TomBox (NKA SwaagBox) Subscription

Lately I have really been struggling with my monthly beauty subs......they just haven't been meeting the standards lately.....have I become a beauty snob??

I don't think so because I am about to tell you about an INCREDIBLE monthly sub box. Swaagbox, formerly known as Tombox, is a Time Of The Month box.  For only $10 a month you get a box with not only tampons or pads but also makeup, jewelry, skin care, hair care, etc.......

They sent me this box for review and it really made me happy.

Who doesn't want to feel pretty when they feel like crap and are the the size of a whale with bloat?? I know I do!!  Love the lipstick and eyeshadow, the ankle bracelet, the hair serum, I mean the value of this box definitely exceeded $10 and they are all name brand products.

You fill out a profile with your choices for skincare, jewelry, makeup, etc....they got me very well for telling them I would choose trendy (I had not signed up and filled out the profile).

I am very impressed with the things that they sent me and am looking forward to the months to come!!

Want to sign up?? Click HERE to join me in feeling beautiful when we feel anything but :)

Have you tried TomBoxes before?  What are your thoughts?

Let us know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! XO

April 2015 Choix Unboxing And Review

Last month was my second month of the Choix subscription.  It is $20 a month and you get to select the 5 items you sample, all high end brands that I myself, have limited access to.  Tom Ford, Kevin Aucoin,Chanel,YSL,etc.....

the goodies

You also get a $10 coupon code to use towards a full size product out of the items that you sampled for the month.

Let's talk about what I selected this month.

• Nars Dual Intensity Eye Shadow in Phoebe-what's neat about Choix is they send you the sample already pressed in a little pan for you.  You can get a little palette from them to hold all your shadows in so you can take them with you or keep them all in one spot.  I actually really liked this color and it lasted forever on my lids.
• Smashbox Primer Water-I have been wanting to try this for a while but didn't love it as much as I hoped I would.  It was very refreshing but to me not worth the price tag. I also found it did nothing for my pores prior to foundation application and found it better suited for a finishing spray.
• Bobbi Brown Foundation in Cool Beige-I liked this so much that this is what I used my $10 off code on and am waiting for the full size product so I will do a full review then!  It truly is "your skin but better" foundation.  I find application best with Real Techniques Expert Face Brush!
• Chanel Illuminating Base Primer-this primer was a little too shimmery and sticky for me.  Ya know how Smashbox's original primer feels?  This is the exact opposite and again too hefty of a price tag. If you don't have crater sized pores then this would be better for you than me!
• Lastly, Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector in Light Bisque-I love this stuff and have written a post on it before.  In fact, I merely ordered it too be able to use the $10 off coupon on it but I fell in love with the foundation instead!! This is a miracle product that you use under your concealer to counteract the discoloration. 

Click HERE if you would like to try this monthly sub!! As you know, I LOVE surprises but since this box lets me access such amazing stuff I really was glad I tried it!!  I mean sure, you can have them pick your products for you if you want though :)

So overall this was the best box I have received from them so far but I can't blame it on Choix since I made all of my own selections.  Being the foundation and concealer junkie I am, those were where I ran into problems since color selection was hard.  They don't offer all the choices for each brand so I found myself going back and forth reading shade descriptions on Sephora's website.

What do you think?  Have you tried Choix before? Do you think you will?

Let me know in the comments below!! xo

Choix February 2015 Unboxing And Monthly Subscription Review

I teased last month as to why I cancelled one of my Birchboxes and my Sample Society box.  Well this is why, folks!  Choix (pronounced SHWAA, french for choice) is a luxury, high end monthly subscription box.  You get to pick the 5 samples you will receive and depending on the item you choose, the packaging will differ.   Choix's vision for this box was to bring the in store experience to your home.

Presentation

I know personally, there are a lot of things at the makeup counter at Macy's or in Sephora that I absolutely will not "test".  Lipsticks being numero uno.  And sometimes there just is not a local store that has the samples I am even looking for!  So for $20 a month, you can select your high end items to be sent to you.  What's great is that $10 of that money goes back to you to be able to use towards a full size purchase of one of the items you selected.  Unfortunately, my first experience made me learn a few things.

The Deets

Some of the brands you can choose from are Bobbi Brown, NARS, Dolce and Gabbana, Ellis Faas, HourGlass, Chanel and many many more.  Since I am always on the hunt for the greatest concealer and foundation that is what I decided I wanted my whole first box to be about.  Plus I snagged an HourGlass Ambient Lighting Palette sample, if anything just to see how they would provide a sample of it.

