Birchbox vs Ipsy: March 2014

Its that time again! There is nothing more exciting than seeing these pink things in my mailbox! And there is nothing worse than being disappointed in what you got.. And I know a lot of people who have subscribed to Birchbox and have been bummed. And curious about Ipsy. So this post will be my final decision and final recommendation on which company I think is worth subscribing to. First I'll give a brief description of what I got in each and my overall thoughts. Then I'll break it down on which I think is worth the $10 subscription.

Birchbox

1. Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Spray, full size $21.95

2. Harvey Prince Cherie Blossom Perfume sample, full size $55

3. Gilchrist & Soames London Collection Body Lotion, full size $16

4. Tea Forte Minteas, pack of 3 $9.99

5. Coola Tinted Matte Moisturizer, $36

6. Ghirardelli Cherry Tango Dark Chocolate Square

Overall thoughts: My main complaint/annoyance from this Birchbox was that a lot of people seemed to have this exact same box. I did a quick Birchbox hashtag search on Instagram and saw at least 20 people that had the exact same box as I did, no differences at all. This mainly frustrates me because Birchbox is supposed to be a completely customized box that is determined by the questionnaire you fill out when you join. I'll elaborate more on my thoughts on Birchbox at the end. The chocolate was yummy, and I really like the smell of the lotion- seems like a very high-end lotion. Haven't tried the detangle spray because I don't typically use them. I've used Coola sunscreen before, not sure how I feel about it being a tinted moisturizer, but I may use it on a day I'll be out in the sun (has SPF 30)

Ipsy

 
1. Pixie Flawless Beauty Primer, full size $9
2. NYX 'Love in Rio' Eye Shadow, full size $6 (this is full size)
3. Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in 'Get Ready', full size $18 (swatched left in picture)
4. Chela Indigo Blue Liquid Liner, full size $24 (swatched right in picture)
**here is a better photo of the Bare Minerals lipstick 

Overall thoughts: I think the bag itself is tacky. I will probably give it away or throw it in a drawer to hold tampons or something. There are only 4 items in the bag, which doesn't seem like much compared to what I've gotten in the past, and compared to what Birchbox sends. I'm going to nitpick for a second.. I won't use the eyeliner because its a very bright blue and I just don't do indigo eyeliner. I wish they had sent a more user-friendly color like black or brown. It seems like a really nice tip though. The lipstick is really creamy and shiny. A really nice sample.

should I subscribe to, Birchbox or Ipsy?

So I started asking myself this question, which one I would recommend to you guys and I realized that you may have a different preference on what kinds of things you get in your subscription box/bag. So I'll break it down in a pretty simple way so you can make your own decision.

Subscribe to Birchbox if...
(^link)
- you like high-end beauty samples
- you like food-related extras like tea, chocolate, bonbons, etc
- you like things that aren't always makeup or skincare products. for example:
hair bands, decorative bobby pins, nail polish, pore strips, etc
- you like sample packets like shampoo or hand lotion
- you prefer skincare products, hair products, lotions, sunscreens, etc
over actual makeup items. (although Birchbox does sometimes include makeup)

Subscribe to Ipsy if...
(^link)
- you like actual makeup items like eye shadow, eye liner, lip gloss, etc
- you don't mind cheaper brands that you could buy from WalMart, Target, CVS, etc
- you want/need small cosmetic bags in all shapes, sizes, and colors
- you'd prefer 3 or 4 full size items, over 5 or 6 sample size items

In other words
Birchbox: 5 or 6 high-end, expensive (usually) samples in small(er) sizes. Usually at least 1 foil packet of shampoo, lotion, moisturizer, etc, mixed with sample bottles of other skincare or hair care items, perfume samples, nail polishes, and an 'extra' which is usually food-related, like tea, chocolate, etc.
My main complaint- almost always something that I won't/don't use and just throw away

Ipsy: 4 or 5 inexpensive full-size samples. Usually a lip product in a smaller sized tube, an eyeliner, mascara, or eye shadow, a hand lotion, facial moisturizer, nail polish, etc. Almost always consists of makeup items only, although I have gotten some skincare products and hand lotions as well.
My main complaint- the products are usually items I could just buy for myself and aren't that expensive. For example, the NYX eye shadow or Pixie primer which can be purchased at Target for under $10 each

If you want to subscribe to Birchbox or Ipsy, click the
referral links above to join! 

