7 minute empties video

yes, a vidya. i thought that doing a video would be the way to go with my trash, so enjoy. i will be doing these once a week until i get through my empties box.

Rando-s

BUNCHES OF RANDOMNESS! Haha....

I won these, I don't know where from as they didn't say. Basically these are body wipes to freshen up when you don't have time. They are great for after active or hot days.

I am excited to try these. Basically the bottom two are to go mix ins to flavor water. The other three are to add in to your drink when you don't have the actual citrus juice. They are literally packets of crystalized _____(insert fruit here).

Top and bottom whitening strips, $5 Klout McDonald's card, and two Emergen-C packets.

Ricola, with a fizzy center...whhhaaaaaaa

IPSY vs IPSY---October and November 2014

Yay!! I finally got November's Ipsy so that I can review two month's bags side-by-side!! There are some hit and shits, so stay tuned......

 Let's start with November..... the theme is 'Girl Meets Glitter' and yes, they fulfilled the glitter-ness that is hinted at.  The bag was done in conjunction with Forever21 Cosmetics, though I didn't get anything from their line- many did. Without further ado, here is what was inside:

* Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hairspray, Infused with Keratin-- I was up in the air about this product when I received my sneak peek. My honest opinion? The smell is gross. It smells like cough syrup, no joke. However, I can get past that scent with the fact that it works well. It dries quickly, ads shine from the oils, and keeps my hair in place. It didn't make my hair crunchy or greasy. This size is considered the travel size, and is available at ULTA for $8.99.

*clariSEA Instant Glow Powder Exfoliant-- I haven't tried this yet, but I am excited. It is basically salt and oils, and can be mixed with any cleanser. My hope are high! The full size is 4oz and is $18. That makes this 1oz deluxe sample worth $4.50.

*Nicole By OPI in Guys and Galaxies-- In the bottle, this looks grand. It is a silver glitter with square larger glitter pieces (that are iridescent in color changes) in a clear base. However, once on it is plain. I will use it as a top coat, but there is nothing special about it. Ipsy lovers have already listed this on sale sites for $2, though it probably would retail for $5-7.

*Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Base in Submissive- I dig this, a lot. It is a great taupe/gold color. At first, I was worried that it was too dark for an eye base- but it took shadow very well and reminds me of MAC paintpots. This retails for $14.

*Temptu S/B Highlighter in Pink Pearl-- Hmmmmmm. Seriously, I was excited- but now I don't know. I had planned on using this for looks that would be photographed- but it DOESNT SHOW IN PHOTOS (flash and no flash alike). IRL, this was gorgous....on film there is nothing to judge. I plan on trying to mix it into a foundation and also try it with an airbrush. A 1oz is $27.50, which makes this .1oz sample worth $2.75.

The total of this box is $35.24

I kept trying to show swatches of the eyebase, polish, and highlighter....but the camera wasn't picking them up to well. The brown is the base, the pink above it is the highlighter, and that speckled thumb is the polish...lol

 Next up, October..... The theme was Beauty Candy....

This box was a miss for me. But the one item I love, I have used the hell out of.

*ECRU Acacia Protein BB Cream for Hair-- This made my thick/coarse hair stringy/greasy/dry...
yuck. I was so so so excited for this product, and it disappointed me sooooo much. There isn't much of a smell. Here is the deal- this sucks, hard....Hair products should not make alcohol a top ingredient, especially when it is supposed to moisturize.  A 4.2oz on their website is $30, making this 1oz worth $7.14.

*Figs and Rouge Mango-Mandarin Hand Cream with Shea Butter-- This is another YUCK. The smell is like fake orange candy. The formula is watery, but manages to make my hands soft without being greasy. I wanted to love this, but no. The smell is just so fake that I can't get over it. (Wow, I smell like a scent snob, but we all have those smells that trigger bad memories and this is one for me). This sale is available online for $8.40.

*Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths-- I dig these, but they dry out quickly. Personally, I like wipes that say moist the whole time I wipe off my face. They work, nothing special. A lot of people complained that their eyes and skin burned- but I had no issues.  A 30 pack is $15 at ULTA, making this 10 pack worth $5.