I chose the following items for my first box:

• HourGlass Ambient Lighting Dim Light
• NARS Immaculate Complexion Concealer in Custard
• Ellis Fass Concealer in Fair/Medium
• HourGlass Fluid Foundation in Light Beige, No.2
• Guerlain Invisible Skin Fusion Foundation in Amber Pale

Once I opened the box, the above is what it looked like.  Size being comparable to Birchbox.

Extras

They also included supplies for the sampling.  I thought that was pretty neat.

Sponges, Disposable Wands, Etc.

And here is what the samples looked like.

The Goods

First item I reached for was the HourGlass Dim Light sample.

I can only assume they broke some off and repressed it into this jar??? No matter what though it was very hard for me to even determine if I liked it or could use it with this sample.  The brush they provided, which was the only one really small enough to get in there, didn't really pick up much powder.  I used my fluffy concealer brush but it deposited so much product in one spot it looked like bronzer on my cheeks.  So this was a major FAIL.

Next, I went for the concealers.

When I placed my order I really thought I was trying the creamy one.  This little sample was pretty much dried out, I had a very hard time trying to warm the product in between my fingers and when I attempted to use it, it tugged on my under eye areas.  So although application was difficult, I do know Custard in this product is too dark for me.  It may however work in the summer.  I tried the Vanilla in the creamy one from Sephora and it might be a tad too light so I will have to try the Custard in the creamy.  HA! Did that make sense to you??

This concealer was too dark for me but I liked the consistency very much. I would try fair next time although it looks pink on the website colors are a bit off based on the sample I received.  I do wish on the website they offered descriptions of skin tones and coloring for the choices, like they do on the actual brand website.  I had to go back and forth quite a bit to determine which color I thought would work best since it only listed the color name.

I am showing this picture again to show you the foundation sample sizes.  They were very generous with these.  The HourGlass one was waaaaaay too dark but the Guerlain one was very nice.  I actually forgot to use it this morning since I have been in love with my NARS foundation (review to come). It really felt like a second skin when I tried it on.

After you place the orders for your samples and you receive the shipping notification, 3 days later you get your code for $10 off a full size product that you sampled.

My next box I think I will try some lip colors I have been afraid to bite the bullet on and maybe some eye shadows.  Overall, I was happy because I made the choices, even though with every other box I WANT to be surprised.  I've never scrolled faster on FaceBook then when I see the words Sneak Peek :)

Since I signed up on the 19th of the month, I will receive an email on the 19th of this month telling me I can go in and order my samples.  The shipping for this would have only been about a weeks time but we have had bad weather and the post office has been making me very angry lately.

Now let's say you end up using your $10 off coupon but end up hating the full size product, Choix will work with you about exchanging or refunding you which I think is great! If you miss the email that says its time to pick your samples for the month, Choix will use the "surprise me" option for you. I forgot to mention if you want to be surprised, there is a choice for that! They have a great FAQ section that is very informative.

They also have boxes put together that you can choose for the month, like a Flawless Face Kit or a Smokey Eyes Kit and they have 5 pre selected items for you.

I am excited for next months box now that I know how it works and exactly what I will be receiving. I also have some time to get my wish list together since unfortunately I might be losing out on my $10 credit this month.

If you are interested in trying this out with me a for a month or two, click HERE!!!

Is this the first time you are hearing about Choix?  Do you think you will try it?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

February 2015 BoxyCharm Unboxing

Sorry for the late posting loves!! I have had so many things going on lately but I am excited to share this month's BoxyCharm with you. If you are on the fence about getting this monthly subscription, DO IT!!!  I still can't get over the value of the full size products you get for $21 a month.  This box is different in that we all get the same box (no profile to fill out with preferences) but so far I have been pleased with every box.  I cancelled GlossyBox for this box only because I was getting enough skin care with BirchBox and wanted more makeup.  Also this box is all full size products.  LOVE.

February 2015 BoxyCharm

Let's get to it!!