Shew. I know this was sort of long, but I know a lot of people who have been disappointed with Birchbox lately and are thinking of switching to Ipsy. I personally still like Birchbox because I like trying high-end products, or different things like the tea flavored 'relaxation' mints I got this month, or the chocolate covered fortune cookie I got in December. But I really like that Ipsy gives full-size makeup items or decent sized, usable (vs foil packet) samples like the Bare Minerals lipstick or the full sized eye shadow.

I will stay subscribed to both for a few more months, because I like having the best of both worlds.
But I hope this helped you make a decision (if you were trying to decide) on which subscription box/bag is best for you. Let me know your thoughts on both and what you got in your Birchbox or Ipsy!

Drugstore Makeup Favorites: The Best of CoverGirl & Rimmel

Today I'll be wrapping up the Drugstore Makeup Favorites series and I decided to combine the last two, CoverGirl and Rimmel, all in one post, but separate sections. Here we go! 

Part 1: The Best of Revlon

Part 2: The Best of L'Oreal
Part 3: The Best of Maybelline

1. CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara 

This is definitely in my list of best mascaras. It does exactly what it claims to do, crushes clumps. It has a fine toothed brush that separates lashes. I also really love this for my bottom lashes because it manages to coat them completely (they're blonde, so that's important) without making a mess or causing them to clump all together. I also like this mascara as a second coat to go over another mascara to 'crush' any clumps and separate. Overall a great product and I will continue to buy it over and over.

2. CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation

This is my absolute favorite foundation.. ever. Yep. I said it. I'm not sure if I've given too many foundation recommendations on my blog, mainly because I think foundation is super subjective- it depends on your skin, your skill level, the brush you use, etc. But in MY opinion, this is the best foundation I own and what works best for me. It claims to be a primer, foundation, and concealer all in one (hence the 3-in-1) and although I do still use a concealer when I use this foundation I think it lives up to its claim. It keeps my oil at bay, has great coverage, and is very long lasting. I have yet to find a foundation with coverage this great that doesn't make me look cakey.

3. CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner

Well, speaking of "my favorite ever" this is my favorite eyeliner ever. I have mentioned before that I've used this eyeliner since I first started wearing makeup at 14/15. I'm not sure what it is, but I can't seem to find anything else I like as much as this liner. It goes on so smooth. The line is always, as the name states, perfect and smooth and it doesn't smudge on me (although I've heard others say it does on them, I've never had that problem). I use black onyx on my top lash line daily. 

1. Rimmel Finish Lipstick - Kate Moss Collection

I'll admit it. I mainly bought these because they said "Kate" on them which is my name. I'm a sucker for packaging anyway.. So I could resist a matte black tube with my name on it! :-) But soon I grew to love them for more than the packaging. These lipsticks are extremely creamy and opaque. I mentioned #14 in My Favorite Lip Products post and it definitely is my favorite from this collection; however the red is SO vibrant and I love the variety and uniqueness of their colors. 

2. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Kohl Eyeliner in 'Nude'

I wanted to include this liner specifically in nude because its hard to come by many nude liners great for your waterline. I've always heard of and experimented with using a light flesh-toned liner for your waterline to make your eyes seem bigger and more open, but I could never find the right liner. The closest I could find was a taupe shade that was too dark, or a white which just didn't look natural. But then Rimmel came out with their Scandal Eyes Kohl Liners and I ran out and bought the nude one right after I saw this post on Pinterest. It lasts all day, is waterproof, and goes on super smooth! 

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

I'm sure if you're a regular reader you're sick of hearing about this powder. I talk about it all the time and mention it in any and all blog post that include any of my favorite products. I go through a ton of these, but it really doesn't matter because its so cheap! I have tried other setting powders, at all different price points, and I continuously keep going back to this one because its the only one that makes the cut. It keeps me from being shiny, it doesn't make my face cakey or powdery at all, and is one of my all-time favorite drugstore buys ever. If you have any issue with oiliness and want to 'stay matte'.. pick this up RIGHT NOW!

