Author: Coco

BirchBox Man June 2015

Coco

WRITE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE – Pack your bags with multitasking washes, rugged gear, and a solid SPF—the journey’s about to begin.

My box included:

  • Supergoop!® Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology, 2.4 oz.
  • Happy Socks Men’s Socks
  • Davines MOMO Conditioner
  • Davines MOMO Shampoo
  • Hanz de Fuko Claymation

I signed up for BirchBox Man for my boyfriend, mainly for hair gel samples. We have been lucky to get a different on in every box. He doesn’t care much for the one included in this box, unfortunately. The rest of the items are not something he would typically use and it has been difficult to get him to use them. I really like that they included the socks though! They don’t seem very masculine, but I like them!

Acure Organics Glamorganic Goddess Beauty Kit

Coco

One of my friends introduced me to Acure Organics and recommended trying their Toner because it is in a spray bottle. Acure offers this great charitable bundle that includes the toner:

Please help us raise funds for our friend Danielle Messina, The Glamorganic Goddess, whose mission is to find clean beauty products, inspire others, and promote education about the importance of prevention through a truly healthy lifestyle. At just 37 years old her doctor’s have discovered a secondary recurrence of Breast Cancer. We are donating 100% of the proceeds of this kit to help Danielle with her Glamorganic Goddess GoFundme Campaign.

For only $20, the box includes:

  • Facial Cleansing Gel (sample)
  • Facial Scrub (sample)
  • Facial Toner (full size)
  • Argan Oil (full size)
  • Day Cream (sample)
  • Lip Balm
  • Argan Oil Facial Towelettes

Click here for more information or to purchase the kit!

 

 

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals bareSkin Get Started Kit

Coco

The bareSkin Get Started Kit is $39.98 ($129 value) with a “New Flawless Club” membership (pricing varies depending on package and can be cancelled at any time). 

  • bareSkin Foundation – $18
  • Perfecting Face Brush – $28
  • bareSkin Perfecting Veil Sheer Boost – $20
  • Soft Focus Face Brush – $30
  • Correcting Concealor Broad Spectrum SPF 20 – $12
  • Mini Stroke of Light Eye Brightener – regular $11
  • Mini Lash Domination Voluminizing Mascara – regular $10

I was intrigued to try out their liquid foundation, and the introductory price seemed great. I wasn’t sure how I felt being forced into a paid membership to try it but the billing doesn’t start for two months so there was time to cancel if needed.

When the kit arrived my first thought was: SMALL. The foundation size was much smaller than I had expected, but after reading the guide, I found that you only need to use a few drops for each application. 

I have been using the kit since it arrived and I am absolutely in love with the bareSkin foundation and Perfecting Face Brush. The coverage is great and the application is very easy. The color and formula blends in perfectly with my complection. I already have decided to make these two products a part of my everyday routine.

I didn’t end up liking the Perfecting Veil because it was too dark for my skin. The Concealor and Brightener were nice and good products, but not super necessary for my routine. I didn’t need another mascara, but the applicator is great so I will definitely continue using it.

I want to continue using the foundation for the next to months before deciding whether I will continue with the club subscription, but so far I am sold! I really just need the foundation, though so I will consider that as well. 

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals May Mystery Box Review

Coco

It’s an 11-piece Beauty Surprise collection brimming with mystery goodies. These go fast. We’re talking a few hours. Tops. You’ve been warned…

The BareMinerals Mystery Box costs $45 with an estimated $195 value. Here’s what I received in my May box:

  • Buff & Conceal Brush
  • READY Luminizer Duo The Love Affair & The Shining Moment (pink nectar glow/golden champagne
  • Big & Bright Eyeliner in Espresso
  • 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance SPF 20 Mineral Veil
  • Blush in Sweet Romance (Candlelight Glow)
  • Marvelous Moxie Lipstick (Dim the Lights)
  • Natural Light Face Lifting Duo
  • bareVitamins – Skin Rev-er Upper
  • Mini READY Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum Spf 15
  • Whipped Velvet Eye Color – Deep Sky
  • Whipped Velvet Eye Color- Rich Olive

The only product I’ve used is the Lipstick. Everything else was kind of a miss for me, but I do appreciate the value of the box. I will probably wait a little while before buying another one.

BirchBox May 2015 Cupcakes and Cashmere

Coco

ELEVATE EVERYDAY – Curated by Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, this month’s picks bring out-of-the-ordinary elegance to your daily routine.

Here’s what was included in my box:

  • Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer
  • Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer
  • Marcelle Clay Mask
  • amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
  • W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara

I feel like I have received the POREfessional at least 5 times now from various boxes. I always like getting Benefit items, but this one is getting tired.

I’m most excited to try the clay mask and mascara.

OuiPlease Vol. 1.3: A Breath of Provence Review

Coco

OuiPlease Vol. 1.3: “A Breath of Provence” is valued at more than $400 per parcel. Your exclusive parcel will feature a surprise selection of the finest French products, making each delivery limited edition.

My boyfriend offered to buy me the annual subscription for our two year anniversary since he knew I had been lusting over it. It was set to ship toward the end of April, which was perfect since our anniversary is April 29. I was so excited to receive my parcel! 

Unfortunately, OuiPlease had shipping delays and the item didn’t end up shipping until May 14. Luckily, it arrived to me today since it was picked up in Texas!

The packaging did not disappoint. It is absolutely beautiful and lux feeling:

   
 

However, the contents of my box were a bit of a let down after seeing spoilers for the box already.

