Julep December 2013 Modern Beauty

Hi Y'all!  I got my Julep Maven box today and I am super excited to use it too!  So, as you have read in my other Julep Maven posts, I am a "Bombshell, well this month I change my profile to "Modern Beauty".  I wanted to try the neutral eye shadow pallet that they had coming this months box.  I will probably change back to my regular profile next month depending on what they have.  So, a little something about Julep and being a Maven for those of you who are new to my blog.  Julep is a monthly subscription of 20 bucks, depending on your profile you will get beauty items or nail polish or both.  They will send you an email at the end of the month letting you know that you can go into your account and either change your profile or add things to your shipment.  You can also skip a month if you would like to, it is up to you.  I LOVE Julep and all the products I get from them. All the nail polishes have great pigmentation to them, gorgeous colors and they last a long time.  I know you might be thinking 20 bucks for a month subscription doesn't sound like it would be in my frugal realm, but really it is.  Each of the polishes themselves are 15 bucks and I usually get 2 of them.  This month I didn't get any polish, I chose only make-up items.  Alright enough blabbing, I can do more at the end.  On with it Diva!  

The boxes are always packaged so well and so cute...

I am excited to use this months items!

This Blank Canvas Mattifying Eye Primer ( Retail $22)  I use a different eye primer but I will be trying this one.  It is an anti-aging primer and says it will mask the shine and extend the the look of your eyes.  Well, anything that says it's anti-aging and will help me with any fine lines and wrinkles around my eye WILL be used by me.  LOL  =}

Sweep Eyeshadow Palette - Neutrals (Retail $24) This is the reason I switched from "Bombshell" to "Modern Beauty"  I need a neutral palette and the colors are gorgeous.  This is also why I am super excited to use this months box...  =}

OH BOY!!!  This really shows my age lol

I went ahead and swatched the palette on my hand as well as the primer.  The bottom is the primer, the palette was swatched with and without the primer. The bottom where the colors are a little darker is where the primer was half way blended and the top was with out.  I am afraid using the primer on my hand really made the fine lines in my hand stand out more, so we will see how it does on my face.  The colors are gorgeous!  I will be using them tomorrow, I am going shopping! =}

A card to tell you about the collection and colors

The bonus item is hair ties.  The Twistbands are suppose to help with damage and keep from making that kink/mark in your hair that you always get from ponytail holders when you put your hair up.  I have a different brand and they do the job, so we will see if these do too...  

The one thing I had to add on to this box was the Julep Eyeshadow Brush (Retail $18) It is very soft and made of synthetic bristles. It's also kind of heavy, I have a handful of make up brushes and this one is definitely as heavy as a powder brush, nothing like my other eyeshadow brushes...  

And the info cards along with a little quote, as always.  I love getting the quotes, they can make you smile and some are just great quotes.  They choose quotes that match then theme of the month. (this months nail polish was glittery) 

So, as you can tell I chose not to do nail polish this month, even though I love their polish.  Now, after seeing this I know you want to sign up for it.  =}  

Use this link  http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/125986/
and if you use FREEBOX you will get the first box for the shipping price only, $3.99 that is AWESOME! So, try it out and you will see that it is not only a great deal but they have great polish as well.  

Alright time for me to head to bed, I wanted to tell you about my Julep Maven box before I did. Night all!

Bye for now Y'all  <3

Ipsy - I'm off the waitlist and got my first one YAY! November 2013

Hi Y'all!  I signed up for Ipsy about a month ago and anxiously waited to get off the wait list, just in time.  I am SOOO happy I am now getting Ipsy! (and just in time for my birthday =})   I got my first bag this month and OMG I love it!  I am not going to ramble on in this post.  I am super excited to talk about this sub box.  Let me tell you a little about Ipsy before I begin. Ipsy is a monthly subscription, you pay 10 bucks a month for a Glam Bag (make-up bag), and deluxe or full size samples of beauty products (4-5), bags are curated by Michelle Phan (a beauty guru).  I have watched YouTube videos and have seen posts on FB of other people glam bags and I knew I had to sign up right away.  I didn't know there was a wait list, but i was only on the wait list for 1 month, that isn't bad for a product that is in high demand.    I received 5 full size items and one deluxe size item and a make-up bag for only 10 bucks, trust me this is something you want to sign up for you!  OK done talking away, on with the show  LOL  =}

This is the Glam Bag...

