Wednesday, July 31, 2013

July Blush Mystery Beauty Box Review

I love me a beauty box, so when Blush had a deal to get $6 off their Mystery Box, I couldn't resist! It shipped really fast so I was able to get the July Box- I have yet to sample all the beauty boxes I want to but this puts me another step towards trying them all and seeing which ones are perfect for me!



Blush Mystery Beauty Box:
Type: Beauty Box
Cost: $24.95/month
What is it?: From their website: "Each month, we'll be offering a different blush Mystery Beauty Box, featuring mostly full- and (some) travel-size products worth at least $100. Products are handpicked by our panel of beauty experts, so you know you're getting only the best." Subscribers get a free gift with each box too.


The box


First look!

Bag (Mystery Box) plus samples and free gift!


Airbrush Refining Eye Cream: This little sample was included on top of my sub box- "for youthful, wrinkle-free eyes." I have a million and one eye cream samples so this wasn't ultra exciting but it does smell excellent so that's a plus!


Concealer Brush: No info was listed on this but every Blush.com order gets a free gift and this was mine. You know I am a sucker for a good makeup brush so I was excited to see this! I think instead of as a concealer brush I'll use it as a crease brush but whatever.



The "box"


First peek



Info card- apparently these boxes are being curated by makeup artists now- I don't remember this from past boxes I've seen so I'm pretty sure this is new.


The goods.


Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance 24H Lotion: This nutrient-rich lotion is supposed to detoxify your skin as it hydrates. Super interesting. Admittedly, I didn't expect a full-size lotion but everyone needs lotion, I guess, and this stuff claims to be doing all kinds of crazy awesomeness for your skin. Price: $19.99



Emani- Organic Lip Shine in Blush: This was the big ticket item this month, or the curator's fav I should say! It's a little nude for me but I see how it's a shade that looks good on everyone. Not too sticky and not too shiny- it's definitely a solid lip gloss. Price: $16


Deborah Lippmann- Nail Polish in Ray of Light: This limited-edition, indigo-blue creates a 3D effect on your nails! This is my favorite thing in the box! One- I've always wanted a deborah lippman polish! Two- this looks beautiful! Super excited to try this! Price: $19


Hydroxatone- AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex SPF 15: This cream has clinically proven ingredients to fight signs of aging and hydrate your skin. I'm all for hydration but I don't really need the wrinkle cream... Yes, you should start young but having a skin care regime for your skin doesn't mean an anti-wrinkle cream in your mid-twenties. That being said, this stuff is FANCY! I wish it was the under-eye cream (I have crazy bags under my eyes) but I will try this since it's practically liquid gold. Price: $69


Bioelements Quick Refiner: This mix of hydroxy acids resurfaces your skin for fresher, younger-looking skin. Another way to younger-looking skin? I see a theme here. This is the only sample (deluxe-size) in the box. Again, I repeat, the ONLY sample. The rest of the products are full-size! It's crazy the value of this bag! Price: $3.83


Philip B. Self Adjusting Hair Spray: This is my second Philip B. product ever and I am soo happy with it! I have hair sprays, don't get me wrong, but they are all from boxes now, and are sample sized! This full-size beauty adjusts too! Yep, adjusts! You spray a certain amount for different degrees of hold, just hoping it actually works! Price: $22


Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare- Alpha Beta Glow Pad: This self-tanner towelette actually exfoliates, minimizes pores, and helps fade sunspots for an anti-aging whammy. These are a great idea, especially for women who spent their youth getting tanned and wrinkly (no, I'm not that person, I'm incandescently white and love sunscreen) but I won't get use out of them. I don't use self-tanners, especially not on my face. Cool product, wrong audience. Price: $18


Verdict: This box, which promises over $100 in products had a value of $167.82. I think they delivered, don't you? And that's without the extra sample and free gift! I paid about $18 for this box (because of a code) and got over $140 over that price. That is craziness! That being said, I said it best in my last product review: cool products, wrong audience. I signed up for the monthly sub (as opposed to a one-month box) and cancelled it today (which btw was super easy- blush.com is SUPER amazing). It's a great box, it really it, BUT it's not for me. Maybe it was just this month but three of the products were anti-aging and another was a self-tanner. The lotion is meh for me and the lip gloss isn't my fav (I wish it had more color) which leaves the polish which was the real winner to me. I would recommend this box to anyone looking for an amazing deal but maybe not for a 24 yr old with minimal skin problems. 

