The Box Wars!

So, I think I'm full with all these boxes I get.  I'm getting bored with myself over this stuff.  I mean, how many samples can one gal have?  I think I've even said that before! These two boxes will probably be the first to go.

Julep was my first, so I feel sad this relationship is going to end.  Although, I was pretty happy with the DoubleStep Foot Treatment & Friction Stick.  Since I am a runner, and I could have used this the other day when I didn't have any.  Excited to have that to carry with me.  

The Julep nail color, as I've said before just isn't cutting it for me.  It's really not bad, it's just not for me. This time I received Lacey/blue metallic nail color.  It's nice for a fun time, but I'm not feeling it to want it.  Also Bea/yellow, uh, no. Fun, but I'd have to be really tan for it to look nice and I'm Irish and Scottish, what's that tell ya'? 

I thought the Forget-Me-Not Seeds were a cute idea in celebrating their 2-years.  Let's see how my garden grows with them.  

Julep nail colors and the Foot Friction Stick

Next on the chopping block is...the Glossy Box! I think that was only a 3-month gig, so that was enough.

First, I don't use any of the make-up cleansing cloths.  They don't make me feel clean, its like I'm just rubbing the dirt around and I never feel clean afterward.  I've tried them once or twice.  Giveaway.

Bvlgari, love the name, dislike the product. Too strong of a perfume smell.  Just dries the skin, and I'm dry already.  

Evologie, I don't have adult acne but we do have teenagers so maybe it will work for them...?

Figs & Rouge cherry blossom tinted lip balm tube.  It doesn't taste like anything, but it feels as though I have thick vaseline on my lips.  Not a good feeling.  Plus, I'm over the "use your finger to apply" act.  

Brazilian Blowout I can't wait to try this on my unruly hair!  I will definitely come back with feedback there.  

Last is the Nails Inc cool color blue (they don't really go by names). for closing out the summer.  Two coats and you should be good.  Fun!

So, as cute & fun as it is to receive these boxes, I need to REALLY narrow it down.   Like, now. Honest.  This is definitely déjà vu! 

Tell me, which box would you keep?

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?    

Julep Box

Are you a Maven?  

I know I am.  Do you know how I know? I received Julep #2!  Well, actually it is #1 since I did get the first box complimentary.  Anyway, nothing makes an everyday girl happier, then when she's receiving girlie goodies in the mail. I love the theme, Sail into Summer...it just makes you want to go sit on the beach by the water, with your umbrella and just read a good book, taking little cat naps. Remember that feeling?  (Well, if it ever stops raining, maybe we can!)

First showing when I opened the box, is the DD Creme.  Dynamic Do-all makeup.  

I'm not a big foundation fan, but when its a 'do-all', I'll keep an open mind.  

Love the nautical color wrapping around the surprise nail colors!

There they are, my pretty box colors...a sea foam green, Diana & a sun shine yellow, Lexie. 

My full tube of DD Do-All Creme, plus a small tester sample of DD Concealer.

An extra treat in the box was taffy!  If I can remember the flavors before they were eaten...

chocolate, mint, aaaannnnnd....I don't know :)

Here is a sample of the Diana sea foam polish.  

I love the color.  So fresh with the feel of summer. 

I attempted the yellow, but felt I need a bit of a tan to sport that one!

Now that you know the contents, here are my Pros and Cons on each item:

PROS

Full size bottle of the DD Do-all Creme - loved the feel, not heavy on my skin

Two full size nail polish in fresh feeling summer colors

A sample of the DD Concealer to try with the DD Creme, good coverage - I like it

Yummy tasty treat for the reward of opening the box :)

CONS

Again, the nail polish is thick and makes for a tougher polish time

The polish stains the nail (I like to be able to throw on clear at anytime)

Quick note:  I did like the concealer.  I dabbed a bit on my finger and dabbed it on my face, in the areas I thought I needed it.  Then I put dots of the DD Creme all around the usual spots and smoothed it on my skin.  With a little blush, I was off to dinner with a friend. I'll try it a few more times to consider buying the products.  

So there you have it!  My first official Julep box, proving once again...I'm a Maven!

Are you a Maven?  What favorite colors will you be sporting for the summer? 

First post ~ First box!

I am so excited!  Because today is my first official post, on my new blog site! And thank you so very much for stopping by. To think I was nervous about being myself, just an everyday girl!  Well, not today.

Not only is this my first blog post, but also I received a second 'mystery box'! If you are not familiar with these, they are boxes filled with girlie samples (or full sized) fun stuff.  I call it a mystery box because you never know what they will ship to you next, or what they might have you pick from.  There are several different 'boxes' out there to purchase one-time, monthly or even quarterly; but I just couldn't decide, so I picked 3! Or was it 4? I'm sure I'll narrow it down at some point, maybe.
(Doubt it :)

First up, Julep - I'm a Maven!

Julep - my free 'thanks for signing up' box

It's all in the packaging, right?  That's what I say.  The pink and black is right up my alley.  It said my style is Boho Glam, a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye. I thought about that (uhm, no), I think I'm the "Classic With A Twist! An iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic". Hey, if I can change who I am with a click of a mouse, I'm going for it. I wasn't disappointed with my contents, however, I gave the nail polish to my sister (who is all about nails, and I do have colors similar to these).  

CONTENTS: 2 nail polishes, nail file, glycolic hand scrub, sample polish remover pad (all Julep)

PROS: 

I recieved my first box!

Love the hand scrub

Nail polish dries fairly quick

CONS:

Too dark for me for summer

Polish is too thick, makes for sloppy polishing for shorter nails

Polish stained my nails (I'm a nail polish snob, I like color or clear at any moment. This wasn't ideal.)

Next up, Ipsy!

My first Ipsy box

Packaging...AWESOME!  I was loving this bright'n shiny pink mailing envelope.  Pretty snail-mail makes me happy. (I gotta' have some of those.) I definitely got more for my money with this box.  The shimmery pale pink polish, I'm usually shy with shimmer, but it's good for a gloomy rainy day. 

CONTENTS: Zoya pink Gie Gie nail polish, Sheer Pixie lipstick, Yaby concealer sample, Anastasia clear brow gel, Pacifica roll-on perfume, a cute colorful cosmetic (or anything) bag

PROS: 

A lot for a little

Lipstick is sheer and moisturizing, with a hint of coral 

Nice colorful glam bag

CONS:

I'll see how the perfume plays with my allergies, but that's my con (so far, so good)

Polish needs several coats if you want no see-thru nails/lines

This was fun! I hope you enjoyed my first blog post.  I know I did.  Please check back often!

Do you receive any 'mystery boxes'? 

Would you pay $10 a month? $20 a month, or more, for a 'mystery box'?