Wednesday, April 29, 2015

WALMART Spring 2015 Beauty Box...♥



I received my Walmart Beauty Box today.
Just like Target, their box is also a flat $5 and is a seasonal box.
This is the Spring box.


At first look, I'm liking this box a lot more than the Winter box.
The winter box was awful...
But the value this time just wasn't there...
Here is the breakdown.


St. Ives Blackhead Clearing - Green Tea Scrub
This looks promising.  It's made of 100% natural exfoliants so that's awesome.
I'm trying to stay away from the plastic exfoliating beads we see often.
Those are just bad for the environment...Besides, I don't think rubbing a plastic ball on your face would actually exfoliate anything.
My Sample Value $0.70
(Full size value $4.19)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser
This is awesome to have as well.  I'm running low on cleansers and I've wanted to try this out for a while.  The sample size is very small though.
My Sample Value $0.50
(Full size value $8.49)


Dove go fresh Revitalize Body Wash - mandarin & tiare flower
The box smelled really nice when I opened it and it came from this guy.
Smells really nice and fresh.  Will definitely use and I'm a fan of Dove body wash.
My Sample Value $0.45
(Full size value $5.49) 

Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream - For Light Skin Tones
We've all heard of BB creams for the face but this one is for the body.
It works just like any other moisturizer with an added 'self-adjusting tone'.
I'm very curious about this one and am wondering if I'll actually notice any difference.
Moisturizes nice and has a nice scent.
My Sample Value $1.34
(Full size value $9.99)


simple Cleansing Facial Wipes - 7ct
Only 7ct? boo....
I will keep this in my purse and use it on the go.
My Sample Value $1.70
(Full size value $5.99 for 25ct)


Ken Paves Shampoo/Conditioner/Mask 
Foil samples... basically a one-time use.
I'll try it for sure.  
My Sample Value $1.70


Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion
I've never heard of this before...is this new? 
After washing, you apply this to your skin, rinse off and voila...You just experienced an in-shower lotion.  I wonder how effective this is.  Rinsing it off seems like you wouldn't get the full 'lotion effect'.  
My Sample Value $0.10


Lady Gaga Perfume - Black Fluid
Perfume sample.  It's okay--not really my scent.
I prefer the Dove body wash scent over this.
My Sample Value $0

Although I thought this was a better box from last time (content-wise) the value is just not there.
The total value of the Spring box (roughly) comes to $6.49
It's barely worth the $5 I paid.
And I was especially disappointed that there was no Make-up item included...
You would think a beauty box would include at least one make-up..
Hmmm...I'm on the fence with this one...
I may stick around for one more box and see if it improves.

ipsy May 2015 Early sneak peek ♥



We have our first sneak peek for May's ipsy bag♥
Subscribers will receive ONE of these products.


Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil
GLAMGLOW Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

These are great products.  
I'm especially hoping for the Urban Decay Lippie or the Glamglow Cleanser.
What are you hoping for? 

Monday, April 27, 2015

BIRCHBOX May 2015 ::Sample Choice & Featured Box:: ♥



Yay! The best time of the month...(early access) Sample Choice is here!
The 'regular' box will include samples chosen by this month's collaboration, Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Once again, the box is beautifully designed. (A cupcake design would've been cute!)
A featured box is also listed as an option--The 'Beauty Solutions' box.


The sample choices this month are:
Harvey Prince Sea Salt Texturizing Mist
Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment
Naobay Oxygenating Moisturizing Cream
Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel

Only one item got me really excited--the Macadamia Professional hair oil.
I can always use more oil for my hair.

The 'featured box' this month is another edition of the 'Beauty Solutions' series.
This box will include:
Number 4 Blow Dry Lotion
W3LL PEOPLE The Expressionist Mascara in Black
CoTZ Flawless Complexion SPF 50
Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel
Juara Candlenut Body Creme

I'm a huge fan of W3LL PEOPLE and when I saw that mascara, I knew I had to get it♥
Everything else is new to me and I'd love to try out.

So what will you pick this month? 
One of the samples? The Featured Box? or will you just leave it as a surprise?
I reserved the Macadamia Professional on one account and the Featured Box on my other account.
From seeing the sneak peeks of some of the samples chosen by Cupcakes and Cashmere, I'm really excited to see what else I'll get!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

BIRCHBOX May 2015 blogger reveal & sneak peek ::Birchbox + Cupcakes and Cashmere:: ♥


Today, Birchbox revealed the secret blogger they are teaming up with for the month of May!
Cupcakes and Cashmere is a blogger that I was not aware of but after visiting her site, I'm hooked!
She does everything from fashion, food, home decor, etc.
She has curated ALL the samples for May.

In the video above she shares a few of her favorites that just might be in your box this month.
(This is going to be a good month!)





A few samples that might be in your box:
TOCCA Eau de Parfum - *Isabel*
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Living Proof. Restore Instant Repair
Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional

Wow!  Seriously, these are all great samples and I'd be happy with any of them.
ESPECIALLY the Shiseido...  

BIRCHBOX Limited Edition ::Lovely Day Box:: ♥


My Lovely Day Box arrived today...finally!
Shipping took longer than usual and was delivered via UPS.


This order includes the Limited Edition 'Lovely Day Box', an Illume Candle and a Mystery Sample Pack (free with a $35+ purchase).
The 'Lovely Day Box' is $62, the candle was $11+ and all I paid was $3.64!
This is why I love Birchbox ♥
I will explain how I used my Birchbox points at the end.  


