Ipsy: April 2013

So, a few weeks ago, someone enlightened me about Ipsy (formerly MyGlam). It's a $10 monthly beauty subscription that can be cancelled at any time. You receive 4-5 samples (or deluxe samples or full size products) in a custom Ipsy bag.

I, of course, couldn't resist. I signed up and was put on a waiting list for about two and a half weeks. It was totally worth it! Unlike Birchbox, Ipsy doesn't have 30+ variations. Everyone gets mostly the same thing but with color variations.

Here's what the bag and contents looked like for this month.

I failed to take a picture of the MicaBeauty Mineral Eyeshadow, but you can see it in the photo above. This is a deluxe sample. The full size retails for $15, so I valued this sample size at $7.50. However, I think this may actually be a little larger than half the full size. Either way, you can see a swatch below. It's got a pink hue to it, but it's a fabulous shimmer. Not 13 year old girl glittery, but subtle and pretty. I LOVE it. I've worn it every day since I got it. I wear it right in my crease.

I received a Full Size Be a Bombshell blush in Sweet Cheeks. I haven't tried it yet, but the swatch looks fabulous! The full size product retails for $16.00! I've already recovered the cost of my bag!

 

I also received a sample of the Sexy Hair Powder Play. The full size product retails for around $15, so the sample is worth around $2. I was a fan of this product long before this Ipsy sample. It's a wonderful powdered root lifter/texturizing powder.

Finally, I received a full size Sation nail polish in Of Corset I'll Call You. Retail value of a full size bottle is $5.00. This polish is a great pink color, albeit a little sheer. Multiple coats are required.

I have started keeping a spreadsheet with the value of my subscription boxes. I've given this Ipsy bag a value of around $30.00, but I actually think it's closer to $35.00. Either way, I more than recovered the $10 I invested.

Overall, I definitely recommend giving Ipsy a whirl. From what I gather, they send out more "makeup" products than some of the other programs. I've also heard they send out more deluxe or full size products.

DISCLAIMER: This review was not solicited by Ipsy. I am, in no way, associated with Ipsy or any other beauty affiliate. All reviews are honest opinions of products I purchased.

BarkBox: April 2013

Finally a post about something other than beauty products, right? I've been wondering lately about BarkBox. Now that Lucy and I don't live very close to a PetSmart, I don't really buy her "new" things very often. I thought this would be a good way to get her new treats and toys and still give me the thrill of my subscription box. BarkBox is a monthly subscription service specifically for dogs. The best part is that 10% of the money you spent on the box goes to animal rescues! You can do a one month recurring subscription at $29 a box, a three month recurring subscription at $23 a box, or a six month subscription at $19 a box. In my opinion, the six month box is the best way to go if you decide it's something you want. It can be cancelled at any time. But you're in luck, if you're interested, use this link to sign up and you'll receive $5 off of your first box! It's a great way to try "just one" box to see if you like what's inside!

Anyhow, I came home yesterday to find my BarkBox. I got my shipping notice around noon, and when I checked it, it was already out for delivery in my area! Talk about a fabulous surprise! 

Inside the box was a little card detailing how the box was curated and why we received the products that we did. "April showers make things tricky for dogs."

On the flip side of the card is a list of the products we received. 

The biggest hit from this box so far is this SafeMade SafeChew Newt. Lucy nearly ripped it out of my hand before I could even get it out of the box to look at it! "Authentic Newt Flavor" -- uh.. okay. It has a little "smell" to it, but it's not too bad.... unless you pick it up and sniff it. Then it totally sucks. Lucy loves this thing!  The card doesn't tell the retail value, so I looked it up for myself. On wag.com, the orange newt seen here sells for $3.99, the red sells for around $9, and the blue sells for $11. I'm not quite sure why there's such a huge price variation.

  

Next up we have the Etta Says! Duck Jerky. I'm not sure if Lucy loves this yet. But I do. What I love about it is that it is Made in the USA from American Farms. I refuse, absolutely refuse, to feed my dog that "Made in China" garbage. This 8oz package retails for around $10.