As you can see, some of my favorite makeup products ever are from these two brands. My 'best of' list in this post may not be the longest, but the products that I do like, I love. The CoverGirl eyeliner and foundation and the Rimmel powder are staples in my makeup collection and I rarely leave home without them. Do you have any favorites from these lines that I didn't include? Let me know!

Drugstore Makeup Favorites: The Best of Maybelline

Hi, guys! It seems like it has been forever since I blogged, and I think I somehow missed a week in my drugstore series. But do me a favor and pretend that never happened... I'll just pick up where I left off! 

Part 3 of my Drugstore Makeup Favorites is alllll about Maybelline. I'll be honest and say I did Revlon and L'Oreal first because they're my favorites and I have a lot of products from their lines. But when I started thinking (and going through) my makeup I realized I have A TON of Maybelline products.. even more than L'Oreal! I guess I love them a whole lot more than I thought. So here we go!

Part 1: The Best of Revlon
Part 2: The Best of L'Oreal
Part 4: The Best of CoverGirl & Rimmel

1. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

I haven't really tried many other things in the Fit Me line, but I heard so many great things about this concealer so I had to try it. I wasn't sure at first.. But after a while I found that I love it. Its sort of a really creamy mousse. The texture is different from any other concealer that I've used and I love how easily it blends. It isn't too thick at all, and never looks cakey, but it has great coverage. I especially like it for under my eyes and to hide redness around my nose. Just yesterday I used it under my eyes, on redness, and a few blemishes, and then added a bit of setting powder, and was able to skip foundation all together! 

2. Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color

I really like the fact that they call this a lip color and not a lip gloss because its definitely more than just a lip gloss. They definitely look like lip glosses in the tube, and are applied as lip glosses. But they are just as pigmented and opaque as a lipstick. There's a great color selection and the brush feels so good. (Apparently its an Angora brush?!) I can't wait to use the bright pops of pink and purple this spring.

3. Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer

I realize I included 3 concealers in this list, but I don't even consider this a concealer because I use it as a highlighter. Its definitely able to be used as a concealer and has great coverage, but I specifically like it to highlight my cheek bones and upper lip. It isn't sparkly or overly shimmery, which I like, and can be blended so that it looks way more natural than any powder highlighter I've ever used. It illuminates, brightens, and reflects light in a way that isn't overly obvious, and I really like that. 

4. Maybelline Falsies Big Eyes Mascara 

Okay, first of all: I love Maybelline Falsies Mascara. I just want to make that super clear to anyone who didn't know. I love it, I really do. I consider it to be one of the best mascaras ever, even out of the high end brands I've tried. They came out with the Falsies Big Eyes mascara and I was in love! Basically its a double ended mascara with two different brushes, one for top lashes (its the normal Falsies brush) and the other is a tiny, thin brush for bottom lashes. I have really short, blonde bottom lashes and this works great for applying it without getting it all under my eyes, and it separates them as well. My only complaint is that since its two separate ends, you really get half the amount of each product you would normally get, so I find myself having to replace it a lot more than a full tube. 

5. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer

This mascara is specifically for dark circles (the full name is actually Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer..... but that's a mouthful right?!) I absolutely love this under my eyes. I was a bit intimidated when I first tried it because it is pretty thick. But the coverage is amazing and it is one of the only concealers I've ever used that didn't make me greasy at all. It really does make my eyes look refreshed and more awake (which it claims to do) while covering any dark circles or discoloration. 

6. Maybelline Volum' Express Mega Plush Mascara

Maybelline really likes long names! I usually just call this Mega Plush. I reach for this mascara when I want a natural look because it makes my lashes look amazing.. without looking like I'm wearing mascara. Is that a weird description? I think it makes my lashes look so natural and 'bouncy' but long and separated as well. It apparently has a gel-mousse formula with 40% less hard waxes, which I think is what makes it looks so natural and plush without being crazy dramatic. I never have to worry about brittle, clumpy lashes when I use this and I think more mascaras should switch to this formula. 

