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

Love with Food's September hits and misses

September's Love with Food box is a mixed bag. 

I love that Chef Ming Tsai curated the box. Growing up, my sisters and I watched A LOT of cooking shows, and Ming Tsai was always a favorite - still is. He has an ease to him that makes him fun to watch, and his recipes are great too :)

Enlarge the pic for a better look at this month's treats :)

Back to the box, I liked that everything he chose is gluten-free. When I saw this month's list, I was elated. There was definite variety - I mean roasted garlic hummus, a blueberry fruit bar and cinnamon crunch snacks in one box? Like I said, I was elated. At first. Unfortunately, this month had more misses than hits for my hubby and I.

First up, we have the Bare Fruit crunchy cinnamon apple chips, Organicasaurus cheddar cheese puffs, and roasted red pepper and artichoke bruchetta from Milas Foods.

We, sadly, didn't care for any of these treats :(. I usually love apple chips, and had high expectations for these, but they were simply too make-me-gasp-for-water dry and flavorless. I like the simple ingredients (just apples and cinnamon), but they were a miss. The consistency and texture of both the cheese puffs (a strange mix of airy, yet too hard) and the bruchetta (to oily) didn't appeal to either of our taste buds.

Up next, cinnamon crunch from Cosmos Creations, a cherry berry raw cookie from Licious Organics, fruit snacks from YumEarth Organics, roasted garlic hummus from Wild Garden, and a blueberry fruit bar from Berry Lou's.

The insert card describes the cinnamon crunch as "heavenly", and it completely is. My hubby liked this a lot, and I loved it. He got about 5 tasty morsels, and the rest went to me. The corn crunch is perfectly covered with cinnamon and caramel - it tastes a bit like a crunchy churro, but soooomuch better. I will definitely purchase more.

The cherry berry cookie was interesting. Unbaked and tasty :) The fruit bar was delicious. I love blueberry, and it was delightful.

I have yet to try the hummus, but the fruit snacks were not our cup of tea. They have an odd smell and texture...my hubby and I didn't even finish the small pack. However, my co-worker finished the rest off, and loved them. To each their own.

Lastly, the box contained these two flavors of Millies Savory Teas sipping broths. I'll likely pass them on to my mom. She loves tea, and will get a kick our of the exotic flavors.

As I said, the box was a mixed bag, but that cinnamon crunch alone made up for all the misses. Keep up the good work, and interesting food choices, Chef Tsai :)

If you subscribe to Love with Food, how did you like this month's box? If you want to subscribe, but haven't yet, I'd appreciate it if you used my link (https://lovewithfood.com/?ref=vqm). Thanks in advance if you do. Oh, and you can get your first box for free (just pay shipping) if you use the promo code FBGIFT.

Later gators, 

M

This September, Birchbox is celebrating their Heritage

My September Birchbox came yesterday :)

This month's theme is Heritage; and Birchbox is also celebrating their 3rd anniversary. Good for them. Happy Anniversary!



This month's insert

"HERITAGE

The best part about beauty? It's not the glitter or the gloss, or even those miraculous antioxidants from far-off lands. It's the stories. Every brand we work with, from the just-hatched to the iconic, has its own fascinating history. Just look at Ruffian, a New York-based fashion label started by two designers with a flair for Victorian drama. Their first nail lacquer collection - which all our subscribers will get to try this month - was inspired by the runways but voted on by you. File that away for party conversation when someone compliments your mani.

This also happens to be our anniversary month, and we can't let it pass without thanking the people who have helped create our story: our members. All we had was an idea - we needed you to add the magic.

xoxo,

Katia, Hayley & the Birchbox Team"

(and you can watch their story celebration video at birchbox.com/3years if you're interested)

While I was happy to see the box, the happiness died down quite a bit once I saw everything I received :(

I received the following products:

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo, and Protect & Condition: These have a nice vanilla fragrance, but I was just hoping for something other than shampoo and conditioner. I'll probably pass these on to a friend or stick them in a travel bag.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive: I was excited to see this, until I smelled it. I expected a green apple fragrance, or something equally pleasant, but it just smells strange. I know it says 'sensitive', but I'll probably pass this along as well.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Fox Hunt: This was my 3rd choice color - of three choices. It's still a lovely shade though, so I'm happy to have received it.

I received a packet of Soak Rinse-Free Wash as a Lifestyle Extra. The item comes in five varieties (four scented and one scentless). I received Celebration ("a subtly sweet, fruity scent'). Per the description on Birchbox's site, it's "a low-suds liquid, so any dirt or detergent simply comes out in the water when you wash, leaving whatever is left behind to evaporate. No rinsing means it’s easier on your fabrics and is better for the environment too." I'll try it out.

Just like I said last month, I hope next month's box is better.

If you are a Birchbox subscriber, how did you like your September box? If you haven't gotten your own Birchbox subscription yet, but would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://birch.ly/16gHmcu. Thanks in advance :)

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

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

Round 'em up!

