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.

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.

IPSY Bag Shipment - October 2012

The October Ipsy Bag, themed "Hello, Bombshell," is a nylon black and white zipper bag trimmed in shiny red with haircare, lip stain, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara as well as a bonus NUME gift certificate.

Here's a review of the items I received and descriptions as reflected on the brand websites:

TheBalm - What's Your Type? "the body builder" mascara - 3.5 ml deluxe sample; Full size 12ml/$19 - This long-lasting, clump-free mascara boasts a highly pigmented formula and deep-black finish that won't smudge, smear or weaken throughout the day.  Specially formulated with Vitamin E, Panthenol, and Bamboo, "The Body Builder" works to condition and stregthen lashes to their fullest and foxiest. It's just what you need to build impressive body, without breaking a sweat. There is an offer for 15% off a future order on ipsy.com.

Mirenesse - Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain - #9 - Full size 3.1 g/$35.10 - A Revolutionary colour that combines gloss, stain and lacquer all in one!  A satisfying NEW INNOVATION in lip colour; beyond gloss, stain or lip lacquer. Colour that drenches your lips for a juicy high impact colour that's feather-light and super-moist with a velvety finish. Power packed with non-smearing pigment that lasts and lasts. Colours may be mixed easily to create countless intense or nude looks depending on your fashion mood! Infused with a breath refreshing mint taste and Lip Perfecting Spheres plus caring vitamins. Who says you can't have it all?, Apply a small amount and mix shades to create your own personal shade! Infinity Lip™ Applicator allows for professional application of precision colour. Don't apply too much! It's better to apply a thin layer first then build it up if you want more colour. For extra long wear pair with a matching lip liner.  My thoughts: Can't believe I got a full-sized product of this value in a $10 sampling program.  There is an also of $20 off a future purchase.

Couture Colour - Pequi Oil Treatment - Full size 15 ml/$12 - What it is: A restorative hair treatment derived from the Amazonian Pequi fruit. What it does: Pequi Oil Treatment revives even the driest, most brittle hair that's been color-treated or chemically straightened. It also tames frizz, mends split ends with a natural UV filter, and keeps color vibrant. It contains moisture-restoring antioxidants, Vitamins A and E, proteins and lipids that help make every hair type noticeably softer, shinier, and smoother like never before. What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know: Pequi Oil Treatment absorbs instantly, won't weigh hair down, and can be used every day. It does not contain alcohol and has not been tested on animals.

Research results:
- Dull, damaged hair is up to 600% stronger* after one application of Pequi Oil Treatment.
- Pequi Oil Treatment provides a 250% improvement in shine on dull, damaged hair.
*based on a clinical study. My thoughts: This is absolutely fabulous and works wonders on my dry, color-treated, curly hair.  I have since ordered a larger size using my 20% offer.

be a….bombshell - Eyeliner - Onyx - Full size 3 ml/$14 - A basic black eye liner. Long lasting and highly pigmented – this eyeliner can be used with any look to bring definition to your eyes. 

Bombshell Application: Use like a marker, drawing with the tip closest to your lashline. To create a smoky eye look, gently smudge and smoke out liner.

Bombshell Tip: For Dramatic full-looking lashes, gently dot between lashes. Follow with a coat of Bombshell mascara. For a pop of color, try a colored pencil!

Bombshell Tip: To make lashes look more full, line the upper lash line with liner and follow with the lining the lower waterline. My thoughts: Another full-sized product!  What a bargain!  Who can't use a black eyeliner?  An offer for 25% off a future purchase is included!!!

Coastal Scents - Eye Shadow - Rosy Pink, Gunmetal, Elven Silver, Light Pink - 2 g sample packet; Full size 1.3 g/$1.99 - Rosy Pink: soft, mauve shade with a matte finish; Gunmetal: sultry, deep grey with a slight satiny finish; Elven Silver: shimmery light silver; Light Pink: a light, shimmery pink shade. These shadows are nice for the price but need a primer for staying power.  They are affordable and you get a lot of product for the price.  An offer of 20% off a future purchase is included.

NUME Style - Gift Certificate - $100 - Towards the purchase of professional styling tools and hair extensions. My thoughts: I could use a new curling wand but need to research reviews on the ones NUME offers.  Look for future posts to see if I've purchased one.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  for value of the product contents and introducing me to new products brands that I love.

Beauty Box 5 - September 2012 Shipment

Beauty Box 5 is a new beauty sampling program that costs $12 a month, $30 per quarter or $100 per year (www.beautybox5.com).

