Inside My Beauty Boxes: Ipsy

August 2013's Glam Bag theme was "Glamour Academy".

It was all about looking great for back to school.

Full Size

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara - $17 for 7g

Sample Size

$2.43 for 1g 

Lash Booster? Nope.  It didn't hold a curl, didn't volumize, and didn't lengthen. It seemed more like runny black liquid.

Rating: 1 star

Full Size

Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliator Facial Scrub - $18 for 3.4 fl. oz.

Sample Size

$5.30 for 1 fl. oz.

If there is one skincare product I have heard of more than Proactive it is Michael Todd.  I was so excited to get this product and fell in love with it like everyone else. It is a black (hence the charcoal) which can be quite scary but it really gets in there and cleans out our pores.

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow Color Pencil - $18

I was excited to get an eyebrow pencil in my glam bag but the Brunette shade, even applied with a light hand was WAY too dark.  And after using my It Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil for the past month I can't go back to anything else.

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

NOYA Beauty Cherry Lip Balm - $3.99

If you like cherry cough syrup then you will love this stuff! I on the other hand hated it and actually already threw it in the trash.  The smell and the taste was revolting.

Rating: 0 stars

Full Size

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream - $16 for 1 fl. oz.

Sample Size

$4.70 for 0.34 fl. oz.

Every Pacifica product I have tested have quickly become my favorite and this product is no different.  It is light but gives great coverage.  I love how it gives a very healthy glow to the skin.  If you have oily skin, I wouldn't recommend it but normal/dry this will be a dream.  I need to pick up a full size the moment my sample runs out. 

Rating: 5 stars

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Retail: $72.99 (full size) $34.42 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 2 

The winner of August 2013 Inside My Beauty Boxes is 

IPSY!

Inside My Beauty Boxes: BIRCHBOX

August 2013's Birchbox theme was Finishing School.

You'll see Ipsy took a similar route in my next post.

Full Size

ARCONA Cranberry Gommage - $44 for 3.4 oz

Sample Size

$8.80 for 0.68 oz

One word...DELICIOUS. Yes, this is a face scrub but oh man does it smell good.  Imagine rubbing pixi sticks all over your face and that will give you a good visual and scent.  This scrub works wonders, no wonder it won an Allure Beauty Award.

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Miss Jessie's® Original Rapid Recovery Treatment - $26 for 8 oz

Sample Size

$1.50 for 0.46 oz

The sample allowed me 2 treatments.  Although I didn't love the smell, think dog food mixed with old lady salon, I did love the product.  It made my hair very smooth and shiny and my split ends were a tad less noticeable.

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Miss Jessie's® Original Super Sweetback Treatment - $26 for 8 oz

Sample Size

$1.50 for 0.46 oz

Like the other treatment I didn't love the smell but it did make my hair ends less brittle.  Since I only had 2 uses out of it I can't tell if it really helps hair growth like it says. 

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick Trio - $24 for 3

Sample Size

$8 for 1

I received the orange in the middle of the picture called, Disco Fever.  I have been quite into oranges lately so I was super excited to try this out.  It was incredibly creamy, but not very long lasting.  Mine was received partially broken which was sad but Birchbox has since sent me a new box as an apology (A+ for customer service). 

Rating: 4 stars

Full Size

TanTowel® Classic Formula Self-Tan Towelettes Half Body - $24 for 5

Sample Size

$4.80 for 1 

These seem like a good idea but I didn't find them as effective as self tanning lotion.  It is easy to get streaky and splotchy which is definitely a no no. 

Rating: 1 star

I was supposed to receive a Coastal Scents trio palette but it was not included.  Like previously stated about the Model Co lipstick, Birchbox has sent me a new box. 

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Retail: $144 (full size) $24.60 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: none

Come back on Saturday to see what was in my Ipsy box and who won for this month!

What did you get in your beauty boxes this month?

Inside My Beauty Boxes: Ipsy

July 2013's Ipsy bag was all about "Beach Beauty."

This month's glam bag was a cylinder neon pink waterproof bag, perfect to throw in your beach bag!

Full Size 

BH Cosmetics California Collection - $25.90 for each palette 

(Hollywood, San Francisco, Malibu) 20 shades in each palette

Sample Size

$3.90 for 3 shadows

The California Collection is 3 individual palettes focused on getting a look designed for 3 major spots in California: Hollywood, San Francisco, and Malibu.  This palette had one shade from each of these palettes.  I like the colors but the pigmentation was not that great and they were quite dry and chalky. Definitely not worth $25.90!

