Ipsy January 2016

           The theme for the bag this month is "All Eyes on You" The print on the bag fits it well with cute, retro glasses wearing faces all over it. As you would expect all my products were for the eyes so lets dive in.

Peek Beauty Natural Stain Brow Powder Full Size $22 Sample Value $11
           First, how cute is this little tin? I love the packaging. Second, this is a great product. This is in the colour Espresso and is a pretty universal brown shade, it gives a natural look and if you are going for a darker or more intense brow look you can layer it without it looking cakey. Swatch below.
          
theBalm Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner in Jac Full size $17
           I love the Balm products and was very happy to see everyone got an eyeliner from the Balm in their bag this month. I just got rid of most of my eyeliners since many of them were getting old. This is sort of a muddy bronze and since natural shadows are my jam this will go with most of my makeup looks. It goes on smoothly enough and has great staying power. Swatch below.

Klorane Floral Water Makeup Remover with Soothing Cornflower Full size $24 Sample Value $1.50
           At first I was not overly excited about makeup remover as I have a couple samples from Clinique to use up but this is a wonderful product. It effortlessly removes every bit of waterproof makeup without stinging my eyes or making them red. If I can find this in a store I will be buying this when I use up all my samples of eye makeup remover.

Hikari Cosmetics Cream Metallic Pigment Shadow in Mink $13
          I have said before that I am over getting single shadows but this one is a beautiful colour, it is a shimmery, metallic shadow but not so dramatic that I can't pull it off for a daytime look. Swatch below.

Hey Honey Skin Care Open Your Eyes Contour Lifting Fluid Full Size $28  Sample Value ~$15

             This is meant to firm skin, reduce fine lines, hydrate and reduce puffiness. I am nearing thirty so I think I will start looking into anti-aging and firming products. as a result I have that checked as one of my concerns in my profile. I have only used this a couple times so I can not really speak to its effectiveness but I did notice some firming and depuffing the couple times it did try it.

Peek Brow Powder, Hikari Shadow and theBalm eyeliner

           I also got a bonus item with my points this month:

Nude ProGenious Treatment Oil Full Size $97 Sample Value $16
           Honestly I only got this becasue I thought it was going to come in a cute little dropper bottle like the Jouer oil I had gotten before. According to Sephora this oil will: 

"Transform your skin with this signature treatment oil of 10 carefully-selected, nutritious plant oils. These replenishing oils—including apricot, meadowfoam, camelina, and macadamia nut—are rich in omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9, and provide essential building blocks for youthful, healthy-looking skin. This precisely balanced formula of nutrients quickly absorbs to provide 24 hours of moisture, improve the appearance of fine lines, and reveal a smoother complexion. Use daily to increase your skin’s natural radiance."

           So that doesn't sound like a bad thing.

           Even without the bonus sample item the total of my bag come to $80 which even with the awful exchange rate is pretty great. I will use all the items and repurchase at least one of them. 

Thanks for reading,

A

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Birchbox Canada January 2016

           I only saw the contents of my Birchbox a day or two before it arrived and I am glad because I was so excited that waiting would have been painful. This month aligned with the whole New Years resolution thing which, while I don't do resolutions in any serious way, I can appreciate. Let's talk about the products:

            The cover of the box says "2016 The Year of:____________" and inside came these little stickers for you to complete the phrase. Super cute idea and if you keep your boxes it would be a great little affirmation on your makeup table or dresser. I love the colour and pattern so I am sure it will find its way to my makeup area or my office at work.

Tonymoly Delight Tony Tint Full Size $6 Sample Value ~$3 (total guess)

         I had actually just added this to my wish list on Birchbox.ca so I am excited to try it out. I just love mini size lip products. I rarely use a full lip stick/gloss/stain up so I prefer the sample sizes, plus how cute is this? I find with one coat it gets patchy a wears off weird but if you let the first coat dry and apply a second you get a really nice red stain that lasts alright. I did have to do a little touch up after my tea and snack. I think I will try using it under some glosses to give them more colour. The first swatch is one swip and the second is a couple layers.

