October is not all about candy

October is not all about candy but that was the theme for it in the Ipsy world.  I was really curious as to what we would get- I hoped for maybe a candy or a chocolate piece thrown in, but it was not to be so. Instead here's what I got.

All candy is mine. I bought it. ;)

Let's get back to the candy, I have noticed many people being disappointed in Ipsy this year. I was upset with one or two items I got this year but not to the point of ditching it. Yes, it does have more skincare, and I don't know about those exfoliants but it is still better than Birchbox. At least in my opinion.

Let's take a detailed look at what I got.

Steel street styler so September

I had a guest this September and really little time for stalking Ipsy. August was also my last month for Birchbox. I had a yearly subscription but I forgot to renew it. So for the foreseeable future I am going to be receiving only Ipsy. Maybe I will renew it in November, maybe I will get something else.

For September Ipsy decided on a theme of Street Style. Here's what I got in my bag

I also redeemed my 500 points for a Miss Ardoro set that came with lashes and a duo shadow

Not bad, recently Ipsy has started to feature rewards for less than 1000 points so I jumped at the first opportunity. I gave the lashes to my BFF and kept the shadow- still better than losing the points. My friend was saving them and forgot that they expire in a year. I think she lost about 1000 points. 

#1 Alterna Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream

10-in-1 Complete Correction

Full size: 2.5 oz. - $25

Sample size: 0.85 oz

It can be used as a leave in conditioner or as a finisher on dry hair. Its' goals are to improve shine, smoothness, softness, strenght, manageability of your hair. Added benefits include moisture, UV protection, anti-breakage, heat protection and light hold.

To be honest I was a bit wary to try this product- it seems like a lot of claims and in my experience the less promisses the better the product. Then I thought- hey- most of the products moisturize and protect from UV rays. Once your hair is moisturized it is smoother, shiner, softer and stronger so I decided to try it. I do think the name is a little bit too much- any good conditioner can make such claims. However, not every conditioner can state that it is free of :"Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic Color, Paraffin, Gluten, DEA/TEA, Mineral Oil & Petrolatum".

I tried it and it is a good leave in conditioner that has a very nice citrusy smell to it. Will I buy it again? Not really- my hair needs more moisture and definition than that. I found myself adding more products after I used it.

#2 Crown Brush - Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush

Regular size -  $6.99

Let me state that I love receiving brushes/tools in my Ipsy bags. I was really happy with this one as well- the quality is superb, and I did not see any shedding when I washed it. Definitely a keeper. This brush made my whole bag a win even before I tried the other products. In addition, there is a coupon offer till the end of December for 30% off purchase of $25 or more write CROWNIPSY30 - I know I am thinking about some more brushes to buy. 

#3 Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eyeliner in Gunmetal

Well, second silver eyeliner I received from Ipsy-and i have not used the Starlooks one up yet. I would love to gift it- I just don't know to whom. The ingredients are good but the color is a repeat. In the end I gave it to my cousin.

#4 Nyx

Full size -$

This was a bigger miss than the eyeliner. The color is so totally not working for me that I gave it to my BFF right away. She made me take the swatch pic and then grabbed it. Don't get me wrong- the quality is really good with this eyeshadow. It's the color that is bad, at least for me. I wish I had received a different color. 

#5Caylin Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in Basic Instinct

Full size - $19

Finally something from Caylin. I wanted to get that lip balm in red, but this nude is also good.. It gives medium coverage and feels very moisturizing once applied. It also has a surprising staying power for a lipgloss. This is another item that made me very happy in September - I am using it when I need a nude lip color. 

To sum it up September Ipsy was definitely worth the $10- I got a great brush and lipgloss out of it.

The 500 bonus point item? Eyeshadow looks very pretty but I have a ton of this color, the eyelashes went to my friend. 

August is a polka dot skirt

Well, this is it. the end of summer, the school's around the corner and Ipsy sent out a bag that

looks like a pencil bag. Personally I find it really cute.

I really enjoy receiving Ipsy as most of the time I feel like I can use the items from the bag  to create a complete look. This month I was looking forward to the mascara sample and, when I found out I was getting it, to the eyeshadows quad.  