 
Here’s the full list of what was included in my box:

  • Tassia Canellis – Way Ring ($60)
  • Oliv’ La Claree – Radiance Elixir ($50)
  • Oliv’ Last Claree – Beauty Oil ($35)
  • La Fare 1789 – Voluminizing & Shining Shampoo ($25)
  • La Fare 1789 – Succulent Foot Cream ($15)
  • Coeur De Cigale – Shower Gel Fragrance Calisson ($25)
  • Panier Des Sens – Hand Cream Lemon ($15)
  • Rose et Marius – Les Carreaux de Ciment – Melon & Basil Fragrance ($15)
  • Plates & Parfums –  Sault Collection – Provence Lavender Flower Stchet ($15)
  • Epicure de Provence – Honey Candy Jar ($15)
  • Sothys – Rouge Intense Satiny Lipstick in Orange Saint-Paul ($30)
  • Sothys – Intense Brown Eye Pencil ($15)

All prices were taken from the included booklet, except for the Sothys items which I quoted from online sources.

The total value for my box is just $315 , which is $85 less than the promised $400 value. While I was pleased with my items, I was fairly disappointed by the difference. Especially after seeing other’s boxes including additional high value jewelry and accessories. I definitely feel like something is missing from mine.  I have reached out to the company to hopefully remedy this.

Despite this, I am pleased with the selection and genuine curation. The box felt French, which is why I’m sure a lot of people want it in the first place. I really liked all of the simple touches they added to the box and the booklet was very well designed

I am excited to try out the different products that were included. I don’t think I have a favorite one yet but I am most intrigued by the Radiance Elixir and Beauty Oil. I also surprising like the Way Ring I received. It is very dainty and only fits my pinky, but I dig it so far.

My least favorite item would have to be the Honey Candy. It was not good at all, which is unfortunate considering they valued it at $15. I expect way more from candy at that price point.

Overall, I really like the box and I am excited to see what other items OuiPlease brings to the subscription. I do not like the varying items and values between subscribers. I hope that they are able to make the next box more fair and balanced.

POPSUGAR Must Have Subscription Box – May 2015 Review

Coco

Our May 2015 Must Have box was curated to help kick Summer off right with a box designed to keep you happy, healthy, and, of course, stylish. You’ll find beauty products fit for the beach and bright home goods that scream Summer. We hope you live it up!

The box is $40/month, but I typically get $5 off with coupon: MUSTHAVE5

Here’s what was included this month:

  • Kitsch – Tri’d & True Y-Shaped Necklace – Value $32
  • Middle Kingdom – Mini Plum Vase in Coral Red – Value $20
  • Batiste – Dry Shampoo Cherry – Travel Size Value $4
  • Sisters of Los Angeles – Surf Sand Love Beach Towel – Value $40
  • Sage & Row – Bare Shave Cream – Value $17
  • Hammond’s Candies McCraw’s Flat Taffy – Value $1

At over $110 value, this is great for Popsugar!

Out of everything, my favorite is the Beach Towel, which I have already used a few times since receiving it. I also have been using the Shave Cream, which has already been super useful!

Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style Summer Subscription Hero Item Spoiler

Coco

The Rachel Zoe team recently shared the Hero Item spoiler for the Summer box. It’s a beautifule white, leather bag:

rachel-zoe-box-of-style-summer-2015-spoiler-hero-item-2

The hero item is the gorgeous Large Push Lock Bag from UK-based Cambridge Satchel Company. Valued at $150, this beauty doubles as a clutch—just remove the straps and go from the beach to an evening soiree in style.

In addition to this fab handbag, our summer Box of Style includes several other major fashion, beauty and lifestyle finds that ensure you’ll stay cool even as the temperature rises.

I am a little unsure about this bag – I’m not a huge fan of white or solid color purses, plus it is also a little plain. But I am intrigued by the brand and have seen many reviews touting their quality. Since I loved the Spring box, I will be continuing my subscription for now. I am excited to see what else is included!

The Summer box sold out fast but the Fall box is already avaliable for pre-order!

MyIdol Huanshi Chinese iPhone App

Coco

I happened across this new app on a BuzzFeed article and couldn’t resist sharing MY idol. Check me out:

CocoFeed

I also created a video using the app, with my idol dancing to “Sexy Back” – check it out on Instagram – it’s absolutely hilarious.

You can download the app for free if you have an iPhone by searching for “MyIdol” or “Huanshi”. The BuzzFeed article has some helpful tips on using the app since it can be a little difficult to navigate at first (it’s fully in Chinese!).

View in Instagram ⇒

POPSUGAR Must Have Subscription Box – April 2015 Review

Coco

What inspired the April Must Have Box? Spring, Simplicity, Markets, Outdoors.

I wasn’t going to sign-up for this month’s POPSUGAR Must Have, but ended up caving. Here’s what was included:

Overall, I was happy with the box because I am in love with the Dabney Lee Umbrella and I have been needing a new umbrella for a long time. I am shocked that it’s only a $20 value because it seems very well made.  The other items are not anything I will get much use out of but they are all very nice products.

The One Love Organics body serum is a high value skin care item and has a very strong and unique floral smell which I like but am not sure it is something I will use often.

I do like that the Produce candle is in a mason jar and can be reused after the candle has burned fully.

CocoFeed @popsugarmh

 

I also thought the Garden in a Bag is absolutely adorable!

CocoFeed: And we have sprouts

 

My least favorite product was probably the reusable bag simply because I do not have a use for that particular style. It is a cool idea though and I could see leaving it in my car for travel uses.

The box total worth is about $100 and at $35 (after coupon) it was a great value for me!

View in Instagram ⇒