{Out of the Box}: July Ipsy Glam Bag

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for the month.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click here to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

The theme this month is "Summer Lovin'".  And I guess all of the products are those that you might wear more in the summer (lip balm, beachy hair spray, etc).  You get about 5 things per bag, but not everyone gets the same 5 things.  There might be 20 samples you could potentially receive, but based on your answers to the "style quiz", determines what samples you get.  

So, here is what I got this month:

Photo credit:  Me...this is my backyard!

So, what did I actually get?  (clicking the product name will take you to the site)

*Octavio Molina Hair, La Playa Salt Spray.  It is to create "texture + volume",  Well, my hair needs the volume, and texture (lets face it).  But I hate crunchy hair.  Hopefully this won't dry my hair out or make it crunchy.  $15.50 for 4oz (we received a 2oz sample, so $7.25)

*Essie Nail Polish in "Fashion Playground" (which is a "pistachio green with subtle shimmer").  $8.50

*Be A Bombshell Lip Balm in "French Kiss" (oh la la), which is a light pink color, really doesn't leave much color at all, actually.  $14

*City Color Cosmetics HD Powder, which is supposed to "set your foundation for a smooth, matte finish."  Ok, I'll give it a whirl...but probably not until school or I have someplace important to go.  I'm not wasting it on just running errands!  $5.99 for 7 grams (we got a 4g sample, so lets just say worth $3 because I don't feel like doing math)

*Vasanti Cosmetics, Brighten Up Exfoliating Cleanser.  It's a nice little travel size, so next week when we take a weekend flow trip, this will fit nicely in my bag (baby).  I couldn't find this exact product on the Vasanti website, but others from that Brighten Up line are $10.  

So, for $10, I got $42.75 worth of product.  I say that's a pretty good deal.  

{Out of the box}: July Fair Ivy

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

I've been remiss lately in showcasing what goodies I've been getting, but, here we go!

Fair Ivy is your typical subscription box, with month-to-month, 6 month and year subscriptions.  Their specialty is finding budding artists on etsy and sharing their treasures.  They are currently full for all, and have a waitlist.

They send out jewelry every other month, so this is our lucky month!  Today's craft comes from Grey Goose Gifts and they can be found on Etsy.  They seem to have a lot of hammered gold and silver necklaces, which I really like.

   

The card on the box from Fair Ivy said that they couldn't decide which they liked better, silver or gold, so we got a little bit of both.  I like the necklace, it's very pretty.  But it's small, and the chain is kind of short and cheap---it sits right below the hollow of my collar bone.    

So, after getting Fair Ivy for 3 or 4 months now, I have to say, I'm not that impressed.  I like the idea of showcasing artists from Etsy, but I think what we get isn't worth the money (FYI, I'm cheap.  If I don't feel like I'm getting a deal, I'm not going to do it.), so I think I'll be cancelling my subscription and maybe work harder on getting off the OwlCrate wait list...  

{Out of the Box}: June Fair Ivy Box

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

I've been remiss lately in showcasing what goodies I've been getting, but, here we go!

Fair Ivy is your typical subscription box, with month-to-month, 6 month and year subscriptions.  Their specialty is finding budding artists on etsy and sharing their treasures.  They are currently full for all, and have a waitlist.

I do a month-to-month subscription.  Even though I pay slightly more, I don't like being held to the term in case I don't like the product.  So, I pay $30/month for the box, plus $6 for shipping.  Every other month is jewelry.  

This is the part that makes me mad.  I check the shipping label on the outside of the package, and it's never been more than $3.  Now, I know there could be an odd month where it would be more, and somebody has to pay for all those envelopes and labels, but I think that's a little much.

Anyway, because of the move, June's envelope took a while to get to my house (it usually comes by the 10th).  The artisan of the month is Ting Lisa, and she can be found on Etsy  .  All her scarves are priced right around $30

So, it's a basic chiffon scarf, navy blue with goldish polka dots.  The bag is what it was wrapped in, and the card gives inspiration details.

All in all, cute, but I don't think it's worth $30 + $6.  I'll wait and see what next month's jewelry box contains before I decide to cancel (May's jewelry wasn't that great, again, not really worth the $$$).

