☼☼December Boxycharm Unboxing☼☼

So, I am now subscribed to Boxycharm! Technicallyyyy February's box (which I haven't gotten yet) is my first box from them. I have bought January's and Decembers boxes though. I posted January's unboxing already HERE. This is December's unboxing since it showed up after January's. Ha ha.

Boxycharm is $21 per month of 4-5 higher end full size beauty products. Nail care, hair products, skin care, and cosmetics!

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.)

 This box is BEAUTIFUL!

1. Eva NYC Hungry Hair Oil Treatment 30ml $12

This smells...ahhhhhhhhhhhhmazing. It has a semi-sweet scent like vanilla. I couldn't find an ingredient on the bottle that matched the scent. That is what I could come up with. I'm excited for this. I do have oily hair but it isn't the healthiest and usually I put this kind of thing on a hour or so before I shower at night so it doesn't make me overly oily through an entire day. (Description: with Keravis protein and argan oil, intensely nourishes, hydrates and smooths. For ALL hair types."

2. Mistura Beauty Solutions Retractable Brush $19.99

I love that this is travel ready! Some of the bristles were wrinkled and crunched up after I opened it but it feels nice. I like the amount of stiffness. Plus, I think it is beautiful.

3. Eyelashi Mink False Eyelashes in "Heartbreaker" $29

*Falls head over eyes in LOVE* Ha ha. I normally ONLY buy natural looking false lashes that just make my natural lashes look a little fuller or longer. This is for sure a false looking set but they are MINK? The BOX is to DIE for. I mean.. do you see the pattern on the box? Soooooooo LUXXXX!

4. Be a.... Bombshell Lip Gloss in "Kiss Off" $14

 Before and after below:

If you have ever read my blog.. you know that I'm NOT a fan of lip gloss. I have one or two that I keep around but I usually pass these along to my cousin because I get so many! This is a lovely color but I'll pass it along too. :D

5. Coastal Scents: Revealed Palette $39.99

 Below are swatches from this palette starting with the top left to right.

Below is the second row swatch but for some reason I was backwards... it swatches from right to left. Fail. You can tell because it starts with the black on the right side!

This is my first eye shadow palette so it already has a special place in my heart. That being said there are bright spots and ... fails. First there are no color names! I like the bottom row WAY more than the top row. I think I only like six colors from the top out of the 10. I like all the colors on the bottom. You can tell though that some of these swatches are a little lacking when it comes to pigment. 

Total spent for the bag: $21

Total bag is worth: $114.98

Total saved: $93.98

That is a win! This is my favorite beauty box! I can't wait to get my next one. I'm in HEAVEN.

Thank you so much for following along. 

Ofra Liquid Lipstick Haul! + Swatches + Before/Afters

 If you check back to my January Lip Monthly Unboxing blog post you will see that I got an Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in that bag in the color "Laguna Beach" and I fell head over LIPS in love with it.

Ofra had a 50% Valentines day sale! These long lasting liquid lipsticks (gloss to matte) are regularly $19.90 each. Which means I got two for 19.90! I love deals. Deals for mealllsssss. I wouldn't have bought two otherwise. I was planning on buying a second one and ending our relationship there.. for a good long while. Ha ha. These are the only two colors I wanted. If they get a berry color.. someone let me know. Ha ha.

Here is what came in the box! In the upper left corner is a 40% off coupon/card thing for Ofra. It says it doesn't expire so I'll be using this if they add any more colors to the line that I like. Ha ha. There are the two colors I bought in the lower left. I got a basic red "Atlantic City" and a purple "New Orleans." In that baggy are some free samples! Ha ha. Read on for more details and swatches.

Here are my two colors out of their fancy boxes. The samples I received starting from lower right to upper left are: "Soft pearl peel", "biotech cream", and two "peptide complex series moisturizers."

Their website says this about each one:

Soft Pearl Peel: Soft Pearl Peal is a gentle and effective exfoliating cream for the face and neck and is suitable for all skin types (avoid friction movements on acne skin). This peal can be used wet or dry and will leave skin clear, clean, smooth and fresh. Soft Pearl Peal will also reduce pigmentation, remove dead skin cells and eliminate black heads. 

