IPSY - December 2015 - With Love From IPSY

IPSY is closing out 2015 by letting us know how much they love their subscribers <3
The glambag is different than any I've received before. It curves along the top edge and it's a cute patent red material.

Pacifica - Power of Love natural lipstick in Tender Heart
*Full size*  0.07 oz/ 2g  value: $10

ModelCo - Lip Enhancer Illusion lip liner
*Full size*  1.5g/ 0.05 oz   value: $20

I love this lipstick because it is naturally moisturizing. It is made with coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E. The Tender Heart shade is a nice neutral pink.

This lip liner makes your pout look fuller and mored defined. This neutral shade works for all lips.

LATHER - Honey moisture mask with propolis extract
0.5 oz/ 14 g  value: $5.50

This super-hydrating mask is great to revive stressed skin. It is specially blended with propolis extract, natural honey, and nourishing minerals and vitamins.

Skinn Cosmetics - Sugar Lips polishing scrub
20 ml/ 0.7 oz   value: $10

This is made with real sugar and a special butter blend. The scrub gently works on flaked, chapped lips to reveal a smooth finish.

Elizabeth Mott - Thank Me Lather eye shadow primer
5g/ 0.17 oz    value: $10

This primer has many fans. It dries transparent to prep your lids for shadow application. I like how it makes eye shadows appear more intense and the color stays put longer.

My December glambag totals $55.50. I am loving the lipstick and the honey moisture mask. This bag is not the best bag I've received, but I like many of the products.

Birchbox January 2016 - Sample Choice/ Curated Box

The sample choices for your January Birchbox have been revealed!

Eyeko Fat Liquid Liner

"Meet the new chubby eyeliner pen from Eyeko—proof that sometimes, bigger really is better. This easy-to-use liner lets you get a steady grip for even application. It delivers the same smudge-proof, budge-proof, rich color we adore—now in a thicker, bolder-than-ever line. Enriched with nourishing algae extract, this liner glides on smoothly for a high-impact look (without any fuss)."

TONYMOLY Delight
"Though a stain that stubbornly spends the day on your winter white job interview ensemble is not a good look, a stain that stays put on your lips is a completely different story. This lightweight, super pigmented formula goes on your lips with a fruity smelling sheen, and dries quickly for a sheer, matte finish that won’t budge all day. It’s easy to create deeper color by adding layers of this non-drip formula, which moisturizes lips with rosehip and aragan oils. Plus, this long-lasting tint contains jojoba seed oil, which promotes cellular regeneration and elasticity for younger looking lips."

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer 
"Great foundation requires, well, a great foundation. This creamy SPF 15 primer creates a smooth, radiant canvas for makeup, refining pores and enhancing skin tone. And thanks to the blend of nourishing fruit extracts and shimmer pearl powder, your skin will glow whether you’re wearing this under foundation or under nothing at all."


The curated box has also been revealed! 
On Trend: Koren Beauty curated by Charlotte Cho
RE:P Bio Fresh Mask with Real Calming Herbs
IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer
TonyMoly Delight Tony Tint in Red
Manefit Soothing and Moisturizing Sheet Mask
Goodal Waterest Essence
Goodal Bonus Packettes

Will you be picking a sample choice or the curated box?
Which sample choice are you most excited to receive?? 

Birchbox - December 2015 - Winter Essentials curated box

Winter is here! ❄️❄️❄️ For my December Birchbox, I chose the curated "Winter Essentials" box.
It includes many great options to combat the dry weather and keep your skin happy and healthy.

My box came today- decorated in royal blue and dotted in teal.

Information card-

Now let's open the box!!

jane iredale - Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in Forever Peach

Small sample  value: $4

This is possibly the smallest lipstick I've ever seen. It has a fresh, almost strawberry scent 🍑 or 🍓??

The product comes out very sheer and silky. You can use it for lips and cheeks but I will be using it mainly as a lip tint.

Coastal Scents - eye shadow duo in GlamourEyes

0.65g/0.023oz   value: $0.50

The curated box includes the "GlamourEYES" color from the StyleEYES palette collection. 

