Saturday, August 31, 2013

September Boxes!


It's nearly September (or it'll probably already be September when you read this) and what does that mean?

The fun of boxes begins again! Gone are the summer, endless summer, bohemian summer, and hot summer themes and their replacements are a whole lot cooler (figuratively and literally)! Back to school, crisp fall leaves, the start of a new season, colder weather, getting near the holidays, getting tantalizingly close to Halloween, my birthday (yes, because it clearly matters to everyone!!), and that feeling of newness everyone gets even if they're not going back to school, the clothes (omg the clothes!!)... These are just a few reasons why I love Autumn and why it is truly my favorite season.

I'm very ready for the summer to be over (today was the first day I was forced to actually turn on the a/c in my room) and for my favorite season to start. Plus, the cycle of boxes starts anew. It's time to pay the piper and get new stuff! Here's a mini schedule of the month (taken from personal experience and delivery time to Southern California so it isn't infallible, check with every sub to be sure about your expected delivery date):

Birchbox-(!!!) charges on the 1st of the month ($10.00) and boxes are typically delivered in early to mid-month. You'll be updated on what you're getting on your personal account page by about the 10th. I'm not completely sure but I think there's currently a wait list for birchbox, so if you're interested, get on the list! I don't think you have to pay until you actually sign up!

Julep- If you're already a maven, you get to choose/skip between the 20th-24th of the previous month. Boxes are charged on the 27th and delivered in the next week. I think this is one of the quickest subs since I typically get their boxes quite early in the month. If you haven't joined, you get the intro box and then the option to purchase that month's box. Boxes are typically $19.99 and add-ons vary. You're free to skip any month you don't like.

Ipsy- There's currently a wait list for ipsy so again, check them out if you'd like to get the October box (it isn't super likely that you'll get the September box but you can try!). They typically charge on the 1st ($10.80 in CA since they charge tax) and delivery is about mid-month.

Popsugar Must Have - They typically charge on the ~1st of the month ($35.00, I pay $37.80 thanks to sales tax in CA) and delivery is relatively early to mid month. According to the popsugar must have page, they're sold out of September boxes so if you sign up, you'll probably get your first box in October. However, I know there's a waitlist feature so you might get lucky and get the September box.

BeautyBar Sample Society- They typically charge ($15.00, I pay $16.20 w/ CA sales tax) on the 27th of the previous month and delivery is early in the month. Their boxes are delivered by UPS so I typically get them by the 10th of the month. I'm not aware of a wait list for this box but I do know that if you sign up right now or later in the month, you might get your first box in October.

Glossyboxgb charges pretty early in the month (~5th) but their boxes are typically delivered very late in the month (I usually get my box on the 25th-28th of the month) so if you subscribe for September, you'll probably get your box in late september. This one is comparatively pricey at $21.00 but they do include full sizes so it's a bit of a trade-off.

Whimseybox- the purveyors of craft awesomeness also charge relatively early in the month (~5-10th) and delivery is late in the month. My August box came in on August 31st. However, I look forward to this box like a mofo so I'm ok with the shipping since it seems to work that way every month. There's no wait list that I'm aware of but if you're not a member yet, I'm assuming September or October could be your first box.


So, those are the boxes that I subscribe to regularly. I know that there are a LOT more out there but these are the ones that I trust the most because they're generally legit. I've tried my luck with other less mainstream boxes and they've not been the best at shipping and one box kept charging my card after I canceled (their name ends with a number, that's all I'll say) and didn't correct it until I emailed them weeks after they'd charged me (yes, it took me that long to notice!).

NEVER EVER TRUST ANY BOX THAT ONLY HAS A FB PAGE! Or a shitty, late 90's looking page! If they talk about illness/ personal issues that affect the box for some reason, GET OUT! There are a lot of scams out there and getting your cash is the name of the game. Also, beware of boxes that may be buying fakes and passing them off as the real thing! There are some out there that buy lots from China on ebay and then claim that they're selling 'high-end' brands at impossibly low prices. If you see anyone offering Chanel, Dior, M.A.C. (which I don't consider high end but some people do), don't trust them!!! These brands don't typically work with ANY boxes, let alone a box operated by one individual. If a big name like birchbox can't get them, then you can be sure as hell that they won't be legit.
Remember the much repeated phrase: If it's too good to be true, it probably is! Don't give out your info to just anyone and research all sub boxes thoroughly before you sign up!

I know that was a long rant but I just want you guys to be safe! There are a lot of horror stories about bad boxes out there and other companies that steal money and then go out of business or whatever and I hope none of you guys ever have to experience that. So, while my subscription box list is relatively short (and I know how obsessive you can get when you start with that box 'high'), I'll only post boxes that I've had a long-term relationship with. I know it sucks to be all mainstream but it is very important to protect ourselves. If I find any 'indie' boxes deemed trustworthy, you can be sure I'll post about them!

Be safe and have fun!! 


Whimseybox August '13 Review

Yay!!

Today I got my August whimseybox and it was just in time considering September starts in a few hours!! As anyone might notice, I love love love da whimseybox and since I re-subbed, I've been faithfully crafting like a mofo (seriously, you guys should see my 'office' (aka extra bedroom),  where there are many a whimseybox strewn about! I'm very happy with this month's project theme: 'Bead All the Things"and you'll see why ;)

The anticipation!



Pretty!! 

Yep, I just realized it's upside down but it's still so pretty!! 

So, what is the theme for this month's whimseybox?

It's bracelet time! 

The great part: it comes with enough material for two bracelets!! 

