Sunday, June 30, 2013

Monday Musings

I've been gone for, hmm, over 2 weeks now from the blog?!? Something like that. With tiny little posts in between. In short, it's been crazy. To be honest, it's been crazy... until this past Thursday but I desperately needed some me time aka some off time. Here's a post to catch you all up and see what's in store!

- Ta-da!! I went blonde... just kidding. Now that the operas have officially opened I can share my looks! I also realized I rarely post pics of myself on this bugger so why not! I'm also gonna try and take more mani/pedi pics. I warn you, some of them may majorly blow- I mean close-up camera shots show all the mess-ups but whatever. Anyway, this is me for Lucia di Lammermoor where I play Alisa who is Lucia's maid, lady-in-waiting. I included this pic cause my teeth look crazy white! It's because my makeup is darker than my skin color... and I don't want to tan so yeah, this is the only way to see how much time I've actually invested into whitening my teeth.

- More Lucia selfies. These were actually for the benefit of my family but why not broadcast them on the internet.Yes, I do my own eye makeup and yes, my costume is rocking. It's bluer than this pic shows but it's awesome. My wig is pretty stellar too but the costumes are from previous Met Opera performances so that's awesome. I have no pics of my Pinafore costume so maybe next week.

- Wearing my fav blue audition dress and deep red lip tint (Fiery by tarte) for a concert on Lake George a few weeks back.

- A semi-wonky pic of me from the Opera Gala that was posted in the paper- I'm in the middle surrounded by my amazing colleagues and fellow apprentice artists. This was the day of the last review post... things got crazy from there. We look swanky but we had rehearsals all day that day then came home, hurriedly got ready, went to this event and grabbed wine glasses to sing a drinking song from La Traviata then went home to sleep!

- Alrighty, on to blog news!!! For those of you asking me for graze codes since I implemented my "graze chain," please know that even when I'm on hiatus from blogging, I check my e-mail (brokebeautyblogger@yahoo.com) every day and I reply and get things out all the time. So far, just from the chain, over 20 people have signed up for graze that were seeking codes BUT there are still around 10 people waiting and I get new people asking every few days. My plea is to PLEASE check your e-mail and reply quickly. Sometimes I've waited weeks between sending out codes and other times I get 3 people signed up in a day! All depends on you guys. Anyway, I'm super proud of this working but whenever it stalls I worry about complete stoppage!

- I have a couple of giveaways around the corner specifically with a couple of companies along with some coupon codes so be on the look out this month (and the next). The GLOSSYBOX one was pretty popular even while I couldn't promote or monitor it much so I'm thinking out doing another one soon too!

- So, after a much stressful end of May and trying to get all my June posts done, it is now the first day of July and I have 20 something reviews just for June. I'm sorry, but I can't stress about blogging. Blogging needs to be fun! So yes, July will really be half June stuff, and half July stuff but starting tomorrow I'll have more time to write reviews and I go back to Dallas next week and am barely working outside of my home all of July so I can do loads of reviews. Sorry for those that hate multiple posts in a day but I have a feeling July 9th-15th will be something like 4-5 posts/day. Alright so what do I have in the works? Unmentionably Cheeky, NatureBox, Target Beauty Box, Little Passports, Love with Food, Bestowed Box, Pretty Power Box, Ophelia's Apothecary, Doteable, The Jungle Stand, Bulu Box, BarkBox, IndieSpensable, Loot Crate, Bespoke Post, TheFancy, Treatsie, and Volupties. And some more stuff too. You get the idea! Alrighty, see you all soon!

Disclaimer: Post contains referral/affiliate links.

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Saturday, June 29, 2013

June Ipsy Review

Time to get back into the swing of things with some reviews! I thought I'd jump back in with one of my fav subs and fav sub categories! The makeup/beauty box Ipsy! May's bag was amazing so I knew it'd be hard to compete but I was still excited to see what I would get!

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 4-5 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. Ipsy now has a referral points for extra goodies so if you sign up please use my link!! Know that Ipsy has a waitlist right now.

In some major click slippage- I deleted my pink envelope pics so you'll have to settle for this peek shot.

My goodies! The bag, my extra, and the card. No info usually with Ipsy just discounts!

The bag and first peek! People loved this neon/print combo bag. Not my style but I'll use it. They are ALL used! I have like 6 with me on this trip. Price: $2

The goods.

