Guess who got a free gift from popsugar?

Today, I got a very interesting little box from Fedex. I looked at the shipping label and saw it was from none other than Popsugar. Due to the whole April box debacle, I'd voiced my issues and was promised a couple of goodies for my time. I was very surprised and basically joyous at the fact of getting some free stuff but didn't really expect to get anything for a long ass time.

However, I got this small box that, honestly, didn't really portend good things just because of the sheer tininess of said box but it was FREE so who was I to argue? So what did I get? Well, 3 items. One item was a Maribelle Tresor Chocolate pearl box (apparently from the February box). The second item made me fume a bit (or a lot) because it's been sent to me many a time: thank you cards. Goddamn thank you cards with blue flowers from Snow & Graham. I have like 4 boxes of these and no one, I mean NO ONE to say thank you to. People to say 'fuck you' to I have in spades, yes, but no one to thank.
The one item that I did like was the Revlon 'Just Bitten Kissable' Balm Stain in Crush. I can never have enough lip products so that one is a score. Also included was a preprinted card (no more handwritten notes) saying that hopefully "this little package makes a good Must Have experience for you". S

So, all in all, not the greatest little consolation package but nothing to sneeze at either because it is free and I don't like to look a gift horse in the mouth, so to speak. So, thank you very much popsugar! You had no obligation to give me free stuff and getting a gift is always great!

Interesting....

Alber Elbaz for Lancôme!!! Holy mother of pearl!!!

As I was surfing the internets today, I came upon something that made me feel much better than yesterday (seriously, the whole wedding thing has me down) and here it is:

ALBER ELBAZ FOR LANCOME!!!!!!!!! 

The packaging!!! The perfection!!!

Thanks to Styleite, I got to see the awesomeness and here it is:

I WANT IT!!! 

THIS ONE TOO!

AND THIS!!

AND THISS! 

Basically ALL of this

THIS TOO!!!!!!

I think I don't even have to say it....

Omg, the packaging is perfection. 

Personal Post or Why I'm not going to a Wedding

While I await the new month of subscription boxes (I must mention that yesterday I got a dupe box with the samples I was missing courtesy of birchbox so I now have a cute little sample size J.R. Watkins balm and 2 Oribe shampoo/conditioner packets as well as 2 YES 2!! eye rollers!), I'm taking the time to write a personal post because, well, somebody hurt my feelings and this is my blog so I'm taking a little side-trip to self pity land.

I posted about a cousin's wedding a while ago and I was very much looking forward to my sartorial selection (I bought 2 formal dresses for nought, apparently) and was actually almost mildly excited to attend the wedding. However, facebook, once again, reveals all!

My mother and I were excluded from all of the events precluding the wedding while every other one of our female relatives wasn't and this includes the relatives we're in a fight with because their father is a raging cunt. Sooooo, it's clear that they do not wish our presence and honestly, after being rejected so many times, I don't want to see them either.

This, of course, comes on the heels of other wedding announcements in the same family (one cousin eloped, another just announced her engagement) and. well, we weren't invited to those events either. Now, there has always been friction with our (former) family but we weren't aware that we were this disliked. Most of the dislike is perpetuated by the lies (whoppers, I tell you! seriously, delusional doesn't do him justice) of the aforementioned raging cunt.

I feel hurt. I honestly do. I don't want to be but I am. Said cousin contacted me multiple times to get advice and to have me find stores/sales/blogs but I guess, to her, I was some sort of service person? The worse part is that I'm actually socioeconomically above them but they apparently think they're above me. It is hard to see that you won't ever be accepted by family. The worst part is that my father's family hates me too, it makes me think if I am at fault? However, dad's side are a total snake pit and their actions could easily be adapted into a very melodramatic telenovela.

I suppose I should've know I had it coming since they've never particularly shown me any love and I've never been included in their lives (I tried to befriend said cousins as a teenager but was roundly rejected) but I think most of the hate is just that, hate. It's non-sensical hate. I'm saddened by this rejection but there's nothing I can do about it. Nothing. Except not go to the wedding. I'm sure I'll be missed. LOL. If anything, I think they'll be glad I didn't show up and that's fine by me. I'm used to not having any paternal relatives (except my dad who is the definition of awesome) and now I have to get used to not having any maternal side relatives. I'm out. They definitely pushed for it and now I'm giving them the best gift, disappearing. Peace out, asshole relatives. I've got better things to do. Like wait for my May Julep upgrade box and my Popsugar box as well. Thank God for boxes and books and friends because otherwise, I might be a little sad ;)

Julep Sea Salt Mystery Box

This morning, I received my Julep Sea Salt Mystery Box! Unfortunately I didn't get the Sea Salt color I wanted (the black lava one) but such is life. According to the packing slip, I received 'version 9' and I'm guessing this is because I ordered it super late (like the last day it was for sale late). However, I'm not mad (not too happy either!!!) and I'm already looking forward to my badass May Julep upgrade (all of the items, every last one!!!) so I'm not heartbroken though I'm a bit miffed because I got stuff that I'd already gotten before (everything besides the most of the colors is a dupe!) but, again, such is life.

With flash. Clockwise: Nail File, Maria, Madeline, Leila, Dendrie, Hand Brightener, Toe Separators 

W/o flash. Same as above. 

