Birchbox October 2019 || Curated Box #1 Review:

Hello hello! and Happy Middle-of-October to everyone here! I’m back on here to show you what I got in my October Birchbox this month! I chose the Curated Box #1 and I was really excited about the products inside! Come on along and I’ll show you what I got!

Really cute Halloween-Themed box this month. It’s called the “After Dark” box. Inside everything was wrapped securely with orange tissue paper to add to the spooky theme.

Look at all those cute little products! Aren’t they adorable? I love trial size things…

First up is the Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Conditioner, 3 oz. – Estimated Value $2.00 (Buy a full-size 13.5 oz for $9.00) This conditioner smells amazing! It’s got a delicate floral scent with hints of coconut! It’s absolutely delightful!

A little goes a long way for me! It’s a very thick conditioner, but makes my hair super smooth and shiny. I usually just use it on the lower half of my hair to keep the grease down, but it works wonders. Plus, its plant-based, cruelty-free, and made without dye, parabens, or silicones.

Then, the other component to this set: Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo, 3 oz. – Estimated Value $2.00 (Buy a full-size 13.5 oz for $9.00) I have tried two or three of the Love Beauty and Planet Shampoo’s and this is certainly my second favorite! (my first being the Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Smooth & Serene Shampoo)

This one is easily my second favorite. It’s lightweight, leaves my hair slightly more volumized, and also leaves it feeling soft and shiny. My only complaint are the bottles: they are on the harder side so squeezing is difficult. I wish they would have made it a little easier to get the product out. But, beggars can’t be choosers!

This is probably my favorite item in the box! It’s a FULL SIZE tube of Love of Color Liquid Shimmer Shadow in Moonlight, 0.03 oz. – Retail Value $10.00 This is an interesting color! At times it comes across as a copper color, sometimes I catch glimpses of silver, sometimes a delightful nude/brown.

It has a smooth consistency and is easily buildable; so you can use it to add a touch of glam or layer it on for a bold look. I applied this easily with my fingertips and smoothed it across my lids without any effort! I think it actually works better that way than with a brush! Once it dries, it stays put, too, so there’s no fallout like you’d get with a powder.

Next up is the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, 1 oz. – Estimated Retail Value $4.60 (Buy a full-size 5 oz for $23.00). I thought when I first used this that it would be on the thicker side like a mud mask, but it wasn’t! This was a really nice, white-colored cream. It had a natural, earthy smell to it and was absolutely beautiful to use!

It has this soft and silky feel to it which reminds me of being at a spa! It’s made with Brazilian clay so it naturally exfoliates and draws out toxins. I didn’t feel like my skin was tight or dry after using it; which can easily happen with some clay products. Overall, I was immensely satisfied with this product and could see myself buying a full size in the future.

Last, but not least, is the amika Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream, 0.67 oz. – Estimated Value $5.08 (Buy a full-size 3.3 0z for $25.00) Amika products never seem to let me down! I have enjoyed each one that I’ve tried and I love that their signature scent is always there and never overpowering.

This product has a cream or lotion-consistency. I put it in my damp hair after washing to add shine and help tame frizz. It was light in my hair and it didn’t feel heavy or weighed-down after I blow dried it. I could totally see the shine after drying! I couldn’t believe how smooth and healthy my hair looked. Good job again, amika!

As usual, the monthly detailed card which described the products, how to use them, and the cost of the full size. I really appreciate this every month because it’s an easy and quick way to see what I got and how I need to use the products.

So, this curated Birchbox included five items and has an estimated retail value of around $23.68 which isn’t bad for a $15 box! I have definitely had better boxes price-wise, but I enjoyed all the products which to me is almost as important. Although it wasn’t my favorite, I did enjoy everything –especially the full size LOC eye shimmer which was the big-ticket item of the box.

So, did you get a Birchbox this month? Which one did you choose — or did you go with the mystery box? What products were your favorite? Let me know in the comments! Would love to hear what you thought about your October box!

FabFitFun Fall 2019 Box Review:

Hi guys! Guess what review I’ve got for you today? The Fall 2019 FabFitFun Box! I don’t actually have a subscription for FabFitFun, but I have a friend who’s out of the country for a few months abroad and she wasn’t going to be here to receive her box, so she sent it to me instead! YES! Thank you, Elise! You made my day with this. I was so excited to try this box. I had been thinking of subscribing for a while, but couldn’t quite make the $50 jump. But now I get to check it out. Want to see what I got?

First off, I love the packaging! Getting this big, colorful box in the mail was like Christmas! Everything was packed securely and neatly. It also came with it’s own magazine featuring all the products, hints for the next box, and an interview from Meghan Trainor!

My first product was a complete and full size box of the WANDER BEAUTY Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks which retail for $25! I have gotten a few sample pairs of these in various boxes and I love them! I think they work great. I love that they are ingredient conscious (Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, Synthetic fragrance-free, and cruelty-free!) and how they come in a plastic disc to help keep things as non-messy as possible. The gold foil makes these feel so luxurious — I feel like a movie star in them!

Next up: the Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair – (Retail Value $30). This is probably my favorite product of the box! I really enjoy the Aveda brand and have tried a few of their products — always loving them! This is a full size tube of a cream which is designed to protect against heat damage.

