Best Beauty Brands You've Never Heard Of (glamour.com)

Glamour has an article of the 17 best beauty brands you've never heard of ( http://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-indie-beauty-brands ).

Here's a quick list:
Dose of Colors
Milk Makeup
Colourpop
W3ll People
Too Cool For School
Ouai
Drunk Elephant
Sachajuan
Karuna
Sugar Pill Cosmetics
Glossier
Amika
Herbivore Botanicals
TreStiQue
Lano
Korres
IT Cosmetics


If you are a subscription box fiend (like me!), you've been able to try some of these amazing brands in you Birchbox, IPSY glambag, Glossybox, Beauty Box 5, etc.

After sampling some of these brands in my beauty boxes, I became a quick fan. Can't wait to try out some new brands!!

March 2016 - Top 5 Faves

This month I received subscription beauty boxes from IPSY, Birchbox, Glossybox and Beauty Box 5.

Here are my top 5 favorite products --

Mai Couture - Blush papiers in Prettyful and Sunset Blvd. (Beauty Box 5)
Why is it a fave?
Who has ever applied blush or bronzer with a PIECE OF PAPER? Not me, that's for sure. But you can't deny the ease of throwing some of these little bad boys in your purse and touching up your makeup on the go. With the variety of colors, you're sure to find a fave. 

EYEKO - Eye Do liquid eyeliner in Carbon Black (Glossybox)
Why is it a fave?
I fell in love with EYEKO eyeliner after receiving the fat liner. This thin version did not spare any of the quality. You'll be saying "eye do" after giving yourself a flawless line with this eyeliner.

Too Faced - Melted Liquified long wear lipstick in Chihuaua (Glossybox)
Why is it a fave?
Lipstick that's melted down for easier application without sacrificing any of the quality. That's why Too Faced is a god among makeup lines. This melted liquified lipstick pumps out of a felted tip to easily sweep across your plump lips. Giving the color (and attention) they deserve. 

theBalm Cosmetics - Stainiac in Beauty Queen (Birchbox)
Why is it a fave?
Do you dream of applying a subtle color to your lips and having it stay put all day? Here is your answer! Stainiac is the perfect rosy hue to give your lips a natural color. There's no need to reapply, the stain lasts through your long day of talking (a lot) and eating (a lot). Bonus, there's no weird, sticky residue left on your lips. You'll barely notice that you're wearing any lip color. 

amika - Perk Up dry shampoo (Birchbox)
Why is it a fave?
First of all, this smells AMAZING! I've been a diehard Batiste dry shampoo fan since I decided that washing my hair daily was not for me. This is the first and only dry shampoo that gives Batiste a run for it's money. 

IPSY - March 2016 - Hello Spring

Hello Spring! So happy you're back with your warm weather and beautiful scenery.

ISPY gave subscribers one of three bags colors, I received this beautiful cool with teal swirls.

MAEK UP FOREVER - Step 1 Skin Equalizer Hydrating Primer

5 ml/ 0.16 fl oz, value: $12 

The perfect first step - this targeted formula is created to hydrate while giving you even, longer-lasting makeup. The formula itself is lightweight and glides across your skin. It also promises to firm and smooth your skin to create the perfect makeup canvas. 

Global Beauty Care - Collagen Spa Treatment Mask

2 facial masks, value: $5

Global Beauty Care is back, this time with TWO spa treatment masks. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and the anti-aging serum minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps firm, tone and revive skin elasticity. 

Luxie Beauty - Rose Gold Short Shader Brush 223

*Full Size* value: $11

Pretty soon I will have received the whole brush line through my subscription boxes! This short shader brush has soft bristles that pack on the pigment. Also, the cute light pink handle :)

NUDESTIX - Lip & Cheek Pencil in Mystic

2.5g/ 0.09 oz, value: $15

This NUDESTIX pencil can be used for either your lips or cheeks or a dash of color. I received the sample in Mystic, a mauve/ pink color that glides on smoothly.

First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

7.5 ml/ 0.25 fl oz, value: $2

First Aid Beauty always provides great products for all skin types. This particular serum is safe for sensitive skin. It will replenish, smooth and soften your skin. The clear, almost gel-like product is to be applied to clean face and neck. 