These are a jewel toned green and gold. The shadow has a soft feel but you'll need to do a few swipes to get a rich color application. Great colors for the upcoming holiday season 🎉🎉🎉

eSalon- Perfect Ending Leave In Conditioner 

29mL/1fl oz   value: $3

This sample is a nice size, so you'll be able to get a few uses. It provides lightweight nourishment and is for all hair types. The scent is clean and not overwhelming. I love leave-in conditioners to keep my tresses from drying out in the cold weather. 

derma e - Microdermabrasion Scrub 

0.5oz/14g   value: $8

This scrub has a refreshing lemon scent 🍋 unlike many other harsh microdermabrasion scrubs. The texture is more like lotion with a fine scrub rather than a gritty grain. I have very sensitive skin and I can't wait to try out this scrub. 

JUARA - Coconut Illipe Hand and Nail Balm

8mL/0.27oz  value: $2

This sample comes foiled (great for swaps). It's the perfect size to throw in your purse for daily hydration for your hands, nails and cuticles. Another bonus: no strong scent. You will need to use this multiple times a day, it applies lightly. 

Bonus! Chuao Chocolatier in cinnamon cereal smooch 

0.39oz/11g   value: $1?

What a nice bonus treat for the holidays 🍫 I will save it for when I need a little chocolate indulgence. 

Overall I would say this is a decent box. With a value of about $18.50, it is not the most expensive value box that Birchbox has curated. All of the products are staples that everyone has in their beauty routine. I will use every product this month. 

Stay tuned for my December IPSY review ( for you with ❤️ from IPSY). Boxes are live and mine will be here tomorrow (hopefully)!!!

💋

Glossybox - November 2015 - Flecks of Gold

I always enjoy receiving my beautiful Glossybox for the month.

Marsk - Mineral eyeshadow in You're Toast
*Full size* 1.2g/ 0.04 oz   value: $22.50

Wow! A full sized Marsk eye shadow? I love it. This beautiful shimmery shade looks amazing on your eyelids.

Beauty for Real - D-Fine perfect lip pencil
*Full size* 0.35g/ 0.012 oz    value: $14

This lip pencil has a creamy texture and works for all day wear. It is colored to perfectly match all lip tones to stray from the telltale lip liner look.


Florapy - Floral Therapy facial sheet in Yarrow Lavender
*Full size*  0.8 fl oz/ 23 ml    value: $8

This sheet mask is designed to melt away stress and promote sleep. The yarrow flower works to protect and sooth your skin. The lavender oil has soothing and calming benefits to help purify and balance your natural oil levels.

Crabtree & Evelyn - La Source ultra- moisturizing  hand therapy
25g / 0.9 oz   value: $9

This lotion is infused with macadamia nut oil, shea butter and seaweed and algae extracts. The intensive cream nourishes your skin so it is smoother and more luxurious.

Estee Lauder - Revitalizing Supreme Global anti-aging creme
0.17 oz/ 5 ml  value: $8.50

This multi action cream reduces the look of multiple signs of aging. It relieves lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, dullness and dehydration. It is never too early for prevention and jumping on the anti-aging regime.

My November Glossybox has an overall value of $62. I loved receiving three full size items. The remaining two items are high quality brands which I am excited to try.

Birchbox - November 2015 - Feeling Fancy

Birchbox is feeling fancy this month. The box is decorated with light blue outlines of flowers.

Harvey Prince - Eau de Parfum in Sincerely
 1.5ml/ 0.05 fl oz   value: $2

I previously received a roll on version of this scent. It is a complex blend of Indian tuberose, Turkish cyclamen and Spanish mandarin.

LOC - Vibrant matte lipstick in Glam Life
*Full size* 0.6g/ 0.02 oz   value: $8

This is Birchbox's very first makeup brand, LOC aka Love of Color. I am LOVING this glamorous berry shade. It is deep and gives your lips dimension.

Obliphica Professional - Seaberry Serum
0.5 fl oz/ 15 ml   value: $8.50

This antioxidant rich serum helps treat and repair your hair. You dry and damaged hair will be transformed. I already used almost the whole sample on my thick, long tresses. I love the smell and it left my hair feeling soft.

