Subscription Addiction | Birchbox Backup - April 2015

Product #1: POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio - Peach Parfait
I am really excited about this little trio, actually. The colors are pretty and I'm excited to try them. I'm including them in a Shop My Stash thing in the next few days, too. I love the swatches I tried on this - they're sparkly without making me feel like Tinkerbell fairy dust is on my eyes. They're really pigmented and pretty.

Product #2: Real Chemistry Luminous 3 minute Peel
This worked really, really well. I used it and originally I wasn't a fan. But the more I scrubbed, the more dead skin came off. My face is really soft right now and it didn't turn it bright beet red. It didn't break me out and I will definitely invest in a full size of this at some point.

Product #3: Paula's Choice RESIST 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment
I haven't tried this, but I usually don't use spot treatment as an everyday product. I want to start using up my samples, so maybe this is one I can get in on. I don't know much about it other than to say, I'm kind of 'meh' on this one!

Product #4: Beaver Professional Hydro Nutritive Moisturizing Shampoo
I've never heard of the Beaver brand before. I like getting shampoo and conditioner samples, so we will give it a shot. It's a decent sized sample, too, so I'm pleased to have it and excited to try it. I'm interested in the moisturizing claims of it.

Product #5: Beaver Professional Hydro Nutritive Repairing Conditioner
I really like repairing conditioners because they generally make my hair feel quite soft and they tend to do what they're supposed to do. My hair doesn't feel dry or crunchy with them, generally, and it also doesn't feel oily or weighed down. I haven't tried this yet, just as I haven't tried its shampoo counterpart, but I will give it a shot.

Overall, I think this was a pretty good box. The box itself was gorgeous too, and I kept it to hold some of my stash in!

Subscription Addiction | Birchbox Backup - March 2015

Product #1: Embryolisse Lait creme concentre
This is a nice face lotion. It's not drying, but I wouldn't call it super moisturizing, either. It says it's for all skin types, which makes it a problem. My skin is way way dry. I need the crazy moisturizing and hydrating products. That's the only way I can really keep up with my skin. But, this does its job and I keep it at boyfriend's place so I can moisturize after the shower. I was just glad to get rid of that Mereadesso cream that I used for forever.

Product #2: Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle
I like this product. It isn't my holy grail status product, but it works and I like it. It smells good and it does its job. It was a decent sample size, as well. I've seen a lot from the Beauty Protector brand, and I've heard only good things. So I will continue to use it and see how it goes.

Product #3: Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss
So this is a deep purple. Not even kidding; it's a deep wine-y purple color. I don't want to swatch it because I know I can't use it, and I want to pass it on to someone who can. Here's the problem. I know that many people can get away with using tons of shades, whether they're everyday wearable or not. The problem is that I'm in education. My principal wouldn't be thrilled with a counselor with purple lips. 

Product #4: Harvey Prince Sincerely
You know how much I love my Harvey Prince! This is an interesting scent - it's a bit spicier, so to speak, than Hello. But I really do like it. I haven't found a Harvey Prince scent I hate yet, so this is a good way to continue on that road.

Product #5: Jelly Pong Pong GLOW GETTER Highlighter
So this is strange. I thought it was a nail polish. It's in a nail polish packaging, like one of those old Bon Bons nail polishes I bought with my allowance in the 90s. I'm not sure how I feel about the product itself though. I just don't know if I would use it.

So this was a 'meh' box for me. I think I'm being picky, but I also think... if something's not wearable or usable, why not be a little bummed?

Subscription Addiction | Birchbox Backup - February 2015

Here we have another photo of a not-my-actual Birchbox, but I can say that it looks just like mine! I love the designs this year, and it's nice to see something other than plain,boring brown boxes. Onward!

Product #1: COOLA Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint
Now that summer is here, I'm excited to try this. I don't know if it is in fact unscented, but I'm game to try it. Hopefully it works and I'm stoked about the SPF. We shall see.

Product #2: Marcelle Gentle Makeup Remover For Sensitive Eyes
Just from the bottle, this reminds me a little of my Philosophy Just Release Me eye makeup remover. I can't wait to give it a shot. Anything is better than my Body Shop eye makeup remover that doesn't remove makeup at all.

