June Birchbox + Target Beauty Box Review

The first thing I tried out of my June Birchbox was the Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner. The one I received is a plum color and while it applied nicely, I feel like it was a little "light" if that makes any sense (I would have to press down harder than I want to on my eyelid to get a nice bold color). I'm keeping it and using it, even though it is not a favorite product.

Next, let's talk about the two duds in the box. First, more of that horrid CLEAN Fresh Laundry perfume! I received a sample of this around Christmas time from Ulta and the smell is just putrid--like a thousand dryer sheets stuffed up your nostrils. No thank you.

Secondly on the dud list is the Pure Vida headband. While it is cute, it is too small for my head which means it hurts to wear it and also it is very thin, which doesn't work to hold back my thick, unruly hair.

I haven't even tried the Supergoop! Sunscreen or the Vasanti Enzymatic Face Rejuvinator. I know lots of people like the Vasanti, but I am really digging the skin care routine I have going and don't need new face products at this time. The sunscreen will get used this summer, but I have other samples to use up first.

I did try the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer. It was nothing special in my opinion and the smell was off-putting.

This month's Birchbox fell flat for me. I'm going to hope next month is better and if it isn't better by after August's box, I'll cancel.

The Target Beauty box cost me $7 and I liked the products that were included.

Cutex Nail Polish remover pads are always a win for me, as is dry shampoo, because they both fit in my busy mom self-care routine.

The Revlon lipstick was a bright red that I passed along to a grateful friend. The color was too bold for my liking.

I did try the Sinful polish, but the shade is almost identical to my summer favorite Essie polish in E-nuf is E-nuf, so I will stick to that.

I am using the Olay eye cream regularly and I look forward to comparing it to the Olay eye cream that some people have been getting in their Wal-Mart box. Pretty sure I'll get the old lady box with that in it. I don't really see any difference using any eye cream, but since it is supposed to be good for that delicate skin and I'm not getting any younger, I'll stick with it.

All in all, the Target box was a delight for $7 and I would purchase another Target box.

April Ipsy Bag Review

March was my first month receiving an Ipsy bag and I am completely in love! Getting mail is one of my most favorite things and while I love beauty products, trying and liking something new that I might not have selected myself brings quite a little thrill.

This month's bag is beautiful and summery. The quality of these bags is much higher than I thought they would be from the $10 price tag. They are waterproofed lined as well! I am currently using the March bag for coupons in my purse and this lovely April bag is carrying my extra grooming supplies for on the go.

The products I received this month were:


Femina Perfume- LOVE that this is a rollerball! The scent is feminine but not floral, which is to my liking. I will probably keep this in my purse. I don't wear perfume every day, but I really enjoy wearing it when going out.

Theorie Hair Serum- This smells amazing. I didn't think this would be a useful product, but it does help with my frizz and even if it does nothing, it smells so nice I'll continue to use the sample. The only drawback is the applicator tip in the bottle is useless and I had to completely remove it to get any product out.

Starlooks Lip Gloss- Cheap looking, tiny package, not really a gloss fan...I think Ipsy just put this sample in there to reach the 5 item criteria. If the other items weren't so nice I would be more disappointed.

TheBalm Eyeshadow- At first I was sad I didn't get the purple shade of this shadow, but after a few applications I realized this color really compliments my eyes and so, even though I received a similar duo of shades in the March bag, I am pleased. I really don't like the gimmicky packaging of TheBalm's products, which is why I have never tried any of their stuff before, but I do like the quality of this shadow. Wore it with my Too Faced Shadow Insurance and it had just as much staying power as my Too Faced shadows.

Essence Lash Princess Mascara- I LOVE this stuff! I have sensitive eyes and this works better for me on the comfort level than high end mascaras. I've had terrible times with the highly rated Better Than Sex mascara (made my eyes burn) and others of similar ilk. This doesn't bother my eyes and the brush is very nice, in my opinion. I don't know where to buy this again when I run out, but I definitely would. I am very happy that I received a full size tube!



Lots of people were complaining that they didn't receive the high valued Too Faced Melted lipstick in their bag and while it is on my list of items I would love to own after swatching it at Ulta, the color they were offering was not of particular interest to me (a pink shade) so I am not bitter about not getting one. Finding the mascara that actually is comfortable for me to wear for every day use was thrilling enough! Can't wait to see what next month brings...