April 2013 Julep Maven Box

The April Julep Maven polishes were all bright and vibrant shades, which usually aren't my favorites.  There were a couple of colors (a hot pink and red creme) that caught my eye, but they were so similar to shades I already have in my collection that I nearly passed on this month's Maven box altogether.  What did strike my curiosity were the products included in the new "Modern Beauty" style profile (perfect for those who want to skip the polish and try products instead).  The April "Modern Beauty" box included two new Julep products: the Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum and the Dry Clean Invisible Dry Shampoo.

Now, to be completely honest, I probably wouldn't have purchased the box this month had I not had enough referral credits to cover the cost of the box.  $19.99 (the cost of the monthly Julep Maven box) is a bit steep, in my opinion, for a dry shampoo and a cuticle serum that may or may not work for me.  That said, I'm always really curious about the new products Julep releases and I am excited to test these out.

The Dry Clean Invisible Dry Shampoo claims to be a "lightweight spray-on powder that absorbs oil, adds body, and leaves no residue."  This is a pretty typical claim of a lot of dry shampoos, though most fall short and aren't truly invisible or residue-free.  Julep created an entire video to introduce this dry shampoo and provide tips on how to use it.

I am incredibly particular when it comes to dry shampoo.  I have tried tons over the past couple of years and have liked only a couple (Batiste and Lush Do Drought are my favorites).  Upon first use of this dry shampoo, I have to say I'm really impressed!  It does seem to be truly invisible and residue-free.  I had my second day hair back in a tight pony tail before using this product, so I didn't really see any added body, but it certainly was invisible and left my hair feeling absolutely clean and product-free while removing the grease and shine.  I'll have to give this product a more thorough test before I really form an opinion about it, but so far so good.  I will say that I think the product is incredibly overpriced at $22.00 for only 3 oz. of product.  I'd probably go through the entire can in 2-4 weeks.  So, unless this product worked miracles, I definitely wouldn't consider repurchasing it.

The Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum claims to 'transform dry and damaged cuticles overnight and to give visibly stronger, smoother nails with fewer ridges and less splitting and brittleness in only 2-3 weeks.'  The formula is filled with "peptides--super-charged amino acids that build keratin (for your nails) and collagen (for your cuticles)."  The directions suggest applying the serum twice a day for the first two weeks of use, then once a week afterward.  Conveniently, it can be applied on bare or polishes nails.

I have pretty healthy nails and cuticles to begin with.  My nails grow super fast (about 2 mm a week) and I don't really experience any breaking or peeling.  My cuticles, on the other hand, could always use a little extra moisture.  I'll have to report back in a few weeks with any noticeable changes I see in my nails after using this product, but I do enjoy the initial application and hydration the serum provides.  It sinks into the nails and cuticles almost immediately, so there isn't any drying time like one experiences with a greasy, thick oil or cuticle cream.  Immediately upon use, the cuticles appear hydrated and any dryness is taken care of.  My first impressions of this serum are favorable and I look forward to seeing what benefits it will provide over time.  The serum retails for $28.00 for .09 oz of product.  Definitely not cheap, but products like this tend to last a while so this one may be worth a repurchase if it ends up impressing me.

First impressions have me pretty excited to see how these two products work for me over the coming weeks.  Let me know if you're interested in a more in-depth review after I've had time to really test them out.

March 2013 GLOSSYBOX USA

The March GLOSSYBOX was Spring Fling themed, "Spring is everywhere, and here at GLOSSYBOX we couldn't be more excited!  For us, it's all about renewal - updating your look, refreshing your skin.  To help you shake off winter, we've designed an array of delightful springtime beauty."  Well, I think GLOSSYBOX is a little wishful in their thinking when they claim "spring is everywhere" when much of the country, including my neck of the woods, is still experiencing frequent snow.  I'm longing for spring as much as the next gal so I'm looking forward to some fresh, fun spring products!

My March GLOSSYBOX included five samples from makeup to skincare and haircare and one "gift certificate."  Overall it was a pretty diverse box, which I typically appreciate.

I received the following samples in my March GLOSSYBOX:

Elite Models - Intensity Eye Pencil in Secret Grey ($14.00/.04 oz)
This ultra soft and creamy eye pencil from France ensures there will be no tugging involved when you achieve the perfect eye line.  Its waterproof and long lasting formula can withstand the most extreme of climates, which will definitely come in handy as the weather warms up.

Sample size: .04 oz
Sample value: $14.00

This eyeliner is creamy, opaque, and sets fairly quickly to a smudge-proof finish.  The shade I received, Secret Grey has a really lovely, subtle shimmer and a medium grey tone that can be easily layered to achieve an almost black boldness.  The quality seems great and I look forward to wearing this!

Koh Gen Do Cosmetics - Oriental Plants Emollient Cream ($123.00/1.06 oz)
This rich, moisturizing face cream melts into skin, protecting and nourishing it from dryness.  It is a well-kept secret for fresh dewy skin that contains vitamin A and botanical extracts, which leaves your skin feeling sooth and looking radiant.

Sample size: .28 oz
Sample value: $32.49

I'm always skeptical of expensive facial creams.  Especially after the $225 facial cream from my January GLOSSYBOX proved nothing special, I really have doubts that any pricey facial cream is that special (at least for someone my age who doesn't have aging skin concerns).  This cream has no scent and a very light texture.  I haven't applied it to my face yet, but when rubbed into the back of my hand, it absorbs almost immediately and, honestly, doesn't seem very moisturizing.  The lightweight texture may end up being lovely for someone with oily skin like myself, but I'll have to give it a proper try to see.