Rating: 2 stars

Full Size

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon Kit - $25 for 6

Sample Size

$4.16 for 1

Ipsy gave away 3 of the 6 shades to their subscribers.  I received Coral Crush (middle pictured) and I LOVE it! These crayons have great pigmentation and are super moisturizing! I was amazed at how hydrating they were.  These are a must. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

COOLA Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 - $36 for 1.7 oz/ 50 ml

Sample Size

$5.04 for 0.23 fl oz/ 7 ml

I have received many COOLA products from Birchbox and I also like them.  They are very light and don't have that awful sunscreen scent.  I also love how they don't cake up your make up or give a white cast.  If this was less expensive I would probably have this in my daily routine. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Laquer in Mai Tai - $13 for 0.5 fl oz

One thing I love about Ipsy is that they give FULL SIZE nail polished instead of sample sizes like Birchbox.  But one thing Birchbox has better is color choice and quality.

*Note: Essie's "Meet Me at Sunset" is an almost perfect (and affordable) dupe*

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray - $18.95 for 3.4 oz

Sample Size

$6.32 for 1.4 oz

I really enjoyed this hair spray.  It helped reduce my frizz and keep my style in place with the crunch.  The only downside was the smell, I had to spray perfume on after to get it to go away.

No bueno. 

Rating: 3 stars

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Retail Price: $118.85 (full size) $32.42 (sample size)

Bag Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 1 product

The winner of July 2013 Inside My Beauty Boxes is

BIRCHBOX!

Check out my Birchbox post here.

Inside My Beauty Boxes: BIRCHBOX

July 2013's theme was Powerplay.  

Birchbox teamed up with USA Network's tv series "Suits" to find products that were able to stand up all day without having to fuss with streaking mascara, melting foundation, or oily moisturizer.

Full Size

Curly Hair Solutions by Jonathon Torch Curl Keeper - $10 for 100 ml/ 3.38 oz

Sample Size

$3.30 for 30 ml/1 oz

I was excited to see this in my Birchbox this month because I had seen it before and it had a great reviews. It worked well but definitely not as great as my DevaCurl, but this is definitely a great budget-friendly alternative. 

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Acne Control Treatment - $44 for 1.7 oz/ 48 g

Sample Size

$12.94 for 0.5 oz/ 14 g 

I don't struggle with acne one bit so this product was quite useful this month.  But I did like the consistency and smell of this cream.  It also has great reviews.  After reading a good chunk of them I can definitely feel confident in suggesting this to someone who struggle with acne and redness. 

Rating: 4 stars

Full Size

theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush in Swiss Dot - $22 for 0.09 oz

Sample Size

$4.40 for 0.018 oz

I love getting theBalm cosmetics in my Birchboxes.  They have quickly become my favorite brand of makeup.  This blush did not disappoint. My one word of caution is to use a light hand when applying or you might look like a clown.  This blush has incredible pigmentation and lasting power.

Win and win. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream - $48 for 50 ml

Sample Size

(couldn't calculate this one, probably around $10 for the sample)

This cream is ridiculously moisturizing.  It is a miracle product for my dry patches.  The cream has a very light and thin consistency, so it doesn't feel like your'e putting Vaseline on your face. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Birchbox Bobby Pins - $5 for 6 

Sample Size 

$1.66 for 2 

This was this month's Beauty Extra and I absolutely adore it! I received the blue ones and want to wear them with everything.  They are very strong and don't slip out of place all day.  For only $5 for a full size I will definitely get the others soon. 

Rating: 5 stars

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Retail Price: $129 (full size) $22.30 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: none

Come back soon for a look inside my Ipsy box and find out who won this month!

You can read last month's posts here and here. 

If you have Birchbox and Ipsy, which do you like better?

Inside My Beauty Boxes: Ipsy

June's theme for Ipsy was "On the Wild Side."

The bag was an adorable leopard print with neon green zipper, 

which is now currently my makeup bag for my purse.  

This month's products focused on battling the summer heat while still looking fierce. 

Full Size

NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Bronze Goddess - $6 for 0.12 oz

I have heard great things about NYX cream blushes and when I saw I was getting one in my Ipsy glad I was ecstatic! But to my great sadness  I didn't receive the pink shade they showed in my bag preview.  Bronze Goddess is a dark bronze shimmery cream blush and for a fair skinned lady, it was just not going to work.  I tried and tried but it only made my face look muddy. 

Rating: 1 star

Full Size

Cailyn Linefix Gel Eyeliner in 01 Black - $21 for 0.14 oz

I have been dying to try out some gel eyeliner and this one has great consistency and even comes with a handy brush in the top, meaning it is great for travel!

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil - $18

This is comparable to Benefit's High Brow.  I love this product it is perfect to clean up under your brows and to place in the inner corners, the bridge of the nose, and the tops of the cheekbones for extra highlighting. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Full Size

J Cat Sparkling Cream Palette - $4.49

Cream Glitter? Just, no.

