February 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

The February Ipsy Glam Bag aimed to create a collection of "beauty goodies so good that you'll fall in love at first sight!"  Inside the hot pink and white makeup bag, I received a wide assort of beauty products and color cosmetics.

I was immediately excited about the selection of products I received as well as the shades.

My February Glam Bag included the following products:

City Color - Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon ($2.99/8.9 g)
Available in 8 shades, this silky-smooth, highly pigmented matte blush compliments and blends evenly with your skin's natural glow.  Extremely buildable to create a subtle or dramatic look.

Sample size: 8.9 g
Sample value: $2.99

{Swatch of the City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon}

I've never seen or heard of City Color Cosmetics before receiving this blush.  From what I can tell from their website, the company just launched in 2013, so they're brand new!  I love that this blush is matte and the bright melon shade is gorgeous on my fair skin.  This blush feels incredibly smooth and swatches and blends beautifully.  I'm surprised by how high-end the formula seems considering the incredibly low price point!  I think this will become a spring staple for me.

POP Beauty - Plump Pout Mini in Peony Petal ($16.00/0.3 oz)
This plumping pout perfecter combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain and is packed with lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils.  Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips & delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting finish!

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $7.47

{Swatch of the POP Beauty Plump Pout in Peony Petal}

This product is a home run for me!  As you may be able to tell from the smudges on the wand, I've already worn this several times and I'm in LOVE.  First of all, the shade is stunning.  It feels really nourishing and comfortable on the lips yet does leave a gorgeous stain and wears for a fairly long time despite it's glossy texture.  I will definitely be purchasing this full-size once I run out of the mini and I'm curious to try some of the other shades (there are four total in the range).

Tini Beauty - Eyetini Eye Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in Ambrosa ($18.00/0.14 oz)
Say goodbye to creasing and fading with Eyetini Eye Cordial Shadow Tint & Base.  Eye Cordial's revoluntionary formula glides on beguiling creamy color and sets to a transfer-resistant finish that doubles as a wear-extending base under powder shadow.

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $18.00

{Swatch of the Tini Beauty Eyetini Eye Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in Ambrosia}

Ambrosia is described by Tini Beauty as a "glistening plummy mauve" but I'd definitely say it leans more plummy taupe.  Either way, I think the color is quite lovely and wearable.  The product is nicely pigmented and easy to blend, leaving a wash of shimmering color on the eyes.  I've only worn this product once for about 4 hours, so I can't speak to how well it wears for a full day; however, I have extremely oily eyelids and, while most products begin creasing without a primer within a couple of hours, this Eye Cordial looked perfect after around 4 hours.  I love cream shadows for an all-over-the-lid quick wash of color when I'm in a hurry and this shade is perfect for that application.  It provides depth without being too dark and provides a nice dimension thanks to it's shimmer.

Zoya - Nail Polish in Odette ($9.00/0.5 oz)
This season's Zoya Nail Polish are full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that are a perfect transition into Spring.

Sample size: 0.5 oz
Sampel value: $9.00

{Swatch of the Zoya Nail Polish in Odette}

Odette, a "sultry orchid maroon cream," is a gorgeous shade that I think will be lovely for Spring but would also be appropriate year-round.  Zoya polishes have a great formula and Odette is completely opaque in two coats.  I can't wait to wear this gorgeous shade.

Überliss - RituOil ($19.90/2 oz)
Quench your hair's thirst with the Überliss RituOil!  Engineered with a light blend of Orchid & Argan Oil, RituOil will preserve precious moisture within the hair fiber by sealing the cuticle & will safeguard it from thermal damage.  The end result will be amazingly soft, shiny, and frizz-free hair.

Sample size: 0.34 oz
Sample value: $3.38

I don't believe I've ever seen any products that utilized Orchid oil.  I'm curious to see how this compares to normal Argan Oil.  I haven't tested this out yet (I'm using up the last of a couple oils I already have open), so I can't give any first impression or reviews just yet.