So, the August project is a DIY Beaded Wrap Bracelet! I love that I'll be able to make myself a little bracelet because I've always been nervous about starting jewelry projects (I'm always sure they'll result in complete suckage). However, this one comes with all the necessary tools and instructions so it'll be a lot harder to mess up (though not impossible because, well, I'm still me!) It comes with enough tools to make two bracelets, one in white and another in green. As soon as my mom saw this, she requested the white bracelet so I better not mess this one up!

Lots o' stuff for a bracelet! 

This pic is with flash because I'm in a very dark room (not a darkroom lol). 


It seems like a lot of stuff but that's not all:

A clipboard was hidden at under the shredded paper! 

I want to make this a shirt or a giant poster because I LOVE IT

And what's taped to the back? A needle for the threading portion of the project. 

Now, how do I feel about this month's whimseybox? I fucking love it! There are some months where I like the project and then lose interest but this is a project that I'm 100% looking forward to starting and finishing! I seriously think it's such a great and original box because it doesn't just cater to makeup like most mainstream subs and it has crafts! Good crafts! Crafts you like and that are worth the price! Crafts you enjoy and don't feel ripped off about! I can't say enough things about this month and I've recently gotten sucked into the black hole of craft awesome that is whimseybox's shop. They have a set of Martha Stewart neon glitters that I must make mine.

My only teeny hope? Please, please, please do a Halloween box, whimseybox!!! Since you guys ship late in the month, September would be a great month to do it, yes?

Crafts + Halloween= my CRACK!! (meant as a reference to the drug not... uh... my butt)

I was lucky enough (yes, lucky!!) to find Martha Stewart's 2013 Halloween special magazine at Target yesterday and omfg. Omfg I need to make everything and especially these light up lumiere tombstones! Ok, I'll stop before I take up six pages of writing about how much I love Halloween, crafts, and Martha Stewart so I shall stop now. All that's left to say is this: I love whimseybox. I really do!

Box:
Frequency:
Monthly
Price:
$15/month but $10 for 1st month here; they'll also be introducing Whimseybox Pro where if you get a 3mo. or longer sub, you get free shipping in the shop. 
Perks
Ability to earn free boxes! 
Recommend
Yes! I'm currently freakin' happy with this month's project and I'd legit miss this box if I unsubscribed (unlikely right now, to be honest). However, please remember that you should only subscribe if you actually love crafting or really want to try a project or two to get started. Another pro worth mentioning is that this sub is accessible for beginners and has relatively uncomplicated projects so if you're new to the crafting craze, you can definitely start here (no scary words like purl or selvage here!)



 As I always say, don't spend your money on anything you don't love! 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Glossybox August '13 Box Review

A few days ago, I posted my long awaited (lol) review of July's glossybox and it wasn't the most favorable review, to be honest. I typically don't like to bitch a lot about the boxes I get and try to find the silver lining in each and every box. I've hated some items and loved others but I always make sure to give love to those I did like. Weirdly enough, I was pretty much ready to be done with glossybox because of how their shipping and blah, blah but after getting this box, I'm not so sure. First of all, I got a shipping notice email this month and it was delivered 2 days later (score) and the August was delivered in ACTUAL AUGUST! These factors are minimal compared to the fact that the box items are actually fucking awesome this month! We even got an extra freebie from 'Guess' (plus a discount) and I can't tell you guys how very surprised I was when I opened this box this afternoon. After being a tiny bit reticent to open it at all, I felt so stupid for not opening it immediately! So, as I have a great weakness for subscription boxes, my love/hate affair with glossybox is back to love. There will be a September box review and probably Oct, Nov.... you get what I mean. I have to admit, the late shipping is kind of ugh but the items make up for it (at least they do for me, anyone is free to disagree). The only downside is that out of this month's 5 items, I only recognized one brand (modelco) and the other's are new to me (to say the least). I'll be doing so google recon on each item so we can see if it's worthy of our faces and our dressers ;)

A first look at August's Stuff (sorta fuzzy) 

A clearer look 


Now, on to the good stuff:



Anatomicals Spray- Misty for Me Facial Spray (full size)

Facial spray! What can I say? (besides that that rhymes loll) I actually really like facial spray. I hate anything greasy on my face and find that a spray is a great way to get some nutrients on my skin without having to slather anything on. Considering the horrendous muggy weather I'm currently suffering through, this spray (with lavender, witch hazel, and peppermint extracts) is actually perfection. Especially since I have such sensitive skin that I think I chemically burned my check just by using astringent :( I woke up today with a super red and swollen right cheek and I seriously didn't want to go to school but I had to (plus it was a cool 95 degrees fahrenheit outside) so this had been a difficult day for my face. This little purple bottle arrived at just the right time. Note: this spray is recommended for normal, dry and sensitive skin but I have both oily and sensitive skin and it feels goooood. 11/10


Novex Brazilian Keratin Hair Care Treatment Cream

More keratin treatments! As I stated in my July review, I love deep conditioning masques and such but maybe this should be the last one for a while. This is another cream treatment and while I'll definitely try it, I feel like the packaging makes it look like something you can get at a drugstore in Mexico (or Brazil where it's actually from). However, it sucks to judge a book by its cover so I'll definitely be doing a test run so I can see what effect it has on my super dry ends but seriously, the packaging is uuuuuugly. 8/10


Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush (full size)

Anyone who has read more than this post on this little blog knows that I'm obsessed with lip products. Obsessed! I'm happy to have gotten this lip blush (though it does bear a striking similarity to a pop brand lip stain I got in another box last month though these sort of products all look similar, to be honest). The only turn off is the name! Jelly Pong Pong? It makes me think of ping pong or maybe a fake Thai hooker name (Jelly Pong Pong is here to party!!!). This lip blush is a UK product and it seems to come from a very small company (the founder has a blog, found here) but really, the name is just weird. Hopefully the product compensates for that. Pong pong pong.... 8/10

Ahhh, I just did some recon and found that the founder of Jelly Pong Pong is Malaysian. Maybe 'pong pong' has a meaning that I'm not aware of (I suck and know nothing about Malaysian culture)? If anyone has a solid answer, tell me! I want to know!

