★ March Birchbox Unboxing ★

★ March Birchbox Unboxing ★

Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle sample box for $10.88 monthly.

Ships to: U.S., France, Spain, UK, and Canada.

Each month, subscribers have one of three options to choose from.

You can choose the featured box: You see everything that will be in the box

You can choose the single sample: You pick one sample to be in your box and the rest are random

You can choose the random: Don't do anything and everything is a surprise/random

You take a quiz when you subscribe to help steer your items to your tastes.

You can review the items that were in your box for points. Each item is worth 10 points in the Birchbox store. $5 in store is 50 Birchbox points.

Every month, Birchbox lets subscribers pick between a curated box (all samples revealed) or a single sample choice and be surprised by the rest of the items. This review is of the sample choice box.

Each box comes with a card that has the monthly theme and a list of the contents. It also has the price of the items and a little blurb about the item and/or how to use it.

The only products with any sort of seal is the sample and the face wash.

1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Fresh Cut Treatment - Luxury Size - 1oz for $7.05 (Full Size 3.4oz $24)

Awesome! This has to be the first time I'm excited to get a product. I do not get to the salon often enough for trims. I have a serious split end problem. I wonder if this is just a smoothing cream or actual does any repair?

(Couldn't find a LivingProof Website so claims are from Birchbox)

Website Claims:
For all hair types

Lightweight
Instant-zip technology that heals/seals split ends by aligning hair fibers
Makes hair look fresh trimmed

Hair is healthier
Extend hair cut time
Use on Dry or Damp hair

2. The Balm Cosmetics Stainiac - Luxury Size - 0.04 oz for $2.27 (Full Size 0.3 oz $17)

Below: Natural lips without any product

Below: One coat of this product

 Below: Two coats of this product

Below: Far away look at the 2 coats

Below: Sticky

Below: One swipe swatch (wet)

Below: One swipe swatch (dry)

I love all lip products but liquid lipsticks and stains are my favorites. My first impression: Disappointment.

Formula: Gel - which is nice.

Texture: Sticky - Dries but doesn't lose it's stickiness which is off putting

Taste: Bad - There is no real flavor but when my tongue touches it....it feels burny. lol
Color: 1 coat is a nice super subtle color but 2 is extremely PATCHY. It doesn't look too badly from far away but.. you can tell.

Website Claims:

Lip and Cheek Stain (no.. lol I would NEVER put this on my cheeks. Ew)

Hint of Tint

No streaks (fail)

Aloe-infused

Gel-based

3. Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris - Sample Size - 2ml for $3.20 (Full Size 50ml for $80)

I actually already own this product as you can see above. The left product is the new one (the larger spray bottle is what I received in a boxycharm box)

I don't like getting perfumes because I can only wear natural oils without my lungs burning, coughing, asthma attacks, etc. 

This has a powerful scent and seems to last decades. I haven't wore it yet and I probably won't be though. TI sprayed the packaging and it still smells of the perfume days later.

Scent (according to website): Oriental with fun fruits

Italian Mandarain, rube red grapefruit, nashi pear

Orange blossom, sweet jasmine, fresh gardenia

Amber and musk

I like the scent but it is overwhelmingly strong. If I could dab a little on it would be nice.

4. NER:D Skincare Miraculous Brightening Clarifying Face Cleanser - Luxury Size - 15ml for $3 (Full Size 100ml for $20)

I love face washes.. I have bad pores, acne scars, and an uneven skin tone. I need this. I didn't know it existed. I hope that it works. It is ONLY $20 for the full size... I'm pretty sure I'll buy the full size of this and see if it works long term!

(Couldn't find a LivingProof Website so claims are from Birchbox)

Website claims:
Soapfree

Formulated with yogurt, vit E, and fatty acids (to balance oil not strip)

Purifies pores

soothes acne scars

reduces sun damages

even skin tone every time

Ingredients naturally sourced and proven to retain moisture

fresh/healthy glow

 5. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (For Face) - Sample Size - 1ml for $2.23 (Full size 30 ml for $67)

I also really love serums. This box is great so far! Ha ha. I really love... eyeliner, mascara, polish, lipstick and face products. lol I wish this wasn't a SAMPLE. There is no way I could determine if I like this over what I currently use.

