Thursday, February 28, 2013

TheFancy February Review

I love love loved my first TheFancy box back in Jan (see box here) and could not be more excited to get another box in Feb! I even read some other reviews for Feb boxes and I saw products I had always wanted and products I want now! This month however is a bit of a lesson in how Lifestyle boxes can be hit or miss- I still love the site TheFancy (use my code to sign up-it's like Pinterest for awesome things) but I'm really hoping a just got a fluke bad box! I need to preface this by saying this was a not-so-good box for US as in it didn't fit our wants and would probably be amazing for other people. Be warned for my stupid whining.

*TheFancy:
Type: Lifestyle Box
Cost: $39+$2.95/month for regular box
What is it?: For those who don't know, TheFancy is like pinterest but for products especially cool and amazing items. When you sign up you choose 3 categories from Men's, Women's, Kids, Pets, Home, Gadgets, Media, Sports & Outdoors, and Workspace. You then receive an array of some of the cool items that are on the site. I subscribe to Home, Gadgets, and Workspace. The worth is well beyond the $30 it costs and you receive amazing products! TheFancy also pairs with celebrities to make boxes- Ashton Kutcher's was $45 and currently P!nk has her own box for $35. There is also a food box for $39 right now (Feb 2013) and Coco Rocha one (Mar 2013). Check it out. Use my referral code to sign up for TheFancy- sign up is free it's like Pinterest.

Look at the gigantic box I got!!! I was so excited. By the way, you choose 3 categories for the regular subscription box and I got Home, Gadgets, and Workplace.

A terrible first look picture- but it was super hard since my box was so tall!

This month I got a few TheFancy stickers in my box- a lot of people get them every month but I hadn't gotten any- my bf might use them. I also got a discount code to try the subscription service Panty by Post (check them out on my sub list). I am considering giving it a go because of the discount and I love to try new services.

Gamo Go's Cold Fish Ice Cube Tray: Sigh. The first thing I take out of the box and my excitement fades away to disappointment. Why? I got this last month!!!! This tray is great- it really is- for V-day my bf made a giant amazing dinner (we had to cancel our original dinner res to save moolah) and dyed these ice cubes colors and it was super cute! But seriously- I don't need two of them. This was a set up for a bad box.

*I contacted TheFancy and they offered a replacement item OR gift card (I chose the gift card). They responded really fast which is great at least. Price: $9.99

Cordies: These are actually pretty cool things- we finally found a use for them in our living room- although we considered them for my desk. My bf works in IT and his desk has three computer monitors plus a laptop on it-yeah seriously- and part of his job is going into stores and cleaning up their offices and cords so he long ago learned how to do the job of this product. However, we do plus in my laptop to our TV sometimes to watch certain shows and this now will work to keep the HDMI cord and my comp charger too so we will use this product! The second best thing we found in this box. Price: $15

iHome's iHM63 Speaker: Did I mention my bf loves electronics? No? Well, he does and that being said we have a plethora of speakers in the house. Why was I disappointed when I saw this though? I mean it is a NICE speaker! Well- we don't own iPhones or iPads or anything apple- you can disagree but we aren't apple people. This should fit our phones too but we haven't actually put it in. My bf suggested it could go in the bathroom for baths and getting ready in the morning which would be great!

My problem? TheFancy actually has a long list of choices on your profile page and one of those is what electronics do you own- nowhere on that list did I mark iPad or iPhone on it. This was item #2 that confused me and made me think we were sent the wrong box. Price: $25

*Update: We put this in our master bath and I LOVE using it while I get ready or shower- it's a pretty great speaker and works with my phone so I can play Spotify while I get ready!

Chunky Knit Infinity Scarf: This looks nice but I haven't taken it out the bag-why? Because this was my What The??? product. With the categories I selected Home, Gadgets, Workplace and NOT Women. Again- NOT Women. So why was I sent a women's scarf? I check my profile and where it asks gender I put Unspecified. The bf and I get this box together so I didn't want gender specific materials apparently this doesn't work.

