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

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 

My Love/Hate Month with Birchbox-October 2014

The "box"

Hi, my name is Brooke and I am addicted to all things beautiful.  Plus I LOVE surprises.....okay, now that we got that out of the way I can tell ya'll about my love/hate month with Birchbox.  Oh, also I cancelled Ipsy this month.  Out of the months that I had it, there was usually only one item I liked in each box, therefore I couldn't justify keeping it especially when I knew there were other boxes I wanted (i.e. I got the October BoxyCharm box heading my way because it has an entire Coastal Scents concealer palette so more to come on that).

So I decided I would order two Birchboxes this month since it is my birthday month.  Since I referred myself, I was also able to get a Benefit sample pack that was going to come in my new box (which we will call box #2).  My original subscription, Box #1's, profile had my preferences as adventurous, trendy and classic and that I wanted perfume samples. I have enjoyed every box I have received.  For box #2's profile, I kept only adventurous and trendy. I also said I did not want any perfume samples.  Another thing I want to mention is I never look at the sneak peek videos that they show as I always like to be surprised, plus I don't want to be let down if there was something I truly wanted.  This month though, I did see the sneak peak pictures on Instagram and knew some boxes would include the beauty blender and products from Coastal Scents, Macadamia, Dr. Brandt and Jouer.  Needless to say, I was giddy!!

Box #1 took forever to get here this month...unusual but I didn't let it get to me.  The day finally came and I got it!!

Loved the label this month!

Always love this touch of uniqueness

And then I opened the box.....

Such a letdown

This months theme is Fanfare

I was really in shock..,,,,Despite people's efforts in one of my groups telling me how good certain products were, this box is unlike any of the other boxes I have received in that I was not excited about one freaking thing.

Lets review.

First is Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips.

Tiniest sample ever made

Um, sorry, but any product that I can rub on both my nipples and my lips is just not desirable to me. This claims to repair dry, flaky, rough skin and and can be used as a primer and multi purpose balm.  It is also the winner of the award for smallest sample ever received.  I just wasn't happy with this product.  And no, I have not tried it yet. It is in my giveaway pile.

Next is Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser.

Another tiny sample

This sample is also quite small and I got two uses out of it.  I wasn't thrilled about this face product but at the end of the day it ended up being the best product in the box.  It comes out super gritty and you put a dollop in the palm of your hand and add water and scrub on your face.  It exfoliates and as you continue to rub it in to your face it starts to lather up and does a great job cleaning your skin. The smell on the other hand is identical to lemon pledge.  Don't get me wrong, I love lemons.  But this wasn't a fresh lemon smell, it was a weird lemon smell.  But hey, again, I had a nice two time run with it.

Next is CLEAN Rain Eau De Parfum.

I don't like perfume samples I have to pour on myself

The last time I received a sample of perfume from this brand, I did indicate I was not happy with it.  But my favorite smells are clean smells and musky, sexy smells so I gave this one a try.  Thumbs down.  The smell was okay, a tad flowery but also "clean" smelling but it was the fact that it seemed to have already dissipated before I even left the house.  I also don't like the samples you can't spray.  I feel like I waste so much product having to dab it on myself.

Next up is BeeKind Body Lotion.

Cute packaging

I haven't tried this yet but since I was already upset with the box, this poor guy was guilty by association. I use all of my hand lotion samples because I wash my hands so much at work so it is always convenient but I get them too frequently.

Last up is ModelCo Power Lash Mascara.

Another mascara

Another mascara.....I have read mixed reviews on this...clumping yet lengthening.  I put it in my giveaway pile. I love my Benefit and Too Faced.  The end.

So after I hooted and hollered on my Birchblogger page, Birchbox actually commented and told me to email customer service to convey my feelings.  I was already planning on doing that because they have great customer service and have always helped me out in the past.  I usually get points added to my account for any issues that come up and that makes me a happy girl.  That would also help me out a lot right now considering I have 199 points.......

So I emailed customer service.  The reply I got back (almost 2 days later) was less than satisfying.  I basically got a run down of exactly why these items were chosen for me and in summary it seemed to have been because I had "classic" as one of my selected profile options.  So for this first time in 11 months, I rated my service as Bad, Not Satisfied.

I don't need to know why these items were chosen for me......I wanted reassurance that I was still a valued customer even though I was so unhappy considering I had just gotten myself a second subscription!  I was also told "we do hope you stick with us".....One of the friends I referred was also extremely unhappy with this months box and she is getting Novembers box free.  I guess each customer service rep has the ability to decide how much service they want to give.

I have since changed my profile for Box #1 to trendy only.

Back to the boxes......Saturday I received Box #2.  Weirdly, my label was a normal one.

Plain ole Brooke

But when I saw my box, I nearly fainted.....

The perfect box

This is what I am used to getting in my box.  Perfection! Everything that I wanted and am ecstatic. Plus I was thrilled with the Benefit sample pack, too.

Now, remember the only thing I changed was I selected trendy and adventurous as my makeup style (no classic) and no perfume. And it resulted in a perfect mix of face, hair, body and makeup items.