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Water-Full Hydrogel Mask Full size $25
        This mask is supposed to hydrate your skin while boosting elasticity and minimize fine lines. For $25 a pop it better be good. Well damn it's amazing, I was not sure how I would like it since I have such oily skin but since my skin has been having a rough time this winter I decided I would give it a try and I was so impressed. First the actual construction of the mask is great, it comes in two pieces so it fits much better than most sheet masks and it isn't goopy or dripping with product. The side you put on your face is a gel as the name suggests and the mask really sticks to your face, I was able to drink a cup of tea and read without the mask moving at all. Afterwards I could not stop touching my face, there was not sticky serum left behind or anything to wash off just soft and firm skin. I have never had a mask work so well.

derma e Hydrating Scrub Full Size $20 Sample Value $5.08
          This product is for normal to dry skin, which I don't have but I love facial scrubs and derma e so I will give it a try. If nothing else I can exfoliate before bed.

gorge* I'll Make You Look Amazing Daily Spray Full Size $40 Sample Value $10
           Normally I am all about the hair products but as I am trying to "train" my hair to not need to be shampooed everyday I have been avoiding using too many hair products so I haven't used this much. I have been using on my ends to keep them hydrated and it seems to be doing a good job and makes an excellent detangler. It smells a little like coconuts and vacation.

Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm Full size $36 Sample Value $10? 
           This was my sample choice for this month but I was not overly excited about it. The Canadian options for sample choice don't seem to be as nice as our American counterparts. I did find it did a good job of moisturizing without leaving me greasy and did notice my skin felt slightly firmer after application. My makeup went on nicely and it did reduce shine to some degree but I am not about to rush out and buy the full size. I guestimated the value since the sample has no measurement on it.


          Overall I am very happy with my box, I like the mix of three skin care, one makeup item and one hair item. The value this month is $53.08 which is great for a $15 box. I am happy to receive more skin or hair care than makeup for a while since I just decluttered my makeup and want to use up some of the products I have.

Thanks for reading!

A.

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Birchbox Canada November 2015 GlamLifeGuru Box

                    

          Let me start by fangirling just a little bit. I adore Tati Westbrook and when I saw that she was curating a box there was no question, I was getting it. Tati is a beauty YouTuber and has been for the last five years. She consistently posts five videos a week that range from tutorials, reviews, Hot or Not on new releases/products, and hauls for both high end and drugstore beauty products. Before starting you tube Tati was an Image Consultant which she describes as a 9-5 desk job putting together programs with makeup, health and fashion items. Tati is in her early thirties and a little older than most of the beauty YouTubers, which I love. She has the knowledge and experience to recommend products that I know are going to work. I would love to have her makeup skills and her hair is just always perfect, Tati is easily in my top 3 YouTubers.  OK, embarrassing gushing done. If Tati was to read this, unlikely, I would probably die of embarrassment and hope to god I had my facts straight. Lets talk about the actual products in the box.

            

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels Full Size 8 for $33, Sample Value $4.13
           These are not my favourite eye pads on the market but I can not deny that they work to reduce puffiness and are a great pampering item. I am currently on vacation so these will be great to help me unwind. I think I will take Tati's suggestion and put them in the fridge for a little bit first.


Living Proof Perfect hair Day PhD. Dry Shampoo Full Size $28, Sample Value $13.01
          I am not one of those lucky girls that can wash their hair every few days or even every other day. I have tried a few different dry shampoos without much luck, mostly I use them to make my hair less disgusting for the gym, to run quick errands or if I use too much product in my hair. I am not ready to give up on day two hair and based on the reviews from Tati and others this is an amazing dry shampoo. 


theBalm Cosmetics Frat Boy Blush/Shadow Full Size $27 Value $1.69ish
           I have tried a few things from theBalm and love everything I have tried. Check out this haul for more. Lately I have also been looking to expand my blush collection so I am quite excited to try this out. The only issue I can foresee is that my blush brush is much too large for the pan. Swatch below.


LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in Day Trip Full Size $12
            Love of Color is Birchbox's new makeup line and Tati collaborated with them to make this first collection. I bought the Ultimate Collection so I already have this but I am still glad to have another as it is not a permanent collection. These shadow sticks are amazing, I normally avoid cream shadows but these do not budge at all. For a full review of these and the the matte lipsticks check this out.

                           

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (24 hour miricle cream) Full Size $28 Sample Value $1.87
          I received this in either my last Birchbox or Ipsy bag and I don't hate having another sample. I have very oily skin so finding a moisturizer to wear under my makeup can be a challenge. I find this one absorbs quickly and does not leave my face feeling any greasier than normal. The sample may look tiny but you need such a small amount that I have not even used half of the first sample I have and I use it at least five days a week.


