First Impressions: Cover Fx Custom Cover Drops in N10

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I was so, so, so excited to try the Custom Cover Drops by Cover Fx. I have never tried anything by Cover Fx before and this foundation-type product intrigued me. The Custom Cover Drops is not a regular foundation, it is pigment meant to be mixed with other products (e.g., moisturizer, primer, sunscreen). You can customize the coverage from sheer—1 drop—to total coverage—4 drops. I am always looking for full coverage in a foundation so I really wanted to try this product. It’s $44 for 0.50 oz. (typical foundations are 1 oz.) and I picked it up at Sephora during the VIB Rouge sale.

 

There is a nice range of colors—24 colors in neutral, pink and golden undertones ranging from very light to pretty dark. This is a huge plus because it is often hard for people with very light or very dark skin tones to find a product that matches their skin. The product is dispensed through a dropper since you measure the amount of coverage you want by the number of drops you add to your moisturizer (or whatever you’re mixing the pigment in). It’s nice that this eliminates a step since you can combine skin care and foundation into one. The drops contain “Flash Fusion Technology” that instantly transforms your moisturizer, etc. into a foundation when you add the drops—a ton of mixing was not needed. Cover Fx promises a smooth application with ingredients similar to what is in skin. For full coverage, I mixed three drops of this with my primer and set to applying it.

*Sigh* I wanted to love this. I really did. I thought it would be a game-changer, enough that I spent almost $40 on it. The Custom Cover Drops did not apply well for me at all. It clung to the dryness on my skin (dryness I’ve never even seen with my other foundations) and just sat on my skin weirdly. It did not blend well and it definitely did not give full coverage. It was light coverage at best so I added more pigment. It was still only light coverage. I gave up and applied my MAC Fluid Fix foundation over it.

Since I’ve tried this, I’ve seen many beauty YouTubers rave about this product so I’m disappointed that it did not work out for me. Needless to say, I returned it. I picked up some lippies instead J (review(s) to come!).

Disclaimer: This item was purchased with my own money and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

Saving Series: Tuesday, April 28, 2015

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CVS is my favorite store to grab great beauty deals. If you haven’t already, sign up for their ExtraCare card. You can swipe it in the front of the store at a kiosk and get tons of store coupons (that you can combine with manufacturer’s coupons). CVS will also email you coupons (e.g., $3 off a $15 dollar purchase, 30% off your regular price purchase) and you can get ExtraCare Bucks—these are essentially money, just money you can only use at CVS. You get ExtraCare Bucks by buying certain products (e.g., spend $12 on Revlon products and get $4 in ExtraCare Bucks back). You can use the ECBs on your next purchase. Also, if you sign up for CVS’s Beauty Club you get $5 ECBs when you spend $50 on beauty products. The $50 total is BEFORE coupons! For more information, see my Couponing 101: CVS post.

So sales + coupons + ECBs make CVS my favorite couponing spot.

This week, Maybelline is spend $15 get $5 ECBs back. Let’s get to work…

            What I got: Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick in 205 Nearly There ($8.79; a nice nude with a bit of shimmer) and Volum’Express Pumped Up! Colossal mascara in 215 Glam Brown ($7.99). I don’t normally get brown mascara, but I’ve been getting so many for free lately that I figured I’d pick up a brown one since I currently only have black mascara.

Breakdown: Before coupons, sales and taxes, my total would have been $16.78.  Sales and coupons used:

            $2 off the mascara (CVS sale)

            $2 off the mascara (manufacturer’s coupon)

            $5 in ECBs from my last Saving Series

            $5 in ECBs from spending $50 (before coupons) on beauty items (CVS Beauty Club)

            $3 in ECBs from linking the CVS app to my ExtraCare Card (anyone can do this)

           

I paid absolutely nothing for these two items!! The cashier even had to reduce my coupon by a few cents to make it work!  I also have $5 in ECBs toward my next purchase ($5 ECBs for spending $15 on Maybelline products).

So many good deals at the drugstore. Let me know if you’ve starting couponing at CVS. You can read all my Saving Series posts here. Happy couponing!!

