January 2013 Glam Bag

The January 2013 Glam Bag was my third bag since signing back up with Ipsy (formerly MyGlam).  The past three months, I have been nothing but happy with the products I've received!  Ipsy has consistently sent out generous samples that are varied and interesting.  Each bag typically consists of mainly well-known high end products, with one or two more obscure high-end brands and/or drugstore products.  If you're looking for a subscription service to try, for a reasonable $10/month, Ipsy would be my top recommendation at the moment.

My January 2013 Glam Bag included the following samples:

Pacifica - Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter ($7.00/2.5 oz)
Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter is not only a highly effective antioxidant rich moisturizer that nourishes the driest of skin and helps fight off the signs of aging; it nourishes your other senses as well. The infusion of sparkling, juicy blood oranges that are highlighted with notes of red raspberry and spicy sweet Italian Mandarins take you to the beaches of the Mediterranean.

Samples size: 2.5 oz
Sample value: $7.00

Big Sexy Hair - Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray ($17.50/10.6 oz)
Your everyday spray for BIG volume!  Spray & Play is a humidity resistant, flexible hold hairspray that provides fullness, lift and incredible shine!

Sample size: 1.5 oz
Sample value: $2.48

Nailtini - Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Frappe or Bloody Mary ($13.00/0.5 oz)
You can't go wrong with a classic, all the way to your fingertips.  These two are the all-time best selling Nailtini nail lacquers.  Whether the glossy true-red of bloody mary or the hint-of-pink of frappe, your tips and toes are classic perfection anytime.

Sample size: 0.5 oz
Sample value: $13.00

Josie Maran - 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48/1.7 oz)
This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco.  With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating slit ends, and softening cuticles.

Sample size: 0.17 oz
Sample value: $4.80

SOHO - Concealer, Eyeliner, or Crease Brush ($7.99/each)
Brushes featuring a tri-grip handle that fits perfectly in the hand.

Sample size: 1 brush
Sample value: $7.99

Total bag value: $35.27

A little detail of the lining of this month's Glam Bag.  I'm thrilled about the Pacifica body butter (this stuff smells amazing!), Big Sexy Hair hairspray, and the Josie Maran Argan Oil.  The concealer brush seems nice as well.  The only slight disappointment for me this month was that I received the Frappe shade of Nailtini lacquer.  It's a completely sheer pink, along the lines of what is used for a French manicure.  I don't really care for sheer polishes, but it might come in handy for days I need a natural but polished look.  The Bloody Mary shade some subscribers received looks lovely!  Overall, another fantastic month!

December 2012 Glam Bag

The December Glam Bag was my second bag since resubscribing to Ipsy (formerly MyGlam).  The November bag absolutely thrilled me, so I was really excited to see what the December bag would include.  When it arrived, I certainly wasn't disappointed!

Inside a gunmetal gray makeup bag, my December Glam Bag included five samples and a bonus item for being an "influencer within the Ipsy community."  The samples included:

NYX - Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Eyeshadow in Mink Pearl ($3.00/0.06 oz)
It’s not hard to sparkle with one of NYX’s ultra-shimmering loose shadow powders that can be used on eyes, cheeks, even lips. These finely-milled mineral eye shadows are high-impact, long-lasting and a little addictive! Just the sparkle you need this holiday!

Sample size: 0.06 oz
Sample value: $3.00

Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Zero ($19.00/1.2 g)
Creamy, forever-lasting, award-winning and waterproof, 24/7 pencils delight you with lush tropical hues, deep metallics, and unusually vibrant neutrals. The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too.

Sample size: 0.8 g
Sample value: $12.67

Mai Couture - Highlighter Papier in St. Barts ($28.00/50 sheets)
Add radiance to desired areas of your face and body. The shimmering highlighter paper from Mai Couture will illuminate any dullness for a glowing complexion. 

Sample size: 25 sheets
Sample value: $14.00

Mirabella - Prime for Face and Eyes ($29.00/12.85 g)
Prime for Face and Eyes weightless, oil-free formula glides onto help promote long-wearing makeup. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant to smooth out lines as it moisturizes and protects skin. Prime provides a silky feel to the skin as it aids in repairing cellular damage.