....

Well, maybe for Halloween.

Rating: 0 stars

Full Size

Starlooks Lip Pencil in Bare - $12

I liked the formula of this pencil a lot.  It was creamy and smooth, but like the NYX blush I was disappointed when I didn't receive the pink that was previewed.  The "Bare" shade is a browny, pale, grey (if that's even possible).  I don't think this will get much use from me. 

Rating: 2 stars

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Retail Price: $61.49 (full size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 5

The winner of the June 2013 Inside My Beauty Boxes is

BIRCHBOX!

(Check out my Birchbox here.)

Inside My Beauty Boxes: BIRCHBOX

This month's BIRCHBOX theme was Wanderlust and they also are sporting a new logo 

(I'm not really feelin' it, I miss my pink box *tear*).

Birchbox wanted to help us get ready for our summer vacations and look great! 

Let's take a look inside my BIRCHBOX.

Full Size

amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask - $40 for 16.9 fl. oz

Sample Size

$1.60 for 0.67 fl. oz

This conditioning mask is all natural and organic.  I enjoyed the smell of this mask and it definitely lingered in my hair all day, which is a plus. The only thing I didn't enjoy was that it didn't make my hair easy to brush through after my shower.  My hair felt tight and a little knotty. 

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Color Club Wanderlust Collection - $8 for four mini polishes

Sample Size

$2 for 1 mini polish

Every BIRCHBOX subscriber received one of the colors from this collection.  I received the purple, Pardon my French, and love it! I really hoped for the bright coral but for only $8, I might just buy them all! I love getting these polishes, keep them coming BIRCHBOX.

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Paul & Joe Beaute Moisturizing Foundation Primer - $35 for 1 fl. oz

Sample Size

$11.55 for 0.33 fl. oz

Priming Moisturizer? Yes, please!!

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

 Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser - $32.95 for 4 oz

Sample Size 

$8.24 for 1 oz

This fresh lemon scent was very invigorating and lovely.  The formula is also quite fun.  It goes from a sugar/bead to foam.  Though I enjoyed the experience I didn't see noticeable smoothness like it promised.  P.S. DO NOT GET INSIDE YOUR EYES, I wanted to gauge my eyes out!

Rating: 2 stars

Full Size

Say Yes to Carrots Lip Butter - Set of 4 - $9.99

Sample Size

$2.50 for 1 full size lip butter

I received the citrus flavor (not pictured in the set) and I love the scent and taste! It feels very moisturizing but my heart still holds my Burt's Bees much closer. 

Rating: 4 stars 

Full Size

Violet Oasis Therapeutic Body Butter - $35 for 8 oz

Sample Size

$4.38 for 1 oz

Love love love this body butter.  The smell is amazing and the texture is so luxurious.  This lotion promises a tightening effect and I would approve of that promise.  I would buy this full size if it wasn't for the hefty price tag.

Rating: 5 stars (times a thousand)

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Retail Price: $125.94 (full size) $30.27 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 2

Come back soon for a look inside my Ipsy Glam Bag! 

Let's see who won this month's beauty box battle.

Inside My Beauty Boxes: IPSY

This month's Ipsy theme was Spring Fling.  

My glam bag was filled with pastels and spring time makeup. 

Full Size

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl - $24 for 8 fl. oz

Sample Size

$6 for 2 fl. oz

If you are looking for instant gratification when it comes to sun tanner this is the product for you.  This would be perfect for a graduation, wedding, or event.  It blends very well and leaves a subtle shimmer that really flatters your legs.  I will definitely be purchasing the full size soon. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Zoya Nail Polish in Neely - $8 for 0.5 fl. oz

This is a beautiful color and it reminds of Mint Candy Apple from Essie. It is perfect for spring with it's minty pastel shade. What is even better is that I got a full size in my Glam Bag. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Yaby Cosmetics Concealer Refill - $4.85 for 3.5 g

Another full size! This concealer is very creamy and didn't crease much, it also brightened my under eye area very well.  Though I would only recommend it for those with oily skin.  I have quite dry skin, especially by my eye area, and it left my under eyes looking flaky.

Rating: 2 stars

Full Size

Juice Beauty Reflecting Gloss in Pink - $15

My third full size product!! This gloss from Juice Beauty is super smooth and leaves a refreshing tingle on your lips.  The color is Pink but it has a purple undertone, so very fair skin ladies might not do well with this shade.