Disclaimer: These items were purchased with my own money or by my lovely husband and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

Review of: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

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Ahhh, spring cleaning! One of my favorite things to do (organization-wise, not actual cleaning). I saw a video on YouTube of Jennifer Ross decluttering her closet using the “KonMari Method.” I was intrigued as I love to organize and I love to get rid of stuff. Weird, I know, but it’s refreshing to me to clear out old clutter and make room for something new. After watching the video, I decided to read Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. I was already planning on going through all our “stuff” so I figured I would try Kondo’s KonMarie Method.  

The KonMarie Method focuses on purging one category at a time (as opposed to the ever popular one room at a time or X number of minutes a day) in a short period of time. Her method has you gather all you have of one item (e.g., clothes) and put them in a pile so you can see all you have. Next, you discard. She suggests using feeling over logic here. No, “I may use that for…” If it doesn’t bring you joy it goes. After you discard and are left with only things that “spark joy,” you organize. I’m usually a person who works more rationally than emotionally so this was an interesting exercise for me.

Kondo has you start by visualizing your ideal lifestyle, why you are motivated to declutter and what will bring you happiness. If it doesn’t “spark joy” it goes. Kondo makes a very good point—focus on what you want to keep, not on what you want to throw away. That way, you are left with only what you really want (and don’t feel bad for throwing away so much because you are left with what makes you happy). You can also donate what you are no longer keeping!

There is a strict order to what you declutter: Clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous stuff and lastly, mementos. The rationale to this order is that by the time you get to mementos you will have mastered the art of decluttering and will be able to part with items that may at one time had sentimental value.

Kondo gives good organization tips in regards to clothing: Fold clothes and store them vertically (as opposed to piled on top of each other) to save space and put less wear on your clothes, put heavier clothes on the left side of your closet and shorter, lighter clothes on the right side to make your closet seem airier (I tried this, it worked) and organize based on ease of storing, not ease of use (so that you actually put stuff away).

For books, “sometimes means never.” So, if you think you will read a book at some point, chances are you will not. And I’ll just add that if you change your mind down the road, you can always go to my favorite place—the library! Kondo also advocates throwing out basically all paper, unless it is something important like a contract or needed for taxes. She pulls no punches.

Kondo can use judgmental language at times (e.g., people are lazy, if you wear sweats you will end up being unattractive) and talks in metaphors a lot. I’m assuming the metaphors are a little off because of cultural differences. She also encourages you to talk to your possessions every day. For example, you should thank your shoes for protecting your feet and your bag for carrying your stuff. Again, this may be more of a cultural difference but I don’t see myself doing that. She also makes a bunch of health and fortune claims based on this method of decluttering. These claims are based on anecdotal evidence and not research.

Decluttering videos and tips on a minimalist lifestyle are very popular right now, so it’s easy to see why this method has caught on so quickly.

My husband and I go through our stuff at least once a year and donate what we don’t need or want so I wasn’t sure we would have much to get rid of using the KonMari Method. Boy was I wrong! We have four bags of clothes to donate, in addition to throwing a bunch out.  We are donating almost 100 books, 62 DVDs and 13 DVD TV series. I’m sure there is more we will get rid of in the near future too. We’re not people who accumulate things or buy random things, but this method really forces you to really pare down to the essentials that bring you joy. As far as my clothing/closet goes, I definitely feel lighter. Just about everything in my closet is something I want to wear and I’m not bogged down by seeing things that I never wear.

This is a very strict method of decluttering. It will probably be hard for people to stick to Kondo’s exact rules, but I suggest giving it a try and modifying the method to best suit your lifestyle. Just make sure you don’t get caught in the trap of only keeping something for sake of keeping it. I think it’s most important to follow the joy rule—only keep things that “spark joy.” Chances are you’ll feel lighter and happier. I know I do.

Now, what to do with all these empty hangers….

Disclaimer: This item was purchased with my own money or by my lovely husband and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

Saving Series: Saturday, April 25, 2015

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CVS is my favorite store to grab great beauty deals. If you haven’t already, sign up for their ExtraCare card. You can swipe it in the front of the store at a kiosk and get tons of store coupons (that you can combine with manufacturer’s coupons). CVS will also email you coupons (e.g., $3 off a $15 dollar purchase, 30% off your regular price purchase) and you can get ExtraCare Bucks—these are essentially money, just money you can only use at CVS. You get ExtraCare Bucks by buying certain products (e.g., spend $12 on Revlon products and get $4 in ExtraCare Bucks back). You can use the ECBs on your next purchase. Also, if you sign up for CVS’s Beauty Club you get $5 ECBs when you spend $50 on beauty products. The $50 total is BEFORE coupons! For more information, see my Couponing 101: CVS post.