J.cat Beauty- Sparkling Cream Palette: I got palette SCP106 Volta which I think all Ipsy subscribers got. Now at first look you think wow, 5 eyeshadows which are great for some striking night eyes in a $10 sub... well, no. These are NOT eyeshadows and we were told not to use them on your eyes unless you are super cautious cause you can get glitter in your eyes. This is to add glitter on your face and body. Uh, ok. Probably not gonna get used at all. Gonna save for Halloween or something costume-y but otherwise bleh. Price: $4.49

NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Natural: This is an awesome color! I don't usually use cream blushes... in fact, this is my only one right now. It looks great and goes on really easily. My problem with cream blushes has been their staying power so I'll see how this does. Excited to add this to my giant blush collection though! I was a little jealous of Ipsy subscribers who got the mosaic blushes but I can't complain about my full-size blush. Price: $6

Chella- Ivory Lace Highlighter: I was SOO excited about this! I've been playing with highlighters a lot more recently but I didn't have a highlighter pencil! I'm used to powders and I think this will be perfect for my eye area. Score. I obviously wanted it for around my brow but it's great to help diminish dark circles and redness too. Price: $18

Starlooks- Lip Pencil in Bare: I just bought two new nude-ish lip pencils from Bare Escentuals but I'm all about trying new ones and this one is a bit of a new color for me. Lip Pencils are great and if you don't know how to use them properly, look it up, ask for help, etc since they are magical for lips. I've wanted to try Starlooks' subscription box for awhile so this is like a sneak peek to see if I like the brand or not. Price: $12

Cailyn- Line Fix Gel Eyeliner in Purple: Ipsy is actually who turned me on to gel pot eyeliners and my favorite brand in still Mica which I got from Ipsy. This is my second Cailyn Gel pot 3-in-1 (the other is black) and it's a product I admit I like. Purple is actually a great eyeliner for those with blue eyes (I used to exclusively wear a dark purple since it brought out my blue and still looked like black liner) so this will get used at times. Some people got fake eyelashes or dry shampoo instead and I love what I got of the three choices. I rarely wear fake eyelashes and I already have amazing dry shampoo! Price: $21

EXTRA!

BaubleBar bracelet: I got this beauty because of you all!!! Two people used my referral link so I got a bracelet from BaubleBar in my June bar! Score! I admit, I really wanted the white one I saw some people got but I like the bracelet, it fits, and I have an outfit or two that this will look great with. PLUS I got a 15% off code to BaubleBar... tempting. Granted, if you go to Baublebar.com you can sign up to get a 15% off code if you give them your e-mail. Still though, free beautiful bracelet! Price: ~$12

Verdict: Sans my free bracelet, this month's Ipsy Glam Bag was valued at $63.49! Huge number! I think Ipsy gives you the biggest bang for your buck right now when it comes to makeup subscriptions and it is still one of my all-time favs. That being said, this month was pretty meh to me. The palette is a bit worthless and the pencils and liner are things I'll use but not super often. The blush is probably the best thing for me and my makeup hoard but it's definitely not a color I would wear daily. I do like the color but it's too dull to wear daily with my super fair skin (aka it wouldn't show up- I need more pink in a everyday blush). An ok bag, but not my fav...

I'll post spoilers if I ever have time since I'm so behind in reviews but Ipsy's July bag is already looking amazing! Everyone will be getting benetint from Benefit which I finally got recently and it is amazing as everyone claims. It also looks like a lip tint will be in the bag which looks like it is from Pop Beauty and my lip stain from them is phenomenal!

That's all for now! What'd you all think of your Glam Bags?

Disclaimer: Post contains referral links.

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Friday, June 21, 2013

Julep July Selection Time

It's Julep Box Selection Time for July and I am loving their collection. To be perfectly honest, it's the amazing beauty products catching my eye but I'm loving on a few polishes as well. My profile is Bombshell but I frequently switch so it's always worth looking at all 5 boxes + the add-ons + the collection as a whole! July's selection time is June 20th (yes, I'm late getting this up) - June 24th so get a-pickin' current mavens!

Julep:
Type: Nail Box
Cost: $19.99/month includes shipping
What is it?: Becoming a Julep Maven gives you access to all their products for 20% off as well as being part of their rewards program which earns you FREE boxes and products. To begin, you take a style quiz to determine you Julep Maven Style and your first box will be a welcome box. Each month you are sent the month's theme colors and products in the 4 beauty profiles and have the option to choose your assigned box or any other one available. You also have the option to skip any month- this may be the BEST feature at Julep. Julep also offers add-ons each month for extremely discounted rates as well as random/surprise bags/boxes all the time. Fun fact: Julep's full collection was one of Oprah's favorite things this past year. Use my referral link when you sign up and try your first month for free (plus shipping) using the codes FREEBOX or JULEPVIP or FREEMAVEN.

