Thursday, June 30, 2016

June 2016 -Top 5 Faves


Here are my Top 5 favorite products from my June beauty box subscriptions

Bare Minerals - BareSkin sheer sun serum bronzer (Play! by Sephora)
Why is it a fave?
I'm carrying on my tan theme of last month's faves here. Bare Minerals is a quality brand and this serum bronzer allows you to create different contours to your face than powder bronzer. 

frank body - original coffee scrub (IPSY)
Why is it a fave?
Because any time I get to rub coffee all over my body with be a great time in my book. This coffee scrub not only smells amazing but it will leave your skin feeling divine. 

Benefit Cosmetics - Gimme Brow volumizing fiber gel in medium (Birchbox)
Why it is a fave?
Let's face it, bold brows are in and they're not going anywhere soon. So you either have to figure out how to shape and fill in those puppies or deal with the fact that your face will look incomplete next to your friends. This fiber gel allows even the most untalented makeup lovers to give their brows a nice shape and boldness.

Sweep - Oval contour and highlight brush (Beauty Box 5)
Why is it a fave?
I have a confession, I have been so enamored with these oval brushes since I saw them first pop up on Instagram. So badly have I wanted to purchase one but some of these sets have price tags in the $300 (!!) range. When BB5 gave the sneak peek of this in the June box, I almost wept. 

TanTowel - half body classic towelette (Glossybox)
Why is it a fave?
Okay, the tan theme from last month's faves is STILL carrying on. Honestly, I think the concept of a tan towelette is awesome. No more weird finger streaks down your arms. The tan towel allows you to rub this all over your body with no weird lines. 

Monday, June 20, 2016

Target - June 2016 - sun KISSED

Target decided to go with the theme "Sun Kissed" for the June beauty box. How appropriate for the summer months!!

Every beauty box comes with an information card.


Pantene - Expert Intense Hydration shampoo
118mL/ 3.9 floz   value: $2

SheaMoisture - Fruit Fusion creme rinse
3.2 floz/ 94mL   value: $3

Pixi - Mesmerizing Mineral Duo
value: $4

Laneige - Water Bank Serum
0.3 fl oz/ 10ml   value: $6

S.W. Basics - Exfoliant
sample

L'Oreal Paris - True Match Lumi Cushion foundation
sample

L'Oreal Paris - Revitalift Volume Filler cream
0.5oz/ 14g   value: $6

Soap & Glory - Righteous Butter body butter
10mL/ 0.33 floz    value: $0.50

Yes to Cucumbers - Facial wipes
10 count - value: $1.50

CoTZ - Face Natural SPF 40
0.35oz/ 10g   value: $4.50

e.l.f - Lip Kiss balm
*FULL SIZE*  value: $2

The total of the June Target beauty box is $27.50. I was not super thrilled with any specific product in this months' box but I will enjoy using the variety of items.




Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Glossybox - June 2016 - Tony Awards collaboration

For the June beauty box, Glossybox decided to team up with the Tony Awards to give us a beautiful red box that pays homage to Broadway's biggest night.

The RED beauty box is absolutely stunning!!

icona Milano - Emotion Allowed mascara
*FULL SIZE* 10 ml/ 0.34 fl oz   value: $19

Lue by Jean Seo - Clear spot control
*FULL SIZE* 0.25 fl oz/ 7.5 ml    value: $15

LA Splash - Lip lacquer in Sugar Rush
*FULL SIZE* 0.2 fl oz/ 6ml   value: $18

TanTowel - Half Body classic towelette
2 towelettes   value: $5.50

Sebastian Professional - Shaper Fierce finishing spray
1.5 oz/ 43g   value: $2.50
*Bonus: Sebastian Professional Dark hair oil
2ml/ 0.06 fl oz   value: $0.50

Caolion - Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack duo
7g/ 0.2oz  value: $3.50


My June Glossybox has a total value of $64 and included 6 products plus the bonus hair oil! A great month for Glossybox if you ask me. Plus I was happy to see them team up with the Tony Awards to give us this beautiful collaboration box.

Walmart - Summer 2016 - Classic

It's officially summertime which means Walmart sent out their summer beauty box! I am subscribed to both the "Trendsetter" and "Classic" beauty boxes.

Here is what I received in my Classic Walmart beauty box --

Burt's Bees - Naturally nourishing body lotion in Milk & Honey
1 oz/ 25g   value: $1.50

First off, this lotion smells amazing - I'm loving the milk & honey formulation. It is semi-thick and gives you a rich application. This lotion is also made in the U.S.A.