On to the item by item review:

I'm going to start with the colors because duh that's why we buy these things in the first place ;)

Julep Nail Lacquer in Maria

According to official description, it is a 'shimmering platinum rose' and labeled as a frost finish. At first sight, I thought it looked quite purple-y but it does have a distinct rose coloring. I'm not in love with it but it is a very pretty color. I'm happy w/ this one. 7/10


Julep Nail Lacquer in Madeline (Sea Salt Finish)

This one is the draw of the whole box. The promised land, if you will. Thus the title. There were 3 sea salt finishes being sent out and I got Madeline. I'm not super thrilled since I really REALLY wanted the black one but I'm happy enough. Happy enough to make it today's color. It isn't officially out yet apparently but I can tell you it's a very cute shell pink (almost like the lighter part of a conch shell) with a matte finish. I like this much more than the similar Liquid Sand collection by OPI (I hate their bottles with a passion!!) 19/10

Julep Nail Lacquer in Leila

Leila is touted as a 'lemon yellow opalescent shimmer' and it looks it. I'm into pastels (it's part of the 'pretty in pastel' set as well as the 'boho glam' starter box) currently so this is a welcome addition. It isn't groundbreaking but a good solid color to have in the set. 7/10


Julep Nail Lacquer in Dendrie

Ok, so when I saw the name of this color, I immediately asked myself why Julep would name a color 'Dendrite' (see the connection? Lolll puns!) but with the missing 'T', the name is actually 'Dendrie' which I've never heard before but must exist or it wouldn't be the namesake for this 'dove grey creme'. It's a full coverage grey of which I have an extensive collection now thanks to many a sub box and it seems like this is a 'vintage' color as it doesn't have the swatch sticker or even the exact same packaging on the bottle. But, BUT. I'm ok with it. I'm zen. 7/10

Julep  Age Defying Hand Brightener, Nail File, and toe separators.

These are the other items included in the box. The hand cream is full size and apparently works to fade age spots and fine lines (cool because I'm not sure I want to get old hands) and the toe separators separate toes. The nail file is negligible because I already have like 3 of the same type. :(/10


Overall:

The colors are cute but the extras sort of suck if you've already bought these mystery boxes many a time before. I might've gotten stuck with the poopy selection because I got my box so late but that doesn't mean I didn't expect the best from what Julep has to offer. I have to say this is a rare misstep from a company I love. Overall grade: C+

Box:

Julep Maven Sea Salt Mystery Box 

Price: 

24.99 for the mystery box, 19.99 for the subscription.

Frequency: 

Mystery boxes are sold at Julep's discretion (so whenever they feel like it) and the sub is monthly. 

Perks: 

Mystery boxes have a minimum of $70 value inside with a max of $200. Sometimes prizes are added. 

Recommend? 

Well, this one was not the best but others have been pretty great. Try one the next time they're offered and see if you like what they send. It's still a pretty good deal when you remember that the nail colors retail for $14.00 at sephora.

Julep Maven May '13 Box!!! Selection Window Open

The Julep selection window is open!! To me, this is christmas level (well, maybe Halloween?) excitement. Especially after seeing what is being offered this month.

The Julep Maven theme this month is the 20's Jazz Age. Gold, lipstick trios, colors named 'Coco' and 'Zelda'. Basically, incredibly on-trend and everything that I get weak in the knees for!

Julep's May Jazz Collection

I'm usually an 'it girl' (the all nail polish profile) but I have to change it up this month. All of the profiles besides 'it girl' have a one of the 2 lip trios being released on 4/25:

Julep Jazzy Lip Trios in 'Paris' and 'New York', the round gold thing is a lip scrub ;) 

Considering the fact that I harbor an incredible weakness for lip colors (I got 2 at sephora this weekend but that deserves its own post), it was my complete goal to be able to get both the lip sets and the scrub and the nail colors. I checked the profiles and lip sets and add-ons and ended up going for this:

Yes,  I did it. I went all the way! Julep May Upgrade Collection ($35 added to base 19.99)

I couldn't help it! I typically try to restrain myself or even try to consider skipping the month but this collection caught my eye so completely that I couldn't stop myself. The set includes the 9 new nail colors, the Paris lip trio, the New York lip trio, the lip scrub, and the mascara. If everything was purchased individually, it would add up to a hell of a lot more and even more without the maven 20% discount. Ok, so I might be trying to justify it to myself but I'm very VERY excited for May!!!!!

Box:

Julep Maven

Frequency:

Monthly

Price:

19.99 + extra if add-ons/upgrades are selected

Perks:

Jules can be earned through a variety of ways and be applied to boxes, add-ons, etc. A 20% discount on everything at the online Julep shop. 

Recommend?

Yes!!!

Ipsy April '13 'Glam Bag'

Today, I finally got my first Ipsy Glam Bag ! I was on the wait-list for the majority of March and got off of it just in time for the April edition. After many an issue (apparently they can't process Amex cards correctly for some reason), I got my first bag and it is.... interesting.

Ipsy is in the ~$10 category and actually is $10.00 per month (+ tax in certain states, including CA. Yay.) So I'm guessing their main competitor is the progenitor of such boxes, Birchbox. According to the comments on their respective facebook pages, ipsy is better because they send "more" and "full sizes" but they also send brands that I've never seen before. We all know that Birchbox sticks to the high-end sort of stuff and I very much appreciate that. I'm not overwhelmingly joyous at what I got in April's glam bag but it isn't bad and I won't be canceling my subscription just yet.

The beautiful sleeping pup in the background did NOT come with the bag!

On to the item by item review:

A note: since I'm bored, I decided to do individual item pics. I don't usually do it but it is fun sometimes.

