GlossyBox VS BoxyCharm October 2014 Unboxing and Showdown!

Hard to believe that October is almost over...this month truly did fly by so quickly.  I wish I was an animal and could go into hibernation as I HATE the cold.  Hhhhmmmpppphhhh......Okay, temper tantrum over for the moment.

I have not had a BoxyCharm subscription before.  And I am not sure how I saw the sneak peek of one of the items that was coming in the October box.  But I did and I wanted it SO badly that I signed up.

The important stuff.....

GlossyBox is $21 a month and so is BoxyCharm.  There are constant feuds on social media over which of these two are better.  It all comes down to what you are looking for in a box.  The price is nothing to squawk at because the boxes come with twice the value based on the amount of products in them each month. BoxyCharm is mostly makeup and GlossyBox will give you a pretty good mix of makeup, haircare and skincare each month.

When I first came into makeup, I wanted a mix of it all so I chose GlossyBox.  Check out some of my past posts to review the items that I have received.  The July 2014 box was my favorite so far.

Also, there was no waiting list for GlossyBox as there is with BoxyCharm and patience is a virtue I do not possess.  But I signed up for the October BoxyCharm and crossed all my bits in hopes that I would get it and I did!

It took forever to get to me so let's look at GlossyBox first.

October 2014 GlossyBox

As we all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I am assuming that is why pink is the theme this month.  I loved that they did that.  My first impression of the items, however, was MEH.....

Now, let me show you BoxyCharm before I do my breakdowns.....

October 2014 BoxyCharm

AAAAHHHHH!!!  I freaking love it!!  I would have been happy with just the concealer palette :)

Okay, let's go over the goodies now.

First up, in GlossyBox.....

Most expensive product

Tarte's Power Pigment in Awakening, valued at $24 (full sized).  This lip product is the sister to their signature lip stain.  Full of moisture and a bold color.....well the color is pink and there has really been only one NYX pink that I can pull off.

For BoxyCharm, I have to just get right to the most exciting product for me!

My favorite product

Coastal Scents Eclipse 15 concealer palette, valued at $19.95 (full sized).  I just recently did a post on concealers and correctors (HERE) so couldn't wait to get this.  I have horrible dark purple bags and I also have blood vessels on the sides of my nose.  I will use so many of these shades.  They have really done wonders for my under eye area since I can play with the palette and make my own perfect shade for my coloring.  It lasts all day too.

Here is me wearing it for the first time and I gotta say my bags have never looked better!

Smile!

Serious Face

Here are the colors a little closer so you can see how nice they are!

Left side of palette

Right side of palette

I did read some reviews about them drying out so only time will tell.....but overall for the price, you can't beat it.  This will be my second palette that I am in LOVE with.  I haven't written my review yet but this is the other one I am obsessed with! And their brushes are divine!!

Sleek Silhouette Palette

The colors are perfect and last all day :)

This point goes to BoxyCharm!

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Next up from GB....

I love products from London

Nails, Inc. Matte Top Coat, valued at $11 (full size).  I truly have never had the desire to use a matte top coat.  I like shiny, wet looking nails.  But I used this on my accent nail and was pleasantly surprised at how nice it looked!  Another polish to add to my ever growing collection!

Matte accent nail

Next up from BoxyCharm is a duo of polishes.

2 is better than 1

Cult/Commerce Polishes in B'Witched and Spell On, valued at $21 (full size).  I cannot for the life of me find this brand online to show you where to purchase them.  I think these were specifically made for this month's box.  There was some major controversy with these as when you went to use them for the first time, the brushes were hard as a rock.  A memo was sent out on social media telling us to soak the brush in acetone for 30-60 seconds prior to use.  It cleared the issue up but should have been sent out BEFORE the world went crazy, IMO.  In any event, this is probably the prettiest purple I own.

Halloween nails

This one actually goes to GlossyBox.  I was introduced to a brand new product!

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Next up for GlossyBox....

