FabFitFun VIP Summer 2014

Here's my first FabFitFun box, Summer 2014! I got a sneak peek at my products earlier this month and I was so excited with this selection of products.

Sonya Dakar Flash Facial ~ $95
This product was featured as the first spoiler for the Summer 2014 box. I've tried it over the past few days and I really love it! I think you have to give it a few days before you start noticing results. I wouldn't pay $95 for it but I'm happy I got to try it through this box.

pur-lisse pur-protect SPF 30 ~ $55
This moisturizer is smooth and creamy, perfect for oily or dry skin. It smells more like sunscreen than other moisturizers and I don't feel like it's worth $55. The product is supposedly full sized but looks more like a deluxe sample size. I will probably use up this tube because the product is really good for everyday use, but won't be ordering another.

Thursday Friday Away Mini Clutch/Makeup Bag ~ $35
I've never been a fan of canvas so this isn't going to make it into my personal collection of purses and bags. There is a picture of a white Chanel looking purse with the front view on the front and back view on the back. The inspiration for this collection is to be able to have the essence of a designer handbag for a fraction of the cost. I personally think this bag is cheap and does not nearly begin to take the place of a designer. A coupon for $30 off my next purchase was included, but I checked it out and shipping to HI is $19.95, so I would only be getting $10 off and you have to spend at least $35 to use the coupon and nothing on their site is appealing to me since I don't like canvas. If you're into canvas, use the code FAB30 to get $30 off your next purchase at thufri.com.

Balanced Guru No Frizz Oil ~ $25
I have so many hair products, my hair feels super healthy already. I saw this product in last month's Ipsy products but it's not one of the samples I received. I tried it and it doesn't rival any of my current products so I may be selling it.

FabFitFun Water Infuser BPA-Free Water Bottle ~ $15
I wasn't sure how to react when I saw I would be receiving this water bottle. This is supposed to be the "exercise" item in the box but I was expecting something more useful for exercise. When I got this, I opened it up and took out the infuser part and actually really like it. It holds quite a bit of water and says "Take life by the exercise balls!" on the side. Not sure if I'll ever use the infuser part, but I guess it's always nice to have options.

Zoya Nail Polish (Maya) ~ $9
I've tried this brand before and really like it. It goes on smooth, dries super glossy and only requires a coat or two. Maya is a peachy, bright pink color, perfect for Summertime. I have gel polish on all of my nails so I don't have a need for nail polish anymore and I wasn't a fan of this color, however, so I gifted it to a friend.

KISSTIXX Lip Balm (raspberry & lemonade) ~ $5.99
This could not have arrived at a more perfect time. Not sure why, but my lips have become annoyingly dry and flaky. So much so that they hurt; I've never experienced this with my lips before. They're not sunburnt but I think I may have had an allergic reaction to something. I was just going to purchase a new lip balm and so was my boyfriend, who frequently suffers from dry, chapped lips. The concept behind this product is to keep one and give one to your partner so that the compatible flavors will combine when you kiss. I kept the raspberry one and gave him the lemonade one. We have yet to kiss and mix the flavors, but I have tried putting one on my top lip and the other on the bottom lip. It tastes awesome. It also comes in the following combos: fire/ice, sweet/sour, pina colada/strawberry daquri, chocolate/strawberry and peaches/cream.

POPchips (sour cream & onion) ~ $1.29
These were excellent. If I see these in stores, I would definitely purchase these instead of regular potato chips. These snacks aren't fried or baked, they're simply "popped" using heat and pressure. Pop chips contain no preservatives, zero trans fats, no cholesterol, are vegetarian and vegan friendly. They come in a variety of flavors: original, sour cream & onion, barbecue, sea salt & pepper, sea salt & vinegar, and cheddar potato.

Skintimate Shave Gel (sponsored) ~ $1.99
I've always used this brand and I love this size. The full sized cans take a while to use up so this travel size is actually a perfect size for me and I'm glad to have a new one since I've just run out!

Always Xtra Protection Long Daily Liners (sponsored) ~ $1.50
As a girl, there is always a need for these. I will definitely be using these during my next visit from Aunt Flo.

Slimfast Have Your Cake... Meal Bar (sponsored) ~ $1
This bar was so tempting, I ate it immediately after opening my box. It was delicious! I may even get some in the store if I can find them.


I think I was happier with the sponsored items and food products. I won't be keeping everything in this box, but I think it was well worth what I spent. I even purchased a box for my mom at the reduced rate of $39.99 and she will be subscribing for the Fall box. I love the products I was able to try and will be selling the ones I don't plan on using. I'm pretty satisfied with the spread and FFF is definitely in the running for one of my fave boxes.

If you're interested in FabFitFun VIP, comment your email address below so that I can refer you!

XOXO,

Sami

June 2014 Birchbox

Okay, so I know I give Birchbox a hard time, but I really do like this box. In fact, this is my fave so far. I think (at least I hope) BB is going through some adjusting, trying to get to know me and what I like. It still bothers me that it takes an entire month to get here. I mean, if Ipsy can get it to me in a week, I don't really understand why Birchbox can't. Anyway, I finally had enough points to redeem for $10 off in the Birchbox shop! Every 100 points, gets you $10 off. It's super easy and fast to accumulate points with BB. I really wanted to get a full size of the Benefit  They're Real! Mascara because I love my sample from Sephora so much. I actually really like some of the products in the BB shop. I got some lash cards to help with my mascara application when I also want to have a shadow on so it doesn't ruin any of my other make up. The benefits of the BB shop are a lot like Sephora where you can get a lot of free stuff. If you spend $35, you get a Mystery Box (regularly $10) where you get one deluxe sample and one regular sample. If you spent $60, you could get free Skullcandy Bombshell earbuds (worth $49.99!). With Ipsy, you have to accumulate 1,000 points in order to redeem for one of a select few range of items (I think because Ipsy doesn't sell it's own items and goes through individual brands). So the BB points are a big plus for me, especially since you can accumulate them so quickly and the rewards are not limited to certain items.