$67 is MIGHTY pricey for a serum... and this isn't enough of a sample to convince me unfortunately I can already tell

Website Claims:

Bulgarian rose water, aqua in pool (wah?) and yeast (to protect, strengthen, and maintain healthy LOOKING skin...not to be confused with actual healthy skin. loljk)

Gingko biloba leaf extract, shiso and thyme (hmm..)

all skin types

4 weeks - firmness and resilience are improved which makes wrinkles less visible

Dermatologist tested

88%-want to continue using this product

87%- Feel skin become strong

80%-Want to add this product to their current facial skincare regimen

6. Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate - Luxury Size - 5ml for $21.66 (Full Size 15ml for $65)

Yes! I've never had an eye serum help my under eyes.. but I love applying them. I love it. No idea why. It is my favorite step. This product is meant to be followed by an eye cream. Two step EYE care? I'm FOR it!

Website Claims:

Everything the same as the face serum above except:

New Imumoisture extract that helps strengthen the delicate eye area

EXTRA: Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner - Full Size - $18

I signed up for Birchbox after cancelling my Boxycharm. I saw this box and wanted it and ALMOST used the $5 (50pts) to spend in the Birchbox store when you sub code (SUBSCRIBENOW50) but I chose to get this instead with my first box using the (EYEKOGIFT) Code. 

 I wanted a new marker liquid liner and this one is an $18 value! That pays for the BOX. lol

This is NOT waterproof. I tested this on my hand.. it comes right off with moisture. Easy.

Website Claims:

Easy-to-use/easy-to-handle

long lasting

smudge-proof (true..I ran my finger across this seconds after and it was dry and didn't smudge)

budge-proof

rich color (carbon black) blackest black

contains algae extract making it nourishing/conditioning

glides

Below: It came in this baggie on top of the normal box items.

Total spent for the bag: $10.88

Without Liner:

Total bag is worth: $39.41

Total saved:$28.53

With Liner:

Total bag is worth: $57.41

Total saved: $46.53

Even without the liner I'm excited about 3 out of 6 of the products in this box. I'm reserving judgment for the stain and split end hair product. The perfume I will pass on completely because I have it of course. Ha ha.

There will be a review of this box at the end of April's Birchbox!

Thank you so much for following along

Boxycharm All Full Size or Full Size/Luxury Cancelled

Boxycharm All Full Size or Full Size/Luxury?

see very bottom page for easy-to-read list

All of this info is as of March 24th 2016

Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription box that sends 4-5 full-size beauty/makeup products.

I was not given this box. All opinions are my own. Based off my preferences! :D

Cost: $21 per month (FREE SHIPPING!)

They only ship to 48 U.S. states. (They don't ship to Hawaii or Alaska yet.)

That is the question folks. Try and find the answer on their website or social media... I dare you. Actually, since I'm the blogger here. I'LLLL do the dirty work. Here are screen shots from their website that give you the answer to that question.

I, very helpfully, sent these to their team as well. Hopefully they clear up the obvious inconsistency in what people, and I until recently, are paying to get and not get.

When I look at what I'm supposed to get in a subscription box the first place I look is the "How it Works" link that seems to be on all of the subscription box/bag websites.

That link SHOULD tell  you exactly how it WORKS right? No?

Boxycharm "How it works" screen shot
VERDICT: 4-5 FULL SIZE

If you are led directly to their website you might start looking there first though. Let's see what the main page says.

VERDICT: (top of main page) 4-5 FULL SIZE

When I pointed out that the "How it works" page made NO mention of "luxury" the response from Boxycharm was that it said it on the main page. As you can see from above... it doesn't. I scrolled down to the BOTTOM of the main page and found what that nice lady must have been talking about.

VERDICT: (bottom of main page) 4-5 FULL SIZE/LUXURY

What did she say again? Oh yes.. she said the main page AND faq pages mention the luxury items. Let's look there.