*When I contacted TheFancy about my repeat item I said I think I was sent the wrong box since I also received a women's item: the response- I WAS supposed to get the scarf. I still don't get it.

Price: $16

Homemade Cookie Stamper: This was the most exciting thing for us in the box. Don't know when and how we will use it but at least it is cute. Haven't made cookies in awhile but maybe we will now. Price: $15

Popbar's Hot Chocolate on a stick in Milk Chocolate: So this isn't TheFancy's fault but I got this is January's PopSugar box so this wasn't new or interesting to me. The bf had this since I had the Milk Chocolate one from PopSugar and he had the Dark Chocolate one. I'm a little confused as to why they sent out food too- I guess this was before their food subscription box though. Price: $2.99

Verdict: This box was not for CJ and I. Here are my issues. 1) I got a women's product- yes, I am a woman but I didn't choose that category for a reason and I wish they would have stuck to the categories. 2) Repeat item. I am so bummed 1/6 products I already owned- how unexciting. 3) The best item was for iPhone's which we don't own. 4) I got a product I had gotten from another box. 5) That product was food which was kind of strange in their boxes. 6) The 2 products that fit us best didn't fit great.

Like I said this could be a complete fluke of a box- we were stoked by TheFancy originally so this could be just a bad month. They also were great with their customer service. My biggest problem is I hate spending money on things I don't like, which is what happened- you can disagree with me all you want but that is my opinion.

The box is valued at $83.98 and I paid about $30 so it was obviously full of value it just didn't fit me this month. Holding on one more month but like I've said in other posts the value doesn't matter if you aren't happy.

Disclaimer: Post contains referral/affiliate links.

2 comments:

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Juniper February Review

My second Juniper box arrived today!!! Ok truth time- my preferences were changed so this is what my box looks like as opposed to the box with all options I got the first time with liners and pads aka stuff I don't use. Changing what I wanted was SUPER easy and FYI I could have gotten it changed for my first box but I wanted to show all the options the first time around for my readers. Check out my first box here.

*Juniper:

Type: T.O.M. Box

Cost: $28/month

What is it?: This company which started up in 2013 delivers a deluxe box complete with your choice of tampons (20+), pads, pantyliners plus treats! Juniper begins each subscription registration by choosing from the 6 brands of tampons they offer (which you get a variety of absorbency), then you choose whether you would like backup protection (pads/pantyliners), and if you would like some Midol thrown in! You choose the date you would like to receive the box and then the tampons box has a phonenumber on it to text so they can track your monthly guest so your box will always be on time and continue customizing your box. Each box comes with a bevy of treats including honey sticks, chocolate, tea, snacks, etc! You get a starter box to begin and after that you work with Juniper to customize based on your needs. GET A FREE BOX: When registering, write in my blog: Broke Beauty Blogger: is how you heard of Juniper and you will receive a FREE box!

Holy crap-o-la! This is a giant box this month!!

Unboxed! Again, I love the stamped on logo!

The info card! I really love the info part of it- the pictures are amazing. Drool-worthy if you will. I love that they did a red/V-day theme for this month. It just all looks so lovely- right?! Lynn's letter (the CEO)even says she wanted it to be a "faux-holiday" and wishes us all a happy (and possibly belated) Valentine's Day. Love it.

Ok- I have no idea how it happened but I didn't take a pic of the box contents when first opened and of course I've gotten into the products already... I'm terrible sometimes- so a play-by-play of each product will have to do!

Mini emery boards!

Ahh- this is beyond adorable. I would have squealed if I was a kind of girl who squeals (I'll clarify that I am not). This was NOT on the info card as in a little extra and I adore it! I mean it is hand-written which I give an A+ for, it looks like matches in this matchbook, there is a heart cut-out, and boom-mini emery boards to slip into my purse. I love this so much!

See? 6-pack of emery boards! Ok so this was a complete extra!! I'm not sure if I should price it but based on similar products I found online (which are NOT as cute btw) this would be about $1.72.

