Happy Holidays from Birchbox

Birchbox dressed up for the holidays.

The outer box was a lovely gold instead of the usual cute pink and white; and the inner box was more festive too.

The box contained a bunch of goodies - one of which I was particularly happy to see. The Benefit Cosmetics Benetint! :) I've wanted to receive this to try since I first saw it in other people's reviews after my first box back in August. Supposedly it provides a rosy flush to lips and cheeks (though, I'll likely stick to using it on my lips). We'll see if it was worth the anticipation.

I also received:

Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray: This spray promises all the hold with nine of the crunchiness. We'll see;

Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo in Birchbox Love: This Birchbox exclusive is a pearlescent lotion that is speed to give skin a lovely, fresh look. I like that it can be written alone or under foundation; but since it has a bit of sheen to it, I'll definitely be saving it for a special occasion instead of everyday wear; and

Shea Terra Organics Shea Nilotica East African Shea Butter: I am a huge Shea Butter fan, and I like that this brand is certified organic. I'll probably tuck this little sample in one of my drawers at work for any dry hand emergencies.

This month's Beauty Extra comes from the Company, bliss. It's a sample of their that's incredi-'peel'! spa-grade wipes. Sounds like a cool product, but is not for me. I'll probably give this sample away. Maybe a New Year sample giveaway/contest? Well see :)

Thinking of subscribing to Birchbox in the New Year? If so, I'd appreciate it if you use my referral link. Just click here. Thanks in advance!

What did you other current Birchboxers out there think of their December boxes? Did you receive any of the same products? Yes, or no, what was your favorite sample this month?

Later gators,
M

Captain Nemo's Chocolate Factory

Stunner of the Month sent me the perfect shades this month :) They are definitely a little out there, but they are seriously adorable.

Enormous and purple, The Nemos look like something plucked directly out of Willy Wonka's closet. Love 'Em :)

The Nemos

You were the most advanced scientist of the
Victorian era, but when you surfaced from
20,000 leagues it was the Third Millennium. 
Turns out there hasn't been too much progress,
luckily all your inventions are safely stored in
your Stunners. Time to take over the world!
Collection: Villain;  Level: Fly

If you'd like to receive your own monthly sunglasses subscription, head over to https://www.stunnerofthemonth.com.

The price to get your own subscription is $9/month (which includes shipping!), and you can use the promo code 'trystunner' to get a month free. They also have gift subscriptions for those who would rather be charged once instead of waiting for a monthly charge:

3 months for $27;

6 months for $45; or

12 months for $90.

Anyway, back to the Nemos. I can't wait to rock these next Summer; but what do you think of this month's Stunners? If you also subscribe to StunMo, what shades did you receive this month?

Later gators,
M

My last Dazzley Box

Dazzley Box (DB) actually stepped it up a bit for my last box/the holidays. The box was packaged well (point DB), and arrived pretty early in the month (another point DB).

When I opened the box, and saw a small bag of Pepperidge Farm Gingerman Minis, I was disappointed, but not surprised (plus half a point for the seasonal item, but minus a point for the small snack size).

The earring trio, however, is lovely. 

I really like all 3 pairs - especially the birdies in the middle. I like the variety and that they are elegantly simple. Point DB.

The box also contained two stila Cosmetics Long Wear Lip Colors in the shades phenomenal and daring.

Phenomenal's swatched to the left, and Daring's swatched to the right

Both shades are pretty, and I'm always happy to receive stila products. Two points DB.

4.5 points? Yea, there's no real point system here :). I guess this box was decent; but it simply couldn't erase the memory of the two horrible boxes that preceded it.

Honestly, I wasn't sorry to see this on the back of the item description card.

Goodbye Dazzley Box. I'm glad I tried the service, so I know what is like; but my mailbox will not miss you.

Any other Dazzleyboxers out there? What do you think of the subscription?

Later gators,

M

Dazzleybox is, once again, underwhelming

Dazzleybox...

I, seriously, cannot even with this subscription.

While the Company managed to package this month's products much nicer this time, and the jewelry they sent was improved, I still don't think that the box is worth the subscription price.