• First item I gave a sneak peek for last month.  NCLA jar of hearts nail decor, "Heart Attack".  I love nail polish!! I haven't yet had the chance to do a mani with these lovely heart decals but I can't wait to share when I do.  I've received nail wraps from this brand before and really wasn't too impressed so I am hoping the polish is better.  $16 value.
• Jing Ai Velvet Shine Lip Jewel in "Pink A Boo".  This is a smooth large lip crayon that never needs to be sharpened.  It is made with macadamia, shea and jojoba oil so perfect for dry,chapped winter lips.  I think the color is a universal shade.  $22 value.
• Mullein and Sparrow Mini Facial Mask-At first I loved the presentation of this mask in a jar. Then I went to use it and was not so enthused.  You need to pour the clay mixture in to your hand and mix with water.  It was pretty messy.  The mask results were nice though.  It hardened up on my face and left it very smooth and soft.  You can mix this with yogurt for a very hydrating, cleansing mask!  $15 value.
• Modern Minerals Duo Fibre Mini Round Eye Shadow Brush-You can never have enough eye makeup brushes IMO.  This brush is nice and lightweight and perfect for taking color and buffing it out into a smokey eye.  $15 value.
• Mistura Beauty Complexion Corrector-This is a pretty awesome little tube.  It is a cream to powder formula that corrects and covers things such as broken capillaries (I have them around my nose) and under eye dark circles.  It says to glide the tube under your eyes but I actually broke mine doing that so I just apply (and warm up) with my fingers. It dries to a nice matte finish under the eyes.  $36.99 value.

Total value of box is $104.99!!  Now you see what I mean about value for the cost of $21 a month. Click HERE to join me!! 

Do you already get BoxyCharm?? What did you think of this months box??

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xoxo 

December 2014 BarkBox Unboxing

We are to that wonderful time of the month again....Barkbox!  I chose this photo first so that you could see how desperately my girls wanted to get at those goodies.  This was another successful box and I am so happy with this subscription!!  For only $19 a month, you get a box filled with treats, toys and doggie gear based on your dogs size and preferences.  10% of each box sold also goes to support local rescue groups so you are giving back which I love about this subscription.  Each box we have received has exceeded the cost of the box itself.  This months December box was valued at $42.  Keep reading to see how you can sign up for BarkBox and get 10% off your first box :)

In keeping with the holiday theme, each item was perfect, yet again.

First up is the toy that they both went crazy for.

BarkMade Yuletide Log, $12 value.

In fact, this was the best picture I could get since they took it away from my hand once I took it out to photograph it :) It is a highly durable squeaker toy and they play with it every day.

Next toy, surprisingly didn't creep me out too much, since elves usually do.

Quaker elf, $10 value.

What's neat is that the arms actually slide out so there are three pieces to this toy.  Sadly, we did lose the elf about a week after though, it wasn't as durable as we thought, especially to a teething rottweiler.

Next is a super cute, reversible, bandanna.

Safemade Holiday Tartan bandanna, $8 value.

Now to the treats.

Always themed of course.

Bocce's Bakery lumps of coal, $7 value.

These heart shaped treats are wheat based.

Shelby loved them but Paisley did not really care for them.

Luckily, she loved these treats.

My Doggy Happy Holiday treats, $5 value.

These are made with cranberries, apples and honey.  Huge hit!

More pics of the girls in action :)

Another perk to this subscription is that if you like an item, you can just text BarkBox and they will mail you that item immediately.  If you don't like an item, you tell them that too and they will swap it out so it's always a win win for your pups!

Sign up today and get 10% off your first box! Click HERE!

Do you already use BarkBox?  What did your dogs think of this month's box?  If you don't have a large breed box, what goodies did they get?

Let us know in the comments below!

Have a great day!! xo

December 2014 BoxyCharm Unboxing and more reasons why I am glad I cancelled GlossyBox

Christmas is right around the corner and I have so many products to review and tutorials for ya'll. But I just got my last beauty box of the month so wanted to share!

First let's talk about GlossyBox really quick.  I cancelled last month, remember.....well I tried to. I didn't see the fine print where it said I needed to do so before the 15th of the month so of course I was billed and got a box from them this month.  They were the only box I did not change my new address on so I actually had to go to the post office and pay $6 to retrieve it.  I already had paid for the box so I wasn't about to lose that money.

So this is what they sent me for December.

Not a bad box at all......but not a good enough box to make me want to change my mind on why I cancelled.  First, my blush was broken.  Shattered.  I emailed customer service and they no longer have any inventory so are sending me another item to make up for it.  I am excited to use the lavender oil as lavender is my favorite scent.  I have heard nothing but wonderful things about 12 Benefits hair products.  I have liked everything I have tried from Juice Beauty and of course OPI is OPI and it's a great pink shade.

But now let me show you BoxyCharm........

Again, this box is $21 a month and I am already looking at a $39.95 product in the Coastal Scents Revealed palette!

This palette is comparable to Urban Decay's Naked palette with the nude and metallic hues throughout.  There are 20 shades all together in a sleek case perfect for traveling.  The colors are beautiful.  I can't wait to start creating looks with this bad boy.