Its not really my color but they are different colors every month

The first item I got I was really happy to see it!  I have been wanting to try a lip crayon and I got one in my first bag, how awesome is that!?  So the one that was sent to me was the Be a Bombshell Lip Crayon in the color Shameless (Retail $14)...  It glides right on and is a nice red/brown color (they call it burgundy).

Sorry the pic doesn't show the color well, looks coral but its not at all.

 The next beauty item I got was a bronzer by Pixi.  I have heard of Pixi or a bronzer for that matter but I have never tried it, as you know I am more then willing to try new things.  This is the Pixi Beauty Bronzer in the color Subtly Suntouched (retail $18).  The packaging is cute too...  =}

Another pic that didn't show the color right.  Sorry Y'all.

 The next item is a mascara by Michelle Phan.  EM Lash Galley Clean Volume Mascara (retail $20) in black.  I opened it up and looked at the color and it is a true black and the brush looks like a long lash mascara brush.

This is absolutely gorgeous.  It is the Nailtini in Champagne (retail $13) and the shiny soft rose gold color of this polish is gorgeous!

I so need better lighting!!!

The last full size beauty item I got is the is the Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Amethyst (retail $14).  This is a beautiful silver purple color, I need to figure out what I am going to wear it with.  I love purple eye make-up, so I was very happy to see this.  =}

The last item I got was a deluxe sample size but it is a full size pan.  This is an eye shadow that belongs in a palette.  It out of the Galaxy Chic pallet but BH Cosmetics, I got the color Sun.  The palette is 18 colors and is $14.95.   It is a pretty bronze/copper color, its also very shimmery. 

This is the packaging and had a magnet

So that is my Ipsy Glam Bag for November 2013, my first one.  I love this subscription, I got a make-up bag, 5 full size beauty items and one "deluxe" size beauty item. I got 79 bucks worth of make-up not including the bag and the eye shadow for 10 bucks.  

The other perks are with each item you can go into your Glam room, review each of the items and you will also get a code for a % off of any item(S) you go the their website and buy.  When you leave a review for the items you get points too, you rack up points to get free stuff too.  I have to say I LOVE IPSY!  I know I said this but I have to say it again I am SOOO glad I signed up for it!  =}

You want to sign up for Ipsy don't you!?!?!?  You know you do, use this link and I will get points and you will get the Ipsy subscription   http://www.ipsy.com/r/3b9l 

Bye for now Y'all  <3

My first Beauty Bar Box! YAY!

Hi Y'all!  So, I have started getting the Beauty Bar/Sample Society subscription box from Allure.  This is my first box from them and I am happy with it.  This sub box is $15 a month and I think it was worth it.  I get deluxe sample sizes and that is a good thing, I like to be able to try a product more then once to see if I really like it or not.  So, I know you came here to see the box, not listen to me ramble, LOL  so here we go...

This is the box...

The fist item is the Borghese Splendore Highlighting make-up - Full size $29.50 for 1 Fl oz.  Now to my surprise this is a full size item, but it is not in the bottle you can purchase it in (that is fine with me)  I swatched it on my hand and its shimmery, and I like the look and feel of it.  It can be added to your foundation or put over the top of it. I will be adding it to mine and see how I like it.  I can't wait to try it!  =}

The next is the Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultra Moisture - Full size $65 for 1.7 fl oz.  I got a sample size of .25 fl oz and it is a little small their quarter the size of the full size, but with most moisturizers a little goes a long way, so I think this is a good size for a sample size.  I usually spend around $20 bottle for my age appropriate moisture cream so this would not be in my frugal diva realm, but I am more then willing to try it, I mean it came in the sub box so why not right?!?  LOL     