7. Maybelline Baby Lips

The packaging of these balms remind me so much of the 80s and 90s. In fact, they really remind me of my childhood, and something I had as a kid, so when I first saw them I assumed they were geared more toward kids and preteens sort of like Lip Smackers! After a couple of people told me I had to try them, I did, and I was pleasantly surprised! They glide on super smooth and make your lips feel great, all while making them look shiny and 'baby soft.' There's also a huge variety of colors and scents. I picked up a hot pink one, thinking it was just like a fruity chapstick, and I was shocked when I saw that my lips were actually hot pink. Don't be fooled by the 'lip balm' claim, these actually have a lot of color payoff! 

8. Maybelline Eye Studio Eyeshadow Quad

I mentioned these a month or so ago in my Drugstore Eyeshadow post. I love that these quads are small and compact, but still have plenty of product. The shadows are super silky and soft, not powdery at all, and have tons of color payoff. All four shadows are shimmers, I don't think there is a matte shade included in any of the quads.. the shimmer of the shadows is gorgeous. They blend really well and make your eyes really pop, and the colors in each quad are all beautiful and work really well together! 

I love Maybelline because they make products anyone can afford, but they don't skimp on quality. The only Maybelline products that I personally don't feel live up to the hype, are the Lip Whispers. I'm just a Lip Butter fan and haven't found a Lip Whisper that worked for me. But I've loved pretty much any other product from Maybelline that I've tried. 

Stay tuned next week for Cover Girl!

Skincare 101: 8 Tips for Your Best Skin Ever!

Its a lot easier to skip the foundation and concealer when you're confident in the way your skin looks. Don't neglect or overlook your skin- its your largest organ. And your face is what people see first, so take care of it! Obviously most of us aren't blessed with perfect complexions but there are lots of things we can do to keep it looking its best! 

1. Keep it hydrated! Besides using moisturizers (I'll get to that later) the best way to keep your skin hydrated is by drinking lots of water. Water is so important and I could go on and on about its benefits, but please just keep in mind that it is so good for your skin and keeps you young and beautiful! I think one of the most important beauty tips is avoiding dehydration. Dehydration keeps your skin from eliminating toxins which can lead to all sorts of skin disorders (dermatitis, psoriasis, etc) and leads to premature wrinkles and discoloration! Drink 8 8oz glasses of water a day, OR MORE! Humidifiers help as well, use one while you sleep!

2. Exfoliate. Our skin is constantly renewing itself by generating new skin cells, but unfortunately the dead cells like to hang out on the surface, clogging your pores and making the skin look dull. Exfoliation is necessary as it helps to remove those cells that are clinging on by revealing the fresher & younger skin cells below. I remember I always had flaky skin on my nose, and it was frustrating because my skin definitely wasn't dry. Makeup would always look gross in that area and I couldn't figure out how to get rid of it. Someone eventually recommended exfoliating (duh!) so I tried it and I was shocked at how much smoother, softer, and brighter my skin looked. If you want to invest in your skin, I definitely suggest getting a Clarisonic. It has been the best thing for my skin and keeps all the dead cells far, far away (among many other great things). I do want to mention, though, that it is possible to over-exfoliate. Don't use anything too harsh, and it should only be done a couple times a week, not every day (unless its extremely gentle). 

3. Wash your face before bed & when waking up. I mentioned before that I used to be such a slacker and never washed off my makeup before bed. I know, right?! I was lucky enough that I got away with it for the most part, because I didn't have horrible acne. But once I forced myself to get into the habit, I saw a noticeable difference. I always had little tiny bumps in random areas on my face that I thought were unavoidable, but since I stopped sleeping in my makeup, they're completely gone! Its also important to wash your face in the morning. I shower in the morning, so that was kind of a given for me, but its so important to wash all 8 hours worth of bacteria, oils, and toxins off of your skin. And keep in mind that while makeup remover towelettes/wipes are great for removing stubborn makeup, they shouldn't be a substitution for an actual cleanser. I like to remove all my makeup with a wipe, and then wash my face with water + cleanser. Oh, and my #1 excuse was that by the time I was ready for bed I was too tired to wash my face.. So I started setting a timer for 8:00 so that if I was home, I would wash it before I got too tired, but I was nice and clean and makeup-free for bed :)

