My January Ipsy Bag - "Super Stars"

The January Ipsy Bag, themed "Super Stars," a Blue MicroFiber zipper bag with a star-studded lining, came loaded with nail polish, argan oil, body butter, hair spray, an eyeliner brush and coupon codes from participating vendors.

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

Nailtini - Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer Flawless & Poreless - Frappe - Full size 15 ml/.5 fl. oz./$13 -  Pure all-premium nail color in sheer pale pink; Matching lip color available on tinibeauty.com. There is an offer for 30% off a future order on ipsy.com.

Josie Maran - Argan Oil - Sample size .17 fl oz/5 ml; Full size 1.7 fl oz/50 ml/$48 - This legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Use it as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer, or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends.  There is a coupon code for 15% off a future purchase of $45 or more via ipsy.com.

Pacifica - Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter - Travel size 2.5 fl oz/73 ml/$7 - Smell incredible with our nourishing and anti-oxidant rich ingredients.  Our body butter helps fight signs of aging while adding deep moisture and protection.  Made with nature's best moisturizers - shea butter, almond oil and safflower oil -  Pacifica's paraben-free Body Butter is a skin must-have.  There is an offer for 20% on ipsy.com.

Sexy Hair - Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray - Sample size 1.5 oz/50 ml; Full size 10.6 oz/$17.50 - Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray gives your hair moveable and unbelievable volume, lift and hold. This firm, fast-drying volumizing hairspray leaves hair manageable and super shiny while defending it against damaging UV rays. Its extra strength won't diminish under humidity and it is great for any hair type.  A savings of $5 off a $25 purchase is offered on ipsy.com.

SOHO - Eyeliner Brush - Full size/$7.99 - The eyeliner brush has a compact, flat tip that makes it the perfect tool for applying single-stroke color, providing instant definition.  Each brush comes in a reusable tube with design tips.  Have I mentioned that the handle is ergonomically designed?  A savings of $3 off a Walgreens online purchase is offered on ipsy.com.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  for value of the product contents and introducing me to new products brands that I now love.  I just love it when I can try a new product and locating a full-sized purchase is easy.  The coupon codes are listed on the ipsy.com site so if you lose your insert card, you're not out of luck.

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 - 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.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box - January 2013

Happy New Year everyone (I know, a month late!)  I don't know about you but I always set resolutions for the year and about half way through January, they're all but forgotten.  Enter POPSUGAR's Must Have Box for January - a jam-packed package with goodies to help keep me on track.  POPSUGAR'S Must Have Box costs $35 plus tax (free shipping) and it includes a variety of must have products from the worlds of beauty, fashion, fitness, food, and home.

My January Box contained the following items:

Fitness - Merrithew Stott Pilates Stability Ball - 65 cm - www.merrithew.com; $38.99 - This stability ball is a great size and comes with a pump.  Great for a variety of exercises or just sitting on it to strengthen your core, this baby is awesome!  POPSUGAR even included a special insert for an exclusive workout from Susi and their fitness team.

Fashion - The Remix Timebomb Watch - www.remixwatches.com; $44.95 - Large watches have been a trend for quite some time.  Remix brings the large face style to a fun watch that is great to wear while working out.  The silicone straps are durable and easy to clean.  The band is comfortable and there's a button to activate the LED light which illuminates the watch in a variety of colors.

Beauty - Epicuren Discovery Lip Balm - Tea Tree Oil - www.epicuren.com; 0.25 fl oz./7 ml/$8 - Winter just wreaks havoc on my skin and my lips.  Just in time to soften mine up for Valentine's Day, this balm soothes and replenishes lips.  The built in SPF protects from further damage….how great is that?

Food - POP-BAR Hot Chocolate on a Stick - www.pop-bar.com; 1.55 oz/44 g ea/$2.99; 2 bars - Nothing like hot chocolate during the winter.  These bars make hot chocolate fun to make.  Simply stick a bar in a mug of steamed milk.  There are a number of flavors available so you can mix one to your liking. YUM!

Food - Kraft Jt-Puffed Vanilla Mallow Bits - www.facebook.com/jetpuffed; 3 oz./$6.49 - This just completes my hot chocolate….these melt in my mug as well as in my mouth. Nom, nom.

Special Extras:

Food - Think Thin Bars; $1.69-$1.99 each; www.thinkproducts.com - POPSUGAR introduced me to these tasty goodies.  They sent 3 different bars: Think Thin Divine Dark Chocolate Coconut (1.48 oz/42g/$1.69) - like a healthy Mounds bar; Think Thin Creamy Peanut Butter (2/1 oz/60g/$1.99) - very yummy indeed; and Think Thin Crunch Caramel Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts (1.41 oz/40g/$1.99 - similar to a Kind bar.  These are available for individual purchase as well as in multi-packs.  A coupon for $1.00 off any two bars was included.

Home - Casetagram - Voucher for $15 off a purchase; www.casetagram.com - Use our own Instagram or Facebook photos to create an awesome, personalized, phone or tablet case.  How cool!

Overall rating: Booyah!!!  If you have not yet tried POPSUGAR Must Have Boxes/Bags, you're truly missing out.  The value and selection of items are not to be believed!!!  The value of this box was over $100.  How can you beat that?

If you're interested in trying POPSUGAR, please click here and enter the code REFERFRIENDS for $5 off your first order.  This code is only good for new subscribers and is valid until 2/28/2013.