Save 25% off any $25 or more purchase at Blush.com! Enter code VIPCSBL25 at checkout!







Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate links.

4 comments:

July Birchbox vs. Ipsy Matchup

Time for the match-up! You know the deal, pitting two equally prices beauty boxes against each other. Yes, they are very different in what they send (Birchbox is more beauty-based while Ipsy goes the makeup route) but it's fun to make up categories and size 'em up! Catch up on July's Birchbox review here and Ipsy's here!

Birchbox vs Ipsy: A monthly feature pitting two Makeup/Beauty Subscriptions boxes against each other. These boxes are equal in pricing but not always equal in value! Check it out! 
January 2013; February 2013; March 2013; April 2013; May 2013; June 2013


Ipsy leads 5-1!




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 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!!


Round 1: Lips!


Probably the hardest matchup this month since I am a lip color whore! Ooo strong language. Really though, I love lip anything and this month I got two great products. The vibrant pink from Ipsy is amazing but I have found new love with the ModelCo lipstick from Birchbox- it's just sooo beautiful!

Winner: Birchbox

Round 2: Hair


Before using these products, this would have been a really easy matchup. Ipsy's beach spray came just when I was embracing my naturally wavy hair AND it's a big ol' bottle. And then I got another argan oil and it is a small sample. Now that I've used both products this matchup was rough! The spray works and the spray bottle itself does an amazing job with application, but... Birchbox's little sample of argan oil has shown that mighty things can come in small packages. It's a close one but this oil revitalized my hair and was oh-so-amazing. 

Winner: Birchbox

Round 3: Smear it on me!


First off, I got TWO samples of the lotion from Birchbox, not one- but the pic looked better this way... Anyway, I received a Coola sunscreen before (strangely enough, from Birchbox) and it's amazing. A bottle of sunscreen beats foil packets of lotion any day but it helps when it is this stunning brand of suncare.

Winner: Ipsy

Round 4: That extra pop!


This round is about that little something extra- an accessory or pop of color. This was actually a bit tough too since I loved the pins from Birchbox-  can't help it though, this nailtini color is making my toes look extra special. It's an amazing color and I know it'll get more use than the bobby pins. Both great- one just had the edge.

Winner: Ipsy

Round 5: The rest...


This round is basically my leftover matchups and actually my leftover items too. These were my least exciting products of the bunch. Although, a tiny thing of cream vs. an eyeshadow palette? I think the winner is obvious...

Winner: Ipsy

Extras:



This round shouldn't super count but I can't help it this month. For one thing, there is no Birchbox 6th item, so it's unfair. Why include it then? Because that nail polish is amazing! The formula is great and the color is sublime! Extra credit to Ipsy!


Ipsy wins 3(4)-2!

Even without the extras, or, I should say, phenomenal nail polish extra, Ipsy still beat this month's Birchbox!  I'm loving the close numbers since it means both boxes are awesome! I got great products in each and overall July was a pretty great month but Ipsy still added another notch to it's belt... We'll see what happens in August!








 Disclaimer: Post contains referral links.

0 comments:

July Pretty Power Box Review

Just in time to finish July, it's Pretty Power Box! As a new box I never know what to expect but man, was it stuffed full this month! Check it out!



