Friday, May 30, 2014

Color Me Monthly May 2014

Sirens, today I have a special treat for you! I received the most gorgeous shade from CMM!!


May CMM

there from a distance
the most beautiful song calls
across the frontier

 
 
Sirens

I was actually really surprised by this month's color. I could not control my excitement when I finally opened up the box to find this shade! The color is so gorgeous and the name is perfect!! This sea blue/green is absolutely a color I would have chosen for myself and one I would wear again. As I was just debating if this subscription is worth the money, I get a polish like this! I am signed up to get next month's color, so I will see if CMM is spot on with their next color choice. Otherwise, I think I will cancel because I feel I get more for my money with other subscription services. Plus I can always go out and purchase a polish I know I'll definitely love for the price of this subscription.
 
Total Cost: $7.00
 
What do you think of this month's color? 
 
 If you would like to sign up for Color Me Monthly for $7/Month visit ColorMeMonthly.com.
 


Thursday, May 29, 2014

Ipsy Glam Bag May 2014

While this month's Ipsy bag wasn't my favorite, I like that they have been deviating a little bit from makeup and including more skincare items.

 
May Glam Bag

This month we got a canvas bag!

 
This month's theme is Fresh Picks!
 
 
 
Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo (Duo 1: Celestial & Opal)
Deluxe Size (0.07 oz)- $3.92 Value!

 
Everyone got one of these, but some Ipsters received Duo 2: Moonbeam & Unicorn. These exclusive duos were customized just for Ipsy from the Mystical and Charmed palettes. I have been wanting to try Pacifica's body butters for a while, but haven't received any of their products through Ipsy until now. I was kind of disappointed that when I finally got to try the brand it was their Eyeshadow, but the packaging is kind of cute and the shades look pretty.

 
Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50
Deluxe Size (1 fl oz)-$2.17 Value!
 
 You could have instead received Jersey Shore Sans Tan Anti-aging Sunscreen. I've never heard of this brand before, but it's powered by COOLA, a brand I love. I am happy to get this in my bag because sunscreen is so important! I can definitely use more sunscreen and am glad Ipsy included some in everyone's bag because it is a must-have!
 
 
Hey Honey Take It Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask
Deluxe Size (10 ml)- $7.00 Value!
 
This was a variation item. You could have instead received Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Adios, Frappe, Champagne, Bloody Mary, or Caviar Cocktail, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, Olive Natural Beauty Lips in Refreshinging Rosemary Lip Balm, Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria, Boo Boo Cover-Up, Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Elusive, or Lulu Blossom Dreamscile Body Balm.
 
 I really wanted the Too Faced bronzer or Revlon lip balm, but I'm glad to have the chance to try this. I love scrubs and masks, so I'm intrigued by this exfoliating mask!
 
 
Pur~lisse pur~moist hyrda balance moisturizer
Deluxe Size (0.5 oz)-$16.18 Value!
 
This was another variation item. You could have instead received Pur~lisse pur~protect spf 30, Balanced Guru No Frizz, Eva NYC Mane Tamer Leave In Cream, EVA NYC Rock-A-Wave Curl Cream, or EVA NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask.

This moisturizer is intended for normal to dry skin. While my skin is more normal to oily, I thought this was a nice moisturizer. I also really like the packaging with the Blue Lotus Flower design.
 
 
Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub
Deluxe Size (1 oz)-$15.00 Value!
 
This was the last of the variation items. You could have also received Bare Foot Exfoliating Polish, LA Fresh Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water, Coastal Scents Classic Blender Brush Crease Natural, Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff Brush, Crown Brush Chisel Shader, LA Fresh Travel Lite Facial Cleansing Wipes, Swissco Electroplated Eyelash Curler, Mee Beauty Pure Honey Infused Night Cream-Bee Nourished, or Balanced Guru No Frizz.
 
I'm not excited about this scrub because according to Beautypedia it contains several irritating citrus oils. I wish I had received the eyelash curler or one of the makeup brushes instead.
 
Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $44.27!
 
At first I was unhappy when I found out what I was getting in my Ipsy bag because I saw that I was missing out on some great items! I think if I got either the Revlon Lip Balm or Too Faced Bronzer it would have made up for the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. Or it would have at least been better if the scrub was substituted for something I could actually use. But while I was a little disappointed in this month's bag, I'm glad it at least contained all new brands for me to try.
 
If you'd like to sign up for Ipsy, I'd love it if you'd use my referral link!
By doing so I can earn credit towards receiving an additional product in my bag to review!
 
