Stunner of the Month August 2013 Review

My Stunner of the Month came today.  This service sends you a new pair of sunglasses every month for $9 including shipping.  I love the first pair I received from them, so I was excited to see what this month would bring! I signed up for the "female" option, but there are also "male" and "unisex" choices, too.  You can suspend your account at any time and skip a month, and you can change your preferences every month as well.  They also allow you to rate the pairs you receive.

The box they ship in

Info card and branded microfiber case

SotM includes a little info card with each pair with a weird blurb about the inspiration (?) for the glasses, along with which collection they belong to.  I do like that they have sent a microfiber case with every pair! My first case was plain yellow, this one has their name and logo.

The Geisha's (do they belong to her? IDK. But this is how they spelled it.)

This pair is black with neon green ear pieces and accents across the top.  They feel really flimsy and cheap and probably cost $0.25 to manufacture.  TOTALLY NOT WORTH $9.

Glasses on my not amused face

I think I'm just going to cancel my account. I got the first pair free by using the code "trystunner" all in lowercase, so I figured I would give it another month.  My first pair seemed to be sturdier and better quality than these.  I'm pretty disappointed.  Plus, these don't exactly scream "women's sunglasses," maybe unisex, but not strictly for women. Lame.

You can get your own pair of sunglasses here.  

This post contains items that I purchased with my own funds.  Nothing was received for making this post and all opinions are my own.  I get nothing if you click the link to their website.

Retrospective: Birchbox May 2013

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

May 2013: Month 15

Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Bali
Photo from Birchbox

This is a medium rose color and is really pretty on my skin.  I think it looks really natural, and it's very pigmented so you don't need much.  It does last all day, but I can't attest to its water resistance at all.  It will be great for the winter and fall.  I like brighter blushes in the summer! I think this was a good sample size, I have so many blushes that I can't see myself ever using up a full size one!

Full size (11g) $26.00.  The sample was 2.5g, worth $5.91.

Coola Classic SPF Cucumber Moisturizer for Face
Photo from Birchbox

Honestly, I haven't tried this yet.  I have a ton of face sunscreens, but this is in my purse in case of a sun emergency.  I like that the tube is sealed, that makes me feel better about not using it right away! 

$32 for 100 mL.  7 mL sample worth $2.24

Marvis Toothpaste in Classic Strong Mint
Photo from Birchbox

My boyfriend asked why I had such a fancy-looking travel toothpaste when we went to Martha's Vineyard a month ago.  Birchbox is why! This was a weird month.  Um, it's a decent toothpaste I guess.  I was hoping the mint would be stronger (like, Altoids strong), but it is a typical level of mintyness.   

75 mL tube costs $10.50.  The sample was 10 mL, with a value of $1.40.

Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls
Photo from Birchbox

My hair didn't like this at all (and neither did I).

8.5 fl. oz. is $14, the 1 fl. oz. sample was worth $1.65.

Birchbox Finds: Pilot Acroball Pure White in Pink
Photo from Birchbox

Oh, Birchbox, you and your weird bonus items.  It's better than laundry detergent, at least! This is a nice pen, I just wish I got a different color.  The pink is pretty light and I can't use it at work in my lab notebook.  It's in my purse for a time when the black pen I also have in there isn't good enough.

$6.24 for a pack of 4.  Single pen worth approximately $1.56.

Total Value $12.76

Meh. This box was pretty lame overall.  The blush was really the only item I can and will use on a regular basis.


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox April 2013

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

April 2013: Month 14

Beauty Protector, Protect and Detangle
Photo from Birchbox

I've written about this before.  It's awesome and smells fantastic.  End of story.

$21.95 for 8 fl.oz. Sample was 1 ounce (?), worth $2.74

Caudalie S.O.S. Morning Eye Rescue
Photo from Birchbox

I don't really know if this did anything for me, as I only have slight dark circles and minimal puffiness in the mornings, but I used this up.  Meh.  I'm only 26, I don't really need an eye cream (yet).

$34 for 15 mL.  Sample was 1.5 mL, worth $3.40 (yay, easy math).

Juice Beauty CC Cream
Photo from Birchbox

$39 for 50 mL  Yuck.  Sample was 5 mL, worth $3.90 and not worth my time.

Yes to Cucumbers Face Towelettes
Photo from Birchbox

I didn't get these in my box, so BB credited me points instead.  I'll take it. (I don't think anyone got these in their boxes, actually).