  

{Out of the Box}: February 2015 A&M Treasure Box Review

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

This review is a little different as I applied to be a reviewer on the A&M Treasure Box website, and was chosen to review their Whoa Baby!  Everyday Box.  I did receive the box for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Some basic housekeeping details first:
A&M Treasure Box offers three different box types:

• Everyday Box ($22/month; 2-3 pieces of trendy, but a bit more subtle jewelry.  Value $40-60), 
• Glam Box ($27/month, 2-3 pieces of bolder jewelry.  Value $40-60), 
• Kids Box ($22/month, 2-3 kid friendly--ages 3+---pieces.  Value $40-60). 

Each box is billed on the first of the month and you receive your box the month AFTER you subscribe (so if you join today, you'll get the March box).

One other little tidbit that I love about this company is that Anel, the "A" in "A&M" is a teacher!  For me, it's really easy to forget to dress stylish in favor of comfort since I'm up on my feet and moving around all day.  A little bit of bling can help turn a drab outfit to fab!

So let me just walk you through what I got:

The package shipped in a manilla envelope, in a nice little box, wrapped in this pretty tissue paper.

All three pieces were in a little bag

But you don't really care about the packaging, do you?  You want to know what I got!

Left:  Sterling Silver Rhinestone Bar Pendant Necklace ($28)

Center:  Square Rhinestone Stud Earrings ($22)

Right:  Silver Geometric Bangles ($12)

First impressions:  

I really like everything in the box.  The bangles are definitely something that I'd choose for myself, and I really like the little ribbon that was wrapped around them.  I guess that was just to hold all of them together, but I really like it, and given the amount of craft supplies I have in the house, I could probably change it out to match my outfit!  

I can see myself wearing the earrings quite a bit, too.  I like that they're a little dressier looking, and because of that, just the earrings could really dress up an outfit.  I could also wear them with a tee and jeans.    

The colors of the necklace are really pretty, and actually go with a lot of my clothes.  But, it's a lot shorter of a chain than I like:

It was almost a choker.  And I don't have a very thick neck.  It was a little uncomfortable.  So, if I were to wear this again, I'd put it on a longer silver chain.  

All in all, I really like the A&M Treasures Whoa Baby! Everyday Box!  Thank you so much for the opportunity to review the treasures.  

{Out of the Box}: February 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag reveal/review

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for the month.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click here to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

February's theme is #ipsyLOVE.  The bag is a cute pink/red/white geometric pattern.  Because it's Valentine's Day and those are the predominant colors of the month!

Here's a screenshot of my bag:

Why not use the snow to take a cool pic?  

*Cargo Cosmetics Mini Lip Gloss in Anguilla.  I'm getting a sample size (hence the "mini"), but regular size gloss costs $16.

*EVA NYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray.  $10
*Joya Composition No. 1 Perfum Oil---I'm hesitant about smells, as most perfumes trigger headaches.  So far, this one has more of a powdery scent, so it isn't that bad.  It's not a spray, it's a little roller ball.  $30 for 0.34 fl oz.
*ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder in Peach Bellini.  I like the way that looks on the back of my wrist!  A hint of peach shimmer.  I usually go for pinks, but I like this!  $22
*'Tini Beauty Rob Scheppy for 'Tini Beauty Eyeshadow in Pearl Fizz.  According to the website, it's a "shimmer", which I can go either way on.  I'm kind of over ipsy sending me neutral eyeshadows.  I want something darker, more bold.  Apparently, this color is part of a collection that is $39.50.

Right:  Cargo Lipgloss

Center:  ModelCo Blush (you can't even see it!)

Right:  Tini Beauty shadow

Overall, I really like this bag.  I have to be honest and say that I'm jealous of my friends who got the blush brush in addition to the blush, or the eyelash curler.  Like I said, I'm kind of over slightly shimmery eye shadows, and perfume is hit or miss (though still so far so good!).  And now, trying on the lipgloss, the color just isn't right.  You can't really tell from the pic, but it's just too light for me.  Darn.  I'm always looking for a good pink gloss. 

{Out of the Box}: January Ipsy Bag

We interrupt the regularly scheduled Harry Potter posts to bring you an Out of the Box post.  But hey, I mentioned Harry Potter, and I plan on taking the bag, the brush, the lipbalm, and the eye shadow with me to Orlando.  So there you go!  

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for the month.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click here to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

January's theme was "fresh start" and designed with a "new year, new you" idea in mind.  The bag itself was really nice this month; blue on one side, white on the other with a coral zipper for some pop.