 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Birchbox May 2014

Evening Sirens! Today, I'm sharing my Birchbox!!
 

This month's theme is Freewheeling!

 
May Birchbox

 
Bonus Offer: Enter MARCELLE at checkout when purchasing any Marcelle product to get a FREE Marcelle Lux Gloss Cream in Bellissima!

 
Kate Spade Saturday Exclusive Shopping Offer: Use code KSSBB-AWZG-9XHH-F7FC-OTUY to receive $25 off your purchase of $75 or more
 
 
Number 4 Volumizing Shampoo
Deluxe Size (1 fl oz)-$4.00 Value!

I liked the hairspray I got in my December Birchbox, so I was excited to try this out. I really like this shampoo-the smell and texture are nice.

 
Bonus Item: Number 4 Volumizing Conditioner
Sample Size (0.25 fl oz)-$1.06 Value!
 
I also really liked the matching conditioner. This was a bonus item they threw in with the shampoo, so I can't really be upset that they sent me a foil packet. But I wish they had given me the same size sample!
 
 
Marchelle BB Cream Golden Glow
Deluxe Size (0.28 oz)-$4.73 Value!
 
This is a Birchbox Exclusive! This product contains eight benefits, and is designed for all skin tones. I thought it looked dark coming out of the tube, but it blended nicely and felt light and smooth.

 
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner
Deluxe Size (0.03 oz)-$12.00 Value!

 
This is another Birchbox Exclusive! I was so excited to get this because I've wanted to try it since they first introduced it to Birchbox!! I've never owned anything by Cynthia Rowley, so I'm excited to add this liner to my collection.

 
Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion
Deluxe Size (1.35 fl oz)-$2.53 Value!

 I was happy to get this in my box because I really liked the last body lotion I got from this brand. However, I prefer the packaging of this lotion to the one I got in my March Birchbox.  I also love that this one contains extracts of Japanese Sea Fennel and other sea based vitamins and minerals. I just love trying spa products and would definitely like to try the matching body wash!
 
 
Smarty Pants All-in-One Gummy Vitamins for Adults
Sample Size (2 Gummies)-0.33 Value!
 
I have been wanting to try gummy vitamins for some time now because I'm terrible about taking my vitamins. I feel these would help because I would be more willing to take them thinking of it as a little treat! These gummies are delicious-they taste just like candy! And the packaging is so cute-I love owls!! I just wish they had sent us a full serving size, so that we got our full vitamin requirement and a chance to try out all the flavors.
 
Cost: $10.00
Value: $24.65!


While this wasn't the highest value box, I will use everything. I especially liked the shampoo and lotion, and would look into purchasing the gummy vitamins.
 
Do you subscribe to Birchbox? If so, what did you think of this month's box?
 
If you'd like to sign up for Birchbox, I'd love it if you'd use my referral link!
You can get your first box for only $5 using code SUMMERSUB until May 26th!



Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Color Me Monthly April 2014

Hey Sirens! Today I wanted to share with you my first Color Me Monthly subscription box. For $7 a month, you get a polish that is cruelty-free and toxin-free in a surprise color!
 
 
Message inside the shipping box
 
 
April Color Me Monthly
 
graceful elegance
like you are floating on air
woven from softness
 
 
Chiffon
 
 This isn't a color I would have picked out for myself, but it's perfect for the season. 
I think it's a pretty pedicure color. Not bad for only a buck!
 
Total Cost: $7.00 ($1.00 with Promo Code Get Lucky)
 
What do you think of last month's color? 
 
 If you would like to sign up for Color Me Monthly for $7/Month visit ColorMeMonthly.com.
 
 


Monday, May 19, 2014

Pop Sugar Must Have Box April 2014

Tonight I'm sharing my first Pop Sugar Must Have Box! Unlike my other subscription boxes, Pop Sugar features full size and premium items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food!


 
April Pop Sugar Must Have

 
Blue Avocado (Eco) Shopper
$25.00 Value!

 
Laruen Conrad joined forces with Blue Avocado to create this reusable, collapsible tote. I think the pattern is pretty cute and perfect for the season! I will definitely get a ton of use out of it at Wegmans.

 
Too Faced Natural Eyes
$36.00 Value!
 
The whole reason I decided to finally try out Pop Sugar was because of this Eyeshadow palette! I love my Too Faced Loves Sephora 15 Years Of Beauty Palette and just had to get my hands on this new palette since it contains 3 new shades! The shadows are just gorgeous and would be perfect for everyday. I will be making a follow up post with swatches from this palette.
 