Hmm. I'm meant to look through these pages for the answer? I better just do a search because I don't want to bother reading all link lists. Search should bring up the answers! 

Here we go. Faq>Searched>Full Size

Oh no! This clearly says "What products will my BOXYCHARM contain?" 

VERDICT: (FAQ page 1) 4-5 FULL SIZE

 The second link we are provided from our search answers the question "Will I be receiving full size or sample size items?
VERDICT: (FAQ page 2) 4-5 FULL SIZE/LUXURY

 Even the FAQ section is confusing (I did get a 3rd result after searching full size but it was about full number of months you are able to subscribe in advance for-so not relevant)

I didn't even THINK to search for JUST luxury size?!

What about social media you ask? 

See bottom for list of answers

Below: Facebook

Below: Google+

 Below: Instagram

 Below: Twitter

Below: Pinterest

Facebook VERDICT - 4-5 FULL SIZE/LUXURY

Instagram VERDICT - 4-5 FULL SIZE

Twitter VERDICT - 4-5 FULL SIZE

Pinterest VERDICT - NEITHER (doesn't specify)

Google+ VERDICT - NEITHER (doesn't specify)

From ABOVE

"How it works" page VERDICT: 4-5 FULL SIZE 

VERDICT: (top of main page) 4-5 FULL SIZE

VERDICT: (bottom of main page) 4-5 FULL SIZE/LUXURY

VERDICT: (FAQ page 1) 4-5 FULL SIZE

VERDICT: (FAQ page 2) 4-5 FULL SIZE/LUXURY

Final Tally
Just Full Size: 5
Both Full Size and Luxury: 3
Not specified: 2

Conclusion?
They should be full size at LEAST 5 times out of 10 to 7 out of 10.
They should be both at LEAST 3 times out of 10 to 5 out of 10.

I sent them this list and they said they would have their boxy web developers look at all part.

I was dissatisfied with this answer. I felt like it was a response to a simple question rather than a customer who felt deceived and TOLD them I was thinking of cancelling. This email was the clincher and I cancelled. I subbed to Birchbox ($10 a month rather than the $21 a month that Boxycharm is)

I will have my review of March Boxycharm items still. I will post the review after I have had/used the items for a month.

♥ March Ipsy Unboxing + February Review ♥

♥ March Ipsy Unboxing + February Review ♥

Ipsy is a monthly subscription box for makeup products.

I was not given this box. All opinions are my own. Based off my preferences! :D

Cost: $10 per month

They ship to the U.S., and Canada

There is a wide variety of options for Ipsy bags. You take a quiz when you first sign up (this can be retaken as many times as you like). This effects what is in your bag each month. 

Each time you get a bag you have the option of reviewing the items you received. I've found that this is the best way to effect what you get in your bag each month. The more reviews you complete the more likely you are to like your bags. 

Here is my referral link

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=1wq8x

1. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick  in "Soft Spoken" 4ml - Full Size - $7

Below: doe foot applicator

Below: cute gem style top on the cap

 Below: swatch while wet (left one swipe; right two swipes)

 Below: swatch after it looked dry (less than 3 minutes)

 Below: swatch after it looked dry.... ran finger over to see if it smeared. Yes it does. lol I waited 15 minutes and tried this again on the bottom portion and it had the same effect. The most smearable liquid lipstick I have. It is a liquid suede (not matte) cream lipstick...

 Below: Before/No Product

Below: One coat

 Below: Long stripe is this liquid lipstick
I was comparing my lip liners: From top dash to bottom: Ofra liner in "Orchid", Rimmel London liner 011 Spice, and Lord and Berry liner in "Nude"
I think the top (Ofra "orchid" fits best with it)

Ipsters got colors Pink Lust, Kitten Heels, or Soft Spoken

I received "Soft Spoken"

Which I'm PRETTY happy with! The other two colors are a fushia pink and a darkish red

Website claims:

Waterproof

Infused with: Avocado oil and Vit E

Dries matte (eh..)