*Jesse's Girl Mineralized Baked Powder Eyeshadow in Graphite Frost-- This is the one item I fucking love. The name says it all. I can't rave enough about this. The color is perfect for a smokey eye, or for themed makeup...it even worked with a simple daytime look. These are $3.99 and look at these colors!!!

*Noyah Lipstick in Deeply in Mauve-- I thought I was going to love it, but again-no. The color just doesn't mesh well with my natural lip color, which happens often to me. The formula and pigmentation is primo. A 4.5g tube is $18, making this 1.4g sample worth about $4.50

Shadow, sans primer---and lipstick.

The total for October was $29.03.

Random Freebies

Here is the mismash from freebie heaven...... ready? It will be quick....

First, are these random 12 scent thingys (lol) from Colonial Candle. Basically, these are 'scent testers'. I will be using them in closets, drawers, and the bathroom. Anywhere that needs freshening up.

Next, another three pack from the Suave Natural Infusion line. I have already tried these, and hate them. They left my thick/dry hair dull and greasy.

Finally, I made bracelets with Shapeways via Google. The Made with Code site lets you make a bracelet with code for free. I made two. They are child size, but luckily I have small wrists. I can't wait to wear one at work as a conversation piece.

IPSY September 2014 Street Style

Yay, another great Ipsy bag. The physical bag is one of my favorite when it comes to quality. The studs aren't cheaply added, the bag is soft yet sturdy, and it doesn't have the plastic smell that most of their bags do.

Contents:
-Briogeo Don't Despare, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask.... This smells absolutely amazing and I can't wait to give it a go.  A full size is 5.25 oz and is $26- making this 1 oz sample worth $4.95.
- NYX Hot Single Eyeshadow in Dressed to Kill.... I am in love with this shadow. It is a Grey/Silver with Purple/Red shimmer. I believe it is from the Fashion Victim line, and I will be looking into the other colors. According to Ulta.com, these run $4.49.
-Cailyn Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss.... So, I was super excited because the color is almost identical to my favorite gloss. BUT (and that is a big but, like Kardashian), it stinks like old makeup and rubber. I think I received a bad one :( This is a $19 product.
- Crown Brush Dual Ended Crease and Shadow Brush.... Errrmahgerd, I was stoked for this. I needed this as my brushes are getting close to retirement (lol). This is currently on sale for $10.61.
- Pacifica eyeliner Mini in Fringe.... I am not opening this, so I cannot comment on the quality/pigmentation. I don't do brown eyeliner often, and already have a couple open that I use if I do. A full size is $10.99 for 0.1oz, making this .026oz worth about $2.75

This bag was, approx, worth $41.80....well worth the $10 that I spent.

If you would like to join, here is my link! Click- you know you want to! This is like a big red button in a spaceship!

Pinch me! For him!

Pinch me has recognized that the majority of samplers and reviewers are women; so what have they done? They have decided to take aim at the male market. I received an email about this, and signed my boyfriend up. The samples weren't much different, but seemed easier to get than normal.

Included:

- 1 Lifestyles condom

- 1 packet of American Crew Power Cleanser Style Remover

- 2 packets of Gevalia ground coffee.....one is Signature Blend, and the other is Select Varietal Colombia

Looking at all of this together, it seems like their audience aim is more at the college crowd than the general male public....lol

Bzzagent, take two with Dial!

Normally, bzzagent sends a package that is meant to be shared. This one was a bit different, it was all for me. Dial's new product claims to have 'clinically proven' that it will clear your skin in 3 days.

What was in the package?
- 3 sample packets, each containing a body wash and face wash
-3 $1 off coupons

How did it fare?
I felt clean, though I am not sure if I actually noticed a difference in my skin. Studies have shown that it is something like 5-7 days that a 'zit' will sit under your skin before it actually appears visually noticeable, so I think the 3 day claim is just that- a claim. Would I buy it? I would, I felt clean in a sterile/comfortable way- which is how I want to feel when getting out of the shower.

BZZAGENT and My Monopoly

Let's start with the usual schpeil... Bzzagent is a website that has you take surveys and then sends out things for you to try, share, and review.