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Eye Shadow Palette Set - Sunset
Versatile range of rose-tinted shadows that will round out your beauty arsenal. There are four shimmer neutral colors in this pallet that I love! My skin favors neutral tones so this is great! Haven't tried it out yet, but I'm super excited to try it. The sample size is more like a deluxe sample, but not full sized.

COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face
Mineral based tinted moisturizer with lasting sun protection and a shine-free finish. Love the texture and sheer coverage. Another awesome product with sunscreen.

Joie Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum
A fresh blend of mandarin, rose, and sandalwood that evokes a carefree, summertime vibe. I really like this scent. It's not something I think I would buy, but I'll be enjoying this for a few weeks.

Perlier Body Cream -Shea Almond
From the Italian skincare brand, this nourishing cream rehydrates skin for a silky finish. This lotion reminds me of the brand Loccitane. Both the packaging and the product are similar to the Loccitane brand. It's super hydrating and absorbs quickly. Perfect for after sun dryness during the Summer.

suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser
Two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator that rejuvenates skin an smells deliciously lemony. I was so happy to be getting this because I really needed a scrub cleanser! With all the cleansers I have for my face, I haven't gotten a scrub to exfoliate my skin so I was so excited to try this. It has the scent and texture of a lemon skittle. It even dissolves on your skin like a skittle on your face. It is just what I needed to help exfoliate all my dead dry skin from my face, since I've been getting quite a bit of sun.


I know subscription boxes get a lot of crap for the small samples they give out, but I actually really like these. If I like an item, I can always purchase it from the BB shop and if I don't, I don't mind wasting the sample because it's not a lot of product. Plus, these sizes are perfect for carrying around in my school bag or purse and are great for travel. To each her own, but I love tiny things!

Updates on my BB purchases. So I accidentally received two deluxe sample sizes of my Benefit They're Real! Mascara instead of one full size and one deluxe sample, so I immediately sent them and email. Later, I noticed that a brush set I purchased isn't what was pictured and I wanted it exactly as pictured. So I sent another email. A couple days later, they sent me an email apologizing for the error, mailed me my full size, AND gave me 100 BB points... EACH! They did this for both emails I sent so they sent out two new products and I got 200 BB points! We'll see though, I haven't received these yet, but I'm excited about the excellent customer service I've received so far.

Once again, if you're interested in Birchbox, let me know so I can refer you!

XOXO,

Sami

Memebox Superbox #22 - Pore Box #2

This box is probably the one I'm most excited to try because it focuses on one of my biggest beauty flaws: clogged, enlarged pores. I checked out Pore Care 1 unboxed and I wasn't impressed. I was actually quite disappointed that I was going to get this when I saw what was in the first one, thinking that the same items would be in my box because that's usually how Memebox rolls. WRONG! I got all new products, not a single duplication from the first box. So when I opened my box I was positively thrilled!

Label Young Shocking Pack (100g) ~ $29
When environmental toxins, dirt and debris get under your skin, pores get clogged and skins looks cloudy. Label Young's Shocking Pack clears up the complexion by getting to the bottom of skin and dissolving all dirt and oil. Once a week or as often as needed, open pores with warm water, layer mask on wet face and massage for 1 minute. Allow to dry, rinse well.
The packaging of this product definitely fits the brand "Label Young." I almost sold this because it looked and smelled cheap and young. It smells like grape candy and looks like a clay mask with tiny purple exfoliants.

With Me White Perfection Foaming Cleanser (120mL) ~ $29
Made with silk and marine extracts, this foaming cleanser detoxifies the skin and gently yet effectively removes and dissolves oil and makeup. It rises away pore-clogging surface debris, impurities , and excess oil to refine skin texture, brighten skin clarity, and minimize the look of pores over time. Gently massage cleanser onto dampened face to create a warming lather. Rinse clean with water. Use morning and evening.
I've used this a few times and love it! It even looks silky; when you pull it apart it appears stringy like silk strands. It feels great, lathers wonderfully into the skin and makes it feel super clean. I have to finish my O& Berry cleanser before I can put this one in my shower to use regularly.

Cheek Room Loose Powder (11g) ~ $14
This non-drying translucent powder sets makeup and creates a flawless finish. With its unique light-reflecting ingredients, Cheek Room's Loose Powder creates a soft-focus appearance that smoothes away fine lines and imperfections as it sets your makeup, and also works to control oil production on your face. Pat loose powder onto face over foundation, or by itself.
I haven't used this yet as I'm still debating whether or not to sell it. I don't wear foundation and sometimes powders actually make my face look more oily because it dries my skin and causes it to overproduce skin oils. We'll have to wait and see.

Tosowoong Spot Clean Pore Brush ~ $24
Consisted of 0.045mm fine brush hair, this pore brush will gently yet very thoroughly cleanse deep into pores, removing any excess blackheads or sebum previously unreached when cleansing with your hands. Use cleansing oil to first remove thick color makeup. Then apply the foam cleanser on top of the pore brush and gently lather and massage onto your face.
This is something I saw in the Memeshop and thought it might be an interesting product. It was something I even considered ordering, but decided not to so I'm really happy this came in my box! I tried using this with the cleanser that came in this box, but maybe I didn't scrub it hard enough because I still had some visible blackheads on my nose. This brush is so soft and gentle, I think I may need something a little more heavy duty for my difficult, stubborn blackheads. I will continue to try using this because it just feels so amazing on my skin!