The current price breakdown is as follows:

One month: $24.99;

Three months (buy two, get one free): $49.98;

Six months: $137.94 one time payment (breaks down to $22.99/mo); and

One year: $239.88 (breaks down to $19.99/mo).

Per the insert, this month's box includes great stocking stuffer picks.

I received a bag of all natural Mint Chocolate Chip Snack Factory Pretzel Chips, a Softlips duo pack (in the flavors/scents Praline Brownie and Vanilla), Strawberry Remix and Spearmint Orbitz gum, and 2 pairs of earrings.

The green drop earrings are very pretty,and feel sturdy. The snowflake earrings (that's what I'm calling them) are also pretty, but the sturdiness isn't there.

I didn't care for the pretzel chips. They had a cloying aftertaste to me; but my friend, P, loved them.

All in all, in my opinion this month's Dazzley Box, once again, wasn't worth the subscription price. It's just not the box for me. Next month will be my last box with this subscription, and unless December's box is magical, I won't be sorry to see it go.

Any other Dazzley Box subscribers out there? If so, what do you think of the service and products?

Later gators,
M

Glitz, Glam, and good Customer Service

This month ipsy's glamming it up and, for the most part, I like it.

For those of you who don't know, ipsy is a neat little subscription service that provides makeup, etc. (mostly deluxe-sample or full-size), with a bonus cosmetics bag, for $10/month. Each month's bag has a different theme; and as you can see, this month's ipsy theme is Glam It Up.

In addition to a host of products to get you make up ready for the holidays, ipsy also included the code ipsy30 for use at checkout to get 30% off at emcosmetics.com/ipsy. I probably won't use the code, but I'm happy that they included a product from Michelle Phan's em cosmetics line in this month's bag so I can get to try out one of her highly anticipated items. 

I'm not too keen on this month's cosmetics bag. It looks pretty enough - a glitzy gold - but definitely has a cheap feel. The products, however, I really like.

Everyone received 6 items, instead of 5, this month due to the included full-size em product. There were a few different em products that could have been received, ranging from lip gloss and color to mascara. I kind of wish I had received a lip color, but I'm good with the mascara I got. I received the em Lash Gallery Clean Volume Mascara in black. I'm becoming overly saturated with mascaras, so this one will remain in reserve for now. It's nice to have choices though.

I also received a Starlooks Gem Pencil in Amethyst, a Nailtini nail polish in the color Champagne, a small sample of GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment, a Pixi Beauty Bronzer in the shade Summertime, and a Lip Crayon from Be a Bombshell (in Shameless).

As you'd expect, the amethyst eye pencil is a nice, sparkly silvery purple. I love it, but as I don't wear eyeliner that much, I'll probably gift it to my sisters. It's perfect for festive holiday party looks, so I know they'll love it. The Nailtini polish is nice. I'm glad that I received Champagne (a more neutral color) instead of the gunmetal grey option. Both are pretty, but I can work with the rosey copper color I received a bit more. This is my first Nailtini polish, and I really like it. The wider, flatter, brush allowed for easy application and, while I needed to apply two coats to achieve a nicer look, the end result was smooth (no streaks). Nailtini seems to be one of ipsy's go to companies, so I hope to get more polishes from this company in future bags.

The ipsy site describes the GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment as a "10-minute professional 'facial in a jar'". I've never heard of this brand, and the word Tinglexfoliate has me a bit uneasy :). Still, I might try this out one day. The Pixi bronzer will likely be used as eyeshadow instead of bronzer, but I'm happy to receive it.

My instant favorite this month is the lip crayon. This is my first lip crayon, and I'm liking it :). I love the color, a mauve with a hint of sparkle; and the crayon shape allowed for quick, easy, and precise application. Nice.

So, what's up with the customer service title? My first bag this month arrived open, and I mean every single product was open and looked used. It was a makeup horror show in that pink mailer. I emailed ipsy, and they replied saying that a new bag would be sent immediately. They were able to send me all the same items (except the Gem Pencil - originally, I had received the Topaz (bluish-silver) color, instead of Amethyst) which is awesome. I already have a silver Gem Pencil from a past Starlooks box, so I'm happy that I ended up with a purple one. Customer service at its finest.