It's round up time!

 

I've now received all of my August boxes and, of the makeup-centered boxes, ipsy is the clear winner. I am loving the Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub, and my hubby loves the Urban Decay "Anarchy" lipstick on me (definite plus :). Those products plus the adorable purple cosmetics case = me loving ipsy right now :) I'm 100% looking forward to next month!

 

Birchbox comes in second this month. I really love the Jouer Eye Definer, and the fact that it was full-size is wonderful. Starbox comes in third. I like the lipsticks I received, but I didn't care for them enough to consider the box worthwhile.

For me, Birchbox and Starlooks have quite a bit of catching up to do in September :)

I'm excited to see what awesome makeup, etc. September's boxes bring.

How about you? How did your August subscriptions stack up?

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! :)

So this is Birchbox...

My first Birchbox finally came!

The theme for this month is Finishing School, and the Company actually collaborated with Ann Taylor to provide subscribers with a guide to some of fall's best accessory trends.

That's pretty cool.

The box, however,...I'm honestly a bit underwhelmed.

The box is pretty sturdy, so I'll probably end up re-using it somehow.

From their site, Birchbox states that it provides subscribers with "high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples that have been customized for [them]." All this for $10 a month.

The month's insert

"Once upon a time, finishing school meant an elegant Swiss academy where a young lady went to learn the intricacies of high society. While the concept may feel a bit outdated (truth be told, we’re more likely to sign up for a night class in Photoshop), we love the idea of zeroing in on the details: from the elegance of a handwritten invitation, to the confidence-boosting power of bright red lipstick."

The reverse of the insert card, which lists the products contained in my box and how each is to be used.

I received the following products:

Amika Obliphica Blow Up Spray: I'm excited to try this. The card describes this as having a berry scent, but I think it has a strong floral fragrance. It's not particularly unpleasant, but might be a bit too strong for me;

Jouer Eye Definer (in the color noir): Full size product, and I love the color I received! Noir is a nice black with a bit-o-sparkle. Fancy! In addition, it's a creamy consistency that went on smooth, and definitely has staying power. The tip broke off instantly, but I'll deal;

Coola SPF 45 Sport sunscreen in Mango: I've heard good things about Coola, and I loooooove all things mango. I wish I could use this; but my skin is so sensitive that I'm not about to switch things up from my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen :) I just love it too much. Lol! That being said, the sample is so tiny that I don't think I would be able to get an accurate idea of how well the product works were I to use it. I'll probably pass this on to a friend; and

Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes: Cute idea, but I don't see myself buying a full-size of this product. I'll keep these in my travel case as a just in case item.

I received this as a Beauty Extra. It's the Benefit Cosmetics Triple Performing Facial Emulsion + Total Moisture Facial Cream + It's Potent! Eye Cream. The insert describes this as a "three-step system for scoring an ultraradiant, youthful, and deeply hydrated complexion". Not much to say about these as I haven't tried them yet, but I have been looking for a decent moisturizer. We'll see.

Well, as I said, overall I'm underwhelmed by what I received. I did the profile quiz...but who knows. I hope next month's is better. That being said, the products were definitely worth more than the subscription price of $10, so I can't be too disappointed.

If you're thinking of giving Birchbox a whirl, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link @ http://birch.ly/16gHmcu :)

Later gators,
M

I got my 1st ipsy bag, and it's a good one :)

"Glamour Academy" is the theme of the August ipsy bag; and that leads to a lovely, Harry Potter/Hogwarts-esque, purple cosmetics bag holding this month's goodies. 

The view inside that distinct pink ipsy mailer.

Unlike some other monthly subscription companies, the included card did not provide detailed descriptions of the products. Rather, the back of the card lists product discount info.

The bag.

I love this bag. Purple is my favorite color, and the pattern is fun and stylish at the same time. I'm glad I got off the waitlist in time to get this one.

I received the Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in the color Anarchy. It's a very small sample, but it is incredibly pigmented and has a wonderful texture. It's far too pink for my everyday wear, but I'll find some occasion for it.

Next up, are the Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub and the Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream. The facial scrub I've been using just finished, so I was excited to see that I received this one (in a generous 1 fl. oz sample size, I might add) instead of the pumpkin face mask option others received. I've never tried a BB Cream; but I've heard positive things about Pacifica products, and I'm sure I'll try this somewhere down the line.

Lastly, I received a sample of the Lash Booster Mascara from Pixi, in No. 2 Blackest Black, and a full-size NYX Mosaic Powder in the color Dare. I've never used any products from Pixi, so we'll see how this mascara works out. I like the color of the mosaic powder that I received, and have been consistently impressed NYX products so I was happy to see this in my bag.

Overall, I am very impressed with this bag! The cosmetics bag itself is gorgeous, and contained a nice mix of products that are more than worth the $10. I'm excited to see what next month's pink mailer brings :)

If you're interested in trying ipsy out for yourself, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link. Click here :)

Later gators,
M