Modern Beauty: This month's special beauty product is the Beach Tonic Dry Body Oil: "This lightweight, antioxidant-rich moisturizer absorbs instantly and leaves no greasy residue—just soft skin and a breezy citrus fragrance." I think this looks awesome! Modern Beauty which does NO polishes also includes the Sea Salt Texture Spray for beachy wavy hair (you can get this as an add-on for $14.99).

Bohom Glam: Boho Glam features polishes Karen and Faye. Karen (peach bellini frost) looks ok to me but not amazing and Faye (bronze shimmer) is not my style.

Bombshell: My current profile contains Johanna (lilac frost) and Blakely (purple & green molten). I'm super digging Johanna but I have a million purple shades already... Probably still my fav this month.

Classic with a Twist: This box's colors are Cassie (soft coral sheer) and Alaina (driftwood taupe creme). I'm loving Cassie- it looks gorgeous! Definitely in the running for this month's pick!

It Girl: This polish-only box contains Nadia (Sun-kissed golden frost), Angela (Deep sea blue molten), and Tracy (Sparkly ocean blue with sea salt finish). I opted for It Girl last month and I can't help but like the colors this month. In my opinion, they look terrible together but I think Angela in really pretty and I really want the sea salt finish polish!

Adele & Fireworks: This month's featured add-ons include a holographic gold and a July 4th glitter!

Whole Collection: For those wondering, you can get the whole collection for $35 over what the boxes usually cost/month. This month you are getting a $185 value.

*Last Side note: Some people don't know how to skip each month so go to your profile then click on "Monthly Maven Activities" and then click on Edit My July Box- at the bottom of the page (Step 4) you can skip July!

Alrighty people, what Julep box are you getting?!?!? I'm thinking Bombshell or Classic with a Twist but am being a bit swayed by It Girl or buying the whole collection (which I do NOT need). Decisions, decisions!

Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate links.

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Thursday, June 13, 2013

June GLOSSYBOX Spoilers + Giveaway

Alright- I am super psyched for this month's GLOSSYBOX! They are partnering with Dallas Shaw for the "American Beauty" box and it looks amazing!

Via GLOSSYBOX's FB and people at MUT I have seen a lot of spoilers and I am stoked.
"The June box will include one of six nail colors from Bondi New York, a Tarte Complexion Enhancing lipstick and a sample from Oscar de la Renta's Essential Luxuries fragrance collection—along with a few surprise products that haven't yet been announced." Source There will also be a C. Booth apothecary-inspired body care, Philip B Botanical luxury hair.

****Update!!! No Bondi Polish will be included!!! There will be a special surprise gift though.

It looks like the sample from Oscar de la Renta's line is actually ALL 6 fragrances!

I admit I was sold on this box when I saw this spoiler! Tarte lipstick?!?! Yes, please! My Tarte liptints are must-haves so I think I'll LOVE this lipstick!

This is GLOSSYBOX's FB pic. Only two items shown so here's the rest:

-Tart Lip Stick

-Surprise?

-Oscar de la Renta “Essential Luxuries" fragrance collection

-C. Booth apothecary-inspired body care product

-Philip B. Botanical luxury hair product

There could be more too- there have been hints for "extras."

For all 1st time subscribers there is a great code right now: Get a FREE ModelCo Cheek + Lip Tint ($24) when you sign up for GLOSSYBOX with code GIFT! (Please use my link)! I got this product in my very first box from GLOSSYBOX so hey throw-back!

For today ONLY (6/14) in commemoration of Flag Day you can get 10% off with code FLAG! (Please use my link)!

On to the special news! While I'm in-between some Giveaways right now, I thought I'd do one of my own (aka not sponsored by a company) and give away a month of GLOSSYBOX!

If you are currently a subscriber or are signing up for the June box (since it looks stellar), I can gift it to you for July or August, or get you 2 June boxes, etc, just let me know!! That's called flexible gifting! I guess you could even re-gift my gift to a friend! Alrighty, sign up below via Rafflecopter, you know the deal!

Good luck all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate links.

