Starlooks - March '14

Starlooks teamed up with Youtuber Ashley Hackman to curate their March box.

I was, unfortunately, disappointed with all the products I received.

The "BOSS" red lipstick looks great in the tube, but it has an orange undertone that I don't feel compliments my skin tone.

The lip pencil goes on well, and the color (Cherry Cedar) is a nice red. Thankfully, it doesn't have that extreme orange undertone like the lipstick; but it's nothing special. I rarely use lip liners, so I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of this, but I may try it as a base under another lipstick or gloss.

This is my third eyeliner pot from Starlooks. I'm happy to receive a black one, really black - this shade is called Black Hole - but I don't use this type of eyeliner, so it's not enough to make me excited about the box. It'll be a nice gift for one of my sisters or a friend though.

Overall, March was a Starbox dud for me.

If you're a subscriber, what did you think of March's curated products?

If you're interested in subscribing to Starbox, I would appreciate it if you used my referral link. Thanks in advance :)

Later gators,
M

Three months of Starlooks

Let's jump right in, shall we?

December

This past December was my first holiday as a Starlooks Starbox subscriber; and if that was how they celebrate every December, then it won't be my last :)

A brief reminder, Starbox is the subscription box offered by the makeup line Starlooks. Each box generally includes 3-4 full-sized products from their makeup line, and costs $15 a month (plus shipping).

In addition to sending out only full-sized products, Starlooks sends subscribers a special birthday Starbox during their birthday month (love that!). In the December box, they included an insert staying that the Company would now also be rewarding subscribers with a new loyalty program. Very nice :)

December's box contained a gorgeous 15 shade eyeshadow palette called "New Years Eve 2014". These types of palettes retail on their site for a whopping $99! I must admit that that is exceptional value for the purchase price.

The palette itself is well made; and the included colors are stunning. Most of the shades have some summer, but there are also 5 matte shades - a little something for everyone. This was a great Starbox month.

January

January's box was all about versatility, and finding new uses for different makeup products.

One of the glosses was labeled Satin. I don't remember the other. Both broken items have been tossed. The lipstick was a color that I would never wear, and was instantly given away. I, unfortunately, don't even remember the shade. The Obsidian eyeliner is a nice, if not exciting, product; and the lash comb was a useful bonus. 

That's all well and good, but both lip glosses in my box arrived damaged. There were no stoppers in the vials, so when opened them, it was just a big mess. I have contacted Starlooks multiple times since receiving the box. Each time, I have been assured that replacement items will be sent to me, but nothing has been received.

Since, Starlooks prides themselves on customer service, this is especially disappointing.

February

I love how the two models are throwing so much shade at each other on this insert card.

February's theme was Futurism, and featured a whole host of sparkly metallic products.

I received a creamy, long-lasting lipstick (in the shade Lilu), a cream shadow in Hologram , and a buildable pigment in the shade Tungsten.

I also received a grey, nylon headband. Starlooks included this bonus as an aid to keep hair off your face when doing makeup; and this, plus the pigment are my favorite box items this month. I could take or leave the shimmery gloss and pinkish-creamish-gold shadow.

Hopefully next month will be better.

This box also included the loyalty reward for being a steady 3 month box subscriber. When Starlooks first announced that they would be providing loyalty rewards, I assumed that they would send out a random extra product, or two, to subscribers. They did much better.

They gave us $35 off of any order! Very nice :) I have yet to use my code, but I'll probably pick up a couple of lipsticks in colors that are more my style.

If you're interested in subscribing to Starbox, I would appreciate it if you used my referral link. Thanks in advance :)

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

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

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

Round 'em up!

It's round up time!

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

I ended up loving the Fox Hunt Ruffian Nail Polish I received in my box. The color is so vibrant and goes on so smooth...it's a clear, perfect for Fall, winner.

Starbox comes in 2nd thanks to the Pearl Necklace lip gloss; and ipsy is a distant 3rd this month. The NYX Sparkle White eyeshadow I received in my bag is ok but, unfortunately, that was the theme of this month's ipsy bag - just ok.

I'm excited to see what next month brings! :)

What about all of you? How did your September subscriptions stack up?

Later gators,
M

September's Starbox is here, and it's sparkly

Apparently, this month's Starlooks Starbox celebrates New York Fashion Week. While, I don't completely love this month's box, 2 out of 3 good products isn't bad. 

Especially when they are full-size :).

This envelope was on top of the box when I opened the package. I got so excited thinking that it contained a coupon code or giftcard for products from the Starlooks site (especially since it was so fancily sealed with wax)...