Here it is! My giant bag of treats. I feel so spoiled right now!! I mean seriously I can see through to the amazingness and let's not pretend I hadn't peeked on their FB and twitter already. And the bag is pink. Theme accomplished.

Marich Chocolate Strawberries: This was the first thing I saw in the bag and I want them soo bad!! I am dieting hardcore so I have to spread out the treats but I am stoked to try these... I think they shall be devoured tomorrow. For those who don't want to squint to read the shiny bag let the words: natural, dark chocolate, and white chocolate settle into your mind. They look amazing- I'm drooling. Price: $2.50

Seattle Chocolates' Pike Place Espresso Bar. This is a Dark Choco truffle bar with an espresso infusion- and yes it says all natural too. I am not a coffee drinker but I will try ANY kind of chocolate! Plus- I KNOW my bf will love this and giving him treats is a treat for me too. Oh yeah, the packing is super cute too.

Price: $3.00

Clarine's Florentines. Get in my belly!!! Seriously, I want this- it looks delicate and sweet but with bittersweet chocolate so not too sweet. I want it- oh wait I have it already. This is a super win in my book!

Price: $2.00

Harvey & Sons' Teas in Tilleul, Paris, and Pomegrante Oolong. I love Harvey & Sons' Teas- they are always amazing. I love that they included these in this month's box- and the packaging is so pretty- I feel like it fits into the V-day theme too. I love that they send out a variety too not just three of the same teas.

Price: $0.66

Anna's Honeys' Honey Sticks in Strawberry, Raspberry, and Sour Cherry. The fact that Juniper sends out Honey Sticks is one of my fav things about this box. Honey Sticks are just such an amazing pick-me-up and the flavors this month go great with V-day! Price: $0.68

Little i Peppermints. It was hard to pick my fav thing in this box but I LOVE this- it could top the treats and matchbook. One- I ALWAYS carry mini tins of mints in my purse. Two- every girl should have a mirror in her purse! Win win- the tin is adorable and it has a mirror in it!! Plus- the mirror and mints are made so the mirror doesn't become grimy with mint "dust." Little i thought of everything! Price: $3.50

I don't need to unbox my protection supplies do I? I just asked for tampons but you can gets liners, pads, and Midol too! I may opt for Midol again- sounds crazy but I don't use it for PMS but for headaches when I get them- nothing works as well as Midol. Anyway-the price depends on what you ask for- I'm pricing this as IF I got all the products just to give you a better idea as well as what I got. Price: $7.50

Have I said how amazing Lynn the CEO and the company Juniper is with their customers? In my January review I RAVED about the cherry vanilla almond package I got- so delish although expensive! I was going to splurge on them but Juniper contacted me saying to save my money! Why? Because they are the nicest company ever! Proof?

What's that you see?? Another bag of these beauties- what about several bags? That's right multiple bags of these puppies- didn't want to brag but how could I not!?!? I swear I wasn't trying to beg for more in my Jan review they just give their customers what they want! These were immediately opened and eaten. The strawberries will wait until tomorrow!

Verdict: My box price was a bit confusing- without "extras" it is around $22 and the price skyrockets with my special treats included! This price is very comparable with how much the box costs especially since you are getting things you wouldn't curate on your own! Example: would you order three bags each of 100 honey sticks from Anna's Honeys just so you could get one of each flavor? No. I feel so spoiled by this box AND happy! That is the most important part! I recently decided to quit any boxes I wasn't happy about- yes, a box could have good stuff or expensive stuff but who cares if I don't like it! This box could have been valued at $1 for all I care since I got amazing stuff I liked AND I am prepared for my next TOM- no awkward checkout at the supermarket for me!

I love this box- try it for yourself for free by mentioning you heard the box from me "Broke Beauty Blogger" when you sign up! And enjoy!!!!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary box through the referral system and was never asked to write this review. Individual results or experiences may vary. You may obtain more detailed information from the company's website. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

8 comments:

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Birchbox vs. Ipsy: February Matchup

Here we go again! My most popular posting is here again for a second month. I plan on doing this each month for those who want to catch up see my January matchup here.