Rating: 4 stars

Full Size

Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment - $13.50 for 1 fl. oz

Once again another full size! Macadamia is well known for their hair masks and oils, so I was very excited to get this in my glam bag this month.  I put a dime size in my hair and run it evenly throughout my damp hair while it dries to help reduce frizz.  When it is dry I use a pea size and run it through my ends to give a shiny and smooth feel. 

Rating: 5 stars

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Retail Price: $65.35 (full size) $47.35 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 4

The winner of the May 2013 Inside My Beauty Boxes is

IPSY!

Inside My Beauty Boxes: BIRCHBOX

This month's theme was all about me and you. 

 This month each box was personalized specifically according to your own beauty profile.  

Come look inside my BIRCHBOX.

Full Size

DevaCurl No-Poo - $19 for 12 fl. oz

DevaCurl One Condition - $19 for 12 fl. oz

DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel - $19 for 12 fl. oz

Sample Size

$1.58 or 1 fl. oz each

I featured these three on my Thursday's Three recently and like I said there, these products have ended my search for a curl system that actually does what it says it will do.  It has conquered my frizz, made it soft, bouncy, and, if I do say so myself, my hair has never looked more beautiful. I am now a loyal customer to DevaCurl.

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Pilot Corporation of America Acroball PureWhite - $6.24 for a pack of four

Sample Size

$1.56 for 1

I usually don't like getting non-beauty related things in my Birchbox, but I can't say I didn't like this pen.  It was smooth and came in a pretty teal color.  I would much rather have gotten makeup but what can ya do?

Rating: 4 stars

Full Size

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner in Black - $11

Sample Size

$5.50 for 1/2 the pencil

This pencil is the creamiest, softest, smoothest, and most long wearing pencil I have every used.  The only thing I did not like about it was the color.  The black isn't necessarily black but more or a brown/black/green which can come off quite muddy. 

Rating: 4 stars

Full Size

COOLA Classic Sunscreen SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face - $32 for 1.7 fl. oz

Sample Size

$4.32 for .23 fl. oz

I have heard about COOLA from the Tone It Up trainer's Karena and Katrina.  This is a light sunscreen moisturizer that makes skin smooth and perfect for under makeup and everyday use. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Marvis Toothpaste in Strong Mint - $10.50 for 3.8 oz

Sample Size

$1.38 for 0.05 oz

Great packaging and taste, though I would have liked a stronger mint taste to this "Strong Mint" flavor. I wouldn't buy this seeing my Crest does the same job for half the price. 

Rating: 4 stars

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Retail Price: $112.06 (full size) $17.50 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: none

Stay tuned for my next Inside My Beauty Boxes: Ipsy, and find out who won for the month. 

Inside My Beauty Boxes: March

Welcome to the first monthly feature post on Zeal, Inside My Beauty Boxes! 

Each month I will tell you the products I received and my honest opinion about each one.  Today I found out that I am now going to receive an Ipsy Glam Bag each month.  Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription like Birchbox, created by the Youtube famous, Michelle Phan.  I plan on comparing the two on my blog each month, so that you can see the difference and maybe even get a subscription for yourself.  I hope you enjoy!

*Note: My Ipsy Glam Bag will come in April, so this post will only include my Birchbox products.

twistband Headband Collection

$19 for 6

I received the silver headband in my Birchbox this month.  I have gotten the hair bands before and absolutely LOVE them! The silver is super cute for accessorizing with you hair down, but I would not use this as for an up-do or a pony because it slips out easily. 

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream

$20

This shave cream uses only eco-friendly products and has no parabens or harmful chemicals.  Because of it's all natural ingredients it does not foam up.  The cream does give a close shave and leaves your skin moisturized, as promised.  For myself, I wouldn't spend $20 on a shaving cream especially because I get the same shave with water.  If you have particularly sensitive skin and are willing to shell out twenty bucks, then this would be a great buy.  They come in great fruity flavors as well!

Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo

$25

I have tried a couple dry shampoos with no luck in any and this one was just like the others.  It left my hair dirtier and greasier.  The whole concept of dry shampoo rubs me the wrong way anyways, but I will try and use it as a volumizing spray on clean hair and see how it does.  I will have to say that the smell is very nice and much better than other dry shampoos I have tried. 

Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board

$5

Madewell has collaborated with Birchbox this month to get them ready for spring with their new collection.  This Emery Board is just like any other but features Madewell's spring collection floral print.  

Incoco Design Nail Polish Appliques

$10

I have never tried nail polish strips before, so I was very excited to get these in my Birchbox this month.  Though I am not very jazzed about the design, it will be a nice pattern to ring in Spring. These appliques apply very easily and have no dry time which is a great bonus for quick nail polish changes.  They also last for a super long time! I usually become very indecisive with my nail colors, so hopefully I will keep these on longer than 3 days like my usual nail polish.