Influenster Jingle VoxBox

The last time I received an Influenster VoxBox was in March of 2014. Life got busy, and I did not have a lot of time to put into this blog at the time, so my participation waned. I was so happy when I received an email that I had been selected for the Jingle VoxBox. Hopefully this can be the beginning of many more VoxBox reviews this year.

When the Jingle VoxBox arrived, I thought it was sooo tiny! But it has just as many goodies inside as the ones in the past did. Here’s what was included:

 

  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream sample (1oz) – $8.99-15.99 full size
  • Biscoff Cookies (3 two packs, 25g per pack) – $2.99 per 250g
  • Ore-Ida Tater Tots product FREE coupon ($4)
  • Hallmark itty bittys (Rapunzel) – start at $6.95
  • NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner (932 Dark Brown) – $3.99
  • KISS True Volume Lashes “Natural Plump” – $3.99
  • KISS Strip Lash Adhesive (Black) – $3.99
  • Pure Ice Nail Polish (1019 Deja Vu) – $1.97 only at Walmart

 

As always, here are my first impressions of each item :

 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
I was surprised that the cream is unscented, which is nice because it can be used without distracting from any perfumes (which I wear daily). It feels very moisturizing and should be good for these winter months.
Biscoff Cookies
I can’t recall if I have ever tried these before, but I am excited to try them! I had them on a plane! I remembered! They’re really good!! I love that they included 3 packs, because it will give me a chance to really try them again.
Ore-Ida Tater Tots Free Coupon
I expected more coupons that I would never use, but this one is awesome because it pays for the entire item! I can’t wait to try these Tater Tots!!
Hallmark Disney Rapunzel Itty Bittys
ADORABLE! Is there more to say? These are so cute, I am resisting collecting them all!
NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner (932 Dark Brown)
I’m not a huge eyeliner fan, so I am not sure if this will get much use for me personally. It looks pretty nice and goes on smooth.
KISS True Volume Lashes “Natural Plump”
I have only worn false eyelashes… once! It was for my cousin’s wedding and they were gorgeous but hurt horribly when it was time for removal. I have never had the pull to wear falsies, but since then I have wanted to re-create the look.
KISS Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe (Black)
I am so happy that this was included with the eyelashes because otherwise I wouldn’t have known what to do. This tube will last me FOREVER.
Pure Ice Nail Polish (1019 Deja Vu)
Pretty sparkly blue-purple color, however I am not sure I am their target market – I never shop at Walmart.

 

Full posts to come soon!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Rachel Zoe’s Summer 2015 Box Of Style Review

Introducing Box Of Style. Over $300 worth of glamorous finds, curated by Rachel Zoe and delivered to you for only $100.

One of the most sought over boxes so far this year, Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style was sold out within a few hours of launching and I was one of the lucky ones to get on board from the beginning! This time I decided to sign up for an annual subscription.

Here’s what was included in the Summer box:

  • Cambridge Satchel Company Large Push Lock Cross Body Bag – Value $150
  • Mara Hoffman Sarong – Value $98
  • O.R.G. Skincare Mineral Peel Face – Value $44
  • Too Faced Color Drenched Lip Cream in Spice Spice Baby – Value $22
  • Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer – Value $34
  • Bristols Six Nippies Skin Covers – Value $26

At a $374 value, the box more than met the $300 minimum they promise. This is HUGE.

I love the Mara Hoffman Sarong and have already used it a few times this summer. It is absolutely gorgeous and looks very trendy by the pool.

Even though I didn’t particularly love the rest of the items in the box, I was very impressed with the quality of the curation and love that the box is worth its price.

This box is already one of the most consistent and timely which is impressive for subscription boxes. I can’t wait to see what Rachel has in store for us in the next box!

POPSUGAR Must Have Subscription Box – June 2015 Review

It’s summertime, and we’re planning to spend as much time outside as we can! In June, we brought you some stylish shades from Quay Australia, the perfect Summer read from Judy Blume, and other treats to beat June gloom and keep you active and happy for months to come.