So sales + coupons + ECBs make CVS my favorite couponing spot.

I got two L’Oreal products this week. L’Oreal can be hard to get a good deal on because their prices tend to run a few dollars higher than other drugstore brands. The Coupon Machine gave me a $5 off of a $15 L’Oreal foundation or mascara purchase coupon and a $2 off L’Oreal Cosmetics coupon. Furthermore, L’Oreal is buy 2 get $5 in ECBs. AND I received a 25% off your purchase at CVS (non-sale items) in the mail. The sales clerk said I could use the 25% off and $5 off of $15 in the same transaction. Get excited!!

            What I got: L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara in 335 Carbon Black and L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup (foundation) in N1 Neutral Soft Ivory.

Breakdown: Before coupons, sales and taxes, my total would have been $20.48.  Coupons used:

            $5 of $15 purchase of L’Oreal Foundation or Mascara CVS coupon (from the Coupon Machine)

            $2 off any L’Oreal Cosmetcis CVS coupon (from the Coupon Machine)

            25% off non-sale CVS purchase (received in the mail)

            $7 in ECBs ($5 from my last Saving Series and $2 in quarterly rewards)

           

I paid $3.61 (before tax) for a mascara and foundation—an 82% savings!!  I also have $5 in ECBs toward my next purchase (5 ECBs for buying two L’Oreal products). This could have been an even bigger saving had I bought two mascaras but I’ve been wanting to try this foundation out so it’s still a great deal to me.

Let me know in the comments below beauty deals you’ve picked up recently. You can read all my Saving Series posts here. Happy couponing!!

Disclaimer: These items were purchased with my own money or by my lovely husband and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

Bye Bye Beauty: Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful 6 in 1 Super-Serum

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The Bye Bye Beauty series will feature products I felt did not live up to advertised claims, had a bad formula or otherwise did not meet my expectations.

I’m not exactly sure what the 6 in the “6 in 1”in the title are, I couldn’t find a list anywhere. This serum contains “Lineguard365” (not sure what this is, I assume it fights wrinkles), “Super-Youth Biopeptides” (anti-aging peptides) and Energinseng (ginseng, caffeine, etc.). It claims to be anti-aging, for all skin types, rejuvenating and moisturizing. There are a TON of claims online at various websites that sell the product.

This serum was definitely not for me. It has a citrusy moisturizer smell—nothing offensive. It has the normal consistency of a serum (a thinner moisturizer), but it never quite dried down. It didn’t leave my face feeling hydrated; instead, my face actually felt sticky. I just felt like this serum did nothing for me. I used it several times with the same result--sticky feeling skin. That can make it very hard to apply makeup. Sometimes your skin just needs a few days to adjust to a new product, but it still made me break out. I think because the serum just sat on my skin instead of absorbing, my skin couldn’t breathe and it clogged my pores. I received a bunch of free samples with some purchases I made at Sephora.com so I’m glad that I did not spend my money on this serum

I’ve tried a few Soap & Glory products and haven’t been too impressed (the lotions smell horrible to me). Soap & Glory is moving out of Sephora (all of their products are on sale at Sephora right now) and back into the drugstore (rumors galore as to where S&G will end up). I have yet to try any of their makeup products and may still give them a shot, but I think I will stay clear of skin/body care products.

Have you tried any Soap & Glory products? Let me know your experience!

Want more Bye Bye Beauty? You can see all my Bye Bye Beauty posts here.

Disclaimer: This item was a free sample with a qualifying purchase at Sephora.com. Aall opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me (or don’t) may not (or may) work for you.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

First Impressions of April 2015 Boxycharm

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Boxycharm is a $21/month subscription box. You get around 5 full-size products (sometimes deluxe sample sizes) of higher-end beauty (makeup, skin care, haircare) products. Like ipsy and Birchbox, you get points for reviewing products in your box, and for referrals, that you can use to “buy” products from the Boxycharm website.

Boxycharm comes in a cardboard box (surprise!) and includes a card that details the products inside and the value of each product.

