PSA: Birchbox January 2015 Editor's Choice Box- Relax & Recharge!

I just posted the video and product breakdown for Birchbox's 1st January 2015 Sneak Peek.

I wanted to quickly breakdown the 2 Editor's Choice Boxes for you as well.

First one up is the Birchbox curated January 2015 Editor's Choice Box:

Relax and Recharge!

This box will include samples of:

1. Manna Kadar Lip Locked - All of Me

2. Perlier Body Butter - Lavender

3. Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

4. When Travelmate Sheetmask

5. Briogio Don't Despair, Repair! 

6. Teapigs Tea Bags (Licorice & Peppermint, Chamomile Flowers)

Is this the box for you??

PSA: Birchbox January 2015: Sneak Peek Part 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BirchBox is ALREADY rolling January 2015 Sneak Peeks!! 

Let's Take A Look!

In this video, the girls discuss Sample Choices and Guest Editor Boxes which are being released: 

December 23rd 2014!

The 3 Sample Choice Options This Month Are:

1. Naobay Body Radiance Lotion:

2. Tocca Crema Da Mano in Cleopatra:

3. Essential Elements Body Lotion in Wake Up Rosemary:

There is also going to be TWO Editor's Choice Boxes!!

1. Relax and Recharge Box by Birchbox:

Manna Kadar Lip Locked - All of Me
Perlier Body Butter - Lavender
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream
When Travelmate Sheetmask
Briogio Don't Despair, Repair! 
Teapigs Tea Bags (Licorice & Peppermint, Chamomile Flowers)

and

2. Tone It Up Box:

Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette - Latte
Aqua Reveal Satin Bright Soft Water Peel
Klorane Dry Shampoo
Whish Body Butter - Lavender
Coola ER Plus Radical Recovery

And finally, the BirchBox Plus Items This Month Are:

1. Bow & Drape Big Hair Don't Care Sweatshirt for $29:

2. The Everygirl Travel Tumbler for $15.00:

3. Pointe Studio Grip Socks Set for $15.00:

SO. MANY. CHOICES!

I'm really looking forward to 2015 now! It's going to be a great year!

Which box and items are YOU looking forward to??

PSA: Pinterest Beauty Box Swap Board is LIVE!

So, during a bout of insomnia tonight, I started curating all my Beauty Box Swap items on Pinterest.

If you're looking to trade some items or looking for a particular sample- it may be there!

I have 66 items up right now and will be adding more over the next few days!

Feel free to comment here, on Pinterest, or email me a RainarellaBeauty@gmail.com if you are interest in trading!

Click the Picture or Link Below to head over to my Beauty Box Pinterest Board!

http://www.pinterest.com/rainarella/beauty-box-swap-board/

Happy Trading!!

Product Review! Foxbrim's 100% Pure Argan Oil

Earlier this month, I was tossing around another idea of expanding the Totally Oblivious Beauty blog concept. Being a new-ish blog, I want to have a few irons in the fire to find my voice and what really works to make my blog readers happy. Although for the time being I am primarily focusing on reviewing Beauty Box subscriptions- I have so many things I want to do! I have yet to even begin to curate concepts for wedding planning, shopping guides, and vlogs. Yesterday, I posted my introductory jewelry candle review and reveal. But, I have some surprises up my sleeve and I can't wait to share!

Today, I am delving into the world of my very first sponsored product review! I want to let my readers know that I'm expanding to product reviews for all the RIGHT reasons instead of the nefarious ones. I love trying new beauty and lifestyle products. That's why I love subscription boxes! Now, if I have the opportunity to review something and help bring it into the beauty world- why not? 

So, welcome to my first Sponsored Product Review! Let's try to be a little less oblivious together!

Foxbrim Certified Organic 100% Pure Argan Oil Review

About a week ago, I received my sample of Foxbrim's Argan Oil to review. Ok, it wasn't a sample- it was a full sized, 2 oz/60 ml bottle. Woo!

