Martha Stewart Living {Summer Essentials} GLOSSYBOX

I recently ordered a one-time limited edition Martha Stewart Living Summer Essentials GLOSSYBOX.  When I first saw that this GLOSSYBOX was for sale, they hadn't revealed what the products included would be (and I didn't realize that they eventually would).  From the description of the box, I was under the impression that it would include products that Martha herself picked as essentials for summer entertaining.  I love Martha.  I was pretty excited.  The purchase of the box ($15 - though I purchased mine for a discount via Ebates) also included a 6 month subscription to Martha Stewart Living, so I found it hard to pass up.

Unfortunately upon receiving the box and discovering the contents, I think the beauty products included were just picked based on a sponsorship with Proctor & Gamble, and not so much Martha Stewart recommended products.  More on that later.

Included with the products was a double-sided card with various tips and picks for summer entertaining.  I thought this was a nice addition; however, none of the information provided was particularly new or insightful for someone who has done any sort of entertaining before.  Perhaps these would be helpful for someone who hasn't done much entertaining in the past...

But I think most folks who have been around the block know about using galvanized tubs as a "functional, fashionable way to serve drinks" or lanterns, tiki torches, and decorative candles as mood lighting.  I was sort of expecting something a little more clever and original.

On top of the three beauty products was a little bonus makeup bag to hold your "essentials."

The first beauty product in the Summer Essentials box is the first of two from Olay.

Olay - 4-in-1 Daily Facial Cloths ($6.99)
These soft textured, fragrance-free cloths for sensitive skin gently cleanse and remove make-up for a fresh clean feeling while conditioning to soothe skin with light Olay moisturizers.

I briefly used some facial cleansing cloths similar to these (perhaps even from Olay) in high school.  I enjoyed the convenience at the time, but haven't used them since.  I really love the Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash, so I don't plan to replace that anytime soon, but these cloths will be nice to have on hand for lazy late nights or for traveling when I don't feel like carrying a big, bulky bottle of face wash.

Olay - Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($9.99)
Help prevent premature skin damage with broad spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen.  Conditions skin surface with vitamin E and Aloe to maintain healthy-looking skin.  Gentle formula with zinc oxide provides 8 hours of hydration.

I'm a little apprehensive to give this a try as a lot of moisturizers with sunscreen break me out.  I'm really happy with the Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 moisturizer that I've been using the past few months (I got a free 1 oz. tube of it from Sephora on Earth Day a couple of years ago).  If I'm going to wear a sunscreen on my face (i.e. if I'm planning on being outside at all for more than 15 minutes), I really prefer to wear something with at least SPF 25-30, in addition to SPF in my color cosmetics.  I'll probably stick to Origins and COOLA for my facial sunscreen, but this will be a nice lightweight option for my neck, chest and arms on days when I won't be exposed for very long.  This product seems fairly lightweight and quick-absorbing from a little test on the back of my hand.  It's a generous size and at only under $10 for 6 oz. it's certainly budget-friendly.

Pantene Pro-V - Heat Potion Serum ($7.99)
Helps defend against heat damage before it starts, using weightless heat-activated oil.

This heat protective serum is probably the product I'm most excited about trying.  I'm less picky with my haircare than I am with my skin, so I'm more willing to give this a go.  I like that it provides shine and manageability while providing heat protection.  I've been crazy in love with the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Nourishing Styling Treatment (I got a little sample a while back at ULTA and love how silky soft it leaves my locks), so I'm curious to see how this will compare.  I'm definitely ready and willing to purchase the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal once my sample runs out.  At around $22 for a little over 4 oz, I think it's very reasonably priced as that amount will last me ages.

Along with the products were two cards, one with a discount code for 15% off a GLOSSYBOX subscription.  I don't plan to take advantage of that anytime soon as I've been very happy with my decision to cancel my monthly GLOSSYBOX subscription.  Additionally, there was a signup card included to start or renew a subscription of Martha Stewart Living.  I'm a little confused as to whether we need to fill out this card in order to claim the 6 month subscription that was included with the box purchase, or if that subscription is automatically set up after having paid for the box (I'm assuming the latter).

