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 

February 2015 Double Birchbox Unboxings

For those that need the breakdown, Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription that sends you 5 samples tailored to your beauty profile.  However, it is their point system that makes them No. 1 in this industry IMO!  For every item you receive in your box that you provide feedback on, you get 10 points. When you get 100 points, that is $10 in cold hard cash that you get to spend in the Birchbox shop.  They have so many great brands and exclusive to Birchbox brands.

For now I have taken a break on getting two Birchbox boxes a month.  I am super excited to share with ya'll which NEW monthly sub I have replaced it with.  So stay tuned as that box should be arriving this week for me!  Okay on to the unboxings!

They love to feed your ego, too!

I did my experiment for a few months with two boxes to see how different my boxes would be.  For the most part I only had one month were both boxes were exceptional.  I will be doing a blog post soon on my ideas on how to get the most out of your Birchbox subscription, too.

Here is the first box.

• Benefit SugarBomb Lip Gloss-when I search for a lip gloss I need one that is not sticky.  This meets my expectations.  This is a pinky nude color with a nice shimmer to it.  Benefit never lets me down.
• Eyeko Skinny Liner-This is the star of this box. This eye liner is exceptional. It is smooth and precise. It allows me to get a great cat eye or get super close to my lash line.  Oh how I wish this came in more colors than black!
• Obliphica Treatment Hair Serum-I don't like the packaging of this product as I have to pour it into my hand which makes for wasted product.  But the serum itself smooths my hair and doesn't leave it greasy.  Smells great too.  Perfect for smoothing strands after putting hair into a fishtail braid!
• Gilchrist and Soames London Collection Shower Gel-I haven't used this product yet but am a sucker for British items. I also like to use these sizes for when I travel, HA, which isn't that often.  Based on other consumer reviews, this product is not overly flowery but not overly moisturizing, either.
• BeeKind Conditioner-I also don't fancy this packaging.  It's cardboard, enough said.  This brand has a purpose though and I love hearing about things like that.  Proceeds benefit honeybee and sustainable pollination research.  This product is organic and of course, made with honey.  There is a waitlist for this conditioner! I can't wait to try it :) 

This box I have marked as adventurous and trendy, this is my subscription that I have had since day one (over a year) and this is the profile I will be keeping.  

Second box......

Blushing.......

Great box!!

• Marcelle Gentle Eye Makeup Remover-The STAR of this box. This is exclusive to Birchbox and wow, it really exceeded my expectations.  I put some on a cotton round, held it on my eye lid for few seconds and wiped....all my eye makeup came off in one single sweep. It didn't even phase my contacts, either.  This product also has cucumber extract which helps reduce puffiness and under eye circles. BAM!
• Davines Minu Shampoo-I have received this brand before in a curly shampoo one, which I gave to my sister in law, so I was excited to see one that I can actually use! It smells great but I won't repurchase since it has sulfates in it, I can't say that it improved my highlights, either.
• Davines Hair Serum-So the full size product of this comes in a spray bottle, which I would have much preferred to a small paper container.  This was a nice serum and wasn't greasy feeling, either. A little goes a long way and if you have very fine hair, only apply to your ends. Putting serums on your roots will only weigh you down :)
• Harvey Prince Hello perfume-I must have been in a bad mood the last time I tried this because I did not care for it at all. I tried it again in this box and I liked it!  Perfect scent for Spring, which I am SO ready for. It is light and sweet and simple.  Yes, simple is the best word for it.
• Benefit Posiebalm-Another great lip gloss but it is a bit too pink for my liking.  It has mango butter in it which I wish I could eat but I don't think I should.
• And I received the same body wash as in the first box, so I won't retype all that stuff :) 

This box profile is the more natural, crunchy box profile and I think it reflects that well.  Overall, I think both boxes were even in the amount of products I love and liked,

For $10 a month, you can't beat the value and you get to try things you might not normally get the chance to!  Click HERE to sign up today! 

For those of you that have it, what did you think of this month's box??

Let me know in the comments below and if you have tried any of my items, what do you think??

Have a great day!! xo 

February 2015 Sample Society Unboxing

I am VERY happy with this months box...the past few have been kind of meh.....Quick run down, Allure's Sample Society is $15 a month and a mix of hair, beauty and skin products.  We all get the same box while there might be some variation on colors (i.e. nail polish).  Each box includes a mini magazine describing each product and also comes with a $10 off $50 purchase code at www.BeautyBar.Com.

Here is this month's box!!

Which came earlier than any of my other boxes this month!

February 2015 Sample Society Box

Now, right off the bat you can see why I have been a bit let down.  This month's box also has a drugstore product in it.  Sure, you can defend the decision to include this product based on the fact it is one of their (Allure's) top beauty picks but I want to be subjected to things I might not otherwise even know about when I order these boxes each month.....okay, tantrum over.

Let's break it down.

First thing I was the happiest to see was the Nugg masks!! And 3 of them! Not too shabby :)
Revitalizing, Hydrating and Deep Cleansing.  There are over 6 types on their website.  I have used this brand one time before and I was very pleased and since I am a mask junkie, these will be put to good use :)

Next up is Chloe's Love Story perfume.  Sexy and feminine, I wore it today and felt like a woman wearing a business suit with a sexy red thong underneath.  Very nice!!

Next is Nails, Inc. polish in Princes Place.This is a muted lilac color perfect to bring in spring, I can almost feel the dresses I will be wearing again.

Now, here comes the drug store item.  Batiste dry shampoo. I know they sell it at Ulta, too.  I am a loyal Klorane dry shampoo user.  This one, while it did get the oil out of my hair, was super flowery but not in a good way.  The smell was gone by the time I left my house so for that I was thankful. Sure, I am always open to a cheaper priced dry shampoo but this won't be it.

Lastly Strivectin Intensive Illuminating Serum.  They must have over stock of this product as it was included as the extra in last month's box and now included as one of our items in this months box. This boasts improving skin complexion via brightness and clarity.  I haven't noticed overwhelming results yet and am kind of hoping I don't since the price tag on the full size is pretty hefty!

And there ya go!!  The February 2015 Sample Society box.

Overall I am happy and will use the entire box and my prayers for no more hand lotion or black eye liner were finally heard by someone.

Did you get this box?  Want to?  Click HERE to sign up today!!

Oh and only 7 hours left to enter my giveaway!!  Click HERE to get in on the action :) Good luck!!

Have a great day!! xo