This was definitely not a winning month for Birchbox and I am getting very close to canceling it. Birchbox has always had its ups and downs over the years, but for the past year or so, it's really been on it's A game. It was pretty much September-November that I haven't been a huge fan of the boxes I've been getting.

I will say a lot of it has to do with the fact that I have so many beauty products now that I'm just not as impressed with the products in the boxes as of late. Also, I've been getting a ton of perfume samples and since I'm allergic, it's a total waste for me.

I may stick it out one more month and see what happens in December but if that box is a bust, I'll probably cancel for a few months.

This month had to be one of my least favorite Birchboxes in over 3 years, which is funny because this had to be my favorite design on a box ever. It is gorgeous! I have it displayed on my desk with the LE Everyday Glamour Box and I'm obsessed with both designs.



Even though I really am not a fan of everything in the box, I do like all the products, I just wasn't impressed with the selection.




//Harvey Prince Yoigini Perfume: Yep, another perfume that I can't wear. Well, that's a lie. I've been experimenting with wearing perfume the past week and so far, so good. I haven't had an allergic reaction yet so we'll see how the it pans out. I wore this to work on Friday and it's a very subtle, feminine scent. It has notes of grapefruit and star jasmine which is really pleasant and pretty.

Full size: $57
Sample size: 3/5




//LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in Glam Life: I was probably most excited for this product, not going to lie. Earlier this month, Birchbox released their FIRST MAKEUP LINE and they partnered with one of my favorite Beauty Guru's,  Tati from GlamLifeGuru. They released eyeshadow sticks and matte lipsticks and every Birchbox subscriber got to sample one of the products in this months' box. I was happy I got the berry shade of lipstick and wore this last Friday. It's smooth, gorgeous, long wearing, and extremely easy to apply. This is definitely going to be a staple in my winter beauty routine.

Full size: $8
Sample size: 5/5




//Moroccanoil Hand Cream Fleur d' Oranger: I was less than thrilled to see another hand lotion in my Birchbox. Usually I don't mind these products but I have so many hand creams in rotation, I don't know what to do with them all. However, it was a nice surprise to see a full size product in a box. I also love the Moroccanoil brand so I enjoyed that as well. This would be a total win if it wasn't for the scent. I know it says it's an orange scent and I usually like citrus scents but this is just plain gross. It's so faint and subtle, but at the same time it's just not inviting. I've been using it because it's very moisturizing but the scent is horrible.

Full size: $24
Sample size: 5/5

//Number 4 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil: I have enough hair oil to last me 100 years. I definitely didn't need another one. I like the Number 4 brand and it's nice to have a tiny sample size to travel with but I wish I would've gotten something else instead of this. I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure it's great.

Full size: $26
Sample size: 2/5



//theBalm FratBoy Eyeshadow/blush: I don't have nearly as much theBalm products as I would like so whenever they pop up in my Birchbox, I am very happy. I've seen this product around before and have been curious to try it out. The sample is expectionally tiny and I don't know how I would ever get a blush brush into the little compact, nor would I use this color as an eyeshadow but I'll try it out and see what happens. theBalm is super high quality and I've never been disappointed with their products.

Full size: $21
Sample size: 1/5

We'll see what happens with Birchbox next month, otherwise I'll say bye-bye to it for a little while.

What did you get in your Birchbox this month?

I've been thinking a lot about Birchbox and maybe I don't need these monthly boxes filled with beauty products. I have enough products to last 3 lifetimes. It's beginning to get a tad bit overwhelming and I think about canceling my subscription more than once a month.

But then, I watch the Sample Choice videos, see the previews, the pretty box, and I'm so happy to spend my $10 a month on this baby. It doesn't get much better than Birchbox -- the points system is treating me pretty well these days, and the Customer Appreciation Day was such a deal breaker -- in a good way.

Every time I get my box, the overwhelming feeling gets wiped away. It's just too perfect!

(Side note: maybe I'll do a make-up declutter before the holidays and see what I have/use/don't use -- that's a good idea for the soul and for a good blog post)

Well, the September box was a special one because it was their 5 year anniversary box, meaning it was filled with some extra special goodies. I think this is the most samples I've ever received in a box and I was really happy with all of them.