4. Create a skincare routine. To read about my favorite skincare line and what I use, click here. While simply washing your face is great, there are other things you should do to keep your face in tip-top shape. There are all sorts of skincare lines out there, and unfortunately its trial and error to see what works best for you. I prefer a line without any dyes, fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, etc. There are skincare routines with as little as 3 steps, or as many as 10 steps. Its really up to you how much time you want to put into your skincare, but in my opinion everyone needs a cleanser, toner, moisturizer (with an SPF, if not, then add a sunscreen) and eye cream. Four things may seem like a lot, especially if you aren't even used to doing more than one, but really it would only take 5-6 minutes total to apply it all. In case you were wondering, a cleanser cleanses the skin (duh) by removing any excess makeup, toxins, oils, etc. A toner restores the pH balance of your skin keeping it from getting too oily or too dry. A moisturizer moisturizes your skin (duh again) and keeps your face hydrated, also providing a smooth base for your makeup. And an eye cream hydrates the eye area (which is so important) and depending on what type of eye cream you have, usually prevents or reverses crows feet or other wrinkles. 

5. Protect your skin from the sun. Did you know that 80% of your skin's aged appearance is caused by the sun? I love to lounge at the beach in the summer, so I'd be a hypocrite if I told you to avoid the sun at all costs. But its really important to protect your skin, especially your face, from harmful rays. Use a sunscreen. Like I said above, its great if you use a moisturizer with SPF. BB creams, CC creams, etc also provide an SPF along with light coverage. Its also great to wear a hat or use shade. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later. I'm sure we've all seen the photo of the retired truck driver who always had one side of his face exposed to the sun (out the window from driving). The difference in the sun-exposed skin vs the non exposed skin is amazing. (Click here to see the photo)

6. Take your vitamins! Studies show that your skin needs 

• Vitamin C -- Plays a vital role in collagen production, which is responsible for giving your skin elasticity. Collagen makes up 70% of skin!
• Vitamin A -- Helps to rebuild tissue and to smooth out rough skin.
• Vitamin E -- A powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce free radicals in your body.  Free radicals are the primary cause of aging in skin! 

All vitamins are helpful to your skin and its really important to realize that the healthier you are, the healthier your skin is! I have been taking this vitamin, which contains several B vitamins, vitamins D, C and E, an antioxidant, and aloe. 

7. Don't use astringents or products with alcohol. Our skin is fragile, and although it seems to put up with a lot, as we age it starts to show all the wear and tear and abuse we put it through. Don't use harsh exfoliators, toners, astringents, etc. When your skin seems too oily, most people think that by using an astringent with alcohol or other harsh chemicals, that it will dry the skin out. I know, I was one of those people trying desperately to make oily skin go away by dousing it with alcohol ridden products. What you're doing is actually counterproductive! When you dry out your face, your skin actually freaks out and overcompensates by producing even more oils. Instead, moisturize! Although it sounds crazy, keeping your skin at a normal pH level by using (alcohol-free) toner and moisturizing afterward, you're helping to keep it at a normal, healthy level which will result in normal skin. Don't get me wrong though, sometimes we just have oily skin and it may never be perfect, but try your hardest to keep a healthy balance of dryness and oiliness instead of going to extremes. 

8. Keep it natural. I'm not going to say I never use any makeup or skincare products with dyes or fragrances, but I think its important to stick to natural, plant based products as much as you can. If you have the time, do some research on the effects of mineral oils, parabens, harsh fragrances, etc on your skin. This is why I use the skincare line that I do. Its also great to use natural products like coconut oil, avocado, brown sugar (for exfoliating).. there are tons of things that are great for your skin that you can pick up right from your grocery store! I like to keep it as natural and chemical-free as possible. 

