February 2016 - Top 5 Faves

This month I received beauty boxes from IPSY, Birchbox, Glossybox and Beauty Box5.

Here are my Top 5 favorite products --

Cynthia Rowley Beauty-  brightening illuminator (Birchbox)
Why is it a fave?
Illuminators seems to be all the rage recently and this one works wonders. Be the belle of the ball after accenting your face with this brightener.

IT Cosmetics - Bye Bye Under eye anti-aging concealer (IPSY)
Why is it a fave?
You're lying if you say you don't get dark circles under you eyes. Everyone has those days where they need to conceal the fact they stayed up until 3am watching Netflix. This concealer works wonders! Say bye bye to that dark under eye. 

Elizabeth Mott - Thank Me Later shadow primer (Beauty Box 5)
Why is it a fave?
Thank Me Later? You'll understand after using this shadow primer. My eyeshadow stayed put until my night time face washing ritual. You can't argue with those results.

GlamGlow - ThirstyCleanse daily hydrating cleanser (Glossybox)
Why is it a fave?
GlamGlow has a cult following for a reason. This daily cleanser left my dry skin feeling, well, not dry. The Thirsty Cleanse gives you the cleansing action without the drying effects.

Benefit Cosmetics - the POREfessional face primer (Glossybox)
Why is it a fave?
We all have pores... me, you, your mother - but we don't want everyone to know that. You work hard to achieve that flawless makeup look so you don't want big pores ruining the perfect complexion. Slap on this primer at the beginning of your makeup routine and you'll be working with a smooth, pore-free canvas. 

Glossybox - February 2016 - Love is in the Air

Much like my other beauty box subscriptions, Glossybox decided to do a Valentine's Day theme for February - Love is in the Air,

They strayed away from the normally light pink with black lettering for a whimsical box decorated with heart shaped balloons. It think the box is precious! 

Teeez Cosmetics - Oasis Gem Lipstick in Heat Wave Ruby

*Full size 2g/ 0.07 oz value: $22

I have been loving these matte, balm-like lipsticks that have been hitting the market recently. This ruby shade goes on smoothly and leaves your lips looking modernly matte. The packaging is also adorable with its graffiti, street vibe. The formula is long-lasting for 8 hours of wear with highly pigmented coverage for a unique satin matte finish. 

GlamGlow - Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser

1oz/ 30g value: $14

etre belle cosmetics - Golden Skin Roll-on Caviar Eye Gel

10ml/ 0.34 fl oz value: $22

Glamglow's reputation precedes this product. I have heard nothing but rave reviews about GlamGlow's skin care line and I love it. The ThirstyCleanse combines the power of mud with pure green coconut water to create a foaming lather. Massage it over dry skin and then add a touch of water to activate the foaming lather, rinse with warm water and pat dry. The mask will leave your skin feeling hydrated and glowing. 

Hearing caviar eye gel got me excited to try this roll on product! Using the metal ball roller, you are able to erase signs of fatigue. The roller glides a thin layer of unscented gel under your eyes to help you on those days you can't squeeze in the recommended 8 hours. 

BioRepublic Skincare - Sheet mask in Aloe Rescue

*Full size value: $5

I have received the this mask in numerous subscription beauty boxes and it is pleasant. The revitalizing fiber mask is infused with Vitamin E for all skin types. Wear the mask for 20 minutes and you will soothe your dry skin. The aloe rescue is perfect for after you've spent a day in the sun. The results give you healthy, revitalized and lush skin.

Benefit Cosmetics - the POREfessional face primer

3ml/ 0.1 fl oz value: $4.80

This box is filled with products with rockstar reputations. People swear by Benefit's POREfessional face primer. The packaging is adorable and the inside gives you tips for application. With a tint of nude, this primer minimizes the appearance of pores and can be used under or over other makeup. 

Glossybox has never disappointed. The February box theme was adorned with even cuter packaging than usual. All the products are also beautifully packaged. The box had a total value of $67.80. I loved that the box included tried and true brands as well as other luxe brands I couldn't wait to try. Great month!

Birchbox - February 2016 - Date Night (curated box)

For February, I decided to opt for the Valentines Day themed - Date Night curated beauty box.