Temple Spa - La La Lagoon aromatic bath & shower gel
25ml/ 0.84 fl oz   value: $3

First off, this packaging reminds me of the products they leave out for you in hotels. It is beautifully fragrant and leaves your skin soft and smooth.

theBalm Cosmetics - shadow/blush in FratBoy
0.57g/ 0.02oz   value: $1.50

This is a very small sample of blush and I would not wear the pink hue as an eyeshadow. I will say that the packaging is adorable.

My November Birchbox has a value on the lower end at $23. I already love Birchbox's brand LOC lipstick. I did enjoy the small sample I was able to use of the hair serum.

IPSY - November 2015 - Beauty Blast

On trend with Beauty Blast - IPSY decided to go with a galaxy theme for November. This bag design is so chic, I love the space design. One of my favorites!!

Now on to the products--

Crown Brush - deluxe pointed crease brush

Full size   value: $5

You can never have too many brushes! I'm always a fan of receiving them with my subscriptions. This is a good quality brush that is slightly larger than other crease brushes I've used. It gives nice coverage over the eyelid. 

Jelly Pong Pong - Liquid Gossamer

Full size 8mL/ 0.27fl oz  value: $23

I've never heard of this brand, but it has good reviews. IPSY also sent us a full size version! The product comes wrapped in a clear plastic, so you can use it for swaps. It's described as a "liquid luminizer" so I'm excited to try out this new product.

Luxie Beauty - matte eyeshadow no. 290

1.5g/0.05oz    value: $6

This eyeshadow is paraben-free, cruelty-free and dermatologist tested. 

As you can see on the swatch, it comes out a toasty brown shade. Looks like a great color to try out with my new crease brush. 

Smashbox - Full Exposure mascara in jet black

0.14floz/4mL   value: $7.50

I've received this Smashbox mascara sample in a few subscriptions and I LOVE it. You can't beat the huge brush with nice bristles for BIG lashes. The formula is not clumpy and last all day. 

Coolway - stronghold spray

0.5oz/15mL   value: $3

I don't use hairspray frequently but this is a nice, tiny bottle to keep around. This is a pump spray that is color safe with a mild scent.

Total value of my November box is $44.50 and I will use all the products at some point. I am continually happy with my IPSY subscription. 

Beauty Box 5 - November 2015 - Boosted Basics

What a good idea for a box theme! The November Beauty Box 5 includes basics that most people use in their beauty routines but with a twist. Your basics don't have to be boring!

LA Fresh/ Eco beauty - Good Day day moisturizer
0.5 oz / 15 g  value: $12

Altchek MD - depuff eye pads
2 pairs  value: $4

This is a highly natural brand which is the reason for the higher price tag. The moisturizer provides hydration and  brings freshness to your face. It includes many natural ingredients and vitamins.

With all the eye pads I've been receiving in my beauty boxes, I'm becoming a huge fan. They help reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness while hydrating your skin. Relieve sensitive and fragile skin under your eyes.

Kaunis - soothing facial mask
*Full size*  value: $15

This mask by Kaunis contains deep ocean water that is extracted from 800 meters below sea level. It penetrates the skin cell membranes to moisturize your skin.

MoodMatcher - Luxe twist stick in Orange
*Full size* 2.9g/ 0.10 oz  value: $8

This lip stick takes me back to the days of mood rings. Apply this to your lips and watch them change color depending on your mood. I received the orange stick while turned into a bright pink on my lips. The texture is consistent to a balm and applies very smoothly.

The All Natural Face - vegan matte cream lip & cheek color in Dusky Rose
*Full size*  value: $6

This brand focuses on providing natural products. This matte cream blush is vegan and can be used on lips and cheeks. The color is a dark pink/ brown. I am not the biggest fan of cream blushes, but I'll work with this product a bit more.

This month's beauty box has a total value of $45. I find the Mood Matcher lip stick the most intriguing. It provides a nice color and I love the balmy texture.