           Overall this box has a value of $32.70, not huge but a good value for a $10/$15 box. A couple of items are not items I would choose myself but I am glad to receive them all the same. I think I am most excited about the blush and shadow stick. 

Check out Tati's YouTube Channel

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

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Birchbox Canada - October 2015

          This month Birchbox partnered with an organization called Look good, Feel Good that helps Canadian women with cancer feel beautiful and confident. The US Birchbox partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I like that they chose a Canadian organization rather than just go with the US for all boxes.

            Also on our information card is a "Beauty PSA" that informs us that us Canadian subscribers will be able to take part in sample choice that they have offered in the US for a while. I also believe that we are going to be able to choose curated boxes based on this video by Tati Westbrook of Glam Life Guru. I will be choosing the curated box as I am a huge fan of Tati and want to support her. I am glad to see that they are bringing some of the perks available in the US to Canada.

             I was looking forward to my Birchbox this month and I was happy to see that I had a little bonus sample of conditioner to match the shampoo received. Let's get into it:

ModelCo Ultra Long-Lasting Lipstick in Stiletto Full Size $17 Trio for $23

Highly-pigmented colour that glides on effortlessly, hydrating lips without the hassle of touch-ups.

         This is RED lipstick, it is certainly season appropriate. I have not worn it for a long time but it does go on smooth, dries without drying out my lips and really feels like I am not wearing lipstick at all. I do feel like it makes my teeth look a little yellow so I am pulling out the white strips before I wear this again.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Full Size $26  Sample Value $3.25

Best-selling elixir that locks in colour, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness.

          Beauty Protector is a common brand featured in Birchboxes but this is the first item I have received. I have heard so many rave reviews about this product, especially the scent. I am not a huge fan of the scent but as far as detangling it works wonderfully. My hair was left soft and manageable. I have been looking for a heat protectant so this is something I am looking forward to trying this out.

Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo Full Size $28  Sample Value $8.25

Enriched with olive oil and rice protein, this formula smooths frizzed-out and tangle-prone hair.

Bonus: Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner Full Size $32 Sample Value $1.54

           I was a little skeptical about this shampoo working for me, the bottle says it if for frizzy and coarse hair. While my hair can be frizzy it is quite fine rather than coarse. I am not 100% sold on it until I use it for a while to see if it builds up on my hair but the two times I have used it people have stopped me mid sentence to comment on how good of a hair day I was having. If you have coarse, frizzy, dry hair I really think you should try this shampoo and conditioner.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Full Size $28 Sample Value $2.60

A makeup artist fave, the French moisturizer heals dryness and preps skin for foundation.

          This seems like a small sample but you need so little that it is actually a decent amount of product. I am often guilty of not putting on moisturizer on under my makeup since I have such oily skin but this absorbs so quickly and just leaves my skin so smooth. If I choose the curated box by Tati I will get another sample of this product.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara Full Size $32 Sample Value $15.06

Water-resistant formula that curls, adds volume, and has major staying power.

           I was hoping for this sample when I saw some spoilers since the packaging is so different from most mascaras and has a curved brush. I do find that it curls my lashes more than most other mascaras, makes them very long and defined and really does have some serious staying power. Would I pay $32 for it? Absolutely not, it was a decent mascara but does not compare to others around the same price point.

Total Value: $46.16

          Pretty decent value in this Birchbox, plus the bonus item is another 10 points for reviewing and that works out to a dollar in the Birchbox shop. I am seriously considering using the my points to get the complete LOC collection by Tati.

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

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Ipsy September 2015

          I feel like I have been saying this often with both Ipsy and Birchbox but I was not excited about my bag when I first saw my bag and yet again I was surprised by how much I liked the items once I received them. I also redeemed for a points item this month. 

          The bag itself is not usually my style but it is a little longer than the usual bags and is a perfect fit in my purse for makeup.

Evelyn Iona Cosmetics Cream Blush in Ash Sample Value $7.38 Full Size $18.75

          Originally I was concerned this product would not work for my oily skin but I love it. It gives a very natural and dewy colour to the cheeks that blends beautifully. My only issue is that you are supposed to work it with your fingers and apply but my nails make using this type of pot rather difficult. Luckily Ipsy was looking out for their girl and sent me a...