...but it only contained this - a 1 month trial, worth 5 requests, for Ooberluxe (a virtual assistant site). I'm a bit disappointed with this extra, as I already have a virtual assistant; but whatever. I'll just pass the code on. I imagine that the code only works for the first person to use it, so have at it readers :)

Anyway, back to the goodies. This month's box is all sparkly. I didn't think I would like the products as much as I do.

As I wrote above, I received 3 products.

The first is a sparkly lip gloss in the color Pearl Necklace. It goes on incredibly smooth and gives my lips a lovely sheen. I've already worn it a few times, and I give it a thumbs up.

The second item are a pair of "FL13" lashes. I can only see these coming in handy as part of a Halloween costume. They have a plastic feel to them that I'm not fond of. As I said, I'll likely end up using them in a future costume idea, or give them away.

The last item is an Infinity eyeliner pot in the color Milky Way. It has a gorgeous pearly white color and, as the card says it can be used in a multitude of ways (liner, shadow, base, etc.). Thumbs up :)

Of course there was another crystal in the box. Cute :)

All in all, it was a pretty good Starbox. I can't wait to see what next month's box, and my birthday box, bring.

Thinking of trying Starlooks Starbox, but haven't yet? I'd appreciate it if you use my referral link. Just click here.

Later gators,
M

Celebrating Classic Beauty

I'm a bit late with my review of my September ipsy bag. In all honesty though, I'm glad I waited a bit to post my thoughts as I've now had a bit more time to try out some of the goodies that I received.

This month's ipsy theme is Classic Beauty.

At first I wasn't too keen on the items that I received; but I've changed my mind on most of the bag.

This month's bag itself doesn't measure up to last month's purple gorgeousness. I love the royal blue color, and don't mind the pattern. The material, however, is not the best; but I'll definitely find a use for it.

Every subscriber received a sample of the life palette from the EM makeup line. I received the "look 4 natural talent" sampler, and almost threw the little pamphlet away without noticing the sample. It was a cute extra.

The first item that I pulled from my bag were two pairs of Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels. I haven't tried these out as of yet, but I'm happy to have received them, and that more than a single set was sent out.

Everyone received the It's So Big Volumizing Mascara by Elizabeth Mott, and a NYX Single Eye Shadow (I received the color Sparkle White). I definitely don't need another mascara right now, but I'll gift it to someone. I also wish that is received another shade of shadow, but I'll deal.

Lastly, I received the Pouty Pop Lip Crayon in color Rose Romance, and the Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil by Starlooks.

The rose-colored lip pencil plus the white eyeshadow, equals me thinking that ipsy isn't taking my ipsyMatch answers into account at all. I've also read some reviews which say that it has a tendency to dry out the lips, so I'm not that excited to try it.

I was initially disappointed to see a Starlooks product in my bag since I also subscribe to that Company's monthly box; but I've never received a Kohl pencil, so I got over it. The pencil has a nice deep black color, and goes on smooth - thumbs up.

All in all, I feel pretty neutral about this month's bag. There was nothing that I was super excited about, but also nothing that I was sorry to receive. Hopefully, October brings a Halloween themed bag with more treats than tricks (no more mascara for a while please ipsy! :)

If you subscribe to ipsy, how did you like your bag? If you don't yet subscribe but would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://bit.ly/154vUAf :).

Later gators, 

M

For those days when you feel like a Diva

I received my September Stunners the other day :)

 

I really, really, like this month's pair! I'm a huge fan of oversized sunglasses and The Divas' are lovely. Oversized, and a mix of purple, clear and black...gorgeous.

Of course, they were well packaged, came with a white carry/storage pouch and a description card.

 The Divas

 Sneaking out the back door of your high-rise on

Central Park, not a soul suspects your true identity.

The Paparazzi are hot on your heels. Your secret

lover awaits to whisk you to the heights of passion.

The car door opens as you see a single flash. Oh

well, that the Diva you are.

Collection: Character; Level: Super

I'm really happy with this month's selection. Keep it up StunMo! If you're interested in trying Stunner of the Month for yourself, head over to www.stunnerofthemonth.com; and use the promo code 'trystunner' at checkout to get your first pair for free.

 

I also received my replacement Starbox from Starlooks. The customer service from that company has been amazing. They not only sent me a whole new box, they included a clear cosmetics bag as a free gift. I am all for free :)

 

The also individually wrapped each item in bubble wrap. They were taking no chances this time.

No chipped crystals for me. I really appreciate the time and care they obviously took with this replacement package; and am very impressed.

Hopefully this month's box will house some impressive products. We'll see.

 

In other makeup news, I've already received my shipping confirmation from Birchbox! My account page hasn't updated yet, so I can't peek at exactly what I'm getting; but based on the Company's sneak peek YouTube video, I'm excited! They are celebrating their 3rd anniversary, so I'm hoping that translates into me receiving amazing products.

 

Later gators,

M