What do you other ipsters out there think of your bags; and what do you think December's theme will be?

Later gators,
M

Lounging in the Mediterranean, with Starlooks

This month's Starlooks Starbox certainly delivers on color!

I love every product they sent out this month, even the bonus that I've seen people complaining about - but more on that later.

Everything was packaged beautifully, as usual. Starlooks really succeeds with their packaging. I always feel like I'm getting a birthday gift when their box arrives.

This month subscribers received the "Monaco" 5 Shade Shadow Palette, an Infinity Pot Liner in the color Orion, and a Slanted Liner Brush.

The Palette is gorgeous. The colors range from matte to more satiny finishes. I'm not yet sure how I'm going to use the red and canary yellow. The sample look from this month's lookbook (see this post's first pic) is striking, but not really my style. I'll graze YouTube and find some cool looks to try out :).

The Infinity Pot Liner (in Orion) compliments the Baldwin Blues nail polish that I received from Birchbox, so that's a plus. It goes on well, is a lovely shade and, of course, pairs with the Slanted Liner Brush.

As I mentioned above, also included was a bonus eye and lip pencil sharpener. I've seen quite a few people questioning why we received out, and complaining. In my opinion, why complain? Pencil sharpener = light years better than the usual bonus crystal shard :)

The box also includes this discount code for 40% off any starlooks.com purchase (expires December 15th). Just enter ILOVESTARLOOKS at checkout.

If you are interested in subscribing to Starbox, I would appreciate it if you used my referral link. Sign up before December 10th to ensure that you receive the highly anticipated $99 value palette!

If you're already a subscriber, what did you think of this month's vibrant box? If you have any look ideas, feel free to share those in a comment as well.

Later gators,
M

Hey Mike, Mike, Mike, guess what day it is.

It's that time again!

My Birchbox came this past Hump Day, and it's GOOD :)

This month's theme is More Good (yea, a Thanksgiving themed box! :), and I really like the selection of goodies they chose for me.

Seriously, this month's box is chock full of goodies I actually like, and can use. (More) good on you, Birchbox.

"As any Thanksgiving feast can attest, this is not the time for holding back.  Rather, this month - and the entire holiday season- is about abundance in all forms. More thanks, more giving, more thoughtfulness, more samples, and of course more pumpkin pie and stuffing.

All month [Birchbox'll] be bringing you ideas for how you can bring more good to your life..."

More pumpkin pie and stuffing? Yes, please! I can taste my dad's cornbread stuffing already :) Man, I love Turkey Day.

This month I received:

1) Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow oil-free SPF 25 foundation: I'm excited about this. I did a quick test on the back of my hand and, while I first thought the shade would be to dark, it blended so smoothly and easily that I think it will work. I use Bare Minerals foundation, but i think this will work well as a little something extra for dark under-eye circles;

2) Ayres Midnight Tango Body Butter: The description card says that the "moisturizer has a heady (dare we say sexy?) scent", and that's 100% right. It smells AMAZING, and made my hands feel wonderfully soft. I may invest in the full-size of this one;

3) Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: This face wash apparently mimics the microdermabrasion process, leaving the face smooth and glowing. We'll see how this one works. I'm using a couple of different face washes now, but I'll get around to this one eventually. It's a nice sample size though; and

4) Color Club Nail Polish: I received a cool blue color called Baldwin Blues. I love receiving nail polish, and I don't yet have a blue this shade.

My Lifestyle Extra this month was a trio of tea pouches from Mighty Leaf. I received Vanilla Bean, Organic African Nectar and the one I'm most exited to try Green Tea Tropical (a blend of sweet pineapple and guava). I'm a regular tea drinker, so I'm sure I'll enjoy these.

So, as I've said, I'm more than pleased with my November box. To all you other Birchboxers out there, what did you think of your boxes? Did they contain 'more good'?