Including the 6 month subscription of Martha Stewart Living (which would be $29.94 if you assume the value of the cover price), the total value of this Summer Essentials box is $54.91.  I personally wouldn't rate the value quite that high since the magazine is easy to purchase at a discounted rate and the Proctor & Gamble products can be purchased on sale with a coupon for easily half the retail price or less.  However, given that I only paid $12.25 for the box after my Ebates discount, I think it was a good deal.  I am still pretty bummed that I feel like GLOSSYBOX was originally a little misleading in their description of the box, implying that it would contain products that Martha herself deemed essentials for summer entertaining.  I haven't been sucked into buying any of the limited edition GLOSSYBOXes in the past, and only really was this time because I'm a big Martha Stewart fan and I figured in the least $12.25 (again, my discounted purchase price) was a pretty good price for a 6 month subscription of Martha Stewart Living.

If you're interested in purchasing this limited edition Martha Stewart Living {Summer Essentials} GLOSSYBOX, it's still up for sale on the GLOSSYBOX website here.

August 2013 Glam Bag

The August 2013 Ipsy "Glamour Academy" Glam Bag "is perfect for the professional or student... full of beauty essentials that are perfect for stashing in your school bag or when you're prepping for your next big party!"

This month's samples arrived in a cheeky printed bag to play off the "Glamour Academy" theme.

In my August Glam Bag I received the following items:

Michael Todd - Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask ($34.00/3.4 oz)
The Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Mask is a blended with Pumpkin and Glycolic Acid.  This rejuvenating facial treatment removes dead skin, impurities and toxins, moisturizes and firms, improves elasticity and pliability of the skin, unclogs pores allowing skin to breath and facilitates movement of skin oils.  Adds brightness and radiance to the skin and significantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sample size: 1 oz
Sample value: $10.00

Wow, this mask definitely has a long list of claims!  Reviews for this product on the Michael Todd website are pretty glowing, though it seems quite a few Glam Bag subscribers experienced sensitivity to the mask.  I'm curious to give this a try myself and see what I think.  I'm usually not sensitive to masks and exfoliating acids, so hopefully this will agree with my skin.  I've been wanting to try out some products from this line since so many YouTubers have raved about them.  I haven't wanted to shell out the money myself to pay for them because I have a hard time fully trusting the reviews of so many girls who are being compensated to mentioned the products.  I'm happy to have the opportunity to try the mask myself (risk free) to form my own opinion on the product.

Smashbox - Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36.00/1 oz)
Always be photo ready with the Photo Finish Foundation Primer!  This primer creates the perfect canvas for makeup application and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.  Velvety-smooth, even finish.  Oil-free.

Sample size: 0.25 oz
Sample value: $9.00

I have tried this primer in the past and wasn't overly impressed with it.  It has been a few years since I've tried it (and I've tried numerous primers since), so I'm curious to see what my impression of it will be now.  I know this is a popular primer, I just don't personally love or see much (if any) improvement in the application and wear of my foundation from using primers.  Additionally, these heavily silicone based primers tend to make my already oily skin feel even greasier.

Pixi - Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black ($17.00/0.25 oz)
This unique mascara truly boosts your lashes, giving them a "push-up" effect that lasts all day.  The dense, rich formula coats lashes with maximum pigment, for long-lasting full color and the cone-shaped brush coats each lash evenly.  Long lasting, smudge-free and waterproof.

Sample size: 0.105 oz
Sample value: $7.14

I have so many mascaras open at the moment, so it may be a while before I get around to opening this one.  I do love a good mascara, so I'm curious to give this one a try.  I've never used a mascara that claimed to have a "push-up" effect before, so I'm excited to see how this one performs.