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

Here’s what was included this month:

  • Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses – Value $45
  • Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette – Value $14
  • Yogitoes Peacock hBand – Value $4
  • Judy Blume In the Unlikely Event –  Value $28
  • SPONGELLÉ Boxed Flowers-Fleur en Boîte – Value $16
  • SNAP Infusion SUPERCANDY – Value $4
  • Special Extra! Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card

Again, this value is over $100 which I think is great! I am most excited to wear the Quay Sunglasses. They seem to be very high quality!

BirchBox June 2015 – The Tig

THE TIG: GUEST EDITOR BOX – Curated by actress Meghan Markle, founder of The Tig lifestyle blog, this box is brimming with A-list must-haves for all your summer escapades.

My box included:

  • Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel
  • Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream
  • Davines SŪ Hair & Body Wash
  • Oribe Cote d’Azur Fragrance
  • Marcelle BB Cream Golden

I am most excited to try the BB Cream!

CocoFeed: Free BeautyBlender with Birchbox

I am so excited to receive this for free with my last BirchBox. I wish I had one of these years ago!

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals bareSkin Get Started Kit

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

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

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

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.

Rachel Zoe’s Spring 2015 Box Of Style Review

Introducing Box Of Style. Over $300 worth of glamorous finds, curated by Rachel Zoe and delivered to you for only $100.

One of the most sought over boxes so far this year, Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style was sold out within a few hours of launching and I was one of the lucky ones to get one!

Honestly, when I first saw the full spoilers, I didn’t think I would be a fan, but after I had a chance to play with the items, I am so happy that I subscribed! Here’s what was in the box:

You can check out Rachel’s explanation for why she chose each item below:

 

 

When I first signed up for the box, I really didn’t like the bracelet which was the “hero” item of the box. I just liked that it was high value and I figured at the very least, it would be resellable. Boy was I wrong! I absolutely love it and I am sure I will be wearing it daily for a long time to come. It fits me perfectly and I ended up loving the style. I don’t usually wear gold jewelry, but I love it for this piece and I ended up pairing it alongside my Pandora bracelet:

CocoFeed: Loving this combo @thezoeproject

Since the bracelet was a huge hit for me, the other items ended up being bonus. I have always wanted to try out the tarte mascara, and I was pleased to get it as a full-size. I already love Zoya nail polish and I love the colors that Rachel Zoe picked. I tried out the tan color first and it is growing on me. I can’t wait to try out the other two! The sunglasses are really beautiful and well made. I honestly like them more than any other pair I own, so when spring cleaning comes aroung, they may be my only pair. Lastly, the styling tape is a nice touch but isn’t something I will use.

Overall, I LOVED this box. It was beautifully curated and worth the cost. I can’t wait to see what Rachel has in store for the Summer box!

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POPSUGAR Must Have Special Edition Resort Box Review

Dreaming of your next destination? Get ready with all of our travel-inspired favorites inside the Special Edition Must Have Resort Box! Special Edition boxes are indulgent, one-time purchases that feature exclusive items and unique collaborations.

The 2015 Resort box included the following items:

popsugar-must-have-resort-2015

  • Stephanie Johnson – White Dot Train Case ($60)
  • Jane Iredale – Warm My Steppes Makeup Kit ($58)
  • Drunk Elephant – C-Firma Day Serum ($80)
  • Lele Sadoughi – Half-Moon Pendant ($110)
  • Jacobsen Salt Co. – Pure Sea Salt Cocktail Salt ($14)
  • Sloane Stationary – Passport Holder ($48)

 

That’s a $370 value!

Now that I’ve had a chance to look at each item and try them out, my favorite item in the Resort Box is the Stephanie Johnson Train Case.

CocoFeed

I have a few trips coming up so it will be super useful for me! It is really cute and seems to be well made. I absolutely love that it is lined (and in PINK!!), so it should be easy to clean up, especially since I will most likely be housing make-up in it which is notorious for spillage. This bag makes the whole box for me!!