I was not super thrilled about any product I received in the March IPSY glambag. All products are decent quality and I will use them, but I've used them all before. The total value of all the products in my March glambag was $45. It was not a bad glambag, but it was not the best that I've ever received. 

Beauty Box 5 - March 2016 - Flower Power

March is here, so time to get those gardens started!!

Colourme - Pink Fragrance

sample, value: $1

Bonus item - Rose Temporary Tattoo

*Full size* value: $2

Subscribers will received one of two scents of this Colourme fragrance. I received the "pink" scent, which has heavy floral tones. It has a long-lasting 6 hour guarantee. 

BB5 included this fun temporary rose tattoo to help us get our bloom on. What a fun little extra!

Mai Couture - Blush & Highlighter papiers in Prettyful & Sunset Blvd. 

two packs of blush value: $1.50

What a cool, new idea! I've never used makeup papiers before! Perfect for on the go, these give you instant cheek color, anytime, anywhere without the brush. The sheer powder has subtle shimmer and glides on easily and evenly. I'm already a fan! You can also pick up highlighter and bronzing papiers. 

pur~lisse - Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Eye Adore Serum

0.24 oz/ 7 ml, value: $30 

After many subscription samples, I can say I'm a fan of this brand. This 4-in-1 eye serum hydrates, firms, brightens and decreases puffiness. All great benefits to keep eyes looking young and bright. Use day and night after cleansing by gently tapping around your eye area. 

Glamour Dolls - Spring Collection Eyeshadow duo in Secret Weapon

*Full Size* 0.05 oz/ 1.5 g value: $4

This eyeshadow duo from Glamour Dolls includes a light brown with hints of pink and a highly pigmented yellow. They come together to create a beautiful spring eye. The brown colors needs a nice primer. 

Personail - Floral Nail Polish Wraps 

*Full Size* 3.5g/ 0.12 oz value: $13

Nail wraps have taken the polish industry by storm in the past few years. Easy to apply and no drying time makes having a cute manicure a breeze. These Personail strips last up to 10 days. They come with 16 strips so you'll be sure to find ones to perfectly fit your nails. Also included are a cuticle stick, mini file and directions on how to easily apply. 

I like how this Beauty Box 5 included many items that are fashion forward. I am enjoying trying different brands of polish strips and the blush papiers are something I've never seen before. The temporary tattoo was a cute, fun add on - I certainly cannot remember the last time I purchased a temporary tattoo!  The March beauty box has a total value of $51.50, which isn't bad (over half the value is from the pur~lisse sample). Overall, good March for Beauty Box 5.

Birchbox - April 2016 Sample Choice/ Featured Box

April is quickly approaching and Birchbox just released this month's theme and sample choices/ featured box!!
The April Birchbox theme is Spring Awakening - get ready for an explosion of flowers and Spring ready products. The box is covered in a multicolored floral pattern.

April sample choices!
1. RMS Beauty - The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes
Formulated with coconut oil (bonus: you get two!)

2. Au Naturale Cosmetics - Lively Trio Set
All natural makeup brand. The trio includes lipstick, blush and shade in a cream formula.

3. Briogeo - Don't Despair! Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
If you have overprocessed, dry hair or split ends use this all natural mask for more shine and hydration.

The featured box for April is themed Effortlessly Elegant - it also comes covered in a floral print. All the products focus around anti-aging and having a fresh look for Spring.
The box includes:
Marcelle - 3-in-1 Micellar Solution
PARLOR by Jeff Chastain - Volumizing Lifting Spray
Tocca Crema de Mano - Giuletta
Dr. Jart+ - Liftra Cream
Laura Geller New York - Backed Blush-n-Brighten

You can make your sample choice on March 29th!!

Glossybox - March 2016

Glossybox is back to their classic light pink packaging for the month of March.This spring time box came filled with a some great beauty products!

Too Faced - Melted Liquified Longwear Lipstick in Chihuhua

5 ml/ 0.16 fl oz value: $8.40

I am already a big fan of this Too face liquid lipstick. I comes in a squeezable tube and the lipstick is dispersed through a velvet textured top. The Chihuahua color is a neutral pink. This unique application has the power of a stain, intense color of lipstick and high shine of a gloss. 