This is a candle, I LOVE candles.  This one is the Illume Balsam and Cedar Metallic Tin Candle - Full size $23.50.   The full size states on the site it will burn up to 35 hours and the one I got states it will burn up to 10 hours, that is the only way I have to tell you the possible size.  The metal tin is really cute and the candle smells like Christmas.  The cedar and eucalyptus really comes out it in, even when you burn it.  It is definitely a holiday candle and I will burn it more closer to Christmas.  =}

The lip balm is Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip Balm - Full size $12.  The one I got is also a sample size, but is a good sample size.  It has a silky feel on the lips, its not heavy and taste is a citrus flavor.  I have to sat though, it smells like a Citronilla candle, I hate describing it that way but the citrus smell is what it reminds me of.  It is a good product, I really like it, I started using it as soon as I got it. =}

The last thing I got was a perfume.  I am kinda funny about perfume, I have said it before I like a fruity musk scent like the La Vanila or like the Love Rocks by VS.  

the perfume is Annick Goutal Eau D'Hadrein Eau De Toilette - Full size $92 for 1.7 fl oz.  WOW...    The site states it has Sicilian Lemon, Citron and Grapefruit, You know what I can't pronounce it and it's WAY too expensive for me and my frugal-ness, but I really like it.  It's a little softer then what I normally wear, but it smells really good.  

And they put the information card in with a pamphlet... 

So I have to say I do like this sub box.  I will continue to subscribe to it and I think this is a good one to get.  All of the samples are a good size and are definitely focused on what we like.  If you are looking in to trying a this one out use my referral code.  DEHX2092    at http://www.beautybar.com/.

Bye for now Y'all  <3

BirchBox for November 2013

So, I got the BirchBox for November 2013 and I am still not impressed with the subscription.  I said I would give it a few months and I have received 2 months already.  I have now cancelled this subscription and I am looking into another one.  But here is the November BirchBox.  

Here is the box and the inside...

BeeKind Body Lotion is the first thing I pulled out of the blue envelope.  I opened it and turned the to pour some in my hand and I got way too much due to it is very thin.  The full size is 8oz at $15, I received a sample size of 30 ml.  It states on the bottle "The honey bee population is in crisis.  A portion of the proceeds of this product supports honey bee and sustainable pollination research".  I have to say I like when a company is supporting a good cause.

The other item in the blue envelope is the Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads - full size 20 0.5 packets at $20.  I received 2 packets.  the directions say for me to mix these beads in with a quarter size amount of my cleanser, then use on my face.  I have never seen this type of item before so this will be interesting.  I will be sure to write a review on this item.  

The next item I got was the Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil - Full size $18.  I received a full size of this one. I have not used a highlighter before, I am just getting into using all the make-up items, form highlighters to bronzers, so this will definitely get used.  =}

The Perfume that was in this box is Joie Folle De Joie Eau De Parfum - Full size $98. I got a sample size of 0.6 fl oz.  I am not really sure yet what I think.  I like Fruity Musky smells, Like the Lavanila that I have shown in my LBB hauls.  This is a light umm  I want to say floral scent.  I think I will have to wear it at least once then make my mind up.  I know perfumes will smell different on everyone depending on your own body oils.  So we will see...

It has a stray top instead of a pop top, I like that

 There is a purple small container in the box as well...

It is a Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask - Full size $42 for 8 containers and a brush.  I got one container of 8ml, I will try this as well.  As I always say I love to try new products and I love beauty products, so I will be trying this.  I have never had a mud mask, I'm sure I will look funny to my boys and my fiance, but ladies do we care as long as we look good.  LOL  =}

The added item to my BirchBox this month is a "Lifestyle Extra"  They added:

Mighty Leaf Tea Pouches - Full Size $9.95 for 15 pouches.  I received 3 different flavor pouches.  Organic African Nectar, Vanilla Bean and Green Tea Tropical.  I like flavored treas, so I am sure I will enjoy theses.  