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush 

ModelCo Eyeshadow Duo in Bronzed Goddess (full size)

ModelCo is actually the only brand I already know about have items from in this month's box. I've gotten ModelCo from various boxes (including previous glossybox editions) and I generally like what I've gotten. This month, I've been given the 'Bronzed Goddess Eyeshadow Duo' in Maldives and Jamaica. Maldives is a shimmery gold that seems to have very small gold glitter and Jamaica is a gilded chocolate brown with gold shimmer. This duo is kind of perfect for me because I've been very much into trying a neutral eye but I love some extra shimmer. I know a lot of women tend to prefer matte colors but I'm going to wear all of the shimmer/glitter that I can while I can!

Maldives looks a lot lighter in the picture. It's actually more of a bronzed gold.


Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Pressed Powder in Quiet & Still (full size)

A full size pressed powder! Another brand I hadn't really heard about but as soon as I googled it, I realized that it isn't quite as indie as I might've assumed. Macy's has the most of the Sue Devitt products the carry on sale right now and the Triple C-Weed pressed powder is down from retail ($28) to $21 here. The reviews are quite positive (though not super recent since the more recent review is dated December 2012) and I'm actually glad I got this product because I actually like it! It's offered in 4 shades (lightest to darkest): Quiet and Still, Summer Monsoon, Kimberley Plateau, and Tirari Desert. I got Quiet and Still and tried it on immediately. The result? Matte skin without the powdery old skin look you can get with other products. I'm seriously surprised and I think this might be my favorite item in the box. Actually, this one is going directly into my makeup bag. Plus, even on sale at $21.00, it is still a great bargain to get this in a box with four other items. Easily my favorite item 11/10

Love love love.

Guess Makeup Bag and 30% Discount Card

This was a little unexpected addition to the box. A denim guess and glossybox branded makeup pouchette that looks just cheesily 90's enough to be right on trend and a 30% discount card for glossybox members that expires in September. I think I'm going to do some browsing at Guess (haven't done that in yearsssss) and I'm going to see if there's anything worth getting a 30% discount on. Yep, they've got me doing exactly what they wanted. Free gifts will do that to a person. Hear that sephora? Gifts should be for all VIB Rouges not just those who spend $10k/year if you advertise it as a perk of becoming Rouge! *Totally OT* Disregard that. It's just something that's bugging me. Love extra things like this 11/10

One side of the bag (btw it seems to have photographed pinkish but everything that isn't light blue denim is WHITE (not pink) 

Other side of the bag

30% discount card

Overall, I'm really happy with this month's box. I can actually use absolutely everything included and not only that, but I want to! Just counting the makeup, I got eyeshadow, lip stain, and pressed powder. Plus, hair stuff and facial spray! After being so/so at last month's box, this glossybox created a surprising turn of events for my previous plan to cancel. I'm happy enough this month to stay until the next. We'll see how they do in September ;)


Box
Frequency:
Monthly
Price:
$21.00
Perks:
Ability to earn 'glossydots' by doing surveys reviewing the items you get every month. 1000 glossydots= 1 free box. 
Recommend
With reservations. If you do choose to get on the Glossybox roller coaster, you should expect for shipping to be usually late in the month (I got the August box on August 28th). Nevertheless, the products do tend to be a good mix of high-end samples with larger than usual sizes (think deluxe and travel instead of foil packets) and this month had mostly full sized items. I'm still a glossybox subscriber (and happy..... for now) but you must (!) weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Also, you can always try a month and cancel later. There are a few codes out there pretty frequently for at least a 15% discount or an extra gift with your first box. 

WINK might get you a free eyeliner so feel free to try it ;) 


As always, don't spend your hard earned cash on something you don't love!! 

Monday, August 26, 2013

Popsugar August '13 Box Reveal

As I explained in a post earlier this month, I was unable to get my sweet little paws (yes, they're sweet!!) on August's Popsugar Must Have box. Yes, I cried and I died but now I'm doing something a bit different. While I personally didn't get the box and I even avoided the spoiler threads on makeuptalk just because I didn't want to get sad that I missed out on potentially awesome stuff. Now that I know what was included I must accept that yes, I'm pretty butt hurt (for lack of a better phrase) about not getting this box. Nevertheless, such is life. In the spirit of not just skipping the box altogether, I decided to review what could've been. How so? Well, I'll post the items included in the August box for your convenience and I'll also kind of rate whether or not I would've wanted/enjoyed such items.

Plus, I'm back onboard for September's box ! Apparently September is already sold out so anyone who signs up from now on will get the October box as the first in their sub which is kind of nuts! However, Popsugar Must Have box is probably one of, if not THE, best monthly box out there. Seriously. The stuff you get in that box is what makes it worth it because it has full sizes and a variety of cute stuff. So, yes I am still a sad panda about missing out but here's to next month, it'll hopefully be even better!