Total bag value: $40.84

This is definitely one of my favorite Glam Bags as of late.  I'm really loving all the products I've tried thus far and, for me, the shades I received this month are a hit!  I have to say, Ipsy definitely delivered on the promise of "beauty goodies so good you'll fall in love at first sight."

February 2014 Birchbox

"Step. Pose. Repeat. It's award season, and we're prepping by watching all the Best Picture nominees and dusting off our sartorial scorecards. (After all, the red-carpet posing is a show in itself.) This year, we've got some serious experts in our corner--the editors at US Weekly, who have celebrity makeup artists on speed-dial and know the secret behind every red-carpet look."

For the February 2014 box, Birchbox teamed up with US Weekly to present a collection of products worthy of the stars and the red carpet.

My February Birchbox included the following samples:

Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil ($25.95/4 oz)
Exclusive launch!  This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage.

Sample size: unknown (about 0.20 oz)
Sample value: unknown (about $1.30)

I really enjoyed the Protect & Detangle spray from Beauty Protector, so I'm looking forward to trying their new Protect & Oil.  With oils like these, you don't need much (especially on fine hair), so this adorable little vial should last a while.

COOLA - Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face ($36.00/1.7 oz)
Mineral-based tinted moisturizer with lasting sun protection and a shine-free finish.

Sample size: 0.17
Sample value: $3.60

I've sample a few products now from COOLA and have enjoyed them all.  I appreciate that they're mineral-based and they tend to be fairly lightweight and comfortable on the skin.  I'm thrilled that this provides a matte finish as I have oily skin.  As for the tinted claim: while the product does have a slight tint, it is practically transparent and really provides no color whatsoever when blended out.  Honestly not something I'm too concerned with, but I feel like it's a bit misleading to call this product a "BB Cream" as the sample is labeled.  I'm going to be setting this one aside for spring and summer.

Ruby Wing - Color Changing Nail Polish in Kitten Heels ($10.00/15 ml)
This color-changing polish morphs from a hot fuchsia to a deep magenta in the sun.

Sample size: 7 ml
Sample value: $4.67

I've seen these Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polishes around for some time and had thought they were a cute concept but had yet to try one.  I received the shade Kitten Heels which changes from a hot pink (indoors) to a warm red (outdoors).  While I never wear polishes this bright on my nails, I could definitely see this as a fun shade to wear on my toes in the summer!

Smashbox Cosmetics - Full Exposure Mascara ($19.50/0.38 oz)
Hybrid fiber formula that expertly lengthens, volumizes, and curls sans clumps or flakes.

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $7.18

First impressions of this product are pretty good but not outstanding.  I like that the fiber formula is more subtle and doesn't leave you with fuzzy, spidery lashes.  It doesn't seem to add that much dramatic volume as the formula seems fairly dry from my experience with the sample.  As for the brush, it is pretty much identical to the wand on Benefit's Bad Gal (which, if you're familiar with that mascara, you will know is rather large).  I haven't worn this for a full day yet, so I can't speak to how well it wears, but I'm curious to continue to try it out for a bit and see what I think.

Smashbox Cosmetics - Full Explosure Palette ($49.00/0.14 oz)
A range of versatile hues, complete with tips on creating the best look for your eye shape.

Sample size: unknown
Sample value: unknown

When I first opened my box this month, I was kind of bummed to see these tiny samples; however, this sample was actually my "Beauty Extra" for the month (not counting towards my 4+ deluxe samples that are guaranteed).  Additionally, when I actually swatched a couple of the shadows, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the pigments transferred from the paper, to my fingers, and from there to my hand.  This is something you could legitimately use at least once or twice to test out the shadows to see if splurging on the full palette is something you're interested in.  The full palette features a row of 7 shimmer shadows and 7 matte shades.

{Swatches of the third matte shade and seventh shimmer shade from the palette.}

Total box value: approximately $16.75

Overall, not a bad month!  All the samples I received are ones that I'm happy to try out, so that makes this a pretty good box for me even though the value isn't as high as other months.


What did you get in your February Birchbox?