This time, I received 'My Monopoly', coupons to share, and a code for $10 off at shutterfly.com.

This game is mighty cool. Basically you use your phone or computer to register and select images. Then you print off those images onto stickers- and those stickers become your pieces and cards and property pictures. It is a fun way to customize your gameplay.

This is a prelim review, as I will be having a game night soon......

A New (?) Sample Site

After hearing about this on YouTube, I raced to their site and signed up... OMG so many freebies, and so easy. You basically say that you want to try this or that and then wait to see if they released it as a sample and if you get one! I received Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds (Hemp Hearts) from Manitoba Harvest. These can be added to cereal, salad, yogurt, etc. I also received 2 (I don't know how) Rock Your Hair 'Spray It Hard' Big Volume Hair Spray. I was excited about this, but I recently saw a review on the brand where the girl using their shampoo, conditioner, treatment, etc (IE the full line) said it fried and dried her hair.

GET SWAGGED

PINCH ME!

See those Dove product on the right? I think I ordered those in March, then I told them I never received them...boom like a week later I got them. Lol. Pinch me is a freebie site that only does samples on specific Tuesdays. They also send out random discount codes, and have recently started doing male specific sampling offers.

Let's start with those two uber late products. They are a shampoo and conditioner from the Oxygen Moisture Advanced Hair Series by Dove. They have the signature Dove clean smell. I am not sure if I will use them, as they say they are for fine/flat hair and I have the complete opposite. Even without trying it, I do plan on checking out the line to see if they have something else for my hair type.

Next up.....Sinful Colors polish in 'Eva So Bright'. This is a very bright pink and is probably a 1-2 coat polish (based on the drip test). I do like the brand, but always warn people to not put it on too thick- as it will peel.

Lastly, Gevalia Signature Blend coffee grounds. I love coffee, oh so much. And I love free coffee even more :)

Sign up, and remember that their time is based on the East Coast---adjust accordingly.

Smiley360 Arm & Hammer

First, let's start with what smiley360 is.  It reminds me of Bzzagent, but with a fairly confusing website. I try to keep up with what I need to do, but it makes me worried because I feel like I am not doing what I am should be.

Check Smiley360 out here!

This time, they sent me the Arm&Hammer Truly Radiant Spin Brush and toothpaste. The toothpaste is whitening and enamel strengthening. Yes, it does do that- and it does it well. The toothbrush, errrrr, spinbrush is pretty cool and always left my mouth feeling clean and sanitized (if you will). I had two issues with these products. A) The toothbrush is kinda hard to turn on. B) The toothpaste is so strong that you can taste it an hour or more later. I know that can be good- but if you are brushing before going to lunch or coffee, avoid using this.

All in all, I do recommend these and plan on buying replacement heads for the brush (or a new brush if that is how they do it).

Smiley360 Preparation H for Women

Yes, you read that correctly. This may be an odd campaign to be a part of- but think about this:

*all women will experience hemorrhoids during their lifetime, though they might not know that is what is happening
*the main-active ingredient is witch hazel- which is amazing for your skin.

I was supposed to test these on my bum....but...... I haven't needed them there. Instead, I have used them for my face. With witch hazel, aloe, cucumber, vitamin E, chamomile, and shea butter- THESE ARE AMAZING FOR YOUR FACE! The scent is like cucumber with a hint of lavender and they are def cooling.

I found a page talking about the amazingness that is witch hazel...I feel like everyone should know how good it is for your skin, especially since you can find toner made from it for suuuuper cheap.

EDUCATE YO'SELF HURRR

IPSY July VERSUS August

I decided that I would hold off posting about Ipsy until I had two bags, that way they can be easier to compare side by side.

Left- July       Right- August

JULY-- Value approx. $41.49

This bag was meh. 