This is the official pic of the contents of August Popsugar Must Have

Let's get to the good stuff!


Gorjana Open Circle Necklace

This item is definitely one that I would've loved. As soon as we got the announcement that this necklace would be included in the August box as a sort of anniversary present, I got super excited.  I even went as far as to write a post dedicated to its awesomeness. It's a delicate gold necklace which would've been ewww for me 5 years ago but now I love it. I do feel pretty sad that I didn't get it but those who did are lucky bitches and I hate you all! (not really, I love you all!!! free cupcakes and puppies for everyone! also kitties!)

Hypothetical 11/10

Yes, I missed out on this and it HURTS my soul! 

Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse and Special Cleansing Gel

I will refrain from any puns or dirty jokes referring to the pre-cleanse but you all know I'm thinking them. Yes, I'm the worst! Apparently these are part of a two step process to cleanse the skin and make it look all perfectly perfect. The good thing is that I've got a wealth of cleansers right now so this item(s) doesn't sting as much as the necklace.

Hypothetical 9/10


Lulah Body Wash

Touted as part of the 'must have beauty' category, this body wash apparently smells great (as it should!) and creates a luxurious lather. The body wash was sent out in a variety of scents and the packaging is quite cute. I do kind of wish I had a new body was as my go-to is about to run out. Maybe I'll just buy one of these ;)

Hypothetical 9/10


May Designs Weekly Agenda Notebook

I have a major weakness (week-ness? ;D) for weekly planners and pretty colors so this is right up my alley. Pretty colors and organizational tools? Hells YES. Ok, I'm definitely sad about not getting this one but I've also bought like 3 planners this week (fucking back to school sections get me every. time.) and I'm still using my pretty prettyyyy Kate Spade 2013 planner so I'm ok.... for now.

Hypothetical 11/10


Lunares Apple Bowl

Yes, this is a very cute red apple bowl buuut I don't have my own kitchen and I don't really cook so this little beauty would've been completely wasted on the likes of me. I feel like it would be an incredibly cute addition to any kitchen and could be used for snacks but I probably wouldn't even want to get it dirty. So cute, though. So cute!

Hypothetical 9/10


Bentgo Box

Ahhhh, a play on the word bento and a striking similarity to a bento box! This little doozy is meant to keep your lunch in yummy condition instead of cold, jelly, ugh condition. This is a great addition to the arsenal of anyone going to school or to the office. It sucks that I didn't get it but then again, I tend to eat out due to the aforementioned complete lack of cooking skills.

Hypothetical 8/10


Special Extra: Nature Box Granny Smith Apples

Nature Box are actually another subscription sub (I just found this out right now seeing as I'm a big 'ol lazy butt) and they teamed up with Popsugar for the August box to add an extra treat and to get their names out there a bit more (good idea since I didn't know them until now). They sent out some yummy dried apple rings which I'm assuming are as good as they sound. I would've gobbled these up as soon as I opened the box!

Hypothetical 10/10



Overall, the August box is a completely respectable effort by popsugar. The variety and quality of the items is in line with what we've come to expect from them. Unlike other subs, the boxes tend to have a lot of varied items and they don't usually resort to sending out feet wipes when they can't find anything else. I'm a bit sad that I didn't get this particular box but at least it isn't the very best they've sent out (when a popsugar box is good, it is GOOD) so I'm hoping that September's box will kick August's butt (yes, I'm selfish!). But really, I like to see that at the year mark (this was the 1yr anniversary box) Popsugar is still trying to send out interesting and surprising items. Hopefully, the next year will be full of cool stuff from popsugar and I'll be sure to tell you guys about it.



Box
:
Frequency:
Monthly
Price:
$35.00 (+ tax in CA) $30.00 for first box with REFER5 code, see code section) 
Perks
You can earn free months with referrals.
CODES:

REFER5 (enter in the promo code box) for $5.00 off your first box.

Recommend
Yes! These last couple of months have been solidly good and even though I'm sad to have missed August, I love and look forward to getting a box full of surprises from them every month. If you're really interested, give it a month or two and go from there. We're coming up on autumn and the holiday season and you all know that's when the good stuff comes out ;P

As always, don't spend your money on anything you don't love!


Note: All images used in this post belong to the Popsugar Must Have blog and are not mine. 

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Glossybox July '13 Review

Yep, I'm posting this Glossybox review pretty late but they're usually pretty late and I always get a certain month's box the next (I got the July box in early August) and I haven't gotten the August box yet (or even a shipping notice :/ ) I typically love the items that are sent in every glossybox but the company isn't terribly reliable for shipping and their website is good but there spelling errors in the surveys always take me out of the moment and make me wonder why the fuck a professional business can't get a fluent copy editor?

Ok, so with that little rant out of my system, I can get back to what we actually care about, the samples! I'm guessing if you're reading this, you care more about knowing about the month's samples!

I need to feel better and with that in mind, I'll post this:

Why don't you refresh yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka? 

Seriously, Dave Chappelle's masterpiece is the funniest Prince skit in existence. Also, this is the new single cover (which is 100% legit btw) and it makes me giggle just by thinking about the where it came from (if you haven't seen it, watch it HERE: scroll down and prepare to laugh your ass off). Also, if I could dunk a basketball and then slowly float down from the basket, I'd totally do it. EVERY. DAY.


