Instagram Giveaway!! Ends September 7, 2014

Hello, Beautiful!

As a thank you for all the Instagram followers I already have, and to new followers that will join, I've put together a giveaway! This giveaway is open to everyone!

Head over to my Instagram to enter. This page is just to show the prize, list all the items in the prize (since Instagram doesn't leave much space to list this many details), and lists the giveaway rules. Good luck everyone!

My Instagram is: http://instagram.com/valentinekissesbeauty

Giveaway Rules & Details:

• Open to my Instagram followers - current followers & new followers!
• No contest/giveaway only accounts!
• If you're under 18 you must have your parent's permission to enter.
• REQUIRED ENTRY: Must be a follower of my Instagram (new followers always welcome) and re-post my giveaway pic on your own Instagram, tag me @ValentineKissesBeauty and use the hashtag #valentinekissesgiveaway
• BONUS ENTRIES: Be a follower of my blog and YouTube channel for extra entries!
• Giveaway ends September 7, 2014
• I will select a winner within a few days of the giveaway end date and announce it on Instagram.
• I will personally contact the winner through Instagram DM and tag you on the giveaway original post, and the announcement post.
• If the winner does not respond within the time period I list in their DM, I will select a new winner at random.
• There are loads of scams out there where scammers trick you into thinking you've won someone's giveaway. Although I've yet to have this happen to anyone from one of my giveaways (and I find it happens more on YouTube), I just want to put his warning here just in case. I will never ask you to click a link to fill out a form/take a survey in order to claim your prize, or have you pay for shipping, or anything else that just doesn't seem right.

One lucky winner will receive a prize pack of 58 items valued at over $470!

(NOTE: Everything is full sized unless listed as deluxe/sample size. I also tried to list the value for items - but not all item values are listed)

1. Sonia Kashuk - Limited Edition Make A Face 4-piece Brush Set ($24.99 value)
2. LAC Taut - Premium Collagen Replenishment Formula, 8 bottle pack ($110 value)
3. Carol's Daughter - Angel Cake Body Cleansing Cream ($17 value)
4. Carol's Daughter - Angel Cake Body Cream ($20 value)
5. Pacifica - Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Wash, 3 fl oz ($3.75 value)
6. Boots No7 - High Shine Gloss in Glaze ($7.99 value)
7. Boots No7 - Fanomenal Lash Serum ($9.99 value)
8. Boots No7 - Exceptional Definition Nutrient Enriched Mascara ($7.99 value)
9. Tarina Tarantino - Gem Gloss in Ruby Headphone ($19 value)
10. Philosophy - Hope In A Jar Night - 0.4 fl oz sample tube ($10 value)
11. Tarte - Flush Cheek Stain - 0.17 oz mini ($10.20 value)
12. Butter London - WINK Eye Pencil in Pistol Pink ($18 value)
13. Rimmel - ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Purple ($4 value)
14. Oribe - Surfcomber Tousled Texture Mousse - 2.5 oz deluxe size ($17.45 value)
15. Rimmel - Moisture Renew Lipstick in Back To Fuchsia ($5.50 value)
16. B. Kamins Laboratories - Sun Defense SPF 30 Lotion - 0.5 oz sample size ($4.50 value)
17. Dermalogica - Daily Microfoliant - 0.45 oz sample size ($9 value)
18. Vincent Longo - Trio Eyeshadow in Symphony ($30 value)
19. Revlon - Nail Art StyleStrips in Lips & Tips ($1 value)
20. Peeps - Scented  Lip Balm in Strawberry Marshmallow Cream ($1 value)
21. Peeps - Scented  Lip Balm in Vanilla Marshmallow Cream ($1 value)
22. Peeps - Scented  Lip Balm in Cotton Candy Marshmallow Cream ($1 value)
23. Stila - Lip Glaze in Apricot - 0.05 fl oz size ($13.75 value)
24. Stila - Lip Glaze in Starfruit - 0.05 fl oz size ($13.75 value)
25. Dermstore - Lip Quench ($12 value)
26. Alessandro - Nail Polish in Pomegranate ($9.50 value)
27. Illume - Soy Candle in Anemone - mini 1 oz size ($2.81 value)
28. Illume - Scented Candle in Desert Tulip - mini 1 oz size ($2.81 value)
29. Purely Cosmetics - Diamond Perfect Finish - mini jar (not sure of size or value)
30. Fun Dip - Flavored Lip Balm in RazzApple Magic Dip ($1 value)
31. OFRA - Eyebrow Pencil in Universal ($10 value)
32. Lollia - Handcreme in At Last - 0.33 oz mini size ($2 value)
33. Malin+Goetz - Vitamin E Face Moisturizer - 1 oz sample size ($4.50 value)
34. Sassy+Chic - Fashion Nail Stickers ($1 value)
35. TATCHA - Polished Rice Enzyme Powder - Classic - 0.04 oz sample packet ($1.24 value)
36. TATCHA - Polished Rice Enzyme Powder - Gentle - 0.04 oz sample packet ($1.24 value)
37. Colorescience PRO - Loose Mineral Travel Puff
38. Jane Iredale - Longest Lash Mascara - 0.1 oz sample size ($7.86 value)
39. Jane Iredale - Pure Lash Extender & Conditioner - sample size (not sure of ounces or value)
40. Bare Minerals - loose shadow in Velvet Charcoal (there is no size listed)
41. Avon - True Color Eyeshadow Single in Black Brown ($4 value)
42. Tarte - Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Face Towelettes - 5 single use towelettes - ($10.50 value)
43. Korres - Guava Shower Gel - 0.30 fl oz sample packet
44. Candy Store - Purse Mirror (this stands up on its own - I have one and love it!) ($13 value)
45. Swissco - pedicure bundle (heel scrubber, toe separators, file, clippers) ($3 value)
46. StriVectin-SD - Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles - 0.5 fl oz sample ($15.44 value)
47. Sally Hansen - Salon Effects in Queen of the Jungle ($9 value)
48. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics - Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder - 0.017 oz sample size ($1.94 value)
49. Tres Pure - Face Tonic - 0.33 fl oz sample size ($5.36 value)
50. H20+ - Aquafirm Micro-Collagen Moisturizer - 0.34 fl oz sample size ($10 value)
51. Tarina Tarantino - Mascara Mini
52. Boots No7 - Lash & Brow Perfector ($7.99 value)
53. Rimmel - ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in Paranoid Purple ($5 value)
54. It Cosmetics - Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil ($24 value)
55. Philosophy - Hope In A Jar - 0.4 fl oz sample ($8.40 value)
56. Red Flower - Cleansing Hair Wash in Ocean - 1.69 fl oz sample ($5.92 value)
57. Silk Naturals - Slick Stick in High Jinks ($4.50 value)
58. John Frieda - 3-Day Straight Styling Spray - 1 fl oz sample size ($2.99 value)