#1 Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Full size: 12 ml -$22

sample size: 3ml - $5.5

I know a lot of people participated in an early UD giveaway via Twitter and already had a chance to test it. I was not one of them, and with my sparse lashes I can always use a good voluminizing mascara. I have tested it and I like it. It is not creamy and not clumpy. The trick is not to use too much and to make sure you really got the base of your lashes. One pump of mascara should be enough for both lashes. If you need more coats, go back after you applied it on both eyes and make sure you do not over do it. I would compare it to Diorshow mascara before the change of formula. Very happy with this even though it did smudge a bit- but once dry I saw no flaking or smudging.

#2 Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Balm
Full size; $5.50

It's an organic non-GMO containing lip balm. Before I used EOS I would have been thrilled to have received it, but I am really addicted to EOS lip balms. It is ok but a bit boring. After sampling I gave it to my mum because I prefer to use my little eos balls. It's an ok product.

#3 Manna Kaddar Illuminating Glo

Full size: $29

Sample size:8ml -?

Manna Kadar illuminating glo- it has a very delicate color. Very. I did not see a big difference when I used it, but it might make a difference to someone who does not use a lot of products and applies it by itself. It is very lightweight and can be mixed with foundation or lotion, and supposedly has a staying power of 16 hours. After experimenting I have decided that I will use it on my eyes or maybe lips as I do not like using illuminizers on my face. I liked this sample but will not be buying it again as I would not know how to fit it into my beauty routine (which is minimal I only just learned how to use a bronzer for contouring).

#4 Coastal Scents Shadow Palette

1 Eye shadow - $1.95

Oh Coastal Scents I just love you. I was thrilled when I saw the spoiler and checked that I was getting the samples. Even if I had not used anything else this is the sample that I was praying I would get. And the colors blended well with my tan. Not a lot of fallout. I use mostly the blue and green but maybe I will experiment with lemon one. Anyway. I love those <3<3<3  Definitely worth every penny to buy. This is the brand that I would choose over UD (because of the price but also because the quality of the eyeshadows is comparable to high end ones.

#5 StriVectin Present Perfect Antioxidant Defense Lotion

Full size: 1.7 ml - $59

Sample size: 7ml/0.25 fl oz- $8.67

Hmm strivectin antioxidant lotion. Small sample too. On their website they say that it will help you fight the early signs of aging and will prevent wrinkles.It is an oil-free and fragrance free cream formulated for the first signs of ageing. I can only say that it is moisturizing and did not trigger my allergies. It seems like a good but pricey cream. The sample was small so I cannot say that I saw any difference on my skin.

To sum up I really like August's Ipsy. Hope you enjoyed yours too.

Summertime lightness

Ipsy sent out this July a very well-balanced bag. I have used most of the items through the summer.
Here is what I got:

In a bright pink bag some goodies to last us a while

Kick back, relax, Birchbox got your back (or so it hopes)

August. The summer month by which you really should have used up all those sunscreen samples. This month's BBox came to me even before the notification. The theme is Lighten Up.
At the end of July subscribers once again had a chance to choose from 2 types of boxes:

• Everyday Girl curated box titled Affordable Luxuries that contained samples of:
  Number 4™ Super Comb Prep & Protect -Sulfate-free conditioning spray
  Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Push-Up Liner - Innovative, waterproof gel pen liner
  Acure Organics Facial Scrub - Gentle exfoliating cleanser
  Not Soap, Radio Happiness Inducing Body Wash - Lemon-scented, richly foaming gel
  Harvey Prince Hello - Best-selling citrus-and-floral fragrance

• Lighten Up box  - where we had a choice of one out of four makeup samples: theBalm Stainiac; Noir Eyeliner, Laura Geller Cool Lids Cream Eye Shadow in Silver Sands or ModelCo Shimmer Bronzing Powder

It was hard for me to chose because I really wanted to try Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner but I did not care for the other samples in the Everyday Girl box. In the end, I did not even have the time to go on website and choose, so my Birchbox turned out to be a total surprise. What did I get?

Take a look:

#1 Harvey Prince - Ageless-

Full Size : 50 ml - $55

Sample size : 1 ml? ~$1.1

This scent boasts scientific research that helps you defy your skin's natural age-revealing scent. It has notes of : Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Mango, Jasmine, Tuberose, YlangYlang and Sandalwood. It's makers define it as a fresh, sensual, luminous scent. Personally I must agree that it is a great scent. I prefer it to Hello which was very refreshing but also very short lived on my skin. This scent has some sandalwood in it which makes it a little more "durable" without being overpowering. I don't know about research but I love citrusy scents and this one has that grapefruit hint at the beginning which makes me perk up when I use it.

