Beauty Box Five - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I recently was a sent a sample box from Beauty Box Five to review and share with my readers. Beauty Box Five is monthly subscription service. They'll send you 4 to 5 beauty samples each month. The shipment I received has an over $40 value.

Subscriptions are $12 a month (if you sign up for the month-to-month subscription). You can save money by signing up for their quarterly subscription - which is $30 (saving you $6) or their yearly subscription - which is $100 (gives you 2 free months). Boxes ship mid-month.

Keep in mind the box I'm showing you is not the November 2012 shipment; this is just a random mix of products for me to get an idea of what a box may include.

Check out everything in my box... click on pics to view them larger.

Beauty Box Five

Keep in mind the box I'm showing you is not the November 2012 shipment; this is just a random mix of products for me to get an idea of what a box may include.

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this Beauty Box Five shipment: $41.37 (value is approximate)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of makeup items: 3
• # of nail items: 0
• # of skincare items: 1
• # of body care items: 0
• # of hair care items: 0
• # of fragrance items: 0
• # of other items: 1

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...

Lash Card

• MY THOUGHTS: I've received this product in another subscription service box and have yet to use these cards. However, I think they are a fantastic idea! I just generally don't have much trouble with applying my mascara to need one of these. Now what I do need is a shadow guard for shimmery and glittery loose-shadows!
• FULL SIZE: 10-pack @6.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 2 cards
• VALUE: $1.40

Pur-lisse Pur-Delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser & Makeup Remover

• MY THOUGHTS: I like the Pur-lisse brand, so it's always nice to try a new product. I like that this is a cleanser and makeup remover in one, making it simple to take off my makeup at night and feel like my face is clean.
• FULL SIZE: 5.6 oz @ $36.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1.7 oz
• VALUE: $10.94

 

CityLips Advanced Formula, clear

• MY THOUGHTS: I already love this brand and have the original formula, which I've reviewed in the past here. The Advanced Formula is even better; really happy to receive this sample as I'm just about out of the original full sized tube I have.
• FULL SIZE: 5 ml @ $35.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1.5 ml
• VALUE: $10.51

Bodyography Foundation Primer

• MY THOUGHTS: I've never tried this brand before so it will be nice to try something new. I already have a ton of primers, so I'm not sure exactly when I'll get around to testing this out but I know I'll give it a try in the near future. It's also a great size sample tube; over half the full size!
• FULL SIZE: 1 oz @ $30.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.53 oz
• VALUE: $16.04

 

Blinc Mascara

• MY THOUGHTS: I'm not a fan of the original Blinc Mascara, so I didn't bother to open this sample up because I plan to use it in an upcoming giveaway. I do, however, like Blincs new Amplified Mascara - which I recently reviewed here.
• FULL SIZE: 0.21 oz @ $26.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.02 oz
• VALUE: $2.48

Let me know what you think...

What do you think of Beauty Box Five? Are you already a subscriber? If so, tell me your thoughts so far on your shipments. If you're not a subscriber, do you think you'll be signing up? Discuss in the comments below.



Blinc Mascara Amplified in Black - before & after, swatches, pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Blinc has come out with a new mascara formula: Amplified! Set to ship in early November for anyone who orders it off their website now, I was lucky to receive a sample to try out ahead of time. It's definitely better than their original formula, as this mascara offers more volume and length. It also applies more like a traditional mascara compared to their original formula.

Check out my pics, swatches, before & after, stats, and review... click on pics to view them larger.

blinc
Mascara Amplified
Shade: Black

  

blinc Mascara Amplified

Before & After

Basic Stats for Blinc Mascara Amplified:

Formula: volumizing and lengthening mascara

Shade Info: currently available in one shade

Cost/Availability: $26.00 (0.30 oz full size). Available on the blinc website.

Packaging: round tube with twist-off lid and mascara wand

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:

This mascara provides buildable volume and length while being smudge-proof, sweat-proof, flake-proof, and water-resistant. If you love blinc's original mascara, you'll love this one even more. As with the original mascara, the new Amplified mascara coats lashes with a glossy, volumizing and extending coat that forms tiny water-resistant "tubes" around each lash. Unlike the original formula, Amplified applies more like a traditional mascara, giving you the ability to add as many coats as you want to build your desired look.

Shade Info:

Currently available in Black.

Cost/Availability:
$26.00 (0.30 oz full size). Available on the blinc website.

Packaging:

Rounded tube with twist-off lid and mascara brush.

Blinc Mascara Amplified Review:

I've tried blinc's original mascara and liked the tube-effect it creates (makes removing the mascara kind of fun, even though it kind of creeps me out too, lol). And even though I liked the mascara, it wasn't one that did much for my lashes -- which are naturally long on their own. Their new Amplified formula works much better on my lashes, giving me clump-free pretty lashes.

In my before and after photos I used two coats on the top and one coat on the bottom. I could have continued to add coats if I desired.

If you love blinc's original mascara you need to check out and try their new Amplified formula!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this mascara? Do you plan to try this?Discuss in the comments below.

Blinc Eyebrow Mousse in Light Brunette - before & after, pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Not long ago I saw a presentation on QVC for the Blinc Eyebrow Mousse and I was really intrigued. I debated a bit on what shade to get, but seeing as how I didn't want too dark of brows I decided to go with the Light Brunette, since on the QVC presentation that's what they said to go with if you weren't sure. I think a darker shade would have worked better, but the Light Brunette still works -- as it actually dries darker, and I should have probably waited to take my after photos when it was completely dry so you could see that, but it does get slightly darker (not dramatically darker). This eyebrow product is great for those with gray hair who want to easily cover it - this will do that for sure! The formula is extremely budge proof - one it dries it will not budge. It's for sure the most stay-put brow product I've ever used!

Check out my pics, swatches, stats, and review... click on pics to view them larger.

blinc Eyebrow Mousse
Shade: Light Brunette
 























blinc Eyebrow Mousse
Before & After
* Please keep in mind the product dries slightly darker than what is shown on my eyebrows, and it looks much more of a closer match in person than in the photos that show every little detail!

Basic Stats for Blinc Eyebrow Mousse:

Formula: creamy mousse

Wear: very long wearing

Coverage: buildable

Shade Info: currently available in 7 shades

Cost/Availability: $24/$25 depending where you shop (0.14 oz full size). Available on the blinc website, QVC's website, and everywhere else blinc cosmetics are sold.

Packaging: rounded tube with twist-off lid and mascara wand applicator

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:

A creamy mousse formula that is water resistant, long lasting, and will add moisturizing color to your brow with anti-aging benefits for the underlying skin. Fills in sparse brows and will color your brow hair as well. This formula will not fade, run, or smudge - even if you sweat or go out in the rain.

Wear:

Very long wearing - this will last and last and last. 

Coverage:

Buildable color, which will vary depending how you apply.

Shade Info:

Currently available in 7 shades - including an auburn and grey shade, which I know can be very difficult to find.

Cost/Availability:
 $24/$25 depending where you shop (0.14 oz full size). Available on the blinc website, QVC's website, and everywhere else blinc cosmetics are sold.

Packaging:

Rounded tube with twist-off lid and mascara wand applicator.

Blinc Eyebrow Mousse Review:

I'll start by saying this is the type of product that has a slight learning curve at first, which is easy to figure out but what I guess I'm trying to say is to not give up on it if it doesn't work out the first time or two. I find the mascara wand is very thick so it's hard to be precise with thin brows, even when just using the tip, but it is possible. I don't have super thick brows, so the applicator isn't ideal for me or for anyone with thin brows. However, I used an angled brush with this to apply it and loved the results that way too. Either way, it applies naturally and is extremely long wearing.

I do love the shade selection; on the Blinc website there are 7 shades available - including Auburn and Grey, which I know are difficult to find. I wasn't sure what shade to select, so I went with Light Brunette because I definitely don't want dark brows, as I prefer a softer look. Light Brunette still works for me, but the Dark Brunette shade would probably work for me as well.

This brow product will color your brow hairs, which I wasn't a huge fan of only because it was lighter than my brow hair so it looked a little off at first, but then I realized it just makes them softer in tone and I kind of liked that for certain makeup looks. It's great for those wanting to cover their brow hair or change it up. One thing I did notice was it felt a bit thick/sticky on my brow hairs after it dried, but honestly who touches their brows anyway? I don't!

One thing I think is absolutely amazing is the staying power. Truly the longest lasting, most stay-put brow product I've ever tried. Once it dries, it won't budge. I can wake up the next day with perfect brows, and I have oily skin so things tend to wear off quickly on me. It's very stay proof and I love it for that.