Sample size: 12.85 g
Sample value: $29.00

Be a Bombshell - Lipgloss in Hot Mess ($14.00/3 g)
The perfect holiday “true red” lip gloss that goes on sheer! Layer for a more opaque look. This formula instantly creates the look of fuller more voluptuous lips with luminous shine. This maximum-shine, moisturizing gloss will be perfect for any haute holiday party.

Sample size: 3 g
Sample value: $14.00

Bonus Item - Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm
Minimize pores, lines, wrinkles and redness instantly. Get significantly firmer, more lifted skin in 8 weeks. 

Not yet released!  Will be available exclusively on UrbanDecay.com on January 8th.

Total bag value: $72.67

I'm thrilled with this bag and thought it had a really great assortment of products.  At first glace I was afraid the red Be a Bombshell lipgloss was a little too orangey to work on my skin tone, but it's absolutely lovely!  It looks gorgeous worn sheer and layers beautifully to reach more opacity.  I'll be reaching for this gloss all winter long.  I already own and enjoy the Urban Decay eye pencil in Zero.  I'll happily keep this as a back up or pass it along to a friend/family member for Christmas.  I haven't tried the NYX loose shadow, the Mai Couture highlighter, or the Mirabella primer yet, but look forward to it!

As for my first impression of the new, not-yet-released Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm...  I think this is a unique idea!  At first I thought the product was another take on BB Cream (Blemish Balm), but after having tried the product and reading the claims and descriptions in more detail, I realize it's purpose is a little different.  (As far as I can tell) The Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm only comes in one shade.  Unfortunately it's a little dark/yellow for super fair girls like myself; however, the product is sheer and can be worn under foundation so the shade shouldn't matter too much.  Unlike traditional BB Creams, the Naked Skin Beauty Balm is very sheer and offers little coverage (though if you have lovely skin, you could probably wear it alone).  What it does offer is a slew of skincare benefits.  The multitasking formula perfects, protects, treats, primes, and hydrates the skin.  In just 8 weeks, it claims to inhibit DNA damage, firm skin, improve elasticity and fight wrinkles.  While after a quick first time use, I certainly can't say how well the product lives up to these claims.  I can say that I found the product to have a pleasant, almost minty scent and thought it felt nice on the skin (undetectably really, even "Naked").

Would I purchase it?  Probably not.  I have very oily, acne-prone skin.  Due to active breakouts and post-acne scars, I need something with quite a bit of coverage which this product does not offer.  Because I have very oily skin, I also tend to try to avoid too many unnecessary steps between my skincare and foundation as I find the extra product tends to work against my makeup lasting.  That said, I would definitely recommend those with fairly nice skin who only need minimal coverage, or those looking for an anti-aging, reparative product to give this a try.  It's a unique concept and it was a definite perk to be able to give this a try before it's release!

December 2012 Birchbox

While I have to say I wasn't wowed my by December Birchbox, at least I'll probably use all the samples I received this month.  Having been subscribed to GLOSSYBOX for a few months now and having recently resubscribed to Ipsy (formerly MyGlam), I've been less and less impressed with my monthly Birchboxes by comparison.  I do still enjoy receiving my box each month, I just feel like you get a lot more product for your investment with the other services.

That said, my December Birchbox included the following samples:

Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture perfume ($90/3.4 oz)
Juicy's signature fragrance is a blend of sweet and floral notes.  Sophisticated and feminine, it's perfect for day or night.

Sample size: 0.05 oz
Sample value: $1.32

Mox Botanicals - Pomegranate & Fig Lip Butter ($16/0.2 oz)
This eco-chic balm (in an exclusive flavor!) revives lips with avocado oil and shea butter.

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $8

Number 4 - Clarifying Shampoo ($32/250 ml)
Get over your lather addiction.  Gentle enough for everyday use, this unique cleanser features a low-suds formula that removes build-up without stripping hair of essential oils.

Sample size: 52 ml
Sample value: $6.66

theBalm Cosmetics - Hot Mama ($20/7.08 g)
How cute is this peachy blush?  The universally flattering pigment is laced with faint golden shimmer to add warmth to your complexion.

Sample size: 1 g
Sample value: $2.82

Beauty Extra - Tweezerman Filemate ($5/1 file)
There is no greater tragedy than a broken nail.  Keep this cute patterned file in your purse to fix mani mishaps.