And they also slide there card with the information on it...

I have enjoyed the items I have received, but I still wasn't impressed with BirchBox.  So, I have cancelled the subscription and I am looking to open a different one in it's place.

Now on to the next one...

Bye for now Y'all  <3

I'm a BombShell

Hi Y'all!  I'm back with another subscription box review.  This is one Julep I am a Julep Maven and I have been for about 8 months now.  I LOVE my Julep, I love the nail polish and the beauty products I get from them.  I am going to tell you about this months Maven box and a little about my other boxes that I got.

So, lets talk about becoming a Julep Maven.  I pay $19.99 a month for 2 gorgeous nail polishes and a beauty product, they also throw in little things here and there.  I had to take a quiz to see what profile I would be, at first I was an "It Girl" and I was sent 3 nail polishes and any little goodies they put in the box, I retook the quiz and I am now a Bombshell.  The profiles are a little different.  The "It Girl"  will receive 3 nail polishes, the "Bombshell", "Boho Glam", and the "Classic With A Twist" will receive 2 polishes and a beauty product and the "Modern Beauty" will receive 2 beauty products.  I know spending 20 bucks on a few nail polish may not seem like a move that a Frugal Diva would make but if you go to places like Sephora you will spend $14.00 on each one.  And the beauty product your looking at a good 20 - 40 bucks a pop, so I think it in still in my realm of being frugal.  =} I will post the price of each product when I do the reviews.

Now lets take a took at this months Julep Maven box...  =}


This is how the box looks pretty much all the time, I have to hand it to Julep though, they are excellent at packaging.

This is my beauty product for this month it is a lip gloss. The color is Posh, it is a lip gloss so it has a sheer kind of look to it with a plum color.  I wasn't sure if I would like it but I tried it on and its pretty.  

These are my gorgeous polishes, man I love how pigmented the polish is

Brielle

Nic

Here are the nail polishes I have collected over the last few months as a Julep Maven.

When your a Julep Maven you collect points.  I have collected enough to put towards a "Modern Beauty" intro box.  It has 2 beauty products in it.  When I receive it I will so another show and tell.  =}

I have to say I LOVE my Julep boxes!  I highly recommend this subscription!

This is my referral link.  Sign up and get the perks of being a Julep Maven... 
 http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/125986/

Bye for now y'all  <3

Review: The Chap-Stick from the BirchBox Oct 2013

Hi Y'all!  As you know I received the Chapstick Moisturizer Hydration Lock Vanilla Creme as a full size sample ($3) in the BirchBox ($10) for October 2013.  I got it 2 days ago, and I told you I would do a review of the items I received.  I have had dry lips because the weather decided to change here, from hot to cold to warm to cool and warm to cold all in a few days.  So, I used this chap sick for 2 days and let me tell you, it WORKS!  I have use other products like the Chap Stick Cherry (it doesn't taste good), Chap Stick Medicated (taste awful), Carmex in the sick form and in the little round container (its kinda greasy), Blistex Lip Medix - Medicated (greasy too). These are just the ones I have used lately.

The Chap Stick Hydration Lock is suppose to work for 8 hours, I have only needed to use it twice a day.  It is creamy, A little more like a thicker creamy feeling.  I think that the thick and creamy is much better, it seems to stay on longer with out feeling funny or heavy.  The vanilla Creme is more like a smell then a taste, I like that.  I also got a coupon for $1 off for the next one I buy, it expires in 2 months, I will go out and buy it before the coupon expires even if I am not done with this one.

I will say I would not have gone out and bought one on my own, I have tried a few different Chap Stick products and they all seem the same, even with the different flavors they still taste the same and the feeling on my lips is all the same.  This one is different and  I really like it.  There really is not a taste at all and the vanilla smell is really light. 

So, if you are looking for something that does what it says it does.  A lip moisturizer that really does moisturize ad make you lips softer. Doesn't feel heavy, greasy or nasty.  Then you really should pick this one up and try it for yourself.  