I think this is a great product, I just wish the wand was smaller - that's probably my only complaint. Otherwise, it's a great product.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this brow product? Have you tried this or is this on your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

September 2011 Birchbox - shipment #1

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my September 2011 Birchbox shipment. Click here to view my husband's Birchbox shipment (which is different from mine, and has a higher value).
And let me just say... this month is a total joke! The approx. value comes out to just over $13. I mean... seriously?!?? All the shipments so far have been at least $20 or more of a value. This is the WORST shipment so far and if this is how they say "yay, we've made it a year, thank you" I think it's a really terrible shipment for that kind of statement. I have a feeling a LOT of people will drop Birchbox after this one, unless they received a better shipment than mine. I mean, SERIOUSLY, this has to be a joke. Where are the Punk'd cameras?


For more information on Birchbox, or to sign-up and start receiving your own Birchbox every month, CLICK HERE to visit http://www.birchbox.com/. Just $10 each month!

*Remember to click on the images to view them larger!*

September 2011 Birchbox

My Birchbox beauty profile was set to Classic & Trendy.

The Included Info Card:

 

SHIPMENT QUICK-STATS:

• Value of September's Birchbox Shipment: $13.38  (value is approximate)
• Total # of Items Received: 6
• # of makeup items: 3
• # of nail items: 1
• # of skin care items: 0
• # of body care items: 0
• # of hair care items: 0
• # of fragrance: 1
• # of other items: 1

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...

INCOCO Nail Polish Applique

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: We all have a wild side. Nail strips are the latest trend -- try them on your fingers or toes.
• MY THOUGHTS: You know I'm a lover of all things nail related, so I jumped for joy when I saw these. I love the leopard print too.
• FULL SIZE: 16 strips @ $7.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 12 strips
• VALUE: $6.00

 

BLINC Mascara

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Long days call for sweatproof, waterproof mascara. This tubing mascara does the trick and looks extra glossy, too.
• MY THOUGHTS: I've tried Blinc Mascara in the past and wasn't a fan. I'm not sure if I will give it another try or not. The little tubes that came off my lashes were cool at first but then grossed me out. I'm weird though, so you probably won't see anything wrong with it.
• FULL SIZE: 0.21 oz @ $24.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.02 oz
• VALUE: $2.29

 

HARVEY PRINCE Eau Flirt

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: The fragrance equivalent to a wink, this fanciful scent is a burst of fresh citrus and jasmine over a Base of lavender and pumpkin.
• MY THOUGHTS: I didn't fully open it to smell it, but of what I could smell I wasn't a fan. I'm just not a fragrance girl.
• FULL SIZE: 50 ml @ $55.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: no size listed, most of these vials are around 1.5 ml
• VALUE: $1.65

 

JOUER Lip Enhancer

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Why settle for plain 'ol lip balm when you can hydrate, plum, and condition all in one go? Right, we thought so.
• MY THOUGHTS: I haven't tried it but it sounds good. I like the last Jouer lip gloss I received in a previous Birchbox shipment so I'm sure this will be worth at least a test.
• FULL SIZE: 0.33 fl oz  @ $14.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.07 fl oz
• VALUE: $2.95 

Lash Card (an extra)

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Smear not: This handy card ensures that your mascara stays on your lashes, not on your eyelids.
• MY THOUGHTS: I've seen Mally (from Mally Beauty) do this exact thing to an old playing card and showed everyone how to make their own. I thought it was a good idea but never took the time to make one. Now I have one and I'll probably use it. However, the thought of having to buy a 10 pack... no thanks. I would rather spend $0.99 on a deck of playing cards and have 52 to use.
• FULL SIZE: 10 cards @ $4.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 card
• VALUE: $0.49

Birchbox Friendship Bracelet (extra)

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: It's been a year! and we couldn't have done it without you (thank you.). Wear this friendship bracelet as a reminder that there is beauty in discovery, and delight in anticipation. Here's to many more beauty-filled months.
• MY THOUGHTS: This is simple, yet cute bracelet. Will I actually wear it? Eh, probably not. But I will use it to decorate around my makeup area.
• FULL SIZE: n/a
• SIZE I RECEIVED: n/a
• VALUE: n/a

Let me know what you think...

Did you receive a Birchbox shipment this month? If so, what are your thoughts on this box? I was majorly disappointed. Maybe you received better items. Let me know in the comments below!