Crown Brush Oval Concealer Brush (C224) $2.98

          I have received brushes from Crown Brush and have liked all of them. This one is not anything special but super handy to use with the cream blush.

J. Cat Beauty #MOTD Waterproof Slide on Pencil for Eyes in Bronze $3.99

          I am generally a fan of eyeliners and if they are not in black or brown metallic works for me. This eyeliner lasted for hours without budging and it is a great price. It goes on a little darker than the packaging, with almost a grey undertone but I still love it. I am thinking about picking up a few other colours.

Nyx Cosmetics Ipsy Eye Shadow Trio  $6

          Neutrals are my jam so I am sure to use this these colours, the first two shades are just a little shimmery and the black is matte. The black will likely make a great liner as well.

Acure Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes $6.99

          Face wipes are an item that I am never super excited to get but would never complain about, especially since this is a pack of thirty! These are actually the best cleansing wipes I have ever used, not only do they take all my makeup off but it actually feels like my face has been deep cleaned. I keep these by my bed so I have no excuse for leaving my makeup on overnight.

La Fresh Hello Lip Treat

          This is an item I redeemed my points for and it is amazing. It is supposed to smooth lines and make your lips look younger. All I know is that it is super moisturizing and is so minty that Beast notices the smell when I put it on.

Total Value: $27.35

          Not a huge total value but I am ok with this bag, not amazed but not disappointed  either. 

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

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Birchbox Canada - August 2015

          I loved my Birchbox this month! It is probably the first box where everything is really suited for me. This month it seems like products I have wanted to try just appeared in my subscription boxes. 

          First, look how cute the box is under there, it's just a cute little pool. I can't bear to throw any of the boxes out because they are so cute. I have re-purposed some and I am sure around Christmas time I will find uses for them. Enough about the box lets move on to the samples inside. 

St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Sample Value $7.75 Full Size $31

This convenient, innovative self-tanner delivers buildable Color for a natural-looking glow 

        I was so excited to see this sample in my box, I had seen this in a friends shower and was considering giving it a try. I am terrified of self tanner, I am next level pale so I need something that is not going to be dramatic at the first application and this is perfect! To use it you shower like normal and after you are all scrubbed, turn off the shower, put this lotion on while you are still wet and standing in the shower, wait for three minutes and then rinse it off with just water. I tried this today and I was just going to put it on my legs in case I messed it up or it just turned out horrible. It was so easy to apply so I just used it all over and most surprisingly it smells nice! It rinsed off easily and left my skin so soft. There was no immediate colour but over time a very gradual and natural looking change occurred without streaks or spots. The colour is very light, almost unnoticeable but I think it would be very buildable. I think this is perfect for someone like me who is very pale and inexperienced with self tanner. 

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum Sample Value $15.86 Full Sized $34 

Calming spot treatment that fights blemishes, refines pores, and balances skin without drying.

           Lately I have been struggling with many more blemishes than I have ever had in my life so this was another welcome product. It has a very natural scent and is 99% natural. I am currently using the Clinique Acne Solutions System (review to come) but I will add this in there as an extra measure.  I have used it a couple times and I do like it but haven't noticed a huge difference, I doubt it's worth the price tag.

amika Un.done Texture Spray Sample Value $4.82 Full Sized $26.50

Styling spray that gives hair effortless, tousled volume, loads of shine and a dreamy scent.

           This is a nothing product I was looking to try before I found it in the box this month. I'm looking for a texture spray and this is a brand I have heard a lot about from different blogs and YouTube. I have not yet had a chance to try this as it is far to hot to do anything but stick my hair in a bun or clip immediately after brushing it out. It does smell nice which is not something I can say about most hair sprays. 

LAQA & Co. Cheeky Lip Crayon in Cray Cray Sample Value $5? Set of 3 $26

This creamy crayon delivers a rich, easy to apply color for both lips and cheeks. 

            I am always happy to receive lips products and I have another lip colour from the brand that I love. This was a little bit of a disappointment, as I find the lip and cheek combos usually are, it doesn't go on the lips well, has spotty coverage and just looks cheap. I habve not tried it as a cheek colour but I don't have high hopes. Also the sample size is rather deceiving, it looks like a full sized crayon but there is only about an inch, if that, of product. It's a waste of packaging, it would look so cute if it was packaged relative to the amount of product. I am going to play around with it and might be able to make it work but it is not an immediate favourite. 

Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy Sample Value $5.50 Full Sized $32

Made with macadamia oil and shea butter, this ultra-nourishing cream hydrates and protects hands. 

          On the packaging it says "gardeners" and has a little person planting something, this really is the perfect lotion for someone working with their hands. It is insanely moisturizing but absorbs quickly doesn't leave a greasy film at all. It has a spicy sent that is almost masculine. This is a lotion I am going to keep in my purse over the winter as it will have no problem combating dry winter skin. 

Value of the box $38.93

          As I said before I love my Birchbox and the products were all items that seem tailored for me. The value is not amazing but I will use at least four out of the five products regularly and if I do not use the fifth it will go to my sister.

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Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

Ipsy - August 2015

           I was a fan of my Ipsy bag as soon as I saw my Glam Room. I got a good mix  items and all in shades I will wear. It does seems like if you redeem for points your bag will ship later, which makes sense as it likely takes longer to process. This month my bag came around the 15th as it usually does.

          I love the bag itself, I am a huge fan of both hound's-tooth and pink, I just wish they would put the zippers on the top of the bags instead of the front. 

Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted Full Sized $15 

          Really? A fifteen bucks for nail polish? That seems excessive. I use gel polish exclusively on my fingernails but the colour is adorable so I will use it on my toes. I usually count nail polish as a lost item because I just do not use it or want it but this is cute both in colour and packaging. 

Briogeo Blossom and Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer Sample Value $0.78  Full Sized $18

          This smells very uplifting, a very light ginger and citrus scent. I have yet to find a volumizing product that really works for me but I am excited to try this one out. 

noyah Natural Lipstick in Desert Rose Sample Value $4.50 Full Sized $18

          I have another shade of this lipstick I got from points and already know I love the formula, it is so creamy and opaque. This is the perfect shade to use until it is time for red and berry shades. 

Juara Skin Care Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Facial Mask Sample Value $3.50 Full Sized $35

          I actually stopped writing to go try this out. It really feels more like a lotion than a mask, the next time I use it I will do it after a more gentle cleanser as it did sting just a little on the drier parts of y face. I did not notice a huge difference after using it other than my skin was a little softer. Based on the little blub on the Ipsy site saying to expect amazing things after one use it was kind of a let down. The sample size is probably good for three or four masks if you really stretch it but a bigger sample would have been nice.

Skone Cosmetics Luxe Doubler Eye/Lip Pencil in Wine Full Size $12

          I am not sure I am comfortable using the same product on my lips and then my eyes. I will use this as a lip liner as I was just looking to pick up some more berry, wine and red shades. I have yet to wear it but it goes on smoothly and is a beautiful colour.

          Over all I am happy with my bag, two lip products, a skincare, a hair products is a good mix for me. I would have preferred something other than nail polish but at least it is a colour I will wear.

The value of this bag is nearly $50!

Not bad for a $10 subscription

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Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

Ipsy - July 2015

          When I first saw my Glam Room I was not excited for my bag, there were a couple things I would get some use out of but nothing had me stalking the mail man. Luckily so since it shipped later than usual again. I'm not sure why it has been shipping so late the last few months, maybe when you redeem for points items it takes longer to process. Once I tried a couple items I completely changed my mind, I love the eyeshadow and bronzer. Let's get into it:

Shea Moisture Lip Crayon in Sarah $9.99 Full Sized Product

          This is an item I redeemed my points for, I am always looking for more lip products. This one is not my favourite and at first I was quite disappointed by it but I noticed that once it wore off it left a really nice stain that looked great under a pink gloss. I do not like it by itself mostly because I'm not a fan of the iridescent quality. Swatched below. 

Crown Brush Professional Tweezers $10.50 or $6.99 on sale Full Sized Product 

          I would not replace my current tweezers with this as I prefer to have ones that are a little bit longer but these are excellent. I do not have any in my purse makeup bag so these are going right in there. 

Jor'el Parker Eau to Parfume in Classico $21 Full Sized Product 

          I love receiving perfumes even though I am rarely able to wear them. The description says "Indulge in the spicy seduction of Indian Tuberose, the striking and sweet sensation of Turkish Cyclamen and the purifying calm of Spanish Mandarin." Now, I do not know what most of those things are but it sounds very exotic and smells so as well. It has a very energizing or awakening scent. 

