Influenster Violet Voxbox Review

My very first Influenster Voxbox!! I am so so excited about this. Mainly because everything is FREE!!!! Influenster is an "invite only" reviewing website. If you want an invite, comment below! But all you really have to do is review a shit ton of stuff and voila! They send you a lovely box of goodies to review...

Lana posting, per usual :)

Sally Hansen New Triple Shine Nail Color in Statemint ($4.99) - This is a wonderful polish. I love the price tag and it's a great formula. I used this color with a nice great color and I was obsessed! I'm sure I'll get a good use out of this. Anything Sally Hansen is good with me!

Would I purchase this product? YES!

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo ($5.99 for full size and $1.37 for sample size) - This is a solid dry shampoo. It gets the job done. BUT, it's too expensive in my opinion. I get the same result from the Suave Dry Shampoo which is over half the price and better quality.
Would I purchase this product? No

SOYJOY Bar - Dark Chocolate and Cherry ($7.99 for full box, 99 cents for single bar) -

These are delicious. I love anything that tastes good and will not make me more chunky. There's not much to say besides they are kind of dry, but good! 

Athletique Reversible Quick Dry Headband($6) - THESE ARE AWESOME!!! I love that they don't get all smelly and nasty when I work out. These are so awesome. I wish I could express how obsessed I am. But I can't. They're awesome.
Would I purchase this product? YES!!

THESE. We meet again. Read below to find out how much I hate these.  That is all.

Beauty Box Five : November 2013 Review

Hello again void. So this is the last month I'll receive Beauty Box Five. Since getting off the wait list on Ipsy, it just seemed smarter to cancel. But I was glad to see what goodies were inside this box! This box is $12/month.

 

Lana and Bella were fast asleep when I was taking photos for this review, but I had to add a picture for good measure. 

Be A Bombshell Eye Crayon in 'Well Played' ($14) - This eye crayon is so awesome. It goes on silky smooth and the color is subtle enough to wear every day. I tried it as a primer also and it worked great!

Would I purchase this product? No, it's a little bit out of my price range. But I'm sure this one will last me awhile!

Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Clay Face Mask ($2.49) This face mask and I didn't get along too well. (See below) I really wasn't sure how to use it, I'm sure some research would of helped but of course I didn't do that! So basically this wasn't your every day clay mask you pick up at Walgreens where you squeeze the clay on your hands and put it in your face etc.. This is an actual MASK with the clay stuff on it? Weird. I thought maybe it could be one of those cool face masks you peel off? NOPE. If I still had the packaging I'd show you how ridiculous the instructions were! So I  just put it on my face for a little bit, took it off, massaged it into my skin and rinsed.  Long story short, very meh. It didn't do much for me.
Would I purchase this product? NO.

Also pictured: small coupon book with really great coupons for a bunch of different things! (Yeah, I'm too lazy to go look at the coupon book and list the products................)

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant & Deodorant Invisible Solid ($7.99) - This product was very hard to find online, so I apologize for the lack of link! But it's your average deodorant solid and works amazingly!! I sweat a lot and like any girl I hate those sweat stains on my shirt. This lasted all day for me. I was happy to get deodorant because it saves me yet another trip to target!
Would I purchase this product? Yes! This is my favorite brand and I love the clinical strenght aspect.

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash ($6.99 for full size, $2 for sample size) - This body wash smells AMAZING. It's not harsh on my skin and all and leaves it nice and soft. This is especially great for the winter months because it's so harsh on skin.
Would I purchase this product? Yes

Bellapierra Cosmetics Greenastic Glitter Pot ($12.99) - I wanted to do a swatch for this product, but it really was hard to see in photos because the color isn't very potent. It's more like a pretty, green toned glitter dust. This will be fun to wear out for a girls night where we all dress up. Otherwise, I won't be wearing this normally. Not my style! 

Would I purchase this product? No

 

 

So I recieved a total of $39.27 for only $12!! Awsome value as usual. Now after writing this review I'm having doubts about canceling... I'm sure I'll start back up eventually. I'm sure I'll find a way to use all of the products!

POPSUGAR Must Have : November 2013 Review

DISCLOSURE: I wrote this post mildly intoxicated from a fabulous wine night with my kittens & Netflix. 

Hello void! Another subscription box and another review. Popsugar Must Have is one of my favorites because all of the items are full sized and kind of unlike any other subscription box I've gotten. With shipping and the recent price increase, I pay $42.45/month total. 

As usual, my cats are loving the new box to play with. This time it's Bella getting the photo attention.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Lands End Canvas Wine Tote ($14.50) - Maybe it's just me but, why would someone need a wine tote? I was really trying to think what it could be used for besides as a "wine tote" and it came to me, I can put my straightener in there!! I've been wanting one for awhile, so thank you Popsugar for the "wine tote"! 

