August 2015 Boxycharm Review: So Susan, Coastal scents, MICA Beauty, Nios Shiled etc.

Hello guys!  It's time for a Boxycharm review!  In case you don't know what Boxycharm is, it is a monthly beauty subscription box that costs $21 a month before tax and you get 5 products which are usually always full size.  This month I liked some of the products and others were okay.  It depends on what kind of makeup and brands you like.

In the box:

• Coastal Scents Revealed 3 palette
• Mica Beauty gel eyeliner in black
• So Susan hi lighter stick
• Nios Shield Leave in conditioner
• Eyeliner brush

Revealed 3 Palette

I'm not a big coastal scents fan, so I'm probably going to pass this along to someone.  This palette is nice though if you're into warm toned eyeshadow. This is an affordable palette, I think it goes for about $20 because it is on sale.

Nios Shield Leave in conditioner

I was happy to see this in the box!  This is a hair and scalp treatment that has SPF 15 to protect your scalp from harmful UV rays.  I tried it and it also feels like a smoothing cream which is great for fly away hair.

This is such a pretty minty color!  The brush is soft and made of synthetic hair, it also has a very fine tip which will help for making precise lines.

August 24th 2015:  This brush is great!  It is soft and as I had suspected, it makes precise lines so you can go draw on a thin line if you'd like.  

Mica Beauty gel eyeliner

I haven't tried this yet, so hopefully I remember to update this with my experiences!  The formula looks smooth, so I can't wait to give it a shot.

August 24th 2015:  I love, love, love this gel liner!  This formula is very smooth and creamy, it glides on effortlessly.  What makes this liner so amazing is that once it dries, it does not budge.  I wore this on a hot NYC summer day and it didn't melt or smudge, which is absolutely amazing. This is definitely worth having! 

So Susan hi lighter stick

 Unfortunately this was broken when I took it out.  The product was not in the tube, but instead smushed into the cap.  That's too bad because I saw that this was supposed to have a chiseled tip to make it easier to apply to one's face.  I have two other So Susan products, a blush and a concealer palette.  I love the blush, it is slightly shimmery and a natural pink, but the concealer palette is horrible.  The concealer is sticky and hard, it doesn't blend well.  I contacted Boxycharm about my broken product, so hopefully they can help me replace this.  I'll update about my experience with their customer service soon!

August 24th 2015: The Boxycharm support group got back to me about the damaged item.  They were friendly and told me they'd send me a new So Susam highlighter stick in my next box.  

August Glossybox Review 2015 & My Policy Experiences, Sparitual, MANNA, POP, Lollipops, Glam Glow

August will probably be my last glossy box—for a while at least.  Having 3 subscription boxes at once is a little on the completely insane side, so I decided to give up glossy box last month.  I cancelled my subscription on July 28th.  Apparently though, Glossybox requires you to cancel within the first two weeks of the month or else they will still charge you for next month's box and send it to you.  I didn't realize this so that's what happened to me, so I guess I have no choice but to review this months items.  Funny thing was, I saw what two of the items were for the box preview (the nail polish and cleanser) and I was happy that I wasn't getting for the box, but then I did.

This month I received:

• Sparitual nail polish in Magnify
• Glam Glow Mud cleanser
• Pop Kajhl eye pencil in Sooty Black
• MANNA Eyelash primer 
• Lollipops lip gloss in Délicieuse 

I'm not a big pink nail polish fan, unless it's a light and natural looking pink.  Surprisingly, this one is nice.  It's not quite hot pink and it's not quite barbie pink, it's a nice summer pink color.

I've been wanting an eyelash primer, so I was happy to receive this.  This is supposed to condition your lashes along with extending them.  My lashes do look a bit longer when I use this and then use mascara.  This makes them look naturally long.

I like this lipgloss, my only issue is how much is in the actual tube.  It looks like a big tube, but it is only 0.33 oz, so it's mostly air in the tube, making it a struggle to get the product out.  This is a very sweet smelling and tasting lipgloss that is conditioning.  Usually I wake up with chapped lips, but when I hap put this on before I went to sleep, I woke up with moisturized lips!  So I'm loving this product even though there isn't much of it.

I'm not a big Glam Glow fan, so I'm not going to bother trying this.  Many of their products are full of chemicals I can't pronounce, so I don't like to use it.

