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November Birchbox Unboxing 2015!

November 17, 2015

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? I managed to pick up a few items at Sephora plus I have some on their way so I will post on that later. I’ve also been battling a low grade fever so I’m a bit behind on comments/social media but I will get back to you. 🙂

Birchbox came in over the weekend so here’s a glance on what was included.

Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser and Vitamin E Face Moisturizer (sample)

This cleanser is said to help clear up breakouts and balance skins natural pH;the moisturizer has hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to nourish skin. I haven’t had a chance to try these two yet.

LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in First Kiss

Birchbox has a new in-house brand called LOC. This month’s sample I choose was a lipstick that was curated by YouTube beauty star Tati Westbrook. It’s a matte pinky beige color that is so pretty but unfortunately doesn’t last long and definitely needs to be paired with lip balm or lipgloss so it doesn’t dry out lips.

LOC First Kiss

Montale Dark Purple

This fragrance sample has “notes of rose petals, geranium bourbon, and patchouli [that] sit on a woodsy base of gray amber, teak wood and white musk.” It smells a lot like berries and while I do like it, it’s not unique enough that would compel me to purchase the full size.

Parlor by Jeff Chastain Touchable Curl Cream

An “innovative formula [that] combines the siky texture of a serum with the light hold of a cream.” Another item I have yet to try but I do find that I always need to layer hair products with these type of creams to really hold my curls in place and prevent frizz.

The Beauty Crop Lighting Crew Highlighting Cream

I had seen this in other bloggers’ pages and I was excited when I discovered this was included. It smells like pineapple, (yum!) and really does add a glow so a little dab will go a long way. It can also be mixed with body lotion to give your body a festive and luminous glow. Note: Make sure to blend this quickly when you use it.

The Beauty Crop Highlighting Cream

Overall, this box was okay. I wish the lipstick was formulated as more moisturizing but the highlighting cream was a great choice and made this box.

What are your thoughts on this box?

Stephanie

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing October 2015!

October 20, 2015

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? October’s PopSugar Must Have Box arrived over the weekend, prompting a great start. 🙂 Take a peek at what was included in this month’s box!

Inspiration behind this months box.

The Honest Company Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub Lavender Vanilla, $17

Perfect for fall and winter, this body scrub has sugar and salt to slough away dead skin cells while shea butter and almond oils hydrate the skin. Oh, and it is Lavender scented. 🙂

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling, $25

I’ll be honest and say I’m not really a fan of The Mindy Project but I did read the first chapter in this book and I found it entertaining. This book is a collection of essays that “shed light on her less-than-perfect fit in Hollywood.”

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, $11.96

Considered a special extra, this leave-in product detangles, adds shine and stops frizz. “It’s a 10 Haircare is a proud partner of Right Action For Women, helping provide advanced cancer screening to women.”

Belgian Boys De Stoopwafel, $1.59

The second item I tried after taking pictures and this was heavenly! It’s a caramel-filled waffle that’s a nice treat without being overly sweet.

Donation to Breast Cancer Awareness

“In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PopSugar Must Have has made a donation to Right Action For Women.”

Easy, Tiger Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set, $8

Definitely not something I would have ever thought to purchase, these imaged paper bags can be used to carry your favorite bottle of wine to any special occasion.

Savvy Sleepers Luxury Satin Pillowcase, $36

This 100% satin pillowcase “prevents sleep wrinkles, reduces hair breakage, and protects salon blowouts for the ultimate sleep experience.” I do notice that sometimes I wake up with these creases on the side of my face with my regular pillowcases and since switching to this, they seem less pronounced. More time will tell.

Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks, $15

These pink slipper socks were designed by PopSugar to support Breast Cancer Awareness month. “Richer Poorer proudly supports the fight against breast cancer and the important work of Right Action for Women.” These will come in handy once things start cooling down over here but for now, these will be put away as the sight of them causes me to cringe with this hot weather.

Danielle Steven Monogram Gift Card, $40

Another special extra, this $40 gift card can be used to receive your own monogrammed statement piece.