Here’s what I received in my April 2015 Boxycharm and my first impression of the products:

Product #1: Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette (Full-Size)

YES! I am so, so excited that this palette was included in this month’s Boxycharm. I believe Boxycharm included the first Revealed palette a while back. This eyeshadow palette includes 20 colors that are pink and purple toned. It is supposed to be a dupe for the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. There are 8 matte colors and 12 shimmery colors, ranging from a matte highlight color to a matte black. Most colors are in the pink & purple family and range from lighter to darker colors. The shadows seem very pigmented. I’m excited to play around with this. You can usually get Coastal Scents products on sale as well (e.g., the palette will be on sale for $20).

Value: $39.95

Product #2: OFRA Derma Mineral Powder in Pink Sapphire (Full-Size; 6g)

I received an OFRA eyeliner in last month’s Boxycharm so I’m not thrilled to see this brand again. I did not like the eyeliner and I don’t think I will use this product either. It is a very glittery face and body shimmer. I may use this on the inner corner of my eyes to highlight, but I doubt I will use it for anything else—it’s just too shimmery. I believe the color will vary by box.

Value: $35

Product #3: Vincent Longo Eye Pencil in Brown & Fawn Silk (Full-Size; 0.056 oz.)

This is a double-ended eyeliner pencil. Once side (Brown) is a very deep brown and the other side (Fawn Silk) is a shimmery taupe. I love these colors, especially Fawn Silk because it is unique. These seem like they will apply smoothly and be very pigmented. I will definitely get some use out of this. Colors will vary by box.

Value: $26

Product #4: Coolway Smoothing Lotion (Full-Size; 2 oz.)

I have never heard of this brand (probably because it is haircare, which is not something I spend much time on). This smoothing lotion is supposed to smooth frizz while being safe for color-treated hair. You can apply this to damp or dry hair. It has vitamins and proteins that help tame the frizz. It has a slight tropical scent. I may give it a try to see if the claims hold true.

Value: $24.95

Product #5: Harvey Prince Mini Roller Fragrance (0.30 ml)

I received the Signature eau de parfum scent. This is a big rollerball sample as well. Harvey Prince fragrances are in subscription boxes quite a bit. The Signature scent Scent will vary by box. It has similar notes to the Aromachology eau de parfum I received in my April ipsy bag (grapefruit, jasmine, amber), but smells totally different. I do not like this scent at all—it smells like I’ve got my nose in a honeysuckle.

Value: $21

Overall Value: $146.90!!

Boxycharm brought it again in terms of overall value. For me, the box is paid for because of the Revealed 2 palette and Vincent Longo eyeliner. I doubt I will use the OFRA shimmer powder and I definitely won’t use the fragrance. Verdict is still out on the hair smoothing lotion.

What are your thoughts on Boxycharm? If you’d like to sign-up for Boxycharm, feel free to use my referral link. At checkout enter the following code:

M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

Disclaimer: This bag was purchased with my own money and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you. I do receive points if you sign-up for a subscription using my referral link; however, I am not affiliated with Boxycharm.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

First Impressions of April 2015 ispy Glam Bag

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ipsy is a monthly subscription box company created by Michelle Phan and is $10 a month. You get a mix of makeup, skincare and hair care items, usually 4-5 full- or deluxe sample size products in a makeup bag. When you sign up for ipsy, you take a quiz in order for bags to be customized to your skin type/tone, and your general preferences. You can retake the quiz as many times as you like. You can also review each product in your bag to help ipsy further customize your future bags and earn points to purchase products. You also receive points when people sign up for ipsy through your referral link.

Below are the items I received:

Bag: This bag isn’t my favorite, but it is in line with this month’s theme, “Beautifully Bohemian” (Coachella, anyone?). The bag is made of woven jute, with a colorful pattern woven in. The inside is vinyl, which is a plus—if any makeup spills it won’t ruin the outside of the bag.

Product #1: the Balm Nude Dude Volume 2 Mini Nude Eyeshadow in Flirty (0.035 oz.)

I was very excited to receive a the Balm product. I love this brand. I have been eyeing the Nude Dude palettes for a while too. Flirty is a taupey-purple color with a gold duo chrome. It’s really pretty and unique. I’m excited to play around with this color. It is very pigmented and smooth. the Balm always has the most clever packaging too (in the palette the eyeshadow pans cover up the naughty bits of the naked dudes).