It smells lovely and natural. A slight citrus scent. It blended into the hair well and made it smooth and soft along with protecting it against heat. I don’t use that many hot tools other than a hair dryer, but with my long, thick hair, I use the dryer every other day for faster drying, so I’m glad to have some defense against all that heat. I would honestly go out and buy another tube of this after I’m finished. It’s that good. I felt a difference in my hair the first time I used it.

These are the cute earrings I got in the box! Love the gold detailing with the gemstones! I will probably save them for more formal occasions, but they’re so sparkly and beautiful! I cannot seem to get them to stay on my ears as “crawlers,” so I’ll most likely wear them hanging down. Luckily, they look amazing like that as well.

These little things are absolutely adorable! They’re the Harper + Ari Exfoliating Sugar Cubes in Juice Cleanse – (Value Listed at $16). These smell sooooo unbelievably good! I almost want to reach in and eat one. They smell like a jolly rancher! It’s a pretty awesome concept, too.

Each “cube” is designed to be used completely; so there’s no messy pouring or scooping of body scrubs. Just grab a cube and head to the shower! I found them to be a little harsh sometimes, but when focused around the elbows, feet, etc., they worked great! Such a fun product!

This next product is the SKINVOLVE BODY BOOST GEL — (retails for $45). This is an interesting product. I have not tried it yet, but it boasts of being inspired by menthol’s ancient medicinal and topical benefits. This gel is supposed to work by “targeting problem areas through the caffeinated blend of green tea, ginseng and menthol.”

It says it helps to break down stubborn fat cells all while keeping you smooth and toned. I’ve never seen anything like this, so it will be very fun to try!

Next up is the Human + Kind Body Souffle – (Retail Value $18). This is a large body lotion! I’m sure it will easily last me through the fall and into winter. It is, again, an ingredient-conscious formulation (cruelty-free and no parabens) and has apricot oil and shea butter in it . I found the scent to be light and pleasant, too. Very natrual smelling.

I honestly didn’t believe it was anything special, however. I liked it, but it didn’t “wow” me. I feel like I could have picked something up just as good or better for $5 at T.J. Maxx. I don’t think it’s in any way worth $18! Still, it’s very nice, adsorbed well, and I”ll most likely use it up. But I wouldn’t go out any buy it again.

I’ve very excited about this product, also! It’s Anthropologie’s Travel Yoga Mat! It looks really well made and I think I will use it here at home as well as when I travel. It’s thick enough to put something between me and the floor, but not so thick that it’s hard to get your footing.

It looks to be a solid blue color in the package, but when I opened it up, it had a lavender colored accent on it also!

This is my second favorite product in the box! It’s the Kate Spade New York Lunch Tote – (Retail Value $30). Kate Spade always has such cute things and this is no exception. I love that it’s just the right size to take some lunch or drinks in and not feel like you’re carrying a load of weight.

Plus, it had a hand on the top which makes it so easy to tote around. It’s lined/insulated inside to keep hot things hot and cold things cold. Plus, it’s a super cute and trendy polka dot pattern!

The gold accents make it look luxurious! I loved the coated linen-cloth exterior (and it shouldn’t stain), and the front reads “Out to Lunch.” Aaaarrrggghhh! This is JUST. SO. CUTE!

So that’s everything that was in the box! I cannot believe how amazing all the products were and that they were all full size! This is truly an amazing deal for only $49.99. I will certainly be thinking about a subscription. It’s just so much fun to get all these full size products! This subscription box is quarterly subscription from FabFitFun.com. Each season they send you a box of $200+ worth items in categories like beauty, fashion, and fitness.

You go online and fill out a profile and sepcify which areas you’re most interested in (beauty, makeup, fitness, etc) and they will curate your box according to your profile. There are two subscription packages: the seasonal subscriber where you pay season by season, and the yearly subscriber where you get the whole year. With each subscription, you get to choose the amount of products in each box. I think you get to choose around 4 items in the seasonal package, and more if you are a yearly subscriber.

So, what did you get in your FabFitBox? Which items did you choose? Let me know in the comments below!

Mary

TARTE Girl Boss Goodies Skin & Makeup Mini Set Review:

Girl Boss Set Retails on Sephora for $15.

Well, here I am to review something other than a makeup subscription box! I’m here to review Tarte’s “Girl Boss Goodies” Skin and Makeup Mini Set. I was really interested in this set and, seeing as the Tarte “Salt Lyfe” Lipstick and the 4-in-1 Mascara are two of my favorite Tarte products, I decided to purchase this set which also gave me a change to try the Deluxe-Size “Drink of H2O” Hydrating Boost Moisturizer.

I got a (0.035 oz/ 1g) Deluxe-Size of their Color Splash Lipstick from the Rainforest of the Sea Collection in the color “Salt Lyfe.” I love this color! It is probably one of my top 5 colors in lipstick of all times. I feel like I can wear this in any season and it looks amazing.

It’s not just a “fall” color, or a “spring” color. It’s all year and just the perfect nude. I feel like different shades pop more at different seasons. It’s more of a lighter pinkish color in the spring, and now that it’s fall, I feel like the darker nude shade is really making a statement. The pigment is amazing, it wears for several hours, and it is smooth and easy to wear. I love the satin finish, also. Not too matte, not too shiny.

Next up is the (0.13 oz/ 4mL) Deluxe-Size of the Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara. Again, this is on my top list of mascaras! I use it all the time and whenever I feel as if my lashes are doing something crazy, I pull this baby out and it works like a charm every time! It’s black, but not a crazy dark black.

