Beauty Army February 2012

This is my second month of Beauty Army and I feel like the company is really starting to get their name out there. The samples are still great size and I feel like some are still in the "what is this brand" range but it gives me a nice variety when I choose. I do hope for more make up in the future but as my second month, I am still satisfied.

Remember, this is the service where you get to choose what you want your samples to be. The samples that are selected for you (which you then get to choose 6 of the 9 selected) are based off your quiz, which I don't feel really reflects your answers too much yet but hopefully in the future.

This is also the subscription that has a really nice reusable box!

Here is what I got in my box:


Lets go through each individual item:

Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Body Scrub - $5.06

I haven't tried this yet since I like to blog about the stuff first but it doesn't smell like coconut citrus. To me, it smells like lemon and crackers or something. The formula seems a bit "dry" compared to other scrubs I have seen but I can't wait to try it out.

SunFX Body Shimmber - $8.11

I got the body wash in my last box and I wasn't much of a fan but I decided to try this because some of the other samples weren't that appealing. One thing I can say is that it smells FANTASTIC. Although, every time I open it up, product comes oozing out. I am not too big on the whole shimmer thing but I can just wear it when I am not going out to avoid looking like a disco ball.

Weleda Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion - $3.40

I didn't look at the description when I picked this but this is for oily to combination skin. Since I have dry skin, I won't be using this. I am going to add it to my sample drawer and maybe a friend or family member can use it.

Mama Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer - $13.24

This is interesting. It is never too late to try to defy migration I suppose! It smells citrusy.

myface blingtone eye shadow in bellbottom blues- $20.00

I wasn't much of a fan of the shadow I got in my last box (it was brown, but way too glittery for me) so I knew that I wanted to get this for the giveaway. This will be added to February's giveaway!

LaRocca Skincare 24K Exfoliating Cleanser - $11.25

This looks really cool. I haven't tried it yet but the reviews are awesome. It kind of smells like feet and lemons to me so I am not looking forward to that but hopefully the smell with be different once applied.

The breakdown:
Box: Beauty Army February 2012
Price: $12.00 a month
Monetary Value: $61.06
Keeping subscription?: Yes!

Their boxes value always come up to almost 5 times what I paid. Granted monetary value isn't everything but it is nice to be able to get nice deluxe sized samples for once, seems like other companies are giving out mini samples lately. I really enjoy this service and I can't wait to see what is in store for March!

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February Giveaway!

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As you know, I have decided that I will be giving away the items that I don't need from every box that I get to you guys. A lot of the samples I receive are things that I might already have or something I just know I wouldn't use, so that works out great for you guys!

February's giveaway is STUFFED with items, I couldn't fit it all in the bag!

This is what you will receive:

• 2 Blum Naturals Exfoliating Towelettes - $0.80
• Coastal Scents Brow Tones - $7.95
• Eboost Daily Health Booster - $1.40
• 1 Heart File - $?
• myface blingtone eye shadow in bellbottom blues- $20.00
• Glamour Doll Eyes OTM Shadow in Heedless Heart - $6.00
• S.S. Soap Co Gingerbread Caffeinated Soap - $0.72
• Julep Maven Polish in Oscar - $14.00
• Endangered Wildlife Organic Lip Balm - $2.99
• Shaveworks Cool Fix Targeted Gel Lotion - $?
• Philosophy Field of Flowers Body Lotion - $1.25
• Calista Tools Achieve 10 Styling Cream - $10.50
• 2 BIC Mark-it Permanent Markers - $2.12

Total Prize Value: $67.73++

This pack will actually come in the bag I got from MyGlam because I have a million make up bags already!

And the rules:

1. You must be a follower of this blog.
2. You must be at least 18 years old or with parents permission.
3. It is open internationally!

Below is the entry form. You must enter the "follower" part but the other entries are optional. The other entries will get you extra spots in the giveaway and winner will be chosen via random.org by the widget, not by me!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
PLEASE NOTE: I WILL be going through each entry to make sure that you have followed all the rules and entered correctly, if you haven't your entry will be deleted.