A little about Foxbrim's Certified Organic 100% Pure Argan Oil: This Argan Oil is 100% Pure ECOCERT and USDA Certified Argan Oil sourced from Morocco. The oil contains no parabens, silicone fillers, or fragrances.

Let's have a look...

Let's talk packaging for a minute. Now, I'm partial to how this look. First, I love the almost nostalgic, apothecary feel and style of the bottle. It's a pretty solid and heavy thick glass vial that I'm not really worried about dropping and destroying. I do that. I drop and destroy things- especially vials of oil (much to the chagrin of the fiance). 

The first thing I did check though is the dropped. Apparently, I've had issues with droppers recently and have sort of a love/hate relationship with them. I get extremely irritated if a dropper only goes halfway into a bottle. And, also I'm concerned with using a plastic pipette part in what should be an all natural product.

Sturdy thick glass- we're good!

Right now, I personally feel that the beauty market is saturated with Argan Oil. There's Argan oil this and Argan oil that. There's oil of oil Argan Oil apparently? It's the new big thing and a buzz word for many products, often adding extra dollar signs to the cost of many beauty items.

That being said, I like Argan Oil. It does work for me. I don't need it in everything though and I don't feel that a beauty product should cost an arm and leg because of the fact that Argan Oil is included in the ingredients. 

A little bit of Argan Oil goes a LONG way and I look at Foxbrim's 2 ounce bottle as essentially unlocking a drums worth of Argan Oil that will last an incredibly long time. At the moment, it is on sale on Amazon for 13.95. I mean, that's incredibly affordable if you ask me. 

What is so incredibly awesome about this product is that versatility of Argan Oil. Over the past few days of having this product, I have used it in a variety of ways. It is great for all hair, skin, face, and nails. And actually a fabulous defense against the winter. So, Foxbrim, your timing was apropos for me.

I am a MESS in the winter. My normally oily T-Zone dries up and flakes and my scalp starts to resemble the Gobi desert. That being said, just because I live in throat-grabbingly dry apartment- I don't want to risk having a break out. I made that mistake last year after I jumped on the coconut band wagon.

When I first tried a little of the Foxbrim's Argan Oil on my hand, I was really concerned that it was going to be way too oily for my complexion. But, those concerns were assuaged as soon as I noticed how easily the oil absorbed and felt incredibly light on my hands. I also like the fact that the dropper allowed me to control the amount of oil I used and I knew how much was going on my face, body, and hair. 

I have used some VERY sparingly around my nose and forehead (my trouble areas) for the past few days and am seeing a little results. But, I do want to disclose the fact that these dry areas are an uphill battle for me all winter, every winter.

Where I have seen the best results is with my hair and scalp! Good job Foxbrim! As I mentioned, I was a little hesitant at first since the oil is very pure. I normally turn my nose up at all not 100% natural hair oils. But, that doesn't mean that I 100% trust my OWN competency when using pure oils. The first couple of days- I definitely noticed a difference in regards to the general softness of my hair when I applied the oil before or after I styled my hair. And I didn't get the drowned rat look that I'm prone to when using oils. AND!! (Big AND) I've actually been able to stop using the anti-dandruff shampoo that I hate using during the winter.

The BEST use I have found so far for my FoxBrim Argan oil is mixing it with my secret recipe Coconut Oil and Almond Milk overnight hair mask that I do. After seeing great results with Foxbrim's Argan Oil- I decided to toss some into my secret mask. And it's been a great addition that I think has forever been added as a supplement in my beauty routine. I'm a tough nut to crack with that. So, from my perspective, that's a pretty big endorsement!

Highlights and Rave for Foxbrim's 100% Pure Argan Oil:

- Sturdy, aesthetically pleasing glass packaging with full sized, glass dropper.

- A little Argan oil goes a long way. This large, 2 ounce bottle will last a while.

- Pure Argan Oil has many versatile uses and you have more than enough in this supply to find what works best for you.

- YOU have control with how much oil you want to use and can use as sparingly or abundantly as you want.

- It is a great supplement to natural beauty recipes and it's benefits don't get lost in the sauce!