Grinif Ultimate Pore Silk BB Primer (15mL) ~ $60
This silky primer smoothes and perfects the skin, while the unique formula fills in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish. Smooth over clean, moisturized skin. Can be worn alone or underneath foundation.
This product and I had a rough start. I kept pushing the pump but the product just would  not come out. It took a couple hundred pumps before product finally appeared but it was worth it. This product feels so amazing! I think I like it even better than the Miguhara BP cream I raved about in Luckybox #5, it just doesn't smell as good. It is and feels like an expensive product. I think the product matches the price. Too bad it doesn't match my skin tone as well. I think if I just do a thin layer it would be fine, but I think that all foundations/BB/CC whatevers make my face look lighter than the rest of my body. It's not only me but I notice a lot of other women have this same effect. I think I'm just more bothered by it than other women. Anway, love this and will be using it until it dies.

Cosrx Ciracle Pore Control Blackhead Off Sheet (30sheets) ~ $14
Say good-bye to all the blackheads and whiteheads fattening up and enlarging your pores with Cosrx's famous Pore Control Blackhead Off-Sheet. As the name goes, this pore control sheet will literally remove all excess blackhead off your pores. Place the pore control off sheet over your nose or any other areas of you faces with enlarged pores and excess blackheads. After 15 minutes, remove the sheet and rinse off all of the blackheads and sebum pulled out from your pores.
I wasn't really sure how to use this at first. The shed kept falling off my nose since their not fitted to form to your face. I did literally feel my blackheads protruding from my nose and chin. I tried this one after I tried using the brush and it seems to have worked perfectly! Not sure if ALL my blackheads are gone, but this definitely lifted them to the surface and I was able to remove the majority of them. I think it would have worked better if I had let it sit for longer, but I was just so unsure of the sheets falling off my face I kind of gave up the first time. I also like the fact that these came with tweezers so you're not exposing the pads to your skin oils. It also helps to separate them for use. So glad I traded in my nose strips for these, they work a million times better and are far less painful.


The one fault that I'm not so crazy about Memebox is that I can't purchase some of the products included in the boxes from the Memeshop, or anywhere else for that matter. I could only find some full Memeboxes on Ebay if I wanted to purchase an item. That's the only gripe I have, and it definitely won't be decreasing my love for Memebox any less. It does make me appreciate my products all the more.

XOXO,

Sami

Lomilomi 7 Skin Scheduler Facial Mask

It's Summer time! For us pharmacy kids, this not only means fun in the sun, but also Summer rotations. This year, for our P3 rotations, we are required to do a 2-week hospital rotation. Luckily, I got placed at a local hospital and don't have to travel to a neighbor island. Last year, I went to Oahu to do my 4-week retail rotation and walked everywhere! While I had a wonderful experience, the stress of traveling and living away from home was daunting on my body. Part of a successful education is remembering to take care of yourself, even when everything seems crazy. This year, I thought I would embrace the weeks ahead with a week-long mask session. I saw this in the Memeshop and thought it would be perfect to de-stress during my rotation. Lomilomi's 7 Skin Scheduler Facial Mask set was $15, which I think is a pretty good deal for 7 masks. These masks are different that the mask I tried in my Luckybox as they are a paper mask. I'm not sure which I prefer.
I started masking on Monday, June 9, and will finish on Sunday, June 15.

Apply 1 mask to face qPM while lying down x 1 week
#7

ALOE Monday Juicy Mask (6/9)
The recommended time to let this mask sit is about 15-30 minutes. I let this mask sit for about 15 minutes. I took my own advice and lay down when I put on this mask so that it wouldn't droop down my face, into my eyes and nose. This was a very refreshing mask. Too bad it was chilly and raining when I did this. It would have been nice to have done it on a hot, sunny day and feel the coolness of the mask on my face. I didn't rinse my face after and most of the serum absorbed into my skin.
(6/10) My pores look visibly smaller and skin tone is more even. Skin is soft and moisturized. LOVE it already!


GINGKO Tuesday Anti-Wrinkle Mask (6/10)
I again only let this mask sit for about 15 minutes. I get a little restless when I'm immobile and have to lie down. This mask was really refreshing too! I don't really have wrinkles and pray that my super asian skin will prevent them from arriving on my face prematurely. When I went to take the mask off, I swear I felt the sensation and smell like someone blew a tiny puff of cigarette smoke in my face. It was the weirdest thing. I almost put the mask back on to see if it would repeat itself, but didn't. The serum absorbed into my skin nicely.
(6/11) My skin still looks like it did yesterday, with smaller pores (no smaller than yesterday though) and extra hydrated.

GRAPE Wednesday Whitening Mask (6/11)
As soon as I ripped open the package, the scent of Hi-chew grape candy filled the air. I put the mask on my face and I reminisced of simpler times. My face itched slightly while wearing the mask. I left the mask on for 15 minutes then wiped it off. My lips began itching immensely, but they've been itching all week so I'm not sure if the mask is the cause of tonight's itchy lips or if it merely exacerbated a preexisting itch. Skin feels great, serum absorbed nicely.
(6/12) I developed a few, minor blemishes in my T-zone, possibly from too much serum exposure. This can be reduced by wiping more of the serum off or reducing the mask time.




CUCUMBER Thursday Bouncing Mask (6/12)
This mask smelt of light cucumber. I kept thinking of putting cucumbers on my eyes too, if we had any in the house. It felt very calming and soothing.
(6/13) I noticed some lightening of the dark spots on my face and healing of one of my recent acne scars. The minor acne flare was resolved this morning and my skin texture was smooth.








ACEROLA Friday Recovery Mask
I was extremely apprehensive to put this mask on my face. When I was younger, my parents used to make jugs of juice out of powder and it was called Acerola Cherry. I HATED it. It smelled awful, like cherry cough syrup. This mask didn't seem so bad though. It had a very light, fruity scent. Nothing like the horror I experienced as a child.







POMEGRANATE Saturday Vital Mask
It was finally a hot sunny day, perfect for an afternoon masking. The cooling sensation ran from my face, all the way through my body and felt wonderfully refreshing! There was a light scent of pomegranate, although it was a bit stronger than the others.










