Birch Box and Beauty Box 5 // Blog Temper

Sad to say I've finally cancelled my subscriptions to Julep, Glossy Box, Beauty Box 5, and Birch Box.  Phew! Like I've said in past posts of my box wars, I'm full with all these boxes!  FINALLY.  I actually feel relieved that I've cancelled.

I have kept Ipsy, they've got my vote.  For now.  Also, I've flirted with Wantable. Only because I saw it on a blog somewhere and thought it would be cool.  It's an embarrassing monthly subscription cost, please don't look!  I'll be posting that package, soon.

So, these are two of my last hurrah's!

BeautyBox5

Celebration Shimmer Powder This is nice for a touch of shimmer on your shoulders.  I wouldn't necessarily use it on my face.  I don't like putting too many foreign products on my face.  But you can get 50% off of this in a kit on bellapierre.com by using code beautybox5 before 10/15/13.

Lip Drench This is very moisturizing, and my lips are dry now!  Just the least bit tease of cooler, dry air and I'm loading the moisture on my lips, pronto! bodydrench.com

Fly Ties MY MOST FAVORITE IN THE BOX! Who can't use some hair ties? I love this because there is no tangled mess like some of the rubbery-plasticy ones can be.  Bonus, they're pretty. Go to finefeatherheads.com to get 20% site wide, before 12/15/13 with code BB20.

Instant Skin Tightener & Line Filler This type of product doesn't usually sit well on my dry skin, no matter what they try to sell me.  So, I passed this on to my lil'sis.  You can get a 30% discount on this product also, by using code BOX5 before 10/15/13 at, skiinshop.com

Makeup Remover Pads w/Argan Oil Just add water.  Ahhhh. The package says I don't have to rinse after using, but I always do.  I have to end with my cleanser and products, or I feel out of sorts. :)  These are alcohol free and claim to contain vitamin E, leaving you silky smooth.  $6.99 for 50/count. everybeautybrand.com


BIRCH BOX

Sugarbomb Extra Plush Lip Gloss This is yummy on my lips.  I like it very much! Not sticky.

All-In-One Moisturizer Mereadesso, an antiaging and day/night cream, serum, eye cream, toner, and primer.  Wow.  That's a lot in one product.  I'm still trying to see how many applications I can get out of this, to see if it has any benefit.

Nail Lacquer - Fox Hunt Ruffian brand.  This is a vibrant orange, perfect for this Fall weather and Halloween!  Love the packaging on this also.

Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes I'd like to complain about all the towelettes these boxes give.  Sooooooo mannnnyyyyyyy!  I just don't like to use them.  I don't feel clean.  Maybe if I went camping a lot, they'd come in handy.

Grapefruit CC Cream Yes To, the beauty extra.  I'm pleased with this product.  Not sure if I'm going to purchase a full size, but, I haven't with any sample as yet.  So this may be my first, and the shining star of all my boxes.  Thanks for the extra beauty, Birch Box.

Thanks for the memories samples, boxes!  

Are you saying goodbye to any boxes? 
Can you recommend any worthy boxes, maybe healthy? 


Blogtemper. September blog challenge. So I'm joining in on this series late in the game, but it's okay!  I wish I had noticed it from the beginning because it seems like so much fun.  There are topics for each day of the month for you to write about, and you can either make it your post for the day, or add it to your regular post.  Choice is yours!  Below you can read the rules, and click on the button for more info.  Enjoy!
Today's topic, for Friday September 27, 2013: An anonymous letter to your Facebook friends. Be as snarky as you'd like. (but don't include people's real names.) 
I've toned down a bit on Facebook since I've started blogging.  That's a good thing!  It becomes a habit and I think a bad habit at that.  I originally joined to be in touch with a friend from Australia. Although, as soon as you sign up, BAM!, you are out there and everyone and their brother want to 'be your friend'.  I like catching up as much as the next person, but sometimes there is a bit too much information.  I may be one of these people, at one FB post or another, but, I learned.  Many don't. 
- I can't stand all the political banter.  There just gets to be too much and it gets so personal.  You look ridiculous and I am thinking about blocking your comments.  - Mean people.  If you don't like what someone has to say, just ignore it and move on.  Why give the attention to yourself to show you are an a**hole?  - Posting a subject, random, and hundreds of people comment.  I'm guilty of liking something and having everyone say the same dang comment!  I go back and 'unlike". Sorry.
- FB causes attitudes people wouldn't dare have in person. - I have to say I like FB for the media in which it helps people find lost pets, or announce lost items/people/pets.   (Wish I was here for yesterday's topic: Go to a coffee shop, order your fav drink and sit and write what makes you happy, what makes you sad.  Bummer.

Here are the rules:

1. There really aren't any rules. If you miss a day, you can make it up or skip it. The blog police will not come knocking.

2. I will be including a linkup option at the bottom of my post each day, so you are welcome to leave your links here for others to peruse, as well. 

3. You can still post other things every day, too. I plan to do normal outfit posts, life posts, around-Austin posts, and sponsor posts just like usual.

4. I'd seriously love you if you also include the "Blogtember" button (below) either on your sidebar or at the end of your posts, but again, the blog police will not come knocking. My main goal here is to get us all back to the basics of blogging, not to gain a million new readers (though I wouldn't mind that). 

5. Here are the topics. You can be as creative and awesome or as boring and bland as you like with these. Take 'em and run with it. Use creative post titles. Interpret each "prompt" however you like. There's no wrong way to do it. Have fun.

Beauty Box 5

Happy Hump Day!  

I know! Today is usually my Wednesday Wish List day, but I'm behind in my posts.
Soooooo....here ya' go!

My Beauty Box 5 arrived the other day, and I'm here to tell you all about it!  Check it out.  

Be a Bombshell** Eyeshadow, although it looks a bit lavender in the photo, it is a light blue.  It's a full size too!  Although, I stopped wearing that stuff in 10th grade (or was it 11th?).  It wouldn't look good on me now, so I'm pushing it on to a gal I know it will look good on. Hahaha, you should see the picture when I did wear it.  Too bad I'm too lazy to go find it, but I'd probably have a lot of comments.  Maybe that's what it takes ;)

Swissco Nail File, Who doesn't need a nail file?  With bling, for that matter.  Loving this accessory.  

Bask Heavenly Silk Daily Skin Lotion, I actually liked this product.  It didn't smell too bad (I say that because I'm so allergy prone to perfume), but it felt nice, and silky.  Another nice thing about it, is it's not heavy.  Perfect for the warm weather.  It claims to have anti-aging and firming benefits, packed with vitamins.  I'm a bit past that point, haha, but maybe you youngin's can use it as a preventative lotion :) 

Nubar Nail Lacquers, Cruelty free, vegan nail polish!  Right up my alley.  I can't wait to use it in the late Fall.  However, I can wait for Fall, and winter.  Ugh.

H2O Plus Aquafirm & Micro Collagen Moisterizer, I'm always afraid to use new stuff on my face.  My skin is so loyal to my current products.  I haven't tried it yet, but I will give it a try.  I suppose I should be doing a post with results of all the products I've tried.  Glad I thought of that! 

________________________________________________

**Just to let you know, the Be A Bombshell Cosmetics is offering a 30% discount off their products, sitewide!  Use code BEAUTY30 before 9/15/13.

There you go peeps.  My latest in the box wars! 

Any products you are loving from a monthly subscription box? Share it! 

Hope your hump goes well today,

Ipsy and Beauty Box 5

Ciao Bella!!  I received my 3rd Ipsy box.  I have to say I'm pleased, not crazy about the matte lip color stick, but it was a decent month.  Since it is my 3rd, and I kinda' said I'd make a decision after the 3rd of each box, I'll need to compare this to all the other 3rd's that come in.  

Getting to it:

Pop Beauty, Pouty Pop Crayon  Very matte and bright pink for me.  I put some gloss over it and it looked much better, but I'll give it away.   

Nailtini Nail color in Mai Tai.  I put this on 2-days ago and it has stayed on pretty well.  I do like the nice bright summery color.  

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal beach spray.  Conditioning and texturizing.  I did try this and I was pleased with the results.  I'm not sure it is all that conditioning, but it did what I wanted my curly hair to do on a hot humid day.  

Coola This is a mineral face, rose tinted moisturizer.  I haven't tried it, probably won't. Only because I'm loyal to my usual brand.  If I used all the things I've received in samples, I'd probably break out is a million gazillion pimples.  

BH Cosmetics California Collection eyeshadow samples.  Although the colors of purple and goldish brown and yellow look bright, they go on very soft.  I've used them as a muted liner.  Works well.  

On Wednesday I received my 2nd, Beauty Box 5!  

I must say there is a nice box of goodies here.  Especially...

Be A Bombshell lip gloss! Loving it.  The name is kiss off.  So, guess what I get to tell peeps that are annoying me...yup, uh-huh.  I'll get away with it too :)

Every Beauty foot smoother. I know this seems like, "oh wow, gee, that's nice", BUT, my feet are pretty darn nice.  I'll admit it.  Hey, when dozens of people tell you "you have pretty feet" throughout your life, you stand proud!  I take care of my feet, never walk barefoot, can't even handle it in the house.  They're soft and pretty. Don't hate. I'll admit I wouldn't pay the retail of $8.99 for this, when I can get one just as good in the $1 store. Yes, there are some things I'll go to the less expensive stores to purchase.  Why not?  