Applies opaque (true)

Long-wearing (we'll see)

Vivid color in one creamy swipe (true)

2. Pixi by Petra Beauty Blush Duo in "Rose Gold" without kabuki brush Luxury - size - $11.76 (sold only with brush for $18)
(To find the price I compared it to the other products prices based on ounce that do not include a brush)

I love the blush side but I'm not sure about the yellow "highlight" side. We'll see.

Website claims:

Natural glow

Silky blush/sheer

natural mineral powder that reflects light

applies true to color

hydrating

lightweight

can be worn alone or layered? Interesting.

3. Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco 3 Day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Cream - Luxury Size - 50ml $2.25 (Full size 200ml for $8.99)

I have soooo many smoothing creams. I gave away the ones I didn't like and kept the ones I do. So.. hopefully I like this one! I feel as though I'm a smoothing cream expert!

Website claims:

ultra light

mediterranean oliver oil 

argan oil

shea butter

anti-frizz lock technology? (makes waves/curls straight)

Keratin (strengthen)

Vit E (nourishes)

Glossy

Smooth

Body

4. Manna Kadar Beauty Fantasy 3-in-1 Blush, Eyeshadow, and Highlight - Full Size - 3g $19

(I'm saying this is full size even though a weight isn't on the website. Mine says 3g and most of my eye shadow singles are around 3g and are full size)

 Below: Left swipe is first swipe; right swipe is the leftover! Not extra product (NO digging)

 This is highlight pigmented! I'm shocked because I had heard from spoilers that it wasn't. Look at the beautiful!? lol It looks SO plain in the container. I didn't expect shimmerbeauty lol

Website claims:

pigmented

long-lasting

wet/dry

apply on decolletage (um..no)

blush/highlight/eyeshadow in one (um..no way am I putting this on my cheeks lol or under my eyebrow)

5. Beau Gâchis Paris Eyeshadow Brush - Full Size - $12

Yay! Yessss feed my brush obsessssion! This is pretty and I'm hoping it will be my new favorite eyeshadow brush. It is smaller than the one I normally use. I really like the density. Not too loose.. not too dense. 

Website claims:

handcrafted

high grade animal and synthetic hair

natural wood

copper ferrules

High quality? Indeed!

Total spent for the bag: $10

Total bag is worth: $52.01

Total saved: $42.01

I'm really excited about the lipstick, brush, and shadow.... the smoothing lotion is meh and the blush/highlight duo is as well. That's a WIN!

 

FEBRUARY REVIEW

1. Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in "I'm kind of a big deal" - Full Size - $15

Always impressed with Trust Fund beauty polishes, this one is no different. I want them ALL. I wish they would create more of a rainbow of colors so I could buy the shades I REALLY love. 

2.  Tre'StiQue Baby Blush Stick in "Bora Bora Coral" - Deluxe Sample - ?? (Full Size $28 on sale from $34)

This has fast become my favorite blush. I normally dislike stick blushes because they apply directly to my face (bleh!) It is a powder, blends like a dream, lovely color, and it is scentless. Perfection.

3. Margaret Dabbs London Miniature Crystal Nail File - Full Size - $17.04 (£12)
Love this! I was so excited to get one because I had been wanting one. I use it every chance I get (when my nail splits or starts to peel) and it helps IMMEDIATELY and without tearing up my nail.

4. Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Oil - Deluxe size - 0.13oz for $5.60 (Full Size 1oz for $42)

I wasn't thrilled with an oil based primer for makeup (on account of the oil I already make) but I've been using this as a nail oil and it is the BEST I've ever used! One dab covers all 10 of my fingernails. It makes them feel lovely and they split less. My nails are doing pretty great now. I think I'm getting one of these in my first Birch box (If I get the one my friend did.... I hope so lol so I get a second bottle of this)

5. Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion - Deluxe Size - 0.25oz for $7.28 (Full Size 2oz $58)

Ugh! There was barely any product in this bottle when I tried to use it. I had to cut it open and scrape it out to get ONE face/upper neck coverage

It felt nice (fine grit) not too harsh for my sensitive skin and smelled minty. Disappointed with the size though. I'm downgrading this to a sample and not a deluxe size. 1/4oz.

Thank you so much for following along.