April 2016 - Top 5 Faves

I received beauty subscription boxes from IPSY, Birchbox, Glossybox and Beauty Box 5 in April.

Here are my top 5 favorite products I received ---

Crown Brush - C427 Duo Fiber blush brush (IPSY)
Why is it a fave?
Repeat after me - You can never have too many makeup brushes. Of course, I'm always excited to receive a new brush in one of my subscription boxes. This angled brush allows you apply blush with ease. 

Novex - Argan Oil extra deep hair care mask (IPSY)
Why is it a fave?
I have thick, long, dyed, damaged hair. When I receive a hair mask that works wonders, it goes on this list. Plus the argan oil smells amazing.

Chella - Passionate Pink moisturizing lip pencil (Beauty Box5)
Why is it a fave?
Lip colors that leave my lips feeling moisturized are what I always search for. This Chella lip pencil leaves my lips without that dry feeling and the burst of pink color is undeniably fabulous.

Briogeo - Don't Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask (Birchbox)
Why is it a fave?
((Refer to my hair description in the Novex review - THICK, LONG)) I am always searching for hair masks. Briogeo is a strong hair brand because it leaves your hair with that smooth, soft feel. 

Not Your Mother's - Beach Babe texturizing sea salt spray (Glossybox)
Now, NYM haircare is not the most expensive brand but the products work. Looking for an effortless hairstyle? Spray this sea salt spray and tousle your hair. You will look relaxed and ready to take on the day. 

Birchbox - April 2016 - Spring Awakening

Getting ready for festival season Birchbox? Birchbox teamed with Rifle Paper Co. to design an exuberant, stunning beauty box for April.

Whish - Shave Crave shaving cream in Lavendar
22ml/ 0.75 fl oz  value: $2.50

The lavender scented formula of this Whish shave cream moisturizes, soothes and nourishes while providing you a close shave. The texture reminds of using conditioner to shave while staying a thick whipped consistency. 

The Beauty Crop - PBJ Smoothie Stick in Guava Nice Day
*FULL SIZE* 2.5g/ 0.09 oz   value: $15

This creamy lip crayon smells so sweet I could eat it! The pink-purple color applies smoothly to give your pout a moisturized sheen. The packaging is also adorable!

Briogeo - Don't Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask
1 oz/ 29ml  value: $4

This was my sample selection this month. I'm obsessed with deep conditioning masks to keep my hair smooth and soft. Use after shampooing and leave on for 5-10 minutes. For an even deeper condition, you can wear a plastic cap and leave on for 20 minutes then rinse.

rms beauty - The ultimate makeup remover wipes
2.6g each   value: $1.50

First off, how cool is the packaging on these wipes? The picture doesn't do it justice, but from one angle you see rms, from the other you see beauty. Just one of the cooler designs I've seen on packaging! The formula contains organic coconut oil to refresh your skin.

amika - Silken Up dry conditioner
0.75 oz/ 21.3g/ 24.4 ml  value: $3.50

I am an avid user of dry shampoo, but I will say I've never heard of dry conditioner. I received the amika dry shampoo in a previous box and fell in love. The weightless, anti-static formula refreshes and revives hair between washes.

My Birchbox for April has a total value of $26.50. Definitely on the lower end, but I enjoy the products I received. The wipes are little disappointing due to the low value and only receiving two. I was excited to try out the dry conditioner since it is a product I've never heard of. I also cannot complain about receiving a full size lip smoothie stick.

Glossybox - April 2016

Glossybox seems to be going back to it's roots by giving me some brands I've never tried before! I like Glossybox when it gives me new brands and products that I normally wouldn't purchase. They seem to have fallen off the past few months, so I was excited with a few of the products I received for April.

UNANI - Dermo Defense face mask
*FULL SIZE* 100ml/ 3.4 fl oz   value: $18

This facial mask can be used once or twice a week for a beautiful glow. It provides skincare protection, nutrition and hydration while removing impurities. The formula itself is clear and lightweight. 

Biossance - The Nourisher, precious rose face oil
0.14 fl oz/ 4ml   value: $10

This luxurious face oil is blended with the elixir of roses designed to keep your skin radiant, supple and smooth. After application, your skin is left firm, hydrated and smooth while an overall healthy, radiant glow.

Studio10 - Brow Lift perfecting liner
*FULL SIZE* 1.38g/ 0.05 oz  value: $20

For every pencil sold, Studio 10 donates 100% of its profits to Look Good Feel Better charity for women with cancer. This double sided brow liner helps you naturally define and highlight.