One mask

Sesha Botanical Hydro Mask, valued at $9 (full size).  I am a mask lover.  I love to make my own more than anything lately.  This mask, though, really made me feel like it was doing "something" to my skin.  It was cold and refreshing and overall felt really good.  I don't think there were any immediate results other than my face looked like I just went for a brisk walk.  It's got a bunch of good stuff in it...witch hazel, green tea and cucumber.  I just can't justify the price for something I will need to use all the time to see results.

BoxyCharm gave me.....

A 40% coupon on my next Palmetto purchase was included, too

Palmetto Derma Collagen Booster and Restoration Spray, valued at $48 (full size).  I was super excited to see this even though I was hoping for a makeup filled box.  I did just have a birthday and am 34 now.....preventative treatment is high on my priority list!  I used it this morning and I didn't like the way it came out of the bottle.  It made me feel like I was wasting product.  But it felt nice on my skin.  Made with Vitamin C and E, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Gotu Kola and many more super ingredients I am hoping to notice results soon! They also included a 40% off my next purchase coupon, which of course I misplaced :( Everything I have read about this has been positive!

This one goes to BoxyCharm.

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Next up from GlossyBox is.......

Sulfate free!!

Proganix Anti-Fade Weightless Argan Oil and UV Protection Spray, valued at $11.99 (full size). I have colored hair that needs protection from the sun and styling tools so this was great to get.  It smells very pretty, just on the verge of overpowering when first sprayed but remains light and airy for the rest of the day.  My hair was immediately shiny after using it this morning.  I really like this!

BoxyCharm gave me.....

Ultra Olive

Starlooks Eye Pencil in Ultra Olive, valued at $13 (full size).  Its a great color for this season but I hate pencils I have to sharpen.  They drag on my eye lid and I am an eye liner snob ever since I started using Benefit's They're Real Eye Liner.  Plus I just won a whole set of Marc Jacobs gel eyeliners and I am in heaven.  This will be gifted or sold.

This one goes to GlossyBox.

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The tie breaker is coming!

GlossyBox gave me.....

Pretty Packaging

Vince Camuto AMORE perfume, deluxe sample.  The packaging is adorable.  But that's it.  It is very flowery and not my style at all.  I am not even sure what to do with this......

BoxyCharm gave me....

Haha, Miss Priss

Be a Bombshell eye shadow in Miss Priss, valued at $14 (full size).  This is a pink eye shadow. Enough said??  I have heard a lot of great things about this brand but would have loved another color. BoxyCharm did put out a great video that shows a nice eye look with grey and pink so maybe I could pull that one off.  I might gift this or sell this though. It is shimmer though.....decisions, decisions :)

This one goes to BoxyCharm by default :)  PS-The other item GlossyBox gave me was a $40 gift card to Hello Fresh, this is one of those companies where they deliver fresh ingredients to your door! It is a great gift card and helps with the cost and I do think I will use this or gift this.

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And BoxyCharm was the winner this month!!

Were ya'll following the values of the full sized products though??

GlossyBox=$55.99, not including the deluxe sample and $40 gift card

BoxyCharm=$115.95

Holy cow!!!  Again, I paid $21.  I LOVED BoxyCharm this month!!

So much so that I am actually going to stay with them.  I cancelled once my box shipped but went right back on the waitlist.  I like how I can get points and use them towards things on the site, unlike GlossyBox.  That is huge to me!  So thank you, BoxyCharm! You made SUCH a great first impression that you have a new customer.  Don't tell my husband :) 

Do you get both boxes?

How long have you had BoxyCharm? Do you love it every month?

Please let me know what to expect and look forward to in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!! xo 

GlossyBox September 2014 Reveal

September 2014 GlossyBox

Another wonderful month from GlossyBox.  GlossyBox is $21 a month and everyone gets the same box.  They do have a points system, similar to BirchBox and Ipsy, and when you review your items received, you end up getting a free box.  What I love about GlossyBox is it is a great mix of makeup, skincare and haircare.  And luxury brands and deluxe items.  Most of them always include at least one full size product.  Click HERE if you would like to subscribe!

Also, this month's collaboration is with Harpers Bazaar, the magazine, so everything was hand picked to create a minimalistic, chic fall 2014 look :)

First Look

On to the awesome items.......