Absolute Nail Polish Remover Pads in 'Lavender' ($1.99) - When I first opened the package, I thought the pads were much thicker than they actually were. So after wasting a few of them, I finally got it figured out. They did smell really nice! (But anyone else who November's Popsugar Must Have box, did you think these kind of smelt like weed?) Maybe it's just me! But they worked OK. But to me honest, I much rather prefer my 100% acetone from Sally's for $3. 

The Soap & Paper Factory Roland Pine Shea Butter Soap ($8) - This soap smells AWESOME! But since I'm not too into bar soap, I'll probably just give it to my boyfriend. But anything with shea butter is awesome.

Bare Fruit Sea Salt Caramel Apple Chips ($1) - These are very interesting. It's weird because the chips I usually eat are packed with fake cheese and trans fat (BAD) so this is a fun switch up. I wouldn't say they're bad, they're just different. I'll probably bring them to work on Monday and get everyone else's opinion. 

Illume Candle 'Nice' ($15.75) - I love candles! Especially really nice once's, which are most likely out of my price range, so I admire them in the Target "scent" aisle. The Illume Candel smells amazing. But it's so pretty, I almost don't want to light it! Eventually I will, but for now it will be on my nightstand looking pretty.

Strawberry & Blackcurrant Cream Preserve ($6) - I love this delicious product! I'm a huge fan of anything I can put on bread with butter. But this preserve is really tasty! And I love how it has that "homey" feel to it. Definitely going to use this up. 

Michael Stars 'Folk Art' Wrap  ($42) - I am obsessed with this scarf/wrap. The majority of my wardrobe is black so this will fit perfectly in my closet. I can't wait to wear it. Also, it's super soft and comfy! This is my favorite item from this months box. 

Canvas Pop Gift Card ($30) - I'm still trying to figure out what exactly "Canvas Pop" is. I'm not sure if I will ever use this gift card because I don't really have anything I want to make prints of. But who knows! I Might see if it's something my parents are interested in. Either way, its a cute website! 

So I paid $42.45 for this box and wound up getting $111.24 worth of product!! Can I get a "HELL YEAH"?

Ipsy Glam Bag : November 2013 Review

To anyone who has been reading my blog - sorry for being MIA! I was waiting until my next subscription box came. And lucky me, I am FINALLY off the Ipsy Glam Bag wait list! And I was blown away by the amazing value, well worth the wait! Unlike Birchbox, Ipsy mainly sends beauty products, so no lotions, face wash, etc. It's also the perfect price of $10/month!

My kittens Lana & Bella were VERY intrigued by this package and basically played with it all night.



Em Michelle Phan lip gallery creamy color lipstick in 'Showstopper"  ($16.50) - I am in love with this product. The color is so pretty and looks great on my fair skin. It seems like more of a summer color but I'm sure I'll still get my use of it this winter. It doesn't dry my lips out at all  and is smooth and creamy. The only flaw is the high price.
Would I purchase this product? No. Though I love it, it's too expensive, especially for a girl who doesn't use lip stick daily.

STARLOOKS Gem Eye Pencil in 'Topaz' ($14) - This is a nice product and the color is really bold. (swatch below) But I'm not sure how I feel about the color. I might try and do something funky with it, but we'll see. I'm not a huge make-up pencil fan, mainly because I don't know how to use them properly! So liquid liner is my best friend.

Would I purchase this product? No

Be a Bombshell Lip Crayon in 'Hot Damn' ($14) - This is my new favorite thing ever. Not only does it go on smooth and easily, the color is so sexy!! I have been trying to find a good lip crayon that doesn't try out my lips, and this is perfect! I can not wait to wear this out. (swatch below)

Would I purchase this product?  Yes. I am a big fan of Bombshell products. Even though they are on the pricey side, I think it's worth it.



Pixi Bronzer in "After Beach Glow" ($15 for full size, $3 value for sample size) - I do like this bronzer, but it seems to go on too sheer. Even on my fair skin it's hard to see. I'd rather spend money on a less expensive and better quality bronzer.

Would I purchase this product? No.

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow in 'Aphrodite' ($2 for sample size) - I'm going to be completely honest, I hate this eyeshadow. I've never been a fan of red toned eye shadows (mainly because I feel like they make me look like a zombie) I do thing it's a nice formula, but besides that, this shadow does nothing for me.

Would I purchase this product? No

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in 'Champagne' ($13) - I really love the concept with this polish brand. Because I love to drink and I love to do my nails. But this polish looks a lot like the Butter London one I received in my Sample Society box... I'm sure I'll use it, but I might just give it to my sister.

Would I purchase this? No, it's too pricey for me

So I paid $10 for the Ipsy Glam Bag and got $62.50 worth of products!!! I am so pumped about this. I can't stop telling people how amazing of a deal this is. If you haven't signed up for Ipsy, I suggest sign up now!! By far the best valued beauty subscription I've seen. 