Leighton Denny expert nails - nail polish in Pillowtalk
*FULL SIZE*  12ml/ 0.4 fl oz   value: $19

This berry hue is the perfect color to help you transition from winter to spring. I love the sleek design and packaging of this polish. 

Not Your Mother's - Beach Babe texturizing sea salt spray
*FULL SIZE*  2 fl oz/ 60ml   value: $3

I will say I have used (and do own) many NYM haircare products. So the brand isn't new and high-end but the products are nice. I have not tried the sea salt spray, so I was excited to try it out and see if it will become a go-to for the summer months. This formula is infused with dead sea salt and sea kelp to help make your locks boardwalk ready.

My April Glossybox has a total value of $70. I love how four of the five products in this box are full sized. I was surprised to find NYM haircare brand in this box just because of the price range, although it is a great haircare line. 

IPSY - April 2016 - Dreamers

April is for dreamers - at least that's what IPSY thinks this month! This month's glambag is swirled with blue, yellow, orange and pink.

Novex - Argan Oil Extra Deep hair care mask
100g/ 3.5oz   value: $5

What a large sample size! I am loving this deep conditioning hair care treatment. This formula includes Argan Oil which is one of the most powerful moisturizers. Apply after using shampoo and leave on for 5 minutes.


Tarte - LipSurgence lip creme in Wonder
1.6g/ 0.056 oz  value: $12

This lip color by Tarte is almost like a balm. It applies very smoothly and has a hint of mint. The color can become more pigmented with more swipes across your lips.

Adesse New York - Organic infused gel effect nail lacquer in Irina
*FULL SIZE*  11ml   value: $8

This beautiful grey-purple color by Adesse is perfectly on trend. This organic infused color does not contain Toluene, DBP, Formadehyde, Formaldehyde Resin or Camphor.

Crown Brush - C427 Duo Fiber Blush Brush
*FULL SIZE*   value: $9.50

I don't think I'll ever have to buy another makeup brush again with all my subscriptions! This Crown Brush blush brush has soft bristles and quite a unique handle. It has two indents which allow you to get a good grip on the brush.

Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics - Neapolitan eyeshadow palette in Sweet Treat
*FULL SIZE*  3g/ 0.11oz   value: $18

This mini palette by Jelly Pong Pong is the perfect mixture of colors. It includes gold, pink and brown shades. Each color applies with a great hue and is long lasting. Plus the packaging is adorable! Look at that Eiffel Tower and little hearts.


My April glambag has a total value of $62.50 and contained three full sized items! Pretty good month for my IPSY glambag. I liked the variety of products I received this month. 

Walmart - Spring 2016 - Trendsetter

This season, I received both the "classic" and "trendsetter" options for the Walmart Beauty Box. Here is what I received in my "trendsetter" box.

Jergens - Natural Glow daily moisturizer
2 fl oz/ 59 ml   value: $2

Biore - baking soda pore cleanser
1 fl oz/ 29 ml   value: $1

This Jergens Natural Glow moisturizer has been on the market for awhile. I like using it to build a gradual tan. The sample size in this box was quite generous.

The innovative powder in the Biore cleanser activates with water to deep clean pores and leave you skin visibly smoother. It also gently exfoliates, so no need to scrub.

CeraVe - healing ointment
0.085 oz/ 2.5g   value: $1

The formula combines vital ceramics with a gentle, lanolin-free formula to protect and soothe dry skin. It is also lightweight and non-greasy so it's pleasant on your skin.

Colgate - Optic White anti-cavity fluoride toothpaste
1.45oz/ 41g  value: $2

I am already a big fan of the Optic White toothpaste. After just a few uses, you will see a difference in the shade of your teeth.

Curel - Itch Defense body wash
1 fl oz/ 29 ml   value: $1

John Frieda - Brilliant Brunette lightening shampoo
2 fl oz/ 59 ml    value: $3

Combat your dry, itchy winter skin with this Curel body wash. The soap-free formula is a unique blend of cleansers and conditioners to create a rich lather. It cleanses and relieves itchy skin.

This John Frieda shampoo has also been on the market for some time and people seem to love it. It's enriching technology has sweet almond oil and crushed pearls. It brings out your natural highlights and creates multi-dimensional shine.

Burt's Bees - BB cream  in light/medium

 0.03 oz/ 0.85 g  sample

Burt's Bees seems to be making quite an entrance into the makeup/product area. I know the brand mainly from their lip balms. This little packet of BB Cream allows you to try out the formula. Not bad!

My beauty box also contained this card to help you find your "True Match" for L'Oreal foundation.