 
Graphic Image Pocket Notes
$20.00 Value!
 
This is quite a luxurious notebook! I love the saying on the cover and find the color really suiting. I will have to find something worthy of it's use. 

 
Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Hand Soap
$10.50 Value!
 
 I was so excited for this product since I have been obsessed with the scent of rose lately. I really liked the Coconut Fig Leaf body wash I got from them in my April Glossybox, and this hand soap smells just as good!
 
 
Fresh Pastry Stand Totally Awesome Tea Towel Set
$18.00 Value!

 One says Totally and other says Awesome. And for some reason that makes me think of the Lego Movie song, Everything Is Awesome! But while I wouldn't have personally spent this much on two dish towels, I've been putting them to good use.

 
NatureBox POPSUGAR Must Have Mix
$5.00 Value!
 
I really enjoyed this healthy snack, especially the cranberries! I would consider checking out Nature Box in the future.
 
Total Cost: $39.95 ($20.00 with promo code CHANNEL7)
Total Value: $114.50!

 Overall, I was really happy with this box! I like that the box is well rounded and all the items are full sized! Even though I would have never purchased half of the items on my own, I know I will end up using them all. Plus the Too Faced palette alone was well worth the price I paid for the box!!

What's your take on the April box?
If you would like to subscribe to Pop Sugar Must Have, email me at AquaticAllure@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you an invite!
 
 
 


Sunday, May 18, 2014

Glossybox April 2014

Evening Sirens! Today I'm finally going to share with you my Glossybox for the month of April (even though it didn't arrive until May)! 

 
April Glossybox
 
 
LA SPLASH COSMETICS (Eyeshadow Sealer/Base)
Full Size (0.3 fl oz)-$9.00 Value!

The packaging on this product is really interesting-I'm not sure what the deal is with the long handle. Haha. But it's a practical item because I can always use an Eyeshadow base. I don't prefer this model over my usual Eyeshadow primers, but maybe it will work well with glitter.

 
AQUA SPA (Relax Body Creme)
Deluxe Size (2 oz)-$2.22 Value!

Since we just started the facial segment in school, I'm ecstatic to get a product designed for relaxation. I've been quite the makeup addict, but I'm getting more into bath and body products. I love that this body crème contains lavender and chamomile. I definitely want to check out other products from this line.

 
BELLAPIERRE (Vanilla Pink SUPER Gloss)
Full Size (0.32 fl oz)-$24.50 Value!

At first I wasn't too psyched to see we were getting this in the April box. But I still haven't tried the blush I got in January's Glossybox, so for all I know this brand could be amazing. I wasn't sure about the color, but since I love pink and vanilla I eventually gave this lip gloss a try. I'm glad I decided to try this gloss out after all because I like it far more than I originally thought! It is actually a really nice color-not super pink, but not as brown as I was imagining. It feels really smooth on the lips and it's probably going to end up being one of my everyday lip glosses.

 
CALDREA (Body Wash)
Deluxe Size (1 fl oz)-$1.57 Value!

I got Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Hand Soap in my first Pop Sugar Must Have box (post to follow), and I'm equally excited to try out their body wash in the scent Coconut Fig Leaf. This shower gels smells great-I just love the smell of coconut!!

 
CIATE LONDON (Paint Pot)
Full Size (0.46 fl oz)-$15.00 Value!

I was super excited when I found out we would be getting a full size Ciate nail polish in the April box While I have purchased a couple of their nail art kits, I haven't had the chance to try them out yet, so I could not wait to get my hands on this polish. I received the color Beach Hut, and while it's a nice looking shade, it's not something I would have picked out for myself. But it is perfect for summer and would be a great pedicure color. I'll either keep it to add diversity to my nail polish collection or give it to my sister because I think it would look fabulous on her.

Total Cost: $18.33 (With Annual Subscription)
Total Value: $52.29!!

I really liked that this month's box contained less makeup items. Even though I am a makeup junkie,  my collection is massive. I think I'll get more use from this variety of items. I am especially excited for the Aqua Spa Relax Body Crème and Caldrea body wash. It just figures that the two items I want to try most and will get the most use out of didn't come in the full size!!

What's your take on the April box?
If you would like to subscribe to Glossybox, email me at AquaticAllure@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you an invite!
 
 


Friday, May 16, 2014

New Beauty Test Tube March/April 2014

Hello beauties! Sorry, I'm a little behind in posting a few of my subscription reviews. But I'd rather put them up late than never at all. Today I am excited to present to you my first New Beauty Test Tube!! Unlike most beauty subscription boxes, New Beauty Test Tube is delivered 6 times a year.