Product #3: theBalm Cosmetics Read my Lips Lip Gloss in BAM!
The color on this is really pretty. It is really sticky, though. I love theBalm as a brand, so I was a tiny bit disappointed that it was so sticky. But I plan to try mixing it with other stuff or figuring out a way to make it less sticky. Hopefully it works, because it is really pretty.

Product #4: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
I have been sent a crap ton of exfoliants lately. It's ridiculous. This one is just going to sit there for awhile until I finish up the others. Doesn't look any different than the others. No more special than a regular old exfoliant. We shall see. I'll update you if it's some amazing life-changing stuff.

Product #5: BeeKind Conditioner
This conditioner didn't do anything amazing for my hair. I do like that it's made with more natural ingredients, and it smells really good. But other than that it wasn't anything exciting except supporting bees or the increase of the bee population or something? I'd like to try the shampoo, but I'm not totally and completely blown away.

This box was 'meh', but I'm excited to try some of the products I haven't had a chance to try yet.

Subscription Addiction | Birchbox Backup - January 2015

Aaand we've made it to this year in Birchbox! My Birchbox is now in the closet with my other "Shop my Stash" boxes (I'll get to that in a few posts), so that's why I'm using this photo blatantly stolen from Google. AND HERE WE GO.

Product #1: Harvey Prince Hello Body Creme
I actually traded for this on eDivv forever ago, and I love it. Stoked to have a backup. I love Harvey Prince's stuff, so this makes me pretty happy.

Product #2: Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal Eye & Face
I haven't had the opportunity to try this yet, but I did put it in my "Shop My Stash" box for May, so I'll let you know how it does. It seems like one of those samples that looks bigger than it is because the cover is long and the bottle itself is short. But I may be completely incorrect and I may be pleasantly surprised.

Product #3: Neil George Shampoo
I used this up and I actually really liked it. It smelled fresh and clean, and it cleaned my hair well. It didn't weigh my hair down, it didn't do anything particularly funky to it, and it lathered well.  I can't say I'm going to run out and buy the full size, but possibly with Birchbox shop points.

Product #4: Neil George Conditioner
This one's really nice on my hair. It doesn't feel tangled or greasy when I use it. Apparently it's also paraben free? Anyway. I have a crapton of conditioners to use up, so this isn't a must-have at the moment, but I did enjoy this and would possibly repurchase.

Product #5: Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner
It isn't Olive Green, which makes me say that it's good. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, since I've been pretty busy using up other eyeliners. But at this point if it isn't an unusable, ugly color, we're good. I've been getting a LOT of eyeliners lately, especially from Birchbox, so I changed my settings up a bit so maybe I wouldn't be getting so many.

All in all this box was pretty good. Nothing superb, but nothing terrible. Pretty much what I would expect from a Birchbox. Pleasant surprises with nothing I truly hated.

Subscription Addiction | Birchbox Backup - December 2014

In addition to my Boxycharm, I have Birchbox to catch up with. Lots. Same amount's worth. So let me say this. I've liked Birchbox and Boxycharm equally for their different purposes. Birchbox lets me try little samples, and Boxycharm gives me full sized products I'm more likely to continue using. They both rock equally in different ways and I'm excited to review some of the products I've tried.

Product #1: Amika Nourishing Mask
This made my hair feel SO pretty. So soft, smelled incredible. I'm still using it up, but I love it. It's something I'd definitely consider purchasing. The sample size was pretty good, as well. I've used it twice and I can get one or two more uses out of it. I'm definitely impressed with it.

Product #2: Lord & Berry Paillettes Glitter Eye Pencil in Black
I was going through a period where all I got was eyeliner. I also don't do glitter. So this wasn't awesome for me. Plus, it's barely the size of my pinky finger, so I wasn't thrilled with this one. Put it up for trade on eDivv. Doubt anyone will want it, but I tried.

Product #3: Mirenesse Mattfinity Rouge in New York
Whoa, was this red. I didn't even swatch it because it was so crazy red. And matte. I prefer glossy, myself, and it just scared me a little, so I put it up on eDivv as well. I don't know much about it and I didn't swatch it, but it wasn't for me anyway.

