Mini Haul! New Benefit They're Real Mascara and Make Up Bag!

OOOOOOOOh I'm so excited!

Last night I had the opportunity to stop by my local Benefit Beauty Lounge in SoHo for the launch of the new They're Real Colored Eyeliners and Mascara.

Among the champagne and gummy sharks I got to try out all the new products and brought home my absolute FAVORITE: the new They're Real Mascara in Blue Mascara along with a free make up bag and some samples.

I am in LOVE!

Unboxing! Glossybox June 2015!

What it is: GlossyBox is a monthly luxury beauty subscription box.
Where to get it: GlossyBox.com
How much is it?: $21.00 + tax monthly
Types of Products: Each box contains 5 luxury deluxe or full sized beauty products.
What are the Perks?!: Write reviews, refer friends, and take surveys to add up GlossyDots. 1000 GlossyDots earns you a free month of GlossyBox!

Glossybox June 2015

Unboxing and Review!

Normally, I am absolutely in love with my Glossybox. Unfortunately, I was a little let down this month. Which I hope to be the first and only time this ever happens. 

Let's take a look!

The Haul!:

1. Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure Restoring Conditioner:

Full Sized! Listed at 13.5 fl oz for $16.99

Although it was cool to get the companion to my March Nexxus Shampoo, I think it's kind of weird to get another Nexxus product so similar but two months later. I was kind of meh about that.

2. Orly Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain:

Sample Sized at .18 fl oz (Approx. $2.55). Full Sized listed at .6 fl oz for $8.50

This is incredibly disappointing! Not only do I extremely dislike the color- Glossybox prides themselves on providing a number of full sized luxury items and deluxe sample sizes of luxury items. Why am I getting a sample size of a generally mid range product? Not cool.

3. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara:

Sample Sized at .17 oz (Approx $14.50). Full Size listed at .27 oz for $23.00

I am not a huge fan of this mascara's brush and formula. Plus I just got a very exciting new mascara. This just doesn't do it for me. I would have loved to get anything else from Too Faced but this!

4. Etre Belle Cosmetics Aloe Vera Ultra Moisturizing Gel:

Full Sized! Listed at 1.36 fl oz for $24.95

I don't know- this reminds me of the Aloe stuff you buy at Duane Reade you use after you get a sunburn. It seems essentially the same- just with a heftier price tag. I would use it. But, never buy it.

5. City Cosmetics City Lips in Clear:

Full Sized! Listed at $35.00 for .17 fl oz

This is probably the only item I actually liked in my Glossybox this month. I always like to try new lip plumpers. So, this is the only win.

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: $94.00!

 Box Score: 3/10

Final Thoughts: I was very disappointed with my Glossybox this month. Which, is totally never the case for me. I am pissed at the tiny nail polish and the over priced aloe. But, meh- what can you do?

Unboxing! Ipsy June 2015: Swim into Beauty!

What it is: Ipsy Glam Bag
Where to get it: Ipsy.com
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: By reviewing items and sharing Ipsy info on Facebook, rack up Ipsy points to redeem for free beauty products.

Ipsy June 2015: Swim Into Beauty

Unboxing and Review!

So, I wasn't crazy excited about my June Ipsy Bag. However, I have been holding out on posting my review because of a HUGE issue I had with my bag this month. First, I'm not a terrible complainer about the smells of Ipsy's actual make up bags. I know they're cheap and mass produced and will sometimes smell chemically or plasticy. However, this month when I received my bag the envelope looked like it had been open and resealed.

 

Upon opening the bag, my room was completely overwhelmed with a STRONG odor of a combination of rotting fish and paint thinner. It was truly awful. I took out all the items and set them aside separately from each other for a number of days (maybe 3 or 4- I don't remember). And everything still stank!

 

I definitely didn't want to use any of these products that stunk but I also didn't see anyone complaining on any forums that their bag had an overwhelming smell. I figured something may have gotten into the envelope and contaminated everything during shipping. 

 

So, I contacted Ipsycare. May I mention- early on a Sunday morning. They got back to me in MINUTES and were sending me out a new bag. Yay! I am assuming I am going to get the same items. So, here's what I got:

 

 

I think the bag is an okay design. But, I probably won't use it much.

 

The Haul!

1. J Cat Beauty Liptitude Hydrating Lip Stain in Blow Your Mind:

Full Size! Listed at $5.99 for .42 oz.

 

So, I actually did try this and I was really disappointed that it looked completely awful on me. Think lady in the Blackhole Sun video. So, I was kind of disappointed that not only have I used it so I can't trade or sell it. It's also so minty fresh I wish it looked nice! Bummer.