Jersey Shore Cosmetics Mongongo Vanilla Coconut Cream Lip Conditioner $10 Full Sized Product 

          This is a 100% natural and USDA certified Organic with UV protection as well as being cruelty free. It is a lip balm, not exciting but always useful. I would not pay $10 for it but I will use it for sure.

Nicka K New York Eye Shadow Quad in NY075 Sierra $4.99 Full a Sized Product

          I was surprised this quad was so inexpensive, I love these shadows. This product completely changed my opinion of this month's bag. They are so soft, pigmented and blend together perfectly. The colours are perfect for brown eyes and I am glad I did not get the other option which I think would be best for green eyes. With these four colours you can create a nice, everyday neutral look or a more dramatic smokey eye. If I was to go on a trip I would just grab this little quad and leave my other palettes at home. See swatches below. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave. Princess $10.31 Sample Value $20.31 Full Size

          I am not skilled in the art of contouring or much of a bronzer user. I already have a hard time finding foundation that is pale enough so added bronzer just makes me look dirty or like I can't shade match. This one is perfect for pale girls like me, with a light hand it added some warmth to my face without being too dark to work with my skin tone. Easily blendable, smooth application and hours of budge proof wear make this a beautiful product and also turned my opinion of the bag. 

Swatches for Shea Moisture Lip Crayon, Nicka K New York Eye Shadow, and Tarte Bronzer along the top.

          While still not my favourite bag I ended up liking it more than I originally thought I would. The bag itself is super cute and certainly one of my favourites. Overall I ended up liking this bag and the value is pretty decent. 

Total value of bag: $56.80

Thanks for reading!

A. 

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June Ipsy Review 

Birchbox Canada July 2015

          This month Birchbox partnered with Best Health and along with the usual product card we got a subscription offer for a discounted price. If nothing else the box is pretty and will make nice storage for something or other.

          I am very happy with my box this month and there isn't anything I wont use. I enjoy getting a mix of items, I have a couple hair items, a couple skin care and a makeup item.

Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion    Full size $18   Sample value $3

Rich in marine extracts, this paraben-free moisturizer leaves skin smooth, soft and calm.

          I so love getting moisturizers and this one is no different. I have received lotion from this brand before and loved that one as well. Apparently it contains "relaxing sea fennel" That does not mean much to me but it does smell fresh and light. 

Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator   Full size $34  Sample value $5.67

This customer fave mimics the effects of microdermabrasion for glowing smooth skin.

          The best products I have ever discovered from beauty subscription boxes are microdernabrasion scrubs. That is until I received this little guy. I massage a small amount in a circular motion to get the microdermabrasion effects and then when I add water it lathers up like a face wash. I will be using Birchbox points to get this in a few months, if I can wait that long. Love this.

Bain de Terre Argan Oil Passion Flower Color Therapy Styling Oil   Full size $14.65  Sample value $2.25

A lightweight blend of essential oils that nourishes hair and adds megawatt shine.

          This is a hair oil meant for colour treated hair, apparently you can also add 10-15 drops to your hair dye to make it extra brilliant. I typically use foam hair dye but if it is interesting that you could add this to a liquid mix. 

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara  Full size $29  Sample value $9.67

Formula with all-day wear for lashes so long and thick, you may be accused of fakery.

          Of course I have heard people rave about this mascara but never tried it. I love it, it really does give me amazing length and volume. The brush really grabs all your lashes and the little spikes on the end help to get all the lashes in the corner as long as you do not poke your eye out. Certainly in my top five mascaras, my only complaint is that it is a bitch to get off at the end of the day.

Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo  Full size $28  Sample value $7

Hydrating cleanser that uses plant proteins to keep color-treated hair looking true-to-hue. 

          I have heard people complain that Canadians always get shampoo but that really works for me. It gives me a chance to try new shampoos without buying full sized ones and filling my shower. This brand however is not my favorite, I have tried other products from Fekkai and have never been impressed. This shampoo is alright, it did not amaze me but I am always willing to use shampoo specifically made for colour treated hair.

          Like I said I am happy with my box this month, not a huge value but it is all products I will get lots of use out of.

Total value: $27.59

Thanks for reading!

A.

Check out last months Birchbox

Birchbox - May 2015

          This is my second Birchbox and so far so good. This box was curated by Emily Shuman, author of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Judging from quite a few online comments Canadians were not always getting the themed packaging but it seems like this month everyone got it, I would like if that continued as it is a nice little touch. When I watched unboxing videos I always thought having the product cards was a little over hyped but it is actually so handy. If the cards had the price of sample size they would be perfect. 