Value: $3

 

Product #2: Lather Ultra Light Face Lotion (1 oz.)

The full-size of this moisturizer is 2 oz., so it’s nice to see that ipsy included such a big sample. The moisturizer says it is non-greasy and paraben-free. I used this once; a little goes a long way and it absorbs nicely. It has a nice light scent.

Value: $10.50

Product #3: Starlooks Lip Gloss in LG24 Cuddle

Starlooks has its own subscription box, so I’m glad to see that they still pop up in other subscription boxes. This lip gloss has a slight vanilla smell and isn’t sticky. The color is a very sheer nudey-brown color—good on its own or over a lipstick. There is a very finely-milled shimmer to the gloss too. I don’t typically buy lip glosses so I’m very happy with this.

Value: $3.50 (?)

Product #4: Julie G Nail Color in Damsel (0.35 oz.)

The color I received is Damsel, a fuchsia/mid-tone pink color. It looks like it will be highly pigmented too. This is one of my favorite summer nail colors to wear so I will definitely use this. It also came with a Rite Aid coupon for $1 off any Jesse’s Girl or Julie G product.

Value: $4

Product #5: Aromachology Eau de Parfum in Sosphisticated & Sensual (0.17 oz.)

I don’t typically wear perfume so I do like receiving it in subscription boxes. However, this is an eau de parfum (the expensive kind of fragrance) and a rollerball (much easier to apply than typically open top perfume samples). It smells heavily of grapefruit, but has other floral notes as well as sandalwood. I actually like it. I may wear it occasionally.

Value: $5

Overall Value: $25

I really like this bag and it is definitely worth $10. I love both the eyeshadow and lip gloss, and I believe I will like the moisturizer and nailpolish. The only thing I’m on the fence about is the perfume, just because I don’t normally wear perfume, I prefer something lighter.

If you subscribe to ipsy, what did you get in your bag? I’m curious to see if we received the same items or not!

If you’re interested in signing up for ipsy, feel free to use my referral link J

Disclaimer: This bag was purchased with my own money and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you. I do receive points if you sign-up for a subscription using my referral link; however, I am not affiliated with ipsy.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

First Impressions of April 2015 Birchbox

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Birchbox is a $10/month subscription box. You get around 5 samples or deluxe-size samples of beauty (makeup, skin care, hair care) products. Similar to ipsy, you take a quiz to customize your box and get points for reviewing products in your box and for referrals that you can use to “buy” products on the Birchbox website.

With Birchbox, you get the option (if you choose fast enough) to pick either the curated box, one of your samples or to just let Birchbox pick all of your samples. This month I passed on the curated box and did not get to choose my own sample so I had a total mystery box.

Birchbox comes packaged in a box within a box. This month’s box is gorgeous! Birchbox teamed up with Rifle Paper Co. The box is coral with a floral print. I will use it to organize my makeup. The box also contains a card detailing the items and the (full-size) value of each item.

 Product #1: LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil (0.07 oz)

The color I received in this lip crayon is Honeypot. I think the color will vary since the color was not indicated on the content listing card. It is a nice blue-based mid-tone pink. It smells like a candy cane. It goes on smoothly, is semi-sheer and has a nice shine. It’s not sticky at all. I think I will like this!

Value: $14

Product #2: Obliphica Professional Treatment Hair Serum (0.50 oz)

This has a nice smell—I can’t quite put my finger on it—a very clean scent. This hair serum is supposed to repair and protect dry/damaged hair, and add shine. You can use this in damp or dry hair. This has seaberry in it. I’ve seen seaberry pop up in a few places so I’m guessing that will be the next big thing (like argan oil just was). If you’ve been reading my past Birchbox posts, you’ll know I don’t really care for hair products as I just never use them. I will give this a shot next time I wash my hair.