March/April Test Tube

Unlike most subscription boxes, this one doesn't come in a box, but in a tube!
I love the pattern and color on this one!

 
It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite
Deluxe Size(2 fl oz)-$9.00 Value!
 
This product smells nice and is a good sample size. I am excited to try this out because I've heard so many good things about it. I just love multi-tasking products, especially ones designed to deliver 10 benefits!

 
GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment
Deluxe Size(0.5 fl oz)-$20.29 Value!
 
I'm not very excited to try this product since Beautypedia claims it contains irritants.

 
Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Night Cream
Deluxe Size (0.5 fl oz)-$5.88 Value!
 
This is another disappointing product, but this time due to the jar packaging.

 
It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush
Full Size-$48.00 Value!
 
I love makeup brushes, and this one is such as luxury because it costs more than any other brush in my collection! I just love the plush feel of the non-animal hair!
 
 
Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick
Full Size (0.12 oz)-$20.00 Value!
 
I've been wanting to try Mally Beauty for months now, so I'm so excited to get this product. I just love the packaging-it's so cute! Plus, it's unique because it's rare to see snake print on cosmetics.

 
Orly Nail Lacquer (Beach Cruiser)
Full Size (0.6 fl oz)-$8.50 Value!
 
I can not say enough how much I love Orly polish! While I really like the shades and finishes of the new Color Blast line, I love the size and bottle design of their regular line. So I was beyond excited when I saw this polish- it's definitely a color I would have picked out myself!

 
Bioxidea Miracle 48 Excellence Diamond & Gold
Deluxe Size (1.05 oz)-$24.67 Value!
 
This is something I would never have purchased due to the price, but I am excited to try it out because I can't remember the last time I've used a mask like this. And while others may find it weird, I find it fascinating that you can use the remnants of the mask in your bathwater.

 
Grandelash-MD Grande Mascara
Deluxe Size(unkown)-Value Unknown
 
I'm not really excited about this product because I have so many mascaras. Even though I love mascara, I haven't gotten around to trying any of my new ones because I don't like to keep more than one mascara open since they expire so quickly. I will most likely be passing this lash boosting formula on to a friend.
 
 
Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil Rollerball
Full Size (0.6 fl oz)-$17.00 Value!
 
I was really disappointed when I saw that I got this instead of the blush I had seen in a unboxing video on YouTube. I have been wanting to sign up for NBTT, and the whole reason I finally decided to subscribe was to get the Tarte blush! Plus, I had already picked up the Tarte Little Miracles Best-Selling Essentials containing this oil on Black Friday. Still, this product helps reduce inflammation and is a great source of antioxidants, so I'm sure I'll get use out of it.

 
Beauty To-Go Extras

 Each tube includes some bonus samples!

 
Pro Strong Pro Advanced Fluoride Nail Strengthener (0.25 fl oz)-$7.49 Value!

I love trying new nail products and this is the fastest drying nail product I've come across!

 
Sothys [C] Renewal System Micro-dermabrasion Mask (0.28 oz)- $11.63 Value!

I find this scrub/mask hybrid an interesting concept, but that's where my intrigue ends. This is another average product not worth the money. I'm glad this was just an extra and not part of the main tube.

 
Memoire Liquide Vacances Liquide Eau de Parfum (0.03 fl oz)- $1.68 Value!
 
 
I love getting perfume samples and this one reminds me of the beach!! 

 
Rodial Stemcell Super-food Facial Oil (0.03 fl oz)-$2.40 Value!

I'm really intrigued to try this sample since everyone is getting into the facial oil trend.
 
Total  Cost: $32.90 ($29.95 + $8.95 Shipping-$5.00 Referral)
Total Value: $176.54
 
 I was a little bit disappointed because of exclusion of the Tarte blush because I didn't realize not everyone receives the same exact tube. But I'm quite happy overall because this tube contained a lot of full size products and contained a very high value. So while I won't use everything in the tube, I feel I got my money's worth and got the chance to try out some new products and brands that I haven't had the opportunity to try with my other subscription boxes.

What did you think of my first test tube? Do you prefer a monthly subscription or do you like getting a subscription bi-monthly or once a quarter?
 
If you would like to subscribe to New Beauty Test Tube and get $5 off of your first tube, send me an email with your first name at AquaticAllure@gmail.com requesting the discount. I will plug in your email address and first name into their website and they will send you information about how to get $5 off of your first tube.