Ok ok, now back to our regularly scheduled programming:

This is what the terrible me got in the July Glossybox (note the 2 deep conditioners, there's a reason for them) 

All in all, July's box isn't bad at all. More than 60% of the stuff included are things that I actually like and use and the deep conditioner is a godsend (seriously, I'm a deep conditioner snob and this is some good conditioning) but not everything can be great and there are a couple of items that I'm just like ughhhhhh about (quit with the bulgari soaps! They smell horrible!) either because I don't like previous iterations of the object sent out or because the brand just doesn't say 'I want this' to me (*cough* the makeup wipes *cough*). Overall though, I'm glad that there are a few items that I'm really happy about and, well, I already paid for the next box so we'll see then if I decide to stick with the never ending emotional roller-coaster that is subscribing glossybox.


Bulgari Eau Parfumeé (thé blánc -white tea) Shampoo and Shower Gel


Bulgari. Oh Bulgari. Your magazine adverts with Kirsten Dunst and a lion are fucking awesome (in a total wtf kind of way) but this thé scent is way too overpowering for me. Glossybox  has sent me their round solid soaps, their bath infusion, and now their shampoo/shower gel. It's like ok, I fucking get that you're trying to shift these items! It's like being forced to keep and keep getting soap and shampoo you didn't like from a hotel! Absolutely everything Bulgari that has been sent has been from the same exact line! Same scent! I've negatively reviewed it every time on their surveys but I'm guessing that counts for shit. To be honest, it feels like they're just trying to move excess stock and it pisses me off to no end. It's stuff like this that makes me unsure about sticking with gb. 0/10 


Nails Inc. mini in 'Baker Street'


I love 'nails inc.' so let's get that out of the way. I love the names (all British streets and neighborhoods) and the colors (definitely modern and youthful) and I actually got a nails inc. beaded polish in 'embankment' this week from sephora. It is damn difficult to apply but the final texturized result is great (it does take a crapload of time to dry so beware!). Soooo, I guess what I'm saying is that I'm pretty much predisposed to liking this item. 'Baker Street' is a perfect summery blue that was actually on my shopping list before getting it in this box so I'm compelled to consider it an immediate score. The color and application are great and while the mini kind of sucks since the full size only retails for $9.50 (cheap in comparison to my current Deborah Lippmann glitter polish addiction where each bottle retails for $19.00) but this is a sample that I was immediately gratified with plus there was no extra analyzing or second guessing. That, in itself, is a miracle. 11/10



Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissues (10 pack)


Bleeeeeeeech. That was my immediate response to the 'Absolute!' Makeup towelettes. I love makeup cleansing towels and am addicted to the 'yes to....tomatoes, grapefruit, etc' brand. However, the only other 'Absolute!' brand item I've ever seen is the solid perfume sent to me by glossybox (I'm sensing a trend) which was probably the worst introduction to a brand I could get. Besides the fact that it smells terrible to me, it also has terrible glaring misspellings right on the packaging. So, I do feel like I'm being a bit of dick about it but I'm not even trying these things. I'm already happy with the ones I do use and these seem like nothing special. However, seeing as I'm already biased, I'd say to try these out if you got them and to not take my word for it because you never know. They might be great for someone else but not for me. 5/10 



Dr. Brandt BB Matte with Signature 'Shinerase' BB creme in 'Light to Medium'

I've been very vocal about my distaste of the BB cream takeover but that's usually because they're all supposed to make you look 'glowy' and super hydrated which, for my skin, is code for 'oil slick' and 'look like I'm sweating like a motherfucker'. However, this particular BB cream is geared towards that part of the population (tiny judging by the availability of this type of BB cream until now *sarcasm alert*) that doesn't need hydration as much as they require oil/blemish control and a long lasting (or just lasting damn it!) matte finish. As I am obsessed with getting a long term matte finish and have been foiled by false promises made by expensive primers and powders, I was totally down to try this and have it fail. However, I tried this sample about as soon as I saw what it was. My verdict? From the light layer I put on my bare face, I'd have to say that the result is pretty good! My forehead didn't look shiny at all a couple of hours after putting it on and I wasn't heading towards sweating pig territory so I have to rescind (ehhh not really, I still hate most of them) my previous hate filled anti bb creme diatribes because this sample is actually a standout in the box. 11/10



Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm

I hadn't ever heard of Figs & Rouge before getting this tube of lip balm that I initially thought was a hand creme sample (doesn't it seem similar to the L'occitane sample sized hand creme tubes?) but it was fortunately a red tinted balm and these are one of my major makeup weaknesses. They really are! Apparently, Figs & Rouge is a UK company but that's about as much as I looked into the company, to be honest. I like the packaging and the balm isn't nasty or weird tasting and it gives a slight pinkish tint to the lips so I'll consider it a good sample, not a great one, but solidly good. 8/10



Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque  (x2)

First of all, I love this deep conditioning masque and will absolutely buy the full size. I'm always looking for something that'll leave my parched ends (which still haven't recovered from my dip-dye attack of early 2013) softer and less leaning towards crunchy straw. This masque is all that and a bag of chips (purveyor of the most current vernacular, aren't I? HA!) I do hate to have to schedule a long shower to do the deep conditioning correctly because if it isn't left on at least 3-5 minutes, well you might as well throw your cash down the drain! But yes, I'm quite into this masque and I'm cool with getting two but WHY did I get two in the first place, you might ask? Well, it seems that I was not given another sample that was supposed to be in the July box wasn't (that would be the Evologie Blemish Serum sample which I fortunately already have or else I'd be pretty miffed) and to make that up, I got 2 deep conditioning masks. I'm cool with it and it is a lot better than just missing a sample and getting nothing to make up for it. 11/10


