June Birchbox Vs. Ipsy

It's finally that time of the month where I compare both my Birchbox, and my Ipsy subscriptions to see which one is the best. Both subscription services are only $10/month, and they both send out 5-6 sample or deluxe sized samples each month. Both offer reward points for reviewing the items that you receive, which in turn you can use to cash in on some pretty amazing product.  This post contains referral links.

The theme for Birchbox this month was "Everyday Magic". All subscribers could either choose the curated box, or they could choose one of three shades of the Benefit Gimme Brow. I, of course, picked the Gimme Brow, so that is where we will start :)

1.) Benefit Gimme Brow in shade 03 Medium

I've been using Benefit Gimme Brow now for several years, and I have always loved how it makes my eyebrows look. So of course when I saw that they were offering that as the sample choice this month, I was all over it! I decided to go with the new shade, and it matches my brows perfectly! Plus the new packaging is absolutely amazing!!

2.) Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

I am all about using products that will help prevent acne break-outs, and help diminish the ones that I do have. I have been using this, along with a acne spot treatment for the past 2 weeks, and I have definitely noticed a decrease in the number of breakouts that I am having. If this continues to work for me, then I will definitely be purchasing the full size!

3.) Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Y'all! There is a reason why this product is talked about by so many, and loved by nearly everyone that uses it. It zaps excess oil, and gives a nice texture to my hair. Plus it smells absolutely amazing! By far the best texture/dry shampoo spray I have ever used!

4.) Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint

Please do not get this product confused with a BB or a CC Cream, because it is definitely not that. It offers absolutely zero coverage, and while it claims to be matte, my oily spots were still quite shiny, even after applying this. I will use this simply because of the SPF factor, but once it's gone, I will NOT be repurchasing. 

5.) The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick

Can I just point out that this is a FULL SIZE PRODUCT!!!!  It retails for $14.95, which is already more than I paid for my Birchbox. I received the shade Raisin the Roof, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It is very moisturizing, and the packaging is so adorable!! 

Here is the smoothie stick swatched! It is a gorgeous color!

Before I start telling y'all what I received in my Ipsy bag this month, let me start off by saying that this is literally one of the best bags ever!!  This month I got:

1.) Urban Decay Eye Shadow Pan in Lounge ~$13

When I saw that we would possibly be getting Urban Decay shadows in this month's Ipsy bag, I was super excited! I was praying I got the color Lounge, and I did!!  It is a gorgeous red brick color with a green shift duo-chrome. Like all Urban Decay eye shadows, it is crazy pigmented and creamy! I'm so in love with this!

2.) Colourpop Creme Gel Eyeliner in Swerve -$5.00

I actually already own this product, but I was nearing the end of it, and knew I would have to repurchase soon, but now I don't!! I absolutely love the Colourpop Creme Gel Eyeliners! They are so nice and creamy, and they go on so gently! They last all day on the water line, and they look gorgeous when you tight line with them, as well!

3.) Seraphine Botanicals Blush in Happy Hibiscus - $18.00

I had never heard of this brand before, so I was super excited to receive it in my bag this month. The blush is highly pigmented, and it is such a pretty shade. I definitely plan on wearing this all summer long!

4.) Boo Boo Cover-up Concealer in Light - $10.00

This product claims to not only cover up imperfections, but also heals any "boo-boo's" you may have on your skin. It did really well as a under-eye concealer; however, it did NOT cover up my acne scars on my face. I definitely prefer a concealer that does both. Also, the color is a bit too yellow for my liking, as I have pink under tones in my skin. 

5.) BioRepublic Skincare Fiber Mask Set - $10.00

I have used these masks in the past, and they actually work quite well. I really love sheet masks in general, and they are literally the most perfect thing when all you want to do is stay home and have a spa day. They retail for $5 a piece. 

The over all value of my Ipsy bag this month is worth $56!!!

For the month of June, I have to say the overall winner is Ipsy. I received so many great products that I know and love! Birchbox was definitely close this month though. 

What all did you receive in your Birchbox/Ipsy this month? Let me know in the comments section below. And if you are not currently subscribed to either of these services, get on it y'all!