I love the wand — it’s easy to manage. It quickly separates my lashes, lengthens them, and adds volume. I find it’s hard to get a masacara that lengthens and volumizes. Usually it’s “either, or”. But this one does it both. Highly recommend.

Last up we have the (0.5 oz/ 15mL) Deluxe-Size “Drink of H2O” Hydrating Boost Moisturizer from the Rainforest of the Sea Collection. I honestly wasn’t impressed with this moisturizer. I liked the gel consistency, but I feel like it never did anything for my skin. If you have oily skin and need something lightweight, I think this would be a great product for you. However, even though I have combo skin, this never really did anything. I did use it a little more throughout the summer since it was always so hot and muggy, but I found that it still didn’t help my dry patches any.

However, I love the gel-cream texture. It’s soft and applies smoothly. Reminds me a lot of my Neutrogena “Hydro-Boost” moisturizer. But my Neutrogena works 100x better. This also has a really strong smell! It’s very citrusy and it’s not a natural smell. Between it being ineffective and the scent, I would not purchase a full size of this. However, I will use it up since it’s not awful. Just not a product for me.

So, there we have it! A quick review of the Girl Boss Sample Kit I bought a few weeks ago. What Tarte products have you tried? Which ones are your favorites!? Let me know below!

Mary

Sephora Play! Subscription Box || September 2019 Review.

Happy late September, everyone. Okay, okay, I know it’s technically October now, but this is September’s Sephora box, okay? So for the sake of this review can we at least pretend it’s still September? Thanks.

Really cute theme this month for the September box. It was called “The Adventures of PLAY! Bae.” As usual, each box comes with a PLAY! Pass, which is a card you can use at Sephora (in-store AND newly online as well! Woo!) to get 50 extra rewards points, and you can also get one-on-one tutorials and tips on products from a Sephora consultant.

Got a really fun line-up this month! I can’t wait to show you everything!

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask, 1 fl oz – Estimated Value $4.50 (Buy an 8 oz full size for $36)

First up is the BRIOGEO “Don’t Despair, Repair!” Conditioning Mask. Really smells amazing. Like a tropical island. It’s a very light and natural scent, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming in your hair.

I used it a few times already and it’s makes my hair super soft and smooth. I don’t use it every time I wash my hair because I don’t need that much conditioning, but I use it maybe once a week and it feels like it gives my hair a boost.

I also love how natural the ingredients are! Always makes me feel good about the products I’m using when they’re more natural. Seems like Sephora is doing a really great job at picking things like that, too.

Next I got the FRESH Sugar Rose Lip Treatment. I love a good tinted lip balm sometimes when I just want to have a natural makeup look and this fits the bill! It’s a soft pinkish/red color that gives your lips just enough color, but doesn’t come across as bold.

It smells wonderful — like strawberries! And the formula is really easy and carefree. Super soft on the lips and lasts a few hours before you have to reapply. I love the packaging, too! It’s like this satin-finish metal which twists up from the bottom. Really beautiful.

Next up, the BELIF “True Cream Moisurizing Bomb.” I’ve had several Belif products come in my boxes over this past year, but I’m never sorry. They are great moisturizers that also smell amazing! This one smells a little like citrus, but also just has a really clean scent.

The formula is a medium thick cream and goes on quickly and smoothly. I’ve also worn this under makeup and it never causes me any problems. It’s heavy enough for me to use in the winter, also. Sometimes I get moisturizers which are either too heavy and I save them for winter, or too light and I save them for summer. This works for both.

Then there’s the MAKEUP FOREVER “Mist and Fix Setting Spray.” I have heard so many amazing things about this product and I’m happy to report that they’re all true. This spray gave my makeup a beautiful finish! It wasn’t too matte, yet it wasn’t too shiny. Just the perfect in between.

My makeup looked flawless all day with this and really helped to tone down that “powdery” look that often happens.

I am sorry to say, however, that the spray nozzle is terrible! Mine came out in thick streaks and didn’t distribute on my face evenly at all. I’m not sure if it’s their bottle, just the sample bottle, or if it’s just MY bottle that did this. Luckily, I had a back up empty bottle that has a mister I love and I just put it in there. No more problems!

Next, we have a product that I’ve always wanted to try, but never got around to buying it. It’s BAREMINERALS “Endless Summer Bronzer” in “Warmth.” I love so many of Bareminerals products. I’ve had their classic powder foundation, their mineral veil, some of their lip products — they’ve always been amazing and I have loved them. I never got around, however, to trying their bronzer.

It’s honestly just a really good basic bronzer. I feel like I can use just a little to warm up the face, or add another layer for more color. It went on well over my makeup and was just the right color for me. I can definitely see myself using this up. Would I buy the full size version? Probably not. Although I love it, I don’t feel “wowed” with it and I think I could find something just as good at the drugstore.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Sì Passione Eau de Parfum (estimated price $2.16)

Last but not least is this month’s perfume sample: Si Passione by Giorgio Armani. This scent boasts of fruity florals, including notes of blackcurrant, rose de mai, and musk. I’ve honestly never tried and of the Armani scents, so this was a completely new smell to me. However, I have seen this scent around for a long time and I can see why it’s kind of a classic.

I feel like this scent would be a little heavy for hot and humid summers, but now that the temps are dropping, I think this spicy scent will be great for fall and winter!