Pretty Power Box:
Type: Lifestyle Box
Cost: $15/month
What is it?: Pretty Power Box is the subscription box for the female entrepreneur! The mission of Pretty Power Box is to encourage young female entrepreneurs to live a healthy work-life balance. So in each box you'll find entrepreneurial/office items, beauty items, healthy choice items, and items made from small business. Each box will be a combination of popular name brand items as well as items from smaller businesses.


The box


The Pretty Power Box- I'm really impressed by her skills in making a cardboard box into something I actually keep!


Unboxing.

Again, I had no idea what to expect- look how full it is! No info card this month since a lot of it is from small businesses who provide their own business cards and info.


Mead 2 Year Planner: I use Google Calendar as my day-to-day calendar and it is a lifesaver but I'm a sucker for handwritten things. I was thinking I may use this a blog post scheduler. I get lost in posts when I get busy and have used a variety of things to organize. Right now I use a white board above my desk (just started using it for blog stuff) but it's still hard to keep it all straight. Price: $5


NutriGrain Chocolatey Crunch: PPB usually sends out snacks for on-the-go women so I'm guessing that's exactly what this is for. I've heard of NutriGrain (of course) but haven't seen these bars before- hope they're good! Price: $0.41


Three Pears Breeze- Wild Rose Laundry Detergent: Say what?!? This was not what I was expecting. Super interesting. This etsy shop soap is vegetable based and good for 2-4 loads (4 if HE). Cool. Haven't used it yet but it smells really good. I'm loving using natural detergents and so I'm hoping this is awesome! This is their featured item on their shop! Price: $0.48


Three Pears Breeze- Tangerine Splash Hand Scrub: I get a ton of lip scrubs but never hand scrubs. I get hand lotions but not scrubs. Ingredients include organic cane sugar, organic coconut oil (amazing for your skin), and grape seed oil. Sounds pretty excellent. Btw everything is gluten free and all-natural. 
Price: ?? ~$1


New Image Minerals - Eyeshadows in Trix, Marigold, & Dead Zone: THREE eye shadows? What! I think these are sample sizes but they are pretty huge. This etsy shop (NewImageMinerals) is doing an eyeshadow sale btw and has all kinds of makeup. The colors are pretty intense and she recommends buying samples before getting full sizes- they are inexpensive and large so check it out. I love the Marigold color and definitely want to try Trix out. Price: $7.50



Willow Tree Minerals- Natural Lip Shimmer in Sugar'n'Spice: I love this color. Love it. It isn't as berry-colored as it looks, i.e. the color is lighter, and the shimmer is perfect. It isn't a plumper but for some reason it even makes my lips look fuller! Willow Tree Minerals is an etsy shop from CO (woot) that has all-natural & pure makeup and body care products. Awesome. Price: $4.95


Willow Tree Minerals- Natural Lip Shimmer in Pink Champagne: I am usually a pink lip girl so it's a tad strange that the other color was my fav but as a pink lip girl, I still love this. It, again, has the best shimmer and it smells super good. Ingredients include almond, coconut, and avocado oils, shea and cocoa butters, beeswax, and mineral pigment. Love it. Seriously, check these buggers out. Price: $4.95


Kimberleeann Kreations- Fabric Cuff: This is such an interesting piece of jewelry! I haven't really seen anything like this! I admit, I wasn't blown away at first, but I can't help being intrigued by this piece! It's so unique! The jewelry is all fabric so check it out here. I love that it's a metal cuff too since I was able to adjust it a bit. I need to find a way to wear this asap. It's a hard piece to match clothing-wise (I wear pretty classic stuff) but I'll find a way. Price: $20


R&R's Wrist Candy- Beaded Cross Bracelet: Another bracelet, another piece of jewelry? Is it just me, or did Pretty Power Box go all out this month? This pop bracelet isn't my style. I think it's a little strange that this was an option- I mean it's cute and all- but what if you are offended by getting a cross? I'm definitely a PC person so I thought it was a little strange.Well, it turns out some people got a bow bracelet instead although I don't know how they chose who got what- usually that type of thing is pretty random. The bow is super cute (on PPB's FB page) and while I think R&R's stuff looks cool on their shop, this bracelet is not my style. Price: $8