Yes to Grapefruit Correct and Repair Daily Facial Scrub
Photo from Birchbox

This came in a weird pod non-foil cardboard sample thing.  It also had a sample of the dark spot correcting serum with it.  They smelled good, I really like grapefruit scents (I dislike the fruit though), and it was an adequate face scrub.  I don't remember many scrubby things in it, though, but my memory could be fuzzy.

$9.99 for 4 oz. I don't even think there was enough of either of these to be worth more than $0.50 total, combined.

Yes to Carrots Lip Butter in Citrus
Photo from Birchbox

This is a very smooth lip butter! It lives up to its name and applies like any high quality balm should.  I was really impressed and it is at work so I always have something to put on my lips.  I would have preferred a different scent, but the citrus one I got is fine.

4 tubes retails for $9.99.  Value of one tube $2.50

Total Value $13.04

This is a pretty low value box, but there were some really nice products in it.  They also sent a card for a free year of Women's Health magazine ($9.99 value), which I have been enjoying.  That would bump the value up to $23.03, and there should have been face wipes also included.  The beauty protector made this box totally worth it! I used my BB points to buy the full size and am so glad I did.  It's amazing and the scent lasts until the next time I wash my hair!


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox March 2013

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

March 2013: Month 13

Madewell for Birchbox Nail File
Photo from Birchbox

It's a nail file.  I can always use another one, but this one isn't as rough as the ones from Julep so it doesn't get my nails short enough fast enough.  I hate to cut them, so I try to just file them down and into shape, but using this file takes forever.

BB values this at $5.

MAKE Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Photo form Birchbox

This is a better sunscreen than primer.  It really doesn't do much to even my skin tone, it just provides SPF.  I use sunscreen anyway, but it would be nicer if this diffused more light, as it claims to do.

Full size $30 for 1 oz.  Sample size was 0.18 oz, giving it a value of $5.40

MAKE Satin Finish Eyeshadow in Great Lakes
Photo from Birchbox

I got a nice little silvery grey eyeshadow in its own cute little case.  I have used it once?  Maybe? I stick to neutrals on a daily basis, and this has been in my makeup bag, but it tends to hide in a corner and I haven't used it much.  I should change that.  It does go on nicely and has decent pigmentation.

Full size $18 for 0.10 oz.  The sample size was 0.03 oz, with a value of $5.40

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Color-Saver Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Photo from Birchbox

This is great shampoo! I really like the smell and the texture and how it cleans, plus it is sulfate free! This is my go-to travel shampoo and I'll be really sad when I run out.

Full size $22 for 8 fl. oz.  The sample size was 2 fl. oz. (great size!) for a value of $5.50.

Whish Shave Cream in Blueberry
Photo from Birchbox

This is a pretty nice shaving cream.  It doesn't lather, which might take some people a use or two to get used to, but it is decent.  I don't mind the blueberry scent, which is funny considering I hate all things blueberry.  It must not smell very true to life! This is something else that is in my travel bag.  Very convenient!

Full size $20 for 150 mL.  The sample is worth $2.93 and has a volume of 22 mL.


Total Value $24.23

I like that there was a variety of products this month.  Hair, shaving cream, makeup, skin care, and nails.  Everything was covered! I wish there were more boxes like this from BB.


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox February 2013

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

February 2013: Month 12

Color Club Nail Color in Wild Cactus
Photo from Birchbox

I received another bottle of this in a recent pick 2 mystery pack.  Apparently, Pantone decided that emerald green was the "color of the year" of 2013, so BB sent this staining, chipping, streaking monstrosity of a terrible brand of polish out to everyone.  (Obviously, there are exceptions to every rule and "reign in Spain" is the exception to CC's sucky polishes.)

Full size $8 for 0.5 fl. oz.  Sample size is 0.25 fl. oz. for a value of $4.

Ghiardelli Square in Milk and Caramel
Photo form Birchbox

This was the "extra" in this month's BB.  I gave it to my boyfriend since my mom brainwashed me into disliking chocolate while I was still in my formative years.  It's a long, sad story, but the bottom line is that I think that I dislike chocolate and will never eat it.  My boyfriend doesn't mind.  They sent 1 square.

I'm going to estimate the value of 1 square at $0.43.   A bag of these goes for about $4.25, but I'm not sure how many squares are in a bag.  10? 