All Birchbox subscribers also got 20% off to the Birchbox Shop included in their subscriptions so that is a nice little bonus. 20% off does a girl good in the shop.

Also -- Birchbox is doing a great deal this month! If you sign up for your first subscription, you get it for $5! That's 50% off a regular monthly subscription. Get a nice little box of samples for $5? That sounds perfect! Sign up here!





I haven't used any of the products that I received yet, but I am impressed with the quality of them all. I think I was a little scared of the eyeshadow palette thinking it would be cheap, but I should've known -- Birchbox never steers me wrong!

//Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser: I've heard a lot of thing about Malin + Goetz in subscription services but have never tried anything from them. Well, that's still true because I haven't tried this yet :( It says that it clears breakouts & balances out your skin's pH so it should be good! I love getting cleansers in subscription boxes because they're great to travel with but I also really like trying new ones out! As a bonus item, I got the Malin + Goetz vitamin e moisturizer (which I also haven't tried yet)

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $26

//Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo: I haven't tried this either (like I said, I haven't tried anything) but this I especially haven't tried this because I still have a bit of keratin treatment in my hair so I didn't want to use any shampoos that aren't sulfate free. This is an amazing sample size and I am excited to try it out, since it says it smoothes out frizz & tangle proned hair. I also got a bonus with this, the Davines LOVE conditioner!

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: $35

//NERD Skincare Super Hydrating Mask: I always appreciate a good sheet mask to add to my ever growing collection. This isn't so different. I've never heard of NERD Skincare but it seems fancy since a set of 3 masks are $27!! This mask is supposed to give you a more youthful, smoother complexion so I may save this for a really tired skin day.

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: 3 for $27

//Pop Beauty POP Portfolio Eyeshadow in Sugar Plum: I never received a POP Eyeshadow and I think I was always very scared that I would get one. I thought the packaging looked cheap and that the product would be no different. Well, I was terribly wrong. The packaging may look a little cheap but it doesn't feel it-- and the eyeshadows are pigmented, smooth, and rather large. I'm really happy I got this little trio and I hope I get more!

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $24

//Rituals Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel: A foaming shower gel? That sounded interesting to me yet I haven't tried it out yet! It's supposed to be very moisturizing and soothing which I hope is true because my skin is already getting dry.

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $25

I am definitely a little late in posting this (I think I got my Birchbox a little late) and in actually reviewing the products but life has just been getting the best of me lately! #sobusy

All in all, I was relatively happy with this Birchbox and I can't wait to see what October (OMG) has in store :)

What did everyone else get in their Birchbox this month?

It feels like as soon as I write one Birchbox review, the next month's box arrives at my doorstep. It also seems that the moment we all receive one month, Birchbox is already talking about the next month!

I love getting these monthly boxes delivered to my door... it's like a little present each month. I have though, been thinking a lot about cancelling. Not because I don't enjoy it, not because I don't have the money, but because I have come to the realization that I have too much stuff.

The other night I was so overwhelmed by my room that I start throwing things out and reorganizing everything. I went through my Ikea drawers and just threw away old, expired make-up and got my shit together.

I started taking unused and unopened items and putting them in a "goodie bag" along with a lot of beauty items I've collected since starting my new job as a Social Media Coordinator for a major beauty brand.

I love "stuff" but it's getting to be a little ridiculous. I may stop Ipsy after the next month, just because I really do adore Birchbox and all the added amenities that come with the subscription.

If you haven't signed up for Birchbox yet, check it out. For $10 a month you get 4-6 beauty or lifestyle items. You can customize your profile to fit your needs, wants, and style, and I have to say, they're pretty accurate when it comes to giving you what you want.

This month was pretty awesome, aside from a gorgeous smelling perfume sample that I can't use because I'm allergic to fragrance (crying emoji).


Before we get into what I got in my box, can we take a moment to admire the gorgeousness that is this box? I am so happy that Birchbox has gotten rid of the plain, old brown boxes and has been sending these beauties in beautifully designed boxes. It makes it that much sweeter!