Another look at July's box


Overall, I'm split. There are a couple of items that I really do like but a couple that I completely and utterly hate. At $21 per month, this subscription box isn't cheap and I hate spending money on something I don't like at least 35% of the time. Plus, factoring in their CS issues (it can take a looooong time to get a response) and the fact that I hate how badly edited the writing is on the website, I'm getting more and more unsure about my future with glossybox. I've already been charged for the August box (way back on the 5th, I might add) and I still haven't gotten a shipment notice but it may be one of my last boxes. It'll have to be a really good one to partially erase the ill will that has added up with certain little peeves. I've been staying subscribed so I can review the box every month but this just might be the beginning of the end for our relationship. Fear not! If I do cancel, I'll replace it with another box! Plus, there is a tiny chance that I won't get anything I despise in the August box (if I get any Bulgari white tea items, I'm done son.) and that'll probably keep me subbed until my birthday in November because I love to add my October and November sub boxes to my bday gift count ;). Plus, June's box was actually pretty good so I'm not sure if I'm really sure (oh to be fickle!). 

So, we'll see....... We shall see.



Box
Frequency:
Monthly
Price:
$21.00
Perks:
Ability to earn 'glossydots' by doing product surveys. 1000 glossydots= 1 free box. 
Recommend
With reservations. If you do choose to get on the Glossybox roller coaster, you should expect for shipping to be kind of fucked up and usually late in the month. Nevertheless, the products do tend to be a good mix of high-end samples with larger than usual sizes (think deluxe and travel instead of foil packets). I'm still a glossybox subscriber for now but you must (!) weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Also, you can always try a month and cancel later. There are a few codes out there pretty frequently for at least a 15% discount or an extra gift with your first box. 

WINK might get you a free eyeliner so feel free to try it ;) 


As always, don't spend your hard earned cash on something you don't love!! 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Whimseybox July '13 Box Review


Bonjour peepsicles!

I'm a total dumbass and thought that I'd posted the July whimseybox  review long agooooo. It turns out I never did or I messed up (stupid iPad!) and so I'm posting it now. Along with that, I already posted Julep's  September box options and I'll be publishing another post reviewing glossybox's July box (their August box hasn't been sent to me yet) as soon as I finish writing it. I've been a bit busy with school (yes I've decided to go back and try to get a graduate degree) and this is my first week back. As such, I've been pretty lax on the blog but my schedule is stabilized and I'm here for the long haul. 

Now, on to the review!


As you guys know, the whimseybox box is one of my supreme faves. I looooove crafts and this is the only crafts box that I love enough (and trust enough because it's legit) to subscribe to. July's box (aug is apparently shipping this week) is pretty much totes great (puns!), if I may say so. With the disappointments of missing out on popsugar's must have box (that reminds me I'm also going to post their August box reveal) and the 50% complete suckitude of my last birchbox , I'm very glad to report that this whimseybox is actually a good one. 

Yep, that's a lot of stuff

This is the main project for this box. There's also an extra mini project included.

That's right! July's box is all about making your own dyed tote! Since the individual sample review I do for makeup subscriptions just doesn't feel right with this particular box, I'm going to list out what is included and review it but I won't, say, review the rite dye for a paragraph (I don't think I could pull that off even with massive bullshitting!!). 

So, the DIY Dyed Tote Bag July Whimseybox includes the following: a dyeable tote large tote, gloves to protect your hands from the dye, 2 colors of Rite Dye (I got green and orange which I wouldn't recommend mixing together unless you really like poop brown), those cute multi-colored rubber bands that were also included with a previous box, plastic bottles with applicator tops for the dye, and an extra project, shown here: 

Paper piercing!
I'd never even heard of paper piercing so this is a great opportunity to learn about a new craft but, to be honest, I don't know what the fuck to do with it! 

This month's whimseybox is great for this reason: it lets you create something you can wear. I love trying to make my own accessories and usually get compliments (I'm not talking weird art teacher red clay necklaces lolll) and this tote is 'totes' looking good. I'm saving the rite dye for another project because, as I said before, I'm just not into mixing green and orange. If anything, my only qualm with this box is the two colors I got. I would've loved a blue like the one shown on the insert and got stuck with orange which is easily one of my least favorite colors. Otherwise, I 'tote-ally' like July's project. I like being surprised and so far, whimseybox has done a pretty great job. The extra project includes a hexagonal pattern and fabric to make a fabric flower. I'm assuming the flower then goes on something that is being quilted and this craft is OLD old school (like reallyyy old) and that actually makes it more interesting to me. I would've never even considered this sort of thing if I hadn't gotten it this way so, again, whimseybox is doing a pretty decent job at keeping me craft happy! My only hope is that they finally do a Halloween themed box because that is my jam. I'll be haunting Michael's as soon as september because that's how into this holiday I am. Plus, my birthday is about 10 days after halloween so it's a pretty good fortnight, all in all ;P 


Box:
Frequency:
Monthly
Price:
$15/month but $10 for 1st month here
Perks
Ability to earn free boxes! 
Recommend
Yes! I'm currently very happy with this box and I'd legit miss it if I unsubscribed. However, please remember that you should only subscribe if you actually love crafting or really want to try a project or two to get started. Another pro worth mentioning is that this sub is accessible for beginners and has uncomplicated projects so if you're new to the crafting craze, you can definitely start here. 

 As I always say, don't spend your money on anything you don't love! 


Julep September Box Options

Hello, my peeples!

