Beauty DNA July 2015 Review

Beauty DNA is a monthly subscription box that specializes in skin care items. You will always receive a full size item each month. For the months that it is a lower value item, they generally give you two items. You fill out a profile and they pick an item that matches your preferences. They include a nice info card each month that tell why they matched you with the months item. The cost is $25/month and the value is usually triple that. 

 

Beauty DNA provides a very nice info card booklet. One side tells you about the product they selected for you, and the other side tells you why they selected it for you. I generally really like what they selected.

Luminique Age-Defying Complex - $79.95. The price on the info card matches the price on the Luminique website, but with a quick google search I am finding it for $53. This face cream is for day and night, this multipurpose moisturizer features the Trisome Plus Complex, a system of age-defying enzymes that improves the appearance of a complexion ravaged by oxidative stress, sun damage and exposure, while minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This has SPF 15, so I'm confused why this is appropriate for night. This was picked for me because it does not have argan oil or lavender, and also is paraben-free. I am currently not in need of any more face cream, so this is being swapped. Even though this is not one of my favorite boxes this month, I still really enjoy this sub.

`A

Hautelook Summer Beauty Bag Sale - On Sale now

The HauteLook Nordstrom Anniversary Bag is on sale now. This is not yet sold out. Last time, this sold out in around 15 minutes. So, either they added more bags this year, or this particular one is not as popular.  I did get mine today because I wanted it. I do think it's contained a little more items in the past. The cost is $29.95, but they also charge shipping.

 

 

The HauteLook summer Beauty Bag is exclusive to HauteLook, and this 8-piece set will contain:

 Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Deluxe Sample: Lightweight cream-gel plumps skin with 24-hour hydration. Oil-free. Its unique texture must be experienced to be believed.
- Size: 0.5 oz.
- Made in USA

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm Deluxe Sample: Super-nourishing balm is loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth.
- Size: 0.04 oz.
- Color: Super Strawberry (red)
- Imported

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Mini Sampler Kit: Discover Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner with 2 top shades and a mini brush. A true original. This award-winning long-wearing eyeliner offers the precision of liquid liner with the ease of a gel-based formula - all with 12 hours of waterproof and sweat- and humidity-resistant wear.
- Size: 0.035 oz.
- Black Ink/Steel Ink (black)
- Made in Belgium

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Packette: The first step to any great close-up is great skin - skin that's free of fine lines and pores. That's one of the reasons why primer was the first product created at Smashbox Studios. We developed a formula that diffuses the light hitting skin to blur out imperfections for an even, soft-focus look. It also makes makeup look better and last longer. Think of our primer as the original blur - and the best way to start your makeup every day.
- Size: 0.05 fl. oz.
- Made in USA

Glamglow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment Deluxe Sample: A nondrying hydration mask to deliver instant, extreme hydration.
- Size: 0.24 oz.
- Made in USA

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau De Parfum Vial On Card: An intensified Cashmere Mist - The sheer scent inspired by the feel of cashmere upon a woman's skin, this fragrance combines Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley and bergamot with warm undertones of sandalwood, amber and musk.
- Size: 0.05 fl. oz.
- Made in USA

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Creme Deluxe Sample: This high-performance, multi-action moisturizer dramatically reduces the look of multiple signs of aging: lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, dullness and dehydration.
- Size: 0.17 oz.
- Made in USA

Estee Lauder Black Clutch Bag
- Color: Black
- Approx. 8.7" x 1.375" x 3.875"
- Imported

PopSugar Must Have Box July 2015 Review

I was thrilled to get my PopSugar Must Have Box this month. I knew about a couple of the items, but the rest of the box was a surprise for me. Which is rare, since I generally can't keep from peeking at the posted spoilers. The PopSugar Must Have Box is $39.99/month if you choose the monthly plan. And this is our favorite box that we recommend to folks wanting to try out subscription boxes. The inspiration for the July box is Beach Days, Easy Travel, Summer Heat, Fourth of July, and Stripes.

Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes - $5.99. This is a very popular brand and I have been wanting to try the blueberries product line, so happy to see this. Besides, who can't use more facial wipes? This has blueberry and apple extracts, which I would not have imagined. Apple extracts are supposed to be good for your face.

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit - $28. I LOVE this! This was a spoiler item, and I didn't think I would be as thrilled with it as I actually am. It's high quality material, I love that it opens up all the way so you can find your smaller items, and the blue liner on the inside is unexpected and totally cool., and if something spills it shouldn't leak through.

There was a 20% off coupon code to Henri Bendel and I'm debating using on a jewelry travel case.

Sorial Card Case - $28. This is super high quality. This is the same brand and quality to the Sorial purses we got earlier. Both K and I really want this, so I am currently trying to work a swap over on the MSA swap site. There was also a $25 coupon tucked inside.

Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 - 28. This is one of my all-time favorite brands, so anytime something SuperGoop is included I automatically love it. I am a daily UD user, so the only reason I'll be trying this is because it's the SuperGoop brand. Can't wait to see how it compares. Also, I really like that this setting spray has spf 50. I had not heard of, or even thought of that!

The Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Bar, Chocolate Berry - $1.99. I really look forward to the snack that is included each month. I have discovered many new things from this. I haven't tried this yet, but it contains ingredients I like so I'm sure it's be just fine for me.

PopDental Portable Toothbrush - $19.99. Love it! I regularly use electric toothbrushes, but I've  never traveled with them. I like this slim design, and that it comes in a case, and will be taking this on my next trip. This came with one AAA battery (nice), and one replacement head (nicer).

Hallmark Cards - $14.97 there was a variety of Hallmark cards sent out with a variety of different designs. These were full size, high quality cards, that include padded envelopes to keep them safe. The ones I got were a Happy Birthday (flower one), a wedding/anniversary one, and the pineapple one that is blank for your own message. I'll probably take these to the office since that's where I always tend to me when unexpected occasions arise that require a card for people I barely even know.

 

This months PopSugar Must Have Box was a complete hit with me! I LOVED everything in this box. This has probably been my favorite box to date, probably because I can use every single item for my travel bag. I am going to head over to MSA to try and swap for a couple extras of these items.

`A

Little Lace Box June 2015 Review

This is for the June Little Lace Box. I'm still behind on reviews but I do like to eventually get them posted, primarily for my own memory. LLB ships every other month. The cost is $59.99. They have also started a smaller box that is called Serendipity that ships on the off months and is $9.99. The theme this month is "Classy and Fabulous".

I have not opened all of the items for the ones I knew I would be gifting, so they are still preserved in the plastic, but I wanted you to see them anyway.
Pour Some Sugar on Me Scrub - $19.99. I love getting scrubs. The flavor I got was Lollambooza. I am going to try and trade for one of the other flavors, Coconut Mango Mimosa, or Oatmeal Milk & Honey, and I hear a peach flavor was sent out too, called You leave me peachless (hahaha).

Lucy B's Apothecary Nail Lacquer - Startlet - $12.99. I love that this is a light color that's perfect for the summer months.
Kitsch Ring Beyond the Stars - $24.99. K LOVED this! Thankfully, it's 14k gold, which means she is actually able to wear it (no cheap jewelry for that kid). The link I posted is to a similar ring, but this particular one is unique and exclusive to LLB. There were two different versions sent out and we got the amethyst one, the other option was turquoise.

San Diego Co packable Hat - $27.99. This hat rolls up and that makes it easy to tote around. I envision this would be great to use while doing gardening or to toss in a bag for beach days.

Watercolor print silk scarf - $45.99. This is another item that was created specifically for the LLB box. Which means that I am unable to find it anywhere online for a link. This is 100% silk, and the colors are amazing.

This months Little Lace box had an overall value around $139. I like the variety of items that were included. And K really loves that ring!
Next month's theme is "Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy". They have been releasing clues, but they do not release spoilers. I usually cannot guess from the clues. In fact, I've only gotten one guess right on the January box, but not since. Either way, I look forward to seeing what this theme means.
`A

 

Pinch Me June 2015

This is the June box of Pinch Me. If you aren't familiar, Pinch Me is a sample service. You get the samples for free and then you go on and tell them what you think. This is not a traditional subscription box. You have to be available to pick your samples on Sample Tuesday, and they go quickly, so you don't always get the items you want. The next date sample come out is July 28th @ 12 pm EST. You also have access to coupon offers under your profile page. There will be no values posted for this box, since these are all sample sizes.

Naked Wines $100 Voucher - To claim your $100 discount you must purchase 6 or more 750ml bottles of wine totaling at least $160 in a single purchase. First time customers only. One per customer. Must be 21 or older to redeem. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Alcoholic beverage industry members not eligible. They do not ship to all states, so you have to check before trying to use. Product selection may vary by state. Claim within 30 days.
Nutro Perfect Portions Cat Food - With NUTRO^® PERFECT PORTIONS™ cat food you won’t have smelly wet cat food leftovers in your refrigerator ever again. Each PERFECT PORTIONS™ package splits in half so you can serve half now, and store half for later, without the mess or leftovers in your refrigerator. Your cat just gets a fresh grain free meal every time. I really like that it's split in half, but my cat doesn't even eat that much. In fact, she mostly just likes gravy.