Sample size: 1 file
Sample value: $5

Total box value: $23.80

Certainly not a fantastic month, but I like the assortment of samples I received this month better than those from the last several months.  I've found Birchbox pretty lackluster as a whole recently.  For the first year+ of my subscription, it seemed like every other box was pretty fantastic with a so-so box or a complete dud in between.  Now I feel like I'm lucky to get a so-so box.

Since receiving my December box, I've tried out the Juicy Couture perfume (it's okay, but I definitely prefer the lighter scent of the Viva la Juicy and La Fleur versions), the Mox Botanicals Lip Butter (it's a little thin and greasy feeling), and the Balm blush (reminds me a little of Nars' Orgasm, only more bronze - pretty but not the best shade for my fair pinky skin tone).  I've yet to try the Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo, so we'll see how that goes.  The Tweezerman file is a nice extra.  I appreciate that the extra is actually beauty related this month and this will be a nice little addition to my purse.

Overall, not a bad month but not fantastic either.  Come on, Birchbox, when are you going to wow me again?

November 2012 Glam Bag

I have another beauty subscription service to share with you.  Ipsy (formerly MyGlam) and I have an interesting history.  When the service launched last December, I immediately and enthusiastically signed up.  The first bag was amazing - full of generously sized high end makeup products.  Then January rolled around and the company apparently received more new subscribers than they could handle and a huge number of Glam Bags never reached customers that month (myself included).  February came and brought with it a disappointing array of drugstore products, microscopic sample sizes, and the inclusion of a coupon as a "sample."  I gave the company one more month, but when March disappointed me yet again, I decided to take a break from the company and see if the quality of the service would improve.

Fortunately the company took complaints from their subscribers seriously and began offering more makeup from high end brands.  After seeing quality samples sent out a few months in a row, I decided it was time I gave the Ipsy another chance.  I'm glad I did because the November 2012 Glam Bag certainly didn't disappoint.

For a very reasonable $10, the November Glam Bag included the following samples in addition to a makeup bag:

Starlet Cosmetics - Intense Eyeliner in Black ($11.00/1.5 g)
These creamy eyeliner pencils glide on to deliver a lasting vibrant color in chocolate or black.  Blend or line your lids to create your favorite glam look, whether a smokey eye or a straight line wing tip.

Sample size: 1.5 g
Sample value: $11.00

theBalm - Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow in Matt Batali ($34.50/9.5 g)
Matt Batali is just one of nine shadows found in theBalm's Meet Matt(e) compact palette (named after their favorite Matthews next door) which can be combined to create a multitude of soft and wearable looks.  Matt Batali leaves a dark, matte finish, perfect for creating a smokey eye.

Sample size: 0.9 g
Sample value: $3.27

Nailtini - Nail Laquer in Millionaire ($13.00/.5 oz)
Introducing Millionaire nail lacquer from the new Nailtini “Speakeasy” Collection chosen specifically for the ipsy community. Millionaire spikes a base of rose gold micro-glitter with iridescent gold and teal tinsels for statement-making nails, whether worn alone or as a dazzling special-effect topcoat. The only line of lacquer developed to maximize the creativity of the user by "cocktailing" different shades, Nailtini serves up endless color possibilities with amazing performance, hip sensibility and tongue-in-cheek attitude.

Sample size: 0.5 oz
Sample value: $13.00

bareMinerals - Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Dare Devil ($18.00/.14 oz)
Unleash your inner moxie with a fabulously full, pillowy pout. The luscious marvelous Moxie lipgloss delivers vibrant sheer-to-medium color with a glistening mirror-like finish. Infused with natural ingredients, exotic oils, botanical extracts and antioxidants, the refreshing formula smoothes and hydrates lips for exceptional comfort without any stickiness or tackiness.

Sample size: 0.07 oz
Sample value: $9.00

Benefit - They're Real!  Beyond Mascara ($23.00/8.5 g)
They're Real! Beyond Mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates. The jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!

Sample size: 3.0 g
Sample value: $8.12

Total bag value: $44.39

I've gotten to try out a few of the items from my bag since I received it and most of them are fantastic!  I've been wearing the bareMineral lipgloss and the Benefit mascara almost daily since I got them.  I've tried out the Nailtini polish and the Matt Batali eyeshadow from theBalm as well and enjoy them.  I haven't tried the Starlet Cosmetics eyeliner yet, but I'm a little worried about the staying powder from the fact that when I swatched it on my hand it never set.  Perhaps it would be great smoked out with a little shadow for a smudgy look.

