Ipsy May 2014 Review

Ipsy May 2014

Ipsy's theme this month was "Fresh Picks" and was another low-makeup month.  A few times a year, it seems like Ipsy focuses more on skin and hair care than makeup.  I much prefer the all-makeup months!

Ipsy May 2014 bag
Chilling with some succulents

The bag this month is actually one of my favorites ever! It is canvas with a spring-green leaf print on the front.  It feels pretty durable and I already have it in my purse.

That being said, the bag is probably my favorite thing out of this month.  Womp womp.

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask

Eva-NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask

The first item that I got this month is a hair mask from  Eva NYC.  I haven't tried it yet, to be honest, because I have one open already, but maybe this weekend I'll put this in my shower to try it out.  I like the packaging, though, very pretty!  This mask has argan oil and Keravis in it.  Keravis is a trademarked product that is basically a combination protein/silicone.  

The full size is 500 mL for $40, making the 60 mL sample worth $4.80 (although they sell this size for $12 on the EVA NYC site).

Pacifica Eyeshadow Duo

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo #2- Moonbeam and Unicorn

Of course, the ONLY makeup item I get, and I don't like it!  There was a Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm sent to some people this month, and I wanted it so badly!  I LOVE those.  But no, I got this eyeshadow duo.

Moonbeam, left.  Unicorn, right.
Tiny aloe plant as prop

The duo I got is very pretty in the package.  Moonbeam is a dusky purple with a slight golden sheen, and Unicorn is an eggshell cream with a golden shift.  In theory, these are great colors!

Two swipes over bare skin.  Unicorn on top, Moonbeam on the bottom
Feather to cover up my super disgusting curling iron burn

Unfortunately, over bare skin these barely show up.  Moonbeam looks like a fading bruise, and Unicorn is there, but most of its golden sheen stayed on my swatching finger and didn't stick to my hand.  Maybe a primer would help these.  I was pretty disappointed in the quality of these.  This shadow is 0.07oz (I'll round to 2g, 1g for each color).  Pacifica is a Vegan company, and these use coconut oil as the main binding component.  They are nice and soft, I just want more color payoff!

Moonbeam is from the Mystical Supernatural Eye Shadow Palette ($14 for 7g), and this half of the shadow is worth $2.
Unicorn is from the Charmed Shadow Palette ($17 for 5.6g), and this half of the shadow is worth $3.04.

Total: $5.04

Hey Honey Take It Off Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask

Hey Honey Take it OFf

This peel-off mask has honey and an alpha hydroxy acid in it.  The directions are to put on a face lotion, put the mask over it, let the mask dry, peel it off, and put on more lotion.  All that lotioning seems to me to be what is making your face so soft!  But, I haven't tried this, so I can't really speak on that.


50 mL is $35, making the 10 mL sample worth $7.  That's pretty expensive, but it doesn't seem like you use a lot at a time, so this should last a while.  Especially because I don't really use masks more often than once a month.

Hang 10 Classic Sport Sunscreen SPF

Hang Ten Classic Sport Sunscreen SPF 50

Hang Ten is owned by Coola, the makers of a higher-end mineral sunscreen line.  I've gotten some Coola products in previous bags, but this is not a face-specific sunscreen like those were.  This is water-resistant UVA/UVB sunscreen.  I always need more of this!  It has the same chemical sunscreen ingredients as everything else on the market (avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene), and so it works because these molecules absorb the ultraviolet rays so your skin doesn't.  This means you need to reapply after AT MOST 2 hours, because all that radiation can degrade these compounds, causing them to produce free radicals which are also bad for your skin.  

This is $12.99 for 3.4 fl.oz., making the 1 fl.oz. sample worth $3.82



Avène Thermal Spring Water

Avene Thermal Spring Water

Seriously?  Why do products like this exist?  This is water.  In a misting can.  For your face.  Ok, thanks Ipsy.  I just don't get it- what is so special about this, and why do you need to gently mist your face with water often enough to require a product like this?

Whatever- to each their own.  The company claims that the minerals in this water (from the thermal spring) help calm and soothe irritated skin.  Eh.  I'll spritz it on the next sunburn I get and see if it does anything besides temporarily cool it off.

The full price is $18 for 300 mL.  That is OUTRAGEOUS for water in a fancy can.  Holy crap.

The 50 mL sample is worth $3. 

Everything all together:

Ipsy May 2014

All together, this month had a value of $23.66.  It's not the highest value Ipsy bag ever, and I don't like two of the products, but the sunscreen, hair treatment, and face mask are decent.  I love the bag, though! Hopefully next month goes back to being makeup-only!

Ipsy is $10 per month and sends you 4-6 deluxe and full-sized (mostly makeup) items in a reusable makeup bag.  You can review each item on their site for 10 points each, and every 1000 Ipsy points will get you a bonus item.  If you want to try it out, please use my link here.  I'll get some extra Ipsy points for each referral.