You gotta admit, this might just be a really good product.  I only used it for 2 days and I have seen a great change in my lips.  They noticeably soft and feel soft too.  

Well, as soon as I have an opinion on the other products I will review them too.  =}

Bye for now Y'all  <3

My First BirchBox - October 2013

Hi Y'all!  So, I am trying some thing new out.  I am trying subscription boxes, I have received a couple and still waiting on or a waiting list for a few.  This is one I was on a waiting list for.  I got my first BirchBox and I am not really impressed, which is strange, others have done reviews and talked about it like it was good.  I am going to try it for a few more months, probably 2, and see if it gets any better.  

BirchBox is has 2 different boxes, a woman's box for $10.00 a month and a men's box for $20.00 a month and a wait list of about 2 weeks.  It states on the site that " you receive monthly deliveries of high-end beauty and lifestyle samples from the top brands."   They do put good samples in the box, but the samples were very small, I was thinking with the description that it would be more like deluxe size samples, That is was not the case, so I am not sure if I will keep it.  Now with that said yes I did get about $30.00 worth of samples for $10.00.  

So, here is what my first BirchBox looked like...

The shipping box is pretty cute

The actually BirchBox inside.

Kept the pink theme I like that

I will start off with the item I think is the best product in the box.  I like to try new beauty products and this cleanser looks like some thing I might really like.  It is a sample of Serious Skincare - Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal Exfoliating Facial (0.50 oz) (that was a long name LOL) Full-size 4.5 oz - $38.50

I like facial treatments as much as the rest of you ladies, this face mask is the next item I will use (Probably after the cleanser).  A sample of the Karuna - Hydrating Mask (1 mask) Full-size 4 masks - $28 

The next one is a full size container of nail polish.  The color is Pretty, not something I usually wear but I will put it to good use.  This one is made by Floss Gloss Pro Nail Lacquer 0.18 oz - $8

HAHA  its not straight   

So I have to be honest this is not my finger, I only use my nail polish for my toes so my fiance was kind enough to let me paint his little finger  LOL

The next one, I was umm a little puzzled about. I have never seen this type of thing, then again I am new to the sub box addiction  =} anyway back to it...

This is a foundation - Alison Raffaele Cosmetics - Reality Base Foundation- Skin-tone 3 (the size is unknown you will see in in the pictures) Full-size 1 oz - $38  (now that IS pricey!I will not out right purchase this unless it is absolutely amazing and knocks my socks off, it is NOT in my frugal realm)

See how small it is in comparison to my finger nails.

I got a BirchBox Find the card says: Occasionally we come across mass-market discoveries that are exciting, time-saving or just generally awesome. These are called BirchBox Finds.  they will be in addition to you usual samples - never in place of them.  My BirchBox Find was...    

Chap Stick Moisturizer Hydration Lock Vanilla Creme Full-size $3. this also came in full size and with a $1 off coupon for the chap stick, i think that is a good deal.  I like chap stick and this one smells good.  It came in a plastic bag to keep it all together.  Its a cute idea.  

They leave you a little card in the box as well, there is a little note on the front and then on the back it is a description of all the products, with prices, and little how and what facts of each product.  I love getting information about products I will possible use.  

 

So that was my very first BirchBox, I received about $30 worth of products for $10, its not too bad.  But as I said earlier, I have seen other boxes that were better then this one.  So, I think I will let it ride for about a month or 2 and then decide if I want to keep it.  We will see what happens.  Also I will do a review of all these products within the next 2 weeks after I have tested them all out.  =}

If you would like to check out BirchBox with me and follow in my little journey of their subscription, use my referral link, I get 50 BirchBox points for everyone who signs up.  After getting 100 points I can redeem for $10 off my full-size purchases.  Here is my referral link where you can sign up and learn more about BirchBox...  http://birch.ly/17kFqPL

Leave a comment or email me and let me know you signed up so I can be on the look out.  Bye for now Y'all <3


***  These are my opinions, I paid for this product. I am not getting rewarded or paid to post this review. All the opinions written are mine and only mine***