#2 Key West Aloe

Mango Moisturizing Lotion

Full Size:  6.0 oz. - $12

Sample size: 1 fl. oz. -$2

This lotion contains 50% aloe vera as well as  vit E, mango extracts and it absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin leaving it silky smooth.  The scent is there but it is not overpowering and it disappears after application. I felt it melting into my skin within seconds, and due to its aloe content the lotion was leaving a cooling sensation on my skin. Definitely worth a try, I regret that I only just received it. I would have loved to apply it after a day in the sun.

#3 Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow

Full Size: 1.6 oz-  $27

Sample size: 0.28 oz/8ml - $ 4.73

This skin enhancer is designed to give one a golden glow and to be worn alone or under makeup. At BBox site they say that: 

A blend of powerful antioxidants and soothing aloe and chamomile work together to calm and even skin tone. Flecked with tiny, light-reflecting pigments, this hypo-allergenic, perfume-free, and oil-free formula is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

It gives my skin a light tint, and it blends and is absorbed really quickly. I am not a fan of BB creams because I need a little bit more coverage, but I am going to use this sample this month. It is not a product that I will buy though because it is not enough to give me a polished look and I wear makeup mostly to work.

#4 ModelCo Shimmer Bronzer
Full size: 0.35 oz. - $22
Sample size: 3.6g/0.12 oz - $7.54

Shimmering bronzer - this is one of the samples that we could have chosen for our box. I was really pleasantly surprised when I got it because that was the sample I wanted. I did not know that it would have a shimmer but any bronzer is good at this time of the year. I am almost done with Pixi sample bronzer from Ipsy so this sample was godsent.

#5 SeaRx Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream
Full size: 1.02 fl.oz/ 30 ml   -$34
Sample size: ? probably between 3-5 ml

Presented in a pink tube this cream contains ingredients found from the seas and it is said to give one a glowing smooth complexion. I have never heard of this company before so I am looking forward to trying this cream

Was it worth it? I am happy with my Birchbox this month. I hope you were happy too :)

Power up the change- we're in the middle of summer!

This month I got my Birchbox first, but as I was going in vacation I decided to postpone posting about it until I was back. I got to go to the Bahamas for the first time in my life and I was really excited. My vacation was great, but now that I'm back I find it a bit hard to go back to the same old routine. Wish I have received Ipsy earlier- I could have used the tanning oil from this month's bag.

July's Birchbox was created in collaboration with Women's Health magazine and contains a coupon for a yearly subscription (10 issues) of the magazine for free. Valued at $9.99 it is almost a price of Birchbox so it is worth taking them up on that offer. There's even a note that one can get a refund for that amount. I guess they need new subscribers...?

In addition to that Birchbox launched a challenge called Power Up in 12 bite-sizes challenges. They asked their subscribers to follow 12 small steps like #2 Part your hair differently so that one can improve herself. all of it should be posted on Instagram and at the end of the month someone lucky will receive $500 worth of July products. The hardest challenge for me? #7 Up your sleep quality - they encourage one to go to sleep 5 minutes earlier - I don't have a bedtime :/ and #6 Skip the mirror where they ask you to ignore the mirror if only for a day. Problem is- I have a big mirror in my bathroom and one by the door- impossible to achieve.

Ok enough blabber about the challenge :)


Another innovation with July box was that subscribers got an email that allowed them to choose either a color of their Cynthia Rowley lip stain or  color of the Ruffian nail polish. I realized too late that I could have switched my selection from the lip stain to nail polish (if one really did not want the the offered option one could have asked to be switched to the other selection while supplies last).


This option has created a lot of positive buzz around the forums and groups for those that could choose. Of course, as it was a new untested promotion the site crashed soon after launching it and for a while the feedback was not so positive. I must commend developers and customer service -a lot of people said that they both managed to restore the options and that customer service really handled the crisis quite well. All in all, after a small snafu, internet waters calmed down and boxes sailed out to subscribers that were happy because they were given a choice.

So what was in my Birchbox?

Have a look:

almost a sneak peek

It looks like Birchbox is trying to stay ahead of the race that has become the sample box business. In order to improve it's game- all the subscribers have received yesterday an email offer - one could choose either one shade of the sampler Cynthia Rowley lip stain or one out of three colors of Ruffian nail polish. 

