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

Ipsy - March 2014

This month's ipsy theme is Destination Beauty. 

The insert card actually welcomes subscribers to Palette Island. I like the theme, but I'm a bit underwhelmed by the bag itself and products I received. We only received four products too :(

The bag's bold print is a selection from artist, and ipsy subscriber, Klari Reis. It's based on the geography of her hometown of San Francisco. It's an interesting pattern, but the thick plastic feel is odd, and it had a ridiculously strong smell when I first took it out of the pink mailer. I had to air it out for a couple of weeks, before the silly putty-like smell went away. The bag feels like it would do well being thrown in a beach bag though; so that's probably what I'll end up doing.

My bag contained:

An eyeshadow quad from Be a Bombshell, I the shade Bora Bora: The colors (Starlet/a gorgeous bronze, Bora Bora/a very beachy turquoise, Risky Business/a gold tone, and Rock Bottom/a perfect sunset-on-the horizon copper) all have a bit of shimmer, are very pigmented and blend well. I really like this quad;

Nicole by OPI's Roughles textured nail polish in the shade On What Grounds?: I'm not a fan of this textured polish. I looks like a robin's egg, asphalt hybrid. I usually love the polishes that I receive from ipsy, bit this one is no bueno;

An adorable mini Marvelous Moxie lipstick from Bare Minerals in the shade Get Ready: The packaging is adorable, the sample size is decent, and the lipstick goes smoothly, but the shade is simply too pink for me. I wish I had received the gloss instead; and

Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter from Pacifica: This is easily my favorite item this month. I adore a good body butter. This one smells divine, and I don't even like coconut! It works well as a moisturizer without being greasy. I'll definitely be purchasing more of this, and checking out the other available scents.

What did all you other ipsters think of the March bag and selection of products? As I said, I was less than impressed. Hopefully next month is better... and we get back to receiving 5 product bags.

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

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

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

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

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

Art is Beauty & Beauty is Art

Yea, I got my ipsy bag!

This month's theme is The Art of Beauty; and I must say, October is a very good ipsy month :) I love my bag, and most of the other reviews that I've seen have been positive as well. Good job ipsy.

A simple bag with a cute quote, and a pop of vibrant color. Thumbs up :) 

"Love of beauty is taste.

The creation of beauty is art."

I really like this month's actual bag. The quote is cute, and I love the hot pink interior. It also feels much sturdier than last month's bag.

More importantly, I also feel like the majority of the products I received were more tailored to my tastes and preferences. Maybe there's something to ipsyMatch after all. Uh oh - I hope I didn't speak too soon, and ipsy's beauty gurus can keep up the magic for November's bag.

Anyway, onto the goodies! This month I received:

1) La Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wet Wipes: The package contains 10 wipes, which is a great sample size. They have a nice scent, and seem to work well. I'll keep the rest of the pack in my travel bag. I can always use convenient products like this;

2) Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush: I've already started using this :) It's a nice, soft brush, and ipsy can feel free to send me more;

3) Style Sexy Hair Spray Clay: I'm not yet sure about this product. Apparently, it's not a hairspray, but rather a 'clay, in spray form, that gives hair textured movement while providing a dry hold'. I'll try it out, but it may not be a match for my hair type;

4) Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Shimmer: I received the color Navy, and it is beautiful. It is a very pigmented shimmer powder that can, apparently, be used in 8 different ways. Per the ipsy site, this product is a "creamy eye shadow, matte eyeshadow, eyeliner, lip color, nail polish, mascara, body glitter, and hair color for fun hair streaks" all in 1. I'm definitely excited to try it out; and

5) Zoya Nail Lacquer: I received a lovely plum color called Mason.

It has a bit of shimmer, goes on smoothly in one coat, and is a perfect color for Fall. Yea!

If you're a fellow ipsy subscriber, how did you like your October bag? What product are you most excited to have received/try out? I'm still deciding. At this point, I'll say it's a 4-way tie :)

If you haven't yet subscribe, but are interested in getting your own ipsy bag(s), I'd appreciate it if you use my referral link. [Thanks in advance.]

Later gators,
M

Birchbox is all the (Beauty) Buzz this October

This month's Birchbox had arrived, and I'm pretty impressed.

For those of you who don't know, Birchbox is a monthly subscription service. For just $10/month, subscribers are sent a box containing a variety of beauty/grooming/lifestyle products - many of which are from high-end brands. If you're interested in trying it out, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://birch.ly/16gHmcu. Through Birchbox's referral program, subscribers not only earn points (which add up, and turn into 'cash' value which can be used in their online store) for referring friends, but also by reviewing received products. Believe me, points can add up pretty quickly.

And now, back to the box :)

This month's box theme is Beauty Buzz. 

Among other things, this month's insert card states that month's box is devoted to products that the Company's beauty gurus can't stop talking about.

Overall, I'm happy with my box. I think I received a well-rounded variety of items; including a cool lip product and an interesting hair product (very excited :).

My box this month :)

This month I received:

1) Chapstick Hydration Lock: This month everyone received this Birchbox Find (a mass-market product the Birchbox heads are mad about) in their boxes. The scent/flavor is Vanilla Creme. Unfortunately, I can't stand Chapstick, so this will be passed on, but someone will love it;

2) POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer: I received the gorgeous, sheer, pink color Flowering Fuschia. It has a slightly minty smell, and per the description it plumps and hydrates with jojoba oil. I'm not generally a fan of plumping lip products, but I'll try it out.

I've seen a lot of reviewers talking about the unusual plastic applicator; but apparently the paddle style allows for more precise application. We'll see;

3) Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum: This is an antiaging serum with SPF 30. I already have a sunscreen that I love, but I'm exited to try this as the description states that it can also be used as a primer under makeup. I could always use another awesome primer option;

4) Karuna Hydrating Mask: This is an all-natural, antioxidant rich, cloth mask. I've actually never tried a face mask before, so I'm a bit apprehensive about it, but I'll try it...one day; and

5) 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment: One product, 12 benefits, and it smells AMAZING.

As I said above I'm pretty happy with this month's box! Nice work Birchbox. Keep it up for next month :)

If you're already a Birchboxer, what did you think of your October box? What product did you you receive that you're most excited about?

Later gators,

M