The pink color scheme Birchbox included all the fixings to get ready for the perfect date night. As the card states, the editors put together a box that features some of their favorite products for killer lips, strobing, a voluminized do, a fresh face and sweet-smelling skin. 

Obsessive Complusive Cosmetics - Lip Tar in Strumpet

0.08 fl oz/ 2.5ml value: $9

Don't let the little packaging fool you, this lip tar packs a punch. The striking color left the back of my hand and three fingers coated in red after swatcheding. The lip tar is matte and 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It also has a hint of a mint scent - perfect for date night.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty - Brightening Illuminator 

1g/ 0.04oz value: $10

Another beauty box keeping up with the strobing trend. This brand is exclusive available at Birchbox. The sample comes with cute, gold polka dotted instructions that include quick and easy highlighter tips for you to become a pro Glow Getter. The Illuminator adds instant brightness and dimension while also helping you fake a lifted brow, make cheekbones pop, fake fuller lips and accentuate your natural face shape. 

Whish- Renewing Mud Mask

15ml/ 0.5 fl oz value: $11

I always love receiving a good mud mask. This formula renews, purifies, smooths and softens your skin. Apply a thin layer and use circular motions to spread, then leave on for 2 minutes and you'll see the great results. 

Amika - Bombshell Blowout Spray

1 fl oz/ 29.6 ml value: $3

I have heard nothing but great things about the amika brand. This product is for all hair types and protects, texturizes, voluminizes and repairs your locks. Spray it on damp hair sections before blow drying to get extra texture and lift. It will leave your hair with a sweet scent all day.

Catherine Malandrino - Romance de Provence 

2ml/ 0.06 fl oz value: $3

Spritz this scent on you before date night. Your beau will capture the hints of jasmine, orange flower, rose violet and lily. This sweet bouquet of scents will last the night. 

There is no doubt that this Birchbox will help every lady be fully prepared for their Valentines date night. This curated box has a total value of $36. I am most excited to try out the brightening illuminator and prove that I can strobe. 

Beauty Box 5 - February 2016 - Birthday Sweets!

Beauty Box 5 celebrated their 4th anniversary so the theme for February is Birthday Sweets! (How sweet)

The card featured a cute little message to all the BB5 subscribers:

On the opposite side, you can see what all subscribers received this month - 

Manna Kadar Beauty - 3 in1 - Shadow, Highlighter & Blush in Fantasy

*Full size* Value: $19

This shimmery shade allows you to create a trio of complementary strobe across your face. Very in trend with the highlighting/ strobe fad that has recent become a staple in every makeup lovers beauty routine. The shadow gives a light shimmer and blends right in with my skin tone. The product comes wrapped so it is great if you're looking to trade!

Elizabeth Mott - Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer

5g/ 0.17oz value: $10

EPIC BLEND - Premium Lip Balm in Root Beer

*Full Size* 4.2g/ 0.15oz value: $3.50

This is my second time receiving the Elizabeth Mott sample and I am not disappointed. The light pink container holds a primer that will keep your eye shadow in check all day. It's also the perfect size for travel, so of course it has become one of my favorites.

I received the EPIC BLEND lip balm in root beer. There are a variety of flavors that subscribers will receive. The scent instantly reminded me a a root beer float and the formula glides across your lips. This brand is all-natural, hemp, gluten free and non GMO. Overall great brand!!

STARLOOKS - Custom Lip Liner in Sultry Sangria 

*Full Size* Value: $16

I have received a few products from the STARLOOKS brand and they never disappoint. I would say this lip liner is a perfect shade for me, a nice neutral pink tone. It features a twist up liner so no sharpening required plus it is wrapped so great for trades. The liner is long lasting and applies smoothly. 

Hemp Nation - Moisturizing Body Wash in Kiwi-Mango

59ml/ 2 fl oz value: $2.50

Another hemp featured brand this month! Every subscriber will receive the kiwi mango scent. It smells wonderful and upon opening the bottle, I had a slight flash back to opening a bottle of bubbles. The card has this marked as full size but after looking up pricing, this appears to be travel sized. The wash is sudsy and leaves you smelling wonderful.

