April Giveaway!!

It's that time again!! 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!

This is what you will receive:

• St. Tropez Everyday Body Moisturizer Gradual Tan in Medium/Dark - $11.19
• WEN by Chaz Dean Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner - $9.28
• Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel - $2.75
• Wonderstruck Taylor Swift - $0.70
• Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine - Hair Serum - $3.70
• Julep Polish in Annette - $14.00
• Glamour Doll Eyes OTM in Hippy Party Girl - $6.00
• Mighty Leaf Varies Teas - $1.32
• Mereadesso Lip Treats - $14.00

Total Prize Value: $62.94

This pack will 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 on May 7th 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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QVC NewBeauty TestTube #2

Here is another round of QVCs version of the TestTube, this particular one seems to be available still, so if you're interested, you can get that here. I prefer the QVC version much better.

Here is what I got in my tube:


Lets go through each individual item:

StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate - $13.50

I have heard AMAZING things about this product so I am excited to try it, even though I don't have wrinkles. The full size price is $135 though so I would never purchase a full size.

St. Tropez Everyday Body Moisturizer Gradual Tan in Medium/Dark - $11.19

I enjoy not being tan or using self tanning creams so this is something I would never use. I am putting this in the April giveaway!

Tarte LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Luster in Fever - $24.00

I was a bit hesitant to try this on because I am not a huge red person but I love this, so gorgeous on. Also, when I swatched it, it looked like glitter city so I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't translate onto the lips.

WEN by Chaz Dean Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner - $9.28

I am just not a fan of this stuff. I got some in a MyGlam bag and it felt like my head was on fire and it didn't do anything for my hair. This will be in the April giveaway!

Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free™ Regenerator™ Moisturizing Gel-Cream - $34.00

I was going to use this, until I opened it. It smells like straight up plastic, SO gross. I will give this to my mom since she likes these kinds of things.

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash - $7.16

I have never really been into face wash, or buying special brands. That is one thing I love about these types of subscriptions, they always bring me to try new things. Usually when I would get excited about something, I would run out and buy a bunch to try, but with these programs, I have them already and in tiny versions. I have been obsessed with face washes lately so super excited to try this, specially since I have heard great things about bliss!

Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel - $2.75

I just can't get into Philosophy products, they just don't appeal to me ): This will also be in the April giveaway!

Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Twilight - $25.00

This thing is amazing. It really reminds me of the Maybelline color tattoos, as it stays on forever. I swatched it on my hand and after washing my hands (not scrubbing it off, just washing normally) several times, it didn't budge. I don't know why you would buy this over the color tattoos, maybe because this one is in the stick form, but its AWESOME!!

The breakdown:
Box: QVC NewBeauty Test Tube April-June (Second Quarter) 2012
Price: $29.96 every 3 months (not including shipping)
Monetary Value: $126.88
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

I think this is easy to justify since it comes out every 3 months and you always get over 3 times the amount you paid. It has a nice variety of higher end and somewhat lower end. It's a great subscription!!

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MyGlam April 2012

Looks like MyGlam took some advice from their ever so forgiving customers and brought us a bag worth a little more than 2 sample packets! I am not a fan of the actual bag itself, it is a metallic pink which reminds me of the 80s or early 90s but I am typically never a fan of the actual bag. They're just cheesy to me!

Here is what I go in my box(bag):


Lets go through each individual item:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Junkie - $12.66

Price is calculated against the price of a full size. I have never really been a fan of these pencils. They're very pretty and I can wear them as liner, I just don't find that they last as long on me as everyone says they do. This is a pretty color, looks like glitter vomited in a turquoise color so I will use it but I won't be replacing them with my all time favorite.

MyGlam All-Over Eyeshadow Brush & Eyeliner Brush - $??

I am a brush hoarder so these are always welcomed!

DermStore Lip Quench Moisture-Infusion Lip Treatment - $12.00

I can never get enough lip treatments, specially in the summer. This smells like fruit of some sort and it is super moisturizing.

All-Belle False Eyelashes - $2.00

Not sure about the price on these since no one really has prices. The only price I could find was ebay. I am just now falling in love with lashes since I have figured out how to put them on without them looking terrible so I am excited for these.