January 2014 Gourmet Taste Trunk {Unboxing and Review}

Time to unbox my January Gourmet Taste Trunk.  For those who are new to my blog (you can see my other Taste Trunk posts here) or haven't heard of Taste Trunk, let me briefly introduce the subscription.

Each month Taste Trunk offers four main trunk themes: the Gourmet Trunk, the Health Trunk, the Sweet Trunk, and the BBQ Trunk which each retail for $29.00 (plus $5.99 shipping) and include "5-10 products, discount coupons, backgrounds on companies and amazing recipe ideas."

Additionally, they also offer two mini trunks: the Mini Sweet Trunk and the Mini-Healthy-Sweet Trunk which cost $13.99 (plus shipping) and include "3-5 handpicked items from our favorite brands."

I love Taste Trunk for the unique opportunity to try out products that I wouldn't normally have access to and to try out new brands.  The company includes really thoughtful recipe cards along with the products in the monthly trunks which makes trying out new ingredients, recipes, and techniques a delight!

My January Gourmet Taste Trunk included the following products:

Sticky Fingers Bakeries - Wild Blueberry Muffins ($5.99/18 oz.)

"Sticky Fingers Bakeries offers the irresistible taste and aroma of fresh-baked goods in just minutes.  Our quick and easy premium mixes contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, trans-fats or saturated fats."

These were delicious!  The mix was quick and convenient to use and the muffins rose beautifully, had a lovely texture and a bright, fresh flavor.  I was really impressed with this mix!

Kozlowski Farms - Apple Butter ($6.25/10 oz.)

"No refined sugar is added to our Apple Butter, only the natural sweet flavor of apples is used for sweetness.  This smooth butter spreads delightfully over crackers, toast, pancakes, french toast, waffles or bagels and cream cheese.  Try over smoked sausage or pork, too."

I really appreciate the all-natural, quality ingredients in this product.  I imagine this will be delicious spread on homemade biscuits and I'm curious to pair it with pork as well.

Kowlowski Farms - Raspberry & Roasted Chipotle Grilling & Dipping Sauce ($6.95/13.25 oz.)

"Our family has a long tradition of cooking with sweet red raspberries.  When we discovered how perfectly they paired with the mild heat and rich smokiness of chipotle peppers, we knew we had a grill sauce worthy of the best wine country cookouts."

The recipe card included to accompany this sauce is for Chipotle Meatballs, which sound like a unique and delicious appetizer!  I'll probably set this aside for use while entertaining.

Cucina & Amore - Potato Gnocchi ($1.85/14.1 oz.)

"These delicate potato pasta dumplings have been a staple of northern and southern Italian cooking since the 19th century.  Incredibly versatile, gnocchi can be enjoyed with thick cream and cheese-based sauces or light tomato and oil-based sauces."

Hubby and I both love gnocchi, so this is sure to be a hit.  I do tend to prefer splashing out for fresh gnocchi when possible, as I find the texture of packed gnocchi to be a little gummy at times.  I'm curious to try this offering from Cucina & Amore to see how it compares to other brands I've tried.

Himalayan Salt Block - 4" x 8" x 1" (approximately $18.00 in value)

"This is a fabulous tile made of Himalayan Salt that can actually be used for enhancing the taste of hot or cold foods."

I've been curious about cooking with salt blocks, but haven't never tried it myself.  They aren't something I would be likely to splurge on, so I'm excited to see one included in my Trunk this month.  While the size of this block is fairly modest, it'll be good for experimenting with one or two portion sizes of meat, etc.  I'm most excited to try this on the grill once the weather warms up.

Total box value: approximately $39.04

I think this is one of my favorite Taste Trunks I've received to date.  I'm really happy with the size, variety, and quality of products in my January trunk.

January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

The January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag was named "19 Reasons" in honor of the various brands included in the month's bags encouraging "19 reasons to make it an amazing new year, a million reasons to be a beautiful new you!"

My January Glam Bag included the following samples:

Sexy Hair - Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave in Conditioner ($17.95/8.5 oz)
The Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Tri-Wheat Leave in Conditioner is a powerful combination of Soy and Cocoa work synergistically to perfectly care for your hair!  A conditioner that is both a nourishing moisturizer and mild protein reconstructor and safe to use on color-treated hair.

