Sunday, March 23, 2014

Ipsy Glam Bag March 2014

Evening Sirens! Tonight I'm sharing my March Ipsy bag!


This month's theme is Destination Beauty!

 
March Glam Bag

This month Ipsy collaborated with artist Klari Reis to create this bag depicting an abstract map of San Francisco! I viewed some of Klari's other works and found her petri dish paintings fascinating.
You can view her artwork at www.klariart.com.
 
 
BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick (Get Ready)
Deluxe Size (0.05 oz)-$7.50 Value!
 
Others received BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Rebel. I was hoping to get the lipstick because I already have 2  of the Moxie lipglosses (Rebel being one of them) in my collection and have yet to try any of the lipsticks. This is a pretty rosy pink-it's def something I'd wear.

 
NYX Love in Rio Eye Shadow (VooDoo Love Spells)
Full Size (0.105 oz)-$6.00 Value!

 
Ipsters could have also received this in  No Tan Lines Allowed, Amazonian Babes, Segredos De Giselle, Barefoot In The Sand, Meet Me At The Copa, Moonlit Skinny Dip, Cabana Boy, Bikini Bottom, or The Brazilian or the Be a Bombshell Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad.

 
VooDoo Love Spells (Without Flash/No Primer)

 
VooDoo Love Spells (With Flash/No Primer)
 
This trio features the NYX New Bow Compact which I think is super cute! I was so excited to get this Eyeshadow compact because I love NYX products and Be a Bomshell has been hit or miss with me. I was super psyched when I saw the name of this compact-it's so me! Unfortunately, the shadows aren't very pigmented, but I got decent wear using an Eyeshadow primer.
 

Chella Indigo Blue Eyeliner
Full Size (0.034 fl oz)-$24.00Value!

 
You could instead have received Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ or  Nichole by OPI Roughles Nail Polish (On What Grounds?). I was really hoping to get the nail polish since the color is gorgeous and I love the texture trend. However, I've tried a couple of Chella products in the past and have never been disappointed with them. I'm really glad I ended up getting this product since it's new to the line and you know how much I love eyeliners! I don't pick up many liquid liners, and all the ones I have are black, so this makes a nice unexpected addition to my makeup collection. The color is very pretty and pigmented-I will have fun with this product!

 
Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer
Deluxe Size (0.4fl oz)-$9.00 Value!
 
This was one variation item you could have received. Other Ipsters got Pacifica Body Butter (Indian Coconut Nectar), Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Soothing Cornflower, or Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion.
 
 I'm not a huge fan of Pixi, so I was disappointed to see I was getting this in my bag. I was setting my sights on the Pacifica Body Butter since I still haven't had the chance to try any of their products. But at least I didn't get the eye patches or tanning lotion.
 
Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $46.50!
 
This was an awesome bag-definitely worth the ten dollars! Unlike some months, we only got 4 items in this bag. But if you count November where we got 6 items, we still average 5 items a month. We scored some higher end beauty products this month, so it makes sense that we'd get one less item to compensate for the price.
 
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!
 


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Birchbox March 2014

Hello Sirens! Tonight I'm sharing my March Birchbox!!
 

This month's theme is Spring Forward!
 
 
March Birchbox

 
COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face
Sample Size (0.17 oz)-$3.60 Value!
 
I really liked the Coola sample I got in my first Ipsy bag, so I was excited to try this one. I really like this one because it feels super silky, gives great sun protection, and contains antioxidants! I think it'd be perfect for summer wear.
 
 
Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle
Deluxe Size (Unknown)-Unknown Value
 
I loved the oil I got in last month's box so much that I was happy to try another product from this brand. It took multiple trys before I got the pump to work, which I wonder was due to the product inside being more of a lotion consistency than a liquid. Nonetheless, I do like the spray-it smells great just like the hair oil. I just wish the measurement contents were listed on the bottle. When I asked Birchbox for the measurements of the last sample, they directed me to inquire it from Beauty Protector. But I'm not sure how to contact them as I can not even find a company website. If anyone has any contact information for this brand please let me know in a comment down below.

 
Gilchrist & Soames London Collection Body Lotion
Deluxe Size (2 oz)-$4.00 Value!
 
Getting a body lotion was a nice change, especially a luxurious one that's been in some of the world's most exclusive hotels! I'm also glad to see this product is cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and loaded with antioxidant-rich botanicals.
 
 
 
Harvey Prince Cherie Blossom Fragrance
Sample Size (0.05 fl oz)-$1.62 Value!

 
I love trying a new perfume especially one if I can't find it in the typical beauty department. This scent is perfect for spring with a top note of Somei sakura (cherry blossom). But while the sample packaging is so cute, the bottle design of the full size fragrance seems rather plain.

 
Lifestyle Extra: Tea Forte Mintteas (Retreat)
Deluxe Size (1 Tin)-$3.32 Value!
 