JASMINE Sunday Healing Mask
This, my final mask of the week, was definitely my fave. It smelled so sweet and relaxing. I love jasmine and it was such a healing experience, I would probably purchase just this mask on its own. I let this mask sit just a while longer so I could allow the pleasant smell fill my lungs.





These masks are pretty bomb. You can see differences after the first mask and I'm a huge fan of instant gratification so these are perfect for those of you who like instant results (I don't know anyone who doesn't). Over the course of the week, I noticed pore size reduction, increased softness, and smoothness in texture and tone. I've already ordered some mask sets through the Memeshop for my friends for Christmas! To purchase your own set, visit the Memeshop here: http://us.memebox.com/memeshop/mask-pack/7-skin-scheduler-facial-mask#.U5jFvBaE6oo

In my personal opinion, it's "cheaper" in the long run to purchase over $70 worth of products from the Memeshop and get free shipping because the shipping is really expensive. I'm not sure if it's a Hawai`i thing or because they're sending heavy liquids (I know Bath & Body charges a lot for shipping too because of this) but it's about $16 for shipping under $30 and $24 over $30, and gets more expensive the more you spend. If you spend over $70, use the code FREESHIPPING at checkout. You can use this code once per month and I'm not sure if they change it. They haven't since I've been purchasing though.

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed masking this week. It almost felt like I was at the spa... almost...

XOXO,

Sami

Benefit They're Real! Push-up Liner

So now that my eyelashes are permed, I use mascara to make them look fuller and enhance their length. I also use a lot of eyeliner to make it look a little more natural but dramatic, if that even makes sense. I usually use MAC fluidline, which has a liquid feel and smooth application. I do believe that appropriate liner application has to do with the brush. Having the right brush can make all the difference. I use an Artistry angled eyeliner brush that is amazing. It makes the finest lines with ease and precision. Anyway, I received an email from BeneFit about their new They're Real! Push-up liner. I clicked on the link and got on the waitlist, and then they emailed me to purchase! So I got my hands on this new liner that has not even hit the shelves yet. It costs $24 and is supposed to make using a liner easier as it is an all-in-one liner and brush. You just rotate the bottom and the liner comes up through the tip, which also serves as a brush.

I really like that I don't need a brush to apply this liner. It makes on-the-go applications so much easier. The only thing I don't like about this product is the liner formula. It kind of feels like they just pureed a liner pencil and put it inside. Also, I think it's really thick, so sometimes when I try to push it up, I have to rotate the base more than just once (even though you're supposed to do just one rotation per eye) to get any liner out. During my initial use, I had to rotate the bottom A LOT before any product even came out. When applying, it sometimes clumps by the lash line leaving little particles behind. The particles then cause some unevenness in the liner. I think if it weren't so thick, it would be a totally fab product and it would be even easier to use. Other than that, the tip is amazing and makes beautiful cat eyes or wing tips.

I think I'll stick to my regular routine but keep this in my purse for touch ups. Again, I really love the idea of this liner and its design, just not the formula for the liner itself. I think it's definitely worth a try and great for people who are already used to applying liner. If you can easily adjust to different consistencies in product, then I think this product would be a great addition to your make-up collection. It's not yet available in stores but get yours on June 27 at 10am online or in stores and check out The Line to Fine website here: https://thelinetofine.com

XOXO,

Sami

June 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

Yesterday, my glam bag was revealed and today, it was in my mailbox! I'm so impressed that it's already here! I remember last month just staring at my products on my computer screen, hitting the  refresh button on the tracking page to see when it would come in. The shipping email came in today and by the time I opened it, it said my bag had already been delivered! It shipped out on June 6 and arrived today, June 11. This month's bag is designed by Rebecca Minkoff and feels pretty sturdy and durable. Super cute print and perfect for Summer!

Be a Bombshell Lash Out Mascara (7g) - Intense Black
I have been into mascaras lately since perming my eyelashes. I've been using a Benefit They're Real small sample size that I got as a bonus from Sephora, which I've liked so far but have been wanting to try other mascaras. I thought this mascara was going to be a deluxe sample size like my Benefit one, but I was shocked to see that it actually looks like a full size product (retails for $15!!!)! I put this on over my already mascaraed lashes and it visibly lengthened and recurled my lashes! It smells terrible though, like strong permanent marker.
(6/15) Not a huge fan of this mascara. While it has decent sized packaging, it doesn't seem to have much product in it. Either that, or the product is so viscous that it just doesn't come out on the brush. I've attempted to apply this multiple times to no avail.

DERMAdoctor DD Cream Dermatologically Defining BB Cream w/ Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (10 mL)
I've been getting so many of these BB, CC, whatever creams that I haven't liked. This DD cream is no different. It feels sticky like a sunscreen on my face. It has good coverage and a nice shimmer to it though, but I probably won't use it, unless in the sun.

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray (45 mL)
When I opened my bag, this was the last product I took out and noticed that it had spilled during transit. I hate that! Oh well, it doesn't seem like much came out of it so there's still a lot of product to sample. It smells nice and beachy, like coconut vanilla. We'll see if it stands up to my thick, coarse, straight hair. It claims to give even the straightest hair a subtle wave. I actually permed my hair when I was younger because I wanted curls, but they always came out soon after and looked terrible for months! It would be nice if this could give my hair just a little texture. I used it on towel dried hair and it's nearly dry, still no deviation from it's normal straightness. Too bad.

Nicka K New York Shimmer Eyeliner - Green 
When I looked at the picture of my glam bag, I thought I was getting the blue eyeliner, but when I received my bag and opened it, I got green instead. I'm actually pretty happy that I got the green one. I was actually thinking that I would have preferred green because I thought it would match my skin tone better than the blue, so I was pleasantly surprised. It's really a nice, rich pigmented sea foam green. Green isn't a color I would usually use as an eyeliner or even shadow (usually stick with just a black liner and some mascara lately) but I'll try to incorporate this into my beauty regimen at some point. It's really liquidy and takes a while to dry, but dries metallic and is seemingly smudge proof. One of the things I don't like is the applicator. It's just a plastic stick and hurts like hell as it scratches your skin while applying.