As you might've read, last month I skipped Julep for the very first time. As it was the height of July and I'm a total lazy ass, I didn't even bother to review what was available. Honestly, I didn't like it at all and my dislike for the concept probably made it much easier to forget the post entirely.

Howeverrrr, this month has a "we love the city" theme that I actual love. I'm a complete sucker for cityscapes and I actually love big cities (you'd have to pay me a LOT of money to get me to move to a small town and even then I'd hate it!) and I love the direction of the nail colors. Why? The september Julep Maven box is a lot more 'fall' and there are deeper jewel tones and a little bit of glitter which for me is perfection. I unabashedly love glitter and I have to admit that. I know some people say it reeks of immaturity but I say that with the right touch, it can look sophisticated plus it's sparkly!

Ok, so let's see what Julep is offering this month:

Their tagline for this month's theme is "Thing big, inspired by big lights and bold dreams" and I'll go through what each profile is getting this month (briefly, I hope).

Profiles:

Modern Beauty

Bare Face Cleansing Oil and Blank Canvas Primer
Oils are HUGE this year in the world of beauty and I knew Julep would introduce their own soon enough. Unfortch, I just can't stand the feel of oil on my skin so this is a total no go. However, it is said to be a great cleanser for all skin types, so if you like it, go for it! The cleansing oil is being offered with every box except 'It Girl'. The other item is a mattifying face primer. I have so many samples to get through that it would make no sense to get another this month. Also, I'm kind of really into Smashbox's anti blemish primer so I'd rather save up for that (it retails at $42.00!!!)



Classic with a Twist 

This profile is getting the cleansing oil and two nail colors: Padma and Florence. They're described as a plum creme and a camel creme, respectively. Not my favorites since I have many a dupe but I love the autumn feeling they have. 



Boho Glam

The oil and 2 colors: Tatiana and Kristy. Kristy is a "midnight blue creme" and Tatiana a "golden burnt orange micro glitter". I'm pretty indifferent to Kristy but I just HAD to add on Tatiana. It makes me think of fall and soon, Halloween!!! My favorite holiday, hands down.



Bombshell 

The oil and 2 colors: Karmen (really Karmen with a K??? Why????) which is described as a "golden crimson micro glitter" and Daria is a "slate grey creme" and has the awesomest name ever. I used to love that cartoon so much.....



It Girl

It Girl is the profile I stuck with this month and includes 3 colors and no oil cleanser (yay!!) The 3 colors are: Catrina, a "marigold yellow creme" which will hopefully do better than the last yellow I got that looked weirdly greenish and made me look like I had some horrible nail disease; Josephine, a "deep teal grey creme" which I just love because of the name "Josephine" or "Jo" as in my favorite character in Little Women (well, until the end, I just can't understand why Louisa May Alcott had to have her married to the old german professor when Laurie loved her so much and was cute and rich to boot.(I'm so shallow hahah). Finally, Candace is a "golden chocolate micro glitter and I love it because it just screams fall.



Featured Add-ons (aka you have to pay for them extra):

Konjac Sponge

I didn't really buy into the konjac sponge and it's benefits but I was at my doctor's office and saw a pamphlet about the konjac sponge and was like "wtf? should I get this??". It's apparently great for gentle exfoliating and is all natural but I'm still on the fence because I have many a cleansing apparatus.



Reece

A nail color that is only offered as an add-on this month (but it only costs $4.99 as an add-on so that's still a pretty great deal) and is sooooo pretty. Reece is described as a "purple holographic shimmer" that "reminds us [Julep, not me lol] of the NYC skyline at dusk..." I really love the way this color looks and yes, I HAD to get it as an add-on.




Finally, this is my intended haul for this month's Julep Maven box:




I couldn't help myself this month but I'm actually pretty happy with what I did get (plus those jules I've earned helped me get the add-ons for free!!!) and I really like this month's selection. If you're into it, go ahead and join in at Julep or just look around. I'm a nail polish fiend and love it but you have to really be into nail polish to want to get it every month ;)

Box:
Frequency:
Monthly
Price:
$19.99 (add-on prices vary and are added on to the $19.99 base price) 
Perks
Ability to earn free boxes, ability to use earned jules to pay for add-ons, etc.
Recommend? 
Yes. I'm totally into this month's city theme and  Julep has made me a happy Leslie once again. Their CS is fantastic (especially if you call in because emails may take a while to get a response) and their variety of offered items gets better and more varied (to be redundant) every month. This used to be just a nail polish only sub but now with the advent of the 'modern beauty' profile, you can get other types of beauty items every month without having to get polish at all. I'd say try a month  if you're really interested. You can always (and should!) cancel if you're not in love

As always, don't spend your hard earned cash on something you're not 100% in love with!


Note: All images were taken from Julep's official blog and are not mine. 

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Ipsy Glam Bag August '13 Review

Whooooo! Seriously. Whoooo-hoooo!!!!!

Why am I so excited? Well, I got my Ipsy bag and it had the highly coveted Urban Decay Revolution lipstick sample in 'Anarchy' (yes, that's even the shade I wanted!!) and an extra little gift that blew my mind. This month, I love ipsy like a two dollar ho!

Now let's get on with the review:

I wasn't too excited this month because I typically don't get what I want (like the benetint sample in July) and I'm pretty used to it but this was just my month. I got 2 Urban Decay products as well as the charcoal face scrub which I am seriously excited about. Ipsy did well this month. God, they're were so good that they might overtake the reigning birchbox in the fight for the title of  supreme beloved sub!


Why, yes that IS a full-size Urban Decay Moondust Shadow in the picture. 

