June 2012 Glossybox, July 2012 Birchbox, July 2012 MyGlam

So enough about depressing real-life stuff, let's talk about MAKEUP and other fun things.

I am way behind on reviewing my latest boxes (and August sneak peaks are probably just around the corner), so time to get on with it.

I will be the first to say I've went a little overboard on makeup lately. More on that later (maybe), but I am trying to get my retail therapy under control and just work on my REAL therapy. ;)

First up... My first (and probably last) Glossybox. This subscription box is pretty popular in other countries, but fairly new to the US. It's $21 a month (over twice the price of MyGlam and Birchbox), and the day after I signed up I had buyer's remorse and cancelled my subscription. However, my June box (which I technically got in July) was bought and paid for already, so I got it anyway. In addition to the price, horror stories about all the people being charged multiple times and having credit card fraud happening after signing up had a big hand in changing my mind. So, without further ado...

June 2012 Glossybox US

The packaging was lovely.



The products were ok...



There were two versions of this month's box, the other which had body wash and eyeshadow instead of the body creme and mascara. I think I would have preferred that one.

Products:

Beauty Addicts Show-OFF Mascara

They sez: This unique formula with argon (that's how they spelled it) oil will give your lashes an intense, dramatic look without clumps and smudges.

I sez: I was really disappointed to see this in my box, as I just got some new mascaras (not like they could have known this, I know). I gave it to a friend.

First Aid Beauty Smooth Shave Cream

They sez: Smooth shave cream is a gentle, non-irritating formula containing everything you need to obtain a close, long-lasting shave. Keep your legs looking smooth and sexy all summer long.

I sez: I do really like this product. I am the girl with cactus legs - I just can't get a close shave! But this did feel like it helped.

Kinerase Restructure Firming Cream

They sez: Erase the years from your face with elastin-strengthening technology that visibly transforms and contours your skin.

I sez: Been rubbing it into my forehead wrinkles (which showed up when my husband moved out) faithfully and I am not really seeing a difference.

Shea Terra Organics Ultimate Moisturizing Body Creme

They sez: This moisturizing cream for the whole body is made with 30% organic shea butter, leaving your skin smooth and soft.

I sez: The scent I received was white chocolate, and it smells so good! Even my dog thinks so, because he tries to lick it off of me whenever I use it (which is not that often, because too much dog tongue is gross). I have heard great things about their products and would like to try more of them.

Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Treatment

They sez: Create free flowing hair with this lightweight treatment containing silk extract that instantly restores your mane.

I sez: This stated it was for fine to normal hair - my hair is neither of those things. Gave it to a friend, hope she is enjoying it.

Bonus item: a sample from "Perfume Organic" in the "Urban Organic" scent.

I sez: It was barely half full, which ticked me off right away, and it didn't sound appealing in the description or smell good in the vial. I did use it however, and it wasn't bad on. Pretty earthy, but not long-lasting.

So my opinion of Glossybox? Won't be going back anytime soon. I can put that $21 to better use!


Birchbox July 2012

They teamed up with Glamour Magazine for this box, which was a "five senses" box... at least one item for each sense.



They should really change their name to "Bitchbox", because really, all people do is bitch about it. I personally think that the value of most boxes is not equal, and they usually have 30-something different box combinations a month. However, their points system cannot be beat, I think their customer service is great, and overall I really enjoy it. This month was kind of a dud, but I am sticking with them anyway!



Yes, I opened this month's box on my bed, because the day it came I was puking like crazy, but since I knew it was arriving that day, I summoned the strength to get out to the mailbox. ;)

Products:

(Touch) Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide (yes, "fluide", not "fluid")

They sez: This finishing gloss prevents UV rays from fading color, while organic bamboo extracts keep hair strong and soft.

I sez: I waited to use this until last night, as it was my first hair washing after getting my hair freshly colored. My hair does feel super soft and was fairly smooth right away (usually takes a couple days for my hair to de-puff after washing).

(See) Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

Unfortunately, mine came damaged.



I emailed them about it, and they were out of samples, so they gave me 100 Birchbox points instead which is equal to $10, which is the full price of my box! I think that's more than fair.

They sez: This lightweight award-winner is our daily shortcut to dewy skin that feels natural and looks gorgeous.