Here's everything I got in my July Birchbox:



//Bumble & Bumble All-Style Blow Dry: I have never used anything from Bumble & Bumble but I've heard amazing things about them. I'm so happy that Birchbox is now carrying the full line so maybe now I could try more! I haven't used this yet because I don't blow dry my hair in the summer but I'll be sure to test it out soon!

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $30



//Cartier La Panthere Eau De Parfum: This smells SO GOOD. I was so sad to see a perfume sample in my box this month... I usually never minded it before but after finding out I was allergic to perfumes back in January, I feel like this is a wasted sample. If I wasn't allergic, I probably would've used this entire bottle already.

Sample size: 2/5
Full size: $100 (MY GOD THAT IS EXPENSIVE)



//Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant: I always love getting skincare items in my boxes, mostly because they're easy to go through and I can always tell if I'll like something after a few tries. I love Dr. Brandt and I'm obsessed with exfoliators so this item made me happy. I haven't tried it yet but I have no doubt that I'll love it.

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $78



//Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer: I love getting Liz Earle products in my Birchbox because 1) they're amazing and 2) they're always ridiculously large samples. I've been having a moment with skin sprays lately and this spray toner is fueling the addiction. It smells a little weird but is very refreshing. It says that you can use it for all skin types, either to prep your skin for make-up, set your make-up or just as a refresher throughout the day. I've been using it to prep my skin for my daytime skincare & nighttime, and just to refresh throughout the day. I love it!

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $25 (probably will repurchase since the price is right)




//Stila Look at Me Liquid Lipstick: Everyone received one of these in their Birchbox this month and we were able to pick what color we wanted. I chose this hot pink shade called "Bella" and my goodness it is bright. It's stunning, I don't know where I'm going to wear it because bright lips, for me at least, are reserved for nights out or a brunch with friends, but I need to find somewhere to rock this bright pink lip.

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $22


This was honestly a really good box. The only item I was meh about was the perfume-- everything else I will get an insane amount of use of!

What is your favorite subscription service? Tell me in the comments!

It's no secret that I'm a huge subscription box junkie. I love the idea of subscription boxes; little gifts delivered to your door every month. Whether it's jewelry, food, or beauty, I think they're all awesome!

Beauty subscriptions are the OG of subscription boxes and I feel like everyone is coming out with one now. I've seen over the past year or so, that Target started a seasonal beauty box. I've always been intrigued because uh, Target is BAE and it's not a subscription box you can sign up for.

Target releases a box of goodness for $7 filled with full size, sample size, and foil packet items from their beauty section. That means skincare, make-up, nail polish, and tools. It's actually pretty awesome because the value of the box always, for sure, exceeds $7.

The hard thing is, is that since you don't subscribe, you have to pay attention and keep an eye out for when the box is released on Target's website. It sells out pretty fast, and you have to actually go through an order process of placing the box in your cart, filling out the info, etc.

One day I was online, looking through the many beauty Facebook groups I'm part of and saw that someone posted about the Target Beauty Box. I immediately clicked the link and bought the box for $7. It didn't take too long to ship and before I knew it, this box of heaven was on my doorstep.

It's a really nice box, sturdy and feels a little luxurious. It comes with a card that tells you the name and description of everything in the box, along with nice, red tissue paper.




I knew what was coming in the box before it arrived because you can see it on the Target website, I was wonderfully surprised to open this box and see what was inside. (I got this box over a month ago, but haven't had a moment to blog about it until now) I remember being so giddy and squealing when I saw everything inside.

Here's everything that was inside this incredible box:


//Revlon HD Lipstick: I didn't really have a desire to try this product, hence why I didn't buy it myself, but it was a very nice surprise. It's a smooth, creamy consistency and applies really nicely. I haven't had a chance to wear it because it's a fire engine red color and while I love it, I don't wear that kind of color everyday.