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips
Photo from Birchbox

This stuff is great! One of the best lip products there is! I knit, so I know how great lanolin can be, even if it is kinda gross in theory.  However, you can buy pure skin-grade lanolin in a much larger size for much less money on Amazon.  Which is what I plan on doing this winter when this sample runs out.

Full size 15 mL for $14.50, making the 3 mL sample worth $2.90

Skin & Co Bagnodoccia Cleansing Body Gel
Photo from Birchbox

This was some olive oil and orange shower gel that smelled pretty terrible.  It smelled like a fancy hotel room should smell, but I don't like that in a body wash.  It's just my personal preference.  I used this up as fast as I could.

Full size $17.50 for 250 mL.  Sample size was 40 mL for a value of $2.80

twistband Headband in dark green
Photo from Birchbox

I also got a twistband brand headband.  I haven't ever worn it, as I don't wear headbands.  I might just untie the knot and cut it in half to make two hair ties from it.  I use those more frequently than never, so that would be good.

These go for $19 for 6 headbands, making each one $3.17

Total Value $13.30

I wasn't thrilled with this box.  The best item was the Dr. Lipp balm, but that was the only good thing in the box this month.  BB really needs to send other brands of nail polish besides Color Club.


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Ipsy August 2013 Review

It's Ipsy time! This month's theme was Beauty Academy, and came in an ugly purple bag with gold Ipsy Beauty Academy crests on it.  I don't even want to gift it to someone, it's that bad.  Once again, I didn't get the "good" item (July's Benetint didn't bother me that I didn't get it, but I did want to try the Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick.  I LOVE UD.  I'M MAD AT YOU, IPSY.)

Here is what I did get...

Michael Todd Jojoba Charoal Facial Scrub

This is sealed under the cap, and will stay that way until I finish up my current face scrub sample.  I don't like to exfoliate my face very often, even though a lot of scrubs say you can use them every day.  I try to stick to once per week, so my scrub samples last a long time.

Full size $18 for 100 mL.  Sample size is 30 mL, worth $5.40

Noya Natural Lip Balm in Vanilla

This is a really great balm.  It smells like vanilla frosting and has nice, all-natural ingredients (coconut oil, beeswax, olive oil, natural fragrance, stevia).  It's also kosher, if that is something you look for in lip balm.  I do really like it, I'm just sad I didn't get to try the UD lipstick.  My friend said it is pretty awesome (and the tiny size is so cute).

Full size, 0.15 oz, $3.99

Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow Color

I have that I have red hair in my Ipsy profile (it is on the redder side of blonde, but I don't like blonde-specific shampoos and stuff), so I don't know why they sent a dark brown eyebrow color.  Light brown or auburn would have been better (based on my profile), but the dark brown will work well enough for me, luckily.  It is a harder pencil than an eyeliner, and is mechanical, so no sharpening needed.

I'm assuming this is full sized? 0.09 oz for $18.

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

This is yet another mascara sample that will stay sealed until I run out of my current mascara (Julep American Beauty from a mystery box).   Pixi is hit or miss for me, so we will see if I like the mascara.

Full size 0.25 oz for $17.  Sample size 0.105 oz, value $7.14.

Mica Beauty Shimmer Powder in Bronze

I have a decent gel liner from Mica Beauty that came in a previous Ipsy bag, so I was excited to see one of their shimmer powders included this month.  The bronze color is really pretty and there is a nice color payoff.  This will last a long time, and I'm glad it is a versatile color that I can make casual or fancy.

This is a full-sized sample (2.5g) and retails for $14.95.

Chella Brow Pencil (top, with varying degrees of pressing down)
Mica Beauty Shimmer Powder (bottom)

In the light

Total Value $49.48

I will use everything in this month's bag (eventually) and am overall pretty happy with it.  I really like that Ipsy sends out mostly makeup products, with at least one full size every month.  Getting a full brown pencil and eyeshadow definitely make up for the disappointment of missing out on the UD lipstick.  The balm is much more practical for me, anyway.  I don't wear bright lip colors to work (or very often, ever) but wear balm every day.

The other items people received (besides the UD Revolution lipstick) were Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Face Mask, City Color Cheek Stain, Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream, NYX Blush, or Nailtini in Mai Tai.