Sample size: 1.7 oz
Sample value: $3.59

This is actually a product that has been in my rotation for about a year now.  I have fairly fine, straight, hair; I use this Leave in Conditioner on wet hair after showering.  I mainly utilize it as a detangler, though I do notice it does in part some subtle moisture as well.  While I do enjoy this product, I don't notice that it's any more effective than other products of this type.  I'll probably set aside this sample for use while traveling.

Épicé - Purifying Exfoliant ($32.00/3.3 oz)
A unique exfoliant which removes excess dirt and dead skin cells all while activating collage production and hydrating your skin.  This moisture rich formula utilizes mild, non-irritating and anti-bacterial cleansers which microfine polyspheres which enhances skin texture and clarity for a clean, fresh appearance.

Sample size: 1 oz
Sample value: $9.70

I haven't used physical exfoliants regularly on my face in about a year.  I prefer a chemical exfoliant like the Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA that does a fantastic job of exfoliating while being gentle on the skin.  I've tested this product on my hand and it seems like it will be fairly effective while still gentle; the exfoliating particles are extremely fine yet plentiful and remind me of the rice bran particles in the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant suspended in a cleanser.  This is a pretty generous sample and I'll keep it on hand in the shower for mornings when my skin looks a little dull, but it won't be replacing my favorite exfoliant anytime soon.

Proactiv+ - Mark Fading Pads (individual price unknown; only sold as a kit)
The Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin's glow and radiance.  The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal new, smoother, more even toned skin.

Sample size: 4 pads
Sample value: unknown, approximately $2 (estimating about $0.50/each)

Like many Proactiv products, these Mark Fading Pads can only be purchased as part of a full kit which immediately disappointed me a little seeing these sampled in my bag this month.  That aside, I'm curious to try these.  I really like that they're individually wrapped which makes them convenient to use (and great for traveling).  The details of this product remind me a lot of the Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA, which makes me optimistic that I'll love these.  While my favorite Paula's Choice product contains 10% glycolic acid, these Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads have 5% glycolic acid and the added benefit of 2% salicylic acid to clear pores.

Elizabeth Mott - Smooth Shadow ($14.99/1.5 g)
The ultimate gel pencil that's smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors.  These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer.  They're also waterproof and perfect to wear all day and night, a must have for all color lovers!

Sample size: 0.7 g
Sample value: $7.00

This Smooth Shadow pencil in Pearl was the product that excited me the most initially when I opened my Glam Bag this month.  I've been on the hunt for a light flesh-toned pencil for brightening my waterline.  I've tried out the Rimmel Scandaleyes in Nude, which has a great formula but was just too dark and yellow for my skintone.  This shade is light and bright, with a subtle glimmer to open the eye.  I haven't worn this for a full day yet, so I can't speak to how long wearing it is, but the initial effect is pretty though very subtle.  I'm not sure if it's the color or the formula, but this product doesn't show up dramatically on my waterline and the difference before and after of using the product on me is barely noticeable.  This could easily just be me though, as I find eyeliners in general don't transfer that well to my waterline.

MicaBeauty - Tinted Lip Balm ($30.00/4 g)
MicaBeauty's 24 hour Tinted Lip Balm conditions your lips without smudging while delivering sophisticated finish.  For a sheer wash of color, one swipe is all you need.  For a bolder pout, simply apply another swipe and this lip balm will create lips every woman covets.  Kiss-proof and smudge-proof!

Sample size: 2.5 g
Sample value: $18.75

While I find the color of this MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm (Natural) to be very pretty, the formula disappoints me.  It claims to be kiss-proof and smudge-proof, but I don't find it to be even remotely long-wearing.  It never sets on my lips and easily smudges and wears off.  For a "Lip Balm" it's not moisturizing either, so it really just functions as very slippery, slightly sheer lipstick.  If I layer the product on thick, it ends up looking rather odd: uneven and caky.  I'm just not loving the formula though the shade is beautiful.

