshadow to bright anyway. They are perfect for me!

As soon as I knew I loved every color, and cleaned out my makeup bag of all the individual shadows I had in there. I have so much room now! I couldn't believe it. Now I just have this palette, a matchbook-style eyeshadow brush holder, and 2 tiny sets of 4 colors I got from Birchbox: one more oranges and golds, and one more browns. This palette was a little expensive, but being able to clean out my bag and make all that room was totally worth it!