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/katiebb

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=vhsxq

May 2016 Boxycharm Unboxing

Alrighty y'all. Once again, I know I'm posting this late, but better late than never. I was super excited about May's Boxycharm, because I knew I would be receiving a Makeup Geek Blush! I love Makeup Geek products, so this box was already worth it for me. For those that don't know, Boxycharm is a $21/month beauty subscription service that sends 5-6  FULL SIZE beauty products each month. Nearly every box has a total value of over $100 worth of product in it. They also offer a rewards program where you can earn full sized products for free. This box does lean more towards the makeup side of beauty; however, they do include skincare/haircare, as well. Keep reading below to see what I received this month. This post does contain referral links. 

1.) Makeup Geek Blush in XOXO -$15.00

This was the item that I was most excited about receiving last month. It is so pigmented and creamy to touch. It is also a perfect spring/summer color! I will definitely be purchasing other colors!

XOXO swatched.

2.) Catherine Malandrino Romance De Provence -$20.00

I received so many compliments on this perfume when I wore it. My father-in-law is actually planning on purchasing the full size for my mother-in-law for her birthday!  Because I am horrible at describing perfumes, here is what the website says about it "Catherine Malandrino Romance de Provence opens with fruity nuances of pear and black currant. At the heart, jasmine, rose and violet blossoms bloom on a gourmand base of vanilla, patchouli and tonka bean."

3.) Pur Minerals Double Ego Eyeliner in Bali -$21.00

This is definitely a color that I wouldn't have picked for myself; however, I ended up loving it. It really makes my hazel eyes pop! The liquid eyeliner is better than the pencil eyeliner in my opinion, and it lasts much longer. 

Here it is swatched.

4.) Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Pistache -$10.50

First off, the packaging on this nail polish is adorable, and the color is gorgeous. I did not, however, like the formulation of this. It took several coats to be opaque, and even then it didn't look that great on my nails. 

3 coats later, here ya go!

5.) Starlooks Ultra Longwear Mechanical Lip Pencil in Charmed -$19.50

I actually really like the color, but the formulation of this product is a bit dry. It is definitely long wearing though, and it matches a ton of lip products that I already own.

Here is Charmed swatched.

6.) The Brow Gal Clear Brow Gel -$20.00

I really, really like this product. The first time I used it, I wore it over one my eyebrow pencils, and actually went swimming later that day. It didn't move the color around, and it kept the brow color on my brows where it belonged. At the end of the day, it came off easily with a makeup wipe. I would definitely recommend this!!!

The overall value of this month's box is $106!!!  While there were a few items that didn't "wow" me, there were several that did! What about y'all?!? Let me know in the comments section below. If you haven't subscribed yet, it's not too late to do so! Click the link below to get started today!

https://boxycharm.com/refer/Katie-NXJHUJFS

May Ipsy Vs. Birchbox

I have been on a bit of a hiatus lately, because there has been a lot going on in my life, but I'm back now y'all. I almost didn't post this, but I'm quite OCD, so I figured I would throw it up anyways. You guessed it. It's time for May's Birchbox vs. Ipsy. Better late than never, I always say. Keep reading below to find out what I received last month.  This post contains referral links.

I absolutely loved my Birchbox for the month of May! I ended up receiving:

1.) W3LL People Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer in Light

When I first opened this up and swatched it on my hand, I thought the color was a bit dark to be considered "light"; however, when I put it on my face, it worked wonders. It concealed my dark circles perfectly, without settling into my fine lines. It also covered any blemishes without being noticeable. I really enjoy this concealer, and I will definitely pick up the full size once my sample runs out. 

2.) Supergoop Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology

Everyone received a SPF in their Birchbox last month, and this was the one that I received. First off, the sample size was really tiny, so I literally couldn't even it use it one good time on my entire body. It did smell quite pleasant though, nothing like normal SPF containing products. I wish the sample size was bigger, so I could have had a better idea of how it worked.