First up is the product I am most excited about this month! What's nice about these monthly boxes is they introduce you to things you might otherwise not have purchased for yourself.  And then you end up loving them. (and then going broke buying everything J/K)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Black Dahlia. $18.00 product :)

The Perfect Matte Lip

I have always wanted to try this brand since they are 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free.  I have also heard wonderful things about them.  I can't say I have ever said I have wanted to try matte lip tar. Boy, am I glad I did.  The tiniest amount covers my whole mouth. And I absolutely LOVE the color. It is the perfect fall color and can go to a deep, deep dark burgundy the more you apply.  So PERFECT Halloween color, too!

My serious face

I am in love.  They have a TON of other colors, so make sure you click on the link above to check them all out.  They recommend priming your lip with a clear lip tar. I primed my lips with e.l.f.'s exfoliating lip balm.

Perfect for chapped winter lips

It is $3.00 and is the best I have found so far for chapped lips, so is perfect to prep for a matte color.

Okay, back to the box :)

Next up is Essie nail polish in She's Pampered. $8.50 product.

Great red for Fall

This is described as an indulgent red.  I think the more coats you apply the redder it will become as with two coats for me I still thought it was quite bright.  It is a very flattering color, especially for my pale white skin.  I cut back on tanning and am still upset about it.  This will be going on my toes next :)

Just a reminder, we have already exceeded the cost of the box with these two products that I love.

Next up is one of the staples in my beauty bag.

They're Real Mascara by Benefit. $10.00 product.

I am obsessed with the wand

The best thing about this mascara is the wand.  It truly brings out lashes I  didn't know I had.  Also, the SECRET to really getting the most out of this mascara is to apply both up and down with the entire wand and then turn it to use the tip to go over the lashes again to really extend the length.

Next is BVLGARI Eau Parfumme au the vert Conditioner. $16.00 product.

Fancy Pants Conditioner

To be honest, I will never buy this product.  In fact, I can't even find it online to buy it if I wanted to. Of course, I wanted to be fancy and try it (it is sulfate free after all), which I did, but sadly, I only smelled the fragrance in my hair when applying.  It didn't last the day which was very disappointing for such a pricey product. Besides that, I don't think there was any benefit to my hair.......

Lastly, is VICHY LiftActiv Night Cream. $13 product.

Thick Night Cream

This is described as a 24 hour moisturizer that fights the signs of aging and wrinkles.  It also is skin firming. I am a sucker for a thick, hydrating cream but I have not made up my mind if I am going to use this or give it to my wonderful mother :)

And there ya have it!  The breakdown of the September 2014 GlossyBox.

This was a great box for the value and I fell in love with another product for fall :)

Do you already subscribe to GlossyBox?  Want to? Click HERE.

What did you think of this month's box?

Let us know in the comments below!

Have a great day!

August 2014 Glossybox Reveal and Upcoming Sneak Peaks

Glossybox was a little different this month.  They have been pretty consistent lately with skincare and haircare and this month, they mixed in some makeup.  Needless to say I am very happy.  Let's get the formalities out of the way.  Glossybox is a monthly beauty subscription box that is $21 a month.  Everyone gets the same box.  The products are high end and there are always full size brands included.  Click HERE to join me on the bandwagon.

First up is UBERLISS Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner.

This is chock full of good stuff and healthy ingredients and claims to promote shiny, strong hair due to the keratin.  I freaked out when I first used it because the shampoo started foaming but it is sulfate free.  I felt like the conditioner just laid on top of my hair and I had a heck of a time combing my wet hair out.  Maybe this product is one that you see the benefits from after many uses.

Next up is SPARitual Nail Polish in Magnify.

A full size bright pink color, perfect for end of summer.  This nail polish is free of formaldehyde and other nasty stuff and valued at $12.00.

I'm excited to try the next brand.  EYEKO Skinny Liquid Liner.

This is a British cosmetic brand (PS-I am British) and the nubby end offers a precision tip that makes the cat eye easy to attain.  Smudge free and long lasting.  It is almost the size of a full size one which is valued at $16.00.

The next product was a special edition product for this month's Glossybox.