I love the concept of this product-not only do these mints freshen your breath, but each flavor accomplishes specific wellness goals. Retreat, the Lemongrass Yuzu blend I received, is designed to help you relax. I love multitasking products, so I am definitely interested in trying out the other kinds.

 
Birchbox Find: Ghirardelli Intense Dark Cherry Tango
Sample Size (0.375 oz)-$0.47 Value!
 
I love Ghiradelli chocolate and was excited to try a new flavor! I was a little disappointed it wasn't a full size like the one I received in my November Birchbox, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.  I just had to go out and buy another kind at my local Wegmans!
 
Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $13.01

(Not including Beauty Protector sample)

This was one of the best boxes I've received in a while! I will use everything in this month's box!!
  
Do you subscribe to Birchbox? If so, what did you get in this month's box?
If you'd like to sign up for Birchbox for $10/Month, I'd love it if you'd use my referral link!
 
 


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Urban Decay Book Of Shadows Vol. IV Redux

I  had ordered the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. IV Redux in my last ULTA order, but it arrived with the mirror completely shattered. I went to my local ULTA to see if I could exchange it, but they didn't have any in stock. So since I had to order it on Ulta.com, I picked up a few other things!
 

Urban Decay Book Of Shadows Vol. IV Redux
Retail $32.00

This palette is a Limited-Edition remix of the original Book of Shadows Vol IV. Since I missed out on the original and now have been collecting UD palettes, I had to pick this up!

 
Pop-up Butterflies!!

 
This palette comes with 16 Eye Shadows, 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Supercurl Curling Mascara, Eye Shadow Primer Potion, and Portable Speaker!

 
16 Eye Shadows
 
 
Kiddie Pool, Gunmetal, Creep, Baked (Without Flash/No Primer)
 
 
Kiddie Pool, Gunmetal, Creep, Baked (With Flash/No Primer)
 
 
Grifter, Psychedelic Sister, Lost, Hijack (Without Flash/No Primer)
 
 
Grifter, Psychedelic Sister, Lost, Hijack (With Flash/No Primer)
 
 
Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Sidecar, Strip (Without Flash/No Primer)
 
 
 
Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Sidecar, Strip (With Flash/No Primer)
 
 
Stray Dog, Missionary, Virgin, Polyester Bride (Without Flash/No Primer)
 
 
Stray Dog, Missionary, Virgin, Polyester Bride (With Flash/No Primer)


Body Benefits Gentle Bath Sponge (Blue, Green, Coral)
Retail $2.49 Each-B2G1 Free Promo

I use loofas regularly, so this seemed like a good special to stock up on a few month's supply.


Ulta Salon Nail Base Coat, Ulta Salon Nail Clear Topcoat, Ulta Salon Nail X-Dry
Retail $6.00 Each on sale for $2.00 Each!

I also picked up some nail essentials!


Ulta Professional Nail Lacquer
Retail $7.50 on sale for $2.00!

I'd like to see how this compares to the others.


Ulta Gel Eyeliner Pencil (Indigo, Black Out, Mink)
Retail $8.00 on sale for $4.00 each!

I am in love with the Indigo shade-I call it my Frozen eyeliner because I love Elsa in the movie Frozen so much! I am so excited to create some icy looks with this liner!


Free Sample: Versace Yellow Diamond

I was suppose to get 3 samples, but only received one. But I didn't complain since I figured I lucked out getting the GWP with my last order.

Which is your favorite Volume of the Book Of Shadows?

 

Friday, March 7, 2014

Celestial Seasonings Influenster VoxBox

Today I have something special to share with you all-a little lifestyle extra. I recently joined Influenster and was sent a VoxBox to review. Influenster is a free-to-join community of people who give their opinions on products. Influenster invites members to participate in VoxBox programs where they offer complimentary products for review.
 
Select members are chosen to receive FREE themed boxes based on Expert badges they have unlocked, their overall Influenster score, and demographics. The more active you are on the site(connecting to your social networks helps), the more surveys you fill out, and badges you earn-the higher your score. Members with high scores are more likely to be chosen, but you are not guaranteed a box. But having a high Influenster and Expert scores, active profile, and good performance on past programs may benefit you.
 
Shortly after I joined Influenster, they sent me a complimentary Celestial Seasonings box which I am finally getting around to sharing with you all (better late than never)! I love tea and Celestial Seasonings is my go to brand for tea, so I was psyched that Influenster sent me a themed box consisting of Celestial Seasoning teas and accessories!
 
 
Celestial Seasonings Influenster Box #1
 
 
The Art Of Green Tea
 
Green tea is a great addition to a healthy diet. Celestial Seasonings' green tea contains Antioxidants Vitamin C, so you'll get 20% of your recommended daily Vitamin C in every cup! Flavonoid Antioxidants are included to counter the harmful effects of free radicals in your body. Plus their tea contains less Caffeine than a cup of coffee, and decaf is also available.
 