I also really liked the Drunk Elephant Serum. It is nice getting a high priced skin care product, especially since I do not already use a serum on my skin. However, I HATE the way it smells. It is only bearable after masking the smell with lots of make-up. I will probably keep using it, but that was somewhat disappointing.

The rest of the box ended up being a slight miss for me. I was SO excited when I saw spoilers of the Lele Sadoughi Necklace, but in person it just wasn’t my style. It definitely looks nice and seems to be pretty good quality, but the length and and chunky style chain makes it look more like costume jewelry rather than expensive (especially if you consider the $110 price tag). I actually ended up liking the bag the necklace came in more than the actual necklace, haha!

The Sloane Stationary Passport Holder is very simple and would be useful if I actually had a passport. Maybe it will become useful if I end up going out of the country at some point.

The Jane Iredale Makeup Kit was a huge plus for a lot of people (it was the one item that PopSugar spoiled on their Facebook page), but I knew from the beginning I would not be keeping it. I do wear makeup, but this kit is not my taste at all. For one, I have not worn bronzer since I was in high school and I don’t plan on wearing it any time soon. If I can, I might sell or trade this one.

Finally, the Jacobsen Cocktail Salt was a huge letdown for me! I love margaritas, but we don’t usually make them at home and I doubt it will ever get used. Hopefully I can gift this one.

Overall, I was pretty excited about the Stephanie Johnson Train Case and I do not regret purchasing the Resort Box, but I do feel like most of these items were not a fit for me.

Instagram filter used: Valencia

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Bare Escentuals BareMinerals March 2015 Mystery Box Review

It’s a 10-piece Beauty Surprise collection brimming with mystery goodies. These go fast. We’re talking a few hours. Tops. You’ve been warned…

bareminerals-mystery-boxThis Mystery Box was only avaliable on March 17, 2015. Since I had never gotten a Bare Minerals Mystery Box before, I decided to try it out.

I was lucky to get one of their special Black Friday deals a year or two ago and was very happy with the value, so I thought this might be similar. I definitely think the is a great way to try out different products from their brand.

The Mystery box was $45.00 and was labeled as a $191 value.

Here’s what was included in my Mystery Box:

 

Full Size:

  • Soft Focus Face Brush with Matte Black Handle ($30)
  • Big & Bright Eyeliner, Charcoal ($14)
  • Big & Bright Eyeliner, Midnight ($14)
  • Prime Time Primer Shadow, Racing Green ($18)
  • Natural Lipgloss, Rose ($15)
  • Ready Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15, Tinted ($23)
  • Ready Eyeshadow 4.0, The Exotic Escape w/ Rose Gold Case (orig $30)

Samples/Other:

  • Brightening Pearl Perfect Light Mineral Veil w/ Rose Gold  Cap (6.5g – $18 ?)
  • Mini Prime Time Brightening Eyelid Primer (1.5ml)
  • Sample Prime Time Foundation Primer (1ml)
  • Large Patent Leather Makeup Bag

 

I think the $191 value is a little high because after looking up my items online it is more like $160. Especially since many of these items are no longer available and can be found at a discount.  Even at $160, it is still a great value of items at $45.

My favorite items in the Mystery Box are the Soft Focus Face Brush and the Ready Touch Up Veil. I have wanted to try out their pressed powders since they started making them but never ended up getting any.  So far I really like the results and the brush is super soft!

I was pretty impressed with the variety of the box but  most of the items are not necessarily something I will use. I have tried a few different Mineral Veils before and I am not a fan of them. I also tried out the Charcoal Eyeliner today, which I like as a backup. I just recently started wearing eyeliner – but I still prefer the Stila liquid Eyeliner I received in the Sephora Favorites Superstars Set. The Midnight (blue) Eyeliner  isn’t for me, so I will probably end up gifting it to a friend who loves colored eyeliners.

Overall, I think this is a really great way to try out different products from BareMinerals at a great price. The three items I ended up using would cost almost $70 to purchase separately, so it definitely ended up being a good deal. I am not sure if I will do another Mystery Box right away, but maybe in another year or two I will be ready to experiment with new BareMinerals products.

Instagram filter used: Nashville

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