March 2016 Boxycharm First Look

I always look forward to getting my subscription boxes, but I have to admit, Boxycharm is one of the more exciting boxes.  If you want, this is my referral link.  When you refer a friend you receive 500 points.  You also receive points just for getting a box delivered!

For $21.00 a month you get four to five full size products. The points earned take off money in the store.  The store isn't as extensive as Birchbox, but it's still pretty good.  1000 points will take off $10.00, 2000 takes off $20.00, and so on.  It also contains a card that lists the prices and information on the products you receive.  Well, usually.  This month the card didn't give us that information.  It may have been because everyone received slightly different things.  I missed my card.

The theme this month was Sweet Treats and it was rather cute.

Catherine Malandrino

I like receiving perfumes as reviews aren't usually helpful with them because body chemistry can change the scent on a person.  Sure it's nice to know if it have lavender, which would tell me to run, but it won't tell me how it smells unless I tried it on.  The Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris is Catherine's first perfume and opens with grapefruit, pear, and mandarin.  It also has orange blossom, gardenia, and violet.  The small .3 oz size spray of this is $20.00.

Clark's Botanicals

I'm not sure how this fits with the sweet treats theme, but I still like getting eye creams.  The Clark's Botanicals Anti-Puff Eye Cream is a full size .5 product and sells for $87.00.  Yes, $87.00.  It is gluten free, does not test on animals, and has no sulfates or parabens.  It has Vitamin K to help with dark circles and is supposed to smooth and soften skin.  Clark's has a rather sad beginning that turned into something beautiful.  Francesco Clark had an accident that left him paralyzed and without the ability to sweat.  This lead to skin issues and he turned to his father for help and they began building what would be Clark's Botanicals after others began loving the products as well.  I really hope I don't love this product, because it's not exactly cheap.

Next up is a familiar brand to the beauty subscription box/bag world.  Chella Tantalizing Taupe Eyebrow Color Pencil is $18.00 for the full size.  It has a small tip and is a neutral taupe color.  It feels rather smooth.  You can control the pigmentation by the pressure you put on it.  The pencil comes in more colors other than taupe, including a auburn that seems rather popular.  Chella is supposed to be Cruelty Free.

Mistura

As much as I love receiving brushes the Mistura Retractable Brush which retails for $15.32 might seem inexpensive, however I don't think it's worth even that much.  It's not dense enough for blush or fluffy enough for powder.  It's just kind of eh.

 When I saw that Makeup Geek was coming, I was happy.  I was concerned that I might have the shades that were coming.  It wouldn't have been the end of the world, I could have given it away or saved it for backup if it was a color I'm in love with.

Luckily, I received two colors I didn't have yet.  I received the ever popular Cocoa Bear, which I thought about purchasing but wasn't sure I would like because I know it's on the warm side.  It's a matte ruddy brown. This sells for $6.00.  I also got I'm Peachless which is one of the duochrome shades.  This is a peachy pink and is definitely warm.  This also sells for $6.00.

I paid $21.00 for this box and if I had bought everything it would have been $152.32.  I think I got quite the bang for my buck.  This was a very good box, even if the brush wasn't very good.

* I paid for my own Boxycharm.

March 2016 Ipsy First Look

Next up in the box/bag arrivals was Ipsy!  Ipsy is a $10.00 per month subscription service.  You get points for referring friends.  However, the points system hasn't been that great.  They do seem to be listening and I'm seeing more and more 250 and 500 point items, so that's pretty hopeful.

This month the theme for Ipsy was Hello Spring.  It think that's a lovely theme as I know I am definitely ready for Spring!  It appears as though there were three varieties of the colors and patterns, but heck, it could be that one dress all over again.

Temptu

First up was the Temptu Warm Glow Bronzer.  Temptu is an airbrush makeup company.  It has been used in films like Tattoo, on Mystique in X-Men, The Stepford Wives, it was used in Lady Gaga's Born This Way video, and much more.

It does blend out well, but it is too much for my skin in this liquid form and did go a little orange.  It might be better with an airbrush application,  If I could afford it, I would love to try airbrush make up, however, it won't be in my budget anytime soon.