//Olay Regenerist Luminous HydraSwirl Eye Cream: I was most excited for this product because I'm a sucker for an eye cream, especially one that gears toward tired eyes and dark circles. It has a luminous swirl which helps with brightening the undereye area. I think this product does actually work because whenever I use it, my eyes do look brighter the next morning. I have very sensitive under-eyes and this does slightly irritate it but nothing that I can't handle. I have continued to use this, switching off with another eye cream that I'll talk about in another post, and I do like it. It was definitely a nice addition to the box, which increased the value by a lot.



//Sinful Colors Nail Polish: I already did a Manicure Monday on this color called Thimbleberry but I was really excited for it. I painted my nails the moment I took it out of the box. This color is the perfect summer coral/pink/reddish color and the formula is pretty good. Sinful Colors is pretty inexpensive and it's hard to find a good formula when something is that cheap but this was a nice surprise. 



//Fekkai Professional HairCare: The thing I liked about the Target box was that even though you knew what was coming, there were multiple types of boxes and people got different products, different colors, etc. The Fekkai product I got was a deluxe sample size of the Pre-Solei Hair Radiance and Protection Mist. I just got a Keratin treatment so I feel like I don't need to use extra haircare products but after using this a few times, I know I have too. It helps tame the frizz, makes your hair shiny, and smells fantastic. It's an actual spray bottle, not an aerosal can which I prefer. This sample will last a long time and I'm a sucker for hair products so bring it on, Target! 



//Cutex Advanced Nail Remover Pads: This little packette came with three remover wipes and I'm confused as to why I didn't go out and buy a full size yet. These pads took my nail polish off like a dream. It didn't leave a residue, took the color off completely and was super fast and easy. I've never loved a nail polish remover so much.

I will for sure be buying this box when it hits shelves, I'm assuming soon, for the Fall season. Follow me on Twitter and I'll let everyone know when it's available again! 

Have you ever subscribed to the Target BeautyBox? What's your favorite subscription service?

Wow, Ipsy is back? Yes, yes it is.

I've seen so many people getting sick Ipsy bags lately, and I figured I'd give it a go again. A little over a year ago (I think, maybe longer than that) I canceled my Ipsy bag. I couldn't be bothered with the shittiness anymore. I was getting things I had no use for, from brands I didn't like, it was just annoying and I felt like I was wasting my money.

Since having so much luck with Birchbox, I went back to them late Fall of 2014. It was then that I started seeing people LOVING Ipsy and the thought was always in my mind.

I have an extra $10 a month now for another beauty subscription (as if I need more beauty products). I decided on a whim to try it out, especially after I saw people getting a Too Faced Melted Lipstick in their June bag.

Ipsy is similar and different to Birchbox. It's $10 a month and you get 4-5 samples, although you also get a bag instead of a box. I always appreciated the Ipsy bags because I get great use out of them. I'm a bag lady, if you didn't already know.

Ipsy has since stepped up their game in regards to points and an online shop, similar to Birchbox. You can review the items in your bag, share your bag on social media, for points. When you rack up enough points, it seems that you can redeem for a full size product. There are only select items you can score on a monthly basis... I know back in June you could get a FULL SIZE Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, before it was even released. That is a great perk.

Ipsy also has discounts on the items in your bag.. You can get 15-20% off if you'd like to purchase the full size. I don't think Ipsy has an actual shop like Birchbox does, but they do have exclusive offers on select items every week, for a discounted price, which is a great bonus.

It's little add ons like that, that to me, make a difference when choosing a subscription box. I want more of an experience, and I think Ipsy always lacked that but they're coming up strong.




I thought my first bag would be July but to my surprise, it was June and my goodness, it was amazing. The bag itself wasn't super pretty, just a plain black with the Ipsy logo embossed all over it. The material was nice though, it felt like bathing suit material, perfect for summer.

Let's see what I got...



//Jules & Ester Vitamin C Serum: I need to get into serums, and I like the idea of a Vitamin C one since it has brightening effects. The problem is, whenever I use one, my skin freaks out. I've tried many serums that just haven't worked out for me, so I haven't tried this yet. It seems to be full size which is always a great thing, so I'll have to try it out and see how it works.