Be a Bombshell Blush in Sweet Cheeks

Be a Bombshell Blush in 'Sweet Cheeks'

This blush is from 'Be a Bombshell' and to its credit, is full-size. I love pink blushes lately and it isn't to powdery and goes on sheer and a bit shimmery. I don't know much about the brand but it doesn't seem to bad. I'm happy with this item although I'm gathering quite the collection of blushes this season. 9/10

Sation Nail Color in 'Of Corset I'll Call You'

Sation Nail Lacquer for Ipsy in 'Of Corset I'll Call You'

Another nail polish!!! I keep getting nail colors!!! Why do all these subs keep sending me nail colors!!!! I got like 5 this month. Seriously. The pros: full size, pink, cute name, never tried the brand so a new brand to try. The cons: too many nail colors! 7/10

BigSexyHair Pow Powder Play

BigSexyHair Powder Play Sample

This is the sample I was most looking forward to but it is also the smallest. This texturizing and volumizing powder is a great little addition to my hair arsenal. I have many a hair product but more are always welcome. Especially anything for volume! Unfortunately, it is tiny. Like one-use tiny. 8/10

Mica Beauty Loose Shimmer in 'Earth'

Mica Beauty Loose Shimmer in 'Earth'

I'm confused because the actual item says shimmer but the ipsy website describes it as mineral shadow. All I know is that it is loose and light-brownish or tawny but sparkly enough. My skin (EXTREMELY sensitive) didn't react super positively to this shimmer powder and itchiness occurred. Of course, this only happened to me so I can't say that it'll happen to anyone else. My skin, however, tends to break out even with the fanciest brands so it isn't due to the fact that I've never seen this brand before. I might give this one away because of my skin reaction but the color is very versatile. 6/10

The Replacement Bag :( 

"Glam Bag" in flower print with a Green Zipper and plastic lining

The promised ipsy bag was super cute in comparison, a white bag with a hot pink zipper. This one is very much not cute. It might be to someone else's taste but I'm not a flower print kind of girl so this bag is a complete disappointment to me. Fortunately, according to the insert, the original bag will be added to my may order for free. Apparently, there was a quality control issue so these bags are replacements. I'm fine with that and I like that they'll be sending me the originally promised bag next month (so close! It's already April 20th!).  No score because it's a replacement.

Overall: 

This is my first Ipsy bag and it isn't the very best introduction but I do actually like everything even if I don't love it. So, I will definitely give Ipsy another chance next month. Hopefully, next month will be better and the bag will not be anything like the one I got this month. I'd give it a B- for this month but it really does have the potential to be a staple. We'll see.

Box:

Ipsy

Price:

$10 (+ tax in CA)

Frequency:

Monthly

Perks:

Ability to make 'looks' on the ipsy website, contests. 

Recommend?

For the price, I'd say yes. The brands aren't as high-end or mainstream as my beloved Birchbox but there are many full sizes included and they can help you discover more 'budget' brands. 

Popsugar Must Have May Box Announcement

Popsugar's April's box was lackluster (enough that I didn't even bother to review said box; short review: 4 items, all not great) and many of my peeps over at makeuptalk were NOT happy about April's box, especially after the March box that was generally thought to be a win.

Soooo, possibly (ahem, definitely) sensing a bit of a downturn in consumer confidence after that mistake, Popsugar Must Have is giving away 10 (10!!!!!!!) Clare Vivier clutches in May's box. Now, while April was a huge miss, I have to give Popsugar some props: 

I emailed them around the time the April box was released and basically told them it was bs and that I'd rather not deal with that box at all. Instead of dismissing me, Popsugar CS asked me what I felt was wrong with the box and I replied with a dissertation length missive. At this point, I thought I'd get no response or maybe a canned one. Instead, I got another email asking if I could tell them what I DID like and why. Another missive later, I got another response saying they'd read my suggestions, etc. etc. and that they'd like to send me some goodies for basically (totally paraphrasing here) being so darn awesome. I was even asked what stuff from the previous boxes I'd enjoyed in order to send me a couple of things I liked! So while I'm not happy with April's box, I do love the  must have box, especially after they (with no real incentive to do so) actually asked me for opinions and responded with human sounding replies. I can't deny, that for me, Popsugar's CS went above and beyond and I really appreciate that. 

Now, back to the present. May's box is almost certainly going to be a return to form for one of my favorite subs and this contest is a definite reason to stay subbed or to start subbing now. I'm a purse addict and the idea that I could win one of these makes me positively salivate (or drool if I don't want to sound like a douche!) with the hope that I could win a pretty, pretty clutch!! All current subscribers are apparently already entered and all new subscriptions will be too. I'd say go for it peeps because you could end up winning a clutch that's worth more than said clutch and everything else in the box added together. 

If you haven't, sub here for a chance to get it with May's box.

I swear these types of things get me hook, line, and sinker. I never EVER win anything. To date (as in my entire existence), I've won 2 things: a Voldemort t-shirt at a screening for one of the Harry Potter movies because it had been my birthday that week so I wasn't nearly the only one to win and a Starlooks Starbox which I was so excited to win until I read that 99 other people won too! If it had been, say, 20 others then I would've felt more special. Chances are I'll never get even close to getting the clutch but I might as well try. Plus, I'm very much looking forward to the May Must Have box just because I love getting surprises in the mail. Seriously. 

So, if you've been thinking about trying out this sub, then I guess this is the month to try it out because you might be one of the 9 other lucky ones (because I will get one, I will it so!!!!!!!) to get this clutch plus you can always cancel after May's box if it isn't pass muster. 

To all of my fellow subscribers, good luck!!!! I'm so desperate to get one of these but the odds are not ever in my favor (see what I did there?) so this might just be a public announcement that will actually reduce the odds of me getting the clutch (oh no! I'm legit reconsidering publishing this because I be cray cray) but actually, I can be happy for me fellow box addicts.

Box:

Popsugar Must Have Box

Price:

$35 (+tax in CA, I pay $37.80) 

Frequency:

Monthly plus there are seasonal boxes sold separately. 

Perks:

One of the bigger boxes, referrals, discount codes 

Recommend?

Yep. I keep trying to stop loving it but my recent customer service experience was the clincher in my staying with Popsugar for the foreseeable future (barring a box filled with literal dog poop!!!) 

Discount Codes: 

These are the most codes that have been recently floating around:

REFERFRIENDS

REFER5

GET10 ($10 off from a 3 month sub) 

SAVE5PSMH

GET25 ($25 off from a 6 month sub)

COMING UP TOMORROW:

The Julep Maven selection window opens!!! I've gotten some hints about upcoming lip color but I'm waiting until tomorrow to see if the fuss is really warranted and then I'll post how I weakly probably ended up upgrading to getting absolutely everything ever sold by Julep.

Also, I'll be posting the review of the Julep Sea Salt Mystery Box that I ordered a couple of days ago and that I have a shipping notice for as soon as it is delivered! 

Sephora Mini Haul #2

I ended up going back to sephora and my weakness for pretty pretty makeup won out. Seriously, the damn place is like some sort of siren call I can't ignore and lose myself in for hours, Ulysses style. I casually went in to look around and ended up getting a few small things but Chic Week is making me crazy! 15% is not something to be missed! So, I'm almost completely sure I'll be back at sephora before the 22nd but I need to stop! Except I don't want to! Especially since I currently only have a bit more than 500 points and I want to get back to 1500 or so.

A little side note: I noticed that there is a postcard given out at the register where there is a 1000pt reward. Apparently the offer is limited to Sephora stores in CA and TX only and I'm guessing it's because they're gauging the reaction to said reward. Said reward is exchanging 1000 pts for a 20% discount card. Considering I got 15% today and a Benefit 500 pt reward a couple of days ago, I have to say that this is NOT the most enticing offer. Actually, it isn't enticing at all. When you re-qualify to VIB status, you get 10% off and there are a couple of times a year (like right now!) where you get 15% off so what's the point of wasting that many points for 20% off? I would much rather save up my points and get rewards that I actually want (this year, so far, I've gotten the Buxom and the Benefit sets [almost alliteration!]) instead of a discount that, in the long run, has a negligible effect on how much I'll purchase anyways.

Ok so now on to the second mini haul of the week:

Btw, because I'm feeling lazy, the pics are from sephora and not my personal pics. However, they're exactly representative of what I purchased.

YSL Baby Doll Mascara $30 

I have to admit I haven't been able to stop thinking about getting this mascara and today was the day I finally did! I went to look for it and it wasn't displayed so I almost went into sad panda mode but the incredibly helpful cast members looked for it everywhere and finally found it 'backstage' in the new stock. I was over the moon. I tried it on and have to say I love it. It gives big lashes like Lancome's Hypnose Star (another fave of mine) but less smudgy and very Marianne Faithful circa her Mick Jagger period. Plus the packaging is perfection.

I actually got the flower power set but the colors are very similar. $12

So, I couldn't find the 'flower power' set online but this is the set that most closely resembles the colors included in the set I purchased. The packaging in my set is a pink base with a white/grey/orange flower print. The colors included are Peach Blossom (shimmery pink w/ almost coral sparkle), Pink Orchid (shimmery bright pink), and Lilac (very purple shimmer that actually goes on sheer and leaves a pinkish tint that looks amazing!). For $12, these sets are a steal! I used to be a bit biased against Stila because these sets are so inexpensive but Stila's makeup line has great quality.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Chimera $10

I love OCC's lip tars (right now I'm all about 'electric grandma') and this was a surprise to me. I love that they're doing nail color (OCC is 100% vegan and is anti-animal testing if the 100% vegan tag didn't imply that). I wasn't sure about what color I wanted but since I've been collection so many pinks and girlier colors, I decided to go with my gut and get something I've always liked but that's also on trend lol. So I went for 'Chimera' whose official description is 'opaque metallic mint' and looks exactly perfect for spring coolness.



I also got a couple of fragrance samples because I'm trying to expand my olfactory combos and these are the ones that stood out to me the most:

Anna Sui Flight of Fancy

I haven't really considered Anna Sui fragrances in a long time because they packaging looks very, well, teeny bopper but this citrusy floral fragrance (notes of grapefruit and guava) is actually really good. The bottle is expectedly zany (the topper looks like a peacock) but I'm very much considering getting a roller ball at the very least because I sincerely liked this scent and that is a very rare thing.


Balenciaga Florabotanica

I've been flip-flopping on Florabotanica for a while. I like the scent but then it changes but then I like it again but then it's too strong and on and on... I'm pretty sure I'll eventually cave and get it. I like the scent and the bottle would look magnificent on my dressing table.


Overall, I love everything I got but I just feel like I always end up getting something I didn't expect to get when I shop in-store. I've got a huge shopping list online and it keeps me organized but in the store, I go into 'kid in a candy/toy/crack shop' mode and cannot help myself!

I think my next haul will def. be of the online variety and probably pretty soon ;D

Birchbox April Box Update

If you read my box review, you know that two items were missing in my birchbox this month. I emailed them fairly quickly but decided to go EXTREME (loll) and actually call the toll free number.

I don't usually resort to calling and hate talking on the phone but I've realized that email is super slow and old school calling can actually resolve a problem a lot faster. Sooo, I went ahead and called and the CS rep I spoke to was super nice and knowledgable. This is definitely a check in birchbox's favor because the rep I spoke to was polite and knew what she was talking about; professionalism people! I explained my problem (missing samples!!! why would they do this to me?!?! I'm just an innocent sample loving girl and they're robbing me of my sample innocence!! etc. etc.) and told me that because I was missing more than two samples, they'd try to ship out a new box and if they weren't able to do so, they'd contact me in 48 hours or so. I like solid answers and relatively solid timeframes so I am currently a happy camper. 

The 'missing sample saga' isn't over yet but at least I know that birchbox is willing to help me find a solution and that makes me feel better about forking over $10 to them every month. I'll update this post when a solution is reached but I wanted to put this out there in case anyone is wondering about maybe joining bb but is unsure of how they respond to customers (super duper important!). That's why I'm doing this little psa (the more you know! *star and rainbow thing*) about having to contact customer service. All I know is this: I want my samples!!!! 

Birchbox April Box Review

I just got my April Birchbox and was very excited to see the contents because I decided to stay un-spoiled this month and wait for the box to actually get to me before passing judgments.

I have to say I'm very satisfied with what I got.....that is to say, with what wasn't missing in the box.

Unfortunately, I don't know if it was due to human error or mechaniman (ha!) error but I got contents that looked like this:

This looks pretty awesome...until you realize 3 samples are missing! 

Pretty cool, huh?

Well, it would've been cooler had I also received (according to the insert) the following:

J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve

Oribe Shampoo & Conditioner for Beautiful Color

So, I got 3 out of 5 (I'm counting the shampoo/conditioner as one sample).

I've already emailed birchbox regarding this predicament and hope to get a quick response but for now, I'm stuck missing some samples that I now know I was really looking forward to.


On to the item by item review:

AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask

I actually got a sample of this elsewhere (I think it was from sephora?) and tried it about a week ago. My skin is super sensitive and the tiny grains you can feel in the mud seriously felt like tiny bits of glass! I couldn't stand to have it on my face for more than 20 seconds so a warning to all sensitive skinned peeps: be very careful when trying this mask. After my experience, I decided to give it away instead of risking another painful encounter. 6/10

J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve

Didn't get it! I've emailed birchbox because it sucks but we'll find a way to fix it ;) 0/10


Oribe Shampoo & Conditioner for Beautiful Color

Didn't get this sample either!!  0/10


Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Poppy 

Although I kind of begged last month to not be sent any more nail polish, here is another! However, the whole mood/ color changing thing seems novel so I'm happy to get it. Plus, the color is really cute. 8/10

Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On

Simple is a mass market brand, I usually buy their stuff at target and I was surprised to see this in my box but it is a full size!! Also, they do mention that it isn't high-end but affordable and that is very cool. I like things like this, especially when they're full size and because I needed a new eye roll-on! This item, I think, is my favorite in the box! Almost forgot, there is also a $1.00 coupon included! Whoo, I'm getting me some more cleansing face towlettes!!!  10/10

A parting shot of my the box

Overall

I'm not very happy about missing out on 2 samples but I'm sure that'll be resolved fairly quickly. Fortunately, I really love what I did get and that's why I continue to be a faithful birchbox subscriber (it'll be a year next month!).

Box

Birchbox

Frequency: 

Monthly

Price:

10.00/monthly or you can prepay from 3 mos to a year. 

Perks:

Get 10 points for every item reviewed from your box plus points whenever you purchase something from the online store, 100pts= $10 discount and there's no limit! 

Recommend?

Yes! 

Sephora Chic Week + Very VERY mini haul

As an awesome VIB, I get special perks lolll. Well I got an email (not even actual mail due to the completely terribleness of my forwarding issues) and that email told me that it was 'Chic Week' and as such, I have a week (until 4/22) to get 15% off of all of my purchases. That is AWESOME.

However, I still have my 10% VIB discount but that will be stashed until after the 22nd so I can get yet another discount! I wasn't planning on going to sephora yet but I just had to go when I found out that the VIB 'special' included a tote with samples! Therefore, I went at about noon and got a....

Lipgloss!!

Seriously, I didn't have a plan to get anything huge (that is for next week haha!) so I just got a $10 sephora brand lip gloss in 'Confectionery' in order to get my tote and samples.

Lipgloss, samples, tote and 500pt perk! 

I couldn't help myself because I got so little and had to get the 'Sweet to Meet Ya!' 500pt perk! It has
 a full size luminizer from Benefit and a sample size mascara and 'Benetint'. I have less points now (I like to have enough for 2 500pt perks at all times because I'm crazy).


The samples included in the tote weren't the greatest ever (I got a coupon for a free chick-fil-a sandwich, not kidding!) and were just foil packets but I'm very happy about getting samples and the tote as well as my 500 point perk. I'm very much planning to take advantage of the 15% discount a couple of times before it expires and anyone who reads this should too!

The online code is VIBCHIC for VIB's and CHIC for beauty insiders.

Go forth and shop!!!

Ooh Sephora, just when I think I got out, you pull me back in!!!


Between the boxes, sephora, and Ulta, I am very much overwhelmed with prospective cute things I want to buy! So I will!

FabFitFun VIP Spring Box

Yet another victim of the change of address saga was this box. I finally got it today after it was returned to sender and then sent by fedex direct by the FFF (thanks FFF! that was a great move).

Now, as many of us know, this box has been a figure of great controversy. A variety of boxes were sent and they didn't all include the same items. We saw the blogger preview boxes and assumed we'd get the same items but, alas, it was not to be. I emailed and asked wtf and got a quick response and they are saying they're taking all of the feedback into account for the summer box so I hope that's true.

Here's a pic:

No joke, I got scared when I saw the petite size of the box! 

Soooo, my box did not include what I expected (NO BUTTER LONDON!! or Jewelmint pieces though 2 are promised in the insert!) but compared to other boxes I saw, I consider this one a score.
However, an email to fff is definitely forthcoming because screw that lollll.


On to the item by item review:


MoroccanOil Hair Treatment

This is the one item that everyone was promised. It retails at about ~$40 and I'm very much into hair oil treatments at the moment so I'm excited to try this one. Especially since it's a full size bottle. 10/10

Zoya Nail Polish by FabFitFun

According to the insert, the Zoya nail polish is in their signature color called 'fabfitfun fuchsia'. I've never bought or considered buying Zoya before since I'm up to my eyes in Julep and Butter London colors. The good thing is that I'm trying to add more pinks to my collection after I decided that I'd stop hating the pink colors and I'm excited about trying this brand after never trying it before. 8/10

Jouer Lip Gloss

This lip gloss seems cute since it has a shimmery sheer pink sparkly color but the sample size is incredibly small. I wouldn't count it as an item but instead as an extra. However, it is counted as a main items and that sucks because it is TINY. I would value it at more than a dollar or two, if that. I'm not in love but I will try it so it's not a total wash. 7/10