No special consideration or compensation was received for this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. All items mentioned within were paid for by me. This post contains a referral link.

Birchbox Review September 2013

Birchbox arrived today, much to my delight.

Birchbox September 2013

The items this month were pretty awesome!

Birchbox September 2013

First up: Benefit Sugarbomb Ultra Plush Lip Gloss.

Benefit Sugarbomb Lip Gloss

Sugarbomb Packaging

Sugarbomb in action

I can't really figure out what this smells like.  It's sweet smelling, but doesn't have much of a taste.  The smell isn't unpleasant, but its not my favorite.  I do like the gloss, though.  It's a very flattering nude color and glides on really smoothly.  This is not a sticky gloss.  I don't really like the tube-style applicator, it's easy for me to squeeze out too much and smear it all over the place by accident.

I was definitely happy to receive a benefit product this month! I love this brand and I wish I saw more of them in sub boxes.

Sample size is 6.5 mL, full size (15 mL) retails for $16, making the sample worth $6.93



Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive

Inside the Packaging

This is a mask/peel you let sit on your face for 10 minutes before washing off.  It says it will reduce fine lines and lighten hyperpigmentation, but we will see about that.  It doesn't smell terrible! It doesn't even have much of a smell at all! yay!  I really like Juice Beauty products, but their scents are so hit or miss with me.  If it smells bad, it smells really bad- to the point where I can't use it.

Full size is $39 for 60 mL.  The 7 mL sample size is worth $4.55.




Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Eye Serum

Racinne Eye Serum

Racinne Eye Serum Tube

This is a thin, clear serum that has a faintly chemical smell like bug spray or sunscreen would.  This eye serum claims to diminish dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.  Again, we will see.  I don't currently have an eye cream, so I will try this for a while and see if I notice a difference.  Mostly I have darker circles under my eyes from lack of sleep, and it would be nice if this helped get rid of those.

Birchbox is selling 10 mL for $32, making this 5 mL sample (half-size!) worth $16.



Coola Mineral Sunscreen, Unscented Matte Tint

Coola Unscented Matte Tint Mineral Sunscreen

I'll have to wait to try this tinted, matte moisturizer with SPF.  I like Coola, I've received two of their products from different boxes, but I feel a little disappointed that Birchbox has already sent me something from them! I got their cucumber sunscreen a few months ago.  Oh well, I'm interested to try something tinted from them and see how it looks on my ghostly-white skin.

The sample size is 3 mL.  50 mL is $36, making the sample worth $2.16.  Geeze, I'll have to put the extra in a little bottle or something! That's kinda expensive for a little cardboard packet.  I wish they had sent this sample in a little tube like the other ones I have gotten.


Ruffian Nail Polish in Delirium

Ruffian Delirium

Free-handed Ruffian Manicure with Delirium over no-name silver polish

Last but not least, everyone got a nail polish from Ruffian this month.  Birchbox had some fans pick the names for these polishes.  I got Delirium, a bright metallic blue-purple.

If you want to vote for this entry in Birchbox's ruffian manicure contest, the link is here.

These polishes are selling on Birchbox for $10 (0.17 fl.oz.) making them expensive!  Even Julep is less expensive!


Total Value: $39.64

This is the highest value I've gotten in a long time from Birchbox! What's more, I'm actually pleased with my samples this month.  Not bad for their third anniversary.



Birchbox is $10 per month, including shipping.  You will receive 4-6 sample sized items based upon a profile you fill out.  You can review each item on their site for 10 Birchbox points.  When 100 points are accumulated, you are credited $10 to spend in their online store.  If you would like to sign up, you can use my referral link here.  Signing up with my link will start you off with an extra 50 points! (I will also get a bonus 50 points!)

No special consideration or compensation was received for this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. All items mentioned within were paid for by me.
This post contains a referral link.  If you use my link to sign up for Birchbox, you will get an extra 50 BB points (worth $5), as will I.

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.

My All-Subscription Box Vacation, Part 1

I'm going on vacation! It's a "surprise," but I'm pretty sure we are heading to somewhere on Cape Cod for two nights and most of three days. Vacations are great. Not only do I get to stuff my face with delicious foods with the excuse that, "I'm on vacation," I get the chance to use up some of the sample products I've received from subscription boxes. Sub boxes are great; I haven't had to buy a travel size of anything in over a year! I killed so many foil packets in Europe last summer; it was fantastic. Here is what I am packing for my weekend away:

Hello, hair products!

 Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo (Birchbox December 2012). I love this stuff, it smells great and is sulfate free! I only plan on shampooing once while I am there, so it's fine that this is clarifying.