3.) Amika Un. Done Texture Spray

I love Amika products, so I was super excited to receive this in my box. It smells great and leaves such great texture in my hair. It holds my curls well, and gives them that beautiful tousled look everyone loves. I will definitely pick up the full size when this runs out. 

4.) Jouer Long Wear Lip Creme Liquid Lipstick in Lychee

I have been eyeing these lip cremes for a while now, so when I saw that I was getting one to sample in my Birchbox, I was ecstatic. I love the way it feels on the lips, and it lasts for hours without having to reapply. The color is gorgeous too!  

I will definitely be picking up several other shades.

5.) Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion

This was the item that I selected as my sample choice, and I was so pleased with it. The sample size was huge! I have already used it 3 separate times, and there is still tons of product left over. It gives a beautiful glow to the skin, without looking orange. This is definitely a must for summer!

Alright everyone, on to Ipsy now. Was everyone else as excited as I was about that adorable bag?!?! Here is what I received in my Ipsy for the month of May.

I was able to cash in some of my points to get some additional products this month. I love reward points!

1.) Jelly Pong Pong Caribbean Sun Duo Bronzer- $24.95

At first I wasn't sure if this was a full size product, because the pan was really small. Especially considering it is a bronze/blush duo. The size makes it really hard to get my brushes in there, so I have mainly been using this as eye shadows.

The colors are quite pretty.

2.) Aurora Gel Effects Nail Polish in Safety Orange- $8.99

I can honestly say that I don't own a color like this, but I LOVE it! It goes on beautifully. It was opaque with just one coat, and it lasted for nearly a week with no chipping. 

3.) Smashbox Cosmetics X-Rated Mascara- ~$10.00

This mascara did a really good job of lengthening my lashes; however, it didn't do anything to make them thicker in appearance. I much prefer a mascara that does both. 

4.) Jersey Shore Cosmetics Lavender Moisture Rich Balm- $10.00

I really enjoy this lip balm. It smells nice, and it leaves my lips feeling nice and moisturized. I use it before bedtime, and when I wake up, my lips feel so soft. 

5.) Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Makeup Remover

I actually really enjoyed this. It removed my makeup very well, and it didn't irritate my eyes, like other cleanser can do. However, I would not say it removes it any better than the Garnier Micellar Water does. Plus the Garnier one is so much cheaper. 

Alright y'all, so who do you think won for the month of May? I personally have to give it to Birchbox this month. I loved 4/5 of those products, and I definitely found some new ones that I will be purchasing the full size of. What did y'all receive last month? Let me know in the comments section below. And if you're not already subscribed, just click on the links below to get started now!

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/katiebb

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=vhsxq

May Boxycharm Sneak Peeks!

It's sneak peek time everyone! Keep reading below to see what subscribers will be getting.  This post contains referral links.

Boxycharm is a $21/month beauty subscription service that sends 5-6  FULL SIZE beauty products each month. Nearly every box has a total value of over $100 worth of product in it. They also offer a rewards program where you can earn full sized products for free. This box does lean more towards the makeup side of beauty; however, they do include skincare/haircare, as well. 

The above picture shows the FULL spoilers for the month of May. A HUGE thanks for MySubscriptionAddiction for sharing this! Boxes may vary but it appears that subscribers can look forward to receiving the following products:

Ella Mila Nail Polish

Pur Minerals Double Ego Eyeliner

The BrowGal Eyebrow Gel

Catherine Malandrino Romance de Provence

Makeup Geek Blush

Starlooks Ultra Longwear Mechanical Lip Pencil

Boxycharm subscribers that have been with the company for a while will get first dibs on the above featured product: Makeup Geek Blushes!!!!

If you are not already subscribed to Boxycharm, it's not too late to get this box! Just click the link below to sign up now! These boxes do sell out from time to time. so don't miss out! Also, continue to check back in daily for new sneak peeks!

https://boxycharm.com/refer/Katie-NXJHUJFS

Influenster Bloom Voxbox Review

After only being a member of Influenster for one month, I was selected to receive and review their Bloom Voxbox. Continue reading below to find out what products I received, and what my thought were on them. 

There were a lot more products in this box than I thought there would be! 