The site did crash once all the East Coasters woke up and got to clicking, but in the afternoon that was fixed and we got another email letting us know that we can choose.

I am very happy with that option. I picked a color that I would normally not buy- just to test it out.

Well played BBox, well played.

Paradise made by Ipsy aka June Ipsy bag.

I have to say that the wait for this bag seemed so long. All the sneak peaks made me impatient.I am getting better at predicting what will be in my glam bag ( or maybe it's just the pessimist in me, the minute I saw mascara I knew I was goings get it as the last time they were sending a BeABombshell product I did not receive it). When I saw that this bag has blue in it and has been designed by Rebecca Minkoff I was really glad to be on the subscribers list.

Ipsy bag has arrived at my home on June 14, and the first thing I did was check out the mascara. Yep, it stinks. All the comments populating Ipsy forum, Facebook groups and pages are true. The Mascaragate of Ipsy June bag has reached a level where I'm even a little hesitant to agree with all the disappointed recipients of this item for fear of being called a wimp, Scrooge, sissy or some other offensive name. Nobody wants to "feed the troll", but at the same time I think that those of us who received it should be allowed to complain. I must say, in this virtual universe of makeup affectionados if something happens, it blows up quickly. All the other items in my bag, I'm happy to report, were up to par with the quality and value I grew to expect from it.

So what was in my bag, you ask. Let's see:

Let's save ramblings about mascara for last and describe the rest.

#1 NYX Butter Gloss 

Full size 8 ml-$ 5  (on their website)

In Creme Brûlée  

The item that was in everyone's bag, the Holy Grail of lipglosses for those with dry lips that delivers good coverage without breaking one's bank. This item ( and it's distribution to all customers not just to the people who resubscribed) was enough to put me in a great mood. What can I say- I love it, ever since one of my Instagram friends posted about it ,  and I got myself both lip butter and the matte lipgloss , I knew that I would be stocking on it because it works. I gives me great color sheen and does not dry my lips. Five stars!

The Creme Brule is a soft nude color that is, in my opinion, better suited for spring (I was hoping to get something bolder), but it is still a good color for me.

#2

Laneige BB cream

Full size: $34 at Target

Sample size: as pictured three pods and a puff so that everyone can use it and is able to find the right color.

To use Ipsy quote: 

"The revolutionary, “5-in-one under the sun” skin care in a compact. Powered by SPF 50 broad-spectrum UVA, UVB protection, the synergy of its exclusive Cushion Form technology and unique application hydrates, brightens, color corrects and soothes all skin types, all day. Fine lines are filled; coverage is complete, skin looks flawless, luminous."

The product is stored in sponges and one has to use the provided puff to apply it to face. Some people complained about its smell but this does not bother me so much. Once applied it seems to melt into your skin and provide thin coverage. I definitely feel like my skin is getting hydrated and maybe a little smoother after the application. The color adopts to the skin but is not enough to cover the redness on my face. I would have loved it earlier in my life but right now it is not enough unless I want to show everyone that some people do not need to use blush.

#3

Nickak NY Shimmer Eyeliner in Green

Full size $4.99 on their website

Talk about a pop of color. This is a great summer find, and surprisingly the green does complement my eyes. I am happy to have received it. The two issues with it are: the tip is kind of hard so that makes for an awkward application, at least until it softens; the liner is really waterproof. It is hard to take off, and do be prepared that it might stain your eyelids. I am going to experiment with a primer or maybe even try to use it on topd of a regular black eyeliner. Who knows. Nut all in all I like it.

#4

Marck Aanthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

Full size4.2 fl.oz - $6.64 (original $8.79) at online walgreens store

Sample size: 45ml/1.52 fl.oz. - $2.40

Seeing as I am cursed gifted with curly hair I am interesting in this spray's performance. I have not tested it yet. It does smell a little like coconuts. I am not really interested in this type of product as I usually either 1. try to make my hair stay in tighter curls; 2. if all else fails I try to straighten out my hair with a flat iron (and I need a whole set of products to do so.

#5

BeABombshell Lash Out Mascara

Full Size $15

Net wt 7g/.25oz.

