May 2016 - Top 5 Faves

Here are my Top 5 Faves from my May beauty box subscriptions

Briogeo - Don't Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask (Play! by Sephora)
Why is it a fave?
I know what you're thinking... two months in a row? YES. If the hair mask isn't broken, don't fix it. This Briogeo hair mask seems to be a staple among my subscription beauty boxes but it works so I love using it.

Vita Liberata: Fabulous self tanning gradual lotion (Birchbox)
Why is it a fave?
It's almost summer and I need all the help I can get looking bronzed. This gradual tanning lotion doesn't make you look like you rolled in Cheetos. The ease of application is also a bonus, I didn't dye my entire bathroom a weird tannish color so everyone is happy.

VersaSpa - face moisturizing gradual tanner (Glossybox)
Why is it a fave?
Tanning your face without tanning your face is an extremely hard task to accomplish. This gradual tanner allows you to show off your sunglowing face to people without them thinking you went too heavy handed on the bronzer. 

Jelly Pong Pong - Caribbean sun bronzer duo in Aruba (IPSY)
Why it is a fave?
Is there a tan theme here? I think there's a tan theme here. This bronzer allows you to get that glow without the commitment of a lotion. Plus it comes with a nice pink shade to give a nice blush balance to your face.

Mystic Tan - Mocha-kyssed bronzer lotion (Beauty Box 5)
Why is it a fave?
Because it makes me tan, okay! If I can achieve that bronzed goddess glow without the damaging effects of the sun, then I'm game. This bronzer lotion gives you a deeper tan than gradual lotions so be careful with application.  I wouldn't recommend using this on or around your face but a pro application on your body will make you glow. 

Beauty Box 5- May 2016 - Mer-MAY-d

Bait some beauty, save a mermaid! I am absolutely obsessed with the Beauty Box 5 mermaid theme. About time a beauty box picked this trend theme! All the products this month fit perfectly with the mermaid theme.

Briogeo - Rosarco Milk reparative leave-in spray
1 oz/ 30 ml  value: $4

I previously received this sample in a beauty box and loved it so much. I used it up pretty quickly! This leave-in spray is fortified with a unique blend of nourishing rosehip, argan and coconut oils.

Appeal Cosmetics - Luxurious lipstick in Crush
*FULL SIZE* 4.9g/ 0.15 oz  value: $29

Loving this full size lipstick! The color is a bit intense but may be the perfect addition to your outfit for a fun summer night. 

Glamour Dolls Makeup - Mermaid lashes splash proof mascara
*FULL SIZE*  value: $5

Quite appropriate for the mermaid theme, BB5 included a full size splash-proof mascara. This product from Glamour Dolls gives you the mermaid lashes you've always dreamed of. Use this mascara on land or in the water for flawless lashes.

Elizabeth Mott - You're So Fine liquid liner in Glitterati
*FULL SIZE* 2.3g/ 0.08 oz   value: $18

Another full sized product! Elizabeth Mott created this fine tipped liquid liner to accentuate your beautiful eyes. The Gliterrati color gives you a bit of sparkle.

Mystic Tan - Mocha-Kyssed bronzer lotion
1 fl oz/ 29.5 ml   value: $6

I am always on the hunt to find a way to look tan without harming my skin. This formula is dual-action - giving you instant cosmetic color while also allowing you to build a natural tan.

The May Beauty Box 5 has a total value of $62. It seems that BB5 has improved drastically over the past year. I love how they include so many full size items to try in their recent boxes. Can't wait to see what future beauty boxes will hold!

IPSY - May 2016 - Destination Chic

It's almost summer time which means travel season is almost underway! IPSY decided to go with a destination chic themed glambag for May. I received the blue version of the bag. It is designed like an envelope with a snap on the flap. Such a cute design with a bunch of world monuments patterned across the glambag.

Crazy Rumors - HibisKiss Natural lip color in Coral
*FULL SIZE*  0.15oz/ 4.4ml  value: $5

This is a great lip color for the summer months. It is shimmery with a hint of pink and applies like a lip balm. I've thrown it in my purse and apply throughout the day. 

Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics - Caribbean Sun Bronzer Duo in Aruba
*FULL SIZE* 3g/ 0.11oz    value: $25

I was happy to see the full sized bronzer duo in my glambag. I've become a fan of Jelly Pong Pong cosmetics from my subscriptions. I love that this contains the two shades to create a beautiful sculpt on your face.