This color screams spring, in an almost offensively pink way.  It's the Nyx Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Pink Lust.  It is opaque and very pigmented.  It seems we received the full size of  the product which sells for $7.00.  It is comfortable but the formula is odd.  It remains sticky for a while.  It doesn't last very long, about four hours and may benefit from a lip liner to prolong its longevity.  A little powder may help it set faster.  I think the price is fair for the quality of these.

Beau Gâchis

These bags are starting to fill up my eye brush collection.  I'm not complaining even a little.  I have received a brush from this brand before and it was comparable to the MAC 217.  This one is the Beau Gâchis Eyeshadow Brush and is good for patting color onto the entire lids and sells for a fairly reasonable $12.00.  Beau Gâchis is a family owned business.

Marc Anthony

This next item has a bit of a novel for a name.  So, here we go!  It's the Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco 3 Day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Cream, whew.  It sells for $8.99 for a full size 200 ml bottle.  Right now Ulta is having a sale on it. It has a slight herbal scent and seems to work best with just blow drying and not adding a flat iron.  This will be nice to try.

Essence

I have been thinking about trying the Benefit Give Me Brow as I have rather fine eyebrows.  I have always wanted something to make them appear fuller.  When I saw that I was getting this, I was interested in trying it.  This is the Essence Make Me Brow (gee that name is familiar) and sells for $2.99 for .13 oz.  I received it in the color Brownie Brows, which is a nice brown shade without too much warmth, which made it entirely wearable.  It has little fibers that seem to help fill in my brows.

It was a decent bag, I really liked the brow product and the brush.  I'm not happy with the bronzer, I hate that I keep getting them, even if I keep saying I don't like them in my bags.  The lip product was a little iffy.

I think that Birchbox gets the win this month, making it 7 to 5.

 * I purchase my own bags/brushes, no one sends me them out of the goodness of their hearts.

March 2016 Birchbox First Look

Birchbox came first this month again, so we'll start with Birchbox.  It's a $10.00 a month subscription box.  I love their points system.  You can refer friends for 50 points and if you ever want to use my link it's here.

The sample choices were fairly lame.  Shampoo samples across the board with a packet of conditioner.  Since most people use more conditioner, it isn't my favorite sample.

Cute box

This month had a cute box.  I was pretty happy about that!

This month's box had the theme of Ladies First and was about it being Women's History Month.  Which was a neat theme as things go.  The boxes also contain a little card that shows what you received and how much it is for the full size of that item.

Smashbox

My first item was a total déjà vu, in the quite literal sense as I had received this in another box.  Last month's Ipsy to be exact. It was the new and heavily promoted Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil, the full size is $42.00.  It doesn't have much of a scent. You only need about two drops and you gently pat into the skin.  It doesn't take long to absorb.  It has good oils like jojoba and argan.  I'm a little leary of the lavender oil which can be irritating to sensitive skin.  It does leave the skin fresh and dewy, but I'm still not sure if it prolongs the lasting power of my makeup.  People with dry skin may love this primer.

Wilma Schumann

Next up was the Wilma Schumann Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads.  They are $18.00 for five applications.  It is supposed to be pure collagen and this could be nice to try with a glass of Riesling and a 20 minute bath.  This company started in Germany 30 years ago.  They are a Certified Green Partner, but they most likely test on animals as I didn't see anything to say otherwise.

Parlor

 Tired of sea salt sprays that dry out you locks?  This is supposed to be the answer to the desire for beachy waves but craving a soft texture.  Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray is $24.00 for the 4.9 oz full size.  Jeff is a stylist based in New York and has had over 14 years of experience.  It has sweet almond oil and some algae.  It is also Cruelty Free, so yay on that.  I am looking forward to trying this.

Kiehl's

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser was up next.  I love cleansers, so I was happy to receive this, although Keihl's does test on animals.  It is fragrance free, paraben free, and supposed to be gentle on sensitive skin.  It foams quickly and doesn't have a strong scent.  It should probably only be used by those with with normal to oily skin as it is labeled for as it can be a tad drying.  It is $19.50 for a 5 oz tube.

 Lastly I got the TrèStique Color and Smudge Stick in the color "Aspen Pine."  I think the packaging is adorable even if the Coloradan in me scoffs at the name.  How is a pine tree in Aspen different?  Or is it new tree they've cross bred with aspen and pine?  Anyways, the color is a lovely pine green and quite pigmented.  It is supposed to last 12 hours and the full size is $26.00.  TrèStique is a brand that was formed on making beauty simple and fast.



