GLOSSYBOX - January 2013

To kick off the new year, GLOSSYBOX partnered with Leandra Medine for the special "Man Repeller" edition of GLOSSYBOX ($21; www.glossybox.com).  The insert card reads, "Hey friend!  Pleas enjoy this Glossybox even though you are so damn pretty, you don't need the aid of my fav. products. "Kiss", Leandra (MR)."

The contents of this shipment were as follows:

Estée Lauder - Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara - Sample size: 0.1 oz/2.8 ml/Full size: .27 oz/$25 - Three different high-volume fibers create audacious, false-lash effect.  Lustrous color leaves eyes brighter, wider, more seductive than ever.  Build bigger, bolder, more extreme lashes at the Estée Lauder counter today.

Fresh - Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum - Sample size: .17 oz/5ml/Full size: 1 oz/$35 - Umbrian Clay, Fresh's proprietary ingredient, has a uniquely high mineral content that works to neutralize acidity, purifying and clarifying the complexion.  This treatment formula tones and hydrates while controlling shine and minimizing the appearance of pores.

Le Métier de Beauté - Replenishing Daily Solution - Sample size: .10 oz/3 ml/Full size: 1.17 oz/$225 - This rich, emollient formula protects, conditions and hydrates while it nourishes, rejuvenates and detoxifies skin, restoring a health suppleness to your skin.  Paraben-free.

Narciso Rodriguez  for Her Eau de Toilette Spray - Sample size: .03 fl oz/1 ml/Full size: 1.6 oz/$77/3.3 oz/$104 - A fragrant harmony of musk, intimately refined with a floral facet developing gently and slowly, rounding out into the feminine warm tones of sun-kissed skin, dusted in soft, velvet-like sensuality.

OPI - Can't Let Go Liquid Sand Nail Lacquer - Full size: 15 ml/0.5 oz/$9 - A unique matte purple shade with subtle accents of reflective shimmer.  This long wearing liquid sand lacquer dries to a matte finish which means no top coat is necessary!  Apply base coat and two coats of color for full opacity.

Sebastian Professional - Potion 9 - Sample 1.7 fl oz/50 ml/Full size: 5.1 oz/$19 - The ultimate versatile styling cream infused with nine botanical extracts to help restore lost moisture and rejuvenate the healthy look of your hair.  Perfect for styling your wet or dry hair into multiple looks with flexible hold.

tarte - Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick - Fierce  - Full size: .07 oz/$26 - Achieve vivd long-lasting color with a superb blend of emollient-rich butters (mango, avocado and shea) encapsulated in Tarte's 12-hour power formula.  Helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines leaving your lips with a perfect plumped-up appearance.

GLOSSYBOX Mag - Winter Beauty Edition - A mini-magazine with brief articles on The Man Repeller, Natural Beauty Tips, Trends, Q&A, and more.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  This was a great box jam-packed with great items so the retail value made this box well worth the price and the wait.

Have you tried GLOSSYBOX?  What  are your thoughts?

Birchbox- February 2013 Shipment

The February 2013 Birchbox, the "Red Carpet Ready" edition, is inspired by all the major award shows that February brings, not to mention that lovely holiday smack dab in the middle of the month.  Here is some insight into the picks that Katia, Hayley and the Birchbox team packed up this month.

This Birchbox included 5 items as follows:

• Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle (Sample size; Full size: $21.95) Great for all hair types, this nourishing elixir performs 7 hair-healing functions.  Among them: locking in color, adding shine, and instant detangling.

• Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Nude (.07 fl oz/2.3 ml; full size $38) This SPF 15 oil-free tinted moisturizer blends in beautifully to even out skin and control shine.

• Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream (0.25 fl oz/7 ml; full size $52) The latest anti-aging treatment to rock our world, this new moisturizer is loaded with copper and calcium to restore elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

• Oscar de la Renta - Live in Love (Full size $25-78) Fragrance devotees adore this elegant floral, which layers ethereal notes of hyacinth and orchid over a rich base of sandalwood and cedar.

• Extra! Ghirardelli - Milk & Caramel Square - Thanks Birchbox for giving me my first taste of Valentine's Day chocolate.

Overall rating:  Booyah! for introducing me to a great hair care and skincare product.  Beauty Protector works wonders on my curly hair and the Kiehl's cream is a welcome addition to my night care regimen.

As always, Birchbox monthly shipments cost $10 (birchbox.com).  Access to the online Birchbox magazine is included with this month's features on Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year, Hollywood Hair, as well as insights on Red Carpet-Inspired manicures and insider tips on how to primp like a star.

Birchbox - January 2013 Shipment

The January 2013 Birchbox, the "Best Year Ever" edition, kicks off the year with some great items. Katia, Hayley and the Birchbox team packed up some items that I just couldn't wait to try.

This Birchbox included 5 items and a bonus 25 ways to make 2013 awesome guide:

• Frownies Eye Gels sample (.6 oz reusable set; Full size: $29.95) Fight puffy dark circles with these innovative undereye patches, which are soaked with cactus-derived collagen and hyaluronic acid.
• Frownies Rose Water Hydrator Spray (8 ml; full size $11.95) This two-in-one toner and hydrating mist balances ph levels while plumping up fine lines with hyaluronic acid.

• Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy (0.05 fl oz/1.5 ml; full size $25-$90) Juicy's charming scent will bring out your inner girly girl.  Wild berries flirt with mandarin and soft floral notes for a fragrance that's fun and happy.

• My - Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer (0.3 fl oz/10 ml; full size $68) Rich with pili and moringa oils, this healthy moisturizer gives skin a velvety matte finish that lasts all day.

• theBalm - Put a Lid On It Eyelid Primer (.125 fl oz/3.7 ml; full size $18) Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.

• Birchbox Tips - 25 Ways to Make 2013 Awesome - Loaded with all kinds to tips on how to renew, refresh, rejuvenate and resolve to make 2013 a great year.

Overall rating:  Booyah! for the variety of goodies as well as featuring a My sample.  If you haven't tried My, you should.  I will be posting a review on some items I love soon.

As always, Birchbox monthly shipments cost $10 (birchbox.com).  If you haven't signed up yet, what's stopping you? It makes a great gift.

Beauty Army - January 2013 Shipment

January marked the start of a new year as well as Beauty Army's first anniversary.  This month's shipment was comprised of samples based on my selections from offerings based on my profile (www.beautyarmy.com; $12).  Unlike the Holiday box, this selection was packaged in the pink box with pink camouflage lining and it included an extra surprise as it was Beauty Army's birthday.

In my January shipment, I received the following items:

Not Your Mother's - She's A Tease Volumizing Hairspray - Apple Blossom & Bamboo - Travel Size - 2 oz/56 g/$3 - So you want big & beautiful hair and you’re tired of Mr. Humidity getting in the way, right? Then stop dreaming and make it happen already! SHE’S A TEASE™ will have the whole crowd gossiping about your huge head errr... I mean hair. Infused with natural apple blossom & bamboo, this salon formula will have you walking tall.

PRODUCT FACTS
- Firm Hold
- Creates volume and lift
- Humidity Resistant Formula
- Bamboo added for strengthening and volumizing benefits

 

Yes to Cucumbers - Facial Towelette - Sample: 1 towelette; Travel size: 30 towelettes/$5.99 - Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes gently remove dirt, sweat and makeup (eye makeup too!) without the need to rinse. Whether you're out and about, going for a run, or having a late night, these towelettes make it a snap to refresh on-the-go. Packed with green superfoods these all-natural, biodegradable towelettes naturally exfoliate, detoxify, and rejuvenate all-in-one. Stay gorgeous, and go from zero to clean in seconds! 

• 98% Natural
• Biodegradable & FSC Certified
• Dermatologically & Opthalmologically Tested 

• Oil-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic

Macadamia Natural Oil - Deep Repair Masque - Sample size 0.5 fl. oz/15 ml; Full size 8.5 fl. oz./250 ml/$32 - Macadamia Natural Oil™

Tea Tree and chamomile oils along with aloe and algae extracts combine with our Macadamia and 

Argan oils to produce miracle-like hair rejuvenation.

Nelson Beverly Hills - Argan Oil 7-in-1 Non-Foaming Shampoo - Natural Citrus Mint - Sample: 1 oz/30 ml; Full size: $20 - Nelson j Argan Oil Non-Foaming Shampoo is a revolutionary product in hair care. A 7-in-1 formula, this one product replaces your shampoo, conditioner, detangler, shine spray, smoothing serum, color protector, pre-styling lotion. It is the first non-foaming shampoo that cleanses hair thoroughly but without all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos - it is designed so it won't strip hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with shine, moisture, manageability and better color retention.

Enspri - Ultra Collagen 5-Minute Anti-Aging Facial Treatment - 2-part sample; Full Size: $99.50 - Enspri Ultra Collagen is a 100% ultra-fine marine collagen powder, free of unwanted chemicals and preservatives.

Naturally extracted at an extremely low molecular weight for greater absorption, giving your skin the full benefits of collagen.

Applied with our Vital Hydrator - a beneficial blend of essential vitamins and antioxidants with soothing and healing properties.
• Improves skin texture and elasticity.
• Noticeably tightens and tones skin.
• Shrinks and strengthens pores.

• Good for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin.

Lash Card - Mascara Shields - Sample pack of 2; Full size - $13.98 for 20 - Apply your mascara perfectly! Lash Card has two curves, fitting a variety of eye shapes. These contoured curves ensure nose bridge clearance and the ability to get into those hard-to-reach bottom lashes. Don't let smudging or clumping ruin your look; let the Lash Card prevent your mascara mishaps!

Bonus: mark - Scanda-lash Mascara - Black Lash - Full size: $6.50 plus a free hook-up connector - This super-rich mascara perfectly lengthens, thickens and defines lashes without clumping. 

About This Shade: A deep, dark black mascara. 

Overall rating: Booyah!  This was a great shipment.  It was nice of the Beauty Army Troops to include a bonus in celebration of their birthday.  Some of the items were tried and trues I didn't mind having again especially as they were accompanied by some new items.

Have you tried any of these products?  What are your thoughts?

I hope you found this blog post useful and that you'll subscribe.  I welcome your comments and feedback and thank you for stopping by.

FLOWER by Drew Barrymore Cosmetics

I got so excited when I found out that Drew Barrymore was going to launch an affordable cosmetics line.  FLOWER launched at Walmart on January 31.  The line is comprehensive and offers face, eyes, lips, and nail products.  The philosophy behind Flower Beauty is that their products are of high quality at affordable prices.  The economic climate coupled with my beauty addiction, I just had to try some of their items in their range.  I am sharing what I have with you.  For information on other product offerings in the range, please visit www.flowerbeauty.com.

Flower Shadow Play Eye Shadow Quad - Foxy Browns - 0.21 oz/6 g/$9.98 - Designed to smooth and brighten delicate eyelids, these shadows blend smoothly and evenly to set to a luminous finish.  These shadows contain gingko biloba extract for soft and supple eyelids.

Flower Lip Service Lip Butter - Petal to the Metal - .12 oz/3.5g/$6.98 - Unlike many of the lip butters that have launched recently, this one offered a lot of pigment.  The buttery-like formula glides on easily leaving my lips looking smooth and full.  The formula boasts inclusion of emollient oil for a shiny finish.  I did like  this product but found the packaging bulky and cap can be problematic as it has to be placed just right to click into place.

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• Flower Shine On Lip Gloss - Baby's Breath - (So eager to try it, I didn't get the weight of this product off the label)/$6.98 - This is a rich and creamy formula which leaves my lips soft.  I gravitate towards nude shades so this was right up my alley.  For a gloss, it offers decent coverage and staying power.  The doe-foot applicator offers precise control.  I did not notice any detectable fragrance or flavor.

• Here are some skin swatches of the lip products:
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Top to Bottom: Petal to the Metal Lip Butter; Baby's Breath Gloss

Here is the lip butter with the lip gloss layered over top (I love this combination!)

Flower Color Play Creme Eye Shadow - Wild Geranium and Rest on Your Laurel - .12 oz/3.5 g/$7.98 - These cream shadows are formulated with Vitamin E.  I love that they applied easily and left a nice sheen to my eyelids.  I have used these alone and under the powder shadows and I just loved the finish!  When I opened the containers, I noticed little plastic inserts similar to those in the L'oreal Colour Infallible Shadows.  Unlike the Colour Infallible shadows, these are cream product.  I liked the longevity of them (they lasted about 7 hours) with no primer beneath them.  They never dried on my lids, unlike Maybelline Color Tattoos.  They were a little messy to work with but once you get used to them, they work well.

Left to Right: Wild Geranium, Rest on Your Laurel

Rest On Your Laurel

Wild Geranium

Top to Bottom: Rest On Your Laurel; Wild Geranium

Flower Win Some/Rouge Some Creme Blush - Peach Blossom - .14 oz/4g/$7.98 - This is a nice creamy formula which dries to powder-like finish.  I found it to be buildable, leaving behind a healthy flush in my cheeks.  Unlike other cream blushes, it was very easy to work with.  I expected a bit more pigmentation but found I could get the effect I desired by building up the color.

Overall Rating: Booyah! for price point and quality and for being made in the USA and being cruelty-free; Boo-Boo for the lip butter packaging as well as that of the cream shadow (I think they could have put the cream shadows in a tube packaging for ease of use); Boo-Hiss for inclusion of parabens in their formulas.

FLOWER cosmetics are available at Walmart and Walmart.com.

Have you tried FLOWER products?  Which items do you recommend?