The first thing I was so excited to receive is the Macademia Flawless Conditioning System.

Incredible product

I first came to love this product in the summer when I got it in my New Beauty Test Tube.  I have bought it several times since and have even gotten my beautiful cousin to buy it too! It is shampoo and conditioner in one. It adds volume and smooths my hair.  Not one single strand comes out of my head after using it either.  I love it.  It is healthy and full of great ingredients.  You only need a little bit and make sure you let it sit on your hair a few minutes before rinsing out and your hair will look great all day!  It is currently out of stock at Birchbox it is so amazing.  Plus this is a huge sample and will last a long time :)

Next up is Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette Sampler.

Gorgeous colors

I have recently come to love Coastal Scents and have their face palette and some of their high end brushes and love them. One of my past Birchboxes had the Revealed 1 sampler palette in it and I still use it to this day.  This sampler has both mattes and shimmers and the colors are gorgeous. They are highly pigmented and last all day.  I'm not really a pink girl but these will easily blend with the darker browns and grays for the seasons ahead.

Next up is Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen.

Tiny but a little goes a long way

Now, some have said that Birchbox was very misleading this month with this and the beauty blender teaser.  If you click on the link above you will see it takes you to a collection of products but we only were going to receive one of the products listed.  Bait and switch??  I don't know.....I do know that I love Jouer.  I even bought the luminizing moisture tint (read review HERE) a while back.  I was excited to see matte for the colder months.  I was given shade Linen though which is a tad light on me.  I wish I would't have gotten such a light shade.  But I tried it under my makeup this morning and really liked the coverage though. A little goes a long way but it doesn't feel heavy or sticky.  I can absolutely see myself purchasing this full size. Actually I may purchase the whole collection linked above.

Next up is that Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser again.

Now I get to use it 2 more times though

I actually was pleased I got to use it again but this one was literally as hard as a rock. I had to take a knife to chisel the product to even get it to break up into chunks into my hand so I could use it.  It did not seem to affect the product but it didn't really foam this time.  It was a pain in the butt to have to do that to use it.  I liked that it was a rough exfoliator though. And it didn't bother my sensitive skin.

Lastly I got Essential Elements Wake Up Rosemary Shower Gel.

Cute lil bottle

My husband hates rosemary, if I even think about using this and getting near him, he surely won't be getting near me....know what I'm sayin?? :) Cute bottle but tiny and I put in my giveaway pile.

These are the items I got for my new subscription from Benefit.

It's Potent Eye Cream

Posiebalm Lip Balm

I have wanted to try the It's Potent Eye Cream for a while now as it is targeted for dark under eye circles.  So far, after two days, no difference.  I even have the cream in the fridge as it is so refreshing when I wake up but my Bobbi Brown concealer doesn't seem to agree with it so far, so I will stick to using it at night only.

Wow, I think this is the longest post ever!!  I am so glad that this was the month I decided to do my little profile experiment so I actually ended up with things I liked instead of breaking up with Birchbox over it.  I also am getting two more free samples for having referred myself and those just arrived at home.  However, I did have to email and inquire about them because I never received any notice.  Had I not, I would not have received them as my CS rep actually had to put in an order for them.

I know EVERYONE is talking about their boxes this month so let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

What are your profile preferences?

Have you ever changed them around based on what you received?  Did it make it better or worse?

Have a great day! xo

September 2014 Product Favs

September 2014 Product Favs

I knooooooow, I am a day late as I truly meant to post this yesterday so please forgive me.  Since I am a self proclaimed product junkie (okay who am I kidding, it is common knowledge), I thought each month I would tell you the stand out products that I have come across.  Both high end and drug store, for all walks of life.

From left to right, CoverGirl Cheekers, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, LA Splash eye shadow primer, Coastal Scents eye shadow quad and Oscar Blandi Texture & Volume Spray.

I love the blush because it is a powder color that lasts all day and still gives me that summery glow.

I just wrote my love letter about Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer (click on any of the links above for more information and prices).  It gives me great coverage but that "no makeup", airbrushed finish and chock full of good ingredients.  Plus it's affordable and lasts forever.  Well, until it's time to pitch it :)

LA Splash's primer is made for glittery shadows so that proves that it can withstand my normal day to day shadows.  My eye shadow lasts all day and never creases. It also helps intensify the color. Win Win.

The quad of shadows from Coastal Scents is from their Revealed palette.  The colors are highly pigmented and last all day, even without primer.  Getting them wet gives me four completely different shadow looks. These colors are perfect for this fall, too!

And lastly, the texture and volume spray from Oscar Blandi is great for freshly washed hair, but even on second day hair after my dry shampoo it looks I just had a blowout.  No sulfates and added keratin for strength.  Plus the texture my hair has makes me look like I should be going out and not to work.

So there ya have it!  My favorite products for September.  I think this is the shortest post I have written so far :)  Honestly I had to spend a few days narrowing them down because there are so many and for the October post, it is going to be even harder!

Have you tried any of these before? Are they already in your makeup bag?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!