Birchbox | July 2013

Contents:

◆ 1 Birchbox Extra: Set of 2 Bobby Pins
(Sample Size - $1.67)
These bobby pins are cute, but I don't really care for them. They are really hard to get in and out of hair and they are pretty bulky as well.

◆ 2 ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick in "Get Naked"
(Sample Size - $8.00)
I'm not a huge fan of nude lipsticks, or lipsticks in general so I didn't even bother trying this. I decided to give it as a gift instead.

◆ 3 Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect
I don't know if I'm crazy or what, but I couldn't figure out how large the sample size was. I'm not sure how I feel about this product. I've used other leave in conditioners, so I'll give it a shot. It smells decent.

◆ 4 Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream
(Sample Size - $7.68)
This cream goes on smoothly, doesn't smell too bad, and doesn't make my face feel sticky or look shiny. It says it repairs skin damage and provides hydration for up to 26 hours, so I'm hoping for the best.

◆ 5 LA FRESH Instant Body Soother
(Sample Size - $0.83)
I received two of these little body soother wipes. I don't really see the point in this product, but I tried it out anyway. It smells a lot like minty toothpaste, which was a bit strange for a product being applied to skin. Luckily, the smell doesn't stick with you. I was not impressed at all. I don't feel refreshed and it made my skin feel a little sticky.

This box's value falls around $20. I think this box was by far the worst one I've received. Out of the 5 months that I've had Birchbox, only one box has blew me away. I actually forgot to blog about it last month. It was my June box and it came with some really great exfoliator, shampoo, and high definition powder and even some really cute destination postcards which I framed and put in the living room.

After much debate, I've decided to cancel my Birchbox subscription and give some other boxes a shot. I just signed up for Eco-Emi which is a subscription box that focuses on eco friendly products. You can get anything from makeup, skin care, or even food. I'm excited after seeing some of the reviews on Youtube.

Ipsy Bag | July 2013

Contents:

◆ 1 Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray

(Sample Size - $5)

When I received this, I thought it would be really useful since Georgia gets humid and makes my hair frizzy during the summer. However, when I used it, my hair was so flat and frizzy by the end of the day :( I think that my John Frieda Frizz Ease Hairspray does a better job.

◆ 2 POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in "Coral Crush"

(Full Size - $4.15)

I love lip crayons! This color is okay. It's kind of a light pink. I've heard a lot of people say the color was terrible against their skin, but I thought this worked well with my pale skin. Great product for adding a little bit of pop.

◆ 3 Nailtini Nail Lacquer in "Mai Tai"

(Full Size - $13)

When I saw this color, I was immediately afraid of it. I'm not much for reds when it comes to nail polish, however this color is a bit of a muted red. It has a smooth application and the formula seems like it works pretty well. Plus, I read that they are 3-free and do not test on animals.

◆ 4 COOLA Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer

(Sample Size - $4.86)

I've received COOLA products before so I was familiar with the brand. I think that this moisturizer works well and seems to actually be unscented.

◆ 5 BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample

(Sample Size - $3)

This eyeshadow palette sample includes 3 colors from the California collection. The colors are Hollywood (purple), San Francisco (brown), and Malibu (Gold). I am super terrified to try Hollywood because it is such a deep, dark purple, but I really loved mixing San Francisco and Malibu together. They give a nice muted glow.

This month's bag was valued to be a little over $30. Not as high as other months, but still a decent deal. My favorite products were the lip crayon and nail lacquer. Not highly impressed this month, but not 100% disappointed either.

Ipsy Bag | April 2013

I finally got off the waitlist for the Ipsy Glam Bag subscription and received my first bag this month! What is Ipsy you ask? Well, it's a great subscription service where you pay $10 a month to receive a stylish bag full of deluxe and full sized samples! Below is what I received this month.

• Two Cosmetics Duo Eye Shadow in "Heartache" (Full Size - $5.75)
• Be a Bombshell Blush in "Sweet Cheeks" (Full Size - $16)
• Sation Nail Lacquer in "Of Corset I'll Call You" (Full Size - $5)
• Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Nourishing Styling Treatment (.85 fl. oz sample)

Below is what the Sation Nail Lacquer looks like applied with two coats. When I first saw the color all I could think was, "Oh great, another pink"...but I actually like the color on. It's a very faint, almost neutral pink. Not too bright or overwhelming. I actually went back and added a third coat and liked how it was bit more of a sophisticated baby pink. The only downside is I noticed it would get weird smudges even after I let it dry for a long time....nothing too noticeable though. It also takes a lot to make it appear very pigmented.

Below are the eyeshadows and blush swatches (sorry for the not so great photo :/) From left to right: the lighter half of the Two Cosmetics duo eyeshadow, the darker half of the Two Cosmetics duo eyeshadow, and the Be a Bombshell blush. You have to apply quite a lot for the eyeshadows to pop, but they are overall pretty good. The blush is a bit bright/pigmented, so I have to apply it sparingly, but I love the bright pink shade a lot and find it refreshing!

I haven't had a chance to try the Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Treatment, but it smells really good and I already have some Sexy Hair Leave in Conditioner, so I have high hopes :) Overall, I am very satisfied with my Ipsy Glam Bag!