ModelCo - Cheek & Lip Tint in Rosy Red ($24.00/10ml)
This cheek and lip tint provides the right amount of color for a natural rosy flush, just in time for spring!  This gel formulation leaves you with "just pinched" cheeks and sexy, lightly stained lips.

Sample size: 10ml
Sample value: $24.00

When I first saw the vibrant pink color of the packaging, I was a little nervous about this tint.  However, the actual color proves more warm and rosy and less hot pink.  I find the tint very sheer, almost annoyingly so.  It takes a few coats to really show an obvious flush.  However, for those who have trouble working with cheek stains, the sheer, buildable coverage might be the perfect, user-friendly formula.

Prestiche - Essential Oil Bar Soap in Green Machine ($16.99/125 g)
This bar soap is made from the highest quality all-natural ingredients, which are hand selected by seasoned botanists, herbalists and cosmetic gurus.  It will soothe even those with extremely sensitive skin, as it contains rich essential oils and vitamins that work to leave skin soft, refreshed, and aromatic.

Sample size: 54 g
Sample value: $7.34

First of all, let me just say that the label on this soap is misleading.  The sample is not 125g as shown on the label (it's actually 54 g).  That aside, the scent isn't my favorite, but the ingredient list looks promising so I'll give this a go to see what I think.

In addition to the soap, there was also a $40 Prestiche "gift certificate" included in my box.  The $40 can be redeemed toward anything on their website; however, it cannot be applied toward tax and shipping (which is a steep $12), so I couldn't consider it a true gift certificate since you're still required to cover some costs with any purchase made.

Sebastian Professional - Shaper Fierce ($17.00/10.6 oz)
From unkempt bed heads to high-fashion chignons, this shaping spray provides buildable, flexible hold while maintaining a high-shine gloss - a definite must-have for keeping your fashionable 'dos in place.

Sample size: 1.5 oz
Sample value: $2.41

Not much to say about this hairspray since I've yet to give it a try.  I'm not a huge fan of firm hold hairsprays as they tend to weigh my fine hair down and actually cause curls to fall flat faster.  I do like them occasionally for updo's so I'll give this a go for that.

Total box value: $80.24

{A heavy swatch of the Elite Models Intensity Eye Pencil (left) and the ModelCo Cheek + Lip Tint (right).}

Overall, I'm on the fence with this box.  I really could do without the soap and facial cream; not really excited about those.  The hairspray is a whatever product for me - I'll definitely use it but don't expect to be wowed by the firm-hold formula.  The eyeliner is pretty and is fairly unique among the ever-growing collection of eyeliners I've accumulated.  As for the cheek + lip tint, I'll have to play around with that a bit more to see how well it works on my skin.  Would I have paid the $21 subscription cost of the box had I known the products I'd be receiving?  Definitely not.

What did you think of your March GLOSSYBOX?

World Peace Cookies

Take a seat folks, I have to tell you about these cookies.  First of all, let me say that they're named World Peace Cookies for a reason.  These humble-looking treats are so transcendentally delicious that they could stop conflicts, end wars, and bring about world peace.  Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but trust me, these cookies are epic.  Dark with the deep flavor of rich cocoa, packed with rustic bittersweet chocolate chunks, and surprisingly yet fantastically salty, these cookies are a unapologetically bold and sensational.  I promise you won't be able to eat just one (unless you hate chocolate, in which case I feel sorry for you).

Confession:  I made these cookies twice in four days.  I baked the first batch last Saturday with full intent to get photos of them to share here on the blog.  Then hubby surprised me by announcing we were hosting last minute company for an evening game night and I got derailed with cleaning and wasn't able to get photographic evidence before the cookies were devoured.  So, naturally, I made another batch just a few days later.

The first time around, I followed Dorie's recipe exactly while the second time, out of curiosity, I made a couple of minor adjustments that Jamie of My Baking Addiction had suggested (decreasing the flour by 1 tablespoon while increasing the butter by the same).  While Jamie's suggestions made the dough a little easier to work with, I preferred the slightly sharper look of the cookies made following the original measurements.  Both tasted fantastic.

These cookies are really a simple slice-and-bake dough.  They're great to keep on hand in the freezer for unexpected company or a sudden, intense chocolate craving.  Bake a batch and, if you can bring yourself to do so, share a few.  Spread a little peace and love and chocolate.

World Peace Cookies
recipe by Dorie Greenspan via bon appétit
makes about 36 cookies

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped into chips

Sift flour, cocoa, and baking soda into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth but not fluffy. Add both sugars, vanilla, and sea salt; beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add flour mixture; beat just until blended (mixture may be crumbly). Add chopped chocolate; mix just to distribute (if dough doesn't come together, knead lightly in bowl to form ball). Divide dough in half. Place each half on sheet of plastic wrap. Form each into 1 1/2-inch-diameter log. Wrap each in plastic; chill until firm, about 3 hours (may be refrigerated up to three days).

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using thin sharp knife, cut logs crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. (The cookies may crumble and break while slicing, but have no fear, just press the rounds back together and they'll be perfect.) Space 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake 1 sheet at a time until cookies appear dry (cookies will not be firm or golden at edges), 11 to 12 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.