{Swatches of the Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow in Pearl and MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm in Natural}

Total bag value: approximately $41.04

I'm not overly fond of my January Ipsy Glam Bag contents.  This month's bag itself smelled rather cheap and plastic and unfortunately the products I received didn't impress me much either.

January 2014 Birchbox

The Birchbox philosophy for January 2014 is Go Time.  "This year, we're flipping resolutions on their head.  Forget giving things up--in 2014, we're taking on more: more things to try, to conquer, to integrate into our lives.  New products--in the form of this month's samples--are just the beginning."

I was really excited to see some fresh, new-to-Birchbox brands in this month's box!  Having been subscribed to Birchbox for nearly three years and a few other beauty subscriptions along the way, I've gotten a little exhausted seeing the same brands repeated time and again, month after month.  Seeing a fresh new selection of products for the start of 2014 is exciting!

My January 2014 Birchbox included the following samples:

100% Pure - Fruit Pigmented Mascara ($18.00/0.24 oz)
All-natural lash-conditioning wonder that thickens and lengthens with real fruit pigments.

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $7.50

I've heard great things about this mascara recently from a couple of beauty YouTubers.  I was excited to see it included in my box this month!  I haven't tried this out yet, but the formula looks incredibly black and it smells delicious (like blackberries).

Fekkai - Brilliant Glossing Créme ($19.99/4 oz)
Rich in olive oil, this creamy frizz-tamer gives strands all-day shimmer.

Sample size: 1.6 oz
Sample value: $8.00

I've wanted to try a few products from the Fekkai range for some time.  I always use some sort of leave in conditioner/oil/etc. for adding softness and preventing frizz.  I'm looking forward to trying this out; it has great reviews, so I'm sure I'll love it!

Nail Rock - Nail Sequin ($7.00/0.34 oz)
The UK brand's two-step system for the world's brightest disco-ball mani.

Sample size: 0.34 oz
Sample value: $7.00

I think this product is a really fun concept.  I'm not the biggest fan of wearing a full glitter mani (I tend to prefer cream polishes with the occasional subtle glitter accent nail), so I'm not sure I'll get much use out of this.  However, I am intrigued by the Nail Velvet offered by the same line.  At only $7.00 for the polish/velvet set, I'm considering adding that to my next Birchbox shop purchase.

Paula's Choice - RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum ($26.95/1 oz)
Water-based antiaging serum that normalizes skin and tightens pores.

Sample size: 0.17 oz
Sample value: $4.58

I'm thrilled that Birchbox is now carrying some of the Paula's Choice line!  As I've shared before on the blog, I cannot live without the RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA.  I have not tried the RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum before and am thrilled to have the chance.  It's water-based and light enough for those with combination and/or oily skin, which is perfect for me.

Ahmad Tea London - Assorted Teas ($7.00/40 bags)
Beat the winter chill with tasty blends from a Buckingham Palace-approved British Brand.

Sample size: 3 bags
Sample value: $0.53

I'm not the biggest tea drinker.  I do love chai and fruity herbal teas, but I'm always curious to try other teas to see what else I may enjoy.  I love that Birchbox included three different flavors to try as this month's Lifestyle Extra.  Looking forward to brewing a cup later today!

Total box value: $27.61

Overall, I'm really happy with my box this month!  I'll probably end up passing the Nail Rock on to a friend, but all the other products are fantastic and products I'm genuinely thrilled to try!  Good job, Birchbox, starting 2014 off with a bang!

December 2013 Gourmet Taste Trunk {Plus a 50% Off Code}

Today I have my December Gourmet Taste Trunk to share with you, as well as a special offer for anyone interested in signing up for the service.  If you'd like to see what I have received in past Trunks and learn a little more about the service, you can read my previous Taste Trunk posts/reviews here.

This month's trunk came decked out for the holidays.  Taste Trunk always meticulously packages their boxes, but this month stepped things up even more with a lovely festive flare.

An itty bitty stocking filled with candy was tied to the usual packaging that contains the product info/recipe cards that are included with each box.