Oh man, I love it. Seriously. 

Ok, on to the most important part, the item by item review:


Pixi Beauty Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black

I decided to start with the least exciting sample so that I could end with the coolest (to make you scroll!!! *evil laugh*). So, this sample isn't quite the best thing (or even 4th best) I got this month. It's mascara and it's ok but I don't love Pixi. I've found that their products seem to get old really quickly and the application gets messed up. Plus, I have YSL's Babydoll, Lancome's Alber Elbaz Hypnose, and another Dior mascara (all full size because I won't even count how many sample sized mascaras I have now) to get through! This sample is a bit of a non-starter. However, considering the other stuff I got, I can deal. But I don't care for it. 6/10


Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub

Now, this sample is something that I actually wanted when I saw the little hints we get before the unveiling, so to speak, of the month's bag. I've been considering trying a charcoal scrub and I'm bored with my regular face wash rotation so this is a good addition that came in at the perfect time. The only thing I'm worried about is the rumour that some charcoal products get stuck in the pores and look like blackheads if not cleaned off correctly! D: That is something I will work quite hard to avoid but other than that, I'm a very happy camper. 10/10


Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Blegh. Another BB cream to add to the mountain of other samples that have become so ubiquitous during the BB cream trend. This one is meant to give skin a glow and when I tried it out on my palm, it actually did have a nice golden shimmer but on my face, it would look like a was sweating golden sweat! It actually seems to be pretty great for drier skin and my mom loved it so this isn't a bad sample per se, just a bad sample for me. 6/10


MicaBeauty Eye Shadow in Bronze

Ok, so I've already got another Mica eyeshadow somewhere from a previous bag (at least I think I still have it) but I don't think I've ever used it because the color just didn't look good on me (brownish or something, I actually can't even remember which doesn't bode well for any product) plus I don't really like unknown brands and tend to stick to the mainstream in makeup (with the exception of Lime Crime, I LOVE them) but it turns out that the bronze color is actually pretty great. It has a really nice shimmer and the sifter isn't too hard to work with. I'll actually be trying this on for maybe a daytime look. I don't know but I do know I Iike the color and texture so I'm pretty happy with this one. 9/10

Yep, you can barely see the bronze with my camera but it's there. Lol. 




Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in 'Anarchy'

As soon as I saw that I was getting this, I was incredibly excited. However, I was worried that for some reason I wouldn't get it since random changes sometimes happen before they ship out your stuff in some companies. Thankfully, when I opened this month's glam bag, it was the first thing I saw! Not only do I feel lucky to get something I wanted but I got the shade I wanted (anarchy, a bright fuchsia) since the other shade was 69 (a red) and I already have wayyy too many reds. I have to say that the application and the texture are fucking awesome. No other words for it. It really does feel good on the lips. I even fell asleep wearing it and woke up and my lips were still completely colored. Plus, it doesn't dry out my lips! I think I just found my lipstick holy grail because I've already put almost every shade on my sephora wishlist. I'm actually surprised by just how much I love it. It's freaking lipstick destiny!

Inside the envelope

Small but powerful sample size ;) 


There's the perfect shade. Ewww my laptop looks dirty though! 


Urban Decay Moondust Eye Shadow in Intergalactic (full size)

This item was a total surprise. It's among the items you can get if you refer 2 (just 2) friends to ipsy after you sign up. The other items are a Selena Gomez Nicole OPI Nail Polish (ugh), a baublebar bracelet (yes!), and a lime crime nail polish (yes!). You don't get to choose what you get and I didn't expect to get anything at all and lo and behold, the first thing I saw when I opened the pink envelope was a full size Urban Decay Moondust eyeshadow!! I'd actually had the same shadow in my sephora basket for days and when I saw it in my bag, I actually yelped! Plus the texture is magnificent. I really have to start buying more UD because their lipstick and shadow is comparatively great versus other like brands. The eyeshadow feels finely milled and I was able to apply it perfectly with my finger! No brushes necessary!!!  It was a sincerely great surprise. I'm very much loving ipsy for this wonderful gift because it legit made me happy as a clam ;)  1000/10

Ahhhhhh

Oooohhhh

Yes!!! 

The Ipsy Bag

Finally, the bag itself. It's very cute and back to school in purple and has a little 'ipsy glamour academy' motif printed on it but the quality is just ok. Plus the material used isn't anything new. However, it's very cute as a back to school themed accessory and I'm definitely keeping it. 9/10



Overall, I'm very VERY pleased with this month's ipsy glam bag. There were some issues with shipping because their preferred carrier (DHL) is kind of terrible for this sort of stuff and a lot of bags were delivered late in the month is comparison to previous months but, for me, it was well worth the extra wait! After having a pretty crappy month (especially this week.. thanks pms!!),  a little surprise like the UD shadow made me feel a little bit lucky and I love that something like ipsy can make me feel that way.


Box
:
Frequency:
Monthly
Price
$10.00 (plus tax in CA, I pay $10.80)
Perks
Extra items for referrals, brand discounts for every brand offered each month, full size items included (not guaranteed every month). 
Recommend?
Yes! I love them right now. Seriously. Give it a try if you're interested, it's only $10 and you can cancel if you hate it; although you probably won't ;)
Note:
There is usually a waitlist for subs like birchbox and ipsy and it usually takes from 3-6 weeks to get off. If you're really interested, I'd say check and sign up as soon as you can because the earlier you get on the waitlist, the earlier you get off! 

As I always say, don't spend cash on anything you don't love!