Pantene Pro-V - Air spray
1 oz/ 30g   value: $0.50

This alcohol free hairspray gives you a brushable, flexible hold. I've received this hairspray sample before and like it for everyday use.


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

With all the tanning products I've received in my subscription boxes, I won't even have to step outside to gain a glow this summer. I've used this moisturizer many times before and I love how it helps you build a gradual bronze while moisturizing your skin.


Caress - Body wash in Mystique Forever
1.8 fl oz/ 55ml   value: $0.50

This body wash has  special fragrance release pearls to help you smell pretty all day long. The touch-activated technology releases burst of perfume when you touch your skin.


Tom's - Rapid relief sensitive toothpaste
0.75 oz/ 21.2g   value: $1

Tom's released their groundbreaking sensitivity relief that works in just 1 minute. This toothpaste is fluoride free and natural. The clinically proven formula contains Arginine and Calcium Carbonate.


Swisspers - blotting papers
*FULL SIZE* 100 sheets    value: $2.50

These blotting papers absorb excess oils from skin to eliminate shine and minimize pores. You can even use them while wearing makeup! Gently press the paper on your face and the shine will be gone.


Simple - Micellar Cleansing water
0.135 fl oz/ 4 ml   value: $0.50

I know what many people are thinking (because there are endless discussions about these samples) - Why are beauty boxes sending water?? Well, personally I love these waters. They contain multi-vitamins, skin loving ingredients and gentle cleansers. Plus these are specially designed for sensitive skin - which unfortunately I deal with.


Nivea - In-shower body lotion with cocoa butter
0.31 fl oz/ 9ml   value: $1

This is another product I've received but I LOVE it! Use this lotion while you're in the shower to leave your skin extra soft.


L'Oreal Paris - Age Perfect cell renewal golden serum & day cream
sample
L'Oreal Paris - Revitalift volume filler re-volumizing serum & cream
sample

The beauty box included these two samples. Both L'Oreal Paris products help aging skin look younger and refreshed.


My Classic Walmart beauty box has a total value of $9.50 - about half the amount of my trendsetter subscription! I was happy to receive the blotting papers, since they're great for the hot summer months. Otherwise, it was an average beauty box.

Walmart - Summer 2016 - Trendsetter

It's officially summertime which means Walmart sent out their summer beauty box! I am subscribed to both the "Trendsetter" and "Classic" beauty boxes.

Here is what I received in my Trendsetter subscription--

Incoco/ Coconut nail art - Nail polish strips in Double Dare
*FULL SIZE*   value: $5

These strips by Incoco are 100% real nail polish. They are as easy to use as other nail polish strips I've received. I like the white base with the cool, black lines for the design.


Sally Hansen - Airbrush legs in medium
0.75 fl oz/ 22.1ml   value: $3

Make up for your legs! Put your best foot (& leg) forward with this Sally Hansen product. Apply the formula like a lotion to give your legs an airbrushed finish.


Vaseline - Intense Care lotion
2 fl oz/ 60ml    value: $1

This rich, unscented formula is clinically proven to heal very dry skin 5 days. The lotion absorbs almost instantly and leaves your skin feeling buttery smooth. Plus this is a good sized sample!


Essence: Ultime Diamond Color & Radiance shampoo and conditioner
1.7 fl oz/ 50 ml (each)    value: $2

The shampoo/ conditioner team contains luxurious pearl essence. The hair products can be used on colored or highlighted locks. They both contain the Ultime 4 complex: pearl essence, panthenol, refined protein and keratin.


Arm and Hammer - Truly Radiant fluoride toothpaste
0.9oz/ 25g     value: $0.50

Use this toothpaste to see a more radiant smile in just 5 days. This toothpaste makes my mouth feel extra clean and I am also happy to see it contains fluoride with anticavity and tartar control.


Lady Gaga - Fame perfume
1.2ml/ 0.04 fl oz     value: $1.50

I received this scent in a previous beauty box and used it up quickly - I love it! The card says that it is compounded by Lady Gaga -  containing tears of Belladonna, crushed heart of Tiger Orchidea with a black veil of incense, pulverized apricot and the combinative essences of saffron and honey drops.


Goody - Slide-proof silicone elastics
8 ties    value: $4

Another item I've received in a beauty box, but a girl can never have too many hair ties (because, let's be honest, they disappear mysteriously). Plus these elastics use slide proof technology to make sure they stay secure all day.


Simple - Micellar Cleansing water
0.135 fl oz/ 4 ml   value: $0.50

I know what many people are thinking (because there are endless discussions about these samples) - Why are beauty boxes sending water?? Well, personally I love these waters. They contain multi-vitamins, skin loving ingredients and gentle cleansers. Plus these are specially designed for sensitive skin - which unfortunately I deal with.