If you're not yet a subscriber, but would like to be, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link (share the love and all that goodness). Just click HERE :)

Later gators,
M

It's Kate Spade time again :)

It's Birchbox's Kate Spade Saturday Accessories giveaway day again; and today's selection looks fantastic!

Is easy to sign up and enter, and I'd love it if you used my referral link to do so (thanks in advance :). Just click this link: http://bit.ly/18Nytmr.

So, what's your favorite Kate Spade accessory?

Good luck & Later gators,
M

It's once again time to stunt!

Sorry for the late post about these shades. Last month into this one has been at least a dozen different kinds of busy. Hopefully things will calm down a bit since we're heading into the holidays. 

Hopefully :)

Anyway, about my newest specs. They are called the Keith Haring's, and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship going on with them. 

I love the flash, and retro two-tone look, of them. When looking at the lenses, I love the people tint; but when I have them on, the awkward verticalness of the shading makes looking through them a nauseating experience. 

I do feel like Edna Mode from "The Incredibles" when I have them on, so that's a plus :) All in all, I give them 3/5 stars. 

Keith Haring's

An artist who brought his work to the masses. 

Like these Stunners he was much sought after, 

having exhibits around the world and public

displays that are standing even now. Keith

Haring's art was colorful, cartoonish and fun. 

Follow in his footsteps and make the world Stun!

Collection: Fine Arts; Level: Fly

What do you think of this month's Stunners?

If you'd like to receive your own monthly sunglass gift by mail, head over to https://www.stunnerofthemonth.com.

Later gators,
M

Birchbox is at it again!

It's Kate Spade Saturday Accessories giveaway time & I'd love it if you used my referral link to enter --> http://bit.ly/18Nytmr.

Thanks in advance & good luck! :)

Later gators,
M

Thanks for the birthday wishes Starlooks :)

My birthday box came this past Saturday! A bit belated for my birthday, but that's okay. 

I was hoping for a vibrant, retro red lipstick, but it was not to be. I still like what I received though :)

The box contained three products, an eyeliner, an eyeshadow, and a lipstick.

Gorgeous

I wish that they included a product description card like they do with their regular monthly boxes, because there was no label on the eyeshadow, so I don't know what color it is - but it corresponds with the Indigo Frost (J215) eyeliner. The lipstick - Mila (Is40) - is an interesting mauvey color. It's no come-hither red, but it's nice and seems to apply well (based on the tiny swatch I've done so far).

I love how Starlooks sends out these extra boxes. Gifts by mail are the best :)

To any other Starbox subscribers out there, what did you receive in your birthday boxes?

Later gators,
M

Kate Spade Saturdays/Giveaways with Birchbox

Every Saturday in November, Birchbox will be giving away a collection of their favorite Kate Spade Saturday accessories to a lucky winner! 

I do not own this photo at all.

Photo courtesy of Birchbox/Birchbox on Facebook :)

All you have to provide to enter is your name and email address. So, if you want to enter (that gorgeous weekender bag in the third row of the first column is part of today's package, btw), you can do so from their Facebook page, or you can use my referral link (--> http://bit.ly/18Nytmr), and help me get another entry of my own :) Thanks in advance!

Later gators,
M

Round 'em up!

It's round up time!

I've now received all of my October subscriptions and, of all my makeup-centered boxes, Starbox is this month's winner.

 

Both Birchbox and ipsy sent out wonderful boxes this month, but Starbox, with it's Alice in Wonderland inspired theme, took the cake.

My faves from each box are pictured above, with the Starlooks blush palette trio taking the lead, the POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer from Birchbox taking second place, and the Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Shimmer and Zoya Nail Lacquer from ipsy in a tie for third.

In my opinion, it was a great month from these three companies. What did you all think about your October subscription boxes (makeup, food, etc.)?

We'll see what next month brings!

Later gators,
M

October's Starbox is here, and it's Wonder(land)ful.

This month's box is a sleek, glossy, black with a copper ribbon.