Ah, the drama. The first thing I did when I received my Ipsy bag was to open the mascara and smell it. It smells AWFUL. Having said that, I waited a week, opened it again and the smell was not as overwhelming.
I know a lot of people were put off by the chemical smell, some just chucked the mascara into trash and never looked back. At the same time both Ipsy and BeABombshell have released statements that the mascara is safe for use and that the chemical smell comes from the fact that the company decided to forgo adding a fragrance because fragrance sometimes causes allergies. Let me tell you-that statement hit me really hard. If that is true then my next mascara will be well researched organic one. My first thought was -"I know there's tar in most of the regular mascaras but are you telling me the end product stinks so much ....what have I been putting on my eyelashes the whole time!!!!! abandon ship ...throw out all mascaras!!!"

After I got the mini freak out out of my system I have decided to compare this mascara to another "generic" one. I recently purchased a set that came with Ulta Plush Drama Volume Mascara, so I decided to test both.  Here are the results- please forgive the eyebrows and no makeup except for mascaras. I have now a whole new admiration of the girls who take fabulous closeups of their eye makeup. I could not take a good picture of my eyes.

Can you tell which mascara is on which eye?

I know I could not tell a difference. Both of them seem to lengthen my eyelashes but are nothing special in my opinion. I did not have any allergic reaction to either, and, when I decided to sniff the Ulta mascara, I discovered that it also had a faint chemical smell. Nothing as pronounced as the BeABombshell one- that one's smell is overpowering the second you open the tube, but it was there nevertheless.

Here are more detailed pictures:

Conclusion? I won't be buying either one of them because both of them rated as acceptable but not remarkable. And I will educate myself on the chemicals that go into mascaras ( I already know to watch out for lipsticks). 

Life,eh? Overall I rate this bag a B

I love the bag itself, it was full of different products ( three of them were full size- lipgloss, eye liner and mascara) but I have to downgrade it for the whole hoopla with the above mentioned mascara. If I had bought it in a store I would have been returning it as fast as lightening. As it is, I might use it, but despite all the assurances I am not convinced if I want to do it. It is no better than a drugstore mascara I can get for cheaper ( and some of them would be better).

So were you happy with your bag this month? Did the mascara stay or go out with the trash?

Birchbox take me away!

 After a really disappointing May Birchbox I was hesitant to even check my June box before it arrived ( plus there were some problems with Bbox website- even now, on June 21, I have problems with accessing my products room). I got my box earlier than Ipsy, and I was really happy with its content. What did I get? Here is my picture:

I honestly have not been so happy with Birchbox since September- the first month I signed up.

I can even take a perfume sample as long as I get some makeup items with it. Well, without further ado , let's see what I got exactly.

May collaboration with Kate Spade or how I wish it was Sunday

Big hopes, big words and it all ended up in a whimper. All Birchbox subscribers this month have received a card with a discount code for Kate Spade Saturday ( which is a cheaper contemporary edition of Kate Spade merchandise). Some of the new subscribers scored a free necklace. Us- we got a card and a box with awesome lining. That's my second favorite thing about this month's box and isn't it a sad thing?

Here's what the mailman brought me:

Ipsy- Fresh Green Picks for May

This is the first time my Ipsy bag arrived before the Birchbox.

Ipsy bag filled with finds that are supposed to help us freshen up our beauty routine. And they are all very green.  Was it the truth? Check it out....

Birchbox is a tease

I got clicky truck on Friday and notification that my room will update on Monday. Since then the link is dead. I am one frustrated person. Ipsy glam rooms are going to update on Monday too. The wait is soo frustrating. I think I will clean my home or something.

April Ipsy - give me what I want!

The silent shipping war between Birchbox and ipsy has resulted in my packages arriving at the same time. This Ipsy theme was Beauty Rocks - and my package was definitely awesome. Here's a picture :)

April showers bring .... Birchbox for April 2014

Rainy days were really cold. I was glad to have received my birchbox and ipsy on the same day. Here's what the mailman brought me from Birchbox.

Better late than never part 2 March Ipsy

I was dying to get the March Ipsy, that is until I learned that BeABombshell BoraBora quad was not in my glam bag. Then I despaired ( a little) complained (a lot) to my BFF and ....learned that her friend would trade with me for the NYX eyeshadow that I have received. Anyway, without further ado here's my pic

Better late than never or March review of Birchbox and Ipsy

Delivery of the March bags was a bit frustrating to me. I was waiting for a clicky truck for forever, then with Birchbox it seemed stuck in some town whereas Ipsy bag was just "in transit". And then, suddenly, I got them both on the same day. Not wanting to describe them I held on to the idea of testing the stuff before writing my post. So far I managed to do so ( and I managed to make my first swap)- with Ipsy I got a Nyx palette in Amazonian Babes- a bit of a disappointment because it was another neutral palette- I really wanted to get the BeABombshell quad. So, my friend spoke with another Ipsy subscribing friend- and now I am a proud owner of the BoraBora palette- I love the blue in it :)

Let's get the comparison on, birchbox first. 