My December Taste Trunk included the following products:

Leopoldt - Oblaten Lebkuchen Assorted (approximately $3.00/200g)
"The Lebkuchen is a traditional Christmas cookie, which is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.  Made from high quality ingredients, they have a sweet, light nutty taste, and their aroma is spice, a bit like nutmeg and allspice.  Includes 3 sugar coated and 4 chocolate coated cookies."

I love that these were included in the holiday Trunk!  It's so fun and festive getting to try a traditional Christmas cookie from another country.  These taste and texture of these are what you'd expect if a macaron and a chewy ginger cookie had a baby.  They're really unlike anything else I've tried before.  The warmth of the spices is so perfect for a cold evening with a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa.  Both the sugar coated and chocolate coated version are delicious.  The dark chocolate cuts a little of the spice and adds a lovely sweetness, while the sugar allows the flavors to really stand out and shine.  I really loved getting to try these; unfortunately, it seems they would be incredibly hard to track down if I ever wanted to repurchase them.

Two Snooty Chefs - Spicy Sedona ($4.98/1.75 oz bar)
"Spicy Sedona brings warmth to the body with the chipotle spice, with complex layers of herbs and spices, finished with cilantro and lime to refresh the palette."

You can really taste the chipotle and lime in this chocolate.  It makes for a incredibly unique and unexpected experience.  I quite like it!

Belfine - Chau'Cho! (approximately $1.60/chocolate stick)
"This Belgian innovation has caused a sensation in Europe.  Simply put the chocolate end of the stick in a cup of hot milk, stir, and voila - rich, hot chocolate, sinfully delicious and creamy."

I really love the concept of hot chocolate on a stick.  It's convenient, portable, and great for gifting!  Chau'Cho! suggests heating 7 oz. of milk to 170° then stirring the product in the hot milk until thoroughly melted.  This worked beautifully for me and created the perfect, chocolaty concoction.  I hands down prefer hot chocolate over hot cocoa and I love Chau'Cho! as a convenient, super fast option.  The only problem is I'm having a hard time finding an easy place to purchase these online in the US.  If easy available, these would make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers!

Biscotti Bari - Lemon Poppyseed Biscotti ($2.00/1.25 oz)
"Italian style, small-batch, homemade biscotti crafted with care the same way it's done in Bari, Italy... with slow, skilled hands using only the finest, all-natural, local ingredients."

This biscotti has a great texture and a nice bright, but not overpowering flavor.  I'm thinking the lemon poppyseed combination would be delicious dipped in a cup of Earl Grey tea.

Gourmet Temptations - Spicy Cider Bourbon Glaze ($8.00/16 oz)
"Spicy Cider Bourbon Glaze - naturally dark, rich, sweet and mildy spiced with multiple uses."

This is the product that had me most excited from first glance after opening my Trunk this month.  My first thought was that this would be perfect for glazing a ham to serve at Christmas dinner.  Sure enough, the info/recipe card included for this product provided a recipe for "Crispy Cider-Bourbon Glazed Ham."  I'm drooling just thinking about it and I'm fairly certainly I'm going to push to get that put on our Christmas menu this year.  This is a product that, if it tastes as good as it sounds, would likely be something I would repurchase again and again.

Dulcet - Tangy & Peppery Moroccan Sauce ($8.00/9 oz.)
"The perfect sauce for capturing the flavors of Morocco!  This full-flavored savory sauce, with just a hint of pepper, is excellent with chicken, beef, lamb and veggies."

Anyone who knows me well knows I have a love affair with pepper, so this is right up my alley.  Moroccan is definitely a cuisine that I haven't explored much, so I'm excited to give this sauce a try!

Total value of my December Gourmet Taste Trunk: approximately $27.58

Overall I'm really happy with the contents of my December Gourmet Taste Trunk.  Each product that I've tried thus far has been unique and delicious!  Having paid $29.00 for the box, I do wish the value had been a bit higher; however, my total was an estimate seeing that a couple of the products were foreign and I couldn't find a US supplier for a more accurate price estimate.  That said, I am really pleased with the products themselves and I'm especially looking forward to trying the Spicy Cider Bourbon Glaze!