//Aurora Gel Effects Nail Polish in 4 Alarm Fire: I will never turn down a nail polish and this bad boy is perfect. It's a great summer, neon coral color and it applies like a dream. It's supposed to have the look and feel of a gel manicure and it really does. It lasted on my nails for quite a while, a little less than a week before it started to chip. This has quickly become a summer staple so expect to see a Manicure Monday very soon!



//Bio Republic Skincare Sheet Mask Trio: Usually in a subscription box you get one sheet mask, or a small sample of a regular mask. Ipsy changed the game by giving us THREE sheet masks from Bio Republic. I haven't tried them yet but I've never met a mask I didn't like. Throwing in three different masks is a sure fire way to my heart!




//Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Candy: This was why I subscribed and if we continue to get products from high end brands, it will be the reason I stay. I LOVE the Too Faced Melted Liquified Lipsticks and I was SO happy to get a mini size of this red shade. I thought I had a review on this lipstick that I have in Chihuahua but I couldn't find it.. odd. It's a liquid lipstick that goes on like a gloss but is thicker and has the semi matte finish of a lipstick. They're supposed to be long wearing and transfer proof but I think I apply it wrong (have to try again). Either way, I love this product and I want more so this sample is a great way to start!





//Tre'Stique Mini Shadow Crayon: I love cream shadows, and I love shadow crayons. They're easy to apply and last longer than a regular shadow, in my opinion. They're a no fuss way to apply eyeshadow, my least favorite beauty product to apply. This mini shadow came in the color Apen Pine and I am so glad to add it to my collection. I don't have any green shadows and I really like the way they look on me so this will come in handy for the fall. It's a standard shadow stick formula, not to greasy, not too stiff, easy to apply and smooth to the touch. This was definitely a win in my book.

All in all, my first Ipsy bag was a huge success. I loved all the products I got and wasn't disappointed in the slightest. It was definitely worth the $10 and I'm so excited for my July bag!

What do you think of Ipsy? What is your favorite beauty subscription service?  Tell me in the comments!

I've been a subscriber of Birchbox ever since I started this blog, so a little over three years. I stopped subscriptions in-between because I was a broke college student at one point, but I've loved Birchbox every step of the way.

It really has opened so many doors for me in terms of make-up and I've learned about so many brands & products that I now know and love. It's been awesome to try new products every month and then have the chance to buy the full size, using discount codes & points in the Birchbox Shop.

Three years, countless boxes, and more beauty samples than I could count, you could imagine how many samples I've accumulated and how much I actually have tried.

I've had this type of post written down in my notes for a while and after hitting the 3 year mark (give or take a few boxes), I thought it would be a great idea to do now!

There have been products I've received in Birchboxes that I love, some I've hated, and some I just didn't have an opinion on.



Some of these products are from my first Birchboxes and are long gone, but I haven't forgotten how much I loved them, and some are newer products that I've fallen in love with.

1. Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion: I have major eye issues, from dryness to puffiness to allergies, I'm a mess. When I saw I was getting this "soothing" lotion in my April 2015 Birchbox (which was a Mad Men Inspired Box) I was thrilled. It's a great size sample and it's more liquid than lotion. It has a very subtle cooling effect and really soothes my eyes in the morning. I definitely notice a difference when I use this and I may just buy the full size when I run out!

2. theBalm Read My Lips Lip-gloss: This is the lip-gloss that converted me into loving lip gloss. I realized that companies were making lip gloss less sticky and more nourishing and pigmented. Since receiving this in my February 2015 Birchbox, I've worn this more than I could ever imagine and it's become a staple in my beauty routine. It gives the nicest wash of color and doesn't feel sticky at all. I will definitely buy the full size (and in more colors) once I use this up.

3. Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser: Okay, so until I was writing this post, I thought this product was like over $50 but it's only $32 and I may have to buy it. This was one sample I didn't want to end. It's a rough exfoliate cleanser but leaves your skin super soft and smooth. It's an odd consistency because it feels like sand and then you add water to it and it becomes a foam. I'm just realizing how much I miss it and I need it back now!

