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!

Ipsy | December Unbagging

After last month, I was less than excited to get my December Ipsy bag. Even though Jessica cancelled, I decided to keep my subscription because I didn't have Ipsy as long as she did. Well, I was actually thrilled with my bag this month! It even beat out Birchbox, which I definitely wasn't impressed with this time around.

Nourish Organic Renewing Eye Cream: I think I've made it clear that I'm mildly obsessed with skin care products, so I like getting new ones to try out. I'm a little on the fence about this one because it takes a lot of smoothing this out to get your skin to absorb it. 

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Parfait: This is one of my favorite things that I've gotten in one of these subscriptions. I'm pretty sure this is only $3, but I know I wouldn't have purchased this on my own. I really like the color and the moisture. I've worn this to bed and I don't even need or want a tint then.

Bumble and Bumble BB Repair Blow Dry: I actually needed something like this for the rare ocassions that I blow dry my hair now that I'm in constant pony tail mode. It's winter, so I don't want to go out or to bed with wet or damp hair. I'll try this out soon.

Cailyn Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish: I actually really like this. I already tried this out and wore it to work once. The color is pretty nice and I like the formulation.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara: I have a larger trial version of this mascara, but I definitely appreciate getting another one! I'm going to add this to my mascara stash because I've accumulated quite a few mascaras lately. Props to Ipsy for actually giving out a higher end brand that I know.

Ipsy | November Unbagging

I haven't really been impressed with Ipsy, but I haven't had enough bags to really axe it just yet. Jessica cancelled her subscription after three bags, so I figured I'd give it one more month and see if there are any redeeming products.

The one thing I hate about Ipsy is that there isn't a card to tell you what the products are and how much they cost like Birchbox does. In order to do these posts I have to look online and see what items where in my bag. I did look at the other samples and saw things I would have liked instead of these items, such as: Laura Mercier powder and fan brush, GlamGlow Powermud, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, and the Tarte Maracujua Oil.

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray: I haven't used hairspray in I can't tell you how long. However, I already had a hairspray that worked just fine. I don't understand their brands. Marc Anthony? Like Jennifer Lopez's husband Marc Anthony? The singer? He makes hairspray? Sure. Maybe I'll try it after my hair grows out past the ponytail only stage.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Base in Submissive: This is actually the only thing I've used from my Ipsy bag. This is sort of like a paint pot, but it isn't as good. The color is nice, but it's sheer. All I do is rub my finger in the product and smooth it over my eyelid. It has so so staying power and isn't something I would purchase for myself.

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Ultra Orchid: Can I just say thank GOD I didn't get this in the olive color that Jessica received in two different boxes? Thank God. I haven't even unwrapped this because I wasn't feeling like using a second eyeliner, but I'm sure this will be just okay. If it does suck, I'm sure I'll mention it again.

TEMPTU S/B Highlighter in Pink Pearl: I've only heard of Temptu through YouTube back when xSparkage used an airbrush machine. I think Jessica also received one of these a couple months ago, but I don't know if she used it. I'm not a huge liquid highlighter fan. I even have a Benefit Highbeam that I always consider using but just don't. The color looks exactly like my MAC Strobe Cream, so I will consider actually using it at some point.

Love & Beauty by Forever 21 Crème Lipstick in Berry: Sure. At least it isn't a sample size lipstick? The color is actually something I would actually wear, but I haven't done more than open it to see what it looks like. Maybe it's the fact that it's a Forever 21 lipstick? I don't know.

Anyway, this month was okay and the most irritating this was the fact that the goddamn hairspray was sticking out of my bag! Jesus Christ, Ipsy. How does something like this even happen? The bag wasn't even half sealed. I'm surprised this even made it to my mailbox with the hairspray intact.

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.

My First Ipsy Bag! October Ipsy Unbagging

After what seemed like forever since signing up, I finally got my first Ipsy bag in the mail on Friday! I think it's too early to tell if I'm a huge fan of the subscription, but I did like what I received in this month's bag. 

The bag itself is so-so. It doesn't feel cheap, but it definitely isn't something I'll use. I do like the added touch of having a bag, unlike a box like Birchbox. I didn't see a card that told me what anything was, which is what I like about getting Birchbox. Birchbox lists everything you get on a card and how much a full size costs. 

Starlooks Lip Gloss - I'm not a fan of pigmented lip glosses only because I don't wear them. If I'm wearing a gloss I tend to not really wear a color because the gloss is in place of lipstick. So if I'm going to wear color, I'm wearing a lipstick.