Avene - Micellar lotion cleanser and makeup remover
25 ml/ 0.8 fl oz   value: $3

This gentle 3-in-1 no rinse cleanser, toner and makeup remover is great for your skin. It is based on a micelle principle that releases cleansing agents upon contact with skin. The results leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized. 

Aurora - gel effect nail polish in Safety Orange
*FULL SIZE*  0.40 fl oz/ 12 ml   value: $12

Another full sized product! I have received this nail polish formula in the past and love it. It is long lasting. The color is quite bright but would be great for a summery pedi. 

Smashbox - X-rated mascara
0.14 oz   value: $10

This wand/ formula combo leaves your lashes hyper, thick and voluptuous. There are overall mixed reviews on this formula, some even say that it is leaving a burning feeling on their eyes. Proceed with caution if purchasing!

My glambag this month has total value of $55 - also not too bad with THREE full sized products. I am happy with the array of products I received. Another good month for my IPSY subscription.

Play! by Sephora - May 2016 - The Forces of Nature

The May theme for Play! by Sephora focuses on products with good, earthy, natural ingredients.

The bag is adorable, adorned with red and pink lips with the phrase "Let's beauty together". What a cute little bag to store the products you receive!

Sephora also includes a PLAY! BOOK that includes descriptions of all the products you receive along with tips and tricks for application. Also a bonus PLAY! PASS for in-store learning.

Briogeo - Don't Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask
1 oz   value: $4
I've received this sample numerous times and it is great to deep condition you hair. I love the scent and my hair always feels smooth and repaired after use.

Atelier - Cologne Orange Sanguine
value: $2
This scent is described as refreshing and energetic with hints of fresh fruits.

Origins - Maskimizer Skin- Optimizing mask primer
Origins - Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask
Origins - Drink-Up Intensive overnight mask
value: $3

KORRES - Wild Rose & Vitamin C Advanced Brightening sleeping facial
0.34 fl oz   value: $12

Bite Beauty - Amuse Bouche lipstick in Kimchi
0.05 oz   value: $8

Tarte - Tartiest lip crayon
0.001 oz   value: $1.50


May Play! by Sephora total value: $30.50

Glossybox - May 2016

Glossybox's May beauty box is back to it's signature light pink box. I was pleasantly surprised that all the items look to be high end.

Talika - Photo-Hydra Dry moisturizer
30 ml/ 1 fl oz   value: $39.50

What is in this Photo-Hydra name? Well this is much more than a moisturizer - it is the first cream inspired by Photo-Beauty Therapy to use energy from light to intensely moisturize the skin. Well, when I actually went to try this product out, I thought the sample was empty (barely filling products, are we??) It almost feel wet because of how lightweight the moisturizer is, but it applies light and quickly soaks into your skin.

Benefit Cosmetics- Roller Lash super curling and lifting mascara
30g/ 0.1 oz   value: $8

The wand on this mascara is inspired by hair rollers, its custom-designed hooks separate, lift and curl lashes for a 12-hour finish. No need for an eyelash curler with this wand and formula!

Rituals Cosmetics - shower foam in Zensation
1.6 fl oz/ 50 ml    value: $4

This foaming shower gel combines organic rice milk with cherry blossom to hydrate and smooth skin.

VersaSpa - face moisturizing gradual tanner
0.25 fl oz/ 7.39 ml each   value: $9

I am loving the gradual tanning lotions I've been receiving! Bonus, this came with TWO samples. This face moisturizer rejuvenates skin and leaves you with a beautiful bronze glow. The formula is infused with a blend of brown and green marine algae to detoxify, oxygenate and firm your skin.

Nioxin - System 3 cleanser and scalp therapy conditioner
50 ml/ 1.7 fl oz  each   value: $5

This cleanser/conditioner duo is for fine hair - which I do not have. The cleanser helps remove follicle- clogging sebum, fatty acids and environmental residues from the scalp skin and hair.  The lightweight conditioner helps provide hair resilience and control moisture balance. They are part of System 3 that contains 3 specialized technologies: Bioamp, Transactive Delivery System and Glyco-Shield. 

The total value of my May Glossybox is $65.50. All of the samples were generous sizes this month. I have not tried most of the brands in this beauty box so I am excited to see if I will be adding any of them to my beauty routine. 

Birchbox - May 2016 - Out of Doors

Birchbox decided it was time to venture into the great outdoors for their May box. Every box includes SPF so everyone can enjoys the outdoors while keeping their skin healthy. The box itself has a beautiful, brightly colored pattern.