There are so many things I feel passionately about when it comes to your skin. Its so important to take care of it, and although I'm only in my early 20s, I know how important it is for my future face.. I always say I'll thank myself later! Its never too early to invest in your skincare, and keeping your skin clean and healthy can improve your appearance immediately! So go pour yourself a big glass of water, exfoliate and wash your face, and take your vitamin. You'll be glad you did! 

Drugstore Makeup Favorites: The Best of L'Oreal

Part 2 of my Drugstore Makeup series is all about L'Oreal!

Part 1: The Best of Revlon

Part 3: The Best of Maybelline

Part 4: The Best of CoverGirl & Rimmel

1. L'Oreal Telescopic/Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara

This is my favorite mascara, hands down. There are 2 versions, the original Telescopic mascara and a 'better' version called Shocking Extensions. I honestly don't see a huge difference between the two mascaras, and I like them equally. They have tiny, skinny brushes which are perfect for bottom lashes. I wasn't sure if I'd love the long skinny brush at first for my upper lashes, but they make my lashes longer, and more separated than any other mascara I've ever tried. When anyone ever asks me about mascara suggestions, this is what I recommend. Go try it! 

2. L'Oreal True Match Foundation

Ironically, as much as I love this foundation, I've never really been able to find a shade that works for me. Their claim is that they have tons of shades to find the perfect color match for you. There really are tons of choices, and I suggest you buy more than one and try it out, and return what doesn't work. This foundations is also really great for mixing. I have a summertime shade that is too dark for me now, but I mix it with a lighter shade and its perfect. It doesn't make me too shiny (as long as I have a setting powder) and the coverage is great. Its one of my top 3 foundations. 

3. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lacquer Lip Stain

I elaborated on these a bit more in this post. These are great, super shiny, and really do last a long time. I love all the different colors, although I don't see much color in the lightest shades. I love this for a super-shiny colorful lip, and the staying power is pretty great. 

4. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm

It took me a while to get any of these because I just assumed they were a different version of the Revlon Lip Butters (see Revlon post, link at the top of this post). I finally got one because I thought the color was really pretty, and I really liked it!! Its the same idea as the Lip Butters, Color Whispers, etc, in that its a sheer, semi-tinted, moisturizing balm. These actually have a bit more color payoff than the others of its kind, and are glossier. I don't own a ton of them but the ones I have I really like. 

5. L'Oreal Infallible Shadow

Let me start off by saying I don't like the Maybelline Color Tattoos, and I thought that these shadows were the same idea, so it took me forever to get any. I finally picked up Iced Latte and I love it. Its sort of like a pressed pigment. Its a looser powder that you sort of pack onto your lid. Iced Latte is a gorgeous creamy white color that looks great for highlighting the inner corner of your eye. It works really well if you add a bit of Mac's Fix+ to your brush, it makes the color even more pigmented. 

6. L'Oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner

I never found a gel liner I liked until I tried this one. The brush is AMAZING and makes for great precision. I'm not good at liquid liner and just figured I'd never accomplish a dark, dramatic lash line that liquid liner gives.. but then I discovered this gel liner and fell in love. It really is the easiest I've ever used and goes on smooth and precise. I love the brush more than anything, and plan to save it and use it long after the liner is gone! 

I think L'Oreal is great at making products at Drugstore prices that seem to be the same quality as high-end makeup. With all Drugstore makeup, the products can be hit or miss. I don't really care for their eye shadow other than the Infallible pressed pigment kind, and the True Match is the only foundation I like. But the things that do work for me, I love! Which of these products do you have?

Stay tuned for next week's post on Maybelline! 

Birchbox vs Ipsy: February 2014

I feel like this review is almost pointless since everyone else got their boxes forever ago and already posted pictures everywhere.. I'm sure you've already seen a million Birchboxes or Ipsy Bags on Instagram already, but now you get to see mine as well. I was a bit frustrated because my Ipsy took forever this month. I already had my Birchbox before my Ipsy even shipped! My first instinct, just seeing the couple good things in my Birchbox, was that BB won this month. But then I got my Ipsy.. so here's the comparison!