MicaBeauty - Eye Shadow in Bronze ($14.95/0.1 oz)
MicaBeauty Mineral Eyeshadows are extremely gentle, free of preservaties, chemicals, dyes, talc, oils, and other fillers.  With this unique formula, the eyeshadows will look ultra smooth and stay put for hours without creasing or pulling the delicate eye area.  Can be mixed with clear lip-gloss, clear mascara, and clear nail polish to add pigment to eyes, eyelashes and nails!

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $14.95

{Swatch of the MicaBeauty Mineral Eye Shadow in Bronze}

I'm not the biggest fan of mineral eyeshadows.  While their pigmentation and shine is usually outstanding, I find them a little messy and inconvenient.  I do like the suggestion of using the pigments in a clear gloss, mascara, or polish as another option for wear.  I think this might look lovely added to the tips of the nails in fall.

Urban Decay - Revolution Lipstick in 69 ($22.00/0.09 oz)
Urban Decay's Pigment Infusion System delivers insane color payoff with creamy shine, Maxi-Lip plumps and nourishing oils leave lips cushiony soft.  Get the color you crave.  Addictive to apply (and even more addictive to wear), this creamy formula glides on without dragging or skipping, hugs every curve and gives you a BIG laydown of color.  There's a wide range of colors - from gorgeous nudes to bold brights, there's something for everyone.

Sample size: 0.03 oz
Sample value: $7.33

{Heavy swatch of the Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in 69}

Apparently August is the month to send out red lips products as I also received a red lip product in my August Birchbox.  From the red lip products I've purchased myself and the tons I've received in beauty subscriptions over the years, I'm certainly set for red lip options this fall/winter.  What I like about this shade is there is quite a bit of pink so it's more wearable (at least on my skin tone) than some of the more orangey reds.  With it's slight shine and moisture, this is also quite comfortable on the lips.  That said, it's definitely not a long-lasting formula.

Total bag value: $48.42

I'm really pleased with the items I received in my August Glam Bag.  I felt like the range of products sent were of a nice variety and the sample sizes were generous.  Having only paid $10 for the subscription and receiving nearly $50 in product makes this month's bag a great value!

This month I also received a little extra for having referred two friends to Ipsy.  I received a full size bottle of the Lime Crime polish in Crema de Limon, an $8.00 value.  How cute is that packaging?!

August 2013 Birchbox

The August 2013 "Finishing School" Birchbox was all about the finishing touches.  "Once upon a time, finishing school meant an elegant Swiss academy where a young lady went to learn the intricacies of high society.  While the concept may feel a bit outdated (truth be told, we're more likely to sign up for a night class in Photoshop), we love the idea of zeroing in on the details; from the elegance of a handwritten invitation, to the confidence-boosting power of bright red lipstick.  As proof that finishing touches are anything but fussy, we collaborated with Ann Taylor to bring you a guide to fall's best accessory trends.  Learn how to update your day, night, and weekend looks without breaking the bank."

My August 2013 Birchbox included the following samples:

KMS California - FREESHAPE Hot Flex Spray ($18.99/200 ml)
Heat-activated spray that protects against breakage and damage while providing medium hold.

Sample size: 30 ml
Sample value: $2.85

I love that this product provides both heat protection and hold.  I've yet to try this but I hope it will help my hair stay curled after styling (my fine, super healthy locks just do not like to hold curl).  I've only tried one other product from the KMS brand, which I really enjoy, so I'm excited to have another one from the line to try.  I think the sample size is very generous and I'm sure to get lots of use out of this product.

OC8 - Professional Mattifying Gel ($41.00/1.6 oz)
A lightweight gel that creates a sheer matte layer and absorbs shine for eight hours.