As mentioned, the Play! theme this month is “Play Bae” and has a bunch of spoofs on timeless shows on TV such as: “SNE — Saturday Night Eyes” and “Game of T-Zones.” Super cute! I love the thoughtfulness that goes into these.

So, what did you get in your Sephora box? Are you happy with your products? Which ones were you hoping for and didn’t get? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear.

Talk to you guys again soon!

Mary

September 2019 Birchbox Subscription Box || Mystery Sample Box.

About this Curated Beauty Box:

The Subscription Box: Birchbox

The Cost: $15.00 a month + free shipping. Save more with longer subscriptions. Around $13 a month if you are an annual subscriber.

The Products: beauty, skincare, haircare, and lifestyle samples selected by the Birchbox team.

Ships to: The US, France, Spain, and the UK

When it came time to choose my curated Birchbox option this past month, I really didn’t like any of the choices, so I chose the mystery box where all the samples were chosen for me and I knew nothing about it. I was a little nervous, but I shouldn’t have been! It was a great box!

Classic cardboard card which lists the products, price for full size, and what the products do/how to use them.

Beautiful box scene! Love all the products and sizes. Also got a bonus zipper bag and a sheet of stickers! So awesome! I love the theme, too. Super cute.

Marcelle Curling +Lengthening Mascara 0.15oz — estimated value: around $7.50. (Buy a full size 0.28oz for $15.00).

First up! We have the Marcelle Curling and Lengthening Mascara. I know that I pretty much get a mascara sample in every box, but I never complain because I always use them.

This one is the typical dark black color. It doesn’t do anything to volumize the lashes, but I do see added length. I don’t know if it adds that much curl, either, but it’s still a good mascara. I’ve worn it several times and I didn’t notice any flaking. I also love the curled wand. Makes it easy to get really close to the lash line to get the full length.

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Brow-Volumizing Fiber Gel 0.03oz

This is the second sample of Benefit’s Gimme Brow+ gel and I’m not unhappy about it. This is a great brow gel that enhances and defines sparse brows with volumizing microfibers for natural-looking fullness.

This sample size, however, is insanely small! It’s hard to really grip the top and the brush is so micro — I love the formula, but they need a slightly larger sample.

I have shade 3 which is Light Brown (Neutral). It’s a great shade. Not too dark, not too light.

M·A·C Cosmetics Lipglass. Buy full size (0.1oz) for $17.50.

I was really excited to try this lip gloss. I mean, a lipgloss for $17.50? Who wouldn’t want to try it! And M.A.C. products are usually awesome. This is in the shade “lovechild” which is a beautiful pinky-mauve color. I will look great for fall!

I love how comfortable this lipgloss is. it’s also infused with jojoba oil to soften and condition lips. It feels really nice and comfy to wear. I can use one swipe for light color, or a few swipes for more color. Or! I can also layer it over a lipstick which makes it look even better.

Is it worth going out to buy a full size for $17.50? No, not really. I don’t think it’s THAT great. I will easily use this and I wouldn’t be disappointed to get another sample, but I think I can find a lipgloss just as great at the drugstore for probably half the cost.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream, 0.16 fl oz – Estimated Value $4.54 (Buy a full-size 1.69 oz for $48.00)

This items is from Dr. Jart+. It’s the Ceramidin Cream. I got a sample of this last year in a Birchbox and I used it all winter. There was nothing quite like this to take care of my dry winter skin. It is on the heavier side, so when it gets cold and windy out, my skin soaks it up. I can literally feel the moisture barrier this stuff created and my skin was hydrated and smooth all day, all winter.

I have never tried it under makeup, so I’m not sure about how it wears. But it tends to dry down pretty well, so I’m guessing it would work. Plus, it’s got the typical Dr. Jart+ yummy botanical scent.

My Clarins RE-MOVE Purifying Cleansing Gel, 0.1 fl oz – Estimated Retail Value $0.48 (Buy a full-size 4.2 oz for $20.00)

Next up is the Clarins RE-MOVE Purifying Cleansing Gel. This is a really tiny sample size! I would have honestly liked one just a little bigger. Essentially, there might be enough in here for trying it twice, maybe three times if I stretch it.

The smell of this face wash is absolutely divine! I also love the thick gel texture because it sticks to my face throughout my scrubbing. It also has a fun foaming effect and left my skin feeling great. I isn’t great for removing makeup however, but it’s great for a face cleaner.

What’s awesome is that, when you look closely at the formula, it has small sparkles in it! Made my skin feel soft and clean and not harsh or taut. As far as cleansers go, this is one I would absolutely consider buying a full size of, especially at the affordable price point of $20.

This product is also another repeat for me. Probably my third bottle. But I never complain because this stuff is AWESOME. The “Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse” helps protect hair from heat and give your hair repair along with giving it some volume. And it has that certain smell the Oribe products usually have! A little sweet but a little spicy.

The mousse seems to be a little stiffer than normal, but I don’t mind. It blends easily into the hair and isn’t sticky. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the volume and lift it gave my hair. Plus, it made my hair super soft!

So, that’s it for my September Birchbox Mystery Box! What did you think of the products? Have you tried any before? Which box did you get? Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear from you.

Peace,

Mary

Ipsy Glam Bag || September 2019.

