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

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