Winner will be announced 1 week from today (so March 5th) and you will have 24 hours to contact me back. The winner will be announced in a new post, so if you're a follower, you should automatically get the updates. If the winner does not contact me within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!!

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Birchbox February 2012

Just a tad underwhelmed with my BirchBox this month. Doesn't mean I don't like BB or I will be dropping them, I know you can't please everyone but the vast differences in boxes this month was a tad outrageous. I got a box that most people were unhappy about. I was just wishing for one thing that I didn't receive, but that is ok. Like I said, you can't win them all, it just makes me all that more excited.

I received box #10. I was under the impression (was tweeted about this) that I would get something "extra special" this month but wasn't told that it was for certain members, was a little upset about that, but I will live.

Here is what was inside:


Lets go through each individual item:

LA Fresh Eco-Beauty Waterproof Makeup Remover - $2.22

I took these on a trip with me and these were terrible. They left my skin feeling so oily that I had to wash my face after and it still felt oily. I would never repurchase these.

2 Heart Nail Files - $?

These are so cute and such a great extra for Valentines day. I am one of those weird people that hate's the feelings of things and this is one of them, eesh. Since I have 2, I am saving one for the February Giveaway!

BENTA BERRY G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream - $2.20

My little card says that the full size of this is $110, but when I login to BB, it says $22, so the heart attack is over. This also says that it regulates oil levels on the face, which I don't have oily skin so I am not sure why this was sent to me. It does feel nice and smells awesome.

Eye Rock Designer Liner - $6.50

These are a rather interesting concept. Not too excited about them, I will try them but I don't have many high hopes.

colorescience pro® Pressed Mineral Foundation - $6.19

Not too sure about this either, I don't typically wear face make up. Maybe I will save it for a slight chance that I want to.

The breakdown:
Bag: BirchBox Februray 2012
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $17.11
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

As you can tell, this box was not fascinating in the least. I think this might have been my least monetary value in which I have ever gotten from BB. Now, I am not complaining because it does still cover my $10 that I paid but for the people that got boxes worth $30 and up, it's a bummer that we got these little ones.

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LaROCCA Multi-Active Lip Balm Review!

This is my review on the LaROCCA Mutil-Active Lip Balm that I received in my January Beauty Army box.

Before I get into the review and more specifics, let me show you some pictures:





One coat


Two coats

Defend against Germs with LaRocca Skincare's Multi-Active Natural Lip Balm is the ultimate in lip treatments. This balm, made with Hyaluronic Acid and Camu Camu, is specifically formulated to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin while helping in protecting against germs and bacteria. Mangosteen Extract and Brazilian Cha de Burge provide anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Sea Buckthorn provides essential omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals while amino acids aid in the process of collagen formation for softer, healthier lips.

Packaging (5/5):
I find the packaging to minimum but still cute. It's fairly small for easy carrying. The tube itself is matte so you won't get fingerprints on it. The applicator is slanted so it's easy to apply.

Product (4/5):
I enjoy this balm. I find it to be really moisturizing, flattering and easy to wear. I love the color. The only issue I have with this is the taste. I can't figure out what it tastes like but its not my favorite. I also feel like this should be marked more as a gloss and not a balm.

Longevity (4/5):
I am giving this a 4 because I feel like after a few hours I have buildup on my lips.

Price (3.5/5):
The price is $16 for 8ml, which is a little expensive for a lip product in my opinion. I do like this however, if I wouldn't have gotten it in a box, I probably wouldn't have seeked it out myself. There are many other "balms" out there that will do the same thing for less.

Overall (4.125/5):
Overall this is a good balm. It is worth a try if you love lip products. There are 5 different shades to choose from so if the pink doesn't work for you, there might be something that does.

You can get this at LaROCCA for $16.