Albertini Warm Love Exfoliating Pumpkin Mask - I've tried this already and I do like it. This smells like pumpkin and the exfoliate isn't over the top. This might be my stand out product and I wish it were just a bit bigger.

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser - I have a problem with cleansers, meaning I have too many. I like that it's a gel because sometimes thick foaming cleansers are drying. I also like that this is small because I've used up most of my travel sized cleansers. I'll probably use this to try it out and then save it for my next trip to NH for the holidays.

Figs & Rouge Rose Berry Hand Cream - I also have a problem with hand creams and I need to use some up. This is a little watery in consistency so it might just get saved for my purse or the summer when I don't need much moisture. I was bummed that I didn't get the mango scent when I was watching Coffee Break With Dani, until she described hers as smelling like an ugly mango. Mine smells quite nice.

Skone Tattooed Waterproof Eyeliner - I'm not jazzed about this only because I can't even remember the last time I even used eyeliner on my top lid. I've been strictly a waterliner for quite some time now. Maybe that means I need to try it. It's a felt tip pen and I'm not used to those anymore so I might just wear it around the house to test the wear.

All in all, the bag was okay. I don't really have anything to compare it to since it was my first one, but I guess I'll see how I feel about it next month!

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 Last BB5

Sigh. I'm so glad this is my last experience with BeautyBox5. It was a waste of $12 a month, honestly. I'm beyond frustrated with how hit or miss it was. This is my last month since I canceled in September. They didn't make me regret my decision at all.  I will say I was happy with one product in here. The others were either 'meh' or way off the mark.

Product #1: Lashem Picture Perfect Instant Wrinkle Reducer 
Let me say that I get why people would like this. I really do. But I don't... need this? They say you can use it as a primer if you're not concerned with wrinkles, but why would I use a wrinkle reducer as a primer when I can... I don't know, use a primer?! Fail.

Product #2: Extend Your Beauty Cosmetic Tool

I will say that I saw this on Shark Tank and was excited about it then. It's definitely cool to have this on hand. I will use it. I think they called it the Spatty Daddy? But yes, I'm cool with this. It's a nifty tool I never would have purchased for myself and it's useful.

Product #3: Chapstick Hydration Lock

Reggie got this in her Birchbox as an extra, and she said she liked it, so I'll keep it and try it out as a lip primer. We'll see. I'm not blown away, but it's all right, I guess.

Product #4: Nanacoco Nail Polish in Mermaid Dreams

The thing that weirds me out is all the sticky polish on the side of this. Look at that! It looks USED. You can see little specks on the top too. The color isn't all that bad, but considering I wasn't a fan of the Nanacoco lipgloss I got from BB5, I'm not about to jump for joy with such a... vibrant color? And it still concerns me that the nail polish was all over the freakin' bottle.

Product #5: Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain in Pink
I just don't have a use for this. It may be great for someone out there, since Bellapierre is apparently a nice brand. This sort of thing is weird to me. Kind of like the wrinkle reducer slash primer. Use it for what it was intended to be used for... or make it useful for one thing. I know right off that I wouldn't be cool with the application, and that sort of sticky texture on my cheeks? Not really. This may be a great product for someone other than me, but... nope.

I really feel like I'm hating on BB5 unnecessarily. But with piss-poor response times from customer service, boxes that barely recoup the $12/month price (if they do at all), and products that are underwhelming, I'd rather save that $12.

Sephora Mini Haul + Unboxing!

Boom. Look what I got in the mail! This isn't going to be huge haul. I technically only bought two things, which were holidays sets. 

Here's my unboxed Sephora order! My two holiday sets are underneath all the samples. I also got my birthday gift from Make Up For Ever and a mini Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara.

Here's a better view of my two holiday sets. This is actually the only picture of the box my Kat Von D lipsticks came in because I opened them immediately.

Ooooh. That Tarte palette! This was seriously the only thing I was going to buy at Sephora, but it was $42 and I needed $50 for free shipping and then I just happened upon those Kat Von D lipsticks...

There are 3 matte colors and 2 shimmery colors. I'll do a full swatchfest of the colors later. Embraced and Bashful, the second and fourth colors, are the shimmery ones and the others are matte. I don't think there's a standout color as one I wouldn't wear. I'm especially loving the look of Breathless and Bashful, as those are the colors I've been reaching for lately.

All nine of my Kat Von D lipsticks! I was super stoked for this mini set because it was $39 and just one of the studded lipsticks are $21. These lipsticks are itty bitty, but I knew that when I ordered them. Of course they weren't going to value pack and price full size tubes. I was kind of surprised at just how small they turned out being, but I'm sure it will still take a long time to finish them.