LipMonthly - August 2014 - pics, swatches, mini reviews!

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my August 2014 LipMonthly box! Check out below to see what I received, a little about each product and my thoughts, as well as a break-down of the value of this month's box!

LipMonthly is just $10 a month! Each month you'll receive 2 to 3 FULL SIZED lip products and 2 to 3 sample sized products (the sample sized products may not always be lip items). And honestly, so far it's been 4 full sized lip products and one non-lip product that is deluxe size or full size. If you want to sign-up for your own LipMonthly box, CLICK HERE (it's my referral link). Join me and let's be LipMonthly friends!

August 2014 LipMonthly Box

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's LipMonthly Box: $33.96 (value is approximate)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of FULL SIZED items: 5
• # of deluxe sized sample items: 0
• # of lip items: 4
• # of non-lip items: 1

Now I'll talk about each product...

City Color Cosmetics Be Matte Lipstick
Shade: Phoebe

• MY THOUGHTS: This is a very matte lipstick. In fact, it's so matte that application is anything but smooth - it kind of skips across your lips, even with a little bit of lip balm underneath. It feels very dry on the lips and to a point where you want to apply a lip balm on top because it can be a bit uncomfortable feeling. The shade I received is Phoebe, and it's a really pretty shade. Even though the application and feel isn't the most luxe, I could still see myself using this because I do like the shade.
• SIZE I RECEIVED: Full Size
• VALUE: $3.99

City Color Cosmetics Lip Balm
Shade: Ultra Pink

  

• MY THOUGHTS: This is a repeat product. I received this same product in my July LipMonthly - although this month I did receive a different shade. Last month I hated the shade because it wasn't flattering even a little with the shimmer and the tone - even though it looked like it would be a very bright shade. The Ultra Pink shade is much prettier and way more flattering on me, plus there is no shimmer so it looks and feels better on the lips. This one I may actually use!
• SIZE I RECEIVED: Full Size
• VALUE: $2.99