Bonus Item
Mighty Leaf Tea Set - 3 pouches
This has been the bonus item for a while now.
I've received them in just about every purchase order since last November.
Since I love tea, this is a nice bonus.


Free Mystery Sample Pack
You can always add a Free 'Mystery Sample' on orders over $35.
I received:
V76 by Vaughn Energizing Shampoo/Conditioner Foil Samples
Camille Beckman Platinume Gold Hand Therapy Lotion
The lotion is a repeat but I've never tried the shampoo/conditioner.
I'm curious as to what they mean by 'Energizing' shampoo/conditioner.


Add-on Purchase
Illume Monogram Boxed Votive - Letter "I"
So I'll explain here--I had 600+ points to spend.
When you redeem your points for purchase, you can only use them in increments of 100's.
And since I had 600+ points, I HAD to use 600 points. (no less)
So I added the Lovely Box, used a 20% off code then added this candle so I could get full advantage of the 600 points.  My total came to $63.64. I redeemed $60 in points and paid only $3.64!!
This candle is a Soy Candle, very cute and smells great!
I picked "I" for Ivy of course♥ 



The 'Lovely Box'.



The info card.


A first look.


This box was packed!  Lots of goodies.


Rituals Foaming Shower Gel - Fresh Eucalyptus & Rosemary
I've never tried anything like this before.
A foaming shower gel.  I have a feeling I'm going to like it!
My item value $3.75
(Full size value $15.00)


Caudalie Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting
This product helps to fade and even out dark spots.
My item value $26.34
(Full size value $79.00)


Living Proof. Nightcap Overnight Perfector
Another 'new' kind of product for me.
'Beauty sleep for your hair'.
You apply this to your damp hair at night before bed, then wash it out in the morning OR style in the morning.  This should leave your hair smooth and glossy.
Now this is my kind of product.
My item value $7.00
(Full size value $28.00)


Nails Inc. Gel Effect Nail Polish - in *Porchester Square* and *Mayfair Lane*
I think these shades are adorable!
They are like a pastel gray and pink.
I'm currently wearing my ipsy nail polish now but I'll use these next!
My item value $8.60 x2
(Full size item $15.00 x2)


Davines Anti Aging Hand Cream
I'm only familiar with their Hair care products so I was surprised to see that this hand cream was by Davines.  It's quite large and it will be a while before I use this.  I have quite the collection of unopened hand creams at the moment.
My item value $14.00 (Full size!)


Illume Demi Perfume - *Coconut Milk Mango*
This is a rollerball perfume.  I almost prefer this application over the sprays.
Smells just like it--coconut and mango.
I like it!
My item value $14.00 (full size!)



Cargo Blush - *cannes*
A very 'cute' blush with an orange undertone.
I know this will last me a long time.
My item value $26.00 (full size!)


jouer Lipstick - *meg*
This was an interesting shade for me.
It looks more coral in my swatch (below) but when I applied it to my lips, they came out much lighter.  Pretty well pigmented too so it lightened my lip color.
This will be great on days that I use very little make up.
My item value $24.00 (full size!)



Greenleaf Candle Tin - *Bella Freesia*
This is quite large and it smells very nice.
I read some reviews and some people thought the smell was too strong and smelled like perfume.
I didn't find it strong...and the smell is mild.  Not strong for me.
However, I did not light this up yet so maybe it smells stronger lit up?
My item value $10.00 (full size!)


Harney & Sons Wrapped Tea Sachets - 7 sachets
Wow, look at all of these tea bags!
Some of them sound a bit crazy...but I'll promise to try them all out.
My item value $3.36
(Full size value $9.95 for 20 sachets)

I thought this box was very well curated for all the Moms out there.
I like the addition of non-beauty products as well, such as the candle and tea set.
The total value of this Limited Edition box (roughly) comes to $145.65.
Including all bonuses, add-ons, the total is $161.07.
  I only paid $3.64 out of pocket so this was the deal of all deals!
Now I'm off to enjoy some of my new products.
yay!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Target ::Spring Beauty Box 2015:: ♥


My Target Spring beauty box is here!
This box was $5, free shipping and sold out within the day.


A first look.


The info card.


This looks like a solid box for $5!


L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set
This is a full size product and this alone costs $13.99.
I've been so curious about these setting sprays.
It probably helps a lot when you use foundation and cover-up but this will work on your eyes and lips too.  I will try this later today.
My Value $13.99 (Full size value!)


TRESemme TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray
This looks to be a travel size.
I can use this for when I wear my hair up.
My Value $1.47 (travel size)


SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Shampoo
I'm bummed that this didn't come with a conditioner but I'll go pick it up at Target today.
I sampled this brand in my previous Target beauty box and I really enjoy it.
Smells great too!
My Value $2.45
(Full size value $9.89)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
A combination of gel and cream-like texture.
Helps to hydrate your skin.
This is perfect--I was just running out of face cream.
I also love Neutrogena products.
My Value $8.99
(Full size value $17.99)


Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational Lip Color - *Rose Redefined*
I was hoping for more 'make-up' products in the box, like this lip gloss.
The applicator brush is very large and different from the ones I'm used to.
The gloss itself it very liquidy and wet.
I haven't applied it yet but I'm not sure how I'll like it.
My Value $5.99 (Full size!)

The spring box was okay for me but for a $5 box this is amazing!
The total value of the Spring Target beauty box (roughly) comes to $32.89
I'm most excited for the Neutrogena gel cream and the setting spray.
I wish Target would start an actual 'subscription' service ♥