Foxbrim's 100% Pure Argan Oil can be found on their website: www.foxbrim.com

Or on Amazon.com:

 

Have you tried Foxbrim's 100% Argan Oil? How did you like it?

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.”

Unboxing! Ipsy Glam Bag December 2014: Thinking of You- Inspiring Original!

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.

My Ipsy December Glam Bag that I was INSANELY excited about has FINALLY arrived! Without further ado...

Ipsy Glam Bag December 2014: Thinking of You- 

Inspiring Original 

Unboxing and Review!

There was a whole lot of buzz around Ipsy's December 2014 Glam Bag. Some crazy spoilers and a lot of guessing games. That totally added to my excitement for my Glam Bag and rightfully so. Let's take a look...

Upon Opening:

The Bag:

My bag was kind of smushed. But, it's adorable, classic looking, and will definitely be used!

The Haul!

1. Bumble and bumble Repair Blow Dry Cream:

Sample Sized at .5 oz (Approx $3). Full Sized listed at 5 oz for $30.00

My hair is SO damaged from dying and styling. So, I will always invite a new repair cream into my life- especially a heat protection one. I've actually never had to actually buy full bottles of any hair repair items because these samples go a LONG way. It smells great and is a substantial size sample- you just need a TINY bit. Love it!

2. Cailyn Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchid:

FULL SIZED! 2.5 g listed at $15.00!

THIS was what I've been waiting for from the spoiler! I was SO excited to try this shadow and was amazed I actually got it in my bag. Ipsy has gotten me addicted to Cailyn. I was a bit worried when I opened my Glam Bag and the shadow seemed a little bit darker than what I expected. But, it swatches a bit lighter. It is incredibly smooth, pigmented, and freaking STAYS IN PLACE! The packaging and applicator are fantastic. I'm even more in love with this bag. I think it will go VERY well with my new Vasanti Kajal Rose-Gold Liner!

3. Nourish Organic Renewing Eye Cream:

I have NO idea how much the full sized product is- as I can't find it. I will approx the .5 oz sample at $3.00

This sample I'm not too keen on. I do really like Nourish Organics. But, I probably won't use this eye cream and although I appreciate a preview of items- I can't understand why I can't find more info on this...?

4. NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm in Parfait:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 4g for $4.00

I was really worried about this lip gloss. I didn't care for a lot of the colors Ipsy was releasing in the bags. However, I feel I lucked out with Parfait. It is a VERY sheer pink. The balm has a very nice texture and scent and goes on nicely. Thank you Ipsy for NOT sending me another useless red and electric pink lip item. Thank you!

5. Tarte Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4 in 1 Mascara:

Sample Sized at .1m oz (Approx $8). Full Size listed at .24 oz for $20

This was the only throw away for me. I appreciate that people really like Tarte and this mascara. I have tried it before and had a full sized years ago. And, hated it. Such is life. But, many people do like it and I think it is a great addition for the Glam Bag.

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $33.00- not bad

 Box Score: 8/10

Final Thoughts: I really think Ipsy did well with this bag. They had a great selection this month and awesome variety of items. I'm not really going to use the mascara (PLEASE STOP SEND ME MASCARA!) or the eye cream. But, I LOVE the other products I received! Good show Ipsy!

Random Unboxing! My First JewelScent Candle!

Oh my god, I such a sucker for these things. Ever since I was little.

As I am trying to grow my blog, I have decided to jump on the hidden jewelry candles and products review bandwagon. And, I am hoping to bring you a new candle review every month! I also hope to eventually add some videos as well. 

I kind of slacked a little on my Bella Candle review. But, now I'm gung ho and ready to go! 

Here Are Some Pertinent Details

What it is: JewelScent is an online mail order company that provides a piece of jewelry in every item they sell. These hidden jewels can be worth anything from $10-$7500!!
Where to get it: JewelScent.com (Please note this is a referral link. If you purchase something with my referral, please let me know so I can send you a treat!)
How much is it?: Products range from $15.99 and up
Types of Products: Many scented candles, Soaps, Bath Beads, Body Scrubs, and Wax Tarts. 
What are the Perks?!: You mean besides the potential to get a $7500 ring? There is a referral program. And, you can also become a representative of the company. What I do really like about this company is the fact that you can pick the size ring you want. That's kind of cool!