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Sample Box January 2012 Look!

I am a tad bit late with my sample box look this month but oh well, better late than never right?

There were more make up items in January so I was able to do almost a full look. Since the shadows I received were all light, I did a more subtle simple look and used the eye liner I received as a pop of color, which you can't tell in the pictures.

Here we go:


What I am using:

• (Beauty Army) myface blingtone eye shadow in morococo - $20.00
• (Beauty Army) LaROCCA Multi-Active Lip Balm in Proseco - $16.00
• (Birchbox) stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Purple Tang - $20.00
• (MyGlam) TheBalm Eye Shadow in Luscious Lani - $16.00
• (MyGlam) Sheer Cover Concealer - $19.95

And here are some more images:





In the last image I have on:
Blossoms Lip Color & Shimmer with Aloe in Sunset - $8.99 (member price)
from my GoGoGirlfriend December Box. (DO NOT LIKE, took it off immediately!)

Opinions: I really enjoyed theBalm shadow, however, I feel it was relatively close to the shadow we got in the December MyGlam bag. I love neutrals so it was ok with me, I just would have liked something darker, or even the green they were also giving out. The blingtone shadow from BeautyArmy I could have done without. They're not joking when they said blingtone, it is like a glitter ball on crack. I feel it was a little too glittery for my age. I rather enjoyed the stila eye liner from birchbox. The color purple was great for my eyes, I don't typically go for purple but have been lately and I love it. The LaROCCA gloss is a great color, nice and baby pink and very moisturizing. The Sheer Cover I could also do without. It was a tad too dark for me and since I don't typically use face products, the concealer might be sitting in my collection for a while.

So there is my look, I hope you enjoyed.

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Julep Maven Sign Up: $0.01

EDITED TO ADD: I just found another code. "COLOR2012" gets your box for $0.01. You can't beat that!!

Have you ever thought about signing up for Julep Maven but didn't want to spend $20 on the polish if you didn't like it? Well they're having a promotion right now where you can get your first box for $1, which is awesome. My first box was actually only $0.01 and I fell in love, I am now on my third box.



Just go to the Julep Maven website and then click on "Julep Maven". In the left hand column, there are links, click on "How Do I Become A Maven?". From there, you will take a quiz. Once you figure out your "style", it will show you the box you will receive. If you don't like that box, choose another one. There are 5 to choose from (I believe). At check out, use the code "SHAREONFEB" and it will make your box just $1.

If you love nail polish, this is something you have to definitely try out. If you don't like it, you can cancel after you get your box or even if you do like it but don't want to keep it, you can still cancel!

Enjoy!!

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OTM, February now available!!

Each month, GDE will release a new color (it may be a shadow, an eye light, or something else extra special) and people who subscribe to this "OTM" service will get the first chance to see it. The new color will be posted on the 15th of each month. For those who have a subscription, your new color will ship on the 10th of the month (or before), so if you're in the US, you can possibly get a sneak peek of the color. After subscriptions are sent out, the rest will be up for sale on the 15th.

The catch is, that only 100 of each color will be made a month. So if there are 56 subscription members, then only 44 of those colors will be sold individually. If you're subscribed each month, you won't have to worry about not being able to get the next color. I am offering a 3 month and a 6 month, just because I don't know how well it will go. I am not offering monthly or yearly because I don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

Subscriptions must be paid for up front. So you're paying up front for 3 or 6 months worth of shadow.

February 2012s color is called "Heedless Heart".

This color is an an almost metallic rose gold.

This month we teamed up with one of your favorite YT gurus, ThatGirlShaeXo to bring you a more modern approach to Valentines Day. Who wants traditional reds and pinks anyways? This months color is not lip safe OR vegan.

You can sign up for the subscription here, or just pick up this color for $6.00.

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February 2011, a year ago with Birchbox!