 Purlisse SPF 30 Sunscreen- This sample is .5 oz and is basically useless for me. I have a lot of sunscreens, including a full size of this from when I had the Blush Beauty Box subscription. Full size is 1.7oz and 20.99, making this small sample worth about $3.50

BareMinerals 5in1 BB cream eyeshadow in Devine Wine- This sample is uber tiny, but it only takes a 'drop' to do each eye. It is long lasting, quick drying, and seemingly waterproof. I really like it and want to check out other colors (there are 10). A lot of people complained about the size, but it is a third of the full size. A full size is $24 for 3ml, making this 1ml sample worth $8.

POPbeauty Sunkissed bronzer in Secret Sunshine- At first I was excited because it seemed to not be an orange bronzer. Then I opened it and noticed how extreme the shimmer in it is. It's bad, like Jersey Shore bad. As much as I dislike it as a bronzer, it 

                                                         works as an eyeshadow. This is full sized, and hard to find online.

It seems to be worth $5.  

Faith Aromatherapy Anti-Oxidant Body Lotion in Citrus/Ginger- YUCK. This smells like a weird lemony-gingery cleaning product....actually, I take that back. Does anyone remember those cheap plastic lime shaped things that had badly flavored sugar chunks in it? That is the smell. It is also basically ineffective as a moisturizer. I wouldn't even give this to a stranger. They say that they are organic and all scents are from essential oils. I haven't smelled any essential oils that are this synthetic smelling. On their website, an 8.5oz bottle is 17.99- making this 1 oz sample worth about $2. 

 Tints and Sass Fabulous Lip and Cheek Stain by Elizabeth Mott in Cherry- The packaging on this is effing cute. This color works well with my near albino skin, and it smells good. I prefer to use this on my lips, but it works on my cheeks too. It is very buildable. This is full size and worth $22.99.

 

With Flash

AUGUST- Value approx. $37.39

 

I dug this bag for the most part.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara- I was pretty excited about this, though I have yet to open it. I currently have SIX mascaras open and need to finish a couple first. This is 1/4 of the full size (which is $22), making this worth $5.50.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk- This is another product that I have a full size of from Blush! Haha. It is an ok dry shampoo and will be great for travel.The scent of this is better than most. A full size is $19.31 for 1.7 oz- making this sample worth $12.15.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More- Holy shit. I want to buy this in bulk. It is amazing. It corrected my skin tone and left me with a perfect canvas for make-up. It made me nervous at first because it comes out tinted, but it end up blending out to have no color. 1 oz of this is $45, making this .25oz sample worth $11.25!

J. Cat Beauty's Flying Solo Eyeshadow in Half Naked- This is a great base color. Like a sheer, wet-shine peach color.  These are $2.99 on their website.

Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner- So, when I first saw this I laughed and thought it was a joke. Seriously, MTV has ruined anything that has the words 'Jersey Shore' on their label. However, I really like this. The taste and scent are natural, citrusy, and fresh. It gives long lasting moisture. This is full size and worth $5.50.

All-in-all, these both had value and at least one item that I really dug. To sum it up- Yes, I am still in love with IPSY. 

 

Crowtap and Cottonelle

First video! Influenster VoxBox

Enjoy!

IPSY June 2014

Can we start with how great the bag is? As I have previously gushed, I love Ipsy so hard and June was no exception.

* Jessie's Girl Felt Tip Eyeliner- This is actually a great product for being a drugstore product. The tip is like a calligraphy pen and gives you the ability to do both a thick and fine line with precision. It also has amazing staying power. I had to use water and soap to be able to remove it. It also has a great lid/seal-- which is very important with a liquid liner. So, I can't find it anywhere on Amazon nro on Rite Aid's webpage...but I would value it at about $5.

*Skinn by Dimitri James Olive and Enzyme Cleanser. This is touted as but a rich balm make-up remover and a deep cleansing mask. I love masks- so it will probably be use for that. A full size is 4oz and is worth $20. This is 2oz, valuing this sample at $10.

*Be a.... Bombshell Lash Out Mascara. I haven't opened this yet due to the overwhelming amount of mascaras that I currently have opened, buuuuut I am intrigued. The packaging seems cheap, but most reviews are goo (except the ones saying it smells bad). This is a full size, worth $15.

* NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel. I was excited for this, and do like it. But I wont purchase a replacement once this is gone. The shine and moisture lasts, but it is the same shade as my natural lips. Full sized, valued at $5.