         Such a cute box, it had made its way to my desk as adorable storage.

Dr. Lip Original Nipple Balm for Lips     Full size $14.50     Sample $3.40

          What: originally made for nursing moms, this ultrahydrating balm is a makeup artist fave.

          How: dab onto parched lips, cuticles and elbows as needed.

          I have used this before, Princess got it in one of her boxes and could not get past the name so I gladly snatched that up. Out of nowhere I have been struggling with dry patches just above my eyelids and the thick, Vaseline type formula is perfect for hydrating and priming for makeup without becoming greasy throughout the day. I am not sure why, of all places, my eyelids are dry; just by the way. The sample looks tiny but you only need the smallest amount so it is actually a decent amount of product. 

W3LL PEOPLE The expressionist Bio Extreme Mascara    Full size $27  Sample $13.50 (I've read) 

          What: all-natural, pro-grade mascara that lifts and lengthens lashes without chemicals or dyes

          How: gently wiggle the wand back and forth from the roots to the tips of lashes

          I have never used an all natural, chemical free mascara, I am not actively searching for natural beauty products but I do like when I come across them and will substitute them into my routine. I love getting mascara samples, the size allows me to have many in use without them going bad or drying up before I can use them up. I liked this one more than I first thought, I usually prefer a larger brush, similar to the Too Faced Better than Sex mascara. 

         This brush, however, grabs lashes and has little bristles on the end that will get even your corner lashes. Very black, no clumps, drys fast, no flaking, I would put this in my top five mascaras. The price will prevent me from buying it but it is something I would consider using my Birchbox points on in the future and have marked it as a favourite. My one complaint is the packaging. The colour and texture of the tube grab onto any makeup on your hands and it just looks so dirty.

Whish Shaving Cream     Full size $22     Sample $3.23

          What: an ultrahydrating, Shea butter-packed shaving cream that helps prevent ingrown hairs.

          How: apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave. 

          I was fairly indifferent to this product when I saw my box, I use the Schick Intuition razors with the soap block around them so I do not have or use shave soap of any kind. They are like the Crayola safety scissors of hair removal, you can cut yourself but you really have to work at it. I took out my normal razor, Venus I think, and gave this a try. I ended up really liking this, I won't be giving up my safety shaver but I will put it away while I use this shaving cream. It leaves my legs soft and smooth while still getting a clean shave. I have the scent pomegranate and it is marvelous. 

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer        Full size $79     Sample $10.86

          What: this organic hydrant or uses fruit stem cells to firm as it smooths fine lines and wrinkles

         How: morning and night, after using a serum, apply a thin layer to clean face and neck

          I am one of those twenty somethings that thinks it is never too early to use anti aging products. I do enjoy this moisturizer, you only need a small amount and isn't so thick that I can't use it under makeup. If you are someone with dry skin or at least less greasy than mine you could wear this under makeup no problem. It also has a great citrus smell. Would I pay $80 for it? Maybe once I have actual wrinkles to worry about. 

Not Soap, Radio The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrows In Bodywash     Full size $20     Sample $2.20

          What: rich cleanser infused with ginseng, said to kick up pheromones - and increase attraction

         How: massage generously into damp skin, rinse, and feel the love

          Before I rave about the smell lets just go over the description on the back of the bottle: 

                Love life not going according to plan? Whether you are interested 

                in a brief interlude or a longer-lasting coupling, after a dip in the 

                aphrodisiac-laden bubbles, they all will be playing by your rules of 

                attraction. You are in control of your romantic destiny.

                To activate: squeeze a generous dollop into warm, running water 

                or lather directly onto skin. Emerge from the water a femme fatale, 

                practically wearing an armour of highly-charged pheromones. You 

                exude health, sensuality and well-being. You are irresistible-lit from 

                within. Invest in a stick, as you will be fending off admirers right and 

                left. It's not magic; it just works. 

          If that is not the most entertaining product description and direction you have ever read I am buying the wrong bodywash. This smells amazing, I do not know how to describe the scent, maybe a fruity scent with raspberries and pomegranate. I prefer this as a body wash rather than putting it in the bath. In ten years when I actually need to buy bodywash I hope I think of this magical product. The smell, just yes.

Total value of the box: $33.19

Try Birchbox for yourself

April 2015 Birchbox

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake