BirchBox August 2014 Review

Hi BirchBox! Feel like I haven't seen you in a month!

 

 

First Look! I already knew what I was getting, because I already peeked ahead of time. Even when I do that, I'm always still curious.

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional - I've been absolutely wanting to try this for some time, so I'm very thrilled to get this sample size this month.

 Quarter for scale.

Harvey Prince Ageless Body Cream - This is grapefruit vanilla shea butter. The scent is stronger than I would have liked, but not too bad. It would be too strong for hands, but for legs, I think it's great.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate - This seems to be a serum booster. It works with your regular facial skin care routine to boost it, regardless of your skin concerns. I'm currently using a Dior serum booster, which I love, so I'll probably just toss into my travel bag.

 

Ojon rare blend oil Moisture Therapy - This oil is something you use very sparingly, one drop is all it takes. It is supposed to work well on end, but can also be distributed throughout to provide shine.

LAQA & Co - Sheer Lip Lube Pencil - Bees Knees, in Coral - This is a high-gloss semi-sheer lip color that perfect for summer. I did not open this, but I read that it's supposed to smell like mint. This is supposed to be a light color, which is perfect for the summer months.

If you are interested in BirchBox, then you can email us BrierReview@gmail.com and we will send you a referral code!
~A

Ipsy Glam Bag August 2014 Review

My pink ipsy package is here! K got hers too, but she isn't home yet so I don't know if she got anything different. 

This months theme is "Beauty Schooled". Cute.

 

I think this is my favorite bag to date. It looks like an oblong rolled school pencil pouch. Love!

   

 

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara - $22 I am thrilled to see this because this was on my list to pick up on my next trip to Sephora, along with the lash primer subversion. It's getting great reviews. It's Bigger, Badder, Blacker. I want my mascara to be all these things. I hope I look as good as the model in the pics. I'll settle for half as good.

 r. Brandt Pores no More - $45 I'm seeing pore refiner products everywhere nowadays. I'm still a huge fan of dr. Brandt products. This one has a slight, very slight, tint to it. But does not show as color when applied. This is resistant to sweat and humidity. Say what? That sums up my major summer makeup issues. Also, it says you can use over or under makeup, and can be reapplied throughout the day. I've never used it over makeup, and I've also never reapplied, but I might just toss in my bag and try that.  This is my favorite item this month.

Klorane dry Shampoo with Oat Milk- $19.50 meh. Over it. This is probably the 50th bottle of this stuff that I've received this summer. I'm exaggerating. But not by much. I don't really like the feel of dry shampoos in my hair, I tend to wash and style without shortcuts. I should try using it someday with blow drying it out afterward, but somehow I don't think I'll get around to that. This particular brand gets really good reviews, and I've seen people over on MUT rave about it.

Mongongo Anti-Aging Lip Conditioner - $5.50 With a name like that I had to break the seal immediately and smell this. It's fruity, mandarin green orange ginger. This is USDA organic. It does not contain SPF, however, it is said to provide protection from the sun. I have not heard of Jerseyshoresun products before, but mpst of their products are anti-aging. I'm a fan of anti-aging. I love lip balms, especially well scented ones. This is definitely a hit for me.

Flying Solo Eyeshadow in FSE 110 Half Naked - $2.99 I like the neutral color of this, although it's not going to get me to wear eye shadow. This is interesting...the high-quality formula and texture can be worn wet or dry. I'm not even sure I fully understand what that means.

Ipsy- $10/ month/ no shipping charges. You get a cute makeup bag filled with 4-5 personalized beauty products. If you are interested click here!
~A

QVC New Beauty Test Tube August 2014 Review

I just got my QVC new Beauty Testtube. If you are not familiar, this one gets sent out quarterly.Sometimes they run out and you get placed on a waiting list. You also have the option to set up auto-delivery with QVC.

This is the pink tube this "box" always arrives in.

I love how they always include the New Beauty magazine. It's not just a thick infomercial. It actually includes useful tips and ideas.

Info booklet. I've already misplaced.

First Look!

Phytodefrisant anti-frizz botanical straightening Balm - $28 for Full size - I wasn't sure what this was at first, but it's your basic hair balm. I'm currently using Aveda hair straightening cream, so I won't be trying this anytime soon. But, still happy to get it.

Bliss Fabulous foaming face wash - $22 for full size - I'll be using this stuff very soon. Maybe even by the end of the week.

Philosophy amazing grace shampoo, bath & shower gel - I love Philosophy products, but the amazing grace line is just slightly too much scent for me. This is going into the gift basket.

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy - $25 for full size. I like how this screws open, instead of just pulls open. It would definitely keep the cap from sea separating in your bag. I'm thrilled to get this.

Doll 10 Luxe Lip Gloss in Blush $27 triple set - I can't find this on the QVC website, so the link I've included is for the triple set. I like the Doll 10 products, and I like the packaging. I just prefer lip color a little more red. So, I'll be placing this in the gift basket so it can go to someone who it's better suited for.

it Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil - $24 - LOVE this! It has active brow enhancing technology. I'm not sure what that even means, but I'm thrilled to get this. Love it Cosmetics, and love this brow pencil. The harder you press the darker it applies. It's waterproof and smudge-resistant. I love the tarte mousse stuff I use, but I can't wait to try this one. Paraben Free, Non-Comedognic and Hypo-Allergenic.

Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Dusk - $25 I'm a fan of mally shadow sticks, but I don't wear Eyeshadow all that often. This is going in the gift basket, and I hope it goes to someone who thinks it's as cool as I do.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - Intensive Exfoliating Treatment - $85 for full size. This is my favorite item this month. I'm almost out of my current exfoliator, so I'm thrilled to see this. This is for deep exfoliating treatments, not for everyday use. Once or twice a week max, and leave on for up to two minutes. It gets good reviews and the results are supposed to last for days.

If you are interested in the QVC New Beauty TestTube, Click Here! I'm pleased with the variety of items this month. Even though I won't be keeping/using everything, I'm very thrilled with the items I actually do love. Great value.

~A

 

PopSugar Must Have Box August 2014 Review

I was very happy to see my PopSugar box was delivered today. I wasn't really expecting it until tomorrow. I feel like I haven't gotten a box forever!

 

  

 First Look is always the best!

The Mason Jar Cookie Company - Celebrate Cookie mix - $12.99. I had heard we were getting something to make homemade cookies with. From the pics I saw, I couldn't figure out if this was really a mason jar, and I was confused at how it kept saying "packet". So, let me explain this is a plastic pouch, that looks like a mason jar. Super Cute, and I'm pretty excited to try.

 

 

 

 

Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Slate - $52 These earrings were in the cute pouch. I know, I took a lot of pics just to get here, but really I'm just happy to be doing a post today. These aren't my favorite, but only because they aren't my style. I'll be either trading or gifting.

 

Goodbyn Purple Meal and Dipper set - $8 I was really hoping for something like this, I missed out on the one that was in last years August box. It's a little smaller than I was hoping for, but I'm still liking it. Lately, I've been better about packing a lunch and snacks, so these types of items help me remember to do that.

Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel - $22 This smells like an old grandma. The flower smell is way too overpowering for me. Even if I like flower smells, this still smells gross. This is my least favorite item in the box. I really like the packaging though.

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip  $22 -  This bright pink color was created to celebrate PopSugar Must Have's second birthday. This has nourishing strawberry, coconut, and avocado oils. Love. I'm not sure how the color will look on me, but that's not stopping me from loving it.

 

Paddywax Ocean Tide + Sea Salt Mini Jar Candle $10 - I love everything about this candle except the smell. K likes it and the color will match her new apartment nicely.

thinkThin Brownie Crunch High Protein Bar - $1.99 - I have recently discovered protein bars. I know, they have been around forever, and I often get low blood sugar from waiting too long to eat, but I've never gotten into them. I got a SlimFast Birthday Cake one in another box, and loved it, so I'm expecting to love this one too. Besides, anything with Brownie must by yummy.

That's it for this months box. Even though I didn't love everything in it, this has been one of my favorites lately. I paid $39.95 and this month was a value of $129.

~A

Beauty DNA August 2014 Review

I know, I haven't done any posts for a few weeks. I have been incredibly busy. This time, I don't even have the excuse of being out of town. Just not able to get to this. The problem I have is if I don't post right away, I don't always remember what came in which boxes. I'm intending to do better about it this month. We are starting with Beauty DNA. This is the July shipment, I believe, however, I have not received it until August, so we are calling it August.  I'm still missing a box from June, that never did arrive even though it showed delivered. It is frustrating to pay for something that never arrived. I contacted Beauty DNA, they said they would look into it, but they have never gotten back to me.

 My banged up box. So happy to see you.

 

 

 

Wen Sweet Almond Conditioner - I have yet to try a Wen product, even though I have been hearing so much about them. K received this in Vanilla Mint last month, and she loves it.

COOLA SPF 30 - I love that this is unscented. And Organic.

`A