Value: $8.64

Product #3: POP Beauty Portfolio Eyeshadow Palette in Peach Parfait (0.15 oz)

It seems as though 

everyone will get the same color of this eyeshadow trio. The colors are absolutely beautiful. There is a vanilla, peach and bronze color. They are shimmery and remind me of the Pixi Apricot Glow eyeshadow duo I received in last month’s ipsy bag. I wore this trio today. The shadows are not pigmented at all. I don’t mind eyeshadows that are not pigmented because it allows me to build up the color without it being too intense. However, I could not really build up these colors. They colors are so pretty when swatched, but I’m not sure if that will translate to the eyes. The lightest color arrived broken. I’m sure Birchbox would replace this product if I asked, but I don’t think I’m going to bother.

Value: $3 (?)

Product #4: Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator Exfoliating Cleanser Enriched with Papaya, Micro-crystals and Aloe (0.70 oz)

This cleanser is supposed to be akin to microdermabrasion and will brighten, smooth and soften skin.  It is parabens and sulfate free, vegan, 99% natural, etc. It smells like a cleanser, no real scent. You are supposed to use 3-5 times per week. It says that it is okay for all skin types, but I’m a little worried it might be too intense for my sensitive skin. I’ll give it a shot.

Value: $5.63

Product #5: Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Blueberry (0.75 oz)

I received a Whish body butter (that smelled horrible) last month so I was not excited to see a repeat brand this month. The blueberry smell is nice (like a Flintstones Push-Up Pop—let me know if you remember those!). This shaving cream has a shea butter base and is supposed to moisturize, soothe and nourish because it contains shea butter, omega 3, green tea, coconut oil and jojoba seed oil. It is parabens, sulfate, DEA, TEA and petrochemical free. I really hope this is moisturizing because I have such dry skin.

Value: $3

Overall Value: $34.27

I’m not sure if I’ll be keeping Birchbox. I think I want subscription boxes that are just focused on makeup/skincare. I just don’t get excited over hair products. Also, I received a Whish product last month and I want to try different brands. Even though the value of the products is well above the $10 price tag, the personal value just isn’t there for me.

What are your thoughts on Birchbox? If Birchbox is more your speed and you’d like to sign-up for Birchbox, feel free to use my referral link. You can read all of my Birchbox reviews here.

Disclaimer: This bag was purchased with my own money and all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. I do receive points if you sign-up for a subscription using my referral link; however, I am not affiliated with Birchbox.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

Semi-Updated Morning Skin Care Routine

**If you are receiving this post via email, you may want to check out the actual site as the email throws off the formatting**

I posted my morning skin care routine back in February and I have a slight update to adjust with the changing season. I still use the same four types of items:

1. Face Cleanser

2. Eye Cream

3. Moisturizer

4. Face Primer

Specific Products I Use:

1. Face Cleanser: Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

            This hasn’t changed. You can see my thoughts on this face wash here.

2. Eye Cream: fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate

            I finished up my Kate Somerville eye cream. I wasn’t really thrilled with it so I wanted to try something new. I received a bunch of samples of fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate free with purchase from Sephora.com. I love this eye cream so much more! It is super, super hydrating. And, even though it is very hydrating, it still dries down quickly so I can put on my makeup without much delay. I put this on from my undereye area up to my brows.

3. Mositurizer: derma e Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Crème SPF 15

            I also finished up my eco-beauty  good day. day moisturizer L I loved that moisturizer. I may purchase it in the future. I received the derma e moisturizer in my March2015 Birchbox. It contains SPF, which is really important this time of year. This moisturizer can be a little tough to work into the skin. I’m not sure if that’s because of the SPF. It dries down pretty quickly for a moisturizer and I haven’t had any problems with the SPF breaking down my makeup. This moisturizer is paraben free, vegan, etc.

4. Face Primer: bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer in Original

            Still using this primer. It’s my Holy Grail primer.

How have you changed up your morning skin care routine for the Spring? Let me know!

Disclaimer: These items were purchased with my own money or were a free sample with purchase at Sephora.com. All opinions are 100% honest and my own. I do not provide positive reviews for payment. Products that work for me may not necessarily work for you.

Referral Links:

ipsy: https://www.ipsy.com/r/ts6i8

Birchbox: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/dqphm

Ebates: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hbpGf26lDsl%2F2zOsOOaIRw%3D%3D&eeid=26471

Ibotta: https://ibotta.com/r/bthara

Boxycharm: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41854/

                    at checkout enter the following code: M3d2Q1dTT21MR1RTNWJ0KzhRWUo0Z0lWWWtoRnVrZmk0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=