Before the weekend ends

I have received both boxes on the same date-Friday. I was so excited as both of my tracking numbers were not really tracking. They did show "delivered" after I saw my boxes.

I had little time to try out the items yet but I am sure to share the content of my boxes soon.

13 is the charm? Maybe.

It's March the 13th- all the spoilers have been released already, watched and commented upon.


What's more - on March 10th I received the shipping info for Birchbox (Newgistics), and on March 11th the shipping info from Ipsy (DHL). Both boxes show as shipped, but their location has not changed since the initial scan. I expect to receive them by the end of the week, next Monday at the latest.


Both showrooms are alive so I know what I am getting, but it still does not stop me from haunting instagram posts with #birchbox and #ipsy and liking any and all boxes.


And now I want my boxes dammit!

The look of love

After obsessively checking my tracking link for the last six days I have received the coveted pink envelope. I am sure that had it not been for the winter storm that stopped the East coast I would have received it right before Valentine's Day.  As it is, the mask I got will be the first item I will use.

What I got? See for yourself :

In the cute little bag I have received

#1 full size Zoya nail polish in Odette

This is the first time I will try out this nailpolish that boasts to be 3free, and the delicate milky pink from the new collection is perfect for that. I was just recently looking for something like that, so I am really happy I have received it. I will gladly use it. I'm tired of the dark colors.

#2 full size eyetini eyeshadow and primer in Violette

When I saw it I was not really happy - I don't like this color, but then how many gold/neutral/blue eye shadows/eye pencils  can a girl have? Too many if you look into my cosmetic bag, so I have resolved to try it out since I got it in a bag. From the swatch on my hand I know that once it dries it will stay put.

I am curious how will my experiments end.

#3 jcatbeauty eyelashes

My experience with falsies is almost non existent- I only put them on twice, and these are 100% human hair ( I've read a little how that is obtained online). They are definitely fuller than what I used before, but I will give them a try.

#4 pop beauty lipgloss in Fuchia Freesia

I love lipgloss so I'm happy I will get to try it

And last but not least 

Skyn facemask . I have heard good things about this brand, will test it.

Glamour race

It seems that the silent shipping war between Birchbox and Ipsy has intensified.

I have received notifications from both yesterday. Wednesday 13 I have received my birchbox. I was so busy at the beginning of February that I had little time to check the spoilers. I was so excited that it took me a while to notice that I was getting a dupe - Ruby Wing in Rid'em Cowgirl.(*correction Birchbox customer service said that because the nail polish was in a different color it was not a dupe, and that I could safely review it for 10 points).

Here's what the mailman brought me:

More under the line

Ipsy take on January.

After a small snafu with birchbox I was really curious about Ipsy, I figured , even if I were to get fake eyelashes I would still like it better than Bb. January 15 I received a notification about shipment ( the glam room was updated before that and I was really relieved not to be receiving the Proactive face wipes,so I was waiting for my bag).

January 18 my bag arrived. Having read a lot of negatives about the smell and the content I opened my bubble mail carefully. And I saw another cute bag. Yes, it does smell a bit ( the smell seems to originate from the decal on the bag and not the bag itself), but only when I actually smell it. 

Here's what the mailman brought me :

Let's go straight to Number One 

Haste makes waste or how January 2014 Birchbox disappointed

I mentioned today how fast my box shipped and how it's content seemed to have been changed overnight ( no Eyeko boo!!!!). I could have lived with the changed content but it seems like someone forgot to include a fourth item in my sample box. I've already emailed Birchbox customer service and now I have to wait for their reply.

I am a little bit miffed. This box did not seem to be a great one from the beginning but now it has almost reached the level of dreadful.

What was supposed to be in my box? Here, take a look:

At first glance it seems like an ok box. 