I think this is going to be my last month with Ipsy. I’m really disappointed in their lineup lately. In fact, I paused my subscription the last two months, then decided to give it one more chance this month. But after receiving all the products, I know now that I won’t be resubscribing. I’ve gotten several of the same products over the past few months with nothing new. Plus, I ended up getting products from never-heard-of brands. They feel cheap and not very good quality. I’ll show you what I mean…

Two eyeshadows, a blush, a primer, moisturizer, and youth serum. Those were my Ipsy items this month.

First up, I got the “Peek” Metalimatte Quick Drying Cream Blush. 1.5gm. It’s a unique formula where it goes on like a super smooth cream and dries to a perfectly matte, powdery finish. However, I didn’t feel like the application was that easy. I thought that it was patchy and hard to blend out. Plus, it’s a very light formula, so I had to apply it several times to get any color out of it.

Next, I got a shimmer eyeshadow from MANNA KADAR in the Shade “Fantasy.” Again, it was really just a mediocre product. I feel like I could get something better from the Dollar Store. It didn’t have much shimmer, and had to apply several times to get something out of it.

Plus, the fallout is crazy! Even after I washed all my makeup off later that night, I still had sparkles all over my face and especially under my eyes.

I also got the Icelandic Youth Serum from SKYN. This is a serum that is supposed to be powered by red algae from Iceland and is fast-absorbing: brightening up your skin, evening out your complexion, and majorly hydrating.

It’s hard to say what the effects of this are since serums are meant to help the skin over time. I feel like I would need 30 days or more of solid use to see if it really helps or not. I was a little nervous at the red tint for fear it would leave my face red, but it didn’t. It felt clean on the skin and didn’t leave it tacky. It also had a lovely smell! Still, I’m not sure if it really did anything for my skin in the 7+ day I used it.

Next up is the “HARUHARU Wonder Honey Green Aqua Bomb Cream.” 0.5oz. This is a lightweight moisturizing cream which contains extracts of fermented green tea with honey. It smelled really good and felt cooling on my skin.

It has a clean tint but is a little watery. I felt like it was slightly moisturizing, but it wouldn’t last me 10 mins in the winter. It could be good as a summer moisturizer, however. Feels like a water gel. Again, it’s a product that you need to test for a while in order to see the results, so maybe in a few weeks I’ll see if my face looks better.

All things unicorn are all the rage right now. So this product intrigued me when I saw it. It’s the “L.O.C.K. COLOR Unicorn Glow Long Wear Primer.” 0.35oz. When I squeezed the tube, a light pink color product came out and reminded me a strawberry mousse. It was really a fun texture.

This is probably the closest thing to my favorite product of the whole box. I felt like it helped reduce pores, smooth my skin, and had a little bit of moisture to it. It didn’t do anything for how long my makeup stayed on. It lasted about like normal. Gave me a little bit of a glow, but nothing my oily skin couldn’t handle. I liked this product!

Lastly is my SECOND eyeshadow of the box. The “COLOURED RAINE COSMETICS Eyeshadow in Champagne Life.” It has a metallic foil finish and is supposed to last all day and not crease. It’s a light gold or “champagne” color, as they mentioned.

The color is nice, I will give it that. It’s just a universally flattering shade that pretty much goes with anything. Considering it’s a “foil metallic” finish, I didn’t see anything too crazy. It just felt almost like a translucent color until I built it up a little. I think it’s great for when you’re having a minimal makeup day, but there’s not enough color payoff from it to wear for any special occasion.

The bag this month was a light pink cotton bag with a celestial theme on the front. I think it’s really cute with all the stars. It seems like that’s the theme for a lot of makeup brands this month. I noticed two others who came out with the celestial theme.

I like that this one is cotton — I feel like I could keep it clean if something spilled on it without a problem. It might even do well in the washer.

So, what did you think of the September IPSY bag? I was a little disappointed in the variety of products (can anyone say TWO eyeshadows in a similar color?) I would have liked to see some different things from brands I know. Most of these brands I’ve never heard of. I probably won’t be getting an October bag. I’d much rather stick with my Sephora box. They have amazing products and samples. I think Ipsy became so focused on their Glam Bag Plus and Glam Bag Ultimate that they’ve thrown us $10 subscribers to the side. Oh well! Plenty more makeup out there to try.

Did you guys get an Ipsy bag this month? Which variation did you get? What were your favorite products? Let me know down below.

Peace,

Mary

Sephora Play! Box: August 2019 Edition.

Guys, Sephora has been KILLING it lately with their subscription boxes. No kidding. The last three I have received have been full of amazing brands, amazing sizes, and new products! I swear, this box was so awesome. I have been using the products for about two weeks and I can honestly say I’ve loved everything 100%. Come take a look with me…

First up is the Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss in Hot Toddy, 0.07 oz – Estimated Value $10.50 (Buy a full-size 0.14 oz for $21.00)

This Lip Gloss smells SO GOOD. It smells like something I want to eat: vanilla, brown sugar, yum! I have wanted to try this product before but never got around to it, so I was really excited to see it.

I’ve honestly never used a lip plumping gloss before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it really just feels like you put peppermint on your lips. It has that same ‘tingle’ as mint.

It’s an absolutely beautiful pink shade. (Swatched below) My favorite color in lip products. It’s a little deeper than a pink, but not so deep that it’s bold. Just beautiful! *throws chef’s kiss.*

Then, I got the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer, 0.24 fl oz – Estimated Value $8.47 (Buy a full-size 1.7 fl oz version for $60.00)

Again, this product is all it claims to be. When you see the 5-star ratings online, they’re true! I have never used a product quite like this.

It’s a really thick cream and a little goes a long way. If you use too much, it can make your face greasy, but I find just a little and it makes my makeup look flawless. Usually, when primers say they double as a moisturizer, they never seem to really hydrate my skin, but this cream really does. It seriously is a moisturizing primer. You don’t have to use both at the same time before putting on makeup.

I also really like it scent. It’s lemony, but sweet. Smells like a lemon bar! But if you’re worried about the smell, don’t worry. It fades as soon as you put it on. Bobbi Brown is such a classic line. I remember this was one of the first “high-end” brands I came into contact with.

It has shea butter and vitamins C & E which provided my skin with all-day moisture without causing any makeup smear or slide. I don’t know if I would ever invest $60 for a full size pot, but if I were a wealthy millionaire, I certainly would. This cream is so unique!

My next item is the Ren Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream, 0.5 fl oz – Estimated Value $14.41 (Buy a full-size 1.7 fl oz for $49.00).

I have never tried this skincare brand, but I’ve heard amazing things about it, so when I saw one of their products in my box, I was super excited to try it out. Now I see why it get’s such good reviews. It’s got a whipped-like texture and it’s lightweight, but very moisturizing. It has a subtle, but pleasant herbal scent which I really liked.

I see why this is a bestseller! My skin soaked it up and felt so soft and smooth in the morning.

I also got a sample from one of the brands which have recently become a favorite: Algenist. I got to sample the Algenist GENIUS Sleeping Collagen, 0.27 fl oz – Estimated Value $13.23 (Buy a full-size 2 oz version for $98.00) .

Again, Sephora has really been packing some great brands in their boxes! I was so excited to try this.

It’s also a really thick cream that feels a lot more like a balm. I think it has a more “cream-to-oil” feel when I put it on my face and it seems to melt with the heat of my skin. Super soft, super moisturizing and my skin has never looked so good. The next morning it was smooth and soft and was the best I had ever seen it. It’s pricey, but I can see why. Amazing! It felt a little heavy for me for the summer, but now that cooler weather is on the horizon, I think I”ll be putting this little pot to use. Luckily, a little goes a long way.

Then we have a sample from the current popular brand: Sunday Riley. It’s the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum, 0.17 fl oz – Estimated Value $14.45 (Buy a full-size 1 fl oz version for $85.00)

I can’t believe my luck with all these super brands! I mean, jackpot, anyone? I was a little nervous to try a retinol product because I heard it can sometimes be hit or miss, but I started using it slowly as directed, and honestly I can see a difference. I’m not sure I would ever go out and buy it, but it’s been fun to try it.

Works well for fine lines, but luckily I don’t have any wrinkles or dark spots yet. I think I’ll wait until after I’m 30 to start a regular regimen with retinol products. Just because I don’t want to admit how old I am yet. 😉

The last product was actually the “bonus” item for this month. Instead of getting another perfume sample or small shampoo packet, I actually got an amazing sample: the CAVIAR Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter, 0.85 fl oz – Estimated Value $5.67 (Buy a full-size 5.1 fl oz version for $34.00)

I have tried several items from the Aterna hair care line and I have loved them all so much. I especially love their hair volume mist! SO lovely. Always smells like grapes. I love finding their hair products at TJ Maxx. The discounted price helps me justify the purchase. 😉

Since I usually blow dry my hair 3-4 times a week, I was really glad to see this. It smells amazing, is a thicker cream-to-oil formula, but isn’t heavy or weights the hair down. My hair felt really smooth and soft after I dried it. This is def going on my future purchase list!

So, this box was for sure on my top 10 list. All the sizes were amazing and I can get many uses out of them. I really liked my assortment this month. The brands were some of their best selling ones and the variety was on point with my needs and profile. Sephora, I say GOOD JOB to you! You nailed it this month. Not to mention, this box has an estimated value of $66.73 which is pretty durn good for a $10 subscription box. I call that a win-win.

Who else got this version of the August Sephora Play box? What did you think of your items? Which ones were your favorite? As usual, sound of in the comment box before for any reason! And stayed tuned, all my September boxes finally arrived, so those reviews will be up shortly! Love you, guys!

See ya!

Mary

Birchbox 2019: August Curated Box

Hi guys! Happy August… well, at least from the Subscription Box point of view. I’m here to review my August Birchbox! This month, I chose the Curated Box #2 called the “Back to Business” box. As usual, everything came in a cute little box that I don’t know what to do with, but can’t make myself throw away. So, I knew what products I was getting since I chose the box, but it didn’t take away from how much I loved everything! Let’s jump right in!

First up is the “Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse.” This mousse helps protect hair from heat and give your hair repair along with giving it some volume. And it has that certain smell the Oribe products usually have! A little sweet but a little spicy.

The mousse seems to be a little stiffer than normal, but I don’t mind. It blends easily into the hair and isn’t sticky. I did feel a little residue on my hair even after I blow dried it, but I might have used too much, so I’m going to give it a try again. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the volume and lift it gave my hair. Plus, it made my hair super soft!

Next up is the “Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator.” I have received this product before and I LOVED it. This is my favorite exfoliator hands down. It has these micro crystals in it that really wake up my face, remove skin and dirt off my face, and leave it feeling smooth and clean, but not stripped and dry. I also love how my moistrizer/serums melt into my skin afterwards.

Not to mention, it’s filled with amazing, natural products. I love the clean, citrus scent it has also. It’s not strong, but just a little to smell fresh. It is something I would recommend 100% and would buy over and over again. You won’t believe a difference in your skin after you’ve tried this a few times.

Next up is the “Air Repair Complexion-Boosting Moisturizer.” I have never heard of this brand or tried anything by it, but I’m excited to try more. It’s a really smooth and silky moisturizer which a slight but fresh scent. I can see why it’s top rated with over 27,000 good reviews.

It’s not a heavy cream, but I don’t mind. Especilly since we’re in the middle of humidity season here in the midwest. It’s light, but does the job well. My skin felt super smooth and soft after using it. I haven’t tried it under makeup, so I can’t claim anything regarding that, but I do like it for a night cream.

I was so excited to see a M.A.C. product in my Birchbox! High end products don’t seem to be that frequent from Birchbox. This is the “M·A·C Cosmetics In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara.” I’ll be the first to admit that the number of mascara samples in makeup subscription boxes can be overwhelming, but I won’t complaint because I like trying new ones.

It has a long brush with little tiny plastic bristles on it. I find it great at separating and lengthening, but it really doesn’t do anything as far as volume/thickness. Still, I like it. Is it my favorite? No. And I wouldn’t go out to buy it, but I will use the sample up. It’s a great mascara for a natural eye look. When wearing it, I feel like they’re my lashes but better.

This item is probably my favorite of the whole box. And for good reason. It’s extremely unique! It’s the “ARROW BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm” In the shade “Berry Busy.” When I first opened it and saw that it was purple, I was a little doubtful at wearing it, but after trying it on! Wow! It turned into a really pretty pink color on my lips.

This will probably date me, but it reminds me of the “mood rings” that were so popular when I was a kid. You put it on your finger and it would change colors. This is the same. The formula adjusts to your lips’ pH to create a hue that’s unique to you. It feels like a lip balm, but with a slight color to it! I love it!

You can see where that when I put it on my hand, it turned a light pink. So pretty — and magical!

And, last but not least, is their info card that comes in each box. It tells what each product is, how to use it, and what it’s for. I’m so glad they include these because I don’t have to go search for the products online to find out what they are. I can just look on my “cheat sheet.”

So, there you have it. The August #2 Curated Box from Birchbox. Full of all kinds of fun products. Did you receive a box this month? Which one did you get? What were your favorite products!? Let me know in the comments below or send me a question if you have one. See you guys soon for the August Sephora Play box!

Mary

Birchbox: July Edition

Hi guys! So, I haven’t had a Birchbox for almost two years now. This was the box I originally started with. Heck, it was pretty much the original makeup subscription box! I don’t know if I just hit a slump in the company’s production or what, but I ended up cancelling because I was getting a lot of repeats and dull products.

However, the last couple of months I have read many reviews of people’s birchboxes and it looked like they had really stepped up their game (not surprising considering the rising amount of subscription boxes), and I decided to subscribe again. Also, I love that Birchbox sends hair care products along with skincare/makeup, so I dove into the pool of Birchbox again.

And I’m glad I did! My July box was AH-MAZING! Wanna see what I got? Sure you do…

I love how each box comes with a card of what you got, how to use it, and what it is.

My first product was the Georgette Klinger “Volcanic Mineral Scrub.” This is a thick gel-type formula which is spotted black by actual volcanic sand! Pretty awesome, huh?

It’s insanely effective! It has very tiny particles so it feels like it’s a micro scrub. Plus, it’s filled with a lot of other great ingredients like “Passion Flower Extract” and “Jasmine Extract.”

It does have a scent, although it’s hard to describe. It’s very earthy because of the volcanic sand, but it’s also slightly flowery, too. If you’re sensitive to smells, you will want to check this one out. It does have a distinct scent.

This next product I have not tried. I’ve heard many people say they’re amazing, and some people say they don’t do anything at all. So, sorry I can’t shed any light on them. I decided to save them for when I really need one. I’ll come back and update after I’ve tried one!

You’re supposed to place the patch over the blemish, wear it for at least six hours, then remove. Your blemish is then supposed to be diminished!

My next product is the Aleterna “Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Heat Protection Spray.” Phew! That’s a mouthful! I have the Alterna Volume Spray and I love it, so I was excited to get this spray, too.

I don’t use hot tools too frequently, but I do use them enough that I”m sure I need some extra protection. This smells really great: like lavender and grapes, if you can believe it. It makes my hair very soft and manageable.

Then we have the Dr. Jart+ “V7 Priming Moisturizer.” This is a face primer that also moisturizes, yet smooths the complexion and mattifies. It’s a really unusual product, but it’s nice! It wasn’t the best at filling pores, even though it claims to. But it does smooth them out a little.

Is this the best primer to use for making skin matte and poreless? No, I think Benefit’s Porefessional is much better. But on those days that I just want my makeup to be more low-key, this works great. I just put a small amount on my t-zone (the worse area on me for pores/extra oil) and put my foundation or BB Cream on over it. It works great for an easy day.

It does have a strong scent, however. It’s very lemony and earthy. It’s not my favorite smell, but it does fade and, after a while, I don’t notice it. I would prefer it to be fragrance free. And I’m surprised that more companies haven’t done that. But it’s not so bad that I can’t use it.

