Boxy Charm July 2015

Here is my very first review for Boxycharm!  What I like about this box is that everything is pretty much full size; there are no sample sizes unlike glossy box.  Boxycharm costs $21.00 a month before tax and everyone gets the same products, there is no customization involved.

This is what came in the July box:

• OFRA lip liner in plum perfect
• MDM Flow Greater Than mascara
• Gorge I'll make you look amazing daily spray
• YourMinerals Sweden setting powder
• VASANTI Blush Brush

This translucent powder works very well!  It gives my combination skin a lovely matte finish that lasts a relatively long time. I would probably buy this when I run out of my other powders.

This stuff smells amazing!  It smells a little fruity, but there is something else to it too.  I haven't noticed any difference in my hair though.  It looks the same whether I put this in or not.  I'll continue to use it and see if it shows any long term results.

I read that you need to shake this and pump the wand in the tube at last 10 times for the first use in order to distribute the mascara onto the wand.  This formula is lengthening and defining, it looks very natural so I find that it's good for everyday use.  I'll try to play around with it and see if I can get this to give me full lashes.

This brush is very soft and silky feeling.  I like the fact that Citi is made with synthetic hairs rather than real animal hairs.  This applies blush in a more concentrated manner—I think this is because the bristles aren't spread out as much like other blush brushes.

I don't have a plum colored lipstick (unfortunately!) so I haven't really used this.  I did test it out and the texture is very soft.  

Glossy box July 2015

Let me start out with saying, I'm very pleased with this month's box!  The products were all unique and interesting; it was the perfect composition for me.  For $21 a month (before tax and with free shipping), I get well above my money's worth.  This month there were 3 full size products and 2 deluxe size products.

The Kueshi Anticellulite Booster was in everyone's box and came in a whopping full-size 5.07 floz.  This stuff is supposed to reduce the effects of cellulite and prevent them from forming.  I have yet to develop cellulite (fingers crossed that I won't ever get it), but this will definitely be a go to when (if!) the day ever comes.

The other product that is in every box is the Hey Honey I Peel Good Honey mask.  This is half a full size, making this is a deluxe sample size.  The full size goes for about $59 making this sample about $28.50 (if I did the math right).  You're supposed to rub this in for 2-3 minutes or until the formula becomes oily, and then rinse it off.  I read on the Glossybox site that this is great for mature or flaky skin, but my skin is neither of those. The packaging says this is good for all skin types, so I'm unsure if this will really work for me.  When I try it, I'll hopefully remember to update this and tell you guys how it works!

I love the way this Laneige Water Sleeping Mask smells and feels.  This is suppose to be applied to a clean and cleansed face before bed.  When you wake up, you should rinse this off.  I'm wearing it right now; I applied it right after I showered and toned my face.  So far it feels good; my skin feels softer than usual.  This was a deluxe sample.  I forgot how many oz the full size is, but at full size this is about $24-25 which is not bad at all.

Sorry for the not so great picture, but the above image is of Face Stockholm Frida Eyeliner.  This is velvety smooth; I absolutely love this.  It glides on effortlessly and the one I received came in a dark teal color.
July 17th 2015: I've worn this a couple of times and it is very precise; I can easily draw a cat eye.  The only downside is that this transfers to my upper lid after a few hours, I think it's because my eyelids get a little oily.

I was so exited to see the Naked Lips peppermint lip balm in the box!  I saw Glossybox post this brand before on their Instagram page, and ever since I've been wanting to try it.  Their balm is 99% organic (which I love!) and it is 100% natural.  The best part is the texture and smell—it glides on like silky butter, leaving my lips feeling smooth, and it smells like sweet peppermint.  This is a full size item that costs $4.99.  Even though this product costs the least, it was definitely my favorite.  I'm a sucker for a great lip balm and even more so for an organic, chemical-free product. 

I'm very happy with this month's box!  I'm curious to see what other people received this month because there are usually slight variances in each box.  I'd be happy to hear about what other people received, so feel free to comment if you'd like.

Ipsy July 2015 Glam Bag

Today I received my glam bag and my glossy box!  I'm much more pleased with this month's glam bag than last month's.  Apparently Ipsy is able to better gauge your preferences based on the questionnaires you fill out for each product on their website.  This month's theme was "Summer Lovin'", so it was inspired by bright, natural and care free beauty.

The makeup all came in a very cute bag that I know I'll love!  I've listed the products below and how I feel about them.

 I received Tarte's deluxe Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer.  I actually have the same exact deluxe version of this that I got from A sephora kit one year.  I really like this bronzer—it has just enough shimmer so that it can be worn during the day.  It goes on well, but remember for bronzer, a little goes a long way!  I remember when I first started using bronzer sometime in high school, I'd go to school with these streaks of brown below my cheek bone.  Eventually I learned that the key to bronzer is layering a little at a time so that you never end up with an excessive amount on your face.

I also got Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics 2 in 1 eyeliner/shadow in a copper color.  I received a mascara of their's in my glossy box not too long ago.  The mascara was just okay and I wasn't thrilled with the brand.  I really didn't like this eyeliner.  When I tried it on, I need to tug on my eyelids in order to apply some of the product along my lash line.  I do not like eyeliners that tug—that's how you get premature wrinkles!  Plus it irritates my eyes; I'd rather just use eyeliners with a smooth texture.  I wouldn't purchase this, or use even use this if it were free.

In my bag there was a Be a Bombshell Cosmetic's lip balm in French Kiss, which is a pinky-nude color.  This was an okay balm.  When I opened the cap, some of the product flaked, and when I applied it, the product crumble a little.  The color didn't really appear on my lips either.  This isn't a really good product and I wouldn't buy it.  I've heard good things about this balm before, so I'd be willing to try their other products and hopefully they'd be better formulated.

The Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser has an interesting, gel like texture (hence its name!) which I liked.  I'm just not a big fan of cleansers that are loaded with chemicals.  I'm not a fan of chemicals in any products actually, so the less the better.  I'm not ready to swear off products with synthetic material altogether, but I know that this isn't good for my body in general, even if it may appear to clear or smooth my skin.

The Jor'el Parker rollerball in Classico was a pleasant addition.  It came in a cute glass bottle that is simple and clean cut.  The scent is very clean and sophisticated;  I will definitely be wearing this.

I'm pretty happy with this month's makeup.  Now that I've filled out this month's questionnaire, I can't wait to see how the products will be tailored to me next time!  I hope my review helps you guys decide what products are right for you and wether or not you'd like to try Ipsy!  

About Ipsy:  It was cofounded by youtuber Michelle Phan, starting out as MyGlam.  It eventually became Ipsy as they changed directions to create a more encompassing subscription bag.  It costs $10 a month (without tax) and includes free shipping.  The products are given to people based on their beauty profile and questionnaires.  

-Alyson