I'm definitely very pleased overall with the contents of the November Glam Bag and have high hopes that the coming months will continue to impress.

May 2012 GLOSSYBOX USA

It's been absolutely ages since my last post.  I have missed blogging terribly and am excited to be back!  I've decided to start sharing snippets of my life beyond the occasional cooking adventure.  My May GLOSSYBOX arrived today and I couldn't wait to share the contents with you all!

I've been a beauty subscription addict for the last year or more, starting when I signed up for Birchbox in April of 2011.  I've tried out a few services since then: Birchbox, NewBeauty TestTube, Beautyfix, myglam, Julep Maven, and now GLOSSYBOX.  I've had a love/hate relationship with many of the subscription services out there (Birchbox, for example, can be especially hit or miss for me), but none of the services had me as excited upon their launch as GLOSSYBOX.

For those who haven't heard of GLOSSYBOX, they may very well be the most widespread of the subscription services out there, servicing over 15 countries worldwide!  They finally launched in the USA with their May 2012 box being the first offered to the public for purchase.  For $21/month they offer "5 exciting travel-size beauty products" from "the crème de la crème of international brands."

 The first thing I noticed about GLOSSYBOX that really made them stand out among other services I have tried is their packaging.  While I feel that several other companies have excelled in offering beautiful packaging, GLOSSYBOX was above and beyond anything I'd seen to date.

Inside an adorable cardboard box printed with the GLOSSYBOX logo is a very sturdy and lovely pale pink box.  Such a pretty box would definitely be kept and used again.  I could even see myself using it as a gift box as the GLOSSYBOX branding is simple and chic.

Inside the contents of the box were wrapped in elegant black tissue paper and tied with a soft pink bow.  Enclosed with the products is a card introducing GLOSSYBOX and listing the month's contents.

I can't express how impressed I was with the packaging!  What a treat is was to open such a precious parcel.

Nestled safely were five "samples" and an extra treat.

1.  Amore Pacific - Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel ($100/1.7 oz)
A hydrating gel moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling bright and refreshed.  Notice your complexion visibly improve, giving you confidence and a natural glow.

Sample size: 0.27 oz
Sample value: $15.88

2. Burberry Beauty - Lip Mist Natural Lip Sheer Lipstick in Copper No. 202 ($30/.12 oz)
A creamy lipstick that offers a hint of natural, sheer color leaving your lips moist and dewy.  The perfect present for the perfect pout.

Sample size: 0.028 oz
Sample value: $7

3. Marvis - Marvis Whitening ($7.50/1.23 oz)
Make the most of your splendid smile with a whitening toothpaste dripping in cool mint freshness, all while protecting against decay, tartar, and plaque.

Sample size: 1.23 oz
Sample value: $7.50

4. Phyto- Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask for Dry Hair ($38/6.7 oz)
Indulge in luxury and aroma with a conditioning treatment that moisturizes and detangles strands without weighing hair down.  Nourish, revive and delight.

Sample size: 1.7 oz
Sample value: $9.64

5. Zoya - Summer 2012 Beach and Surf Collection in Lara ($8/0.5 oz)
Dive into the creamy shades and shimmering sea foils of the Zoya Beach & Surf Collection.  Allow your nails to go on vacation every day.

Sample size: 0.5 oz
Sample value: $8

Extra - GLOSSYBOX Blush Brush crafted from the finest goat's hair - an essential for any world beauty jetsetter.

Total box value: $48.02

I was really impressed and excited about the contents of the May GLOSSYBOX!  Each and every product is one that I'll use and look forward to doing so.  I'm crazy about the Zoya polish in Lara--such a pretty pink for summer.

The Burberry lipstick, while tiny, has the most gorgeous packing with the iconic Burberry print not only on the exterior lipstick packing, but imprinted on the bullet itself!  The lipstick is almost too darling to use.  The copper shade looks like it'll be a universally flattering neutral.

My first impressions of the May GLOSSYBOX are high!  I'll be back next month to share the contents of my June box and perhaps give a little update on what I thought about the products from this month, once I have a chance to really try them out.

If you received a May GLOSSYBOX, let me know what you thought!