EYEKO - Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black

1.2g/ 0.04 oz value: $11.40

This cute sample of liquid liner is the perfect size to bring along for travels. This eyeko liner applies like others from the brand - it almost reminds me of a Sharpie! The formula is waterproof and long-lasting. I have nothing but rave reviews for eyeko eyeliners. 

Vine Vera - Resveratrol Merlot Moisture Day Cream

0.5 oz value: $40

I love... Cosmetics - Super Soft Hand Lotion in Raspberry and Blackberry

*Full size 75ml/ 2.5 fl oz value: $6

I received to small tubs of the Vine Vera day cream. The formula is thick and does not have a scent. It seems to be quite high quality. I plan on using this new product for about a week to see the full results!

This smooth and rich lotion has a great berry scent. The formula is pretty light and you need to use quite a bit to fully coat your hands. The packaging is adorable with all the hearts scattered across the red hue. 

Luxie Beauty - Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504

*Full size value: $16

A makeup lover can never have too many brushes. I have been loving the Luxie brand since the first brush I received. The bristles are very soft and high quality. The handle is a beautiful soft pink and allows a great grip. Another wonderful brush!

The March Glossybox was not the highest quality box I've ever received from them. It boasted a total value of $81.80, not bad!! I enjoyed receiving another brush and the eyeko and Too Faced products. I am not super thrilled about the lotions, but it's always nice to have them.

Target - March 2016 - Vacay Vibes

Target is getting us all prepped for the warm months ahead. This month's beauty box includes all the needs to be prepared for your next getaway.

Hair Food - moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
0.33 fl oz/ 10 ml each   value: $0.50

This shampoo/ conditioner duo is designed for system use with each other. Use together for luxurious moisture and nourishment for healthy hair. They are infused with honey and apricot fragrance to give your locks a pleasant scent.

Not Your Mother's - texturizing sea salt spray
60 ml/ 2 fl oz     value: $1.50

Banana Boat - Sun Comfort SPF 30 lotion
1 fl oz/ 29 ml   value: $1.50

NYM haircare products have a great reputation and this sea salt spray does not disappoint. Get the look of a day on the boardwalk without leaving your house. This sea salt spray is infused with natural dead sea salt and sea kelp. The spray gives you tousled waves and a matte finish.


How can a beauty box prepare you for a vacation without sunscreen? Banana Boat provides broad-spectrum protection for your time spent in the sun.

Sinful Colors - nail color in Poisonberry
*Full size* 0.5 fl oz/ 15 ml   value: $2

Sinful Colors in an inexpensive, quality brand - so you can pick up a rainbow of colors. The Poisonberry color is a deep purple with a hint of pink. Great color to help you transition into spring.

Laneige - water sleeping mask
20 ml/ 0.6 fl oz    value: $5.50

Nugg - deep hydration facial mask treatment
10 ml/ 0.33 fl oz    value: $3

This popular Korean brand seems to make it's way into most Target beauty boxes. The water sleeping mask is one of their signature products. After cleansing, apply the mask evenly across your face. The product will completely absorb and is to be left on overnight then rinsed off in the morning. The only hesitation I have about this product is the fragrance, I prefer fragrance free facial products.

This is the perfect facial mask for after your vacation is over. It provides thirst relief fro dry, de-hydrated skin. It contains Camellia Seed Oil and Spirulina extract. Clean and dry your skin then apply the contents from the capsule. Leave on for up to 10 minutes and rinse to reveal your hydrated and replenished skin.

You Are Amazing - juicy grapefruit body lotion
1 fl oz/ 29.6 ml   value: $0.50

Caress: Adore Forever body wash
1.8 fl oz/ 55 ml    value: $0.50

Who doesn't love a body lotion the has a bright, citrusy scent? This daily lotion keeps your skin hydrated all day. The brand is paraben and phthalate-free and they do not test on animals.

Say hello to the world's first body wash with fragrance touch technology. Touching your skin will release the pleasant scent for up to 12 hours! The scent is a floral musk with hints of pink rose and amber.


This Target beauty box has a total value of $15, not bad for a $7 box!! Overall, there is a nice variety of products in this box. I like the mix of products that I know as well as new brands to try.