Davines - LOVE smoothing shampoo
75 ml/ 2.5 fl oz   value: $7.50

Davines -LOVE smoothing conditioner
12 ml/ 0.40 fl oz   value: $1.50

I was happy to receive the shampoo/ conditioner duo (although the conditioner is a one time use packet). This specific duo states that it is for coarse or frizzy hair. The formula contains olive extract to help keep your locks smooth. The fragrance is clean but not something that I am in love with.

ModelCo - lip lacquer in Morocco
1.5ml/ 0.05 fl oz    value: $12

I've received this lip lacquer sample in an Ipsy glambag. The formula is thin and applies very lightly. The color is almost a clear/nude and gives a little sparkle.

Supergoop! - Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology
0.34 fl oz/ 10 ml    value: $3

Birchbox focused this month on SPF. This everyday sunscreen is SPF 50 and water resistant. It also is made with Cellular Response Technology. Apply liberally to face and body at least 15 minutes prior to exposure to help prevent sunburn. It has a light "sunscreen" smell (not as strong of a scent from when I remember from lathering up before spending a day at the pool as a kid). I applied it to my face and it does not have a greasy/oily feel which is great! 

Vita Liberata - Fabulous self- tanning gradual lotion
50 ml/ 1.69 fl oz    value: $7.50

The older I get, the more ways I find to get a bronze glow without having to harm my skin by the exposure to rays. This self tanning gradual lotion with marula oil allows me to do just that! The formua does not have that overwhelming scent that usually comes with tanning lotions. It is lightweight and shows a light change in skin color after use.

W3LL PEOPLE - Bio Correct multi-action concealer in light
4 ml    value: $9

This multi action concealer by W3ll people packs quite a punch with all the ingredients. Caffeine depuffs, Peptide complex firms skin, organic pomegranate brightens and organic aloe soothes. What a way to cover those blemishes while prepping your skin to look amazing.

My May Birchbox has a total value of $40.50. The SPF products have me ready for the summer and I cannot wait to use them throughout the summer months!

Target - May 2016 - Spring Fling

My Target beauty box is here to prepare me for the spring season.

Laneige - Water Bank moisture cream
20ml   value: $13

Derma E - Firming DMAE moisturizer
0.5 oz  value: $5

The Laneige water bank moisture cream strengthens skin and provides 24 hour hydration. It contains hyrdo-ionized mineral water and biogen technology.

I have received this Derma e firming DMAE moisturizer a couple times in beauty boxes. It is made with DMAE, Jojoba oil and vitamins A & E to support healthy elasticity. The formula visibly firms and lifts skin.

CeraVe - unscented foaming facial cleanser
0.5oz  value: $0.50

Burt's Bees - facial cleansing oil
1 oz  value: $3

CeraVe is a great, trusted brand for people with sensitive skin. This facial cleanser removes makeup, dirt and oil. The ceramides restore and maintain skin's protective barrier.

Burt Bee's coming through with the cleansing oil! It naturally cleans and softens skin with a blend of coconut oil, argan oil and antioxidants.

Andalou Naturals - Resveratrol Q10 age defying night repair cream
0.4 oz   value: $5

Never too early or late to hop on the age defying skincare regime. Antioxidants work overnight to stimulate circulation and healthy cell renewal while slowing cellular damage.

Hair Food - Kiwi dry shampoo
1.7 oz   value: $5

I'm always up to try out different dry shampoos. This formula is infused with kiwi fragrance and leaves your hair looking and feeling refreshed.

L'Oreal Paris - Colour Riche Le Matte lip pen
*FULL SIZE*    value: $9

With this color and packaging, I am channeling a crayon vision. Twist the pen up to reveal this bright lip color. The formula applies smoothly across your lips. Highly pigmented color applies with just one stroke. 

Egyptian Magic- All purpose skin cream
0.1oz  value: $1

L'Orael Paris - Sublime Bronze towelettes
one use   value: $1

I have been wanting to try this Egyptian Magic skin cream since hearing about it (but the price tag deterred me). I was happy to receive this sample and finally find out what all the hype is about.

My friend purchased these tanning towelettes recently so I was happy to see the sample in this month's Target Beauty Box. What a convenient way to bronze up your body without sun rays or a the crazy mess of tanning lotion.

The total value of the May Target beauty box is $42.50. I have been wanting to try out the Egyptian Magic cream for some time and my friend also just purchased the L'Orael towelettes so those were another bonus.