I sez: Didn't use it since it was damaged, but I have a friend (co-worker and fellow Birchbox-er) who loves it so much she ordered the full size. And her skin always looks amazing so I'll take her word for it! As for Jouer, I LOVE their customer service and products and recently used my BB points and 20% discount (for subscribing for 3 months) to get their essential lip enhancer. That stuff is worth every penny and the best thing I have ever used for my chronically dry lips.

http://jouercosmetics.com/product/category-35/default.aspx

(Smell) Oscar de la Renta "Live in Love" perfume sample

They sez: This elegant floral layers notes of hyacinth and orchid over a rich base of sandalwood and cedar.

I sez: Smelled good, but I passed it on to a friend.

(See) Stila Lip Glaze

They sez: This sparkly gloss from the limited edition It's Go Time Lip Glaze Trio combines sheer color with mega-watt shine.

I sez: Another friend and Birchboxing co-worker REALLY was hoping for this in her box. I told her if she didn't get it and I did, I'd give it to her. I got it and she didn't, so I kept my word. Hope she is loving it! I'm trying to break away from the gloss stuff anyway and work my way over to more opaque lipsticks.

Lifestyle Extras

(Taste) Larabar

They sez: The latest edition to our snack drawer, these healthy and satisfying bars are packed with dried nuts and fruits.

I sez: I got hungry. I ate it. It was good.

(Hear) Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds

They sez: We designed these neon headphones just for you. Pair them with your best playlist.

I sez: I don't do neon or earbuds. Passed them on to a friend and NON-Birchboxing co-worker who is waiting to get off of their waitlist!



MyGlam July 2012

I have been a MyGlam subscriber for 3 months now and they just keep getting better. This month's bag was pretty darn great.



They did not write any blurbs about the products, so I can only tell you what "I sez" on these.

Products

The bag (You get one every month with your subscription)

I sez: It's cute, seems of good quality, no complaints.

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 moisturizer

I sez: This was an "or" item this month. Subscribers either got this or Kiehl's Ultra-facial Oil-Free Lotion. I was hoping for the Juice beauty, because I don't like oil-free. I am going to be 36 tomorrow, please load me up on the oiliest stuff you have! Haha. The Juice Beauty smells amazing (more citrus-y than green apple), but I don't like the way it goes on. It's hard to spread around, it's rather stiff, like heavy-duty sunscreen. That made me sad, but I don't hate it, and will use it for travel.

Nu.Me HydroPunch Hydrating Conditioner

I sez: As I mentioned before, I just got my hair freshly colored. I used this last night (it's safe for color-treated hair) and though the smell reminded me a little bit of bug spray (?!), I really enjoyed it and a little goes a long way, even in my long, thick hair. My hair feels great today!

Yes to Cucumbers on-the-go facial towelettes

I sez: Haven't used them yet, but am packing them for my little trip to SC this weekend! Don't even think of robbing my house, I DO have a housesitter.;)

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish

I sez: This was another "or" item. Some people received a Josie Maran Lip and cheek stain instead. I am glad I got the gloss, because as I mentioned before - dry lips over here. I have never used Buxom gloss before. It tingles a bit, not sure if it's suposed to deliver "plumping action" or what. I could care less about that, though. I am just fine with filling my lips in with a neutral liner and applying this over it. It's pretty. I think the name of the color is "April".

Circus (By Andrea's Choice) Nail Color

I sez: I think they were giving away two colors this month, either white or yellow. I got the white. I would have been fine with either color, so no complaints here. I like it. Always fun to get nail polish!

This months winner? No contest! MyGlam kicked Birchbox's butt all over the place.



And just as a bonus (and proof that I have a makeup problem), I did buy a makeup "Mystery Bag" for $15 from Dermstore last month (products were promised to have value of around $115). I was really excited for actual makeup, like weird stuff I wouldn't normally buy for myself. That didn't eactly happen, but I did get some goodies (including two sunscreen samples that don't really count).



First up, a bronzer. I was going to consider using it for contouring (which I want to learn), but gave it away instead.

Next, an eyeshadow. It was a beautiful bronze-y brown, but I have many colors that are similar. Passed it on to a friend.

Third and fourth: A makeup bag (can never have too many of those, I use them to organize things by category) and a big ol' brush. Apparently the brush was valued at $50-60? It definitely feels high quality to me, I love it.

And last but not least, the product that changed my life (size received valued at $29): Skindinavia makeup finishing spray. It promises to hold your makeup on all day (excluding lip products, of course). A few spritzes of this and my eye makeup stays on ALL DAY (I am even wearing eyeshadow lately, people. Clap for me). I absolutely adore the stuff, use it daily, and I am in no danger of running out any time soon... so it's going to last me a while, yay!

Happy... what day is this? Wednesday!