* Last but not least, Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray. I LOVE THIS. It smells like a devine pina colada and doesn't make my hair greasy or give it build up. Unlike other beach wave sprays- it isn't a salt spray. It leaves my hair with soft waves, and is the first one to work. A 4.2oz bottle is $19, making this 1.52oz sample worth about $7.

All in all, the value is great...I only spent ten dollars and received $42 worth.

If you want to sign up, feel free to use my code and LOVE SOME IPSY TODAY!

More Freebies!

Another set of freebies and samples!

P&G was my favorite site this past month. They alllllwayyys offer single samples and sampler kits.

From them I recieved:

--Cottonelle FreshCare Flushable Wipes. I am not sure how into these I will be, but they will be a good test run before my Crowtap kit of them comes in to review. This pack is 10 cloths, so it is a great sample size.

--Prilosec OTC. This is one of the samples they always give out. And I thank them. Both of us get heartburn, and it is nice to have different pills for the different levels and types.

--Olay and Herbal Essence Body washes. This came today and I was uber excited. I don't even remember signing up for them! I love both of these brands of body washes for different reasons. Olay is moisturizing, and Herbal Essence is fun, delicious, and leaves me feeling clean. The packaging and size of these are great for traveling- so they will probably be saved for later use.

Along with the P&G items, I received two Suave items.

The first is a sample. It is a set of three foil packets so that I can try the Natural Infusion Anti-Breakage line. Included is the shampoo and conditioner, and a strengthening leave in cream.

The next was a coupon that I won. It is good for one full sized Suave Professionals Visible Glow Self Tanning Body Lotion. Wow, that was a mouthful.  I am curious if this will work better than Jergens. I am very pale and the lightest Jergens leaves me orange after one use. Hopefully I will be able to find this product. I have looked at a few stores in my area and nothing yet :(

FREEBIES!

I love freebies. And I especially love when a bunch come in around the same time. Scotty laughs at me because I am obsessed with checking the mail. As a sampler, contest entrant, blogger, and subscription-a-holic - the mail is always full of surprises.

The Seattle's Best Coffee "Born In Seattle" was actually a sample I had ordered months ago, so I was surprised as hell when it came. We are coffee drinkers (and Seattle lovers). I can't wait to give this one a go, as I have yet to not enjoy a cup of Seattle's Best coffee.

A month or two ago, Grizzley Chew (and no, I don't chew) was giving away hot sauce. You got to pick your own mixture and name it. I chose the garlic cayenne and it is delicious. I am one of those weirdos that puts hot sauce on anything- so this will be gone soon!

For those of you who don't know, Walmart often has freebies on their website ( Click here to see what they have! ). This time I received a 3.2 oz bottle of cool mint Listerine. I am torn on using this as mouth was or to try the foot bath that has been making its rounds on the internet.

Now, most of you freebie lovers know about PinchMe. I think they felt bad for my failure in procuring their last two offerings- so they randomly sent me this.  A Shaklee 180 Energizing Smoothie in Vanilla. I am going to give it a go- but with soy instead of skim milk, due to my allergy.


Most of these came with coupons, and all were promotional. Let me know on this blog, twitter, or IG what you think I should do with the Listerine!

MAYDAY MAYDAY! IPSY IS THE FUCKING BOMB!

Bad joke, I know......

anyyyywhosier--- This is my delayed post for the May Ipsy bag. I am still in love with this $10/mnth sub.

Here are the deets...

*Coola Hang Ten Classic Sport Sunscreen SPF 50.....I havent opened this yet bc it is sealed. However, this 1 oz sample will be great for a few uses on my face and shoulders. Value: $2 (a six ounce tube is 12.99)

*Avene Eau Thermale Spray... So I love this, I had just ran out of my other thermal water. Now, I would never buy water in a can myself and the bottles I have/have had are from subscription services---but they are handy as fuck. I use these with sunburns and never peel when I do.Value: This is all over the place. Though I would say $2-3. You can get a three pack of this size (1.76 oz) for $13 or you can get a big bottle (10.58 oz) for about $16.

*Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask- Nom nom, these smells like delicious argan oil and vanilla. It works ok and says it can be either a mask or after shampoo conditioner. With my hair, it worked better as just a conditioner. Value: $20-$30 for a 16.9oz container. This sample is 2.03 oz making this worth $2.40 to 3.60.

*Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer- The smell was hard to get used to.Yes it smells like chocolate, but it is like a fake chocolate scent. I do like that the dust tastes good, lol. I have a stupidly hard time finding a bronzer that doesn't look orange on my albino skin (I will often just use brown eyeshadow to contour)....and this is no different. I love the staying power of it, but it is a tad orange. Though, that doesn't stop me from using it! I am not sure of the size (it will be lasting a long time bc it is probably a third of the full size), though I would value this at about $8, ulta says this sample retails for $19....which sounds ridiculous.

*Pacifica Duo Eyeshadow- Soooooo, the colors are great and it is full sized, but the pigment isnt there. Ironically enough, I have gotten a ton of compliments when I were it and it has become my go to on my natural face/quick face days. The sheen and tones go with my eye color splendidly. Value- I would say $5


Per usual- my value is based off of amazon/the brand site/zappos (last resort) as opposed to the inflate price of a beauty sales site.

The value wasn't insanely amazing...but I do love everything and it is all in great sizes.

Here is my link, if you would like to sign up.....   SUBSCRIBE NOW

BZZAGENT!

YAY! Finally, a BzzAgent campaign! My last one was cancelled, and I have been waiting for what seems like forever. BzzAgent is a lot of work for a freebie/coupon hag. You basically need to check daily and take ALL QUIZZES OFFERED. Anyways, I got Dr Scholl's DreamWalk High Heal Insoles. Now that I work retail- I will definitely be giving these a test. They seem soft, but also see reaaallly thick. I will keep you all posted. In the mean time- check out BzzAgent and get in on a campaign! Oh and coupons! They always send coups!

Sample Source freebies

I got my quarterly Sample Source box....and it was great! Before I go on, if you happen to be in Canada- GO SIGN UP. Their box is always amazing and stuffed to the brim.....Now, the US box----

-Breathe Right Strips-- I have yet to try them, but look forward to seeing how they handle my sinus issues once my allergies kick in 100%
- Colgate Toothbrush-- Scotty is trying this now, and he looooves it. It is soft and works well. Plus the packaging is great.
-  Tums Chewy Delights in Smooth Peppermint-- I had tried these before in cherry and loved them. These are ok, but I like the fruit flavor more. And yes, they help :)
- Tums Freshers-- I was already a fan of these and welcomed more, these are great for heartburn via spicy food.
-Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Kit- I will be trying this out next week (spoilers--it will be in my empties VIDEO that will be posted soon)

Sample Source does not ask for reviews or social media postings, which makes it a great freebie source....check it out! Sign up now, and next quarter you will be on the list to request samples.

https://samplesource.com

GRAZE BOX!

I started a new subscription...and am in love! Graze Box sends you snacks based on a profile you create. You also get to wade through their snack list and select what you would like to try or what you would never want. Another plus is that you select how often it arrives. I have mine set for every other week...at six bucks a pop it is still cheaper at twice a month than most other monthly boxes.

So yeah, I am basically head over stomach for this box.

If you get a chance- check it out. Not only for you, but for the good causes it supports. :)

 GRAZE IT!

 

ive missed you!

Sorry for the delay in posts. I have been super busy. Expect an Ipsy, freebies, and more coming in the next few days!

Sampley, Samples....

 

Klout... I have raved and raved about that site. Seriously, you have a fb, ig, twitter, or any social media page- you should have signed up by now.

McDonald's Arch Card- I feel like they send one out every month :)

Garnier Clean Balancing Daily Exfoliator- This was either a Walmart or Target freebie.

Jergens BB Body- This product confuses me bc the color goes away...so what is it? A lotion that does nothing but seems like it isn't sinking in and could stain like tanning lotion? Or is it a BB cream that makes your skin look good for one day?