Lucy girl received two packages of Licks liquid vitamins for Joint & Heart. They also have "Zen" and "Athlete" Licks, too. I've honestly never heard of this. When I went to their website, I found out that each packet is a 2 day supply for a 50 lb dog. Five packets sells for around $14. That makes these two products worth around $5.00. 

This box also contained another Etta Says! product, the Crunch Duck Chew. This came individually packaged, but an 8 oz bag retails for around $9, so I will retail this at about a buck. 

Next up, we have the GroomMitt. There are ten mitts in this package. The package says it's "ideal for big dogs"... struck me as a little odd since I do receive the "small dog" package. Either way, I'm looking forward to getting to use these. When I take Lucy for a walk after it rains, she tends to find all of the muddy puddles I don't want her to find. It'll be nice to have this handy to wipe her down without creating the mess of giving her a bath.  These sell for $9.00 at most pet retailers.

One of the things I love about BarkBox is their commitment to  searching out products made right here in America. These two balls from American Dog Toys sell for around $15. They glow in the dark and they float. So far, Lucy loves them!

Finally, inside the box was a 20% off coupon to Licks and a $10 off your entire purchase on wag.com. My experience with the "$ off" coupons in other subscription boxes is that they usually come with a minimum purchase requirement. Not this one!! I was super stoked to hop on wag.com and find the orange newt that Lucy so loves. I bought 3 -- yea, so. She tears things up rather quickly, and it's nice to have a toy she can't seem to put down! So for $6 ($4.99 shipping), Lucy has a whole newt family.

 

 Seriously, I told you. If my hand had been any closer she would've taken it off.

All in all, I am very satisfied with Lucy's first BarkBox.  This box was worth around $55, so I definitely got my money's worth. I'm a huge fan of American made products, and I'm an even bigger fan of helping the four legged critters! I highly recommend! If you're interested in signing up, make sure you don't forget to get $5 off your first box!! You're welcome!

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by BarkBox. I am not affiliated with BarkBox or any other subscription service.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All BarkBox links in this post are referral links.

Birchbox: April 2013 [Tiny Tweaks, Big Results]

This month, Birchbox paired with Women's Health to create a box called "Tiny Tweaks, Big Results".  If you're unfamiliar with Birchbox, it's a monthly subscription containing 4-6 beauty product samples (hair, face, nails, body, etc.) for $10 a month. The subscription can be cancelled at any time. The best part, in my opinion, is the points you receive for reviewing products (10 points per review). Once you earn 100 points, you can redeem them for $10 in the Birchbox Shop. If Birchbox might be something you're interested in, check them out here.

Anyway, this is what my Birchbox looked like this month. It's not my favorite of the three I've received, but I'll definitely try most everything inside.

First, I received a Skin & Co Sicilan Body Gel Sample. 

I've read from alot of people that they're not a fan, but I'll give it a whirl.

It doesn't have a strong scent, which I like. 

The full size retails for $17.50, thus this sample size has an approximate value of $4.00.

I received a Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream. 

Lucky for me, the shade is almost just right for my light to medium skin. 

In a month, when I've had some sunlight on my face, it should be perfect. 

I swatched it on my hand, and the texture is fabulous. 

The full size retails for $32.00, thus making this sample worth around $2.00. 

I must admit, while I am excited to try the product, I wish the sample size were bigger.

Next up we have two samples each of Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color.

I'm not quite sure I'll try this product.

May save it for travel. 

I've very partial to my Aveda Color Conserve.

The retail value for the shampoo is $37.00 and the conditioner is $39.00.

Thus, this sample is valued at roughly $4.50.

This is what I'm most excited to try from my April box.

Strivectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles!

At halfway to 28, I'm workin' on keeping those crows feet at bay.

The full-size retails for $65.00.

This quarter ounce sample is worth roughly $16.00!