Here's a screenshot of my glam room:

*Elizabeth Mott "All Over Shadow Brush"

     I'm very excited to try this brush.  I'm in need of some new brushes, so this came at a great time.  Plus it's a really pretty pink with very soft bristles.  I actually think I may use it as a contouring brush...we'll see

*Hikari Cosmetics Mechanical Eyeliner in "Storm" (grey)

     Not sure about this.  I like the color, and the eyeliner itself is very thin and precise, but when I tried it, it didn't look like I used anything.  It was either too light or didn't come out.  

*[Malin +Goetz] Mojito Lip Balm

     LOVE THIS STUFF!  I'm skeptical of lip balms.  I hate when they have menthol in them, makes my lips tingle, and not in a fun way.  This comes out thick, but not greasy.  It feels very rich on my lips, like it's actually healing them.

*Pacifica "Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow" in "Ethereal"...a neutral, light golden tan

     I used this as my face highlighter with the Elizabeth Mott brush, and I looked darn good!  

*Probelle "Into the Blue" Nail Lacquer

     This fits the color scheme of the bag, but at 32, I don't really need blue nail polish.  I haven't tried it yet, but my friend says it takes at least 3 coats to look even remotely blue.  That seems like too much work.

Overall, I really liked my bag.  What do you think?  

{Out of the Box}: October 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for the month.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click here to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

October's theme is "Beauty Candy", and everything comes in this cute little teal bag.  I'm not a patent leather bag kind of person, and I never thought I'd like a teal one, but I LOVE this little bag.  It's so fancy!

And here is what I got:
*Albertini Warm Love Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask 
*Figs and Rouge Hand Cream in Mango Mandarin
*Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
*Skone Cosmetics Tattooed Waterproof Eyeliner
*Starlooks Lipgloss

First off, can I just say how happy I am that I didn't get a mascara this month!  There were some months back in the beginning of the year where I hoped that one of my subscription boxes would send mascara, because I was running low, and it seems like since March or April, I've gotten at least one a month!  And now that I've said it, I'm sure I'll never get another...but that's ok, since I love my Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara.

What do you think of Ipsy?

{Out of the Box}: August 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for the month.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click here to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

This month's theme is "Beauty Schooled", and all the cute little sneak peaks were school themed (they dress their samples up and "pose" them in scenarios that fit the theme).

(image via ipsy.com)

I love my glam bags, and Ipsy is probably my favorite subscription box.  The quality of products and variety is pretty great.  My only "complaint" is that their shipping notifications kind of stink.  Last month, I got the bag before I got the email saying it had been shipped!  They also don't post the tracking code online.

This month, I received:

*Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer (.25oz)--$40 for 1 oz
     I really liked my Dr. Brandt Microderm abraision scrub I got in a past bag, so I'm sure this will be amazing!  I really like how it made my face matte, rather than dewy.  I know dewy is "the look", but it makes me feel oily.  It seems that a little big goes a long way.

*Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (sample size)--$22 for regular size
     MORE MASCARA!  I finally find a mascara I love (Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara) and since then, I get a mascara from either Ipsy or PopSugar!  That being said, I am excited to try Urban Decay Perversion Mascara.  I really like Urban Decay products, so being able to try it before I buy it is very nice.  This is better than the Be a Bombshell from the June GlamBag, but still, does not compare to my Mary Kay! 

*J.Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow in Half Naked (2.5g/0.09oz)--$2.99
    This is a great neutral color.  It looks like a mix of gold and orange, but don't let that scare you, it goes on great and just looks like a nice almost champagne-colored shimmer.  Right now, I'm wearing it alone, but I could see using it as a base or a highlighter 

*Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner (regular sized chapstick)--$5.50
     I'm picky with my chapsticks, I hate those that make my lips tingle.  So, time will tell with this one.  I am happy that it's USDA certified organic.  This goes on very nice, doesn't have an overwhelming smell, nor does it make my lips tingle!  WIN!  I used it overtop the Tints and Sass lip and cheek stain from last month and it looks AMAZING! 

*Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (50mL / 1.06oz)--$19.50 for 3.2 oz
    I'm trying to go "low-poo" (shampoo less, and use sulfate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner), so this will be great on the days I don't wash my hair.  (For a brief period of time, I tried "no-poo" and that just didn't work for me.  I realize I was still in transition and my hair was getting used to it, but unfortunately, I was not.  I felt like a dirty greaseball.)  This does have parabens, so technically, not "no-poo", but if you can't/don't wash one day and you need something, this would be a good go-to, in my opinion!

I'll be honest, when I got my bag, I was a little disappointed as there wasn't anything that was WOW, and the quality of the bag it came in seemed a little cheap, but then when I used the products, I really like all of them.  The bag still seems a little plastic-y and cheap, but I'll take it to school as a pencil bag, put it in my prize box, or use it to hold student iPad earbuds.  Good job, yet again, Ipsy!  