 
 Sleepytime Decaf Lemon Jasmine Green Tea
Sample Size (2 Tea Bags)-$0.27 Value!
 
The tea bag smells like spearmint! However, once brewed, the main ingredients take over and you don't really taste the spearmint. This was a great tasting tea- perfect to drink before bedtime.
 
 
Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea
 Sample Size (2 Tea Bags)-0.27 Value!
 
I just loved the smell of this tea. I can't quite explain how the tea bag smelled before brewing other than saying it kind of reminds me of the beef seasoning from ramen noodles. That doesn't sound very natural, so I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but I really liked it! Haha. If anyone knows which ingredient I am noticing and can better describe it, please leave me a comment down below! I also really loved the smell of the tea bag after brewing-you can really smell the lemon and I just could not get enough!
 
 
Coupon: Free 20 Count Box of Celestial Seasonings Green Tea
 
I was ecstatic that this coupon was included. It's awesome that I could pick out another flavor to try!
 
 
Decaf Mondrian Orchard Green Tea
Full Size (20 Tea Bags)-$2.69 Value!
 
I went to my local Wegmans to redeem my coupon for this box. While Celestial Seasonings offers this box for $3.19 on their website, I based its value on the pricing at Wegmans since that is where I typically buy my tea. Depending on where you shop, the pricing may vary. 
 
 
Box #2: Tea Bag Clip & Caddie  
 
I was pleasantly surprised when a second box arrived from Influenster containing some tea accessories! This caddie is just too cute with the Celestial Seasonings logo on it! It's perfect to hold my tea bags.
 
 
When I was first introduced to Celestial Seasonings I thought it odd that their tea bags come without strings attached since so many companies include strings on their tea bags for ease of use. But I had learned that because Celestial Seasonings doesn't have strings, tags, staple, or individual wrappers on their tea bags they save on waste, making it better for the environment. This tea bag clip is so useful because it attaches to the tea bag, so you don't have to fish in your mug for the bag when the tea is done seeping!

I just loved this box so much! I drank each tea as I always do-plain without sugar, milk, honey, or lemon. I enjoyed all three tea-all of them had a nice flavor and none of them were bitter. And I am very happy to have some keepsakes to use with my future tea purchases!
 
Have you ever received an Influenster VoxBox?
If you'd like to join Influenster, you can sign up here!
 
Disclaimer: I received this box complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my opinions on the products in the box. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
 
 


Thursday, March 6, 2014

Glossybox February 2014

This month my Glossybox came a bit later than usual. Since February was such a short month, I actually received my box on the first day of March! But it was well worth the wait-all but one item came full sized!!
 
 
February Glossybox

 
 First look inside the box!

 
LAUREN B. BEAUTY (Nail Couture in City Of Angels)
Full Size (0.5 fl oz)-$18.00 Value!
 
I am always excited to try new brands of nail polish, especially when they are 5-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly! I'm not typically a light pink polish kind of girl, but this is a very lovely shade.

 
PUREOLOGY SERIOUS COLOUR CARE (COLOUR FANATIC Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier for Color-Treated Hair)
Deluxe Size (1 fl oz)-$3.58 Value!

This product sounds amazing since it provides 21 benefits to color-treated hair. Unfortunately my hair isn't color-treated, but I have been wanting to dye my hair red again for a while now. Guess I should give it a go, so I can try this product out!

 
SUMITA BEAUTY (Kala Color Intense Pencil)
Full Size (0.06 oz)-$15.00 Value!

 
As you all know by now, I am an eyeliner junkie! I just can not get enough. I have a few black pencils in my collection, but that doesn't stop me from going crazy over this liner!! I just love it-it glides on smoothly and is very pigmented! This is hands down my favorite item in this month's box!

 
ANATOMICALS (Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches)
Full Size (0.21 oz x 3 Patches)-$11.00 Value!

This was the only item I was disappointed to see in my box. While I really enjoyed the body cleanser I received in my December Glossybox, I'm not so keen on receiving under eye patches since I don't really have a problem with puffy eyes. Plus these type of products don't do much to eliminate the problem. I encourage anyone looking for solutions on how to eliminate puffy eyes to read this article on the causes of puffy eyes and ways to treat them.

 
FIGS & ROUGE (Tinted Lip Balm in Cherry Blossom)
Full Size (0.42 oz)-$9.00 Value!
 
 I love lip balms, so I was ecstatic to get this in my box! The design reminds me of a tube of hand lotion, which is kind of unique. And the colors of the packaging remind me of spring, so looking at it makes me happy. The light Cherry Blossom scent is really nice and the balm feels nice on my lips.
 
Total Cost: $18.33
Total Value: $56.58!

What do you think of February's Glossybox? 
Are you signed up for Glossybox? If so, what did you get in your box?
 
If you don't receive Glossybox and would like to subscribe, I will be happy to send you an invite!