The breakdown:
Bag: MyGlam April 2012
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $26.66
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

Price does not include the brushes, since there isn't really any information on them. I appreciate all the make up this month and I will definitely get use of all of them this month!!

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Birchbox April 2012 - 2

My second BirchBox for April was also pretty good!

Here is what was inside:



Lets go through each individual item:


willa™ Lavender Facial Towelettes - $2.33

I am always up to trying new facial wipes, I just hope they don't turn out like the ones I got in another BB. I am not much of a fan of lavender though. The packaging is cute!!

J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve - $0.95

I was my hands A LOT so my cuticles are always messed up, excited to try this. I have heard nothing but great things about J.R. Watkins.

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift - $0.70

I actually have a full size of this and since the one from my other BB will be in the giveaway, I will just keep this in my sample box. I do like the scent, but I think on me and my skin, it doesn't smell as great.

Zoya TRUE Spring Collection in Bevin - $4.00

I love Zoya and this color is no exception, I always welcome Zoya in my BB!

Dropps Laundry Detergent - $0.60

.... I typically love the lifestyle extras (for the most part) but wtf. I don't even know what to say.

The breakdown:
Bag: BirchBox April 2012
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $8.58
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

WOW, I did not realize until I posted this blog that the value doesn't even add up to what I paid for it. That is kind of annoying. I am in love with Zoya though so that kind of puts a glaze over my eyes but REALLY BB!? Not even worth $10!?

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OTM, April 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.

April 2012s color is called "Hippy Party Girl".

It is a very vibrant blue with aqua sparkles.

This month we collaborated with vegan youtube guru cosmeticcouturier to bring you a shadow that is unlike any color you would think to be "vegan". Who says that vegan has to be boring browns? And who says that blue is a no go color!?

Grace is known for her stance on animal testing and vegan rights. She is a huge part of Glamour Doll Eyes and we love her!

With this color, you will also receive a sample of our vegan primer which we are currently testing out. Don't forget to leave us your feedback on it!

You can sign up for the subscription here, or just pick up the shadow for $6.00

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Birchbox April 2012 - 1

I am so incredibly happy with BirchBox this month and I had a feeling I would be unhappy. For me, they seem to be a hit, then a miss, then a hit, then a miss and since last month was so awesome, I wasn't expecting much. Alas, BB surprised me. Next month is also going to be AMAZING because they're partnering with Gossip Girl and I am secretly a tween on the inside and am a die hard Gossip Girl fan!! UHM, CHAIR ALL THE WAY!!! Anyways..

Here is what was inside:



Lets go through each individual item:


MicrodermaMitt® Body Mitt - $28.50

I am interested in trying this, it does seem a bit rough though. It might soften up a little once wet but its an interesting concept!

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift - $0.70

I actually have a full size of this so I am putting this in the April giveaway. I do like the scent, but I think on me and my skin, it doesn't smell as great.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream - $1.28

Another promising skin cream, I will try it of course.

Marula – The Leakey Collection™ Omega Rich Pure Marula Oil - $??

I am not sure if I will try this yet. While I don't have oily skin, I am little worried about trying it. I tend to have dry skin but have since gotten my face to be pretty moisturized, I am worried that if I try this, it will make my skin oily.

tarte LipSurgence™ lip tint in Joy - $24.00

After I received one of these in my March Teen Vogue box, I went right out and purchased Joy. I LOVE IT!! But since I already have the color, I am trading this for Amused, which is one that I really like. Joy is a gorgeous color though, don't be fooled by the bright orange!!

The breakdown:
Bag: BirchBox April 2012
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $54/48
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

Very happy and SO looking forward to May's box. Almost contemplating getting a 3rd box, that is how much I love Gossip Girl! LOL

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Freeman Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask Review!

I got the Freeman Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask in my January MyGlam Bag and I was super excited to try it. My bag came later than a lot of people's as I stated in my original post and I was reading on the MyGlam wall that a lot of people really loved the mask, which also made me more excited to try it! Here is my review:

Let me show you some pictures of the product and images of me doing it:



Right after I put it on, my face was all shiny.


The mouth area started to peel first, which seems to be common on most peel masks.


After.


A picture I posted on Instagram, if you can't tell, I don't like this product.

This ever so fun mask gently peels away impurities while Cucumber extract leaves skin silky smooth. Perfect for normal to combination skin.

Packaging (3/5):
Eh, it's like most face mask packaging. I wish it was in a tub but its not really a deal breaker. I just feel like if you don't get enough the first time, you have to go back and when you pick up the tube, it will be all slippery and inconvenient.

Product (1/5):
I am giving this a 1 just because it did make my skin soft. Other than that, I think it's terrible. I know a lot of people like it and I know a lot of people love it, this is my personal experience. I don't consider myself to have sensitive skin, however, I don't do much to it. I wash it once in a while and I don't tug or do excessive application to it but this mask BURNED. It burned my skin, it burned my eyes and even breathing it in burnt my nostrils. It is not a feeling that I liked but I kept it on as long as I could. My face was soft, as I said and it was fun peeling it off (like I was a kid with glue) but that's all it had going for itself.

Application (2/5):
The mask itself was gooey and really cold. I am guessing that is the cooling sensation that you're supposed to feel. The application itself was easy (take out of tube, smear on face, not too hard right?) I just didn't like the feeling of the gel.

Price (2.5/5):
Another thing this mask has going for itself is the price. It is only $3.99, but I gave it a 2.5 since I don't like it so it's not a good price for me, but it could be a good price for you.

Overall (2.125/5):
I did not like this and I will not repurchase it, ever.

You can get this at Freeman for $3.99.

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SweetPea And Fay Liquid Lipstick Review!

I don't even remember how I came across SweetPea And Fay but I saw pictures of their liquid lipstick and was instantly intrigued. They have a nice variety of colors (neutrals and pinks all the way to yellow, blue and green).

I placed my order on February 28th, I ordered 3 of their Lip Lipsticks. My total came to $26.96 after shipping. I received a shipping notification on March 6th and I received my package on the 9th of March.

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





Ukulele, Willa, Jail Bird




Ukulele


Jail Bird


Willa

J'Adore Les Levres tubes are VERY VERY pigmented. They glide on with a rich creamy texture and a soft french vanilla flavor. Lightly blot for a liquid lipstick look or build up for a more glossy shine.
TUBE SIZE: 0.37oz / 10.5 g Comes with a slanted applicator tip.

Packaging (1/5):
I like a slant doe foot tube in general but for this specific product, it's a huge downfall. Since these are so incredibly pigmented and have a huge Mica influence, they're EXTREMELY hard to get out of the tube. REALLY hard, my fingers hurt after trying to get it out. Some may think it's worth it, but I don't. I like ease.

Product (3/5):
The texture of these are awesome, somewhat of a matte feeling but very silky. However, I find that they settle into the lines of my lips and they're not super moisturizing. The colors are gorgeous. My favorites are Willa and Ukulele but again, since there is so much mica, there should be something to counter act so that it will moisturize a little more.

Longevity (4/5):
They lasted a few hours on me.

Price (3/5):
I am giving this a 3 because for $7.99 each, I shouldn't have to break a finger to get it out. This might be knit picky of me but that is what a review is for.

Overall (2.75/5):
I would not purchase any more of these unfortunately.

You can get this at SweetPea And Fay for $7.99.

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April 2011, a year ago with Birchbox!

I have been receiving a Birchbox for a little over a year now 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,

This month, in honor of Earth Day, we’ve partnered with our friends at EcoFabulous and greened our box, inside and out. It’s not just about a single day, though – April is a reminder that we should be mindful of our environment year-round. Here’s how we’re celebrating:

Waste Less, Love More

Birchbox helps you discover beauty products you love — no more beauty graveyard of unused purchases. This month, meet earth-friendly products; from skincare to nail polish, these treats show that eco can be effective and chic.

Recycle & Reuse

Every bit of Birchbox packaging, from the tissue to this letter, is recyclable — this month and every month! Many members also repurpose Birchboxes to store jewelry, makeup, and other tidbits. We’d love to hear how you reuse your boxes.

Healthy Body, Healthy Planet

Online, we have tons of articles and videos to inspire you to be more mindful about what you buy and how you use it. Check out what products Zem Joaquin, founder of EcoFabulous, can't live without, or learn how to get beachy waves with our video tutorial. Plus, an easy guide to reading product labels and much more.

PS - You’re holding a carbon neutral Birchbox! We offset the emissions of shipping this box and will continue to do so going forward.

Hayley, Katia, and the Birchbox team

I remember there was so much controversy with this box because of the shipping. This is when most of the major shipping problems happened and even though some people really like(d) streamlite, a lot of people didn't. This box took forever to get to most people and for being "green" there was a lot of waste.

1. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength - Full Size: $45.00
I never used this and I remember this being one of the items I was really excited about. I don't know where it went or why I didn't use it.

2. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer - Full Size: $65.00
I honestly don't remember getting this, it must have been a little sachet or something.

3. Lavanila The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender - Full Size: $25.00
I didn't use this either, I don't like Lavender and I remembered a lot of people got the coconut one, I wish I had gotten this one.

4. LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth - Full Size: $60.00
This smelt ok, but it wasn't something I ever used.

5. Zoya Intimate Nail Polish Collection - Full Size: $8.00
I received Jules from this collection and really enjoyed it. I love Zoya and since have purchased several from them!

So those are the items I got in my second BB from April 2011. Hope you enjoyed!

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Julep Maven Review (March Classic with a Twist)!

I am actually quite surprised with the results of this months Julep Maven, as I thought I would like one color more than the other and it was actually the opposite. In March I went with the Classic with a Twist because it sounded interesting, you can see that original post here.

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



Used Skull & Glossbones from OPI as the base and Zoya Miley on my middle finger. Then put Jennifer on top of all of that.




I thought Jennifer was going to be my favorite but the next day, I saw this. The color was off my finger tips. I don't know why, how or if it was because of something else but I have never had that problem before.


I ended up taking it off the next day and putting something else on.


Butter London Trout Pout from my Little Black Bag, Jennifer from Julep Maven on my middle finger and Essie As Gold as It Gets from my TV Birchbox over Trout Pout.


Took 3 coats to get it that opaque.




One week later.

Professional quality “4-free” nail polish formulation, developed without carcinogens such as formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP. Shine on! $1 will be donated to organizations that support women through our Powered by Girlfriends program.

Packaging (3/5):
I have 2 gripes with the packaging, hence the 3 instead of a 5. One, would be that the lid doesn't line up with the jar when I tighten the jar (someone did give me a solution for this, the lids come off the actual twisty part, like a butter london polish, yet this is just extra work). This could be from me over tightening it, but I like my polishes to not dry out, specially for $14 a pop. Second, is the super small brush. I feel like I am really spoiled with OPI's brushes because they're super wide, and that is what I prefer. If you like small brushes then it won't be an issue for you of course.

Product (3/5):
I was surprised with Brooke. I thought that one would be my favorite. It looks pretty on, almost like a purple flakey, gives a gorgeous purple sparkle to the nail but it just didn't work out for me. I did love Jennifer though, which is funny because I was more excited for Brooke. I don't typically like pink polish on me, I think my skin is too light or something but this was nice. It did take 3 coats to get it opaque but if you want just a nice pretty pink wash, one coat is great.

Longevity (4/5):
I am giving this one a 4 because I took Brooke off the next day so I can't really say the longevity but as you can tell, Jennifer lasted a week, and would probably last longer if I didn't change my polish so much.

Price (2.5/5):
I am going to compare these to my 3 favorite brands, which I own a ton of and buy on a regular basis. First, we have OPI - 0.5 FL oz for $8.50, then we have Zoya - 0.5 FL oz for $8.00. Next, we have Butter London - 0.4 FL oz for $14.00 (which I only usually buy as "rewards" or special treatment). Now, the typical price of a Julep Maven polish is $14.00 for 0.27 FL oz. That is right, a little under half of MOST of these polishes for way more money. Even Butter London, which is AWESOME has a better value. The price is nowhere near "affordable" however, I do feel that they may have some unique colors.

Overall (3.125/5):
A little disappointed with this months colors but you can't win them all. We did get an oil with this month and I use it in with my lotion and it makes my skin so moisturized and smooth.

There are TONS of coupon codes running around for getting your Julep Maven box at only 1 penny so if you want to try them, I would suggest it!

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