(MALIN + GOETZ) Cilantro Hair Conditioner (Birchbox October 2012). This is ok. It's not my favorite conditioner, it's not quite strong enough for my hair, but it's fine for travel. I'm almost out, I have 1 use left in the bottle.

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle (Birchbox April 2013). I've already expressed my love for this product *um yeah, let me actually upload that entry*. The travel-sized bottle makes me happy. I might just sleep with it under my pillow in the hopes that some magical hair fairy grants all my wishes.

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper (Birchbox November 2012/ July 2013). This will do just fine for the beach.

Davines Oi/Oil (Birchbox June 2013). This is part of their 3-step system. I already used the conditioner packet, and the shampoo contains sulfates so I try to use it only every now and then (it smells sooo good though!), so this is all I have left to try out of the three. I plan on straightening my hair if we go out to a fancy dinner and this will be my finishing product. There are also some twistbands hiding under there. I like them a lot and have a ton everywhere; my car, my desk at work, upstairs, downstairs, in the side table by the couch, in the bathroom...

All the face gunk I'm bringing

LA Fresh Makeup Remover Wipes (Ipsy March 2013) These are perfectly adequate for wiping the day off of my face at night. They will do just fine for this weekend away. \

(MALIN + GOETZ) Grapefruit Face Cleaner (Birchbox October 2012) I haven't tried this, but everything else by this company has been decent. I love the smell of grapefruit, so I'll probably like this. I'm assuming this will be enough for 1 night.

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser  (Birchbox June 2013) I'm bringing my last little bit of this with me for the second night. I loved this product! I think it's too expensive to buy the full price, but maybe if I save up my BB points for a while I will splurge on it. It smells delicious! I may or may not have tasted a little bit and we will just say that it smells better than it tastes.

Coola Mineral Sunscreen- Unscented (Ipsy July 2013) Sunscreen is a must-have. I'm also bringing SPF100000000000 for my body and face if we go to the beach or spend any amount of time outside. This is just for every-day anyway use under my makeup.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentré (Birchbox January 2013) This is supposed to be good. We shall see. This is for at night, I didn't feel like packing my big full-sized Juice Beauty moisturizer that was in the June Popsugar.

Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste (Birchbox May 2013) I like this toothpaste, but not enough to buy it. The sample is nice and I don't have another travel size at the moment. I'm going to the dentist a few days after we get back and will get one then ;) All of this fits into the little silver makeup bag that Ipsy sent in December 2012. Excellent.

This post contains items that were received in Birchbox and Ipsy, both of which are purchased with my own funds.  All opinions are my own.

Ipsy July 2013 Review

My July Ipsy finally showed up! 

What's in the bag?

Not bad!

The contents this month are: 

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai (full size- $13).  This is a warm, dark orange.  I like this brand a lot and this polish is no exception.

Nailtini Mai Tai

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush (full size- $4.17.. part of a 6-pack for $25) 

Pop Beauty 

Also included: 

BH Cosmetics California Collection, 3-pack eyeshadow sample These are not very pigmented on their own and definitely need a primer to wear. I attempted a swatch but without primer or my brushes, it was futile. I like the little magnetic-closure case, though! Very cute. ($3 at the single-pan price, assuming these are full-sized pans. However, the palettes these are from are on sale for $9.99 right now!) 

Coola Mineral Sunscreen SPF 20 Unscented. (7 mL- $5.04. Full size $36 for 50 mL) I received the cucumber version in a Birchbox and haven't tried either yet! I love that these are sealed shut and am saving them for my upcoming vacation. 

Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray. (50 mL- $7.58. Full size $18.95 for 125 mL) 

Total value $32.79 

I paid $10 for this bag and think I received some great products. The spoiler this month was for Benetint, but I already have a few small bottles of it as well as a full-sized posietint. I'm happy with what I got and I can't wait to try out the weather proof spray! It has been so so humid here on the east coast and my curls just go bonkers. The lip crayon applies really nicely and is a gorgeous color. I love the Revlon Just Bitten stain crayons and this has a similar application and color payoff. Probably my favorite item in the bag. The nail polish is pretty, I don't quite have a color like this. I have a lighter shade of this color and a brighter one, but this is a little more on the subdued side. The eyeshadow is just ok... I'll have to see how I feel about it when I get the chance to put it over primer. Sunscreen is always good when you are as pale as I am. I like that they sent me the unscented one, although the rose would have been nice too. 

There were some variations in the products this month.  Other people may have gotten Demeter Salt Air Perfume Roll-on, Coola Rose Essence SPF 20 Tinted Moisturizer, Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray, Benefit Benetint, or Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub.

If you would like to sign up for Ipsy, here is my referral link. It is $10 a month and you get 4-5 deluxe and full-sized samples in a cute makeup bag every month.  If you sign up using my link, I get a bonus item after a certain number of referrals.  

All products in this post were purchased by me, through Ipsy, and all opinions are my own.