The February Beauty Box 5 has a full value of $51, they went all out for the birthday celebration! This is one of my favorite boxes from this subscription so far. I see myself using up all the products aside from maybe the lip balm, because I like to stick to classic Vaseline for my lips. Overall great month and happy 4th birthday Beauty Box 5!!

IPSY - February 2016 - Pretty in #IPSYPINK

February is here andI IPSY chose a Valentines type theme for the glambag- Pretty in #IPSYPINK!!

The February IPSY glambag is looks like an envelope with a cute pink heart in the middle - the reverse side is a glossy hot pink. This is one of the cutest bags that I've received.  

THEORIE - Argon Oil Ultimate Reform Hair Serum 

0.34 fl oz/ 10ml  value: $4

The sample of serum comes with a sealed cap, so it works for swaps! It contains natural ingredients including Morrocan Arian oil, sunflower seed oil and keratin. The serum has the sweet argon oil scent. The serum can be applied to the ends of damp or dry hair. It provides great results!

Tre'stiQue - Baby Blush Stick in Bora Bora Coral

0.04 oz/ 1.1g value: $6

Tre'stiQue packaging is always adorable I love the others products I've received and was excited to receive the blush. This Bora Bora Coral is a nice bright pink. Stick blush can be intimidating but this formula blends well. 

ModelCo - Lip Lacquer Lipgloss in Morocco 

1.5ml/ .05 fl oz value: $12

This ModelCo lip lacquer s a nice, nude shade that will compliment most skin tones. When opening the tube, you can instantly smell the candy-like scent, which I love! Great lip gloss this month :)

Ciate London - Olivia Palermo x Ciate London Paint Pot in My Go To Red

5ml/ 0.17 fl oz value: $10

This little nail polish is one of the cutest minis I've seen! The bottled is adorned with little bow designs- simply adorable. True to it's name - this is the perfect go to red. With a slight shimmer, this is a true, strong red shade. 

IT Cosmetics - Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer

3.25ml/ 0.11 fl oz value: $10

Bye Bye Under Eye concealer seems to have a cult following, everyone loves this formula! This is a full coverage, anti-aging, waterproof concealer with hydro-collagen vitamins C & K. I received the travel size neutral medium shade. The formula comes out thick and provides great coverage under your eyes. 

Overall great month for my IPSY glambag. I liked my good variety of products. Every brand in this month's bag has a great reputation and the products lived up to them. My glambag had a value of $42!! I loved all my products and each one will be put to great use. 

Birchbox March 2016 - Sample Choice/ Featured Box

Birchbox just released their Sample Choice/ Featured Box for March 2016!!

The box is adorned with a cute geometric pattern and cute colors for the upcoming spring season.

Lets start with the sample choices:
-Number 4: Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Concentrated formula, so you only need a small amount

-PARLOR by Jeff Chastain: Volume & Texturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
This haircare line is exclusive to Birchbox <3

-amika: Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Customer favorite for Birchbox :) Hydrates your hair and makes it shiny.

The Featured Box for March is Ready for Anything!
Birchbox has selected 5 'power' products for the busy woman who is always on the go.
The products in the box include:
PARLOR by Jeff Chastain: Smoothing Blowout Spray  http://birch.ly/1PGhEjA
MILK Makeup: Lip color in C.R.E.A.M.
Smashbox: Photo Op eyeshadow trio in Filter http://birch.ly/1PGhNDN
Kiehl's: Ultra Facial Cream http://birch.ly/1PGhSY6
Wilma Schumann Skincare: Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads http://birch.ly/1PGhXLq


Make your choice and it is available on February 25th

Also available for you March box are add ons - customize on your Next Month's Box Page: http://birch.ly/1TfpHtB

Native Union: Portable Speaker 
Loren Hope: Gold Triangle Pave Pendant (The triangle shape matches the geometric March Birchbox pattern!!)
Isaac Jacobs: Small Cosmetic Organizer & Mirror 
Richer Poorer: Sock Set 
ARROW: Limited Edition Starter Kit (This is an exclusive Birchbox Brand!)