 

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin, Nails Gummies With Biotin- I have been looking for a Biotin product, so if these are good then I will be using that dollar off coup :)

Sundown Naturals Adult Multivitamin, Gluten-Free Gummies- I'll try them, but probably wont buy.

My first ipsy!!!! I am in love!!

Let's start with a quick subscription box update.... I cancelled sample society. I had to. I ended up getting a Murad cleanser with my final box, and I was excited. I took it to use in the shower and when squeezed it out, it was barely coming our/smelled funny/looked yellow. I used it, because I know that many cleansers have an odor due to the ingredients. When I put it on my face, my face started burning. After rinsing it off, I tried to squeeze more out to look at it and it was still barely coming out. Once I unscrewed the lid, I discovered that there was a faulty seal on the product. This seal had a rust colored growth on it. I was disgusted. I know that I just got a bad product, but it icked me out sooo much that I cancelled. I would still recommend the subscription bc the value is there.

After that bad time, I decided to give ipsy try. Well, that was a home run. When I first began to look for a subscription box a little over a year ago- ipsy was under a different name, and all of the reviews were negative. Even though I was still nervous about the bag quality when I signed up last month, I did it. The unboxings on youtube def swayed that decision. I am glad I through caution to the went and subscribed.

For you that dont know, to subscribe you take part in a pyramid scheme like program. You sign up, hop in queue....to progress on that queue and receive a bag subscription, you need to get another friend to sign up. Once they have, they get in the queue and have to get another person to sign up. After typing that out, it seems more like the plot to the ring....

Anywas, I lucked out and two people used my code ( CLICK HERE FOR IPSY! ) within an hour of me signing up...Which meant---- I GOT THIS FUCKING AMAZEBALLS BAG O' MINIS SWAG

This is the bag I received, and it was the only downer in the whole subscription... it stunk. Like cheap, nonrated plastic and rubber. :(

ANNNNDDDD this is what I received inside.... A Cailyn lip balm, Benefit's Loli Tint, Kiss Lashes, City Color White Gold Shadow & Highlight Mousse, and Urban Decay's 24/7 Velvet eyeliner.


I love it all.

Loli Tint.... it reminds me of the color of the year- radiant orchid
Cailyn... this is ok, though I wish it wasnt hot pink. I do like the color and it will be great for hombre lips, but it stains your skin and lips quickly, which means hot pink around your mouth.
Kiss Lashes.... I am not sure about these. Comfy and soft with great shape- but too sparse.
City Color Shadow & Highlight Mousse... I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS. It will be a great base and a great highlighter. Long lasting, and a wonderfully nonobnoxious metallic sheen.
Urban Decay Liner- I have one of the regular 24/7s- and they last forever! My zero pencil is almost gone, so I am excited to not need to buy a replacement.

Indoor Lighting

Natural Lighting

Influenster UniVoxBox

Another VoxBox, another set of things to try. Here is a glimpse into the UniVoxBox and a review of a few of the items.....

 This box included a pen, press on nails, tea drops, tampons, foundation, and lipstick.

 The Acroball pen by Pilot writes very smooth and reminds me of the uniball gel pens.

I am very glad that I got the Earl Grey flavor of Red Rose Real Tea Drops. I haven't tried this yet, but I am an avid tea drinker and am excited to use them. It can be used with cold or hot water.

Per usual with VoxBoxes, I got a set of ImPress stick on nails. I have yet to try any of the ones I have received (I believe this is my third or fourth set), but I do like the length and color.

 Playtex Sport Tampons (Fresh Balance). Hmmm. I am a pearl girl myself, but always willing to try new things. The packaging is ok- it reminds me of Tampax Pearls, but with a more awkward tab system (they are very small). The smell of 'freshness' is also off putting. Thankfully, once unpackaged it subsides a lot. This would be a great tampon for someone who is either a virgin or is new to their periods. Why? because of the shape, it is definatley user friendly.

Stay Matte foundation by Rimmel in 010 Light Porcelain. This image is with flash and the color is a good match....HOWEVER.... it is hard to blend and sinks in/goes away quickly. This leaves you with splotchy makeup.