{Out of the Box}: August 2014 Jamberry Stylebox

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Jamberry is a new(er) company that sells nail wraps in a multitude of designs and patterns.  It's a direct sales company, like Mary Kay, Avon or Thirty-one purses, so you generally learn about things through a consultant at a party.

My friend was hosting an online party, and I wanted to buy some stuff, and I had a TON of wraps picked out (they're buy 3 get 1 free), but when I saw that Jamberry had a subscription box, I knew THAT was what I wanted to get.

It is $75 for a 3 month subscription, which they take out at the beginning.  Then after that, it is $25 a month.  At this time, you cannot do an initial month-to-month.  But, once your 3, 6, or 12 month subscription is up, you can.

Anyway, I made this video of me opening my first box!  Enjoy!  If it doesn't show, click here.  As you know, I don't usually do videos, but hey, why not?  

Click here for the "official" Jamberry application video

{Out of the Box}: July 2014 Ipsy Box

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for April.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

Here is my bag full of goodies:

And a little about each item....

~Bareminerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Broad Spectrum Shadow in ($18 on ulta.com)

~Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass in Cherry ($22.99).  I've never used a lip and cheek tint before. 

~Faith Aromatherapy Citrus-Ginger Anti-Oxidant Body Lotion (full size $17.99)

~POP Beauty Sunkissed Bronzer ($10).  The one time I used a bronzer, I ended up looking like a clown.  I'm a bit leary, but willing to give it a try.  I've watched a bunch of videos on youtube on how to put on both bronzer and cheek tint.  I think I can do this!

~Pur-lisse Pur-Protect Essential Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30 ($55 for 1.7oz).  I always need moisturizer.  I just hope it doesn't smell or make me break out. 

I'm so happy I signed up for the Ipsy subscription bag.  Even if I'm not 100% pleased with all the products, they're still fun to try.  And a much better quality than I would have purchased on my own.  This box/bag is definitely a keeper (unlike PopSugar, still on the fence about that one)

{Out of the Box}: July 2014 Popsugar Must Have Box

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Popsugar Must Have box for July...."With POPSUGAR Must Have, you'll get an exciting monthly box full of fun, full-size products that are hand-selected by our editors."  You can subscribe monthly ($39.99), for 3 months ($109.85), for 6 months ($214.70) or for the year ($429.40).  Yes, you save money by signing up for the longer subscriptions, but it's my understanding that that amount comes out of your account all at once, rather than monthly.  If you'd like to try it out, please use my referral code as it helps me earn free boxes.

This month's box was inspired by "hot summer nights, eating al fresco, longer days, lemonade, sunshine, vacation, outdoor workouts".  Which is cool, but I wish there was one main overarching theme, rather than a variety of inspirations, you know?

Of all the boxes I've gotten (since February), this is probably my least favorite.  To me, there isn't anything special.  The things I like are mundane items that I could pick up anywhere.  There wasn't a zing! exciting item.  I've heard the August box is the anniversary box, so I have high hopes for it.  Otherwise, I'm cancelling my subscription.

Here is a look at the overall box, then we'll look at each item individually.

~ Michael Stars Beach Hat ($48)

Yeah, any hat that is "one size fits all" does NOT fit me.  Ever.  I don't wear hats because I have a huge head.  Plus, even if this did fit, it's big and floppy and I don't like that style.    

~French Bull Ziggy Salad Servers ($12)

 To me, these are ok.  The idea of cute utensils is cool, but again, not really something I'd use.  I don't make big salads, just grab what I need out of the bag.  I'll keep them, because you never know when you'll need salad servers, but on the flip side, you NEVER KNOW when you'll need salad servers.

~Dang Foods Toasted Coconut Chips ($3)

Every food item Popsugar sends initially looks like something I'd hate.  Then I try it and I love it.  So, I'm willing to bet this will be ok. 

~Acme Party Box Company Chevron Straws ($7)

Cute, but I don't use straws.  I like that they're paper and supposedly reuseable (how, I'm not sure.  I mean, straws get wet and when paper gets wet it pretty much turns to a pulpy mess).  I'll probably end up using them to make a cute birthday decoration/present for my students.  They kind of scream "Happy Birthday" to me.  

~TKO Jump rope with soft grip handles ($13)

Um, ok.  It seems that I never really enjoy the "fitness" portion of the box.