Think Thin Bar in Peanut Butter

Another one of the nutritional energy bars that I keep getting in box subs, I'm not super excited about it since I either give it away or eat it, forget I ate it and then just end up eating more that day. I know these keep getting sent and that's fine since the word 'fit' is in the middle of the box's name but I do wish that we'd get these less often because they're not something I consider surprising or something that I really want to get in a box because I can go ahead and get these at Costco if I want. 6/10

Jewelmint Jewels

So this is listed in the insert. Apparently, I'm supposed to have two pieces in the box but there are none in my box. Nada! -10/10


The following are listed as 'surprise bonus gifts': 


GoSmile On the Go Pen

Ok, I'm very happy I got this one. I was really hoping I would and I did! Although it was shown on the blogger boxes, it is apparently considered a bonus gift. I'm not super happy about that but at least I got it, right? I was really looking forward to this item so that's why I'm not as unhappy as I feel that I could've been considering what others have received. 10/10

Josie Maran Lip Stain Marker

Another purported 'bonus gift' that was also in the blogger boxes. I love this and I'm super duper happy that I was lucky enough to ge it. I haven't tried too many Josie Maran products in the past but I'm very much into lip stains so this one is a mega score. 10/10

Another look at the Spring box 

Overall

I'm not super happy with the issues in the Spring box. I didn't get what I wanted most and I didn't even get what was listed in the insert as something I definitely should've gotten. However, I do like the things that I got and so I'm going to give FFF another chance and stick around for the summer box. I feel like they should've taken care of their issues BEFORE sending out the boxes but my interaction with CS has been very quick and positive so I'm optimistic about their future. I really love boxes like this and I feel like Popsugar could do with a little healthy competition so hopefully they'll straighten out their issues and get better next quarter.

Box

FabFitFun VIP Box

Frequency

Quarterly (every 3 mos) 

Price

49.99 Quarterly

Perks

So far, none that I know of. We are promised mainly full sizes instead of samples. 

Recommend? 

I do but with reservations. I'd say try the next box (summer) but if the quirks don't improve, then I'd say maybe try it. I'm pretty satisfied with my box, so I'd say I do currently recommend it. 

Julep Maven April Box Review

It took a while to get my box this month due to a very confusing situation with my credit card's mailing address after I moved. Seriously, all of my boxes have been super late because of it (and also the USPS who have lost my love of them since I used to have an awesome mailman while my new one is a douche that charges me postage for boxes that had been lost for weeks because somehow I owe THEM?!?!)

Anyways, due to all of the aforementioned, I finally, FINALLY got my April Julep Maven box today with both the regular box and the add-ons arriving at the same time. I'm pretty happy with no qualms but I don't know I'm in love or in like with the box. It might be me but I don't know...

On with the review:

My April Box on arrival 

April Box colors left to right: Eden, Abbie, Mackenzie, Rock Candy Nail Glaze (add-on) and Dry Shampoo (add-on)

As you can see in the above pic, I put my two add-ons (the dry shampoo and the Rock Candy Nail Glaze) in with the regular 3 polishes sent in the 'It Girl' box so this doesn't depict what all 'it girl' subscribers were sent since I paid for each add-on and these are ordered at discretion (so, if you want, you add it and if not, you don't!).

Julep Nail Color in Eden 

When I checked out April's offerings in the Julep order/skip window (20th-24th of every month), I for some reason, thought that 'Eden' was a very bright blue. However, on actual inspection, it seems like a very bright purple and is touted as a 'bright violet creme' in the official description. Honestly, I can't wait to try it out. Though, I am waiting because I did a manicure in China Glaze's Sun Worshipper (it was included in the Coco Rocha Fancy Box along with another China Glaze lacquer in Concrete Catwalk). Overall, I love the brightness of this purple because it isn't a deep serious color and is definitely a spring-y bright. 10/10

Julep Nail Color in Abbie

I don't know why but I think this color is named for Abbie Cornish (who was great in 'Bright Star'). Similarly to Blake Lively (and the bright butter yellow named after her that is a very popular color), Abbie Cornish is a blond most of the time and does seem like a good association with the yellow we got. The official description is 'sunshine yellow creme' and it looks it. I like how comparatively bright it is to 'Blake' (which is more buttery that neon-y) and I'm very much looking forward to doing a pedi in that color for any summery event. The fact that it's full coverage is also a huge plus for me. 9/10

Julep Nail Color in Mackenzie

Ok, I have to be honest here. Any green color immediately makes me think of Shrek. I usually try to stay away from bright greens lest I be called Shrek or Fiona and I just don't feel like these greens go well with my style. However, 'Mackenzie' could be used on an accent nail or for nail art so I don't feel like it's a total loss. Official description: sour apple green frost. I'm wary of trying it but try it, I will. Not my fave right now but that might change (I loved the look of 'Nikki' a while ago but when I tried it, it looked like the ugliest almost puss-like color on my nails. It was given away immediately). 7/10

Add-ons: 

Julep Rock Candy Nail Glaze

So, I couldn't find a good description of it but the gist is that it's supposed to give your nails a shiny rock candy type finish. It isn't a full coverage creme (it looks quite dark in the bottle as you can see in the pic above), instead it's a sheer color meant to be layered over other colors. I haven't tried it yet (due to the aforementioned very recent neon orange color that I'm currently rocking) but I'm pretty sure that I'll be trying it soon (like I won't be able to stand it and I'll try it in the next 6hrs at the latest, soon. I love the idea of this and I 'spent' 750 jules (about equivalent to 4.99 which is what it was priced as on add-on, not the regular price btw) for it. A great spring concept. I'm down for it 100%. 10/10


Julep Dry Clean Invisible Dry Shampoo

I'm a dry shampoo addict. I started using and loving it years ago when it wasn't super easy to find in stores like Target like it is today. I used to have to pay big bucks for it and now that I don't, I have the luxury of trying on quite a variety of dry shampoos that range from 'wtf are you thinking??' expensive to 'awesome deal' cheap. When I saw this as an add-on, there was no doubt that I would order it. It retails for $22.00 on the site ($17.60 if you're a Julep Maven) and thanks to taking advantage of it as an add-on, I paid $9.99. Since I'm hugely into dry shampoo (the volume! the texture! the not having to wash your hair!!!), this will definitely go into my regular rotation. The smell isn't terrible and it does it's job well. However, I'm going to need a couple of uses to give it a definitive opinion. For now, though, I love it. 10/10

Overall:

I love what I got and I love that Julep is branching out into different beauty products instead of just sticking with nail polish. It isn't the most surprising month but oooh! I forgot to add that we also got a 'rock candy' lollipop in the box! I'm not huge on candy but it is a nice touch and the color and texture of the rock candy is beautiful. So, it's not the best month everrrrrrrr but not the worst by a long shot! It is consistently fun to get these boxes and if you're a nail polish fiend, I suggest you try it out.

Box:

Julep Maven

Frequency: 

Monthly w/ ability to skip any month you don't want

Price: 

19.99 for box, prices vary for add-ons

Perks: 

Ability to skip a box, maven pricing on everything in the online store, referrals, the ability to earn jules to pay for boxes or add-ons (you earn when you join, 300 jules each month you get a box, on your birthday and on your year anniversary), the ability to pick from various styles offered every month.

Recommend? 

Hell yes! ;) I do if you're a nail polish fiend and want new colors every month. The cool part is that you almost always get some cool extra included. 

Popsugar Must Have Awesome Deal Alert

Ok, so apparently this deal only works until 11:59 tonight (04/10) so get to it!!!

Use the code TAKE50 to get your first box of Popsugar Must Have for ~17.00 (+tax in Cali) instead of the usual $35 (+tax). This deal is apparently super limited so I'm posting it for any gals that might be undecided about Popsugar's Must Have Box aka my favorite sub. I would so completely take advantage of this if I wasn't already a subscriber but such is life. Also, if you miss out on this one, I think REFERFRIENDS might still work for $5 off and I shall keep searching for other such codes because I love saving cash and I know you guys do too ;)

Ok so, if you're into Popsugar Must Have, today is the day to do it. 50% off until 11:59. Do it!!!

Later tonight, I'll post my April Julep box review (short review: love it!) and brainstorm on what other subs I should review here. So, hopefully, someone stumbles upon this and gets a great deal :)

Coco Rocha x Fancy Box April (?) 2013

Omg.

Omg.

Seriously though, omg. I got a call from fedex to pick up a package and was so excited I almost ran out in my pjs. I was very, very scared of the Coco Rocha Fancy Box because my previous experience with the boxes (not this one specifically but the general one) had sucked hard. I wanted girly stuff and got the most "boy" stuff you could get. I was, to say the least, a sad panda. Plus, I subsequently cancelled. $30 for stuff I didn't like? No, sir. No gracias. However, I immediately signed up when I read about this box.

For those possibly out of the loop (what are you, living under a rock or in a convent? jk jk.... maybe), Coco Rocha is a fashion model. A real one not one of those girls that call themselves models but have done maybe a catalogue or something. Nope, this girl is the real deal and omg, has enviable cheekbones. I say google her if you'd like to see what I'm talking about but just google her because you must see how model-y this girl is! Anyway, this is the first iteration of this box and I immediately signed up not just because the items were to be curated by a fashion model (thus almost definitely assuring cuteness and trendiness) but because I was really hoping that it would be a girlier box than those that came before it and boy was I right. I am in LOVE with this box. LOVE!

The beginning of the awesome

A better look at the awesome. 

This box is definitely a girly box. A girly and cool box. A box that made me very happy today. A box that I'm definitely hooked on for next month. Seriously, it may not be the greatest box ever for some girls but for me, it is magically delicious! ;P


Ok, now on to the review:

The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior 

A book!!! A book about fashion!!!! A book about fashion by Dior!!!! This is the perfect surprise to come in this box. As an obsessive reader with a huge (actually huge) and varied (actual classics and good books not 50 shades of turds) collection, a number of which are fashion books, I'm incredibly happy to see this. I'm also incredibly happy that I didn't have this book before! It's a hardcover and has beautiful illustrations. I'm in book love aka the greatest kind of love.         11/10


Fred's Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray

Definitely something I wouldn't typically consider buying but nonetheless super cute. Also, I'm so ready to use these. I love ice in my drinks and this will finally make my drinks look as fancy as I feel ;) 10/10

Comes with little cards that describe your items

American Apparel Opaque Over the Knee Socks

Very on trend (I even 'fancied' this item on the site) and a great black that goes with everything. I love any addition to my wardrobe and this is a very cool addition. I love that they're opaque (no see through at all!) and the fabric is soft enough to feel good but not too hot on legs. Not the greatest item for everyone but absolutely a must have for girls that like to look fashionable. 10/10

China Glaze Nail Polishes in 'Sun Worshipper' and 'Concrete Catwalk'

As a consummate nail polish addict, there is no way that I wouldn't welcome the addition of nail polishes into my box. Especially full size nail polishes. That's right, polishes! There are two! 'Sun Worshipper' is a neon orange creme and seemingly full coverage color that I will be applying after I finish this post and 'Concrete Catwalk is a more sophisticated grey (I love grey in clothes but never wear it on my nails, weirdly enough) that would be great as a contrast to a brighter outfit. I've never tried the China Glaze brand before because it seems kind of cheap-y but there's a first time for everything. I'm glad I actually like the colors because that will encourage me to actually wear them instead of giving them away or stashing them away and letting them get all old and gloppy. 9/10


Spike Chain Bracelet by Rings & Tings 

According to the little insert card, this bracelet is the right amount of edgy and dangerous. I wouldn't go that far since we all know that spikes have been a big trend for a while now but after trying it on and subsequently not wanting to take it off, I know that this bracelet is totally for me. I tend to balk at really girly jewelry and tend to give it away or 'lose' it but this bracelet is the right amount of cute for a casual outfit like the one I wore today to do some saturday grocery shopping. Another cool thing is that the bracelet is pretty big, wrist-wise, and fits a variety of wrist sizes. I've become wary of ordering bracelets online since some sites ( jewelmint, anyone?) tend to send out the tiniest possible bracelets that are seemingly meant for the average 10 year old fashionista. Really though, I think their bracelet sizes tap out at about 7" which is not really the best way to reach a variety of consumers. I like spikes and currently love gold jewelry so this is yet another item that I'm happy with and I mean it! 10/10


L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Creme Sample

I have tried this hand cream before and currently carry samples sizes in my purse and in my wallet as well as my dresser. No joke. So, I already know this product and love it (my hands have never been softer than when I've used this product plus the smell isn't overbearing or disgusting) and I've got no qualms with adding another sample so my others. However, we all know it would've been even better to get a full size! 8/10

Overall: 

I really do like this box. After a couple of weeks of sub related disappointments, this box is a welcome relief and is chock full of the types of goodies that I love. Of the current crop of boxes, this one is definitely in or near the top spot especially after finding out what April's Popsugar Must Have Box contains (complete and utter disappointment doesn't begin to describe my feelings for said box. For now, I must say that the inaugural Coco Rocha x Fancy Box is, for me, a success. I'll be looking forward to next month with bated breath.

Box: 

Coco Rocha x Fancy Box

Price/Frequency: 

39.00 plus 6.95 shipping/ Monthly

Perks: 

Referrals accrue discounts/ a variety of box types to chose from (celebrity endorsed or otherwise) 

Discount/Promo Codes: 

This is a huge one and I recommend you use it to buy your first month because it'll end up being around 50% cheaper: 25OFF7

Recommend? 

YES!! If you're the girly type and love sub boxes but don't just want makeup, this might be your sub. Use the promo code and pay $21.95 for your 1st month to see if this is right for you. Personally, I'm very happy with this box (I was about to write my box but that seemed kind of... dirty lolll) and I look forward to more like it. 

Beauty Bar Sample Socierty April 2013 Box Review

Finally, finally, finally!!!!! I'm very excited to say that I finally got a box in the mail!! Of course, this one was correctly addressed so it was less likely to suffer the fates of the other boxes (more on that later) but today I'm happy to report that I got my April box from Sample Society.

Unfortch, my camera is again camera non grata so I must resort to a screencap of my dashboard to show you guys the items that I received and what I think about each item. I'm going to say this month was definitely a skin-care month for this sub since 5 out of the 6 samples were skin related. I'm not super happy about that but they are good quality samples.

My Box C items

On to the review:

Jane Train Hair Accessory Assortment

I got two hair items clipped to a small paper and I have to say I was hoping for more but I'm pretty happy with this sample. I really think, out of this box, that it is my favorite. I got one hair clip in a dark green print and a bobby pin in a red flower print. I immediately put the clip to work to hold my bangs and it's doing a bang up job (puns!!).   10/10


Hanskin Hydro Sheet Mask and Translation Insert

These items are listed separately as if they were both samples but the translation insert is in english (unlike the instructions listed on the mask packet) and has instructions for wearing the mask. Unfortunately, as it is hydrating mask and my skin is currently on an oil roller-coaster with weird sensitivity issues, this mask went to my mom. She is definitely enjoying dropping me for samples lately and got 50% of the samples in this box. I'm totally going to start hiding my boxes from her ;D ?/10


Hanskin Premium Perfect Super Magic BB Cream SPF 30

This sample has a good size and is touted to fight blemishes and wrinkles while brightening the skin. Since, I have some terrible spots on my face due to the aforementioned skin issues, I'm very excited about this sample. I tried a bit and I'm so happy that I think I'll be purchasing the full size with my $15 discount for this box (perks!) Good sample size and something I can actually use/wear and something I've been looking for lately? YES! 10/10


CoTZ Face Natural Skin SPF 40 "Deluxe" Sample

This is listed as a bonus sample and that's cool because it is tiny! Also, considering the fact that I have more than enough of this type of samples waiting in the wings to be used, this one also went to my mom (she needs it since she's as pale as a ghost hehe). I have no interest in this sample so I don't have much to say about it. I'll ask my mom after she tries it and maybe update this review with an actual review ;)    ?/10  Just looking at it/my interest level  1/10


Caudalie Premier Cru The Ultimate Anti-Aging Creme Sample

I shudder to think that this teeny tiny sample is considered deluxe. Seriously, it's a mini little baby of the deluxe sample size. Also, as a twenty-something  I really don't need 65 anti-aging cremes (yet!!!) and so this is yet another sample that went to my mom. Seriously, Sample Society!!! Broaden your horizons! These boxes seem meant for 40+ and I like to get stuff I can use!!



Borghese Gel Delicato Makeup Remover Deluxe Sample

I have to be honest, I'm not a Borghese fan. I've seen their products sold at mass retailers and most often at Costco so I associate them with well.... not high-end. So, whenever I get their samples, they usually go to my mom. However, this gel makeup remover, which is oil free, is actually something I like. I hate having oily stuff on my face! It makes me feel dirty even if I've just showered! So, I love it. I didn't expect to but I do. 9/10

Overall:

I initially quit this sub because it totally seemed like it was geared towards older women and the skin care angle doesn't make me love it. However, I did really enjoy half the samples so it wasn't a complete bust. I don't know if I'm 100% on keeping it forever but I am still onboard for next month.

Box:

Beauty Bar Sample Society

Price/Frequency:

$15 (+ tax in CA, I pay $16.20)/ Monthly

Perks:

$15 discount off $50 if you purchase any item from any of the brands featured in the month's box. 

Recommend? 

As of now, yes. It is skin-care centric but it does have pretty great stuff and the skin care samples are definitely high-end.