I think Birchbox did pretty well this month.  There wasn't anything I didn't like, even though one item was a repeat from another box.  Next up will be the Ipsy box for this month and you can see how it stacked up.

* I purchase my own monthly subscription bags, no one sends me them for free.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip Trap

I have a love affair with ColourPop that is definitely not a secret.  I think by now you know that I also love a good greige lip.  It's my favorite "nude" lip that is just different enough.  Tootsi owns my lip loving greige, but when I saw that they also had it in an Ultra Matte Lip?  I gasped, "Why did no one tell me?!"

So, that meant I had to make another ColourPop order.  I'm not sure I had any choice in the matter.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Trap is $6.00 for the full size 3.2 gram.  It is made in the USA, not tested on animals, and Vegan.

The packaging is clear with a silver cap and holographic lettering.  You can see the gorgeous looking greige color housed in the container.

It has a hard doe foot applicator that you can use to apply the product.  If you're not a fan, you can use a lip brush for a more precise application.

The color is a perfect greige and exactly what I had hoped for.  It has a slight greyish purple undertone that is just beautiful.  It has opaque pigmentation and is easy to apply and dries fast.

Left to Right: CP Trap, LASplash Ghoulish, Aromi Desert Taupe, and CP Tootsi

Why anyone needs this many greiges, I couldn't really answer you.  But they are slightly different.  It seems to be closest in color to Ghoulish, but was still very close to Desert Taupe, and Tootsi.

As with any liquid lipstick, you will want to exfoliate and moisturize prior to application.  I applied a thin coat and it has good opacity.  It dried quickly with a thin coat.  I did go back and apply a second coat later and it didn't ball up or do anything equally awkward.

Does this pic make my lips look like a....

It is a little drying, but if you don't expect that with a liquid lip...well..I don't know what to tell you.  They're drying.  It doesn't crumble or crack.  It has a very slight chemical scent, but nothing you notice unless you're sitting there with your nose to the tube, snorting it like a crazy person.  Or someone who reviews makeup.  This wears all day and it is now my favorite greige...or maybe Tootsi is...I can't decide!

I am in love with this.  You should really just go buy it.  Even pale people don't go corpse wearing it, so that's a plus.  Unless that's the look you were going for.  In that case, it won't be for you!


* No one trapped me into buying Trap.  I bought it and reviewed it all by my lonesome.

ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip The Rabbit Review

When I saw that ColourPop was coming out with a new formula I was a little excited.  Then I watched the videos and went bonkers.  Some really good videos to whet your lippetite are: ThatgirlShaeXO, mesijesibeauty, and Ivy Dear.

As with the Ultra Matte Lips, the Lippies are $6.00 each.  There is 3.2 grams of product.  It is made in the USA, not tested on animals, and this particular color is listed as vegan.

ColourPop's Ultra Satin Lip The Rabbit is a stunning shade of fuchsia with a cool sheen of blue.  The formula is opaque and although it dries down to a velvety almost matte texture, it is transferable.  It is made to be more comfortable than previous incarnations.

It has a doe foot applicator that you can use to apply it with.  For a more precise and controlled application, you can always use a lip brush.  Although the applicator it comes with has worked fine for my normal application.

The Rabbit

The color of this is freaking gorgeous.  You may not be able to see the blue sheen in my swatches but it really comes across in the video by ThatgirlShaeXO.  It is creamy and the amount of transfer isn't so bad that you're going to find it on your teeth or half way down your face.

It doesn't sink into your lip lines and remains comfortable through the day.  It is fairly long lasting.  After about four or five hours you may need a touch up.  You can reapply without it going gunky.  When it fades it leaves behind some lip staining which is actually nice.  After 12 hours with no reapplication and no liner, it was mostly faded but the staining left it looking okay, even though it was nearly gone in the inside of the mouth.

I liked that it came off with normal washing at that point.  They do recommend you use lip liners I ♥ This or Ellarie.  This would be best to minimize feathering and help it last longer.

I really like this formula and want to buy more of them, so you will probably see more!

* Colourpop did not send me one of those nifty full set kits.  I had to chase the rabbit down the hole and buy my own.