This product can be used in two different ways: dry (gomage), or wet, For a dry application, apply a small quantity on clean skin on the face and neck. Let dry for 5-10 minutes, then rub off gently. As a wet application apply on clean skin on the face and neck and wait 5 minutes, then use wet fingertips and rub for one minute before washing off with warm water. In cases of acne, apply on clean skin then wash off after 10 minutes. (Do not rub this peel on acne skin as the pustules can open up and infect other parts of the face.)

Biotech Cream: Hypoallergenic and hydrating day and night cream, which consists of an effective network of antioxidants and nourishing ingredients. Suitable for dry, normal and combination skin types. Cutting edge peptide technology – 5% Argereline acts similar to a topical face muscle relaxer, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and acting as an alternative to toxic injections assisting in the formation of the skin's regenerative layers. It is a firming cream which dramatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles and helps increase elasticity. It promotes younger, smoother looking skin. Continued use repairs and strengthens the skin, restoring it to its natural health and vitality. Results are significant and long lasting. (Argereline is a peptide made synthetically in a laboratory environment and consists of Amino Acids, which are the basic unit for protein. Protein is composed of Amino Acid. Two or more Protein becomes Peptides. Amino acids and protein have many functions in our body. Amino acids Protein make up the human body.) Use as a moisturizer day and night or as a neck firming cream. For maximum results first use Biotech Face Gel and finish with Biotech Eye Cream.

Peptide Complex Series Moisturizer: OFRA Cosmetic Laboratories’ Peptide Moisturizer is made from a blend of sophisticated ingredients to create a luxurious cream with unbelievable results. This face moisturizer is a wrinkle reducing premium peptide based cream that will hydrate the skin while producing anti-aging effects. The moisturizer helps correct signs of aging, uneven tones, enlarged pores, loss of radiance and smoothness, dryness and discoloration. This hypoallergenic, high-performing, smooth cream delivers anti-wrinkle action with the feel of absolute comfort and can be used day and night. It also provides full sun protection. Suitable for combination, normal and dry skin types.

So, all three of these are for my face! Haha. I wasn't sure by their names. I'm pretty excited about these. I know some people hate the little foil packets they get but I love them!

L to R: New Orleans, Atlantic City, and Laguna Beach

 Above are the three colors right after I swatched them so you can see them wet. Below is after a minute and they had dried or "matted" lol This shows something important about these. If you put too much on it will NEVER matte. See how the laguna beach still has wet spots on the top? That is because I put too much on there. You need VERY LITTLE to cover you lips. I've seen people complaining about them being wet and sticky. This is went there is so much product that they can't matte. I did this the second time I wore the product. It was horrible. It isn't difficult just dab a little and rub your lips together and then get the edges. A little goes a long way.

Below is a before and after of Laguna Beach

Below is a before and after of Atlantic City

Below is a before and after of New Orleans

 wet

 matte

I've always wanted a purple lipstick and I'm SO glad that my first is one of my favorites! This is me doing a little dance in my head while swatching.

Thank you so much for following along!

♥February Ipsy Unboxing + Jan. 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

1. Luxie Beauty Large Angled Face Brush #504 FULL SIZE $16

Love it! I don't own a brush like this yet and it is beautiful. The bristles are SUPER soft (way softer than my foundation brush from E.L.F.) I wish I had the whole set of these.

2. Joya Composition No.1 Parfum sample 0.18 fl oz $8

Yes, actually. I do like this. It is floral, citrus, and sandle-wood. I can scent all of those things and it hasn't given me a bad reaction. So YAY for perfume oils. I'll have to look into getting a few more of these rather than perfumes. I'd love a more citrus smell or sweeter one too. Except... my dogs keep trying to lick my wrists.

3. ModelCo. Cosmetics Blush Cheek Powder Sheer Pressed Powder in "PeachBallini" Full Size $22

This is a beautiful peachy shade and I don't think it is too dark for me. Ha ha. Maybe it is but I like it and I can control myself and use a light hand. 

4. RobScheppy 'Tini Beauty Pearl Fizz powder eye shadow Full Size $12

Yes! I thought this was too light at first and kind of groaned at another eye shadow turned highlight. But, it worked beautifully as a base on my eye. I love the light champagne feel of this pearl fizz color.

5. CARGOCosmetics Mini Lip Gloss in "Anguilla" $10 (Full size $16)

 Before and After:

No, I don't like lip glosses personally. I'll be passing this one along not only because I don't like them but the color is way to light for me. Luckily I have a cousin who loves uber light pinks.