The theme is "Alice" - think all grown up Alice in Wonderland. When the lookbook first came out, I was a bit disappointed because I wasn't sure how the products featured on "Alice" would work with my skin tone. Well, forget that! :) I absolutely love all three products I received.

This box contained a 3 Shadow Blush Palette (in 3b1), a Tendergloss (in a shade called Puzzy), and a Gem Pencil (in the color Mirage).

I've only been a Starbox subscriber since August but, per the card, as it's been a while since a blush was sent out, they sent us three :) Lucky (relatively) newbie subscriber me! Trust me when I tell you that the blush trio is gorgeous. The colors are perfect for Fall, and are satiny smooth to apply...I can't wait to use them beyond a simply swatch.

Despite the light color of the Tendergloss, it applies only as a sheer gloss over the lips. Simple and nice.

The Gem Pencil is beautiful as well. It is a truly stunning silver, that glided on smooth when swatched. The description also says that it can be used as an all-over shadow base in addition to being an eyeliner. I can already imagine how amazing it will look as a base on the lids. Thumbs way up!

 

The box also included:

- A notice about December's Starbox. Apparently, that month's box will include a fifteen shade pro eye shadow palette worth $99, all for the regular $15 (+ shipping) Starlooks Starbox price! Should be awesome, and I cannot wait. Per the insert, Starlooks is now offering pre-order for Starbox gift subscriptions beginning with December's box. If you are thinking of ordering (whether for yourself, or for a gift), I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link! Just Click Here & thanks in advance :);

 

- A 50% off Promo Code: use code ILOVESTARLOOKS until November 10th to receive a whopping 50% off any Starlooks.com purchase; and

 

- An insert from Specs for Women company Rivet & Sway (very cool name) for $50 off all glasses at www.rivetandsway.com. Just use promo code JoyofSpecs at checkout until December 31st!

 

 

Of course, I also received my monthly crystal. I'm still waiting for my birthday box though...yep, October is my month - go Libras! I'll give it about a week before I call with a status check. Hopefully that box contains some decent goodies as well.

 

Anyway, great job this month Starlooks. Fingers crossed for an equally wonderful November.

For any current Starboxers, what did you think about this month's box? Even if you don't subscribe, what do you think of the 'Alice' theme and selection of products sent out for the $15/mo. fee?

Later gators,
M

My first experience with a not-so-Dazzley Box

Do any of you know about Dazzley Box? According to the Company's site, Dazzley Box is a "monthly subscription box for women that includes 5 or more surprise items...[and] always includes at least one piece of jewelry".

The current price breakdown is as follows:

One month: $24.99;

Three months (buy two, get one free): $49.98;

Six months: $137.94 one time payment (breaks down to $22.99/mo); and

One year: $239.88 (breaks down to $19.99/mo).

I decided to try the box out with a (buy two months, get one free) three month subscription, and recently received my first box. 

What an extreme disappointment! There was absolutely nothing dazzling about the box. It was so disappointing that I can't even bring myself to believe that future boxes may be better. I seriously almost shed a tear when I realized how severely I'd wasted my money. 

To start, instead of the decent Dazzley Box labeled white box that I've seen on some reviewers sites, the products I received came in a (damaged) regular brown cardboard box. It literally looked as if someone carelessly threw some knickknacks inside the box, added some tissue paper on top and kicked it to a mailbox. Presentation is often key, and this package received a grade of zero.

Now, onto the actual "surprise items" and "jewelry" I received.

Two packets of Nescafe Memento coffee beverages (Caramel Latte and Mocha), one Godiva Chocolate Lava Cake Truffle, one Dove go fresh Restore Beauty Bar, and three, supposedly perfect-for-fall, handmade bracelets? This subscription box, especially for the price, is a joke.

I don't drink coffee, but when I passed the two Nescafe beverage packs on to my husband, he asked me if they were free samples I received in the mail. Those plus the single Godiva Truffle that was carelessly thrown into the box, and already looked half unwrapped...the box was not off to a great start. I, of course, threw the truffle away. I mean, be serious.

The Dove Beauty Bar can be purchased in stores and online at a cost of barely over a dollar a bar on sale. The value promised by this Company simply isn't delivered.