The Contenders:

*Birchbox:
Type: Beauty Box
Cost: $10/month includes shipping
What is it?: Every month you receive a box of 4-6 beauty and lifestyle products. Each month there are about 30+ different boxes that you might be sent which makes each month a surprise. Birchbox is a great forum to learn about and discover new products and brands. Birchbox has a points system given when a subscription plan is purchased, reviewing products, and buying full-size products in their shop. Every 100 points can be used as $10 off. Use my referral code to get started but know that Birchbox has a waiting period of usually 4-5 weeks.

*Ipsy:
Type: Beauty Box
Cost: $10/month includes shipping
What is it?: Created by some of the top beauty bloggers/youtubers around, Ipsy subscribers receive a Glam Bag (a cute makeup bag) monthly with deluxe samples and full-size make-up products (usually 5-7 products). Ipsy sends out the same bag to everyone every month with some small differences usually based off of the Beauty Quiz you take when you sign up. Ipsy gives you a forum to load videos and pictures featuring looks made with your Glam Bag. Unfortunately, there is no room right now for new subscribers. I'll post when there is availability again.

For those new to the matchup- each month I pair up products from my month's Birchbox & Ipsy boxes to see who reigns supreme! You can check out my Feb Birchbox unboxing here and my Feb Ipsy unboxing here for details on the products and values etc etc.

Ok- disclaimer- last month was super easy to pair up products: hair round, eye round, lotion round. You get the idea. This month.... was more difficult. So to be extra fair I grouped things up a bunch of different ways and each time the overall result was the same so don't judge my pairings titles- it all worked out in the end. On to the good stuff:

Round 1: Primer

Ipsy

Birchbox

This is the easiest matchup to make- 2 boxes and 2 primers. Bam! From Ipsy a Pixi primer and Lancome from Birchbox. I have tried them both now and here's my thoughts:

Ipsy: Pixi Flawless & Poreless primer. This is a tinted primer that has done nothing to make my pores smaller. It also doesn't leave the silky smooth feeling I want in a primer.
Birchbox: Lancome La Bare Pro primer. Love this product. Very similar to my current primer and leaves my skin primed and ready.

Winner: Birchbox (uh duh)

Round 2: "Extras"

Birchbox

Ipsy

This round is made up the "extras" found this month- kind of confusing but in my Ipsy bag I received all makeup products so this is the only non-actual makeup (a tool) and in Birchbox I received a treat.

Ipsy: Lash Card mascara shields. I have yet to use these but I loved getting them in my bag this month.
Birchbox: Ghirardelli Caramel Milk Chocolate Square. Yum. Delish chocolate.

One I could pick up at any store and no longer exists as I ate it in two seconds, the other will help me look fabulous.

Winner: Ipsy

Round 3: Give me some color!

Ipsy

Birchbox

Ipsy sent out all things black and Birchbox focused on beauty products (not makeup) so here are the two products from my boxes that actually had some color in them!

Ipsy: Coastal Scents quartet eyeshadow "In the Spotlight." I've tried the two left shadows and they are alright. But c'mon is someone as incredibly pale as me really going to wear yellow eyeshadow?? I'll look sickly.
Birchbox: Color Club Nail Polish in Wild Cactus. I still haven't used this color but it's going on this weekend for the North Texas Irish Fest- woot for March and green!

This wasn't a hard pairing... Yellow eyeshadow.

Winner: Birchbox

Round 4: The "Highs"

Ipsy

Birchbox

The "Highs." Here were the two products I was the most excited to use aka the highs of the boxes!

Ipsy: Mica Beauty's Gel Pot Eyeliner. Woah- I have finally used my first gel pot liner and I am in love! Yes I said love. NO smudges and it looks excellent on. This is a new must have product on my vanity! Thank you Ipsy!

Birchbox: Vasanti's BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejeuvenator Facial Wash. This stuff is pretty interesting. You only use it 3-5 times a week and you can definitely feel the little crystal exfoliating.

I may need to use the face wash more but I think it is a bit much on top of using my Clairisonic. And the liner is the best thing ever.