You can see that the awesome studded tube is shorter than my finger, and I have pretty small hands.

Next is my birthday gift for being a Beauty Insider. I was really excited that it was from MUFE, because I've never tried the brand. 

The mini set includes a sample mascara and a sample lipstick. I can't comment on the performance of either because this is my unboxing and I haven't tried anything yet.

The lipstick is teeny and has the same amount of product as the small Kat Von D lipsticks. I can already tell the color is more of an every day one, but I'm sure I'll get some use out of it.

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: Is There Another Word I Can Use Besides 'Meh'?

So the beginning of my subscription box addiction came with the arrival of my BeautyBox5. I got my first box for free, which was the August box. Here, I will tell you about it!

Subscription Box: BeautyBox5

Description: Every month we'll send you a mix of makeup, beauty accessories, hair, skincare, fragrance, body, and nail products that we can't get enough of. Our secret? We share products that really work, so you'll receive luxury, drugstore, niche, eco-conscious, and even vegan brands. Whether you're a cosmetic newbie or a beauty guru, identify yourself as adventurous and playful or classy and mature, like to splurge on high-end items or be a savvy spender, we have everything you're looking for.

Pricing: $12/month and free shipping to the US.

Referral Link: Here

I signed up toward the end of the month. So, it's quite possible that I received some of the "leftovers", so to speak. However, because of that, I feel like some of the products I got were... underwhelming to say the least. I already unboxed many of the products, so there won't be as many pictures as there should be. But, I will be sure to link my YouTube video unboxing here for you to watch.

Product #1: Pur-Lisse Sunscreen/Moisturizer (SPF 30)

So for a fair, Irish redhead like me, one would think that this would be making me jump with joy. However, I was kind of under the impression that it would be a moisturizer with some SPF. It smelled just like sunscreen. If I want to use moisturizer as a part of my daily routine, it probably shouldn't smell like sunscreen. I mean, it probably works just fine as a sunscreen, but with summer ending and me living so far from any sort of beach or anything, I just don't see myself using it. But that's not anyone's fault, it was just a miss for me. It was a nice sample size, and I'm sure some people loved it.

Product #2: Nanacoco Lip Gloss (Shade: Popular)

The packaging on this was really nice. It didn't look cheap. It's a relatively inexpensive, accessible brand, but it definitely didn't present itself like that. However, it was so bright pink, it was almost Barbie pink. I love subtle pinks, and even some bright pinks, but that bright hot pink Barbie lip gloss wouldn't work for me. It was also really sticky when I swatched it. I probably couldn't stand having that on my lips for longer than about an hour. Just another miss.

Product #3: LaFresh Oil Free Makeup Remover Wipes (8 wipes)

I've used about half of these so far. They do a good job at getting the surface level makeup off. I still have to go in and use an eye makeup remover to get the rest of my eyeliner/mascara, but I can see a ton of eyeshadow/foundation/whatever on it when I toss the wipe. I've been using it before I go work out in the evenings, and then hopping in the shower to remove the rest of my makeup/get un-sweaty. I would probably repurchase these! This is one I'm happy with, for sure.

Product #4: Style Essentials Nail Polish

Black and sparkly just isn't my thing. On Halloween, sure. But on 364 other days of the year, I don't think I can pull it off. Sparkly nail polish is a beeyotch to get off, and most of the time, I would just rather not wear it than use something sparkly. If it were a different color, I would probably give it a shot, at least, but the black nail polish just wasn't going to be my jam.

Product #5: Novex Brazilian Keratin Hair Mask

So, this product was from another country/in another language? I'm not sure if it was Portuguese, or something similar. But the language that was primarily used on the package was not English. I'm okay with not 100% made in the USA products, but I'm not sure I would even have been able to repurchase the product if I loved it. On top of that, you have to leave it in for 25 minutes with a shower cap, and let's be real: ain't nobody got time for that. Not really interested in trying it.

So, for a free box, I'll take the wipes and be happy. My next month's box should be here soon, and I'm hoping it will redeem itself. I really want to like BeautyBox5, because it's affordable and I've heard good reviews. But if my future boxes are like this one, I may invest my money elsewhere. Sometimes I worry I'm being too picky with what's in my boxes, but if I can use and like 4/5 Birchbox products (post to come later), and use only 1/5 BeautyBox5 products, there's a clear winner there, and for $2 less per month. That being said, I see tons of reviews raving about this box and in general, people seem to really enjoy the contents as a general rule. I'm guessing this was just an "off" month, especially since they're still running the free August box promotion well into September. I'm willing to give it another shot or two, and I hope I won't be disappointed!