NYX Butter Gloss (8 mL) - Eclair
Before receiving this, I was trying to figure out which color I would be receiving and watch some reviews of this product. I figured it must be good because all the videos I watched had all these girls with multiple tubes of the stuff, all in different colors. The texture of this gloss is super smooth, creamy and non-sticky. It really does feel like butter. I got the color Eclair, which is a very light petal pink, slightly more on the nudey side. It has a white background so it's not sheer and doesn't have any shimmer. It's really close to my skin color, kind of like my LAQA pencil from my May Birchbox, but more pink than orange. I like the texture a lot, but it feels like a gloss that will require constant reapplication. It's a full product though, so there's enough for many, many, many applications!


Super stoked to be trying all the fabulous products this month! All of the products included in this bag are things that I would never have tried if I didn't subscribe to Ipsy. And they are all very generous sample sizes or full products. I'm again really happy with this bag and contented knowing that even though I'm in Hawai`i, I'm getting my bag around the same time as all the other Ipsters! I already can't wait for my July glam bag! My June Birchbox is still in Indiana, my next glam bag might come before it does... Boo...

Interested in Ipsy? You should be! Let me know if you're ready to subscribe so that I can refer you!

XOXO,

Sami

10 minute Memebox

Lovin' me some Memebox. I was super skeptical about this box and almost didn't get it. But now I'm so happy I did and you'll see why!

This Memebox has everything you need to get ready for a special night out in just 10 minutes! I haven't really had that many occasions to dress up for lately, but sometimes they just creep up on you and a girl must always be prepared.

Aromalab Designer Fragrance Oil - American Phermone Woman Type 01 (8 mL) ~ $34
This handy roll on oil pheromone perfume has a fun and fruity top note that smells like raspberries, violet, and fresh grapefruit, and a sensual vanilla base not that will last all throughout the day. Roll the perfume on your wrists, neck, and wherever else needed on your body.
Not sure if I'm in the business of attracting men, but this smells pretty. I think it smells different when you put it on your skin.

Hope Girl Powdery Body Perfume (20 g) ~ $49
This silky silica powder contains sweat absorbing micro particles that will help keep you feeling fresh all night. This scented powder will give you seductive yet subtle scent that will last all throughout the night. Apply the powder to arms, legs, shoulders, and cleavage for a subtle scent.
The powder feels really nice and does absorb moisture on the skin. It doesn't really smell like a perfume though. I can't even describe what it smells like but it doesn't smell that good to me, but it's extremely light so it doesn't have much scent at all. Maybe after you put it on your skin it smells more, but I have yet to figure this one out. I would definitely never take this out with me though, it's way too big to be lugging around in my purse. It is super cute though with the cheetah print and looks pretty lux.

Hope Girl Milky Balm Lipstick (3.4g) ~ $25
A creamy red long-lasting lipstick that stays put for up to 10 hours and has an incredibly comfortable feel. Wear with gloss for added shine, or alone for a creamy red finish.
I don't usually wear dark colored lipsticks for fear of the dreaded, awkward, lipstick teeth stains. But this one is really nice and actually feels expensive. I've used a lot of different lipsticks like Chanel and MAC, and this one is pretty comparable. And again, it looks super adorbs with the cheetah print!

Secret Romance Hair Essence Lovely (60 mL) ~ $39
A phemone hair essence that leaves your hair smelling like a sensual rose all day while also nourishing each strand to increase hair strength and manageability for soft, shiny, and smooth hair. Enriched with angelica root oil, grape seed oil, aloe vera extracts and ginseng extracts, this hair essence will give you the lush and glamorous hair that you always dreamt about having. Apply hair essence to towel dried hair, starting from roots to ends.
This is hands down my favorite product in this box. In fact, I think this is my all time favorite Memebox item so far. It works so well, it's something my boyfriend actually noticed... and I didn't even have to say anything! This product speaks for itself. After I got this box, I immediately opened this because it's something that's so different. I often spray the top of my head with perfume because I'm so short that I feel like this is the place people are going to smell. It smells AMAZING! It's light and fruity, I can't even explain how intoxicating and invigorating it is. So right when I opened it, I had to try it. It went on nicely and made my hair really shiny! It feels and works just like a hair serum, making my hair look healthy, shiny and smooth. I was so happy just surrounded by the scent. After I put it away, I was preparing some salad and my boyfriend came up behind me (he does this a lot because he can easily see over my head because he's 5'11" and I'm 4'8", you can do the math), and instantly said, "wow, you smell good!" Not like I smell bad all the time, it just must have been really good for him to notice, not to mention, actually say something about it. He asked me what it was, but I told him, it was a secret ;) This is my absolute FAVE!

Laboratory Eyelash+ - Cute Princess 002 (5 pairs) ~ $5
A full set of faye eyelashes that will finish off your dolly look. Apply eyelashes with eyelash glue.
FINALLY, some eyelashes! I've always wanted to try false eyelashes, but could never muster up the guts to just buy them from the store, don't ask me why, it's just a thing. Plus, it's so much better to get them when you're not expecting it. These are super cute, not something I would have picked out myself, but I'm down to try new things. I'm a little disappointed these didn't come with eyelash glue. I don't normally have eyelash glue handy since I'm not a devout eyelasher. I usually prefer to just have my regular lashes because I don't like things on my eyelids. I succumbed to the eyelash extension frenzy once and never again. I've since only permed my lashes, which has worked well considering I actually have some pretty long, fluttery lashes. These will enhance my eyelashes only on special occasions. I also love the name of the style, Cute Princess. Who doesn't like to feel like a Cute Princess, right?!