Nivea - In-shower body lotion with cocoa butter
0.31 fl oz/ 9ml   value: $1

This is another product I've received but I LOVE it! Use this lotion while you're in the shower to leave your skin extra soft.


My Trendsetter Walmart Beauty Box has a total value of $18.50 - how can you not love that for $5??
I've noticed Walmart tends to send "staple" items in their beauty boxes, so I will always use them. A few of the items I previously received but they're always welcome.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Beauty Box 5 - June 2016 - Made in the Shade

June's Beauty Box 5 boxes are beginning to arrive to all you babes!!
I was happy to see that adorable little blue box arrive.

Every beauty box contains an information card with all the products.

Here's what is included this month --

Sweep Brush - Oval contour and highlight brush
*FULL SIZE*   value: $15

These oval brushes have been all over social media and I've been dying to get my hands on one. BB5 really stepped up their game this month. The bristles are pillow soft and it flawless apply your favorite foundation.


Manna Kadar - Radiance Bronzer and Highlighter duo
*FULL SIZE*  value: $24

Highlighting is still very in, so you can never have too much highlighter or bronzer. Use this duo to create a fierce contoured look. Both the bronzer and highlight contain hints of shimmer that will give you a great look for the summer.


Pur~lisse - Blue Lotus treatment sheet mask
*FULL SIZE* 0.74oz/ 21g    value: $8

Use this mask to intensely moisturize, sooth and balance. The natural fiber mask is infused with blue lotus and seaweed and restorative Asian botanicals. It also includes white mulberry to brighten and Anise fruit for continuous moisture.


VersaSpa - Gradual Tanning face moisturizer
0.25 fl oz/ 7.39ml    value: $4.50

I previously received this moisturize in another subscription so I was happy to see it again. Use this moisturizer to hydrate and blur fine lines while you gradually create a beautiful bronze glow. Make sure to wait a few hours before getting wet!


Presitge Cosmetics - Brow and lash brush
*FULL SIZE* $3.25
This double-ended tool is great to throw in your makeup bag. Use the bristles to comb brow and blend eyebrow makeup. Use the comb for your lashes for a clump free look.


If you love full sized products, then Beauty Box 5 is for you! This month 4/5 products were full size and the box had a total value of $54.75. Given that this is the most budget friendly box I've found, I am continually impressed. The oval brush is my favorite product from this month, but all of them will be used.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Birchbox - June 2016 - Everyday Magic

For June, Birchbox decided to go with a cool rainbow-colored, geometric beauty box and the theme "Everyday Magic". This month, they're showing us the right products and techniques for a presto-chango payoff!!

Here's what I received in my June Birchbox --

Living Proof - Perfect hair day (PhD) Night Cap overnight perfecter
30ml/ 1 floz     value: $7

This overnight solution delivers softer, shinier, more manageable hair that lasts up to five washes or one week. This is made with the brand's patent-pending, hair-protecting compound OFPMA and a blend of nourishing amino acids.
The formula itself is very lightweight and smells wonderful. Plus it leaves your hair feeling nice and refreshed!


Air Repair - Complexion boosting moisturizer
7ml/ 0.24 fl oz    value: $2.50

This is an intensely rejuvenating face cream packed with antioxidants and humectants to hydrate and revitalize skin. I enjoyed using this for a burst of moisture after washing my face. The hyaluronic acid works wonders on giving your complexion an extra boost.


Whish - Shave cream with Vitamin K
22ml/ 0.75 fl oz  value: $2.50

This shave cream is formulated with organic jojoba seed oil, green tea and coconut oil to deeply moisturize and clam your skin. The natural scalene reverses roughness and dryness with omega-3 fatty acids. The blend of natural plant extracts plus vitamin K minimize spider veins, varicose veins and bruises over time.
The cream itself is very thick and gives you nice coverage for a smooth, silky shave.


COOLA - Mineral face SPF 30 unscented matte tint
0.17 fl oz/ 5ml  value: $3.50

This SPF tint is made with 70 percent organic ingredients for a silky, non greasy formula. This is a natural BB cream mineral sunscreen. It provides an unscented, matte tint so you can skip foundation during the hot summer months while protecting your delicate skin.