~Revlon Bold Lacuer Mascara ($7)

I have a ton of mascara (still have my Mary Kay that I love, and got Be a Bombshell mascara in my Ipsy bag last month.)  However, you run out of mascara when you least expect it.  So, this just saves me a trip to the drug store.  I'm ok with that.

~Sun Bum Sunscreen and Lotion ($20)

You always need sunscreen.  I'm down with that.  I am excited to see what the cool down lotion does, as I know I'll burn at least one more time this summer.  

All in all, this box was a let down.  I'm seriously rethinking my subscription.  

{Out of the Box}: June 2014 Ipsy subscription

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for April.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

 

This month's Ipsy theme was "Pretty in Paradise", and I liked about half of the things in my bag.  I really like the bag itself, though.

I don't feel like opening up the photo editor today and numbering each item, so from left to right (clicking the product name will take you to the site):

1.  OFRA Universal Eyebrow Pencil ($13)--I do NOT need an eyebrow pencil.  My eyebrows are thick and dark (actually darker than the pencil they sent--basically, they are jet black, except for that one random gray one).  Now, that doesn't mean I won't look on the website and see what  other products OFRA offers, but as for an eyebrow pencil, not needed.  

2.  Be A....Bombshell Lash Out Mascara ($15)--this was a full sized product, which was really nice (and apparently something Ipsy does a lot).  This mascara is ok, but not the best I've ever used (that is my Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara).  Be a Bombshell lengthens, but doesn't really volumize (and my Mary Kay does both).  I'm using it right now over the summer to conserve my MK, and because I'm not really going anywhere.

3.  Mark Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray ($6.65)--this smells SO  GOOD.  I don't have curls, but it gives my thin, fine hair a nice texture and some volume. 

4.  Realtree for Her Perfume ($24)--We got the sample size, but the price noted here is for the full size.  I did not like this product.  It does NOT smell good at all.  It gives me a headache.

5.  NYX ButterGloss in Creme Brulee ($5)---Creme Brulee is a nude/sheer color, but it doesn't make me look like death (as most nudes do).  I kind of wish Ipsy had sent me a darker color, or something a little rosier, but this is great for summer.  And it smells SO GOOD!

So all in all, another great bag.
 

{Out of the Box}: May 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Ipsy makeup bag for April.  Ipsy is a service where "each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. "  If you are interested, please click to use my referral code and help me earn free bags.

This month's Ipsy theme is "Beauty's Fresh Picks", and I have to say, I feel they really hit their mark with this theme.  Now, please let it be known that not everyone gets the same products in their bags.  It is my understanding that there are a few products in everyone's bags that are the same, but based on our "beauty profile" and answers to the quiz, there are a few products that are different and more closely chosen to your own likes/needs.

So, here is my bag for the month:

What I got:

1.  The bag---I'm not sure what it's made out of, but it feels like natural cotton.  I like it and the pattern.

2.   Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask---retails on the website for $40 for a 500ml container.  This is a _______ml container, so obviously it would not retail for as much.  But still!  I used it this past weekend and love it.  My hair is normally shiny and smooth, but this took it to the max!  Even the next day it still looked great.  I'm totally taking this with me to California in June (I hate hotel conditioners!)

3.  HangTen Classic Body SPF 50 sunscreen---retails on website for $12.99.

4.  Pacifica Mineral Eye Shadow Duo #2 (purple and white)---I couldn't find just a duo on the website, but for a quad, it's $14, which is pretty reasonable in my mind.  (For finding the total of all items, I'm counting this as being worth $7, because a duo is half a quad.)  The colors are way too light for me.  It didn't look like I had any eye makeup on at all (and not in the good, "natural" way).

5.  -Derma E Microderm Abrasion Scrub---retails on website for $29.25 (on sale) for 2 oz.  It has a great lemon scent.  I really like it.

6.  Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Ellusive---retails at Target for $6.49.  Much pinker than I thought it would be, so it's brighter than I was expecting.  But I like it.  It is very creamy and lasts for a really long time.

So, for $10, I got $95 worth of stuff!  For the cost to me, plus the quality of the products I get, this bag is totally worth it. 

{Out of the Box}: May 2014 Popsugar Must Have Box

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's review is of my Popsugar Must Have box for May...."With POPSUGAR Must Have, you'll get an exciting monthly box full of fun, full-size products that are hand-selected by our editors."  You can subscribe monthly ($39.99), for 3 months ($109.85), for 6 months ($214.70) or for the year ($429.40).  Yes, you save money by signing up for the longer subscriptions, but it's my understanding that that amount comes out of your account all at once, rather than monthly.  If you'd like to try it out, please use my referral code as it helps me earn free boxes.