I have been receiving a Birchbox for a year now, wow, how time flies. My first ever BB was in February 2011 and I found it fitting to do a "Year Ago" series to see what I got in my box in the said month, a year ago. I will also tell you what I thought about each product and so on.

Since I don't really have the items anymore in most cases, I am not going to show all the pictures. I will use the pictures from their website and just list what I received.

Hi there,

We think you don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to share the love - we heart our members - you deserve treats all year-round!

This month’s box is all about indulgence in its many forms, from a deliciously effective exfoliating cleanser to a hydrating moisturizer packed with antioxidants. We’ve also included an ultra flattering highlighter that will turn you into a dewy goddess and a smudge-proof mascara that adds tons of volume and length. Seeing as how we’re chocolate addicts, we couldn’t resist adding sweetriot’s dark chocolate cocoa nibs, tasty treats with a mission of social responsibility.

Since you’re already in the indulgent mindset, why not give in to your beauty impulses? Our website is full of inspiration, from a fun peek into the world of nail art to a guide to finding the pink lipstick for your personality. We have beauty tips from the adorable sisters behind up-and-awesome jewelry line Dannijo, video tutorials on rosy cheeks, concealing undereye circles, and much more.

Dark chocolate kisses,

Hayley, Katia, and the Birchbox team

1. bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara - Full Size: $18.00
I did use this, however, I don't recall it being super spectacular. I have a ton of mascaras waiting to be used so I rarely ever rebuy a mascara unless it is to die for.

2. Befine Exfoliating Cleanser - Full Size: $25.00
I loved this cleanser, I actually repurchased it from Ulta twice before moving onto something else. I see a lot of people getting other things from Befine from time to time and I secretly hope that I get something else soon too!

3. NARS Orgasm Illuminator - Full Size: $29.00
I still have this and use it once in a while. I use it mainly for a highlighter when I want more of a natural pinky glow than a white or golden glow which most of my highlighters are. I don't think I would ever repurchase it.

4. Pomega5 Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer - Full Size: $58.00
I never used this.

5. sweetriot Dark Chocolate Covered Cacao Nibs - Full Size: $0.00
I am not too big of a fan of dark chocolate so I remember I didn't finish these, I did try them though, I didn't like them much.

So there we have it, that is everything I received in my very first BB. I think the items were pretty good, we got 2 great size make up items which is almost unheard of these days. And for everyone who complains about the food that are in them these days, they did this from the beginning (which is a touch I enjoy)!

What did you get in your first BB?

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GoGoGirlfriend "Deluxe Box" December 2011

Yes I know that says December, but this is the December Deluxe box. I ordered this on 12-5-11, and even though I knew it wouldn't get here before Christmas, I was surprised to find out that I would get it until almost half way through February. GoGoGirlfriend has been on a lot of people's do not sub to list lately because of their extreme lack of promptness (I still have not received my January box) and their lack of professional emails (and not to mention the dollar store "feeling" of the samples you receive). I have considered dropping them, however, I have MANY points that I need to cash in before I do that so I believe that my next 5 boxes are free. Since they're "free" boxes, I will continue to receive them until my points run up.

This is a different from the "monthly" box you get for being a member, this is a deluxe box which has much more stuff in it and you have to pay for it. This particular box cost $28, however, I got it for free because I used my points. This did take over 2 months to receive and I did receive several emails saying "it will be shipped this weekend" or "it will be shipped by XX" and also in those emails they would blame other companies for not getting the supply to them fast enough. Not too big of a deal to me, I wasn't out any money and my life didn't depend on getting that $2 make up item but I can see where it would irritate quite a few people.

Enough blabbering, here is what I got in my box:


Lets go through each individual item:

Coastal Scents "Coat" Polish in Peony - $3.95

These are pretty new to Coastal Scents and I have been thinking about picking a few up but I am on a no buy nail polish limit. Very excited to see this in my box. It looks to be a color that I don't already have as well (I know, what girl doesn't have a hot pink polish!?). I was reading some of the reviews on the website and people love these polishes!

