BOXYCHARM contents for December 2014 ♥

BOXYCHARM is another monthly box subscription.

It's $21/month but I did NOT subscribe.

I ordered this December box (because I loved the contents) and canceled right away.

I used my visa gift card to purchase this because the value was too good.

I saw several unboxings online and decided I should get it.

This will probably be my first and last Boxycharm.

The theme was 'Jingle Belles'

ha, I see what you did there ♥

The list of contents.

Boxycharm is a favorite among many subscribers because they almost always offer all items in FULL SIZE.  The value of the box is always very high.

wow this is a good box!

Lina Lashes Luxury Mink Lashes - color *Black*

I should note that these are 100% Siberian mink, 100% Sterilized and 100% Cruelty Free.

I've never tried on fake lashes before.  I would try these in a heartbeat but the lashes are super long.

I'll need to put these on for a special occasion.

My Sample Value $30.00

(Full size value $30.00)

The value of this alone is more than the box itself.

Coastal Scents Revealed Palette - 20 colors

This was one of the items I was eyeing.

This alone costs $39.95 which is why I decided to get this box.

The colors are all great and highly pigmented.

My Sample Value $39.95

(Full size value $39.95)

Eva NYC Hair Products

Hairspray for holding.

The smell is a little strong but it's a good smell.

My Sample Value $7.00 (travel size)

(Full size value $12.00)

Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon - color *hot damn*

A very bold, bright red lip crayon.

Hmmm...I may gift this to my sister.

She likes to wear red ♥

My Sample Value $14.00

(Full size value $14.00)

Mistura Beauty Solutions Retractable Beauty Brush

A nice retractable large brush.

This is a brush you can put in your purse and take with you.

My Sample Value $19.99

(Full size value $19.99)

With the exception of the travel size hair spray, everything in here is full size.

And it was only $21.  That is amazing...I don't know how they do it.

I'm super stoked for all the items. (Hope my sister likes the lip crayon)

The total value of this month's Boxycharm comes to (roughly) $115.94

Needless to say, I'm happy with this box

beauty box 5 contents for September 2014 ♥ delayed FREE BOX

First of all, I was surprised to find 2 boxes in my mail today!

Felt like Christmas all over again.

Now, let me explain why I received a September box.

In my first BB5 post, I blogged about my first box (November) and my Free box that I received along with it.  Well, it turns out that wasn't the free box.  That was the mystery box that I paid an additional $10 for.  I entered a code for a 'FREE box' but never received it...so I emailed customer service and they were super awesome about it.  She saw that it was never sent to me so here it is now ^_^.

The code was for a free previous month's box.  So it looks like I received the September one.

The theme for September was 'balancing act'.

Not too shabby for a free box ♥

Here is the list of the contents.

Natural Style by FUBU Deep Conditioner

Sample packets of a deep conditioner....by FUBU?

I think of the clothing line FUBU so I wonder if it's the same brand?

anyhow, I love deep conditioners in general so I'm happy to get these.

My Sample Value $0.83

(Full size value $9.99 for 12oz)

My Beauty Spot Nail Polish - color *#43* couldn't find the color name

This is a pretty color.  A shimmery pink/magenta.

My Sample Value $4.15

(Full size value $4.15)

Nicka K New York Eyelight Crayon - color *gold*

This is a duplicate item for me :(

I received the same brand and same color in my November box.

But that's ok, I'll pass this on to my sister. 

It's a great eye crayon.  Easy to apply.

My Sample Value $4.49

(Full size value $4.49)

Dr. Lin Acne Spot Corrector

Helps to fade old acne spots and prevents breakouts.

Honestly, I don't get pimples anymore!  Back in my early 20's I did.

I'm not sure I'll be using this.  I'll also ask my sister about this and see if she would like to try it.

My Sample Value $4.50

(Full size value $8.99)

Sally Hansen Toe Spacers

These go hand in hand with the nail polish.

And to be honest, I've NEVER purchased toe spacers before.  Never felt the need for it.

But now that I got one I'll totally try it out.

My Sample Value $1.99

(Full size value $1.99)

So these were the contents of my FREE box that I was to receive a couple months ago.

Glad it's here now.  

Not a bad box.  I'll use most of it and my sister will be scoring a couple freebies.