Jean Pierre Cosmetics nail polish remover wipes.  Eh.  I mean really, we paint our nails with a base coat of clear (sometimes), then 2-3 coats of color, then (if you're like me) a quick-dry top coat of clear.  I hardly think one-wipe will remove all of that 'with one wipe'. Although maybe 10 will do. 

La Fresh Travel lite antibacterial wipes.  I'll take several dozen of these.  Can't go wrong carrying these travel-friendly wipes with you. Send me more, please! 

Airelle Age defying facial serum.  Ok.  I'm an esthetician, and I've seen the front and back of this arena. I am very skeptical about products, even the ones I use regularly, to be honest.  Any product I've used, I've seen none to minor results.  I always think with these samples of serums, they've put the powerful stuff in these little samples.  When you buy the larger retail size, they take out all that good stuff and by then you psychologically think its working.  Ha!  For all the layers of skin we have, "oh, don't get me going!"  Watch for the selling words, "encourage new cell growth", "reverse the signs of aging" (doubt that honey).  Hey, I'll be fair and try it.  I will definitely come back with my remarks on this one.  Some day, I'll even share my skincare knowledge with you.  Oh happy days!  

That's my Friday send off!  Enjoy your weekend.  I'm out enjoying mine as you read this post!  Stop back Monday for the Blog Stalking Sundays post!  

Cheers, XOX

New Boxes!

I can't tell you how excited I get when I receive mail, any postal mail!  Especially these boxes.  It's like getting special attention.  Today I'm sharing my latest boxes, Ipsy, Glossy Box, Beauty Box 5, and Julep.  Seems pretty obsessive, right?

Like I mentioned in my first original post, I've ordered several of these boxes.
I'll narrow it down to one...or two.  Eventually. I'm just not sure which one I like best, yet.  I suppose I need to narrow it down to which one has the products I use personally.  Rather than giving them away so often.  Maybe you can help me decide.

My first share, is the Ipsy (box #2)

I really liked the June Ipsy box, On The Wild Side.  The bag is cute, although I have so many I gave this to my sister.  The blush by NYX works nicely with my skin tone, so I'm loving that.  The lip pencil was a bit too bold for me, my sister can carry that off better.  I always like a brow lightener stick, this one is nice.  I'm also in-like with the Cailyn eye liner, perfection!  The Sparkling Cream is way too young for my taste.  I think this is better used as a fun night with the girls, or just playing around. 

This box could be a monthly keeper.

Next up, Glossy Box (1st box)

My June Glossy Box was so exciting to receive!  I have a 3-month subscription to this.  The packaging was lovely of course, the contents, so-so for me personally.  I'm not a big perfume gal, so the many samples were not something I enjoyed.  Not a fan of Oscar de la Renta perfumes anyway. I haven't tested the Philip B. deep conditioning creme rinse yet, but it is promising glossy radiant hair, I'm hoping it delivers.  The dark purplish nail polish looks nice, but that can wait for cooler weather.  The Tarte complexion enhancing lip stick...the product I like, the color was decent.  Nicely moisturizing.  The C. Booth honey/almond nourishing dry oil mist is a tough one for me to get used to.  One mist and I hit my chin, trying again, I have it on my forehead, by the third mist I have a greasy looking complexion.  I'll have to practice or pass it on.  

Here we are with Beauty Box 5 (#2)

That Shaeterra Organics for the face, is something I'm liking.  Rose hips black soap, who knew!  Just Being Sexy, oh yeah that's me, but ~ I'm terrible with bronzers for the body, afraid of any streaking.  Lil'sis got that too :) I'm looking forward to trying the CoolWay cleanse and hydrate shampoo and conditioner.  They know me too well with my hair!  Now, this is interesting...I clean my makeup brushes once a week, at least, sometimes 2-3 times.  I don't think I would even have the patience or thought, to use that nice little brush hanger they sent.  Odd.  

Which leaves us with Julep (2nd official)

I think I will be ending my subscription with Julep.  I'm not liking their nail polish.  The colors are definitely fun, but each one I've tried, badly stains my nails.  I don't have the patience to put on a base, dry, put on 2-3 coats, dry, then a top coat.  I like the 1-2 coats, my quick dry Sally Hansen, and be done! The Beach Tonic, another dry oil, smelled delicious!  Only problem, it became too strong as I test-wore it, for me to be able to use.  Bummer.  I like it.  Lil'sis wins again! 

Well that's that!  I do believe I receive five (5) boxes.  Now I'll be narrowing it down to 4, with the elimination of Julep.  I received my Birch Box #2 yesterday, but I didn't open it to post for today.  That's a bit too much at once, I'd say.  I'm not even sure you, my fellow bloggers, are even interested in seeing these boxes posted.  I must say, after seeing one on another blog, I got hooked, and here I am!  

Happy Friday! 

Have you purchased any boxes lately?