NYC Lipstick. Wow, the quality is pretty fucking good. I was surprised. Moisturizing, long wearing, and amazingly pigmented. I will be
buying other shades.





Well, there you go. The Influenster UniVoxBox 2014....oh and sorry about the sideways images :)

Meet Magdelena (Maggie Mayhem)

Yes folks, we have gotten a new kitten..... and she is a cuddler :)

Sample Society- March 2014

Again, this is a pretty good box. It is one that has a couple of items that I will not use, but the value is still in the items that I will try.

PRODUCT LIST:

*Oscar Blandi Texture and Volume Spray-No real smell, not sticky, and not powdery. I am excited to give this a go. This is worth $5.25
*Alterna Caviar CC Cream 10 in 1- This is a leave in hair cream from a great brand. Another item that I look forward to. This product is worth 12.95
*Jane Iredale Tantasia- This product is $7.14/oz, it has no size on it. I would say this is worth about $3. I gave this a go on the back of my hand and it seems a bit useless. I have not liked any products that I have from this brand.
*Murad Clarifying Cleanser- This is worth $2.68/oz and is two ounces. Making this worth $5.36
*Jane Tran Clips- I may use one of them. Price is $12.50/six pack- making this worth $4


This box was worth $30.56....and I cant wait until next month!

Samples.....

 Freebies! Muah ha ha.

These all came from www.pinchme.com When you sign up for that site, they will send you an email about once a month saying their freebie store is open. It is first come first serve, so they run out quickly. You get to pick up to three items (if there are enough) and they take about a month to reach you.

Pretty self explanatory--- Gevalia Sample, two Suave lotions, and a shampoo sample.

Blush Mystery Beauty Box- March 2014....and why I am cancelling

Let me start by saying that their customer service is amazing. Anytime I have had an issue and called- I have had a full sized item shipped to me practically overnight. Once I commented on a video of theirs- and they called me the next day. Their CSRs are bright and genuine.

Now, the reason I am cancelling.... I have had this subscription for a year now. As it has become more popular- the products have become blah and also have gotten smaller. This box used to have almost all full size products with a couple of deluxe travel sizes and then two extra samples (that come with all orders from their site). Blush has also overloaded their customers with skincare. This box was supposed to be a mix of skin, hair, and makeup. I use at least one of their skincare products  every night- and have still managed to fill a drawer in my fridge with more masks, lotions, and exfoliators that I received in the box. Last months box was great, I thought that it was getting better and that I wouldn't cancel. I was hoping they were transitioning back to the days of nail polish and baublebar...of shampoos and full size soaps. Nope, this month was the worst yet. This box had the lowest value in the past year, and was a bunch of small samples. The two full sized items? A washcloth (which, after doing research, comes free with a set from a skincare line---- which btw is another issue with the box, many items are not supposed to be sold outside of their gift packs) and a face lotion (never would have guessed lol). Oh, and people got different sized samples this month also!

 

In the box:

*Suki Washcloth- no value, free gift with purchase- and it came with a shiny gold 'made in china' sticker the size of that logo...lol

*Talika  Eye Therapy Patches, One Set- Apparently you can use these 2-3 times, interesting. Three sets are $44....Which values this at about 14.50.

*Strivectin SD- This is something I have always wanted to try. I received the .75 oz sample and it says it should be good for 3 weeks of usage. A full size is worth $130 dollars  and is 5 oz. Making this worth $19.50.

* DCL UltraLight Hydrator- Full size, $25

*Sarah McNamera Microdermabrahsion- This is $22 for a 2oz bottle. This sample is worth $5.50

*Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant- A full size is 4oz and $23. This sample is worth $5.75.

*Laura Geller Primer- This is the same size as the free ones from Sephora. A full size is $25 and 1.6 oz. This sample has a value of $8.

*Skinceutcals Hydrating B5 Gel- No size marked. It seems to be a consensus that it is worth $5.

Keep in mind that my prices are based on the price when you buy from the company, not the marked up value off of the dermstore/blush website. One thing I am happy with, is that most of these items are sealed.


Value----- $83.25 According to the site, this box is worth over $100 and that is not the case.