The total value of this month's box (roughly) comes to $15.96

BirchBox #2 contents for December 2014 ♥

Yes, I now have 2 Birchbox accounts ^_^

Only because I was gifted a visa gift card from my hubby.

I used the card for several other purchases but decided to open a second account.

Once the gift card runs out I'll probably go back to just 1 account, FYI.

The benefit of having 2 accounts is getting varied boxes each month.

And Birchbox is my favorite sub right now, so why not?

I made sure the profiles for each account were slightly different so I will get different items.

Also, this way I could get myself a monthly box AND a guest editor box each month.

Unfortunately for the upcoming January box, I missed out on the guest editor box.

You can read about that 'fail' over here.

Also, going forward, I'll be referring the boxes to birchbox #1 and birchbox #2.

Really loving the products in my birchbox #2 !!

Looks like I didn't get any duplicates between my 2 boxes.

♥

Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

A face scrub with super tiny micro beads.

And I mean super tiny!  I've never tried a face wash with this kind of texture.

There's no need to scrub hard because the micro beads do their job quite well.

I enjoyed this product!

My Sample Value $5.62

(Full size value $34.00)

Mirenesse iCurl secret weapon 24hr Mascara - color *black*

Oooo I love receiving mascaras!

I didn't open this one yet because I have a mascara I'm currently using.

Mascara needs to be thrown out after 3 months so I didn't want to expose it to air just yet.

But I'm excited to try this.  I'm interested in the unique shaped wand.

My Sample Value $11.60

(Full size value $29.00)

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain - color *Sugar*

I love lip products and I absolutely love this color.

It reminds me of the Manna Kadar lip stain I received in my birchbox #1 this month.

My Sample Value est.$5.00

(Full size value $20.00)

whish shave cream - scent *acai grapefruit*

"A shea butter-packed shaving cream"

This is new to me. I've used the shave gel and shave creams of course but this one was a different kind of texture.  Felt more like a lotion.

Since this is a sample size, I decided to use it only for my armpit shaving.

I liked it and it smelled pretty good.

Although, I don't think I'll ever purchase the full size.  $20 is too much for shaving cream.

My Sample Value $2.92

(Full size value $20.00)

Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil

Hair oil that protects against heat and UV rays.

I LOVE oil hair products.  I've received about 3 different products so far and used them all up.

I have super thick and damaged hair and these oil products have all done amazing things to my hair.

Smells great too!

I wish the sample was bigger.

My Sample Value est.$1.50

(Full size value $25.95)

GAP $10 Gift

Just like my Birchbox #1, I received a $10 GAP coupon code.

It expires mid January so I still have time to redeem it.

I purchased a couple kid clothes with my last one so maybe I'll treat myself to a piece of clothing this time.  I could use a new sweater... ^_^

I was surprised that I got the December box for this account.  I signed up for it right around Christmas time so I thought my first box would be January.

Shipping was rather quick too.  

The total value for this month's box is (roughly) $26.64 ($36.64 with GAP gift)

Every product in this box will be used.

yay!

DERMSTORE order... ♥

Here is my first DERMSTORE.com order!

I received a $10 coupon code from one of my Target Beauty Boxes.

There was no minimum purchase required so I decided to shop around.

I wanted to make a purchase as close to $10 as I could.

Most items were significantly higher than $10 but I did find a set of dry shampoo...

batiste Dry Shampoo - scent *Tropical*

This was a set of 3 (what looks to be) travel size dry shampoo.

I couldn't decide on a scent so I picked the highest rated one, "Tropical".

After I opened the box I noticed it said 'With a coconut & exotic fragrance'.

Ugh...I'm not a fan of coconut...the taste or smell.

I tested it out and it wasn't too strong but a subtle coconut smell.

I think I can deal ^_^

Set of 3 Batiste Dry Shampoo $11.97

FREE samples and gift

I also received a moisturizer sample by elta MD skincare.

A 20% off coupon code for pur minerals items at the DERMSTORE.com.

And a FREE GIFT mystery bag.

HARRY JOSH Pro Tools

A set of 2 hair clips from the Harry Josh professional styling line.

This is awesome!  It's very sturdy and totally professional grade.