This was another win for Memebox. Totally digging the hair perfume; it's just a bonus that my boyfriend happens to love it too! I didn't expect there to be so many perfume items, though and would have preferred more make-up stuff like maybe a eyeliner or mascara. Maybe they thought you wouldn't need it with the lashes. Nevertheless, still very much in love with Memebox and there's still more to come!

XOXO,

Sami

Memebox Superbox #21 - Dermo-Cosmetics

So, I have a serious problem... It's really a disease. I have a Memebox addiction! After my first box, Luckybox #5, I bought more and more Memeboxes! I decided that I have to sell one thing from each box to kind of make up for how much I spent. BUT, I sold one of my Proactiv+ items that covers the price of a box so I get to keep EVERYTHING!!! I just need resolve for my addictive, obsessive tendencies. There was an incident with Memebox though. I'm not sure if their customer service people are proficient in written English or what but there was some confusion about additions to orders. I had ordered Luckybox #2 and #4, then Memebox added the Memebox Mask Edition #4 and Superbox #32 Bubble Pop Cosmetics that I wanted to add on to my original order so I could save on shipping. So I emailed them saying I wanted to add these on or cancel and add the two items and they politely responded that they will get back to me as soon as possible but they are having delays due to their holidays, totally understandable. I ended up just buying the two additional boxes because I didn't want them to sell out (these boxes all sell out so fast!) before hearing back from them. They emailed me days later saying they CANCELLED my Luckyboxes, which are both now sold out. Luckily, they told me they could reorder so I had to resend them the payment through PayPal. All that and I still didn't save on shipping. But now I know not to make trouble now, it just confuses them. But I digress... ON TO THE PRODUCT REVIEWS!!!!

I got Superbox #21 - Dermo Cosmetics. All the products in this box are supposed to be dermatologist approved and recommended. This box was recently relisted as Superbox #34 - Dermo Cosmetics #2 so if you're interested, check it out here: http://us.memebox.com/superbox/superbox-184#.U5ah9BaE6oo

Dewy Tree 7 Cut Facial Cream (50 mL) ~ $40
Dermatologist tested for sensitive and easily irritated skin. Dewy Tree 7 Cut Facial Cream uses only the most gentle and soothing ingredients to moisturize and relieve stressed skin. Free of the 7 harmful additives, this facial cream only contains natural ingredient to deliver ingest hydration, and improve elasticity. It is formulated with a hydrating, and radiance-boosting blend of 29 natural ingredients to defend against wrinkles, preserve collagen, seal in moisture, and soften the skin. Apply to clean skin twice a day, morning and night.
I now have so many moisturizers to try! This one goes on smooth and absorbs pretty quickly. It's very thick and doesn't have much of a smell, which is good for people who are sensitive to smells.

Dr. Oracle Real White Eye Gel Cream (20 mL) ~ $30
Your eyes can't keep a secret-they're the first to show signs of age and stress. Proven by dermatologists to prevent eye wrinkles and brighten the area around the skin, this eye gel cream contains Alpine Herb extracts and Whilte Flower Complex to improve the underye skin's all around texture and clarity. Upon application, the under eye area instantly appears brighter and dark shadows disappear for eyes that look younger, larger, and more awake. Apply gel cream below the eyes and above the brow bones. Massage into skin.
So I absolutely LOVE this packaging! It is so neat. It has a pump where one side is the finger part and the other side has a hole for the gel to come out but is kind of shaped like a spatula so you don't have to actually use your finger to apply it. Ditching the Dr. Jart eye cream I got in my Luckybox #5 to try this. So far, so good... even though I don't really have wrinkles or dark circles.

(6/10) Most eye creams/ointments/gels make my eyes hurt and gives me headaches. It feels like there's pressure building behind my eyes and it won't stop even if I wash off the product. The Dr. Jart eye cream did after a few days of use, but this one doesn't. Still don't know if it's doing anything for my eyes but at least there's no pain.

Dr. Oracle Easy Care Shiny Water Pack (50 mL) ~ $25
This was the first product I tried because it said "smoothing & brightening in just 10 seconds!" on the front of it. I thought, "how the heck can a product do that in 10 seconds" The directions are as follows: After cleansing your skin, apply a dime sized amount on we face and distribute evenly over the skin. Massage into skin for 10 seconds. Rinse off with lukewarm water for supple and ultra moisturized skin. Use under makeup for a dewy finish, or use alone for a naturally glowing look. It's supposed to moisturize, brighten, restore, replenish, and calm the skin with grape seed oil, jojoba oil, macadamia seed oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil and annato oils. It was a really strange experience using this product. I used it in the shower (not sure if you're supposed to do that). I lathered it over my face for 10 seconds (maybe a little more) and when I went to wash it off, it came off in white clumps and felt like my face was melting. The texture was like that of coconut oil. After coming out of the shower, I immediately checked my face in the mirror and there weren't any white remains on my face. It actually felt smoother and moisturized. Not really sure if it brightened my face at all though.

Kangskin Beauty Multi Block Sun Cream (50 mL) ~ $42
This dermatologist tested sunscreen is perfect for everyday use because its vitamins A, B, and SPF 50+++ infused formula protects the skin from UV rays and free radicals. this high-performance sunscreen protects from the sun's rays, defending skin from photoacging and dehydration. Apply liberally to face and body at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply as needed.
Living in Hawai`i, you can never have enough sun block. This one looks and feels pretty good too. Just in time for Summer!
(6/10) I tried to use this as a regular moisturizer, which didn't work out so well. It feels really sticky, especially with the humidity. It has a very light, but pleasant scent, not like regular sunscreens. It takes a while to set into the skin and has a bit of tint in it, leaving a sheer white residue for a while. It says it's a sun block and whitening program and wound care blemish cover. It really is just a sunscreen and I'll probably only use it at the beach from now on.