Verdict: Well, where do I start? I know some people didn't like last month's launch box (not enough stuff or the items picked) although I still love my infinity bracelet! Anyway, I wonder if that is why PPB went above and beyond this month OR it could be this new sub box settling into an awesome grove. This $15 box ended up being valued at $52.29! I would definitely call that a deal! The cuff alone paid for the box! Obviously you get a bit of everything in this box and I am loving finding out about these etsy stores! The Lip Shimmers are, by far, my favorite, I love them! BUT that cuff is pretty phenomenal too! I love getting interesting, unique pieces- it's a conversation starter for sure! On top of those three things, I got 3 excellent eyeshadows, a hand scrub sample, detergent sample, another bracelet, a planner, and a treat. Alrighty then, that's pretty darn good. 

Did you get this month's box? Wish you did? Anyone get the bow bracelet?

Check out the shops above and sign up for Pretty Power Box yourself! 







Disclaimer: This box was received for review purposes. All opinions are my own and honest and no further compensation was received. 

4 comments:

July Ophelia's Apothecary Review

I have to admit, I was a little nervous this month when it neared the end and I hadn't received one of my fav boxes yet! With a change in address, I was worried that a woman in NY would receive my goods! Luckily, Ophelia's Apothecary is great and had everything right as rain and I should never have worried! Check out this month's goodies!



Ophelia's Apothecary:
Type: Indie Box
Cost: $15/month
What is it?: "A style profile can customize your treats to your preferences, you can cancel at any time or skip a month. Packages will include 4 or 5 fabulous treats, some full sizes, some samples, sometimes a piece of jewelry, information about the products in your box, and coupons and specials just for you based on your spending habits with Ophelia's Apothecary. All products, for the most part, will be straight from our studio, unless I find a treat to include that you might like from elsewhere. If you refer someone, please message me their name and once you have signed up 4 people, you will get one month free!" Right now, you can also sign up through FB but you can also see products and buy on their website. Boxes are also available on a quarterly or bi-annually service! Mention my name to get a free perfume roller-ball when you sign up for a 3-month sub OR just cause you are awesome and are giving me referral kudos!


The box


Unboxing!

There is an oil (?) mark on the box but nothing really seemed to leak. Something must have a bit (probably the scrub cause all my scrubs leak) but everything was fine when I opened the box.



First look- TONS of stuff!


Exfoliating Shower Glove: I was a bit surprised to see this since a bath glove was included last time but it was actually a wonderful surprise since this exfoliating glove came in handy! Heart rate monitors leave goop on you that will just NOT come off- this did the trick- thank goodness! Price: $1


Green Tea and Cucumber Mineral Rich Bath Salt: I probably say this more than enough, but I love baths. LOVE them. We actually just put in a special shelf in the bathroom for all my bath goodies. I finally got an amazing bathtub tray thing too- it has a place for a book (or your phone in your shower pouch), wine glass, cup, candle, etc. Anyway, I love baths and am all about bath bombs, bubble bath, and bath salts. Epsom salt is my jam... Then I smelled this! Amazing! I admit I have mainly looked at their sub options in their shop but I think I see a purchase of this product in my future! Price: $3


Honey and Shea Cuticle Salve: I get a lot of cuticle things and when I actually use them, turns out my nails are better! This, like all her stuff, smells amazing and I've been keeping it on my desk to help remind myself to use it. It's super easy to put on and though it's only been a few days, I'm loving trying this while I type away! This was strangely not on my info sheet and I can't find it on her store so I'm guessing this is a brand new item. Price is a complete estimate! Price: ~$5



Sugared Strawberries XXXX Lip Scrub: I have been overhauling my house/stuff which means organizing my samples too! I made it so that it's easy to use my samples and it turns out I have a lot of lip scrubs, what else did I find out? Some of them are no good! This amazing smelling scrub (CJ kept saying it smelled good too) hasn't been put to the test yet but I have high hopes since Ophelia's Apothecary hasn't let me down yet.
Price: $6

The lip scrub had a lid inside the lid (a semi-seal) although the outside did feel a little greasy. I still think this was the leak culprit although it didn't seem to affect the product.


