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

February 2014 with ipsy

This month's ipsy bag is full of goodies to go with the theme The Look of Love :)

 

 

The bag itself is a fun, bright pink with a funky pink leopard print interior. Simple yet fun.

 

This month's bag contained:

A POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini in the color Peony Petal: This product supposedly combines shine and long wear with lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils. While I'm a POP Beauty fan, and I like the color, I'm not a fan of lip plumping products so I'm not sure if I'll use this;

City Color Cosmetics Be Matte Blush in the shade Fresh Melon: I was excited to see this full sized product in my bag. I also like that this blush is truly matte. Many of the blushes I already own have a shimmer to them. It's quite a bit of blush, and while the rosy-coral shade is a bit bright for my skin tone, I'll make it work. A little definitely goes a long way, so this will last me a while;

NuMe Intense Renewal Hair Mask: I have yet to try this, but all the reviews that I've read have been positive. I did smell the product, and it smells amazing - so there's that. I'm excited to try this out. We'll see;

Zoya Nail Polish in Odette: I love Zoya polishes, I love purple, and yes, I did my nails with this the same day I received my bag. Ipsy, you can send me Zoya polishes in every bag. Seriously :); and

Tini Beauty Cordial Shadow and Base in the Spiced Rum: This product is from the same people who bring us Nailtini nail polishes that ipsy loves sending out (from their Eyetini product line). The shadow is an amazing bronze color that goes on smoothly and blends incredibly well. I love that the packaging is similar to a lip gloss - clever and convenient. This month's ipsy discount code for this brand gives subscribers 50% off any purchase + a free nail polish, so I may need to purchase some other colors.

I have to say ipsy did a pretty great job compiling my bag this month. How did February's bag stack up for all you other ipsters out there?

 

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

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

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

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

Ulta haul! :)

First off, Happy September everyone! I cannot believe that it's September already. This year is flying by.

 

Anyway, on to the makeup :) I ordered three things and received the rest (including the adorable berry colored case) for free. This was my first Ulta order, but it will definitely not be my last. Oh, and the shipping was amazing too. I received my box in less than a week!

 

So, what did I get?

I ordered a clear brow gel, a retractable kabuki brush and the Urban Decay travel-size eyeshadow primer potion in original and greed.

With that I received all of the following for free :)

   - the berry cosmetics case;
   - 3 makeup brushes (contour, eyeshadow and sponge tip);
   - Ulta dual ended eyeliner (deep brown/black);
   - Sunkissed cheek powder;
   - the Neutral eyeshadow quad (colors = bone, ice queen, truffle and gunmetal);
   - the Masquerade eyeshadow quad (colors = iceland, bayou, bloom and plum noir);
   - Ulta lipcolor in #227 Cappuccino;
   - Ulta super shiny lip gloss in #07 Flirtini;
   - Ulta Nail lacquer in Ruby Slipper;
   - Plush Drama Volume mascara in Jet Black; and
   - Skin Renew Hydra Quench Foaming Oil Cleanser.

I definitely loved the price I paid for all these goodies. Hopefully, I'll love all of the actual products. I'll let you know :)

Later gators,
M