But then you discover that your body lotion sample is 3 tiny foil samples... Like the one you can get in a newspaper. WTH!!!

almost here

My tracking number for birchbox says that it is out for delivery today - one day earlier than predicted ---so happy :)

Whoo! Birchbox clicky truck

Is in my email. As the box/shipment has not updated yet, I have no idea what's in my box. I wish I could get the pure mascara or dry shampoo. Anything but the coconut body balm. I hate coconut scent.

ok apparently I'm going to get box #50 - Eyeko liner yay!
#50 yeah

I was so happy that I might get box #50 but for a day my box disappeared from my birchbox page and now it has returned but apparently I'm getting box #1

No eyeko eyliner for me :( and I was so hyped up about it. Still getting Ahmad Tea (meh- I tried it on my own and it's ok tea) I'm getting another hair produck- but it's not the dry shampoo :/ I have to change my profile a bit apparently. I am running out of space for all those detangler/texturising/leave in treatments

and please, please let my pure body cream be anything BUT coconut

eh, here's to wishes

and belated Ipsy post

I actually received my Ipsy right after the December Birchbox, so I had two bags on the same weekend. I must say Ipsy won- hands down.

First of all - the bag is gorgeous. It's sturdy and classic, even if something spills inside it looks like there will be no leaks on the outside.

Let's go to the products.














1. I received Nicka K nail polish in Ripe Apple
The nail polish lasts on my nails for about 3 days (just like Opi or Essie). It is presented in a great bottle and the top is just the right length. However, my only gripe about it, would be its awful, awful brush. It is hard to apply it because the brush is too big. I love the color though. Here's my New Year's mani using the nail polish and some glitter :) You can see that I went out of the nail bed with this brush.

2. Mirabella Blender brush - I like it. It's handle is a bit sturdier than I am used to, but the brush itself is soft and does not shed while in use. I was very happy to find it in my Ipsy bag :)

3. Pop -Bright Up Your Life Eyeshadow Trio in Naturally Bare (shimmery neutrals)

It has nude/gold color theme, and I commented to my friend that now I could not justify lusting after Urban Decay the Naked palette because I have all the nude colors I can wish for.The colors are very subtle and I guess I will be using them mostly as a base. - ok tested the eyeshadows-pręty but without a base/primer they last about 6-8 hours. I went to bathroom at work to discover that I had no eyeshadow, but nobody noticed. We are all bracing for the storm.

4. J.Cat Big Lip Pencil in Caramel Mocha
I like lip pencils, stains, lip-glosses so I was happy to receive it. It complements my eyeshadows- it gives my lips enough coverage to look made up. I also have confidence that I will be able to apply it in the bus if I want to.

5. At last - the only "dud" in the bag
I received BeABombshell One Stck in Sunset
I was so hyped up to be receiving something so pretty. I was soooo happy. Alas! My One Stick smelled like play dough. I tried it on my hand, and I really liked the color but the smell put me off it completely. I was afraid to try it out on my sensitive skin. I brought it to my friend and she said that hers did not smell like mine- so I guess I got one that was old. And I was not able to try it out :(

So as you can see Ipsy delivered a better products than Birchbox. I really hope that January Birchbox will be more interesting. Right now I kind of regret getting a yearly Birchbox subscription and wish I had thought to order a yearly Ipsy subscription.

And the spoilers for both boxes are out!

Etc. December birch box continued

TThe So, we have established that Dr. Lipp's balm works but is hard to squeeze out of the tup.well then, on to the next adventure.

The sea spray by Toni&Guy

Size 75ml/2.5 US fl.oz

6.8oz for $15

This is a texturizing spray that smells great, fresh and a bit powdery. Tbh I don't see much difference while using it, but that's mainly because my hair already has enough texture, and frizz, on its own.So it has mainly been used as a fancy spray after everything else.

Graded for personal use : A

Acceptable but not neccesary 

#2

The Lashfusion XL mascara 0.28 oz/ 8 g

Supposedly an instant lash voluminizer

The brush might be ok, but mascara overall is nothing to write home about.

I used it three times- I came to the conclusion that it was not for my spare lashes- it covers well but I did not feel like my eyelashes were suddenly voluminized. 

Not buying.

#3

Grand Central Beauty S.M.A.R.T. skin perfecting polisher

Sample size? Unknown but small

To buy: 30ml for $38

Ok one sample that redeems all- it was a surprisingly gentle skin polisher that worked for everyone in volved

Skin feels so smooth :)