If you're interested in trying out Taste Trunk, you can sign up and receive 50% off your first trunk using the code "Friends50" at checkout (be sure to also enter "thatwinsomegirl@gmail.com" in the referrer field at checkout).  I'm not sure how long this offer lasts, so I'd recommend signing up sooner rather than later if you were interested in the service.  With the discount, your first Trunk would only be $14.50 (plus $5.99 shipping); however, if you remained subscribed to the service, your future Trunks would be the usual subscription price of $29.00.

December 2013 Birchbox

December's Sparkle and Shine Birchbox came with an extra festive flare this month, perfect for the holiday season.  "The holidays are finally here!  ...It's time to celebrate, whether that means corralling your family for a midnight screening of It's a Wonderful Life or dusting off your flounciest frock and taking a spot underneath the mistletoe."  The packaging and the product selection/value of my December Birchbox really had me feeling the festive theme!

My December 2013 Birchbox included the following products:

Camille Beckman - Body Butter in Morelia Monarch Scent ($15.00/5.25 oz)
A handcrafted formula that softens skin with shea butter, sweet almond oil, and glycerin.

Sample size: 0.25 oz
Sample value: $0.71

The Morelia Monarch scent is described as featuring "green tea and amber over a base of vanilla orchid."  I would describe it as fresh and warm, floral with a hint of sweetness.  The butter feels rich, but not unpleasantly greasy and very moisturizing.

Mally Beauty - Lip Magnifier in Soft Nude ($20.00/0.10 oz)
This creamy lip crayon delivers high shine and rich pigment as it plumps and softens.

Sample size: 0.10 oz
Sample value: $20.00

{Swatch of the Mally Lip Magnifier in Soft Nude}

While I'm not a big fan of nude lip products on myself (I have fairly pigmented lips and I always feel like they look a little strange on me), this one has a hint of peachy pinkness that makes it a little more wearable.  It applies beautifully and feels great on the lips.  I prefer to wear a bit of creamy pink gloss (the NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu) on top to add a bit more color and shine so it's more flattering, but overall I'm enjoying the formula of this Mally Lip Magnifier and would be curious to try out the product in other shades.

Nelson j Beverly Hills - Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask in Pomegranate ($20.00/4 oz)
100% argan oil-derived deep treatment made to nourish dry, color-treated, or damaged hair.

Sample size: (2) 0.5 oz packets
Sample value: $5.00

I love using deep conditioning products to keep my hair healthy and extra shiny and soft.  I appreciate that these packets are generously filled for a decent application.  I haven't tried these out yet, but I look forward to!

Skin&Co Roma - Truffle Therapy Serum Boosting Anti-Aging Serum ($75.00/30 ml)
Antioxidant-rich truffle extract helps smooth wrinkles and replenish parched skin.

Sample size: 10ml
Sample value: $25.00

First of all, I'm thrilled to have received such a generous deluxe sample of this product, especially considering the price.  I've received quite a few high-end anti-aging serums and the like in past subscriptions and they are almost always tiny--only enough for one or two uses--and not enough product to even properly test out the benefits of the product.  This serum has a light texture and is fast absorbing, which I really love.  I'm looking forward to working it into my routine to see how my skin reacts.

Greenleaf Candle Co. - Starlight Votive Candle ($17.00/9.5 oz)
Cozy flame that emits a citrus-infused scent with a hint of white musk.  Sweet dreams.

Sample size: 2 oz
Sample value: $3.58

This Greenleaf Candle Co. votive was my "Lifestyle Extra" this month.  This is definitely the kind of thing I love seeing included as a thoughtful extra in my box.  The scent is lovely.  I'm not sure if I'll keep this candle for myself or pass it on to a friend though.  As much as I find the fragrance nice as a casual sniff, I tend to get a headache anytime I wear or burn any musk scent.

Total box value: $54.29

I'm thrilled with items I received in my Birchbox this month!  I thought the selection was great, the products themselves felt high-end, and the samples sizes were generous.  This was a knock out box for me!