Kryolan Highlighter in Cashmere.

This creamy highlighter should be applied anywhere you want natural illumination.  Corner of eyes, down your nose, cheekbones and even lips.

Lastly, we have ESLOR Firming Collagen Day Cream.

The ultimate product in skin defense and anti-aging, restoring firmness and minimizing wrinkles.  Full size is $85 so I am excited to use this as a preventative product.  It's never too early to start preventing wrinkles!

And there ya have it!

Another GREAT box from Glossybox.  They included sneak peeks of what's to come in the next 3 boxes so now is a perfect time to sign up to get these great brands.

September-They're Real Mascara by Benefit

October-Nails, Inc. Nail Polish

November-Green Apple Age Defying Moisturizer by Juice Beauty

What did you think of this month's box?

Let me know in the comments below!

Stay tuned as details for the next Beauty Package Giveaway are coming together!

Have a great day!!

Pucker Up Darlings-Lip Gloss Favorites

I have always been a lip gloss girl.  Sometimes lipstick is just too much but I am a sucker for a great glossy pout.  I love coral's, maroon's, nudes and shimmers.  Today I wanted to share the ones I have been sporting lately and give some lip gloss reviews and recommendations, thanks to my beauty boxes.

First is my newest fav (and the one my kisser is sporting above)!

LOREAL's Color Riche Extraordinary Lip Color in Coral Encore.  It goes on like a gloss but stays put like a lipstick.  Look at that shine.  The color is simply smashing.

Next up is one of the first ones I ever received and wore it every day.

Bareminerals Marvelous Moxie in Maverick.  The color is described as a rosewood shimmer.  I'm noticing it looks a lot darker on my hand than on my lips.  It smells like chocolate, but is infused with shea butter, avocado and murumuru butters.  Enough said.

Bella Pierre Cosmetics Super Lip Gloss in Vanilla Pink.  I received this full size one in my Glossybox.  At first glance, I did not think I was going to like it as it was pink.  But as you can see it is a more shimmery mauve color and it also smells incredible.  My hubby really likes it when he kisses me :) It isn't sticky either.....or he wouldn't be kissing me ;) Plus it plumps my lips when I wear it.  Cheaper than surgery!

Julep's Lip Gloss in Charming.  This came in a Maven box that I ordered and I didn't think I was going to like the color either.  It is a shimmery nude color and super pretty on with tons of shimmer.

Benefit's Coralista Ultra Plush Lip Gloss.  I knew I was going to love this one! It's coral after all!  High shine as you can clearly see. and the perfect summer gloss :) Only con is you have to squeeze it out and I am not a huge fan of that.  They also make a blush in this color!

Rimmel's Stay Glossy 3D in Popcorn for 2.  This came in a special edition Birchbox.  Pure gloss.  Its pretty on its on as a sheer shimmer or it can be layered on top of any other color!  It is a smidge sticky.

Another winner by Benefit!  Hoola Lip Gloss.  They also make a bronzer in this color that I use.  The gloss is another shimmery nude.

NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair. This came in an Ipsy bag.  I was sure I wasn't going to like it as it is pink but it goes on so smooth and creamy and I think it looks great!  Thanks to the lighting for making me look orange in the above pic.....haha!

Lastly, I received some samples for Urban Decay's Revolution Lipstick.

I am wearing Liar.  It is really pretty, I also tried 69.  They don't come out as dark as they look from the samples though.  I put on about 3 coats just to achieve the look above.  They are sold in sticks so maybe it comes out darker when not using a lip brush for application.

The last thing that I got free was from Jouer.  It is their Essential Lip Enhancer.

It is pretty much a chapstick feel in a way.  I don't mean to minimize the product in any way, I love it and am glad I received it but so far I haven't been able to justify the $14 price tag.  Maybe continuous use will make a difference in plumping up my lips.

The thing I want to recommend is e.l.f.'s lip exfoliator!! I forgot to take a pic :)

It is amazing!  And only $3!! It removes dry dead skin on chapped lips but moisturizes too.

And there ya have it!

I would love to know your favorite glosses!

Let me know in the comments below :)

Have a great day!!