Also included were coupon codes: 20% off Savvy Sleepers and 30% off products purchased online from The Honest Company.

If you’re interested in trying out PopSugar Must Have, click here and if you need an incentive, check out this sneak peek of what’s included in every November PopSugar Must Have Box.

Have a great Tuesday,

Stephanie

October Birchbox Unboxing 2015!

October 13, 2015

Disclosure: This post contains a referral link.

Welcome back readers! October’s Birchbox arrived over the weekend and the theme is Positive Force in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Birchbox has teamed up with The Estee Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to fund one year of breast cancer lab research hours. Take a look at the samples I received for this month.

Avene Cleanance Soap-Free Gel Cleanser

A blue tinged cleanser that vaguely smells like Dove Soap (without the soap of course) and is infused with French thermal spring water. Definitely geared towards oily skin as this thoroughly removes oil and deep cleans.

Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo and bonus sample LOVE Smoothing Conditioner

I’m a fan of Davines’ products and these two are no exceptions. Formulated with oilve oil and rice protein, the shampoo cleans without stripping hair and the thick conditioner helps calm frizz. *Note: Personally, I have to alternate shampoos because there is an ingredient in here that over time makes my scalp and body itch but every time I use it, I love the results.

derma e Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask

Activated charcoal is scoring brownie points in the skincare and health realms so I was anxious to try this. It has apricot seed powder to exfoliate along with kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb oil and help decongest the skin. This crazy SoCal weather is causing me to breakout a bit so I’m testing to see if this will help clear it up.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

One of the sample choices this month, this is a water-resistant mascara that is long-lasting, curls and adds volume. I have yet to test this out but it sounds promising.

Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling Eau de Toilette

The sample perfume has notes of juniper, cardamom, soft leather, black cherry and amber. I cannot stomach the scent of juniper, so this sample will be given away.

Fragrance sample aside, I thought this box was good. Not my favorite but still worth it.

If you like what you saw and are thinking of subscribing to Birchbox, click here to use my referral link and earn extra points to use at the Birchbox shop.

Stephanie

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing August 2015!

August 20, 2015

Hi guys! August’s PopSugar Must Have box has arrived and if you haven’t heard of this it’s a monthly box whose items range from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box. Subscription plans start at $39.95, all items are full size and are valued at over $100. Curious to see what was included? Keep reading!

The inspiration behind the box

Contents of the box + Description

Happy Jackson Yay Lunch! Lunch Box, $10

Step aside ziplock bags, there’s a cute yellow box that will now be used to store my snacks.

Meri Meri Toot Sweet Stripe Napkins, $5.95

Chic pink striped napkins that are versatile enough to use for birthdays, baby showers or picnics.

Folgers Iced Cafe Caramel Macchiato Flavored Coffee Drink Concentrate, $4.99

Perfect for those days when you’re craving an iced coffee but a trip to Starbucks is out of the question. This item was considered a ‘special extra’.

Pastel Best Day Ever Mug, $12

A dishwasher and microwave-safe mug that starts you off on a positive note whether you’re enjoying coffee or tea.

Royal Apothic Tea Balm Firming Eye Treatment, $36

An eye cream containing peptides that is said to smooth fine lines while “super extracts banish dark circles.” I’m not entirely convinced of banishing dark circle claim but excited to try this out anyway.

Southern Culture Shortstacks Pancake and Waffle Mix, $7.99

A pancake and waffle mix that is birthday cake flavored? The weekend can’t come soon enough!

American Colors Mediterranean Plaid Scarf, $79

With fall around the corner, a scarf made from 100% cotton gauze was included as our go-to accessory. We’ll see if California weather will allow for scarfs.

Not pictured

MyYogaWorks 3-Month Trial, $45

A 3-month online trial that let’s you practice yoga with over 700 online classes available to choose from.

Overall, I will be making use of all the products here so I’m happy with the contents of the box.

What are your thoughts?

Stephanie

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing July 2015!

July 15, 2015

Happy hump day everyone! July’s PopSugar Must Have box has arrived and if you haven’t heard of this it’s a monthly box whose items range from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box. Subscription plans start at $39.95, all items are full size and are valued at over $100. Curious to see what was included? Keep reading!