1.) Sunbelt Bakery Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bar

I first opened this box in the car on the way into town with my husband next to me. Neither of us had eaten breakfast or lunch, so we were pretty hungry at this point. We devoured this bar within seconds. It was so tasty and chocolatey (if that is even a word). I will certainly try and find this brand when we go grocery shopping next!

2.) Not Your Mother's Plump For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter

I would normally steer clear of any type of hair product that says it is for fine, thin hair; however, for the sake of product reviews, I tried it out on my roots, and I actually ended up loving this. It gives me the lift I need where I want it! #Plump4Joy #contest

3.) Secret Outlast Xtend Completely Clean Deodorant

I use Secret brand deodorants on a daily basis, and have for years. I just tend to gravitate towards their products; however, I prefer a gel deodorant versus a solid. I do appreciate that I received this, and I will definitely use it, but I will not repurchase the full size once it runs out. 

4.) Cutex Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover Pads

Again, this is another product that I was thankful to have received for free to try out, but after using them, I feel like I get better results with using a plain old cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover. These would be perfect for on the go though; however, if you are doing a at home manicure, just stick with the old fashioned way of removing your old nail polish. 

5.) Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Teal Midnight

Do I even need to tell you how I feel about this nail polish? Let's just say that I'm extra happy to have received the nail polish remover pads in my box. This nail polish color looks gorgeous in the bottle, but when you apply it to the nails, it is anything but. I would NOT recommend this product!

That's everything that I received in my Bloom Voxbox. Did you receive the same things, or did you perhaps receive a different Voxbox? Let me know in the comments section below!

April 2016 Favorites

Hey y'all! I hope everyone had a wonderful April, and I hope y'all discovered some new and amazing products. Keep reading below to find out what products have made it to my favorites list.

1.) Freeman Feeling Beautiful 4-in-1 Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Clay Mask

I saw someone post about this on Facebook recently, and she commented on how well it did with clearing up her acne prone skin. Well after reading that, I knew I had to try this out. I use this as a mask and also as a cleanser with my cleansing brush, and it has truly worked wonders for my skin. I don't have near as many breakouts as I was having. Plus this stuff smells so amazing!!

2.) Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick 

There has been so many people talking about these lipsticks recently, and for good reason. There is such a wide range of colors to choose from, and the formula is amazing! They glide on easily and they last for hours on the lips! I purchased mine in the colors Meringue, which is a beautiful peachy nude, and Pepper, which is a dusty rose color. I love them both, and I will definitely be buying more shades!

3.) Color FX Custom Color Drops

This stuff is amazing! It offers a full coverage, but you can also mix it with face oil to sheer it out some if you have dry skin and prefer a light to medium coverage. I personally love the full coverage that it provides, and a little bit goes a long way!! I just add 4 small drops to my foundation brush and apply. I purchased mine in the shade P30. 

4.) Physicians Formula MuruMuru Butter Bronzer

I use a bronzer everyday that I wear makeup, and this has got to be my all time favorite drugstore bronzer! It applies and blends out so well! Plus it smells amazing!!! If you love bronzers like I do, get this, you won't regret it!

5.) Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner Pro Starter Kit

I have been searching high and low for a good brush cleaner, that doesn't take the better part of the day to use to clean my brushes. I've finally found one. This stuff literally got makeup off my brushes that regular cleaning did not. It made cleaning my brushes a much quicker chore, so now I don't completely dread that time of the week when I sit down to clean them. You can also use this to spot clean your brushes between uses, and it dries very quickly too!

6.) Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Redemption Eye Shadow Palette

For being a drugstore product that only cost me $7, this is one hell of a good palette!!!  The colors are soft, buttery, and they blend like a dream! Now all the Makeup Revolution eye shadow palettes are NOT created equal. I also have one of the palettes that has 32 eye shadows in it (Mermaids Forever) , and while some of the shades are amazing, the majority of those eye shadows are very lackluster. Stick with the palettes like the one shown above, and I promise you will love them!

Alright everyone, that is my list of favorites for the month of April. Be sure to let me know what products made your favorites list by commenting below!