Ipsy costs $10 per month including shipping.  They send 4-6 deluxe sample and full sized products every month, and are working on personalizing the bags more and more.  If you would like to sign up, here is my referral link.  I get a gift if two people sign up though that link.  I think there is a waiting list, but it seems to move pretty quickly.

This post contains items I purchased through a subscription service with my own money.  No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.  This post also contains a referral link, see above paragraph for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox January 2013

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

January 2013: Month 11

100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream in Green Apple and Cabernet Grape
Photo from Birchbox

I did not like either one of the scents (they smelled just like the apple and grape Jolly Rancher candies, and I don't like them) but I really like the texture of the body cream.  I just wish the samples would have been bigger! I could do just my legs with each one, I wish they had included enough to do my arms as well.


Full size $15 for 8 oz.  Two 0.066oz samples are approximately $0.25 in value.

Aerie Shimmer
Photo from Ipsy

This came wrapped up like a candy, which was cute, but I don't really like the scent.  It is supposed to be delicate and warm, but I just feel like it makes me sneeze.

Full size $39.95 for 100 mL, value of 1.5 mL sample approximately $0.60

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
Photo from Birchbox

I like this face cream.  I'm glad that BB sent it.  I will probably forget all about it once it is gone, however, because it is nothing spectacular.  Perfectly adequate, though.


Full size $28 for 75 mL.  Sample size of 5 mL worth $1.87

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Photo from Birchbox

I like this better than the "Fat Stick" from the same company that I received in my June 2012 box.  This stays in place all day, like it is supposed to.  It has a really long felt tip, which is a little to bendy for my personal tastes.  It is easy to make too thick of a line in places because the applicator has so much give.  It's not bad though.

This was full-sized and retails for $16 (0.07 oz)

Ojon Rare Blend Oil Total Hair Therapy
Photo from Birchbox

This is a perfectly fine hair oil, and smells great, but it is not as good as my beloved Orofluido.  Plus, I can never get it to blend together long enough to pour out an even amount of all three colors.  That bugs me.


Full size $35 for 1.5 fl.oz.  Sample size 0.07 fl.oz. for a value of $1.63.


Total Value $20.35

I liked everything in the box, with the exception of the perfume.  The other 4 samples were all great products to try out, and getting a full-sized item is always a plus!


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Golden Tote July 2013 Review

My Golden Tote from the July selection arrived today! I was so excited to see what was in my first $149 tote.

Golden Tote is a clothing subscription service that sends you clothing and some acessories every month.  There are two tote options: a $49 tote where you pick the first piece and they send you 1-2 more (up to $250 value); and a $149 option where you pick two pieces and they send you 3-5 more (up to $600 value) based on a style profile you fill out.

The first item I picked was the Puella Swing Dress.  Puella was started by the same girls who then went on to start Golden Tote.  I love everything of theirs that I've been sent so far!

Puella Swing Dress,

I definitely like it better with a belt!

Puella Swing Dress

Puella Swing Dress in Navy and White Stripe 

Puella Swing Dress in Navy and White Stripe detail

This dress is on sale for $66 at the Golden Tote website.  I love how comfortable it is, but it still looks really nice.  It is 72% poly and 28% rayon and dry clean only (which means it's DIRTY.... with apologies to Mitch Hedberg).  I can see this becoming one of my fall favorites on my teaching days!                                          

Next in the tote is a tank from Collective Concepts.  My boyfriend said it looked like a Magic Eye pattern and I agree.  But, it is comfy and fits well and I don't wear patterns (other than horizontal stripes) very often, so it's nice to change things up.

Collective Concepts Tank

This tank is a little on the longer side, but not quite tunic-length.  I'll probably end up tucking it in and wearing it with a sweater to work.  I really like it, even though it is not something I would pick out on my own.  This is why I love Golden Tote! They know me better than I know myself.

Collective Concepts Tank

Check out the contrasting patterns.  It works, against my better judgement.

Detail of Collective Concepts Tank. 

This tank is 100% polyester and dry clean only.  I found a similar tank on piperlime and it was selling for $59.  I think Piperlime marks things up quite a bit, so I will knock 20% off the price to estimate the actual value.  $47.

Even though in my profile I said that I didn't like maxi dresses, they apparently took that to mean maxi skirts were ok.  I don't have any, so I'm not complaining because this one is pretty decent.  It is paneled at the bottom to give it a lot of freedom and motion.

