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

I've been slacking, but I still love ipsy :)

... except for the fake lashes.

But given the complete awesomeness of the rest of the December bag, I can overlook one set of false eyelashes.

I'm sorry I'm so far behind in my reviews. Work has been a BEAST! Everyone wants to start their projects after the first of the year, and I don't see things slowing down for at least a couple of months. Anyway, on with reviews :)

The theme of the December bag was Celebration - very fitting for the holiday season.

The bag itself is gorgeous. It's a tie (with the Hogwarts-esque bag from August) for my favorite so far. The pop of red inside is wonderful.

Love it :)

In my bag, I received:

1) Be a Bombshell's The One Stick in the shade Flustered: This is described as an all-in-one stick that can be used on the eyelids, cheeks and lips. I love the multitasking idea behind this, but the color is a bit too bright pink for me to seriously consider using it on my eyes or cheeks (unless I'm clowning it up for Halloween). However, a very light dab of this highly pigmented stick on my lips is a possibility;

2) A small bottle of Starrily Nail Polish in Bzzz Bzzz: A clear base with flecks of black and gold glitter. I hate bees, but I'm loving this polish;

3) NYX Creamy Lipstick in the shade Apollo (LSS548): Great creamy texture, with a bit of shine = I love this lipstick. NYX is a wonderful brand - always love receiving items from them - and I didn't have a coppery shade similar to this one yet;

4) POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio in Smokin' Hot: Always nice to receive more eyeshadow - especially POP Beauty brand. I'll keep these in reserve until needed; and

5) The aforementioned Andrea Strip Lashes is #33 Black: The lashes feel nice enough, but I never use fake lashes. I've even requested not to receive them, so I hope they don't send me any more in the future. At least not for a while. I'll either gift these away, or save them for a try-something-new day. We'll see.

All in all, December's bag was great.

Now on to January.

January's ipsy theme was 19 Reasons. As in 19 reasons why 2014 is going to be amazing.

Despite the great theme, the bag itself, and the products within, were less than stellar.

Cute, but not ipsy's best

I received:

1) Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask: This hair mask is full of oils and essential vitamins to help prevent breakage and promote healthy hair. Unfortunately, with my hair, I'm not sure this is a compatible product for me. I'm definitely interested, and will do some more research about the brand; but this will likely be gifted away;

2) Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion: This lotion contains argan oil, rosewater, and shea butter to hydrate, smooth and moisturize skin, while improving elasticity. My skin, especially on my face, is super sensitive, so I will either keep this to use as hand lotion or gift this away as well;

3) Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads: I was sent 4 of these pads. I'm not a Proactiv user, and specifically requested not to receive any acne related products, so I was disappointed to see these in my bag. They have already been gifted away;

4) Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow Creamy Eye Pencil in Pearl: This little beauty has great pigment and staying power, with a healthy dose of shimmer. I'm a fan; and

5) Mica Beauty Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm in #06 Fiesta: Holy wow, they aren't lying. This lip balm is crazy tinted, and has a wonderful fushia/pink pop. I'm glad that I received this color instead of the other more natural toned option but, just like the One Stick from last month, I'll be using this sparingly so as to avoid possible clown effects.

What did all you other ipsters out there think of your bags these last couple of months? I hope this month's bag has more hits than misses. We'll see :)

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

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

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

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

This Starbox seems less Star and more basic Box

My first Starlooks Starbox was delivered along with my Birchbox. It was a happy mail day. Two boxes and no bills :)

Starbox is a monthly subscription service from Starlooks in which they feature their own line of products. For $15 a month (plus shipping), you're sent 3-4 full size products plus a "bonus gift".



This month's special edition box was curated by Natalie Corona, a makeup guru who's big on YouTube and loves Starlooks products. She picked the colors to coincide with the month's mermaid theme.

 

Along with the insert card, and a few other papers (including a Natalie Corona "bio"), the box contained two Infinity Lipsticks, Glitter Glam in the color "Emerald", a red prism and a small crystal.

This lipstick (in the forefront of the pic) is in the color "Endless", and it's a bronzy shade with a frosty shine. I like it. Per the insert, Starlooks' Infinity Lipsticks stay "moisturizing and smooth all day...[and are] completely waterproof!"

The color "Eons" (in the rear of the pic) is a matte lipstick with a more pink tone. I like both shades (with Endless slightly edging out Eons), but don't love them.

The Glitter Glam is basically just a vial of loose glitter. I don't really get how to wear it, and frankly I feel that it would be a pain to work with. Just taking it out of the box, there's already glitter everywhere. I'll check out a few videos to see if I get any ideas for how I can use it in a way that would be comfortable for me; but it may end up being gifted to a friend or used in a craft project somewhere.

The "prism" is a joke. I love red, but looking at it doesn't inspire the mermaid feel.

The crystal I received was actually broken at one end resulting in a jagged shard that scraped my hand as I reached into the box. I'll be calling Starlooks soon to discuss.

Overall, I'm disappointed with the box. Hopefully next month's is better, or that may be the end of my relationship with Starlooks.

Later gators,
M

P.S. (9/2/13 edit): One of the inserts in the box included a 20% off promo code! Head to www.starlooks.com and use the code "LOVEMYSTARLOOKSLIPS" at checkout to save 20% on all Starlooks lip products. The code is valid until 9/10/13 :)

P.P.S. (9/3/13 edit): So far, Starlooks customer service has been amazing. It's always nice to deal with a company that truly cares about the customer's shopping experience. I sent them an email on 8/31 regarding the broken prism, etc. and they responded with a detailed email on 9/2. The email stated, in part:

"I am so very sorry about this. We try to take as much care as we can to pack the boxes accordingly. ...We will ship you a new box right away and be sure to add some extra padding to the items. We will also include a free gift as a consolation for your first box arriving the way it did."

 

I am looking forward to this replacement box, and my next scheduled monthly box, even more now. Way to go Starlooks! :)