(ignore that blurry picture.. it looked clear on my camera for some reason) 

Birchbox

1. Smashbox Full Exposure Palette Sample, full size $49

This was a neat idea, especially if you're interested in buying the palette. I thought about swatching the shades for you, but honestly, there's just a really thin layer of shadow so by swatching them I'd use it all and not be able to use it on my eyes. There are some really pretty colors, and its neat that I can see them in powder form and not just in a picture online. 

2. Agave Healing Oil Treatment, full size $24-$40

I wasn't sure until reading the card, but this is actually for your hair. Unfortunately there isn't really enough in the sample for me to use it on my hair. I could possibly try it on just my ends, but even that is doubtful. 

3. OPI Sheer Tint Top Coat, full size $9

I was actually really excited about this.. mainly because it was so adorably small! But also because I love OPI polishes, and I'll definitely get use out of this. I love samples like this.. they're in a bottle that I'll use and get more than one use out of it, plus its cute!

4. Refresh Cleanser, full size $30

Like I say in all my other Birchbox/Ipsy comparisons or reviews.. I'm not really into skin care, because I don't like trying new things for fear that my face will react badly to it. This is a really decent size sample though, which was exciting. I'll probably pass this on to someone else who wants to use it, because its definitely a nice sample. 

5. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara, full size $19.50

This was my favorite thing in the whole box. I LOVE samples like this, and I really think Birchbox should do it more often. I liked this mascara, it has a pretty basic brush and basic formula, but it made my eye lashes look long and pretty and that's all that matters! 

Overall thoughts: I really liked this box and to be honest, the OPI polish and mascara made the whole box for me, I would've been satisfied with just those 2 things. I've talked to a lot of people who were really disappointed with their box this month, though. I don't think many people got the mascara, which like I said, was the best part. I'd rate this box a 6/10

Ipsy

1. Eyetini Codial Cream Shadow, full size $18 (?)

I'm not sure how I feel about this concept. Its like a liquid/cream shadow, that is sort of in a lip gloss tube. I swatched it on my hand (see swatches below) and its a great color and very pigmented, but I rubbed it after about 20-30 seconds and it smeared, which means that it needs a long time to dry, which isn't always practical. So I'm not sure how I'd use it but I really do love the color and would love to try it. My other complaint is that there is nothing on the tube at all except for a small sticker on the bottom that said something about eye shadow.. Its a bit misleading since it seems like a lip product. 

2. Zoya Nail Polish in Odette, full size $9

I was really excited about this because I dont own any Zoya polishes, although I've heard so many great things about them. This is a full size polish which is great. The color is really pretty, and thankfully like nothing I have (because lets be honest, I DON'T need any new nail polish!). This was my favorite item in the bag. 

3. Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter, full size $15

At first I didn't love the smell, especially not in the bottle, but once I put it on my hands and wore it for a little while it started to grow on me. Its a fruity, tropical smell, but has a little something different that I can't put my finger on. Either way its very moisturizing and smells great. I'm not going to bother applying it to my whole body (even though its a body butter) because its not a very big bottle and wouldn't last long. I've been carrying it around in my purse and using it as hand lotion. I learned on their website that the line is strictly vegan, so that's good to know. 

4. J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes + Glue, full size $3.99

At first I was really excited about these because I never buy false lashes, but always like playing around with them.. but they're a bit too dramatic and thick for me, so I don't think I'd ever wear them. Maybe for something costumey, so I'll save them! 

5. POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini in Fuchsia Freesia , full size $16

I thought the color was really cute (swatch below) and it was a brand I've actually heard of. I'm not a fan of the smell, but the packaging is adorable, and seems like a great lip gloss. Not sure it did much plumping (like it claims to do) but its very pigmented and bright, and I like that. 

Swatches: lip gloss on left, cream shadow on the right.

Overall thoughts: My major complaint was that it took so long to get this bag in. Their whole 'thing' this month was for Valentines Day, and things you could wear on your date night out; however, I got it the day after Valentines Day so that didn't exactly work out. I really like the bag, it isn't in-your-face Cupid, just pink with a cute pink leopard lining. I really liked all the products, and the only thing I don't see myself using is the lashes.. other than that, all the products were pretty much great! I'd rate this box an 8/10.