Product #4: Rusk Texture Spray
I should give this a try. The reviews on it seem to be decent, especially with stick-straight hair havers like me. So it's quite possible that it could work for me. If it doesn't, oh well. But it may? I'll try it.

Product #5: TOCCA Crema de Mano - Cleopatra
This smells really good! It's a mix of cucumber and grapefruit, and it's light without being oppressive or offensive. So many lotions or hand cremes are so heavy or floral-y that they give me a headache. This one smells clean and fresh and it's the perfect size to carry in my purse.

December's box was one looking back that I was frustrated with when I opened it because of the lip rouge and the texture spray and the glittery eyeliner. But the hand creme and the hair mask made this box worth it for me. So overall, I can't hate on it.

Birchbox | December Unboxing

This is going to be a brief post because I was pretty disappointed in Birchbox this month. Usually I can find a use for most things in my box, but this month was mostly haircare.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre - I'll probably use this at some point, but I've been holding off because the sample is just so damn small. This is a priming moisturizer, so it is something I'd use.

Lord & Berry Paillettes Glitter Eye Pencil in Black - This is so tiny! I get that, because it's an $18 pencil for a full size, but this is just a nub. I have used this eye liner and I do actually like it.

Manna Kadar Lip Locked in All of Me - At first, I was annoyed that I was given another lip gloss. I'm not really into lip glosses. I actually really like this color and it turns out that this is actually a lip stain.

Number 4 Hair Care Shampoo and Conditioner - I don't really need shampoo, but I guess this would be good for travel. I also hate foil packets of things like conditioner, so I don't know what I'm going to do with that.

Rusk Texture Spray - Sure. More hairspray. I guess I might use this when I finish growing out my hair a bit more, but I wish I could have gotten something else instead.

Short and sweet this month. I liked the baby eyeliner and the mini lip stain. I might like the moisturizer, but I don't want to like it because then I'll want to buy it!

Subscription Addiction | November Birchbox Included CHOCOLATE.

This box came with chocolate. And it came much earlier than last month's box. So that means it's a good one. I don't have much else to say, so let's get into it!

Product #1: Chuao Chocolatier Assorted ChocoPod
The one I got was PERFECT. It was the potato chip covered in chocolate, and it was the perfect mix of sweet and salty. I'd get a bunch of these in a heartbeat. So, so good. It was a nice little bonus to get.

Product #2: Folle de Joie Eau de parfum
Birchbox has listened to me so far and hasn't sent me more than a couple of perfume samples. However, I haven't liked either of them. This included. It was heavy and floral. I just don't do heavy and floral. The boyfriend wasn't a fan, either. And while I'm a strong, independent woman who doesn't care what her partner thinks of her perfume, I would like for my boyfriend not to hate my scent.

Product #3: ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick
This is a very pretty nude shade. I don't know if it's something I'll wear, since it's legitimately nude. But it's so pretty. I may mix it with something else, or try it. We'll see. But it is really nice!

Product #4: Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner
I was okay with this. It wasn't super-amazing but it did make my skin feel soft and it felt like I got some of the gunk out. I will say that my main complaint is the color... that sounds dumb, but it's a clear gel when it comes out of the tube. I had trouble figuring out where I'd already put the product. When it turned blue, it was patchy, and I knew I missed spots. I did like the product, though, and after all the hype, it's nice to have.

Product #5: Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream
Reggie speaks highly of this, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I just started using my it Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, and I really like it. Apparently when I wear too much makeup I look "weird" (very technical term used by my boyfriend), so I'm using this kind of stuff only for special occasions.

Product #6: Perlier Revitalizing Body Butter
I haven't tried this yet. I know. I've got like 68 body butters I'm working my way through. I don't hate having it, though.

My favorite product this month was the chips. Give me all of the chocolate covered potato chips you have. No, you misunderstand. I said ALL of them.

Birchbox | November Unboxing

Okay, yes. I'm behind when it comes to subscription boxes this month. I don't know why. I think it's because I wasn't all that jazzed with either of them this month. Anyway...

Eyeko Eye Stick in Satin Taupe: I will probably never use this. I tried it on my eyelids and it was just okay. Meh.

Fekkai PrX Reparatives Intense Fortifying Masque: I'm actually surprised that I haven't used this. I think it was the first item that I was excited about in the box. I think it's because after I took the pictures, the box shifted to my table. I'm going to try using the masque at some point this week.

Perlier Absolite Comfort Body Butter - White Almond: I was carrying this cream around in my bag until I tossed everything back in the box to take this picture. I like that it has a soft almond smell that isn't too strong. I was considering getting a full size with my 20% coupon, but I like the sample packaging better and have so many creams anyway.

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 40 in Fair to Light: I love this CC Cream. The sample is maddeningly small, though. I decided I was going to purchase the full size because I had a coupon to use on the Birchbox site and I wanted something that played well with my MAC Face and Body Foundation, which this does. I've only used it a handful of times, but this has been a home run for me.

Tocca Eau de Parfum - Florence: This isn't really my cup of tea, but if I just use one spray it isn't too much. I feel like if I spray it on my pants that it doesn't linger around too heavily so I don't have to feel like I'm wearing too much. Perfume samples just aren't my favorite because I'm really picky when it comes to scents.

The wins for this month were definitely the Supergoop! CC Cream, the Perlier Almond cream, and the Fekkai masque that I need to use. It was also nice to get the bonus of the chocolate almond butter, but I don't know what I'm going to do with that, to be honest.

Subscription Addiction | Birchbox for October is FINALLY Here!

Boys and girls, let me tell you the story of a long Birchbox journey.

My Birchbox was "born" about 130-ish miles from me, in Mount Juliet, TN, on October 3. The box FINALLY arrived on October 17. It went here, there, and everywhere before finally making it to me. Now, I totally and completely understand that shipping is logistically difficult, but why not give TN residents their boxes first? Reggie got hers WAY before I did, and she lives WAY out of the way. Not really a gripe with Birchbox, but their shipping partner/tracking system.

Anywhoozle.

Product #1: Ellovi Vanilla Butter
This smells like a freshly baked cupcake. And I haven't used it yet, because I just haven't gotten around to trying it, but anything that smells like a cupcake is good in my book. It's body butter, too, so it's not just hand lotion I need to use up like the other ones I've tried. I'll start using it. I'll report back.

Product #2: Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Nude
I haven't used this yet. It's somewhere in my mess of an apartment/cosmetics collection. I've heard good things, but I'm still not jumping out of my skin with excitement to try it? I have my holy grail foundation, and I have a scary story with a distant relative in high school to steer me far away from foundation that isn't an exact match.

Product #3: ModelCo POWERLASH High Impact Black Mascara
I received another ModelCo mascara in my October Ipsy, if I'm not mistaken? I got two ModelCo mascaras. I'm working on my Benefit "They're Real" mascara now, and when that bites the dust, I'll move on to one of these, maybe. Who knows.

Product #4: Ojon Rare Blend Total Hair Therapy
It's in my bathroom. I keep meaning to try it. I haven't. This has been a sentence about it. Honestly, though, I don't do much product when it comes to hair. I'm "low maintenance". Although, that's the point of these boxes, is to try and see if I can break out of that "lazy girl" routine and try something new. So, I shall.

Product #5: Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
This is pretty good! It works well and leaves my skin feeling really clean and soft. I can't remember off the top of my head if it's at my boyfriend's place or at mine (I received two face cleansers this past month, and one is at either dwelling), but I do enjoy using it and it is a win.

So, Birchbox for October was an overall success. Not a "standing ovation, round of applause, curtain call" type of success, but definitely one with products I will use or try. Birchbox has been consistently worth the $10 and it's been consistently packed with products that don't feel cheap or look cheap.

October Birchbox Unboxing!

This is only my second Birchbox, but I definitely look forward to getting it every month. I wasn't as impressed with this month's box as I was the last, but it was the anniversary box, so I'm sure that has something to do with it. 

I wish there was more skincare in this box. The reason I wasn't as impressed was just that I feel like I won't use some of these things. The standout for this month would be the hand cream, followed by the leave in conditioner.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle: I've never used a leave in conditioner, mainly because I'm afraid that it would make my hair oily. I also tend to use a deep conditioner in the shower so I never felt the need to use one. I guess I'm somewhat excited to try this out.

Coastal Scents Revealed Eyeshade Palette Set: This is a four color sampler of eyeshadows that I will probably never use. I just don't wear eyeshadow anymore so I don't have a use for this. I guess it would be nice to travel with if I used shadow. I might just pass this on to Jessica if she's interested.

LuMESH Hydratig Lip Gloss: This is in the color Sadie and is a super tiny size. Is never pay $24 for a full size of it, but this is nice. It has a tingly minty feel and the color is pretty sheer.

suki exfoliate foaming cleanser: I'm going to try this out tonight. I thought it was a pretty measly size for a body scrub until I noticed it was for the face. It's too expensive for me as a full size, but it's worth a try regardless.

TOCCA Crema de Mano, Bianca: I actually really like this. The scent is light, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It does feel decently moisturizing, although I think I do prefer my Crabtree & Evelyn cream over this still. 

Again, I'm still more impressed with last month's box, but I'm still rearing to try some of these items. Now starts the waiting process for my November box. All I want is more skincare, no eyeshadow, and more importantly, no perfume! I've been lucky on the perfume front so far, but I know I'm bound to get some eventually.

Subscription Addiction: My First Birchbox!

Last week, I got my first Birchbox and I wanted to share my first impressions. This is more of a first impressions post than an unboxing, but I did take my initial first pictures before I opened everything.

The box was really nicely packaged. I think I might be able to use these to help organize my things, so I'm going to keep these little patterned boxes that I get each month.

I received six different product samples, one of which included a two sample pouches of the same thing. The majority of my box was skincare, but I don't mind because I enjoy trying out new skincare products.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum: Damn, this stuff is expensive. There isn't even that much in the little sample tube, so I can't imagine this is going to last that long. I guess it's okay. I've only used it a couple times, but not enough to make a difference. Even if I do like this serum, I would definitely not purchase a full size because of the price!

dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner: This sample is probably three times the size of the Caudalie, which is great because I like it three times better. There's a possibility that I would repurchase this even though it's also expensive at $45. If this ends up working as well as it claims, I will end up doing a review on it.

Juara Candlenut Body Creme: This confused me at first. I though this was a lotion, not a cleanser. I have to say that it's really inconvenient sample packaging for the shower. Once I dropped it, I knew there was no going back as the water absorbs into the cardboard like package. It's also a weird texture for the shower. I definitely felt like I was washing myself with body butter and it didn't actually lather. There's also no way to reseal this and it's expensive.

Noir Cosmetics Long-Wear Eyeliner: If Birchbox sent me just this eyeliner and nothing else in the box, I would have been confused but happy. Within one use of this, I was in love. This eyeliner has completely replaced my Urban Decay liner in my makeup bag because it actually lasts all day. I will definitely be doing a review on this.

Whish Shave Crave - Acai Grapefruit: Hot damn. Jessica was telling me how much she liked her sample of this from last month's box but I didn't understand why she was lusting over a shaving cream. I actually really like this and it's much better than my cans of lathering shaving cream. I think my only downside to this product is that I couldn't tell where I had shaved because it's like spreading lotion on your legs...and it's $20 but I'm planning to use my Birchbox points on the full size.

ChapStick Hydration Lock Day & Night: This was another stand out in my first Birchbox, which is funny because I can't remember the last time I actually used an actual ChapStick. This was a Birchbox find, which is an additional sample. The day side has SPF 12 and the reason I love it is because the texture is similar to my MAC Prep+Prime lip primer which I'm almost out of. I've been using this as my lip primer and it's been working great. The night side isn't as moisturizing as I would like it to be, but I don't hate it and the day side more than makes up for it.

All in all, I'm really happy with my first Birchbox and I can't wait to get my next one! I'm going to try to get out some reviews on the products that really stood out to me and I think at least one, if not more, products will make it into my next favorites post.

My referral link if anyone else wants to try Birchbox!

Subscription Addiction: September Birchbox Success!

This month was Birchbox's anniversary month. To celebrate four years of existence and awesomeness, they made their usual box all pretty and fancy, and included a crapton of awesome extras. As usual, I was pleased with the majority of it! Here we go!

Subscription Box: Birchbox

Description: Each month, you'll receive a selection of samples that we’ve tried (and retried) ourselves. We source our samples from both well-known brands and emerging gems. The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription delivers top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories.  

Pricing: $10/month.

Referral Link: Here

Product #1: Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm
I haven't tried this yet. Everyone raves about Dr. Jart, but I just haven't had the opportunity to try this particular product yet. It's my first BB anything, since my collection is so new, but I'm excited to try it.

Product #2: Mereadesso All in One Moisturizer (Travel Size)
I love this! It makes my face so, so soft, and the packaging is excellent, especially for a sample/travel size. RESEALABLE? HECK YES. It didn't break my face out, either. I probably wouldn't repurchase, since it's crazy expensive, but I'm going to definitely use it up.

Product #3: Davines OI All in One Milk 
My hair definitely felt soft after this, but I felt like it was weighed down. I do have to say, though, the times that I've used it, I haven't been doing my usual haircare routine. I keep this at my boyfriend's house, and I don't have a blowdryer there. It's a HUGE size, though, so I want to use it up and make sure I give it its proper due test.

Product #4: Davines OI Shampoo
The shampoo combined with the OI Milk was... strange? I don't know. I love that they included this as an extra sample because of the anniversary, and it made my hair feel clean, I just feel like maybe all three (there's one coming up) products combined weighed my hair down. I'll experiment and follow up.

Product #5: Davines OI Conditioner
The conditioner made my hair feel INCREDIBLY soft. I do love the conditioner and know for sure that wasn't part of the weighing down problem. I don't think I'll repurchase it, because it's very expensive, but I'll absolutely continue to use it until it's gone. Again, because this was included as an anniversary special, it's hard to complain too much.

Product #6: Harvey Prince Ageless Liquid Loofah
Um, my grapefruit obsession is becoming a problem! But this product is AMAZING. Harvey Prince is one of those scents I've heard so many good things about on the internet, and I'm looking forward to using it up. It's supposed to be exfoliating, but I don't really feel like it exfoliated my skin? But honestly, it smells good and made me feel fresh and clean, so who cares?

Product #7: Temptu S/B Highlighter
Apparently this is a brand often associated with the spray guns, or whatever they're called. Airbrushes? You can use it on its own, but rumor has it you can also use it with the airbrush. I'm honestly going to pass this on or trade it. I'm not going to open it, and it doesn't seem like something I'm going to take the time to use. Know thyself.

So overall, it was definitely a month where I got my money's worth! I do wish there were more makeup products in this month's box, but the samples I did get were mostly worth the money, and I have a hard time complaining about the generosity of Birchbox, especially when I got all the anniversary extras. This wasn't a box where I went "meh", like BeautyBox5 (don't even get me started), so I'm still very pleased!

Subscription Addiction: August Birchbox Excitement!

So my August Birchbox didn't look just like that, but holy crap, was it awesome! It was my first month of Birchbox, and I was so, so pleased! There were some clear hits, and some clear misses, but overall, it's the best value for my needs right now, and seems to be the most consistent. So, without further commentary, here we go!

Subscription Box: Birchbox

Description: Each month, you'll receive a selection of samples that we’ve tried (and retried) ourselves. We source our samples from both well-known brands and emerging gems. The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription delivers top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories.  

Pricing: $10/month.

Referral Link: Here

Product #1: Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris Fragrance
I am not a fragrances gal. The most I do is slather on some Bath & Body Works Moonlight Path after a shower or spray the tiniest bit of knockoff Victoria's Secret perfume before I go out. This fragrance was so... flowery. And not in a light way. It was kind of musky and heavy. Not for me. I traded it on eDivv for some eyeshadow. I'm sure it will work great for someone, just not for me.

Product #2: K6 Skincare Clean Antioxidant Facial Cleanser
This product is vegan, which is always interesting. It had a clean smell to it, but a very light one. There wasn't a lot of lather to this product, which is okay for me. It didn't burn or sting my eyes when I used it. It felt nice on my skin. I needed to use a little extra moisturizer when I got out of the shower because this was a bit drying, but once I used the products from my normal moisturizing routine, it was a little better.

Product #3: LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil | Bees Knees - Coral
I am excited about the color, for sure! It was a beautiful coral color which I was terrified would be too orange. But after consulting with a friend sitting next to me when I opened it, and confirming that it wasn't too orange, I wore it. I love how it applies, and I love that it's not outrageously sticky. However, my lips were dry one day and I looked like I was eating Cheetos. The color stuck to the dry patches on my lips. I'm experimenting a bit with chapstick or lip balm in combination with this, because I like it a lot and would like to use it much more, but my lips happen to be dry on a pretty regular basis.

Product #4: Noir Cosmestics Long-Wear Eyeliner
This stuff is the best. It applies so easily and it doesn't take scraping to get it to glide on to your eyes. It doesn't come off easily, which is the point, but using the right eye makeup remover makes all the difference. It's smooth and it lasts! It's a little darker than I would normally go, but I like the jet black color. It gives me more of a dramatic look when I have my glasses on, which are dark, thick black frames.

Product #5: Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream - Acai Grapefruit
Between this and a product in my September Birchbox, Grapefruit scents are WHERE IT'S AT. God, I loved this shaving cream. It's already gone. It moisturized my legs well, and it smelled incredible. It didn't lather like a Skintimate type shaving cream, but it was so effective when paired with the right razor (not a disposable one). I wish it stuck to my legs just a touch better, but this is definitely my favorite product so far from a subscription box!

This was absolutely worth my $10. I would never buy the $100+ perfume, but the rest of the products were useful and at the very least tailored to my needs, whether I liked them or not. Birchbox did a fantastic job for August!

Subscription Addiction: Subscription Boxes are my Beauty Gateway Drug

I've always wanted to educate myself on makeup. I've just really been lazy about it for years. When I was in middle school, we weren't allowed to wear makeup to school (Catholic school, for the win!). In high school, I went to an all-girls school (again, Catholic school, for the win!). In college, I was never an early riser, and just did some quick lipgloss and mascara, if that.

More recently, throughout graduate school, I've been a tiny bit better. I'm a teacher's assistant three days a week to help me pay for school, so now I have to be an early riser. And my body clock usually wakes me up about 20 minutes before my alarm: just enough time to put on some makeup.

I wanted to learn more. My mom has been getting me BareEscentuals every holiday for years, but I wanted to learn more about other brands as well. About a month ago, I subscribed to Ipsy and Birchbox. Both services are $10 a month and they are beauty subscription services. Once a month, they send you a box or a bag with an average-ish of 5 deluxe beauty samples (hair care, skin care, makeup, etc) or, in Birchbox's case, lifestyle stuff as well (tea, snacks, etc).

I was obsessed with my Ipsy and Birchbox, so I started googling. The more I googled, the more I learned. I came across My Subscription Addiction, the worst/best thing ever. I could figure out which boxes were free for your first month with a code, which gave you money off, and which were expensive as crap. I started watching YouTube unboxings, and that was where I ended up getting sucked in. My cat and my dog both have subscription boxes. My boyfriend doesn't yet, but he hasn't finished the one month Mistobox gift I gave him last year. But he will.

So, this post is going to kind of be an introduction to the subscription boxes I have tried or want to try. I will make a new post for each unboxing (including pricing, contents, etc), but this will be an overview.

Boxes I have tried (and received a box):
Birchbox
Julep Maven
BeautyBox5
KitNipBox (this one's for my cat, haters gonna hate)
Nadine West (technically not makeup, but it's fashion. I'll make a new post on that later.)
RocksBox (jewelry subscription box)
Toothbrush Subscriptions (um, I forget to change my toothbrush, okay?)

Boxes I Am Expecting Any Day Now (but have not yet tried):
BarkBox
Ipsy
Boxycharm
Love With Food

Boxes I Would Love to Try (but am too broke, let's be real):
Glossybox
Scratch
Sample Society
Loot Crate
Wantable
Beauty Army
Beauty Test Tube
Whimseybox
LipFactory
Total Beauty Collection
Bonjour Jolie
Beauty DNA
BezelBox

Obviously there's a box for almost everything. In my next post, I'm going to answer the obviously looming question: What the hell am I going to do if I hate what's in the box?