Sample size: 2 g
Sample value: $1.82

I actually received a FULL SIZE bottle of this mattifying gel in my September 2012 GLOSSYBOX, so this isn't a new product to me.  By comparison, these tiny 1g foil packets are pretty laughable.  I had high hopes for this product when I first received it in my GLOSSYBOX.  As I've mentioned numerous times on my blog before, I have incredibly oily skin (which pretty much nothing helps).  Unfortunately this gel isn't any miracle for me and only keeps my skin matte for an hour or so, if I'm lucky.  But, as I said, nothing I've tried has ever helped keep my skin even remotely matte for more than an hour or two, so this might be a fantastic product for someone with less oily skin.

Stila - Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($22.00/0.1 oz)
Longlasting liquid lipstick in a wearable red that glides on like a gloss but stays like a stain.

Sample size: 0.03 oz
Sample value: $6.60

{Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso}

This warm red applies like a gloss but with the full opacity of a lipstick.  On my lips it dries matte and to a slightly deeper shade of red than it appears in the swatch.  I think this will be a fun shade to reach for once fall rolls around.  The sample size is very generous and perfect for carrying on the go for touch-ups.

Whish - Exfoliating Body Wash ($22.00/6 oz)
A coconut-rich scrub that brightens and exfoliates with sugar cane and bamboo powder.

Sample size: 0.75 oz
Sample value: $2.75

I've only tested this out on my hand thus far, but it seems to be a VERY gentle exfoliant.  I typically prefer to use a basic shower gel followed by a DIY body scrub with a little more "grit" to it.  I don't think I'll find this magical enough to ever consider spending the $22/6 oz on the full size product, but this will be a good size product to keep on hand for traveling.

Whish - Hair Inhibiting Deodorant Swipes ($22.00/30 wipes)
From the shaving pros at Whish, these wipes tackle odor and slow hair growth in one swipe.

Sample size: 1 wipe
Sample value: $0.73

These wipes are an interesting (and new to me) concept.  I think this will be a product I keep on hand in my purse for days when I'm busy and need a little freshening up.

Total box value: $14.75

Honestly, I'm not overly thrilled about this month's box.  I do really like the Stila Stay All Day Lipstick (this is a product I've been curious about trying to a few months) and I'm looking forward to trying the KMS Hot Flex Spray.  The two tiny foil samples were pretty disappointing and the exfoliating body wash isn't especially exciting.  All in all, it was an okay month but not one of my favorites from recently (I've had some pretty great boxes lately).

I'd love to know what you received in your August Birchbox!  Leave a comment below.

Taste Trunk - August 2013 Gourmet Trunk

Last month I introduced Taste Trunk, a new foodie subscription service, by sharing the July BBQ.  Each month Taste Trunk offers four different trunk themes: The Gourmet Trunk, The Health Trunk, The Sweet Trunk, and The BBQ Trunk.  For $29/month (plus a $5.99 shipping charge--these trunks are darn heavy), you receive "5-10 products, discount coupons, backgrounds on the companies and amazing recipe ideas."  With your Taste Trunk subscription, you are free to change trunk themes each month, as long as you submit a request to do so by the 25th of the month.  While I loved the assortment and value of last month's BBQ Trunk, I was excited to try out another trunk for August and decided on the Gourmet Trunk.

My August Gourmet Trunk included six unique products:

The Jam Stand - Drunken Money Jam ($10.00/8 oz)
"Sugar coated bananas, a splash of rum and a dash of lime." The ingredients on this small batch jam couldn't get any simpler: just bananas, sugar, lime, all natural pectin, and rum.

This is such a unique jam.  I've never encountered a banana jam before and I find it utterly fascinating that this one is flavored with lime and rum.  I think it'll be great slathered on toast, waffles or pancakes.  It would be a real "wow" factor to any breakfast served to company.

Cucina & Amore - Pesto alla Siciliana (~$4.50/7.9 oz*)
"Pesto alla Siciliana is a traditional Italian sauce originating in the southern Italian region of Sicily.  Prepared with a combination of pounded basil, sun-dried tomatoes and seasoned with sunflower oil.  Cucina and Amore selects only the finest and freshest ingredients to prepare this ancestral Italian pasta sauce."