Benefit Cosmetics - Gimme Brow volumizing fiber gel in Medium
1g/ 0.03oz   value: $8

This was my sample choice for June. Every subscriber was able to pick either the light, medium or dark shade. The volumizing microfibers and exclusive water-resistant gel adhere to thicken brows. The formula is enriched with conditioning vitamin b5 and marshmallow extract.
The wand itself is very small, so it helps you not have a heavy hand while applying. I've heard that this gel is great for beginners and I've loved the results so far!


My June Birchbox has a total value of $23.50. It is on the lower end of value for the Birchboxes that I have received. The only item I was really excited to try was the Benefit Gimme Brow. The rest are all good samples that I will be able to use a time or two.



IPSY - June 2016 - Rebel Rebel

IPSY revealed a colorful graffiti glambag for June. I love how different it is than anything I've seen for beauty boxes. The theme for June is "Rebel Rebel", and the graffiti adorned bag matches it perfectly.

What did I receive in my June IPSY glambag??

Elizabeth Mott - Show Me Your Cheeks blush in Peach Pink
2.5g/ 0.10 oz   value: $11.50

This deluxe sized sample comes in a little plastic, re-closable container. The peach shade contains gold shimmers that create great dimension. What a great light pink hue to dust across your cheeks during the summer months!


ColourPop Cosmetics - Creme gel liner in Swerve
*FULL SIZE*  0.2g/ 0.01 oz   value: $5

I received this gel eye liner in the black shade. I like twist-up style pencils because then I never have to worry about toting around a sharpener. The creme, gel formula also allows this liner to be applied easily and smoothly.


Hey Honey - 24Seven: Day and Night revitalizing cream
15ml/ 0.5oz   value: $11.50

I fell in love with Hey Honey a few months ago when I tried out their Take It Off mask and honey silk serum. I was pleasantly surprised to see a sample of one of their products I haven't tried yet. This day/night cream is for all skin types. The formula isn't greasy or sticky and it can even be used on the delicate areas of your face.


Urban Decay - Eyeshadow in Lounge
0.85g/0.03oz   value: $11

This eyeshadow shade is beee-autiful. In the pan, it looks to be a deep, shimmery green color. After application you can see the hints of red. Urban Decay released this color for their 20th birthday and is allowing IPSY subscribers to test out the iconic shade.


frank body - Original Coffee Scrub
*FULL SIZE* (?)    value: $15

I have been wanting to try out this coffee body scrub since I heard about it, so I was ecstatic to see it in my glambag. Cover your entire body in this scrub while you are in the shower, using circular massage motions. Use a light body wash to rinse off and unveil your beautiful skin. The scrub contains freshly ground robusta coffee, brown sugar and sea salt, cold pressed sweet almond oil and orange essence.


The total value of my June glambag is $54!! That is pretty impressive for a $10 bag. I was so happy with all the products I received this month. All of them will be put to great use.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Play! by Sephora - June 2016 - The Minimalists

My June Play! by Sephora beauty box has arrived!
The theme for this month is "The Minimalists". All these products are great to help you create that easy to achieve, flawlessly pretty look.

Every beauty box includes a PlayBook that includes product information, application tips and tricks. Every month, a card is also included that you can take into a store for a FREE one-on-one tutorial.


BareMinerals - BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer
3ml/ 0.10 fl oz    value: $3

BareMinerals created this lightweight, blendable serum bronzer. The advanced formula gives you antioxidant protection. Wear it alone or over foundation for that sun kissed glow.


Bumble and Bumble - Don't Blow It Hair Styler
0.5 fl oz/ 15 ml   value: $3

This air dry product is put into your hair while it's damp to help achieve a blow-dried effect.


Benefit Cosmetics -They're Real! mascara
3g/ 0.1oz  value: $8

I've received this top seller in multiple of my beauty box subscriptions. The formula lengthens with no clumps. Want to create an even more unbelievable lash look? Use the wand vertically!


Tarte - TARTEGUARD 30 sunscreen lotion
7ml/ 0.23 fl oz   value: $4.50

Tarte created this SPF 30 sunscreen lotion to protect you from skin cancer and premature aging. Mostly natural brand mineral sunscreen (broad spectrum) UVA and UVB. 


BECCA- Backlight Priming filter
6ml/ 0.20 fl oz    value: $7.50

Radiate through your foundation for a light-from-within effect - or use alone to create a glow. It is like a real life soft-focus filter to blur imperfections.


Tocca Florence - Perfume
The perfume sample for June is from Tocca Beauty. The scent is Old world Paris made modern. The smell contains a mixture of violet, blonde wood, bergamot.


The total value of the June Play! by Sephora beauty box is $26. I was not super impressed by any one product this month. The bag contained a decent variety of products but I was not thrilled for any one in particular.