43 comments:

June Juniper Review

Alright time for one of my fave food boxes... I mean T.O.M. boxes. Really, we know how much I love the treats that come in my lovely Juniper box! I'm obsessed! I only a few weeks ago discovered that our local Central Market (by local I mean walking distance) sells Marich deliciousness, J&M goodies, and Jer's bars, and probably more! Yeah!!! I couldn't help but dig in to my found-through-Juniper goodies at CM! We even brought Jer's bars to the drive-in. Alright, time to check out this month's goodies!

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) OR pads, 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 box has a phone number 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. I just e-mailed about the deets for the new referral program so stay tuned!

Unboxing!

Info card! I'm pretty sure Juniper has my favorite card. I love the picture, Lynn's letter is always hilarious, and I love the funny quips about each product. Oh, and it notes the woman-started businesses too! Awesome.

The first bag of goodies!

Midol: If you've read my posts before, you know I love to throw these travel pill pouches in my purse! It's so nice to ALWAYS have some around. Price: $0.58

Clean Getaway Soap Co. Lip Balm: Sometimes when Lynn/Juniper have extra goodies leftover from the previous month, instead of hoarding them, they send them out as extras. Sweet! This lip balm was the only item I didn't really like last month so I didn't really need two more, BUT I have two female roommates and they each took one which was excellent. Yeah for gifts. Price: ~$10

Protections supplies: This varies by what each person uses/prefers, so all you need to know is that Juniper stocks you up for the month. Price: $8

The yummies!

Yes, I changed my pic taking location, this was the 2nd of 3 so far in this house.

Cherry Bay Orchards- Dried Montmorency Cherries: This was another repeat from last month and I think this was actually in the other bag but I can't remember and it's food so it's going with the rest of the stuff. I wasn't really excited about these last month and gave them to my bf who MADE me try them. Why? Because they are sooo good. Really delicious. Go find these and try them yourself if you are a lover of all things fruity and tart and sweet and in general, delicious. Price: $0.67

Calolea Glycerine Olive Oil Soap: This hypo-allergenic and cruelty-free soap is included to make even washing your hands feel spa-like. I've had an olive oil soap before and loved it. This is totally going in our guest bathroom as guest soap. It looks and smells pretty! Price: $3

Nibnaks- Under the Boardwalk: Yes! I was so excited to see this in my box this month! I got this in my last Hammock Pack and it was amazing! The pineapple, mango, banana combo was perfect and this snack is only 90 cals aka no guilt! Getting this product again makes me want to seek out this company for more! Price: $2.19

The Inspired Cookie- Brownie Bliss: I was so bummed to get this brownie. Why would I say such a blasphemous thing? Because I received this box right when I was kicking my diet into full-gear and couldn't try this! This Brownie is gluten, dairy, wheat, and egg free and still looked crazy good! Sooo thick and amazing. I reluctantly gave it to my roomies. 2 loved it- one saying it was the best gluten-free brownies she's ever had. The 3rd roomie who tried it was not a fan, but to each their own! I have tons of gluten-free peeps who need to know about this company/brownie! Price: $2.92

Pukka Teas: I got pukka teas in another box the other month and I really liked them. I think only the harmonise is a repeat so I'm all about trying all the varieties. I definitely recommend pukka for other tea lovers. Price: $0.73

GloryBee Honey: I always say I love getting honey sticks each month, but this box takes the cake! These were the best ones I've received thus far and was a little shocked to see what the flavors were after I had them (ya, I didn't look at the flavors before I had them). Orange, Amaretto, and Sour Grape turned out to be super amazing with the orange and amaretto being the best! This isn't the first time Juniper has sent out this brand but I still can't help but ask for more GloryBee please! Price: $0.35

J&M Key Lime Cookies: YES!!! I was so stoked to see J&M. The J&M cheese straws I got from Juniper before were phenomenal and I just knew all their stuff would be just as good. I restrained myself with the brownie but I tried 3 or 4 of these little cookies and they were sooo good! Must buy for the future! Price: $1.75

Not even everything since I couldn't fit the protection stuff in the pic!

Verdict: Nibnaks- yum. Key lime cookies- yum. Cherries- yum. Honey- yum. Ok, you get the gist. This was a yummy box! This box came to just over $20 and that doesn't include the extras which would make this box $30. A little low but I don't get pads/liners so my box is cheaper than what they send out to most. Anyway, I found some deliciousness once again from Juniper and can't wait for next month. Juniper is the ONLY box where I have searched (hard) to find the products they send me in stores nearby. Lynn and I must share the same tastebuds because she knows what's up! Sign up at Juniper to be pampered monthly too!

Sunday, June 30, 2013