Let's have a look!

JewelScent Candle Unboxing, Reveal, and Review!

To start, I wanted to err a bit on the safe side for my very first candle review. I did quite a bit of research and decided to opt with JewelScent. I like the fact that the company not only provides candles and candle like products. But, they have a whole range of different types of items. I'm totally eyeballing those bath beads for future reference!

I ordered a Classic Collection Lavender Candle which is $24.99 for myself and a couple other gifts. Yes, LAVENDER. I did have a 30% discount code that helped lessen the cost of of shipping. The candles came fairly quickly.

They were individually packaged in sturdy cardboard boxes and had no damages and this box was HEAVY.

Upon Opening:

This candle is GORGEOUS. It is very large and in a beautiful, sturdy glass jar. As soon as I opened the top, I got a HUGE waft of delicious Lavender and I wanted to DIE with excitement. Seriously. This is a real deal Lavender smell. It oddly actually kind of reminds me of the #Influenster #ZzzQuil #VoxBox scent I reviewed and really liked earlier this year: 

Within MINUTES. Seriously, MINUTES after lighting the candle, my entire bedroom filled with a delicious, relaxing Lavender scent. As soon as my fiance walked in the front door he started sniffing and asking what the awesome smell was! The candle is soy and burns incredibly evenly. I was pleasantly surprised!

We're doing really well right now JewelScent.

I had the candle lit for about an hour before I started seeing the top of the gold foil packet. I tried to wedge it out, but it wasn't coming yet. About 45 minutes later, it was ready to go. And it was HUGE. So, I got really excited. 

Annnnnnnd for the big reveal!

Very pretty! It didn't look real at all. But, I figured I would check at the JewelScent Appraisal section to see what I got:

Awwww just a $10 ring! 

But, honestly, I'm hooked. The candle is huge, it smells amazing, it's aesthetically pleasing and it's just so much fun. It is a quality product and gets a thumbs up from me.

I really like that JewelScent not only allows you to pick your ring size. But, also has a database that let's you know what your ring value is. Definite perks that will keep me coming back.

I'm very glad I was able to pick up a few as gifts. And I suggest you do too!

Random Unboxing! BirchBox December 2014: Decked Out! ROUND 2!!

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!

Last week, I wrote a pretty scathing review of my BirchBox December 2014: Decked Out! box. I was pretty livid with the low quality of the products I received and COMPLETELY bummed out that my one saving grace- my Vasanti Kajal liner was broken and had smeared all over the box and other items. I contacted BirchBox immediately and they offered to send me a whole new box (OMG!). I let them know that I wasn't pleased with the items and I really just wanted a replacement of the liner. No problem! They sent me a whole new, different box. Oh my god BirchBox- are you for real? In under 24 hours, BirchBox was processing a new box to ship out to me. 

I am still in the process of writing my BirchBox 101 page. But, to be sure, they have a FAN FOR LIFE. My replacement BirchBox came today! So, let's get to Round 2 (ding ding ding)!

BirchBox December 2014: Decked Out! 

Unboxing and Review

Round 2!!

Upon Opening:

(SOOOOO MUCH BETTER)

Our Menu: 

The Haul!

(7 ITEMS!!!)

1. Acure Organics Sensitive Facial Cleanser:

Sample Sized at 1 oz (Approx $3.75). Full Sized listed at 4 oz for $14.99

Cannot. Escape. Acure. But! I will say that having sensitive skin that's a nightmare in the winter- I will use the hell out of this. And, as opposed to Juice Beauty- I really like that even though Acure is saturating the beauty box market right now- they are sending DIFFERENT ITEMS to try their whole line. Hint hint Juice Beauty!

2. Davines Repluming Trio! 

Replumping Shampoo, Repluming Conditioner, and Replumping Hair Filler Superactive (!!!)