Kangskin Beauty Scalp Treatment Shampoo (150 mL) ~ $18
This Scalp treatment shampoo is infused with stem cell activating ingredients to treat damaged scalp tissue and damaged hair ends for healthy hair growth. It is a fortifying boost for sensitive, thin, weak, and anemic hair, it serves as an ideal preparation for thinning hair treatments. Dab into wet hair, lather well, and rise thoroughly, use everyday or whenever needed.
I was shocked to see a shampoo product in this box! It's a pretty small bottle but the shampoo itself is very thick. I like the smell; it's very light, makes my hair feel nice and it doesn't get greasy throughout the day. Even with the weather being hot and muggy, my hair didn't get oily (which, is unusual for my long thick locks). I LOVE this shampoo but I probably won't use this everyday though. Like I mentioned before, I have a lot of thick hair so I'm not worried about thinning or balding, like EVER.

Kangskin Beauty Aqua Soothing Mask (1 ea) ~ $10
This facial mask is infused with stem cell activating and radiance-enhancing ingredients to promote healthy, hydrated skin. It balances the moisture level in the skin to clarify and condition the skin for enhanced radiance and supple skin texture. Spread along the mask sheet across your face and adjust the fit slightly by pulling up the slit parts so that it adheres to the face perfectly.
After my last experience with a mask, I'm a little hesitant... Maybe I have to lie down this time. Don't get me wrong, I love masks (duh, I bought the Mask edition), I think I just have to get used to this kind of mask with my tiny face.


This box was $39 and I got all full sized products that retail for $165!!! I am so incredibly happy to have found Memebox! I'm super excited to get even more Memeboxes! I love that I got such a wide variety of products to try. They all seem legit and work just like they say they will. The only problem is, I have so many new products, most days, I don't know which ones to use!

Look out for more reviews on Memeboxes this month!

XOXO,

Sami

May 2014 Birchbox

I was disappointed with last month's Birchbox, but May's Birchbox looks promising (shipped 5/9, ETA 5/29, received 6/3 ). I've also had more time to navigate through the BB website and learn about its perks.  For every 100 BB points, you can redeem them for $10 in the BB store (you get 10 points for signing up and 10 points per review. I've read there is a coupon code for 100 points upon subscribing). Ipsy offers a similar point system, however, you can only redeem them for certain items. You get 100 Ipsy points for signing up and 10 points for every product review. You can then redeem your points when you reach 1000 and choose one of four different items (two Jouer lip glosses, one bareMinerals lipstick, or an NYX mini palette).

Here's what's inside this month's box:

• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint
• Number 4 Volumizing Shampoo
• Number 4 Volumizing Conditioner
• CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
• LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil
• 32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint
These foundation/concealer cream samples are sooooo tiny! It's probably enough for only one use, if that. I don't much care for this one either. It feels greasy and heavy. It's supposed to be lightening and have a little shimmer to it.

Number 4 Volumizing Shampoo
I'd seen this brand and product in many reviews by other subscribers and also saw it featured in April's box. I've also heard many BBers complain about receiving this product and others like it (the conditioner and mask) multiple times. I like the smell (coconut and vanilla) and the texture of this product. It really does volumize my hair and makes it smooth and shiny.

Number 4 Volumizing Conditioner
I have similar comments to the shampoo. EXCEPT, this sample size was way too small. It didn't get a full use out of that tiny packet. I have super thick hair and A LOT of it. I had to supplement with another conditioner so I don't think I can accurately attest to its merit.

CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
I like the texture of this product. It feels like a primer, which I love. I also like the fact that it contains a SPF higher than 30 (this is the most effective, anything less is practically useless). But the coverage is so sheer, it may as well not have any tint, in fact, I would prefer it didn't.

LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil
I'm so excited to have received my very first lip product! I'm surprised to have only received one so far between both BB and Ipsy, but I'm not complaining since I've seen the selection to choose from. This pencil feels more like a glossier lipstick than a gloss. It smells and feels slightly minty. I'm not fond of the color because it's a little too close to my natural skin tone. Also, I wouldn't recommend using this with dry lips because the color congeals with the dead skin and looks weird.

32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy
I got two different flavors to try. I was really excited to try this since I've never heard of anything like it before. I got peppermint and honey mint single packets. They're supposed to be like pop rocks. Here are the instructions: 1. open packet and pour contents into your mouth, 2.  swish crystals in mouth with saliva for 60 seconds, 3. rub the crystals against teeth with tongue and cheeks, 4. swallow and enjoy sustained fresh breath!, 5. use as needed. The feeling is much like that of Pop Rocks; they kind of fizzle in your mouth. They are really refreshing though, I like it. I'm just not sure about the convenience of them though. Regular mints can be carried in a small container and just popped in your mouth as needed. These come in packets and have to be poured in your mouth and could become messy. I would also be more conscious of when you eat these since the minty flavor lingers for a while. This is good to maintain fresh breath, but not if you're planning on eating anything else in the next half hour or so.


I'm really disappointed that I get these boxes in such an untimely manner, considering it's a subscription box. I know that it's one of the consequences of living in Hawai`i, but Ipsy gets my bag here in less than two weeks, which is still in the same month as the rest of the country. I'm also not that impressed with the samples, especially the sample sizes. If this were my only subscription, I don't think that I would have as many complaints. Now that I know what's out there, there's some serious competition and Birchbox is slipping in the ranks. I'll give it a few more months to see if this was maybe just a dry spell.

Again, if you are interested in Birchbox, please let me know so I can refer you!

XOXO,

Sami

Memebox Luckybox #5

I can't seem to help myself, I'm loving all these subscription boxes! This particular box is especially intriguing to me because all of Memebox's products come from Korea. When I was in intermediate and high school, I was absolutely OBSESSED with Korean Dramas. If you're familiar with KDramas, you can understand how addicting they are. I would always admire the actors/actresses' skin and hair because they always looked so perfectly manicured. That's why when I discovered Memebox, I just had to have one! I ordered Memebox Luckybox #5 (Ordered 5/15, Shipped 5/19, Arrived 5/22).

