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

My first experience with a not-so-Dazzley Box

Do any of you know about Dazzley Box? According to the Company's site, Dazzley Box is a "monthly subscription box for women that includes 5 or more surprise items...[and] always includes at least one piece of jewelry".

The current price breakdown is as follows:

One month: $24.99;

Three months (buy two, get one free): $49.98;

Six months: $137.94 one time payment (breaks down to $22.99/mo); and

One year: $239.88 (breaks down to $19.99/mo).

I decided to try the box out with a (buy two months, get one free) three month subscription, and recently received my first box. 

What an extreme disappointment! There was absolutely nothing dazzling about the box. It was so disappointing that I can't even bring myself to believe that future boxes may be better. I seriously almost shed a tear when I realized how severely I'd wasted my money. 

To start, instead of the decent Dazzley Box labeled white box that I've seen on some reviewers sites, the products I received came in a (damaged) regular brown cardboard box. It literally looked as if someone carelessly threw some knickknacks inside the box, added some tissue paper on top and kicked it to a mailbox. Presentation is often key, and this package received a grade of zero.

Now, onto the actual "surprise items" and "jewelry" I received.

Two packets of Nescafe Memento coffee beverages (Caramel Latte and Mocha), one Godiva Chocolate Lava Cake Truffle, one Dove go fresh Restore Beauty Bar, and three, supposedly perfect-for-fall, handmade bracelets? This subscription box, especially for the price, is a joke.

I don't drink coffee, but when I passed the two Nescafe beverage packs on to my husband, he asked me if they were free samples I received in the mail. Those plus the single Godiva Truffle that was carelessly thrown into the box, and already looked half unwrapped...the box was not off to a great start. I, of course, threw the truffle away. I mean, be serious.

The Dove Beauty Bar can be purchased in stores and online at a cost of barely over a dollar a bar on sale. The value promised by this Company simply isn't delivered.

The three far-from-dazzling bracelets came in their own beat up white box. Sidebar, why does everything this Company sent me look completely beat to sh*t? Who is packaging their goods? The Incredible Hulk? Anyway, I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but the elastic in both beige bracelets have too many flyaways for bracelets that are supposed to be new, and the black bracelet is already stretched out! They would be nice, if they didn't arrive at my door looking like used goods.

I purchased two more months of this (what was I thinking!), so I have no choice but to give them two more tries to wow me; or at least to not horribly disappoint me again. At this point, I wouldn't recommend this service to anyone.

If you're thinking about subscribing, don't. For what was sent out, the subscription cost shouldn't be more than $7.50 - $10 (being generous here)! Do yourself a favor; save your money on this one, and avoid the stress.

Please, please, pleeeeaasseee let next month be better, because I don't even want to think about how it could be worse :(

Later gators,
M

It's a scary delicious Love with Food box...sort of

My box of treats came...

and I was happy to see that one of my subscription boxes actually celebrated Halloween a bit!

Spooooky! Lol!

I received 8 different treats this month; some more trick than treat.

First up, are Chocolate Pizzelle Crisps from Silk City Snacks, and Pixo Pearls from Vinaigerie Gingras.

Initially, I was excited to see the Pizzelle Crisps, thinking that they would be reminiscent of that simply divine caramel-filled waffle cookie from a past box. I also liked that each crisp is only 5 calories, with the whole bag totaling only 100 calories. Delicious light snack, right? Wrong. While they had a nice crunch were so bland, that I felt like I was eating handfuls of crunchy paper. My hubby didn't mind the taste and ended up finishing the pack, but these crisps are not something we would ever purchase.

We haven't tried the Pixo Pearls (apple cider vinegar pearls) yet. I'm not actually sure of how to use them. If anyone has any ideas for tasty ways to utilize them, feel free to let me know :)

Up next we have Toasted Coconut Chips from Dang, Happy Squeeze from Happy Family (fruit and veggie twist), and New World Caveman Cookies by Caveman Bakery.

I don't really care for coconut, but I'm seeing rave reviews from others about these chips. I've seen some reviews that say they look a bit like toenail clippings! With that in mind, I'm saving my pack to adorn the tops of some Halloween potluck cupcakes. Hopefully, they'll be a hit. I also haven't tried the Happy Squeeze or the caveman cookie as of yet, but I'm eager to. I like fruit and veggie combos (I just wonder about the consistency), and that cookie? A chewy cookie with maple syrup, honey, dried cranberries...yes please.

Lastly, I received 2 4-count packs of Triple Berry Glee Gum from Verve, Inc., a Nut Delight Kind Bar from Kind Snacks, and 3 Organic Hard Candies from Torie and Howard.

The Nut Delight bar was amazing. I love almonds and this bar was chock-full of whole nutty goodness. I've seen Kind Bars in stores before, and have always wanted to try them. I ate this sample on the way home one day. I was starving and it held me over for a few hours! I will definitely be buying more.

I wasn't a fan of either the gum or the hard candies. The gum's coating is made with brown rice and cane sugar - very cool, but I found it to be too sweet, with a strange aftertaste. The hard candies didn't wow me either. I received two of the blood orange & honey flavor, and one d'anjou pear & cinnamon.

I love pears so I was excited about that flavor, but it was horrid. I kept it in my mouth for only about 30 seconds before I had to spit it out. Sad day. My hubby liked the blood orange, but not enough to buy a pack of them. I gave the second orange candy to my friend, P, and she loved it so much, she's thinking of subscribing to LwF and picking up a few packs. Different strokes for different folks. Lol!

So, for all my fellow Love with Foodies, how did you like the spooooky box? What was your favorite treat? No surprise, the Kind Bar is the clear winner for me. It's so tasty! Man, I wish I had one right now :)

Of course, if you haven't yet subscribed and would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link. Thanks in advance!

I wonder if next month's box will have a Thanksgiving theme. We shall see.

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

Pretty in Pink, StunMo style

This month's Stunner of the Month sunglasses are called The Geisha's.

The Geisha's

In order for a Geisha to continue Geishing, she has to

remain single. We had no idea of this when StunMo

shacked up with Sayo in Kyoto last autumn. (StunMo

just can't be tied down.) Every time the wind blows the

cherry blossoms across the plain, we say Sayonara to

falling in love...but hel-LOOO to Stunnin'!

Collection: Character; Level: Mezzanine

Pretty. Pink. A little flashy without feeling cheap. Yep, this month's Stunners are winners :). Time to stunt!

Later gators, 

M

Mini Birchbox Haul

Ok, so I'm in LOVE with these Ruffian Nail polishes. I'm so glad that last month's Birchbox introduced me to the brand, because it's awesome. 

I received Fox Hunt (a vibrant, sparkly, orange) in my September box, and knew that I had to have the rest of the crowdsourced collection...so I cashed in some Birchbox points and bought the Nail Lacquer trio, along with the Nail Lacquer Treatment Trio (base coat, top coat and matte coat).

I have now tried all the colors, and would recommend them to anyone. The colors are amazingly vibrant, and the polish glides on so smoothly and evenly - even with just one coat.

One coat done super quickly :) Fox Hunt on the left (I was playing with some brain teaser puzzles that day), and Delirium on the right. I didn't remember to snap a pic of Hedge Fund, but it is such a delightfully poisonous looking green, that I feel a bit like an old-school Disney villain when I wear it :).

I may have to buy the other available colors too :). Who am I kidding? I definitely will.

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

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