The three far-from-dazzling bracelets came in their own beat up white box. Sidebar, why does everything this Company sent me look completely beat to sh*t? Who is packaging their goods? The Incredible Hulk? Anyway, I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but the elastic in both beige bracelets have too many flyaways for bracelets that are supposed to be new, and the black bracelet is already stretched out! They would be nice, if they didn't arrive at my door looking like used goods.

I purchased two more months of this (what was I thinking!), so I have no choice but to give them two more tries to wow me; or at least to not horribly disappoint me again. At this point, I wouldn't recommend this service to anyone.

If you're thinking about subscribing, don't. For what was sent out, the subscription cost shouldn't be more than $7.50 - $10 (being generous here)! Do yourself a favor; save your money on this one, and avoid the stress.

Please, please, pleeeeaasseee let next month be better, because I don't even want to think about how it could be worse :(

Later gators,
M

It's a scary delicious Love with Food box...sort of

My box of treats came...

and I was happy to see that one of my subscription boxes actually celebrated Halloween a bit!

Spooooky! Lol!

I received 8 different treats this month; some more trick than treat.

First up, are Chocolate Pizzelle Crisps from Silk City Snacks, and Pixo Pearls from Vinaigerie Gingras.

Initially, I was excited to see the Pizzelle Crisps, thinking that they would be reminiscent of that simply divine caramel-filled waffle cookie from a past box. I also liked that each crisp is only 5 calories, with the whole bag totaling only 100 calories. Delicious light snack, right? Wrong. While they had a nice crunch were so bland, that I felt like I was eating handfuls of crunchy paper. My hubby didn't mind the taste and ended up finishing the pack, but these crisps are not something we would ever purchase.

We haven't tried the Pixo Pearls (apple cider vinegar pearls) yet. I'm not actually sure of how to use them. If anyone has any ideas for tasty ways to utilize them, feel free to let me know :)

Up next we have Toasted Coconut Chips from Dang, Happy Squeeze from Happy Family (fruit and veggie twist), and New World Caveman Cookies by Caveman Bakery.

I don't really care for coconut, but I'm seeing rave reviews from others about these chips. I've seen some reviews that say they look a bit like toenail clippings! With that in mind, I'm saving my pack to adorn the tops of some Halloween potluck cupcakes. Hopefully, they'll be a hit. I also haven't tried the Happy Squeeze or the caveman cookie as of yet, but I'm eager to. I like fruit and veggie combos (I just wonder about the consistency), and that cookie? A chewy cookie with maple syrup, honey, dried cranberries...yes please.

Lastly, I received 2 4-count packs of Triple Berry Glee Gum from Verve, Inc., a Nut Delight Kind Bar from Kind Snacks, and 3 Organic Hard Candies from Torie and Howard.

The Nut Delight bar was amazing. I love almonds and this bar was chock-full of whole nutty goodness. I've seen Kind Bars in stores before, and have always wanted to try them. I ate this sample on the way home one day. I was starving and it held me over for a few hours! I will definitely be buying more.

I wasn't a fan of either the gum or the hard candies. The gum's coating is made with brown rice and cane sugar - very cool, but I found it to be too sweet, with a strange aftertaste. The hard candies didn't wow me either. I received two of the blood orange & honey flavor, and one d'anjou pear & cinnamon.

I love pears so I was excited about that flavor, but it was horrid. I kept it in my mouth for only about 30 seconds before I had to spit it out. Sad day. My hubby liked the blood orange, but not enough to buy a pack of them. I gave the second orange candy to my friend, P, and she loved it so much, she's thinking of subscribing to LwF and picking up a few packs. Different strokes for different folks. Lol!

So, for all my fellow Love with Foodies, how did you like the spooooky box? What was your favorite treat? No surprise, the Kind Bar is the clear winner for me. It's so tasty! Man, I wish I had one right now :)

Of course, if you haven't yet subscribed and would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link. Thanks in advance!

I wonder if next month's box will have a Thanksgiving theme. We shall see.

Later gators,
M