 

Sometimes, Birchbox includes that they call a "Lifestyle Extra". It's a product that you receive in addition to your regular monthly samples. This month, I received a package of Hail Merry's Chocolate Macaroons. They're Gluten Free and Vegan.

Put "chocolate" on anything, and I'm likely to give it a whirl.

A package of 8 retails for $5.00. This sample has 2 inside, thus making the sample value close to $1.25.

Lastly, since Birchbox paired up with Women's Health, every Birchbox subscriber received a one-year subscription to Women's Health valued at $9.99. 

Subscribers also have the option to fill the card out and send it back with some requested information to receive a $9.99 refund rather than a one year subscription. 

(That would make this month's Birchbox FREE!)

I'll probably take the subscription.

I've started keeping track of the "value" of my subscription boxes. (Call me OCD, it's okay.)

I want to make sure I'm not spending money on boxes that never contain double what I paid for it.

I got my money's worth with this months box. 

It had a value of right at $38.00

Overall, this isn't my favorite box, but it's definitely not bad!! Can't wait to try some of those products. When I do, I'll let you know what I think.

Again, if you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox, check them out here!

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Birchbox. I am not affiliated with Birchbox or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All Birchbox links in this post are referral links.  

First Vitacost Experience: Be Pretty Box + Haul

I recently stumbled upon the Vitacost website using someone's referral link. Pretty cool place, I must say. It features natural and organic products ranging from health supplements, to pet products, to beauty products, to cleaning supplies -- you name it, they probably have it.

What originally peaked my interested was the "Be Pretty Box" they offer. As we all know, I'm admittedly addicted to subscription boxes (aka surprises).  With the referral link, you end up getting $10 off a $30 order -- awesome! Here's my referral link, if you're interested!

Anyhow, the Be Pretty box qualifies for free shipping, so here's what I ended up getting for just $23 shipped!

This is my first experience buying cleaning products online and having them shipped to my door. I was very curious how they would come packaged, and I prayed that hadn't spilled out everywhere!

Aside from that, I started taking a closer look at where these products are manufactured. Most of them are MADE IN THE USA! I am that girl -- the one who will pay a little extra for an American made product.

Well -- On to the good stuff -- All of the products I ordered are 98-99% natural/organic product.

The first thing I chose was Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Countertop Spray.

I ended up going with the Lemon Verbena scent. 

I've seen this around and never used it. 

I used it today, and it is the most clean, pleasant cleaner I've ever used. Really.

It sells for $3.99 on the Mrs. Meyer's website, and that's what I paid for it through VitaCost.

I was thoroughly pleased with the vacuum sealed wrapper around the nozzle!

MADE IN AMERICA, by the way.

 Snagged some Cascade for $5.19.

I probably could find it alot cheaper at the grocery store with a coupon, but 

I didn't want to spend money on things I wouldn't use.

Also purchased some Method soap in  Juicy Pear. 

Let me just say, this smells sooooo good! 

Almost like a Jolly Rancher!

Set me back $3.59. 

MADE IN USA. 

BOOM!

Paid $2.99 for these. 

That's about what they retail for. 

Like I said, not buying things I won't use! 

I always have a shower to clean.

Finally, I ordered Green Works bathroom cleaner. 

Paid $3.39. 

What impressed me when I opened the box to see this? 

The packaging.

It was in a sealed plastic bag and the nozzle was tightly wrapped with bubble wrap.

Good Job, VitaCost!

  Moving on to the "Be Pretty Box". My main motivation to purchase this box was to get a good "sampling" or organic beauty products. I paid a total of $13.99 for the box.

It came packaged in a not so sturdy cardboard box. 

Totally fine by me. 

Inside, I found two samples of Out of Africa Pure Shea Butter Bar Soap. 

They're unscented, which is great. 

Sometimes guests don't like "smelly" products. 

These will be on the sinks in the guest bath! 

The full size (4 oz) retails for 3.00. 

Both samples were 2 oz., so together have a value of $3.00.