I have so much hair that a lot of 'hair clips' can't keep my hair up.

These work though and the quality is amazing.

What a cool gift!

I also received a 17% off coupon code.

Retails for $10.00

The total value of this order was $21.97.

After my $10 coupon code I paid only $2.16 ♥

What a great deal!  Loved the freebies and I'm happy with the dry shampoo.

And most of all, I've never shopped on this site before but I really enjoyed it.

I'll be looking forward to shopping here again.

BIRCHBOX order... ♥

So I ordered a couple items from the Birchbox store with my points.

Free 2-day shipping and it was delivered today!

yay!

the Balm Cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer

I received a small sample of this in my November box and fell in love!!

I knew right away I would be needing the full size so as soon as I had enough points, I got it.

It's super cute--comes with a compact mirror ♥

I like to use this as an eye shadow/highlighter and an all over glow.  

The color is perfect for my skin color.

This baby in full size costs $24.00

Ahmad Tea London Bus Caddy

Currently on Birchbox, if you spend over $35.00 you can add a Mystery Sample pack...

so I added this Tea can to my order.

This was $5.29

It comes in a super cute can that turns into a piggy bank (there's a coin slot on top) 

AND 25 bags of  Earl Grey tea which I love ♥

FREE Mystery Sample Pack

I received a sample of omni Potent Duosity Hair treatment in a foil packet.

Since I have so much hair this is probably good for one use.

Also a perfume sample of Juicy Couture in Viva La Juicy.

It's one of those tiny sprays but all you really need is 1 spray.

This will last me a bit...and my husband liked the smell.

This was an awesome after-Christmas surprise package.

And it shows just how awesome the Birchbox shop is ♥

Christmas goodies... ♥

Here are some beauty goodies I received for Christmas.

This is 日本酒の化粧水 (Nihon-zake no keshousui).

Quite literally translates to Japanese Sake skin care lotion.

Apparently there are ingredients in sake that are amazing for your skin.

This is not a thick, creamy lotion but a 'liquid' lotion.

Can be used on your face and body.  There is hardly a scent.

I've used it a couple days so far and I like it.  

Tangle Teezer hairbrush.

Popular these day.  I was actually in need of a new brush so this is perfect!

Used it this morning and I absolutely love it♥

So easy to use and really helps to de-tangle gently so I don't have as many pulled hairs.

 This is now my go-to brush!

This was a bonus item my mom threw in for me.

I have a huge love for owls so I'm assuming that's why she picked this up for me.

Comes in a cute felt pouch and a shower gel + lotion.

It's a generic brand so nothing crazy.

The scent is 'strawberry sugar' and it totally smells like it.

BIRCHBOX Sample Choice emails are out ♥

So I finally received my email which provides us with the link to choose your Sample Choice OR Guest Editor Box.

My husband gave me a loaded visa gift card that he got from his company (he doesn't use gift cards)

so I actually bought myself a second account with that.

I've noticed online that quite a few people do that so they can get their hands on both the regular monthly box AND guest editor boxes.

So I planned to pick the Tocca lotion as my sample choice for my 1st and the Relax & Recharge guest editor box for my 2nd.

Well guess what....by the time I checked my email today and went to pick, they were all 

OUT OF STOCK!!!!!

Hwhat?!?

I received the email this morning around 8:30.

Well, I had a doctor's appointment for my son at 9:00 so I was driving.

Didn't see my mail til around 11:30.  

I'M SO sad!

Last month was a breeze but I didn't realize just how fast these can be sold out!

I was super bummed...furthermore, I was even more bummed after seeing the photo of the R&R box I was eyeing.  (the one on the right)  

It included a facial mask I wanted to try, another Manna Kadar Lip stain in a different color, a couple of tea samples.... UGH!!

I was a super sad panda today....

So instead, I chose a different lotion for one box and didn't choose anything for the 2nd.  Which means it will be a complete surprise. 

Hey, it might be a better surprise!

I'm going to be sure NOT to miss out on the February choices.

O, and by the way...the January box is looking super cute up top.

I guess we're getting a purple/pink box that says "Let's Do This!" which must be the theme of the month.  Loving it♥

Also I noticed the "Tone it Up Box" changed it's name to "The Gym Bag Beauty Essentials Box".