 

 

2.  Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Foundation Primer:

Sample Sized at .25 fl oz (Approx. $9.00). Full Sized listed at 1 fl oz for $36.00

 

I'm a little irritated that I just cashed in my Ipsy points for a different Smashbox primer. But, I will totally use this. And I definitely prefer this to the Too Faced Melted that was the other option. Ok!

 

 

3. BeFine Cucumber Facial Mask:

Sample Sized at 1 oz. (Approx. $6.25). Full Size listed at 4 oz for $25.00

 

OMG. I have used this mask before and absolutely LOVE it. I cannot wait to use it once I get my replacement bag!

 

 

4. Aurora Intensive Eyeliner Pen in Blackberry:

 Full Sized! Listed at 1 ml for $7.99

 

I think this is kind of cool. It's like an eye marker. Interesting. 

 

 

5. Tre'stique Mini Shadow Crayon in Kona Coffee:

 Sample Sized at .2 oz (Approx $5??) Full Size is not listed anywhere

 

This was the one item I didn't really like off the bat. The color does absolutely nothing for me. Bah!

 

 

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $35.00

 Box Score: 8/10

Final Thoughts: I really feel like Ipsy is back on the upswing for me now. And, I can't express how amazed I was at the awesome customer service that I received with my bag. Good job Ipsy!

 

Unboxing! BirchBox June 2015: Say Yes!

What it is: BirchBox 
Where to get it: Birchbox.com
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Review your products monthly to earn BirchBox points. Every 100 points earns $10 to use at BirchBox. If you refer a friend and they sign up, you get 50 points. You can stock pile up to 500 points at once. I've yet to do that though!

Birchbox June 2015: Say Yes!

Unboxing and Review!

I know a lot of people were really upset that they didn't get that eyeliner in their Birchbox this month. I'm kind of over it. I was actually a bit please with my box this month.

Let's take a look:

The Haul!:

1. Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15:
Sample Sized at 3ml (Approx. $3.70). Full Sized listed at 40 ml for $49.00

I am a HUGE Caudalie fan and really love their products. So, I'm happy to get this in my box. I just wish the sample wasn't so SO tiny. 

2. Clean Fresh Laundry Eau De Parfum
Sample Sized at 0.03 fl oz (Approx. $1.00). Full Sized listed at 1 oz. for $38.00

I'm not even acknowledging this. I've hit my quotas on perfume samples and they still send them. Enough Birchbox, ENOUGH!!

3. Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water:
Sample Sized at .7 oz (Approx. $2.70). Full Size listed at 8.4 oz for $32.00

This was my sample choice. I haven't gotten around to trying it yet. But, I have heard mix reviews. So, I may trade it. I have to think about it.

4. Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter:
Sample Sized at 25 ml (Approx. $1.20). Full Sized listed at 400 ml for $19.50

5. Klorane Conditioning Balm With Mango Butter:
Sample Sized at 10 ml (Approx. $1.05). Full Sized listed at 150 ml for $16.00

Both these items smell great. I just wish the samples weren't SO tiny for such expensive items.

6. Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Indigo:
Sample Sized at .8 g (Approx. $7.30). Full Size listed at 1.2 g for $11.00

Although I was hoping for a different color, I think this is a nice replacement for the other eyeliner. And, I'll give it a shot.

7. Bonus Item: L. Erickson Grab & Go Ponytail Holder:
Sample Sized at 1 Holder (Approx $1.20). Full Size Listed at $18.00 for 15 holders

Although the pony tail holder is cute and I can always use extra- there is NO way in hell I would pay close to $20.00 for a pack of 15...

 

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $18.15

 Box Score: 7/10

Final Thoughts: Although the price point really isn't there for this box, I did like the items. So it's not a terrible loss.

What did you think of the June 2015 Birchbox?

Unboxing! Sample Society June 2015: A Day at the Beach! The Final Box!

What it is: Allure Sample Society Beauty Box
Where to get it: Currently unavailable!
How much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: General skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Often includes a full sized product and monthly $10 coupon off $50 purchase on BeautyBar.Com

 

Sample Society June 2015: A Day At The Beach

The Final Box!

Unboxing & Review! 

As many of you may know, this is the final Allure Sample Society Box being sent out through BeautyBar.com. And, with the lack of creativity and great products since January- I don't think this could have come a month too soon.

 

Let's have a look!

 

 

 

The Haul!

 

1. St. Tropez Self Tan Express:

Sample Sized at 50 ml (Approx. $11.00). Full Sized list at 200 ml for $44.00

 

I never use self tanning products. I turn orange. This is useless to me and I can't fathom why it is part of a beauty box. But, I get the idea that they want to go with the whole beachy thing. It's just not for me.

 

 

2. eSalon Perfect Ending Leave In Conditioner:

Sample Sized at 29 ml (Approx. $2.90). Full Sized listed on eSalon for $15.00 for 150 ml

 

Although I will use this and it smells awesome, I'm a bit peeved that Sample Society put a trumped up price for the product in their booklet.