Birchbox: October 2013 Review

Hello again void! I just received my October Birchbox and I am excited about this one! I love how cheap this subscription is ($10/month) and the products they send are always awesome. I have a bit of a subscription addiction, but I try to keep most of my subscriptions under $20. (with the exception of Popsugar)

Bain de Terre macadamia oil nourishing conditioner ($13.50 for full size, $1.70 sample) - I have pretty dry hair. So when I saw this coming with my birchbox I was really excited! I'm always looking for a good conditioner. But this product seemed to just soak into my hair immediately. I needed to use almost half the sample to even notice a difference.
Would I purchase this full size? No. It's on the pricey side and it did not work for me.

POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Splashing Scarlet ($14) - Swatch is below. I like this product. It's probably something I'll use over some red lipstick.  But I'm really not a huge lip gloss fan. This might be something that sits in my make-up drawer with little use.
Would I purchase this product? No

POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Splashing Scarlet swatch:

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser ($21.50 for full size cleanser,  Sample size cleanser $6.45 and $3 for cloth.) I've used this product twice now and I really love it. I have a feeling the sample size will last me awhile because with this product a little goes a long way. After using the cloth to rinse off the product my face is insanely soft and glowing. It takes off ALL my foundation. I thought my make-up removing wipes I usually use did the trick, but these cloths remove make up I didn't even know was still on my face!
Would I purchase this product? Yes! I can see the sample size lasting me at LEAST a month, I'm sure the full size would last me a whole year. It is a little pricey, but to me it's worth it. This product is awesome.

 

 

ChapStick Hydration Lock ($3) - This product is very 'meh'. The sneak peak video made it seem like this product is more of a "primer" but I don't see it. It's basically your average chap stick but it's nothing amazing. Also it made my lips a weird white color.

Would I purchase this product? No. I probably wont even finish using this sample because it's not that impressive of a product. And the white residue it leaves on my lips isn't very cute.

 

 

So total I got $28.15 worth of product and only paid $10! I'll probably use all of the product except the lip gloss and chap stick, I might just give those to a friend. 

Battle of the Under Eye Concealers

Hi there void! So like many women, I have a horrible, awful, and just down right annoying problem with under eye circles. For a long time I didn't know if anything would work for me, because no matter what I did I always had these damn dark circles! I use an eye cream daily (Yes To Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Cream) Which is awesome, but doesn't fix it all.

So for this "battle" I'm going to use two different concealers. One under each eye. 

The first contender:  Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer ($6)

The second contender: NYX Concealer Jar ($6) 

I will blend these cancelers using my SOHO Beauty Sponge ($8)

I will set each of these concealers with e.l.f Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder ($3)

I HAVE A POPPED BLOOD VESSEL IN MY EYE, SORRY!!

My makeup-less face:

The Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer applied then blended

The NYX Concealer Jar applied & blended:

The Result:

These concealers are both very similar and comparable. But I have to say I think the winner here is the Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer ! It covers my circles perfectly and the formula is thicker and lasts longer. 

Beauty Box 5: October 2013 Review

Hello again dear void. I finally received my Beauty Box 5 box this month! I really love this subscription because it's inexpensive ($12/month) and they send really great products. This month was no different.

La Fresh Travel Lite Facial Cleansing Wipes ($2.49) - These work great. It's always nice to have a travel sized pack of face wipes. Especially for us lazy girls who just like one quick fix to get all of our make up off! They remind me somewhat of the Neutrogena face wipes, BEFORE they changed their formula!

Would I purchase this? Maybe. I have never seen these in a local store near me, so that would mean having to order them online. And that's a little too much of a hassle for me when I can just run to Target! 

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (Roughly $1 for sample size) - This is a great little lotion sample I can keep at my desk at work. I do love Aveeno products and have been looking for a better kind of lotion for the winter time.

Would I purchase this? Possibly. The full sized lotion runs a bit pricey, but Aveeno makes really great products. Then again, they always have Target knock-off brands that basically have the same ingredients.

Model Co Cheek + Lips in Rosy Red (Swatch BELOW) ($11 for .16oz) -  This is an AWESOME product. I've used it every day since my box arrived. A little goes a LOOOONG way and this stuff STICKS. I showered after swatching it and I had to scrub and scrub to get it off my hand. Which we all know is the opposite of powder blush. This is an awesome product.

Would I purchase this product? If there was a sale, yes! I really like make up that makes my life easier. This product does that for me. Since I'm stingy I might have to wait until there's a sale somewhere on it.

Nubar Glitter Nail Polish ($4 for sample size) - I really like this nail polish. I've had a sample of it in the past, and it's a really great formula. The glitter is VERY visible too, which is awesome. Scrolling through their website it looks like they have some great other colors too.

Would I purchase this? Yes! The price is right ($8 for full size) which is good for me. I'm a bit of a nail polish princess.

Swissco Toe Separator ($2) -  I'm not sure of the brand, but these are pretty standard for toe separators. I've been meaning to pick some up from the store so this just saved me a trip!

Would I purchase this? Yes, from any brand!

I paid $12 for this box and wound up getting around $20 worth of product! AWESOME deal!