The inspiration behind this months box.

On to the box.

PopDental Portable Toothbrush, $19.99

A portable electric toothbrush that, “delivers 22,000 brush strokes per minute.” A great and practical item.

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit, $28

A water-resistant, sturdy and stylish pouch to store all of your travel/on-the go necessities. Also included is a 20% coupon to use on the Henri Bendel website. Don’t mind if I do. 🙂

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50, $28

Excited to try this skincare goody! It’s a mist that, “delivers SPF 50 protection, sets your morning makeup and controls oil and shine, giving your skin a flawless matte finish.” *Note: I’ll still recommend wearing your normal sunscreen underneath to ensure adequate protection.
Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes, $5.99

Great to have makeup wipes handy as prelude to help remove the day’s toll on your face.

The Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Bar, Chocolate Berry, $1.99

A protein bar that has blueberries, cherries, dark chocolate chunks (yum!) and roasted chickpeas instead of nuts. “Lower in fat and calories, it’s entirely vegan, non-GMO, and gluten free.”

Hallmark Signature Greeting Cards, $14.97+

Considered a ‘special extra’, this set includes cards to cover any special occasion, whether it be a wedding, birthday or just because. Each are individually wrapped in plastic to keep them protected and they truly are beautiful. Below is the wedding one.

Sorial Card Case, $28

A chic alternative to a wallet that’s perfect for a night out, there’s, “plenty of space to hold your ID, credit cards and some cash.”

Overall, I am happy with the box as it has practical and travel friendly items. 🙂

What are your thoughts on the box?

Stephanie

July Birchbox Unboxing!

July 13, 2015

Hi everyone! Hope your weekend was great. 🙂 Today’s post will be a quick run through of July’s Birchbox with my first impressions so let’s get to it!

Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub

This milky white scrub utilizes bamboo, tiny jojoba beads and apple enzymes to exfoliate. Compared to the Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, this feels more gentle and hydrating. According to the instructions, this can be used as a mask and left on for 1-3 minutes. So far I like it. Haven’t noticed any dramatic effects but it leaves skin smoother. *Note: this has cinnamon, clove and ginger extract so it may be a bit stimulating for sensitive skin. Always conduct a patch test.

Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray

If you’ve followed my blog for awhile, you’ll know I really love this spray and I was excited this was featured in July’s box. It’s a smaller sample than the purse size option but is enough to give you a feel for the product. I love using this product when I use a curling wand to curl my hair as it sets the style, adds texture without a sticky or stiff feel and smells ah-mazing.

Supergoop! Anti-Aging City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30

Love that a sunscreen was included in this box as it’s essential for skin health. Like the name implies, this feels like a serum which is so light-weight and absorbs quickly into the skin. It’s a chemical based sunscreen which you can read about here. Definitely an easy sunscreen to work with underneath makeup as it doesn’t pill. Best part? Toss it in your bag to carry with you on the go or if it irritates your skin, try using it as hand sunscreen protection when you’re driving. Yes, our hands and body need protection too!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bella

I call this lipstick my ‘sitting pretty’ lipstick. You know how you have those high heels that are so beautiful to look at but killer to wear so you use them only when you’re not going to be walking much? Well, the same concept applies to this lipstick. It is a gorgeous, bright pink color that provides intense (and I mean intense) color in one stroke. It does stain lips but it tends to move and transfers so if you’re planning on going out to eat while using this or are wearing white, I’d skip this or a least, use caution. Removing it with an oil based makeup remover works best.

theBalm cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush

I was surprised by how tiny this sample is-a little bigger than my thumb. You’re still able to pick up enough product with your brush but it takes a bit more effort. The consistency is creamy and blends nicely but I think this is more bronzer than blush. You can use this as blush-I love using bronzer as blush- but compared to the Too Faced Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer, which has a lot more pink undertones, this one is a dusty rose shade that leans more towards tan. Makes a great pick for summer.

L-R: Bronzer/Blush and Bella

That’s it for today!

What did you think of this month’s Birchbox?

Stephanie