Gold Bond Healing Lotion & Gold Bond Strength and Resilience Lotion - I always love getting sample lotions, as I'm constantly moisturizing throughout the day. This is a known & trusted brand, so I'm happy to get both of these. And the travel size works well for storing in my car or my bag.

 

Fisher Nut Exactly Snack Bites - I cannot tell you how amazing this was. I LOVED it and I'm on the lookout to purchase. The flavor I got is Almond Popcorn. It was dipped in chocolate and tastes exactly how it sounds. Truly amazing! There was also a coupon included, so that rocks because I can't wait to get my hands on more.

Last look at the full Pinch Me box. I actually liked my samples this month. I don't normally get to pick all the items I want because they are usually "sold out" by the time I get around to this. My can't even ate the cat food, so it must not be too awful tasting. It was really convenient to just give her half.
`A

Fab Fit Fun Summer 2015

*This post contains referral links*

The FabFitFun Summer Box has been here for weeks, but I'm really late on posting this review. I was travelling when this arrived, so what can I say?! FabFitFun is a quarterly box, it's $49.99 a quarter. It promises $175+ worth of full-size premium items. It has the seasons hottest beauty, fitness, fashion, and wellness items. It's one of our favorite boxes.

The first item here is an advertisement for Giuliana Rancic new book. I did not know she wrote a book, but I found this momentarily interesting because she used to curate this box.
Headspace 3-Month Subscription –  $38.85. This subscription does not require a credit card, which is great for those of us who are willing to try these things out but not if it includes recurring charges. This is a mediation program that tells you how to do it.

Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer - $7.99. This was a sponsored item this month. Sponsored items are generally from a mainstream (drugstore) brands and not a high value. I know some folks complain when they are included in boxes, but I personally don't mind sponsored items, I just want them full size, which this is. This is not something I would have thought to try otherwise. I like the idea of a spray on moisturizer and I like that aloe is a main ingredient. Which is perfect for this time of year.
Gorge I'll make you look amazing daily spray - $24.95. This will smooth your hair, eliminate frizz, restore incredible shine and enhance your natural body. I suppose I could try this, but it's pretty hard to give up my bumble and bumble prep spray.

The Everyday Wireless Speaker by FabFitFun - $29.99. This was a spoiler release item, and the one we were most looking forward to. We both got the pink speakers, and I had gotten to pick my color prior to shipping. I believe this was designed for this box, since I can't find it online. There was a tip on the info card that this can even work as a hands free phone speaker, which is something I would not have thought of.
FabFitFun CosmoBody Jump Rope - $14. This is the fitness item this month. CosmoBody is an online workout program. They have recently released some videos that include jump ropes. I'm not sure I'm ever really going to use a jump rope, but I do like the quality of the handles. I believe this was also designed for the FFF box, since I'm unable to find it online anywhere.

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss - $19. This is one of our favorite brands, so always thrilled to see a Tarte product. The color I received was True Love and K got Tipsy, which is her fav. This was a spoiler item and I got to pick my color ahead of time.
Inkling Scents Sultry Roll-On Oil Perfume - $25. I can't wear perfume so I'm never really excited to find it in a box, but I do love the roll-on application part of this.

Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge - $12. I have received a number of sponges lately, but I have yet to try. This cleanses and exfoliates, and is designed for your face. This is made from konjac vegetable fibers (not quite sure what that is) and is supposed to be really soft.

Scratch Nail Wraps - $12 I really do love nail wraps, I can't believe how easy they are to apply, and instantly dry! Also, they have the coolest designs out nowadays. This particular set is not a fit for me, but I always love when these things are included. These are made with 5-free polish inks. I was just thinking I needed a coupon...I checked out their website and if you sign up for email then they will give you 20% off coupon code. I'm totally getting some other designs.

 

Wren 14Kt Gold and Black Sapphire Necklace: $100. There were several versions of this sent out, a horseshoe, heart, and a moon. I got the horseshoe, which we both loved (K ended up with it). K got the heart, which we didn't get our own pic of so I'm including a stock photo. Each pendant had a black sapphire embedded in it.

This seasons FabFitFun box had an approximate value of $285. We liked this box. If you are interested in FabFitFun please click our referral link here.

`A