Next up is Mistura Retractable Kabuki brush, full size, valued at $19.99.

I can never have too many brushes I have found out in the past few months.  I am excited to try this one.  You can pull it out fully or keep it compressed a little for greater concentration.  Another perfect travel item.  I have one by Real Techniques so I am interested to see how this compares.  This brand is cruelty free so they have already won me over with that.

Next is Eva-Nyc Hold Me Tight Hairspray.

I am beginning to sense a theme here, lol.  A travel sized hairspray.  It really provides a strong hold too which will help a lot in the summer with the humidity.  It has a light scent, too, not crazy chemical like.

Next up is Be a Bombshell Lipstick in Lush, full size, valued at $14.

It is a dark burgundy red color, that goes on light and creamy like a stain.  It doesn't have the best staying power as it was gone by the time I got to work just from drinking my coffee on the car ride there.  I don't have a picture of the actual lipstick itself as when I opened it to do the swatch the whole thing fell out so I need to contact customer service.

And last up is Lina Lashes in Luxury Mink, full size, valued at $30.00

All the fake eyelashes I have tried didn't go over well with me.  But I will try again.  I love long, flirty lashes and these look pretty natural which is nice.  Another brand that is cruelty free!

All in all this box that I paid $21 for is worth well over $100.  And last months box was worth over $120 so they are very consistent.  I love the variety and have loved every box I have received so far. I am so glad that I cancelled GlossyBox.

Sign up today with me so we can love our boxes together!! Click HERE!! Plus when you review the items you receive in our box each month, you get "charms" that can be used to purchase items in their online store.  So similar to Birchbox in that respect!

Have you signed up already?  What did you think of this months box?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

November 2014 Sample Society Unboxing

Well lovelies, the move is officially OVER!!! We are in our new place and now the anxiety moves from packing to unpacking! I can't wait to get everything set up from my vanity to my craft room :) Soooooo, that is the reason I will be doing two November unboxings that should have been done last month :) Also, it is time to celebrate the 6 month anniversary of Mudpipes and Glitter!!!! I can't believe it has only been six months.  All the people and relationships that I have formed in these last 6 months has been incredible :)

Let's get started. Sample Society has been one of my favorite boxes from the beginning.  The last few months have been kind of meh boxes though.  I am really hoping for a stellar box in December with it being Christmas and all :)  The box is $15 a month and everyone gets the same box.  But we also get a $10 off $50 purchase coupon in each box that is good for buying stuff on their website, which is pretty darn near the same as Sephora.  Click HERE to check out the site and to sign up for this monthly beauty subscription!

The goodies

This month was a good mix of makeup, hair care and skin care.

My favorite product in this box is the perfume.  Calvin Klein Reveal.

This is such a sensual fragrance.  It has musk and sandalwood and is just super sexy but completely wearable in the daytime.  I love it.  I don't love that my taste is so expensive.  :)

Next up is Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Omega Nourishing Oil.  Wow, that was a mouthful.

The thing that upset me about this is that in the description of the product it said it wasn't recommended for thin hair as it could weigh it down.....well, THIN hair is what I have.  Plus this sample may quite be the smallest one I have ever received.  I ended up trading this for something I wanted better.  But if you have thick hair then this would be a great product for you to get some nourishment in your hair.

Next we have MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme Beauty Balm.

I was excited to try this one as it claims to even skin tone and eliminate redness, which the winter weather is giving my face.  Plus it has green tea in it.  But I didn't really think that this was anything more than a lightly tinted moisturizer.  Calling it a beauty balm is quite a stretch.  And my pores were still quite visible so I can't call this a primer either.  At least it didn't do very well under my Kat Von D foundation.  I may try it under my BareMinerals foundation as it might be a better consistency for that.

Next is Lorac Cobra Mascara.

Last time I tried a mascara by Lorac it ended up flaking on me.  And with my contacts that is a recipe for disaster.  So this one we will see about.  The brush on this one is kind of crooked to help with curling the lashes but it surely doesn't do a better job than my eye lash curler.  This is just an ordinary mascara to me.

And the last item is Malin+Goetz Bergamot Body Wash.

This can be used as a body wash or a shampoo or a bubble bath.  It has a light bergamot fragrance, which for those that don't know, it is kind of a boozy, citrusy smell.   A pretty small sample, too.

My thoughts overall were.....meh.  I mean the samples sizes were super small and nothing was really remarkable as far as products go.  I mean sure, these are all items you could throw in an over night bag and depending on the person be good for a day since all the products each cover a need.  But not for me.  Fingers crossed for a better month next month!

What did you think of this month's box?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo