Ipsy August 2013

"This month's August Glam Bag is perfect for the professional or student. It's full of beauty essentials that are perfect for stashing in your school bag or when you're prepping for your next big party!"- Ipsy

Ipsy July 2013

If you follow my monthly Ipsy bags, you'll know that I have a favorable regard for the company as of lately. For the price, I feel that the products are worth it. I did find a slight letdown for the month of July  with a specific product (not Ipsy though). Read on...

Cute pink see thru bag

Sexy hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray

 Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadows

 Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush

Coola Mineral Sunscreen

Here it is, my hang-up about this month's bag. The Coola Sunscreen came in a 7 ml tube that felt a bit too light for me. While trying out new photo lighting, I was able to see actually how much was in the tube! Come on Coola... 

Birchbox July 2013: GOODBYE!

It has finally come to the point that I had to get rid of my Birchbox subscription.  Month after month I become very hopeful that my Birchbox contents would be better than the previous month but each month is another disappointment. I’ve had my Birchbox sub for over a year and it has gone downhill since late last year. Paying $10 per month to get foil packets that I can pick up from my make up counter or find attached inside a magazine is not justifiable for me. I think Birchbox needs to take a cue from Ipsy and do a huge overhaul. In the meantime, I'll bow out until I see improvements.

July’s box theme is inspired by the series SUITS.

“This month’s box is dedicated to helping you take control of any situation…”

Beauty Protector Protect & Condition

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo

Caldrea Body Lotion in Coconut Fig Leaf

The Balm Cosmetics InStain Long Wearing Powder Staining Blush in Sweet Dot

Tan Towel Classic Formula Self- Tan Towelettes....
Well I would show a photo if there were any tan towels in my box. Tsk tsk Birchbox! I guess throwing in a different lotion foil is their substitute.

Benefit Sugarlicious Kit

I was browsing in Sephora a couple months ago and came across several Benefit kits. I personally like to buy trial sizes and kits when it comes to most cosmetics because I can sample various products for the price of what may be one product. I also like to be on the safe side when it comes to trying new items: I would rather try out a small sample than to buy a full size that I may not like and can not return. Lastly, the smaller sizes can guarantee that I will use up the product than to let it go to waste by expiring.

Amongst all the Benefit kit available, it was the Sugarlicious kit that I thought was most  was most suitable for me. The other kits had foundations or powders that were too light or too dark for me while Sugarlicious has different face variation that can work for my complexion.

What?
Benefit Sugarlicious Lip & Cheek Kit

This kit includes Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain(4ml), High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer (4ml), Sugarbomb "Sugar Rush Flush" Face Powder (3g) with brush, and Ultra Plush Sugarbomb Lip Gloss.

Included is a mirror and a couple tips and tricks card. At $28, you can't beat this!

*stay tuned for swatches and reviews on each item*

Birchbox June 2013

Birchbox comes to us this month with their revamped website and box design. Now let's see if there are any improvements with the box contents.

Theme: Wanderlust.

"this month's box is filled with samples from near and far that will serve you well on all your summer adventures".

Davines Lovely Smoothing Shampoo

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner  

Davines Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion

LAQA & Co. Lil' Lip Duo 

I believe this color is Ring of Fire

Color Club + Birchbox Nail Polish in London Calling 

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

And lastly, several postcards...

I hoped that along with their site and box redesign, the contents of the box would have slight improvement as well. The only improvement in this month's box is the absence of perfume samples. Now if only they can cut down on the foil samples and actually send us the right color products that compliments our skin tone. Although mint green colors have been a hit lately, that is one color that does not go well with my skin.