So, here's my box for this month:

1.  Kerry Cassill Eye Mask ($24)---I haven't used an eye mask in years.  And certainly not as nice a one as this.  I may use it, I may not.

2.  Hi, I'm Skinny Sticks ($4)---flavor, multigrain sweet onion.  I always dread the food item.  It's never anything that I would go to buy (except for that one month where it was the strawberry fig bars...mmmmmm strawberry fig bars....)  However, I always try it and I'm always surprised.  They really aren't that bad.  They aren't oniony like onion potato chips, but are almost like a Sun Chip in taste and texture.

3.  One Day Fat Blast DVD ($15)---I don't know how to feel about this item.  I'm kind of disappointed that it was included as it is a little older (made in 2010), and frankly just doesn't fit the "luxury box" idea (in my head).

4.  Zing Anything Citrus Zinger ($17)---frankly, this is my favorite item in the entire box.  I need to drink more water, though I don't always like the non-flavor of water.  I like sweet drinks, but I don't like fizzy, sugary flavor waters.  So, this is pretty cool.  I almost wish the DVD was switched with an inflused water recipe book.  I'll just have to get on Pinterest and look up recipes.

5.  Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ($10)--I really like the color of this (Pool Boy).  It's a mix of turquoise and robin's egg blue.  It is a fun, summer color, without looking like I'm trying too hard to look young.  The package also states that it is vegan (though, I have no idea how that works), and cruelty free.  It went on thick and smooth, so now, I'm just waiting to see how long it lasts before it chips.

6.  Smell Bent St. Tropez Dispenser ($45)---this smells like the beach.  I love it.  I have a hard time with perfumes and body sprays as many give me a headache, but this one does not.  My husband likes it too, so win win!  It also is very long lasting---not like other body sprays.  I got a whiff of myself this afternoon and for a second there thought I was poolside.

Overall, I don't see what the theme is.  Relaxation?  Weight loss?  Beach?  I'm confused.  It almost feels like these were the left over items that didn't go in any other month all lumped together.

Total: $115.  A little lower than past months. 

Total of items I like:  $72.  Ok, so I guess I came out ahead, seeing as I paid $39.99.  However, I'd never (in real life), spend $10 on nail polish or $45 on body spray.

I'm not going to stop getting my box for a long time.  I like the surprise of it.  I just wish overall quality and consistency was a little higher. 

{Out of the Box}: April 2014 Bugsy's Box Review

Out of the Box is a feature I do to showcase and give a brief review of products in the subscription boxes that I receive.

Today's Out of the Box review is of Bugsy's Box, a subscription box service for dogs.  Bugsy's Box offers "high quality, gourmet, exclusive" and made in the USA dog treats.  You can click on the image below (or the same to the side) and it will take you directly to the Bugsy's Box website.  By using my exclusive referral link, you get $10 off your order.

 
I was sent this month's box for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

(Starting at the bottom and going clockwise:  Incredibubbles Toy, Barksters Treats, Tall Tails Dog Pocket Towel, It's Purely Natural Jerky Bars, Wylie's Naturals Jerky)

1.  Incredibubbles Toy

As you can see, Luna is interested.  She's my dog that actually likes to play, and I think she would go nutzo over bubbles.  It's too bad that I can't trust her off the leash just yet (she tends to run away), but I think we could still have a good time playing with these, either in the house, or while she is still on her long leash.

I'll be honest, I may have squealed like a little girl when I opened the box and found these.  I LOVE bubbles!  
2.  Barksters Treats

I haven't given this to the dogs yet, but I'm sure they'll love it! 

3.  Tall Tails Dog Pocket Towel

This super-soft towel came in handy this past week when it was so rainy.  I love it! 

4.  It's Purely Natural Jerky Bars

This is another something we haven't tried yet, but again, I think it will be a hit.

5.  Wylie's Naturals Jerky

This is a favorite!  I could hardly get the bag open before they started dancing around!  And I'll be honest, they smell pretty good.  Not that I'd eat them, but sometimes dog treats don't always smell the best.  You can tell these are natural.  So far, the kids haven't had any stomach issues, either.  

I'd like to thank the lovely people at Bugsy's Box for sending me this box in return for a free and honest review.  Don't forget to click my referral link for $10 off your order!