4. Tocca Crema de Mano Luxe Hand Cream: I received this lotion in the same box as the Suki Exfoliate and it's still going strong. I now keep it at work and I'm obsessed. I used it sparingly because I wanted it to last and I know I will have to buy a full size soon. It's the perfect consistency for an everyday hand lotion, not too greasy, not too heavy, it's very light and airy. It also has the most incredible scent. I have the scent Bianca which is green tea & lemon, but I'm tempted to try out a different one next time. UGH give me it now!

5. Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint: It's time to throw it back to my April 2013 box and this little devil. It was a small tube from what I remember but I used the entire thing up. This was when I was kind of clueless on the beauty front but I loved the glow this product gave my skin. With a $40 price tag, I'm going to have to build up to buying this again but I know the Jouer tints (luminizing or matte) are worth it!

6. Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum: I received this in my March 2013 box and I still have it. It's on its last leg and I have to fight with the packaging to get a little bit out. This really works. I swear to God, it works. It clears up my blemishes instantly and has been my go to for the past two years. I will 100% need a full size when this runs out for good.

7. theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer: I didn't realize what this product really was until I started watching Youtube and everyone was gushing over it. It is definitely a cult classic highlight in the beauty world and I still have my baby sample. It is just so intense but yet subtle if you use a light hand. It gives off a gorgeous glow and makes your skin look amazing.

8. Skin, An Apothecary Soy Body Whip: OMG. This may be my favorite sample ever. It is a rich, nourishing body butter that makes your skin feel so nice. It smells incredible and isn't too greasy. It is one of the most perfect body butters/lotions/whips I've ever tried and I know I still have it floating around somewhere!

I definitely have a few more products that were my favorites but these are definitely my top 8!

What products have you discovered from your Birchbox or other beauty subscription services?

It's that time of the month again!

This month for Birchbox, I didn't choose the curated box nor did I pick any sample products. It was a total surprise and I'm always super anxious to see what I get when I know everything is a complete surprise. All of the sample choices were hair products and I had a feeling I'd be receiving one of them anyways, whether I chose it or not.

I was in fact, right, and I was so happy that I got what I did.


Most of my box was skincare and one makeup product. I didn't mind this because I've been kind of obsessed with skincare lately.





Here's what I got in my March Birchbox!

//Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Creme: I love a good lotion and this was a pretty nice sized sample. It has an odd smell, very herbal, but after one or two uses you barely notice it. I've been keeping this in my desk drawer and it's very hydarting, nourishing but not greasy in the slightest. This is a definite plus for me!

Full size: $19
Sample Size: 4/5

//It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product: This is what I was most excited about! This was the sample I would've chosen if it wasn't sold out when I went to go choose. I've used this product before and it's incredible. I've been looking for a great leave in conditioner that won't weigh my hair down and honestly, this is it. It smells fantastic, leaves your hair shiny and soft, and I'm basically obsessed.

Full size: $18
Sample Size: 5/5





//Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Highlighter: I'm all about highlighters and I'm always willingly to try out new ones. This is unlike anything else I have. It looks like a nail polish and it's a rose gold, bronze color. I haven't applied this to my face yet but when applied to my hand, it gives such a great J.Lo type glow. I don't have many liquid highlighters so I'm happy to add this to my collection.

Full size: $12.75
Sample Size: 4/5



Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: Okay, I've been wanting to try something like this since I found out about this type of product. What you do is, when you're ready to wash your face, rub this cleanser all over your face (with a full face of makeup), let it sit and it'll break down your makeup. Then you go in with the cloth (soaked in hot water) and rub it all off. It's sort of like a cleansing balm and I think it's pretty cool. It really does dissolve all my makeup, replacing a makeup remover wipe which I think is a great alternative.

Full size: $25.50
Sample Size: 3/5



//Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Masque Treatment: I haven't used this yet and I'm skeptical because it's supposed to reduce the signs of wrinkles and being 22 years old, I don't have any yet. I will be using this soon because it's there and it's a face mask and I love face masks.

Full size: Set of 10 $110 (IS THIS A JOKE)
Sample Size: 2/5

See? Lots of skincare! Anyways, I was really happy with this box and already can't wait for April's!

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? What did you get this month?