Winner: Ipsy

Round 5: The "Lows"

Ipsy

Birchbox

Wow. I was so excited for these products. Oh right... you can't hear sarcasm when when I type. Pfft. Another mascara sample to add to my thirty others and a foil packet with a giant FREE stamped on it for curls I don't have or want?

Ipsy: POP Smokey Lash's Kapow Mascara. I was not stoked for this product. I remembered to give it a try though since some mascara samples have turned out to be real winners. I wore it for about a week straight mainly to make sure I knew who the culprit was. Culprit of what? Oh, the giant raccoon eyes I was getting. This mascara flakes and rubs off on your undereyes making it look like you have circles under your eyes. Boo. Some people have had good experiences with it though so it seems like a 50% problem.
Birchbox: Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls. A product to get those big soft curls you want. My hair does not do big soft curls. This will not be used.

This is a toughy. A product I don't like or a product I will never use. Gotta go with the one I didn't immediately trash.

Winner: Ipsy

So... Ipsy Wins! 3-2

In a very close 3-2 race, Ipsy reigns supreme for the second month of the year. To be fair, I should say there were ways I originally matched this up where the polish might lose or eyeshadow win etc and while Ipsy mainly won 3-2 there were some 4-1 matchups. What I'm saying is I tried to make the playing field even and Ipsy just always won. I'll be here every month so we'll see- it could be a 12/12 Ipsy year.

January: Ipsy 4-1
February: Ipsy 3-2

Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate/referral links.

5 comments:

Monday, February 25, 2013

Wantable.co February Review

I was sooo excited to try this box from Wantable.co! Every box I had seen before looked fabulous and their set-up is pretty amazing! For each box, they send you a list prior to shipping with what you are getting but I refrained from looking to keep it a surprise!

Wantable.co:
Type: Beauty Box
Cost: $36/month includes shipping (or purchase a box w/o subscription for $40)
What is it?: Like other boxes, this subscription sends out 4-6 items each month but unlike others the 4-6 items are all FULL-SIZE. These top-quality products are curated by professional makeup artists and hair stylists and are selected for you based on your personal style profile. Application advice on each product is included and with 100% satisfaction guaranteed motto they include free shipping AND free returns.

First off, I need to say that this was the most extensive beauty profile quiz I have taken for a sub box and while I only sub to two others I have filled out info on a ton (and then decided last minute to save my money)! Anyway, you go through every kind of product and either dislike, like or love the product (-1,0,1) and then they break down the categories further and further- super deep and awesome. I loved this and it gives the option to be pickier- like yes I like nail polish but if I don't want it I can retake the quiz and say I hate it and poof no polish. Amazing. I asked for everything BUT Bronzer cause c'mon, me and bronzer together look ridiculous!!

I tried to take a pic to encompass everything which didn't quite work out but 1. note the square cut-out and placement of the card underneath so the first thing you see is "Thank You." Too cute. 2. see the strip of tape and To reseal info? That's right- if you hate the box they offer FREE returns with FREE shipping! You know a company believes in themselves when they offer that much and yes, there is a shipping label included.

Here's a pic of my Thank-You card. It gave info on their box AND company- I had no idea they were so small! Only 15 people are a part of this start-up company. I loved this.

Close-up of my info papers. That's right I got a page with this AND the retail value of all my products as well as my style profile results and another with loads of info on each products. The second page even has tips! As a blogger a few people have mentioned to me, "thanks for pricing this" or "I always wanted to know how much value this box was" and yes I do it, but isn't it nice for a company to actually tell you what the products they send retail for? Especially a box like this that sends full-size and premium size products- if you aren't happy with the curating and you are paying the same price as you are getting what is the point? Wantable.co knows this and put it all out there and ye,s before you read anymore *spoiler* I got way more that the box costs!

Inital look sans papers- black glorious-ness!

You should all be jealous! I mean look at all my stuff! I tried to situate them in the box before unwrapping them but there was so much I had to lay them out! On to the goodies!