Potter's Pot Maxi Skirt

Don't mind the belly, this is how high I had to pull it up so it didn't hit the ground.  I have some room to wear heels with it if I lower the waistband.

Potter's Pot Maxi Skirt

The waistband has a metallic gold and black background with orange and blue detailing.  It's really pretty in person and I need to figure out an outfit that I can wear with this skirt that will show it off!  If I still was in the orchestra world, this would be excellent for concerts, but I'll have to find another place to wear it!

Potter's Pot Maxi Skirt Waistband Detail

It's really hard to find these things online! Again, Piperlime has some (mini) skirts by Potter's Pot that are selling for $59.  Again, I think that might be a little high, so we will take 20% off and call it $47.

The skirt is double layered chiffon (100% polyester) and says to hand wash and line dry.


We have another Puella item, and one I definitely would not have even looked twice at in a store.  It is growing on me now, though.  It is a really light and soft fabric and the bold geometric print is unlike anything else I own.  The cozy factor definitely will push me to wear it, and I'm ok with going outside my comfort zone for something that feels so soft it might be more appropriate for sleeping than for working.

Puella Top

Puella Top

Detail of Puella Top

Puella tees go for about $20 (on sale right now) at Anthropologie, which seems like a good estimate to me.

This is 100% rayon, hand wash and lay flat to dry.


The Bonjour Cafe blouse by Under Skies was my second pick and I am so happy with it! It is light and sheer and fun and very wearable.  I can see myself wearing it with jeans to work, or dressing it up with a skirt if I have to look a little more professional.

Under Skies Bonjour Cafe Blouse

I couldn't tell from the pictures online, but the bottom is elastic.  I thought the model had it tucked in neatly to her jeans, but this makes it even better! It won't come untucked and look sloppy :).

Under Skies Bonjour Cafe Blouse

The blouse has pretty gold buttons on the cuffs, as well as across the shoulders.  It's a really nice detail that pulls it together.

Detail on Shoulders of Under Skies Bonjour Cafe Blouse

Golden Tote is selling this in their boutique for $46 on sale right now.

It is 100% Polyester, came with a spare button, and is hand wash and lay flat to dry.

The final item is probably my favorite thing in the whole tote!  If you asked me to describe my perfect year-round item, I would say it would be a cozy, soft, grey open-knit sweater.  That is exactly what this is, and I am thrilled.  Put it over shorts and a tank for a cool summer night, but pair with a scarf and some knee boots for a nice fall outfit.  Grey is my favorite clothing color, too.  It is a great neutral!

Under Skies Open-Knit Sweater

So comfy! So soft! So perfect!

Under Skies Open-Knit Sweater

It is as comfortable as a sweatshirt, but because it is slightly metallic, looks a little nicer.

Close up of Under Skies Open-Knit Sweater

This is 100% Rayon and hand wash, flat dry.  Some other Under Skies tops (button downs and blazers) went for an average of $45 on lulus.com (which I have never heard of... is it legit? They have some cute things!)

ban.do Flash Bobbi Set

These bobby pins were a bonus! Aren't they cute? I hope they don't pull my hair out like the Birchbox ones did :/.

These retail for $10.

Golden Tote July 2013 $149 tote

As always, they included a branded tote bag.  They are so useful! $3? I'd buy one for that much.

I also got a bonus in this month's tote! I won second place in a contest they ran on Instragram (#gtfavorites) and they sent my prize with this month's tote.

What was my prize?

Cleobella Mexicana Wallet in Kelly Green!

My prize was a beautiful hand-crafted leather wallet from Cleobella.

Cleobella Mexicana Wallet

Detail.  The gold is actually a little metallic and shiny.

Not bad for some selfies! The Mexicana Wallet retails for $138, which is almost as much as I paid for this entire tote! 

My overall (very estimated) value without the wallet is $284.  I think that is a pretty good deal for $149 plus about $8 S&H.  I definitely underestimated some of the retail prices, but that's ok because I probably wouldn't pay full price for any of the items I received.  I'm a poor grad student and mostly wear basics from Old Navy.  GT gives me a chance to class up my wardrobe at an affordable price.

As always, everything fits perfectly (their sizing guide is spot-on) and is something that I will wear.  Most of my current favorite articles of clothing are from Golden Tote.  I know that I can trust that they will send me quality items that I will enjoy wearing.  For $149, this could not have been any better!

This post contains items I purchased with my own money, or won in a promotion.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.