I like this eyeliner so much.  It goes onto my eyelids easily and at the other end of the pencil is a sponge for smudging so that you can make your eyeliner smokey.  I love that feature!  So this is great for a cat eye or a smudged liner; this is so versatile.  I find that I usually like the eyeliners glossy box gives me (although not all of them).

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

Glossy Box June 2015

The June Glossybox was inspired by "Miami Nights".  It was a really good box this month based on product sizes (majority full sized items) but it was a slightly disappointing box for me based on the actual products.  It has been a while since I have received a Glossybox that I'm completely in love with!  Here is a review:

Nexus New York Salon Care Color Assure Restoring Conditioner

Orly Nail Laquer in Porcelain 

Too Faced Cosmetics Better Than Sex Mascara

Être Belle Cosmetics Aloe Vera Ultra Moisturizing Gel

City Cosmetics City Lips in Clear

A few Glossy boxes ago, I received the shampoo version of this.  Now I have a complete set.  It smells nice and all, but it feels like I'm getting the same product as I did a few months ago!  I would have preferred something else.

The orly nail polish is cute; it is a mini version making it perfect for traveling—I already put it in my travel case.  I would have liked a bright summer color instead, especially since I've already gotten a light pink color in a glossybox before.

The City Lips gloss I'm not going to use, instead I'm going to give it one of my cousins.  This is a clear gloss and clear glosses remind me of my middle school days when I was obsessed with lip smackers which were always clear and made my lips look like lacquered plastic!  This seems just like that except a bit more sophisticated because of the lip plumping effect.

The aloe moisturizer has a really nice jelly-like texture that is cool to the touch!  Apparently it firms skin, but that is probably a long term thing if I keep using it.  At first this seemed like a deluxe sample, but when I looked at the Gloosy box information card, it says that a full size is 1.36 FL OZ which is what this is, and it costs $24.95!

I actually have the Better than Sex mascara already.  I bought it from Sephora maybe a year ago.  I love how this really lengthens and thickens my lashes, it also adds body because it curls my lashes slightly.  This one I received is a travel size one A.K.A deluxe sample.  This will be passed along to one of my cousins; I'm sure they'll want to give this mascara a try.

Ipsy Glam Bag—June 2015

I had been on the ipsy waitlist for about a month when I was finally notified at the end of May that I'd be receiving the June glam bag!  Ipsy is a subscription "box" (in this case a bag—it's a makeup bag full of beauty products) that costs $10 a month.  Everyone's bag is different, they have many items a month and they give you 5 based on your beauty profile.

I was able to "look into my beauty bag" early.  They give you the option to find out what products you'll be receiving by following their beauty guru's on instagram, subscribing to their youtube channel and sharing Ipsy on Facebook.  I had to make a Facebook just for this.  I was so excited to see what beauty products I'd be getting—the Swim into Beauty idea got me so excited!  When I saw what I would be getting, I was slightly disappointed, especially when I was able to see what all the other products were.  None of the items look like things I'd really want to try.

Dr Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner

J Cat Beauty Lipitude Hydrating Lip Stain 

Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Face Primer

Keratherapy Daily Smoothing Cream

tre'StiQue Mini Shadow Crayon

I was not very excited about the smash box primer.  I'm not a fan of smash box; I bought this primer a while ago (the full size) and found that it clogged my pores and had many chemicals in it that I did not want to put on my face!  The sample in my glam bag is small—it is a sample size.  I'll probably give this away.

The tre'StiQue shadow crayon is probably the only item I'm content with.  A eyeshadow crayon is a very interesting concept and the bronze-y color feels perfect for a summer day.  The cap is cute too—it looks like there is no cap on it!

The J Cat Beauty lip stain I'm giving away.  I'm usually such a huge fan of lip products, but this seems unappealing to me.  Maybe it's the packaging or maybe I'm disappointed that Ipsy was offering Too Faced Cosmetics melted lipstick which I would've liked to get!  In comparison this feel like a slight disappointment, but I'm sure my cousin won't mind if I give this to her!

The Keratherapy smoothing cream will be interesting to try.  It's a pretty big size and is meant to be used before heat styling.  

The Dr Brandt pore mask will also be a nice thing to have.  Unfortunately, I have pretty big pores on my nose, so hopefully this will minimize them like it is suppose to.

I have not tried the products so far, so sorry if this review wasn't helpful if you were looking for a detailed review of the actual products.  

Hopefully I get better Ispy products next month!  If you have Ipsy, feel free to tell me what you think about it!