 

 

3. E.L.F Studio Small Stipple Brush:

Full Sized! Listed at $3.00

 

Although I love getting makeup brushes, I like to try different ones and a typical E.L.F brush that I can pick up a couple blocks from my office just doesn't excite me. But, I am happy to have a new brush to try. So, I'm 50/50 on this.

 

4. Lauren B. Beauty Nail Couture in Polo Lounge Punch:

Full Sized! Listed at $18.00 for .5 fl oz

 

This is probably my favorite item in the box. A full sized nail polish in a really cute color. This is a win!

 

 

5. Completely Bare Wax Strips for Face, Bikini, and Body:

Sample Sized at 4 strips, may worth under $1?? The full set seems nice though with at lot of strips for $12.99

 

This feels like a throw away. I would be hesitant to have so few on hand in case I screw up. 

 

 

6. Cotz Face Sunscreen SPF 40 in Natural Skin Tone:

Sample Sized At .18oz (Approx. $2.40). Full Size listed at 1.5 oz for $19.99

 

Effing Cotz. I am SO sick of these Cotz samples. I can't use them and I seem to get like one a month. Maybe they're on the way out of the beauty box world since they've really been everywhere. That won't be a moment too soon.

 

 The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $38.00

 Box Score: 4/10

Final Thoughts:  I'm really intrigued how Allure is going to handle doing Sample Society from here on out. I was getting more and more disappointed with my sample boxes over the past few months and I could tell that obvious changes were going on. Let's hope for a bright new future with the new incoming sample boxes!

What did you think of Sample Society's June 2015 box?

 

Regenepure Intense Volumizing Biotin Conditioner!

Regenepure Intense Volumizing Biotin Conditioner Review!

I have another review for you tonight!

In reality, I have always had very fine hair. I also shed a lot. Over the past year, I feel like it may be thinning out a bit. But, I'm unsure if I'm being paranoid because I'm inching closer to 30. Who knows?

So, I was really interested in trying out Regenepure's Conditioner which is specifically for thinning hair. 

Here are my thoughts. First, the conditioner smells absolutely amazing. It's minty and fresh and you can definitely smell the tea tree oil. It's an awesome pick me up.

And, it really does give my hair a bit of extra boost and volume. It works like a charm and does what it says it's going to.

However, I am unsure if it is because I have color treated hair that I also heat treat a lot (read: damaged). But, I don't really get the silky smooth feel I like for my hair. So, I end up using a bit more of a combination of products to get my hair how I like it.

I think when it comes down to it, Regenepure is definitely a great volumizing conditioner and really works well. But, may act a bit different with your hair. I do plan to keep using it though in lieu with another conditioner to give my hair a nice bounce!

If you would like to check out Regenepure' Conditioner, it is available on Amazon!:

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Yalmeh Peerless Beauty Aloe Super Youth Eye Cream!

Yalmeh Peerless Beauty Aloe Super Youth Eye Cream Review!

Woo! Review time! I know I haven't been on top of the blog. Summer is here, work is busy, and sometimes I just have to go with what I feel like working on. So, I'm here to catch up.

A few months ago, I was given the opportunity to review Yalmeh's Glory Eye Bright Gel. Which I absolutely fell in love with. And, I was not a huge eye product user before that. So, I absolutely had, had, HAD to jump on the opportunity to try their eye cream as well.

And, I have not been disappointed!

First, I want to point out that I really do love Yalmeh's packaging for their products. They really go above and beyond with creating an aesthetically pleasing look for everything they have:

How Pretty!

Yalmeh's Aloe Super Youth Eye Cream contains 100% Organic Aloe, Vitamins E and C, Jojoba, Grapeseed Oil, Green Tea, Rosehip Seed Oil, and quite a few other delicious ingredients.

What really appealed to me when I first open and inspected the eye cream were two things. First, it smells absolutely amazing. Normally, I'm really good at placing scents. But, for some reason I can't place this one. But, it smells fresh and luxurious. Second, this is some intense eye cream. You can see right away when you open it that the cream is thick, full, and dare I say (for lack of a better term) fluffy?  It has the consistency of a delicious cake batter that peaks perfectly.

That being said, this eye cream is there to work for you. Being so intense, a little goes a long way. As it does contain some oils in the ingredients- you don't want to overload your face. Using just a couple dabs of the eye cream, it absorbs quickly and brights up your eyes.

I have really enjoyed using this at night with my LaNeige water sleep mask. And it works amazing to prevent my dark circles.

If you would like to check out Yalmeh Peerless Beauty's Aloe Super Youth Eye Cream, it is available in 2 sizes on Amazon:

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”