  

Here is a list of my September 2012 shipment contents and descriptions as reflected in the insert card:

H.Wood.Beauty - Lip Shine - Poppy  - .14 oz/Full size; Retail $16.00 - The perfect addition to any makeup bag, this hydrating, sheer-color lip shine is packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and mango, avocado and shea butter. A promotion code for 25% off is provided.

Goat Haus Dairy - Bath Melts - 1 melt; 50g; Retail $2.50 - Taking a bath never left your skin feeling this good! Drop one of these handmade goat's milk bath melts into your tub and relax…your skin will thank you!

Silk Naturals - Eyeshadow - Silver Lining - .18 oz/$4 - Let's face it, a girl can never have too many eye shadows and these lovely, loose mineral shadows are no exception!  Gluten free and predominantly vegan, they're perfect for sensitive skin and a great addition to your ever-growing collection!  A promotion code for 5% off is provided.

Nastassja Skin - Enzyme Facial Peel - .25 oz/7.5 ml sample; Full size 2 oz/$45 - Great for any skin type, this revolutionary facial peel is packed with free-radical fighting antioxidants and uses papaya enzyme to gently eliminate dead, dry skin cells.  A promotion code for 25% off is provided.

Nume - Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo - 20 ml/.67 fl oz; Full size 8.45 oz/$24.99 - Introducing Hydro-Punch, a revolutionary synergy between traditional Moroccan Berber, Moroccan Argan Oil, and the SERATIN-K Protein Complex (patented technology).  This formula is enriched with the SERATIN-K Patented Technology, an active, protein-based complex shown to provide excellent moisture, binding capacity, and hair follicle nourishment for a smooth and silky feel.  Professional hydrating shampoo for dry or coloured hair.  Made with naturally strengthening Bamboo, your hair is cleansed thoroughly as sage extract and Jojoba oil increase the moisture level of your hair.  Natural Argan oil from Morocco contains exceptionally high levels of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6), for countering dryness in hair and loss of elasticity while preventing dull hair and split ends.  A powerful antioxidant agent mends damage caused by weather or harsh chemicals. Healthy Vitamin E helps to regain 

shine and a gorgeous, vibrant look.

Overall rating: Booyah! for the variety of items this box included, not to mention the value.

Have you tried Beauty Box 5?  What are your thoughts?

Total Beauty Fall 2012 Collection

Total Beauty offers all kinds of beauty advice and information as well as a sampling program called the Total Beauty Collection (totalbeauty.com).  I decided to try their Fall 2012 Collection ($15), which included 5 deluxe samples and two bonus offers as follows:

Jonathan Product - Dirt Texturizing Paste - Sample; Full size: 3.35 oz/$26 - This non-greasy, non-sticky texturizing paste is infused with ingredients that'll smooth tangles, repair damage, and condition your hair.

Alison Raffaele - Reality Base Foundation - Skintone 3 - Sample; Full size: 1 oz/$38 - This creamy, oil-free foundation is super hydrating and lightweight.  This shade works best on light to medium skin tones.

Pur~Lisse - Pur~Protect SPF30 - .5 oz/15 ml Sample; Full size: 1.7 fl oz/$55 - This moisturizer has superpower ingredients that protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.  Apply to a clean face 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Academie Paris - Cleansing Water - .5 fl oz/15 ml Sample; Full size: 250 ml/$48 - This gentle formula removes dirt, oil, and stubborn makeup -- without rinsing.  It can be used in the morning and evening on your face and eyes.

Academie Paris - Antioxidant Cream - Sample; Full size: 1.7 oz/$90 - This moisturizer contains vitamins C and E, which smooth fine lines and help create a youthful glow.  Blend into clean skin before applying makeup in the morning.

BONUS ITEMS:

eSalon Custom Hair Color Gift Card  - valued at $19.95 - With eSalon's innovative service, professional stylists use your personal hair profile to blend your very own hair color.  This individually-tailored hair color, made of salon-grade pigments, ensures that every application will produce beautiful, long-lasting results.

Fiafini - Divine Hydration Moisturizer  - 2 0.17 oz Samples; Full size: 1.7 fl oz/$38.50

Overall rating:  Booyah!  I don't recall filling out a beauty profile with Total Beauty so I was surprised to receive samples I can use.  I initially thought the foundation shade would be too light but it blended nicely into my skin and I was surprised by how hydrated my skin felt in spite of the fact that the foundation was oil-free.

This is my first order from Total Beauty.  Have you tried their collections?  What are your thoughts?