I love pesto.  The hubby isn't the biggest fan of sun-dried tomato pesto, so I'll probably utilize this for a few lunches.  I particularly enjoy pestos used for cold pasta salads and I think this one will be delicious in that utilization.

*I could only find this sauce sold in bulk packs of 6 on Amazon for around $28.00.  I'm sure the individual retail value is considerably higher.

Two Snooty Chefs - Kansas City Steak ($6.95/2 oz)
"Robust blend for all your grilled or roasted meats."

The recipe card included to accompany this seasoning blend is for Kansas City Smoked Bleu Burgers and they sound killer.  I'm definitely going to give this seasoning (and that recipe) a try before grilling season is over.

The Girl & The Fig - Lavender Sea Salt ($4.00/2 oz)
"Sprinkle on fish, chicken or pork before pan searing or grilling.  Toss with grilled vegetables.  Serve as a condiment on the table."

At first this product sort of surprised me.  I'm curious to see how it would taste in savory situations as the description suggests; however, I think it could be lovely as a salty touch in a dessert (perhaps some lavender salted caramel concoction).  Something about lavender and fancy sea salt feels so luxurious.

Susan's Salsa - Gourmet Green Tomato Salsa Relish ($4.25/12 oz)
"Susan's Green Tomato Salsa Relish - a tantalizing mix of fresh green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and tangy jalapeno pepper, plus savory and sweet spices.  The result?  A salsa relish that is great for chips, delicious in tacos, and a special delight as a topping for seafood or grilled dishes.  Go green!"

I'm hosting a girl's book club next week and I think I may use this salsa relish for one of the appetizers I serve.  The accompanying recipe card for this products suggest mixing 8 oz. of the relish with 8 oz. of whipped cream cheese to serve as a dip for Wheat Thins or crackers.  Sounds divine!

Ivéta - Apricot Scone Mix ($7.50/10.6 oz)
The Ivéta Apricot Scone Mix was featured on Oprah's "O" list and is made with the finest California Blenheim apricots.  The scone mix is simply prepared with a cup of heavy cream which results in scones that are "tender and moist, not hard and dry."

I'm mostly a purist when it comes to baking and tend to prepare things from scratch.  That said, the ingredients in this scone mix are as basic as can be (exactly what you'd expect to see on a from-scratch recipe) and I love that the preparation only requires heavy cream.  I'm a huge fan of scones and biscuits that utilize heavy cream in place of butter and/or eggs as I find the flavor and texture outstanding.  I'm looking forward to trying these out, perhaps with a smear of honey.

As always, each Taste Trunk includes a beautifully packaged array of information and recipe cards to accompany the products included in the trunk.

The recipes are usually incredibly unique and thoughtful, providing some fantastic ideas on how to utilize and experiment with the gourmet products included in the trunks.

Total value of my August Gourmet Taste Trunk: approximately $37.20.

I'm really pleased with the products from my Gourmet Trunk.  Most of the items are very unique and they all have a very simple, quality ingredient list.  Some of these products have a real quirky "wow" factor to them (I'm looking at you, Drunken Monkey Jam), while others are a little more subtle but sure to please!

If you'd like to try Taste Trunk, you can save 25% on your first trunk with the code "winsomegirl25" which will bring the cost of the Trunk of your choice down to $21.75 (plus $5.99 shipping).  If you do decide to sign up, please kindly provide my name (Amy Kelly) as your referral during checkout.

*Full disclosure: I paid for the Taste Trunk subscription with my own money.  I receive no commission or any other benefit if you use the discount code that Taste Trunk provided me to share with you.  I will, however, receive a 10% discount on the purchase of future Trunks if you decide to enter my name as a referral during checkout (which I would greatly appreciate as I enjoy saving money as much as the next girl.)