Tranquil Sleep Pillow and Linen Spray: Yes, yes, yes! I am so glad I received this over the hair tonic (which is apparently one of their most popular items) since I am a terrible sleeper! I need meds to sleep- no joke- and while I'm re-teaching my body to sleep (like a normal human being) I would love something like this to help me sleep. Vanilla and lavender take me away! Price: $1.40


Blueberry Limon Face Cleanser: This is apparently "Ophelia"'s fav cleanser she makes! I used to dismiss exfoliate cleansers since I use a clarisonic but after getting an amazing scrub in a box one month, I love changing it up! Having an on-hand exfoliate cleanser is amazing- especially for busy mornings! Especially if it smells like this! I love a good-smelling wake-up! Price: $1.50


Vanilla Mint Lip Balm: I've said it before but my all-time favorite lip balm is the pink lemonade one I got from my first month of this sub. These shea butter lip balms are so amazing. I can't get enough! I practically squealed when I saw I received one this month. And how is this one? It smells exactly like vanilla mint and the mint makes my lips tingle- it's amazing. I constantly want to lick my lips since it smells so good... maybe not the best thing to do but luckily it is shea butter lip balm so my lips feel amazing too. Price: $5


Verdict: This $15 box ended up being valued at $22.90 or $17.90 without the cuticle salve. I honestly can't believe the prices. All that homemade, amazing stuff is around $20? No way, it could be worth sooo much more- those are crazy prices. I'm not complaining though since it means I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for stuff and it means she is pricing things super fairly. The all-stars this month were the bath salts and lip balm. Again, I LOVE the lips balms, and the green tea and cucumber salt smells so good I can't wait to use it! Sign up yourself and if you mention my name you get a free perfume roller-ball when you sign up for a 3-month sub!





5 comments:

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Wantable Partner

Pages

Powered by Blogger.

Popular Posts

  • Ipsy Giveaway!!
    So I felt the need to do another Giveaway and yesterday I hit 250 likes on Facebook (I only count the likes by people- not pages). Then, yes...
  • Birchbox Birthday Giveaway!
    It's my Birthday in 10 days! Soooo I decided to give someone else a present on my 25th! Kind of a hobbit idea or generosity or whatever!...
  • Julep-y Gold Giveaway
    Ok time for another giveaway! I just can't help myself with these giveaways! I'm hoping to partner with more awesome companies in th...
  • Wantable.co Giveaway!
    Yep, you read that right! Wantable.co is giving away a FREE BOX to one very lucky reader!!!!! I LOVE Wantable.co! In only two months they ha...
  • 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 a...
  • Hammock Pack Giveaway!!!
    I am so so so excited about this Giveaway!!! Hammock Pack is giving one of my readers the upcoming April box for FREE!!! * Hammock Pack : Ty...
  • August Fancy Box Review + Giveaway
    Time to finally get around to my  Fancy  box. My august box came pretty timely this month (compared to the  Tyler Florence Fancy  August box...
  • July Favorites + Giveaway
    Now for something different! I thought I'd start posting some monthly favs- mainly some new discoveries via boxes or life in general... ...
  • September Ophelia's Apothecary Review + Giveaway!
    It's no secret that  Ophelia's Apothecary  is one of my favorite all-time subscription boxes. I'm in love with the products and ...
  • Bonjour Jolie Review + Giveaway
    When I was contacted by this new company to try a new time of the month box you know I couldn't say no! The back-story of this box is re...

Search This Blog
My Subscription Referrals