Total spent for the bag: $10

Total bag is worth:$68

Total saved: $58

That is a win!

Here is the video unboxing of this bag!

Thank you so much for following along. 

☼☼January 2015 - BOXYCHARM unboxing ☼☼

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.)

20% code for Tarte.com is Boxyjan (Good through 02/03 - 02/12 2015)

I'm adding short videos of each product after the pictures!

1. Pur-lisse Skin Sparkle Flash Tattoos - 1 sheet $12

Are peoples' wrist this small? I'll try all of these as rings most likely. This is the only item in the that I didn't love. I don't hate it through and I'm glad that I finally have some since they are so popular right now.

Here is a short video of these flash tattoos.

2. Mirabella Face Primer - Full Size! $29

This is a clear primer that is silicone based but extremely velvety once it is rubbed in. I used it right away and it held my highlight perfectly. I remember hearing someone has some issues with it, because it seemed that her makeup came on quicker with it on. I can't wait to use this more and see how it does! Especially since this item alone pays for the box. -paraben-free, dye-free, FD&C/D&C free. It also goes a long way!

3. Tarte Maracuja Brozing Serum - Full Size - $47!

This is a part oil and part tanner! You use a couple of drops a day which you rub between your hands then on your face, neck, and decolletage. It is gradual so you won't notice a difference at first. It does smell like self tanner which I don't mind but some might. I'm glad to have this because it is also really moisturizing! I'll use it every morning probably. An item that pays DOUBLE the box it comes in!

Their website says:

"Powered by: maracuga: rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C known to replenish and rebuild for firmer, brighter, smoother skin and maximum hydration. Allantoin: Helps heal and soothe skin. Larch extract: nourishes and helps prevent moisture loss. And of course the Self-tanning complex: allows for natural-looking bronze color with anti-inflammatory effects."

Also, I'm really impressed that there is no shipping added for Boxycharm as this is a VERY sturdy heavy glass bottle and the dropper is glass as well as you will be able to see in the video added below. It feels very much like a luxury item!

4. Beauty For Real - The Perfect Lip Pencil in "Nude" - Full Size - $14

This lip liner is a pencil (must sharpen yourself) and isn't the easiest to apply to my lips but I'm not that great with lip liners anyway. They never feel creamy enough! This color is DARK on my lips as you can see from the before and after pictures below. On their website this is the only color they sell. In the examples on the website they make it look more orange-y/natural on the before and after model. You can see though it is a dark-ish plum color though.

Here is a swatch (on the LEFT) of the lip pencil in comparison to the next item in the bag. They are meant to match but too me they don't match at all. I like how they compliment each other though which you'll see down below as well! On the website it says that this is the only lip pencil you'll ever need but I can imagine using this for all my colors. It is just way to dark! It's supposed to enhance your "true lip tone." They also suggest that you use this to even our your lip tone and just use clear gloss on top of it. That is clearly not my case and I'm by no means an extreme in fair or dark.. I'd say I have medium skin tone/lips!

5. Beauty For Real - Lip Cream in "Always There" - Full Size - $22

Comes with a mirror on the back and a light with a button on top to turn it on and off. I like this because those with lights usually stay on and no one wants a light shining on their face every time they touch up their lip gloss in full sunlight!

I really like this lip cream! When I saw what everyone got in their bags I assumed this was a lip gloss (which I hate!) but it isn't. This is just a lip cream that glides on and feels like a lipstick. I love it and the color.

Their website suggests about this product as well that it "enhances and defines  your own lip color for a natural look" I think this is more true of the product than the lip liner! I do like them together though as you can see below in the before and after shots that once this color is put on over that lip liner it makes it a much more "kylie jenner-ish" darker pink nude! I like both.

Before:

 Just the lip cream in "always there":

The lip liner and the lip cream together:

Here is a swatch on my hand as well so you can see them without my lip color muddling them. On the far right is the lip cream by itself, in the middle is the lip liner alone, and on the far left are the two together!

Total spent for the bag: $21

Total bag is worth: $124

Total saved: $103

That is a win! I think Boxycharm is my new favorite subscription! This is the first bag/box where I have liked everything and that is the LARGEST WIN EVER! I got this one late (in February) because I signed up super late in January so I'll be getting the February box soon! I'm really excited. I cancelled Lip Monthly and Love with Food for this box and it was clearly the BEST change ever.

Thank you so much for following along.