Camille Beckman Citrus Mint Foot Therapy - $0.65

I am personally over the whole "Camille Beckman" stuff in these GGG boxes, I feel like every box I get something from their and I don't particularly like them (although, I don't hate them). I have never received a foot therapy cream from them so I guess it's different and I am a little excited to receive it, however it does seem kind of small to use more than just once.

Camille Beckman Midnight Monarch Glycerine Hand Therapy - $1.95

Deja vu? Look, another one. I could have done without this. I could have done without the butterfly too, kinda tacky IMO.

Doctor Sweet Tooth Dry Shampoo - $3.32

Not much of a dry shampoo person, I don't like the feeling of most things in my hair but I will give it a shot, probably on a day I wouldn't have to go anywhere so that if I didn't like it I could take a shower.

GoGoGirlfriend Cherry Almond Soap Bar - $4.99

This stuff smells so good and I have said it before. Very happy with this item.

Oluv Skin Touch Serum - $7.50

I wouldn't normally pick something out like this for myself as it's very greasy (and the smell, chamomile, is not my favorite) but I did put some on my hand and saw some nice moisture. I have a problem with keeping my hands moisturized since I wash them so much.

Coastal Scents S14 Hot Pot - $1.99

Looks like its now called "Regalia Purple". I don't normally wear purple but decided one day to wear it and I love it on my brown eyes. I can't wait to use this, and as you can tell from the swatch, it's pretty gorgeous!

Blossoms Duel Eye Pencil - $5.99

I am always open to try new make up items and this one is ok. It seems a little more glittery than my taste but it does blend out nicely. Might be a nice eye liner.

Blum Naturals Exfoliating Towelettes - $3.99

I got one of these in my December box and I wasn't such a fan. They will be nice to have by my make up desk to take off swatches or something but if I remember correctly, it was pretty harsh, maybe too harsh for face. Since there are 10, I will put 2 in the February giveaway as well!

Naturella Facial Conditioner - $1.99

These are free on the Naturella website, you just pay for shipping. I wasn't too excited about this until I just said that its a face moisturizer. Living in the desert, my skin gets dried out and I am always cautious with what I put on my face, I can't wait to try this!

Brow & Comb Grooming Brush - $7.95

I love brushes like these (and spoolies), so no complaints on this one!

Coastal Scents Brow Tones - $7.95

I have my holy grail eye brow palette so I am going to keep this for the February giveaway. I think it could also be used as an eye shadow palette if the person didn't necessarily want to use it for brows!

Turbie Twist Hair Towel - $7.95

I am actually REALLY excited for this one, I have been telling my husband for months that I need this. I have already used it 2 times and love it!!

The breakdown:
Box: GoGoGirlfriend December Deluxe Box
Price: $28.00 (although I got it "free".
Monetary Value: $60.17
Keeping subscription?: We already talked about this.

I enjoyed some of the items in this box, and other items I will pass along to friends/family. For being a "free" box, I can't really complain. As I have said before, it really depends on what you want from a box and if you're willing to try lower end brands as well.

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MyPlatinum Box February 2012

MyPlatinumBox is a new company that just started in February. They had a promotion where you get the first box for $0.01 and if you didn't cancel within 2 weeks of getting your box, you will then be charged the normal $10 fee. I thought I would try it out because a lot of the brands on the site (although they were mostly mens grooming brands) were pretty good quality so I had such a good hope for them.

I didn't get a ship notice for them so I got my box in the mail unexpectedly, which isn't that big of a deal because I like surprises. I will give my main opinion at the end.

Here is what I got in my box:


Lets go through each individual item:

Shaveworks Cool Fix Targeted Gel Lotion x 2 - $??

I got this in my BirchBox once before and gave it to my husband. He wasn't much of a fan. I thought it was kind of strange that they sent 2 of the same item. I will include one in the February giveaway.

SkinnySkinny Tea Tree & Mint Lip Balm - $6.00

I like this. Pretty moisturizing and the smell/taste reminds me of something from my childhood that I can't pin point.

Professional Make-up Eye Liner - $??

Unmarked, unnamed eye liner. It is super hard, almost like a colored pencil. I would never use this on my eye :/

Earthly Body Hand & Body Lotion - $2.00

It smells like dreamsicle which is yummy. I have only tested it on a small spot but it seems pretty moisturizing.

Delices de Cartier Sample - $3.00

This smells awesome. Just what I need, another perfume!!

The breakdown:
Box: MyPlatinumBox February 2012
Price: $0.01 ($10 monthly)
Monetary Value: $11 (not including the cool fix and liner)
Keeping subscription?: No.

I was expecting more from this box. Maybe in the future, once they're more established, I will subscribe again but for now, I was pretty underwhelmed.

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Julep Maven February 2012

Woohoo, another month of nail polish. The original box they chose for me wasn't very interesting so I chose a different one this month. The one I got was "It Girl" and it includes 3 polishes!!


This month did not come in a cute little bag. It did come cutely packaged with a chocolate for Valentine's day though!!


Polishes in Rachel, Elizabeth & Oscar - $14.00 each

Rachel is a warm rich copper shimmer, Elizabeth is a midnight blue with a hint of shimmer and Oscar is a sparkle like a star with this ultra chic, multi-dimensional gold glitter.

I knew that I wasn't going to like Oscar and most of the kits had him so I figured I would get the It Girl so that I could keep 2 polishes for myself and give Oscar away in the February giveaway!

The breakdown:
Bag: Julep Maven It Girl 2012
Price: $19.99
Monetary Value: $42.00
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

I want to see how these polishes are compared to the one bad one I had last month but the formulas seem to be much better than that one. I am super excited for Rachel because it is unlike ANYTHING else I have!

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Cravebox January 2011

I was a little taken back by this month's Cravebox. I am not one to really make new years resolutions because I know I won't keep them and it's just not something that I have ever done. I feel like being healthy is always good of course but when it's shoved down ones throat, it becomes somewhat insulting. I am sure their intentions were not to be "insulting" of course but I just don't know what to think about this box.

I would have rather gotten pens, like last time, than a bunch of stuff that I feel is kind of a touchy subject. Sure, I could eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle, but that is my decision. With that being said here is what was inside:


Lets go through each individual item:

Prevention Magazine + 1 Year Subscription - $15.85

I have never heard of this "magazine" nor is it one I would ever pick up but what made me more upset about this, is the 1 year subscription. I read on CraveBox's facebook that they forward all of our information to Prevention magazine which is NOT OK with me. I did not allow them to pass my information on to anyone else, this is NOT a good business practice.

Emergen-C 1,000 MG Vitamin C - $4.30

I have been pretty sick in the last 6 months, being just regular sick and in the hospital sick so I am trying to take more vitamins. I appreciate this, however, I hear it tastes HORRIBLE so I haven't tried them yet. I am not a fan of Tangerine either. I might make my husband try it and if he likes it, go buy another flavor.

S2HSTEP - $24.95

I have never used one of these before. Living in Vegas, I do walk a lot (when I actually get out, haha) so it'd be nice to see how much I walk if I can actually remember to grab it. I am going to try to bring this to New York with me to see how much I walk!

Mereadesso Face + Neck Toning Gel - $120.00

First off, let me say, $120.00!??!?! (I said that about last months Mereadesso product but holy cow!! I don't need much "toning" since I am only 27 (eeks), so I am going to give this to my mom. The smell is kinda wonky too, in my opinion.

Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil - $2.49

Ok? Not sure what to say, haha.

The breakdown:
Box: Cravebox January 2011
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $167.59
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

Although I am a little annoyed with them passing my information around, I am going to keep this. This is only their 2nd month. I know they're not all "beauty" related, but I am going to give them a month or so more until I make my final decision.

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