Milu Beauty's Amber Sugar Scrub Sample: I have to say first that I loved the packaging, the bag is cute, the info card is helpful, and they wrapped up the scrub in a plastic baggie too since sugar scrubs can leak like crazy. This is the only "sample" of the box but it is pretty sizable. I have a sugar scrub from fresh for my lips and a Julep one for my body and I think they are great. This will definitely be used. The tip paper says to use when shaving... hmm gotta try that! The value Wantable.co gave this was $0- that's right- it is a sample so it's like they gave us a freebie but I price EVERYTHING so I'm gonna do that math! Price: ~$1.72

Cargo's Lip Gloss in Athens: I was pretty excited to get a lip gloss- I have a ton, don't get me wrong, but I have been living in lipsticks, tints, and stains for awhile and wanted to try a new gloss. The color looks pretty intense but I finally got around to wearing it today and omg I love it. It is beautiful! For me personally I need to reapply glosses all the time and I need to reapply with this gloss too even though it is long-wearing, I guess I eat too much. Don't care though- the color is a knock-out. Kudos, wantable, kudos. Price: $14

Be a Bombshell's Bombshell Mascara in Onyx: This is my first Be a Bombshell product ever and the first of three in my box. I think Wantable pairs with them frequently and I see why now! This has been a trial wantable day and I wore this mascara today too. This mascara is made to be layered on and definitely gave me a nice effect especially bringing out my lower lashes. I am adding this to my other 3 mascaras I routinely use. Price: $15

Be a Bombshell's Blush in Beach Please: Bombshell product #2. Hello- I love that name- Beach Please. The color is beautiful- kind of a hot pink. It reminded me of my most recent blush purchase from Bobbi Brown which has been a complete winner. The blush is very pink on but of course not as much as the picture. I'm glad since it is a bit different than my Bobbi Brown blush but still perfect for my complexion. The pink is great on- a new fav blush! Price: $16

Be a Bombshell's Eyeshadow in Money Money: This is my 3rd Bombshell product. This is a perfect Smokey Eye shadow in dark gold with black overtones. I tried some on and it is very smokey. I would use this as a crease shadow for a smokey eye. It can also be used wet and as a liner. Bonus 3-in-1! I usually prefer lighter shadows but like I said this is perfect for a smokey eye. Price: $14

Lavera's Soft Eyeliner in Brown: So here is my only product that I wasn't thrilled by AND I think I need to blame myself. I don't use eyeliner pencils but didn't dislike them on my style quiz since I thought I could try them out but I also should have made a color preference clear. Yes, I am a brunette. No, I do not use brown eyeliner. Ever. You can disagree with me all you want but I want my eyes to pop and brown doesn't do it for me- the other thing is I have dark brown hair so it's not like brown liners even match up anyway. This is a really nice pencil though so I am considering a) putting it in a giveaway b) using it as a pre-liner for gel lining or c) using it as a brow filler. I use a brow gel on a day-to-day basis but for shows brown pencils work AMAZINGLY for filling in brows and making them extra dark under stage lights. Hmmm I think I just chose my option. Price: $15.20

Color Club's Fiesta Collection's Endless Summer: All wrapped up in tissue paper was my last product- this rocking blue nail polish from Color Club. I have two mini polishes from them from my Birchboxes but this is the first large bottle I have gotten and the first color that I adore from them. This will be perfect for Summer but I think I am using this in my next pedi anyways. I love this color and I don't have any like it in my collection- double score. Price: $8

Verdict: I received $83.92 in products in a box that costs $36. That is amazing! Over twice the value! In said box I received 6 full size products and one sample- considering they promise 4-6 full-size/premium products I think they delivered. On top of that I had 3 items I absolutely adore: the polish, lip gloss, and blush on top of other products I can work into my routine. I loved this box! This company/box makes me remember why I love subscription boxes so much! I did this as a trial box since it is a company I have been interested in and I want to try more beauty boxes but.... I'm sold. That's all it takes to make a customer out of me! I am planning on keeping on keeping on and getting the monthly subscription and I am stoked for it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, February 28, 2013