This is probably my favorite item in the box! It’s Clarin’s “Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D.” This is a beautiful, black, volumizing mascara. After using it, I can visibly see my lashes lengthened, curled, defined, and volumized!

Is it my favorite Mascara of all time? No. But it’s a great and I really like it. I could easily put it on my list of favorites.

The brush is part of what makes this mascara so great. It’s just got that right mixture of bristles and size that just fans eyelashes out and makes them look thick and beautiful.

The last product in my box was the M.A.C. Cosmetics Lipglass in the color “Prrrr.” It’s a beautiful pink/peach lipgloss that looks great on it’s own for a natural look, or placed in the center of the lips over a lipstick for added dimension. It says it also has jojoba oil to soften and condition which is true. My lips felt great after it wore down.

And the smell? It smells like peaches and cream! It’s absolutely delicious-smelling. Normally I don’t like my products scented, but this one didn’t bother me at all… other than the fact that it made me hungry. hehehe

This is a swatch of the M.A.C. Lipglass in “Prrrr”

So, there you have it. My curated box for July from Birchbox. It had a bunch of great products which I have never tried before and that I really liked. I can’t wait to show you what I got yesterday in my August box! I chose my box this month, because they had one with a great assortment of products. Did anyone else get their Birchbox this week? What did you get? I would love to hear from you! And if you have any questions, ask them below!

Love ya!

Mary

Play! by Sephora || The July Box Review

Hi guys! It’s me again. So sorry for the late post on Sephora’s Play Box: July version. Life has been crazy and I haven’t had time to compose the post. Then we had trouble with our internet and had to be without it for almost a week! But I’m here now, and they say “better late than never,” right? Let’s see what we got!

Unfortunatley, my sample of Clinique’s “Take the Day Off” Makeup Remover had opened inside the box and there was some slight damage (besides half my liquid being gone). So, just a warning for when you see some less-than-desirable images.

My first item is the “Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon” in “Glace.” It’s a beautiful formula (sorry! I forgot to swatch it!) with a rich, deep color. Highly pigmented and beautifully matte. And when they say matte, they mean it.

The color was a little deep for me. I prefer the natural nude/pinks that look like “your-lips-but-better.” This was definitely a mauve or deep-toned color. Still, I could easily buy this crayon in a different color. The formula is great!

Next, I got the “Kiehl’s Ginger Leafand Hibiscus Firming Mask.” Which was an amazing product! I normally don’t like overnight masks because of the hassle and mess they can be, but this one was da bomb!

It’s a thick, soft cream with a light pink tone. It was easy to spread and absorbed into the skin which is what made it awesome. I went to sleep knowing my pillow wouldn’t wind up discolored in the morning. Each time I woke up, my skin felt hydrated but firm and soft. I noticed a difference right away.

It does have a strong smell. I think it’s the Hibiscus. It’s a very floral/tropical scent, so if you’re sensitive to that type of thing, this might not be for you.

For my “extra” sample, I got the “Daisy Love” Perfume. And honestly, I’m not unhappy about it. I haven’t tried a Daisy perfume that I didn’t like. Daisy is one of my favorite smells. I understand it isn’t for everyone, but for me I do love the soft, sweet smell. It’s really subtle and feminine.

$19.50 for a (4.2fl oz) full size bottle.

Then I got Clinique’s “Take the Day Off” Makeup Remover. I’ve had many, many samples of this over the years and, although I use it, it’s not my favorite. I feel like there’s a substance left when I finish that feels oily. And my friend who has contacts, says she can’t use it either because of the residue it leaves in her eyes.

If I had to choose, I would use Clinique’s “Take the Day Off” Cleansing Balm. That stuff is revolutionary. Takes every thing off without leaving the skin tight or dry.

This might be my favorite item in the box. It’s the Caudalie “Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum.” I have tried several Caudalie products now and they never disappoint me! I have used this one several times and when I wake up the next day, my pores look smaller and my skin smoother. It’s an amazing serum.

It does have an earthy smell, however. It’s that acidic/lemon smell that comes with so many products containing AHA. So again, if you’re sensitive to smells, you might test this one first.

Lastly, the product that makes this $10 box such an amazing value. The Drunk Elephant “Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser.” I LOVE Drunk Elephant products. Granted, they are pricey, so I’ve only tried a few. But they are always amazing products with amazing ingredients and provide such a crazy difference in your skin.

I’ve never known one of their products to not do what it claims. This is no exception. This is a soft and thick balm where a little goes a long way. It takes all my makeup off and leaves my skin so soft and smooth. It has no smell, and has awesome natural ingredients.

I also got a bonus packet which has a bamboo/charcoal powder which you can add to the balm to also exfoliate your face. I haven’t used that yet, but I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

I love the packaging for their products, too. It’s usually in a white matte bottle/jar and it has a colored lid and minimal printing. It just feels very sleek and trendy.

Here is a swatch of the Drink Elephant Makeup Remover Balm.

And, of course, the classic Sephora Info Page. I love how thery’re themed every month. This month was titled “Desert Island Essentials.” Sephora certainly has an amazing thing going with this $10 box. I got so many awesome products this month — some of which are pretty new releases.

I hope this review helped and gives you an idea of products you might be interested in trying. Do you recieve the Sephora Play box? If so, what did you get in yours and what was your favorite product? Comment down below and let me know! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Stay tuned for my July Birchbox review!

Love you guys!

Mary