Then we have the Kiss My Face Peace Soap.

Smells fab!

On the Kiss My Face website, a 3.4 oz bottle sells for $3.00.

I received two in this box.

MADE IN USA! Yesssssssssss!

 

 

 I am not normally a fan of "foil samples", but when that's what I get, I am so thankful to have more than just one use. 

This box had two Desert Essence Age Reversal Rejuvenating Face Serums and two Eye Serums.

The Face Serum retails for $17 for 1 oz.

 

 

I received a full-size bottle of Reviva Labs Eye Gelee. 

Retails for around $6 (according to Amazon).

Another full-size product: Coral Actives. 

Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin

I'm not "Acne-Prone", but I will definitely give this a whirl.

Retails for $13.00.

MADE IN USA! Yesssss.

 

 

 Super excited to try this Lip Amplifier from Juice Organics. 

Retails for $6.00.

MADE IN USA! Yesssssssss.

 

Finally, I got this Deep Steep Moisture Stick in Tangerine Melon. 

Smells delish.

This retails for $6.00. 

Sure wish I'd had this in the dead of winter! 

Overall, the total value of my "Be Pretty Box" was around $30, which far exceeded the $14 I paid for it. 

In my opinion, this purchase was totally worth the $23 bucks! If you're interested in Vitacost and would like $10 off your purchase, feel free to check it out here.

 DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Vitacost. I am not affiliated with Vitacost in any way.  This independent review contains only an honest opinion of products I purchased.

Twistband: Obsessed

I am one of those girls who puts my hair up as soon as I get home. I'm also the girl who, in the shower, pulls out tons of broken hair thanks to my hair tie.

Thank God those days are over.

I am completely obsessed with Twistbands. They're elastic hair ties, but they're less troublesome on your hair. They claim they don't "dent" your hair... but if I put anything in my hair for more than 35 milliseconds, it has a crease in it. Sorry, twistband, it's not you, it's me. I have seen other brands, and even handmade versions of these hair ties. I would say there relatively easy to make, but I'm just not into that DIY right now.

Most versions of this hair tie I've seen run around $2/each, give or take a little. I received a twistband headband in my March Birchbox (read about it here), and decided I would see what kind of "bargain" I could find!

I stumbled over to the Twistband Facebook page where I noticed quite a few people had asked about "coupon codes" and, unlike other on other "Business" Facebook pages, they responded. So, I decided to try my hand at asking if there were coupon codes available. The response from Twistband was "Wait until Monday!"

So -- like a good little girl, I waited.

On Monday, I see that Twistband has posted that through Lucky Magazine, for one day only, the ENTIRE TWISTBAND WEBSITE was HALF-OFF! wait. what.

Talk about a tightwads dream!

So, I ordered a trio of hairties. Regular Price: $6.00

 Cute, right?

As I continued to peruse the website, I came across a subscription addicts dream. A Twistband subscription box. Jackpot! A six month subscription is regularly priced at $60.00 ($10/month). Now, would I spend $10 a month? Probably not. I'd just have to work harder at keeping up with my hair ties. Now, I won't be so upset if one goes missing. I ordered a six month subscription for $30.00 ($5/month). Each box is supposed to have around 6 hair ties and/or 4 headbands.

My first box came in like this. 

Who doesn't love neon pink?

 Here's what was inside [six hair ties and a headband!]:

 

The box contained hair ties in a sage green, navy blue, nude, hot pink, teal, and pastel yellow. The value of these hair ties is $12 ($2/each). 

I also received a headband in hot pink metallic. When purchased as a set of six, the set is $22. Thus, this headband is worth around $3.50, give or take a little.

Overall, I am highly satisfied with Twistband, both their product and their customer service. I received $15 worth of product for a mere $5. Couple that with a very pleasant "Facebook" experience, and Twistband will continue to earn my business. If you've never heard of them, definitely check them out!

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Twistband. I am not affiliated with Twistband in any way.  This independent review contains only an honest opinion of products I purchased.