Shampoo Sample Sized at 12 ml (Approx $1.25), Full Sized listed at 250 ml for $25.50

Conditioner Sample Sized at 12 ml (Approx $2.05), Full Sized listed at 150 ml for $25.50

Hair Filler Sample Sized at 50 ml (Approx $19.75!!), Full Sized listed at 100 ml for $39.50

Wow. This is foil sample packs done right. Kudos BirchBox. You know what's up. I am freaking excited to try this out. Like, you have no idea. First, it's like getting extra little goodies in my box. I'm able to try a whole new line that I was totally unfamiliar with before. I don't feel cheated to get these one time use samples. And the hair filler sample is HUGE!! Love it! Loveitloveitloveit. ON TOP of all this, BirchBox considers them 3 different samples so, I got extra BirchBox points from rating them. What?? 

Only little issue is that the hair filler does have an odd salon smell. But, I guess, what can I expect lol? SUCH a winning item. I can't wait to use this stuff!

3. Juara Tumeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask:

Sample Sized at .5 oz (Approx $6.00). Full Size listed at 3 oz for $35.00

Ok. I think it's time to talk to the post office. Because, this item came cracked as well. I was completely mortified to have to call BirchBox AGAIN and let them know that I needed yet ANOTHER replacement. I literally started out the phone call saying, "I just want to let you know in advance, I feel like such a jerk calling..." But, my BirchBox rep was awesome and she is sending me out a replacement- which I think is fabulous and amazing and wonderful. I love you BirchBox. Seriously.

But, I cannot wait to try this mask! I LOVE masks like these. It has such a nice, light fragrance and felt so cool and soothing when I rubbed some on my hands earlier. This is like, good stuff guys! It's a very nice sized sample and I think I can get quite a few uses out of it. Awesome!

4. Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Rose Gold:

Sample Size at .03 oz (Approx $13.50). Full Sized listed at .04 oz for $18

YAAAAAYYY!! My precious... How I have waited so patiently for this liner. It's wonderful, gorgeous, amazing. I can't wait to wear it for the holidays. It didn't come broken! It is bright and shimmery and amazing to create such a festive glow. I'm so happy to finally be able to wear this. I did swatch it. But, it doesn't show up well in pictures.

It kind of makes me want to do a holiday look blog post... we'll see!

5. W3LL People Bio Brightening Stick in Moon Stone:

Sample Size unavailable. But, listed at $1.50 for purchase on the W3LL People website.

So, I'm a little let down that I was expecting a stick. And I got a little pot. I was kind of expecting a sample like benefit's Watt's Up sample sticks. But, that's cool! I have never heard of W3LL people before. They're all natural. They sell sample sizes on their website. I am intrigued. 

This sample swatches mainly sheer. But has a VERY nice shimmer. I really like that I can buy smaller samples of their products directly. I am SO torn right now between this and the Burberry highlighter I got in my Sample Society box this month. I love them both and don't know what to use first!!!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: If my math is correct- discounting the $10 to The Gap (which is still having issues...)- this BirchBox is valued at around $47!! Way better than my $25 box...

 Box Score: 10/10!!!

Final Thoughts:

BirchBox, you did this right and earned that 10/10 score for my replacement box. First, the fact that you sent me a replacement box. Second, when I said I didn't like the original box- you totally listened and gave me a new box. On top of which when I had yet ANOTHER broken item, you still agreed to replace it. Seriously, that's some ass kicking customer service right there. And, I'm happy to give you guys my money any day of the week. 

These items were NUTS. Nuts I say! First, the Davines trio is how you do it. I complain and complain and complain about subscription boxes only sending these dinky one time use foil packets and considering it a sample. Nope, BirchBox, you have to one up everyone by not only sending 3 samples of different items from the same line. But, one of the samples being huge centerpiece sample. And then one up again by allowing BirchBoxers extra points for reviewing the smaller sample packs. Craziness.

All the other items were fabulous and will definitely be used and loved. 

I can't thank you enough BirchBox. Right now, I seriously think you're one of the greatest companies around and you get my wholehearted seal of approval and love forever.

Good show!