Winner: Ipsy

When I first got my Birchbox I thought it was going to be a winner, mainly because it came with a decent-sized mascara! But Ipsy definitely won. I will use all of the products included (besides the lashes) and not just because I have them, but because they're products I'd buy for myself.. especially the polish.

 I said this last time, and I stick to it, I hate that Ipsy doesn't include a card with product info. In my mind, Birchbox wins in that alone. When reviewing and sharing info with you guys about my Ipsy, I have to login and view my bag, click on each item, and follow the link to the website where it is sold, and then FIND it on the site to find the full price, which color I have, etc. Birchbox includes a card with all the info I need- which color/brand/style etc came in my box, the full price, and a brief description of the item. Ipsy really needs to follow their lead!! 

What was your favorite? Did my Ipsy win, or would you prefer the Birchbox?

Which of YOUR boxes won this month? What kinds of things did you get?? Tell me!! I want your opinions!

Stila 'In the Light' Palette Review

It occurred to me while looking through my makeup that I've had this palette for a while now and haven't reviewed it. I did mention it in my post all about the palettes you need in your life (click here) but didn't elaborate on it much... so here you go! And once again, my swatches suck (especially in the first picture). One of these days I'll talk my husband into taking the pictures for me! 

What is it: a palette of 10 neutral shades, plus a Stila 'smudge stick' (not photographed)

Price: $39

**Also, let me note, that the reason I bought this palette in the first place was because it had the shadow 'kitten' which is a super popular, award-winning, best-selling shadow.. its gorgeous and has quite the cult following. The shadow itself retails at $18, so the fact that there are 9 other shades along with it make it a great value. 

1. Bare - a matte ivory shade, and as you can see, it doesn't show up on my skin tone at all. I'm sure if you're darker than me it would work fine with you.. but I pretty much skip this shade unless I want a matte base that doesn't show up.

2. Kitten - I pretty much said it all in my comment above, but its gorgeous shimmery pink/champagne color that works great for highlighting. (People even use it to highlight their cheek bones)

3. Bliss - a matte beige-y pink. Great for crease or transition color.

4. Sunset - I love this shimmery bronze/copper color. Looks great with Bliss, to the left.

5. Sandstone - one of the least pigmented shades in the palette, it seems like a really deep, creamy chocolate brown but it doesn't have that great of a color payoff. A tad bit powdery.

6. Bubbly - My favorite shade, second to Kitten. Its a really pretty shimmery gold with a hint of copper. As you can see, it goes great with the color next to it, and looks so pretty all over the lid, without being too red.

7. Guilded Gold - I don't find this to be gold at all, like the name states. I think its more of a sienna color with a tad bit of shimmer, which honestly doesn't come across that well on the skin.

8. Luster - This is a really pretty deep gray with a bit of shimmer. I would consider it to be the "big brother" of the color to its right. Just a deeper shade and they complement each other really well.

9. Night Sky - I didn't expect to love this color but I really do.. Its a grayish blue with lots of pretty shimmery pearly flecks. 

10. Ebony - a true matte black, very pigmented. 

Overall I really like this palette. The shades are very similar to some of the shadows in the Lorac Pro Palette but that doesn't mean I think you should skip this one. I love this because its all basic neutrals that work well together. They each have a shade that they correspond well with and can be combined with, so there are tons of looks all within one palette. I also love, you guessed it, that there is a good selection of mattes, all which complement a shimmer shade. Perfect for lid/crease combinations. 

I like the size of the palette because the shadows are HUGE so you get tons of products. I also like that the mirror is big. This is a great palette, and rather affordable compared to other palettes (think, $52 Naked palettes) and you get a lot of bang for your buck. It also comes with a Stila 'smudge stick' in Damsel, which is a dark matte brown liner. I'm not in love with the eye liner because the color is sort of red-toned which I, personally, don't like. But the fact that it comes with a liner, along with 10 great shades that retail around $18, means you really got a good value for $39. So if you're looking for an affordable palette with lots of neutral shadows.. this is the one for you! Its a lot of fun to play around with and try new looks with. So try it out!