The total value of my Trendsetter spring Walmart beauty box is $10. It did not receive any really large sample products like in the classic box. This box is just alright for me. I will enjoy trying out the natural glow moisturizer and the John Frieda shampoo but everything else is pretty basic. 

Beauty Box 5 - April 2016 - Hydration Vacation

The weather is making me believe that it could be summertime! This month's Beauty Box 5 is preparing us for a Hydration Vacation. From hydrating eye gels to moisturizing lip pencils, this month's products will leave you skin feeling quenched.

Soapbox - Sea Minerals body wash
2 fl oz/ 59 ml    value: $1

Soapbox is an interesting brand because for every product sold, a bar of soap is given to a person in need. This philanthropic company allows you to see on their website which project your bottle is supporting! The body wash itself smells so fresh and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.

Jelly Pong Pong - Paradise Pigments in Fig Jam
*Full size* 4g/ 0.14 oz   value: $20

This lip/cheek cream color is velvety smooth. It is quite purple, so I don't think I would use the shade on my cheeks. I could see wearing this for a fun night out with the girls or creating a dramatic look.

Maskeraide - All Eyes on Me hydrating eye gels
1 pair    value: $6

Use these eye gel patches to brighten, hydrate and firm your under eyes. Diminish the look of dark circles while receiving a hydration boost. The results will leave you with reduced fine lines and firmer skin.

Chella - Passionate Pink moisturizing lip pencil
*Full size* 1.35g   value: $18

This lip pencil is a beautiful bright pink. The pencil packaging makes you think the color would be more orange, but it applies as a fun pink. It has the texture of a balm and makes your lips feel amazing.

Global Beauty Care - Green Tea makeup remover wipes
*Full size*   value: $2

Again with the make up remover wipes! I guess if you use them frequently then you love all of them that you receive in the beauty subscriptions. It is good that they sent a full package of wipes rather than one with only 8 or so.

The value of April's Beauty Box 5 is $47. Definitely a good box with three full size items. I was able to clearly see their hydrating theme this month which I loved.

Walmart -Spring 2016 - Classic

Another season, another Walmart Beauty Box. This is the first season that I was able to subscribe to both the "classic" and "trendsetter" options. Here is what I received in the "classic" box.

Jergens - Wet Skin moisturizer
2 fl oz/ 59 ml   value: $1.50

Curel - Rough Skin Rescue
0.7 fl oz/ 20 ml   value: $0.50

I became a big fan of this wet skin moisturizer after receiving a small sample in a previous beauty box. Use it immediately after getting out the shower (before using a towel). The scent is beautiful and it leaves your skin feeling soft.

Rescue your rough, dry skin with this olive oil infused moisturizer. It protects and cares for your skin's natural moisture barrier to prevent roughness from returning. 

Cetaphil - gentle skin cleanser
1 fl oz/ 29 ml    value: $1

This fan favorite/ best seller gently cleans your skin. It soothes and cleanses without leaving residue that cleanses your pores. 

Colgate - Optic White anti-cavity fluoride toothpaste
1.45 oz/ 41 g  value: $2

I am loving this large sample size. I noticed a difference in the shade of my teeth within a few days. Plus it has a great flavor!

Neutrogena - MoistureSmooth color stick in Almond Nude
0.08 oz/ 2.3 g  value: $6.50 

This color stick applies very smoothly. I see why it's called Moisture Smooth. The color is a little too brownish for my liking, but the formula is excellent.

Dove - Dry Oil moisture nourishing body wash
1.8 fl oz/ 53 ml   value: $0.50

Banana Boat - Sun Comfort sunscreen
1 fl oz/ 29 ml    value: $1.50

This dry oil moisture body wash contains a unique combination of Moroccan Argan Oil. It nourishes by replenishing nutrients lost during cleansing to leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Walmart included this staple sunscreen in the beauty box to prepare you for the upcoming sunny months. Banana Boat is a trusted sunscreen brand and this Sun Comfort is no different. It is SPF 30 and will protect your skin whether it's a day on the beach or day to day activities.

ROC - Multi correxion 5-in-1 face cream
0.17 fl oz/ 5 ml   value: $2.50

I've received this ROC sample a few times. This cream is for your chest, neck and face. The formula includes Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30. With exclusive HEXINOL Technology and Vitamin E, you'll notice visibly smoother skin in just 4 weeks.


The beauty box also contained this card to help you find your perfect shade of Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup.

The total value of my Classic spring Walmart beauty box is $16. I enjoyed receiving the Neutrogena color stick and it's large size (although I wish it was a different color). The Colgate Optic White toothpaste was also a great size for this box.