City Color Cosmetics Magic Balm

• MY THOUGHTS: Are you beginning to wonder if this is a City Color Cosmetics subscription since this is the third City Color Cosmetics product in this month's bag. This is their Magic Balm - a basically clear to pink toned lip balm. It was just okay. Nothing magical about it to me. The tube itself was already crooked in the tube, so it was cheap packaging for sure, and the product didn't feel all that amazing on the lips. Not sure this is one I'd really use.
• SIZE I RECEIVED: Full Size
• VALUE: $3.99

Jesse's Girl Liquid Glass Lip Gloss
Shade: Lip Lock

• MY THOUGHTS: I'm really not a fan of the Liquid Glass Lip Gloss from Jesse's Girl. I used to sell this on my web store several years back and I just never liked them. They smell good and feel comfortable on the lips, but finding a shade that was flattering on me was the tricky part. Lip Lock is a baby doll milky pink shade with slight shimmer. On the lips it looks extremely unflattering on me - but as do almost all milky pink shades. Not a lot of product comes out on the applicator so you have to re-dip 3 to 5 times for one application. It can also look streaky on the lips due the milky-look this shade has.
• SIZE I RECEIVED: Full Size
• VALUE: $4.99

Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen
Shade: Gilded Mink

• MY THOUGHTS: I was most excited to see this product, but that excitement quickly faded away when I swatched it. This was an old product because it in no way applied the way I know Pixi shadow pens to apply. It even had that "white haze" over the shadow that is a tall-tell sign it's an old product. This swatched so unevenly, stiff, and crumbly. Not smooth at all, like I know these are. Plus, after it sitting on my hand for over 30 seconds, I was able to wipe it away completely with a DRY paper towel.... um, that's not normal for this type of product. Normally I'd need some eye makeup remover, but this was a dry paper towel with nothing on it, and every last piece was removed in two quick swipes of the paper towel. The shade - which I thought was going to be a neutral brown - looks more like an olive green. It's described on Pixi's website as a vintage beige-gold. I can see the gold... but beige? Nope. Not seeing it. Maybe it was at one point.
• SIZE I RECEIVED: Full Size
• VALUE: $18.00

My Thoughts On The Entire Box...

• FULL SIZE/DELUXE SIZE: This box contained all full sized items.
• VALUE: The value was approximately $33.96
• USAGE: I may use the City Color Cosmetics Be Matte Lipstick and the Lip Balm, but other than that, I won't be using the other products. 
• FINAL THOUGHTS: This month they added in a LipMonthly bag, which is totally unnecessary and I'd rather receive better quality/higher value items rather than getting yet another cheap bag I won't use. I was really disappointed that there were four lip items, and of the four, three of them were all from the same brand: City Color Cosmetics. I want variety, not mostly the same brand - and especially such an affordable, cheap brand at that. Last month there were 2 of the 4 products that were City Color Cosmetics. If I get another City Color Cosmetics product in next month's box I think I'll scream. I wouldn't mind getting one in every box, but 2 or 3 in every box is excessive. Doesn't allow someone to try various brands. Also, they had said if you are a YouTuber and make a video to send it to them and they'll send you an extra product. I do have a YouTube channel, but I never made a video. Instead, I made a detailed blog post with great photos showing all the product swatched on hand and lip. I sent them the link and never heard anything back from them. And obviously, as you can tell, I didn't get an extra product. I didn't expect an extra product because they ignore the blogging community - but I was hoping they'd at least reply to my email. But no, I guess they don't appreciate all the hard work that goes into a blog post. It takes time and effort to make a good blog post - just as it does to make a YouTube video. Why they are ignoring the blogging community -- where photos will show up in google searches and such -- is beyond me. I did get this box for free because I had some people sign up under my link, and I have a few more free boxes coming my way, but if I were paying for this subscription I would be pretty let down this month and may even considering cancelling. Still, last month wasn't bad and I've seen Stila products too - but I have yet to see a Stila product in my box/bag (first it was a box, now they have a bag... not sure what to call it). I'm sticking with them and still forming an opinion as a whole service. I'll have to see what September brings.

Let me know what you think...

What are your thoughts on this month's LipMonthly Box? Did you receive an LipMonthly Box this month? If so, what did you get in your box? Discuss in the comments below.

BoxyCharm - August 2014: value break-down, pics, swatches, mini reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my August 2014 BoxyCharm! Yes, I finally jumped on the BoxyCharm train, and I have to say I've wanted to join BoxyCharm for months now but don't know why I haven't. The preview for this month said you'd get one of two full sized bronzers, and also a Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen (which I really wanted). The value of those two items alone is worth the whole box and then some. Check out everything in my box below! I was so happy with my BoxyCharm!

BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription service where you receive a box filled with FULL SIZE and luxury size beauty samples from a variety of brands - including well known high end brands! The amount of items varies month to month, but it's usually between 5 and 7 items per month. The cost of BoxyCharm is $21 a month with free shipping.

If you want to sign up for BoxyCharm just click here or follow the link below (it's my referral link). Sign-up link: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/10912/

August 2014 BoxyCharm

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's BoxyCharm: $111.99 (value is approximate)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of FULL SIZED items: 5
• # of makeup items: 4
• # of beauty tools/brushes: 1
• # of nail items: 0
• # of hair care items: 0
• # of skin care items: 0
• # of body care items: 0
• # of fragrance items: 0

Now I'll talk about each product...

Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen
Shade: Showroom

 

• MY THOUGHTS: I was most excited to get this product in my box; it was one of the preview items and the reason I joined this month. Keep in mind my lips are EXTREMELY chapped and dry right now (thanks to a weekend full of drinking and traveling for work - and yes, I drink as part of my job). I need to replenish my body with water this week, but until then my lips are really dry. This product didn't feel as conditioning as I had hoped for. Maybe it would feel better if my lips were in a more normal state. Aside from the feeling, the color wasn't my cup of tea. It's just a bit too light for me, which is ashame because I LOVE the packaging. It's such a nice weighty luxe packaging. Too bad the shade was the biggest let down for me. Maybe I can wear it under glosses. We shall see. 
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $22.00

Model Co. Cheek + Lips Tint
Shade: Rosy Red

 

 

• MY THOUGHTS: I wish this product was actually the color that the tube is and not the actual color it is. It's pretty but doesn't really show up on my lips unless I really layer it on. It also highlights every dry flake and patch possible. It goes on feeling like a smooth watery gel but after it sets it kind of feels a bit drying, so top with a lip balm for sure! I'm not into cheek tints, so this would only be used on my lips.. and I'm not sure how often I'll reach for it.
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $22.00

Morphe Brushes Powder Brush

• MY THOUGHTS: I have wanted to try Morphe Brushes for awhile now, so I was excited to see one in this box! It's a great brush to use for setting powder, blush, and all-over bronzer. Really soft and feels nice on the face. Really happy about this one!
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $19.99

OFRA Americano Bronzer

 

• MY THOUGHTS: This packaging is as generic as you can get. No label or brand or name on the top of the packaging, and just a sticker on the bottom. But I don't really care as long as the product is great, and unfortunately, this isn't a great product.... at least not for me. First, the color leans a bit orange and it has SPARKLES. Not a shimmer, but straight up sparkles. I've never been into shimmery bronzers much, but a bronzer with sparkles is a huge no-no for me. On top of that, the texture of the powder feels a bit dry - which is funny that I noted that, because in my August Wantable Makeup Box I received an OFRA 3D Loose Shadow and I noted the texture on that one felt dry as well. So far I haven't gotten the best impression of OFRA Cosmetics. I really hope I can find something in their line that I absolutely love. Would I pay $35 for this bronzer? Hell no!
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $35.00

OFRA Eyeliner
Shade: Black

• MY THOUGHTS: This is just your standard black pencil eyeliner. It goes on smooth - not overly creamy but not dry. Nothing special or stand out about it. 
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $13.00

My Thoughts On The Entire Box...

• VALUE: The value was approximately $111.99
• USAGE: I will use the Morphe brushe, and try to make use of the Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen. I may use the Model Co. Lip + Cheek Tint but honestly I doubt I'll reach for it often. The OFRA eyeliner will get used when I need a black pencil, but the OFRA Bronzer won't be touched by me. 
• FINAL THOUGHTS: I was so excited to get my first BoxyCharm, especially with the Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen. And at a first glance I thought I had an amazing box. After taking the time to try the products I find that really only the Morphe Brush is going to be well used, and possibly the Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen. Everything else was eh. The value is amazing - you pay $21 and I received basically $112 worth of items. I know BoxyCharm offers some of the best box months I've ever seen, so I'm sticking with it for awhile and I can't wait to see what my September BoxyCharm brings!

Let me know what you think...

Did you receive a Boxy Charm this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your box? If you don't receive a Boxy Charm box yet, click here to sign up! Discuss in the comments below.