So a little bit about Memebox... Like I mentioned before, all the products in Memeboxes are from Korea and are supposedly best-sellers there. It is not your typical subscription box in the sense that it does not come on a regular schedule, but you have to purchase each box individually. There are a variety of Memeboxes and they are called: Memebox, Superbox, Luckybox, and they've recently brought back Nakedbox. There are also other specialty boxes that target different areas like pores, hair and body, or facial masks. There are even boxes with specific scents and colors. Like subscription boxes though, Memebox keeps the identity of the contents of each box a surprise until it gets to your door (with the exception of Nakedbox, which is for people who want to know what they're getting when they buy it and ships right after purchase). Memeboxes are shipped on a schedule in order to keep the secrecy of their contents until all recipients get their boxes. Please note when the actual ship date is when you purchase your box, it may be a while before you actually receive it and it's not due to the mail, but the specified ship date.

Okay, lets get into what's in my box:

Leaders Insolution Mask Sheet - BIO Medi-curing Mask - Aqua Dressing (20mL) ~ $3
This is a full size product that is supposed to hydrate and moisturize skin and claims to dramatically reduce signs of wrinkles. Wash, tone, remove paper from mask, attach mask to face and rest for 30-40 minutes. Remove mask, gently pat face to allow essence to absorb onto face.
(5/25) This mask is a challenge... I have a really small face (I'm a super tiny person in general) so it didn't really fit my face right. But it was okay because you just press the mask to your face and it sticks nicely. Just make sure you adjust all the holes in it to match your face. I was getting a little irritated with it falling down my face so I only left it on for 30 minutes instead of 40. Even though it says to just pat face dry, I rinsed my face with water because it felt really sticky and the serum never seemed to fully penetrate into my skin.

Miguhara B.P Cream (3mL x 2) ~ $7.40
This cream serves as a BB cream and primer. I love that I got two small samples, they're easy to travel with and stuff in a purse. This cream is actually pretty amazing. It goes on smoothly and feels great on your skin. It's very sheer and powdery even though it's a cream. It even smells incredible; I am loving this cream. As I've mentioned, I usually don't like these creams but I think I would actually buy this one. I would just recommend that you don't apply this directly to dry skin since it seems to enhance the appearance of dry skin. Apply after a light moisturizer if you have naturally dry skin. I guess it's a good thing I got 3 moisturizers in my Memebox! I used this first with the Tea Tree oil and I actually really like it. I could see myself using this on the daily.

Dr. G BIO-RTx Mentor Cream (20 mL) ~ $35
There are 3 different creams that I could have received (3,5 or 7). I got 3 (for oily skin) which is described as such: controls sebum production and enhances the skin to ensure that the skin retains a moisture balance without getting too oily.
(6/9) This moisturizer absorbs well into my skin and I love how soft and smooth it makes my face feel. Lately it's been making my skin a bit sticky because the weather's been humid and hot.

LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence (20mL) ~ $32
Light-textured tea tree oil formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Made from 90% tea tree extract, LJH's Tea Tree 90 Essence clears, moisturizes, and brightens troubled skin, targeting acne and delivering deep nutrition for a replenished complexion. Key ingredients include sea buckhorn and centella, asiatica, plants known to delay the skin maturation process and speed up the healing of damaged tissues. Apply to clean face.
Oils tend to last a long time, which I love. This is a fairly large bottle so it'll probably last forever (or at least until I can find an even better product). It absorbs quickly and is non-greasy. We'll see if it clears an brightens my skin though.
(6/9) I think this actually does whiten my skin. I've been using it pretty religiously and I think my skin is a little lighter.

Tonymoly Delight Tony Tint #2 - Red (1.5 mL) ~ $0.50
One of the bestselling lip tint in Korea, this tint instantly gives vivid red color to your lips with just a single touch. It creates the long-lasting, radiant lips, popular among Korean beauty lovers. Apply small amount of the tint from the inside to outside of your lip. Apply before lip gloss to give natural gradient lips.
I don't really like lip tints because the color often times is uneven as drier parts of the lips tint darker than others. My bottom lip tends to tint far more than my upper lip. Also, it tends to dry out the skin and the color flakes off giving an even more uneven appearance. This product is no different than others I've tried before so I won't be buying any lip tints, but I don't mind since this product was super cheap. One thing I like about it though is that it smells great; smells like a fruity bubblegum scent.
(6/4) Okay, so I gave this another go and I actually love it. I paired it with my City Lips Orchid lip gloss and it looks amazing. The color is vibrant and alluring. I applied it before I went to bed as a test and the color stayed all night and still looked fabulous in the morning!

Dear by Enprani Bounce Cheese cream (30 mL) ~ $35
This facial cream has a very unique bouncy texture to it, coming from high concentration of milk serum, also known as Whey, which is a good source of natural protein and works to re-hydrate and firm up your skin. Apply on your face evenly after toner or serum.
(6/9) Not sure if it's the humidity getting to my skin, but all my moisturizers that I loved are now making my skin extra oily, this one especially. The first application went on great and absorbed well, now it makes my skin feel sticky.

Dr. Jart V7 Eye Serum (15 mL) ~ $38
Offering intense care to the sensitive eye contour area this eye serum was made from a complex of 7 vitamins - A, B3, B5, C, E, H, and F. This capsulized, stabilized vitamin complex brightens the skin and rids of any dark circles. Apply on the eye contour after cleansing, It is recommended that you use the ring finger when applying, to avoid unnecessary stimulus.
I'm not sure if this is a true Korean product, the back says "Made in Korea" and has some Korean characters on it but I've heard of this brand through both Birchbox and Ipsy. I don't have (well at least I don't think I have them) an issue with dark circles or bags under my eyes, but have tried these creams/ointments before. This one looks like an actual medical ointment as it comes in a foil tube that has to be punctured to use. It feels rather oily and greasy too, but it doesn't leave a shine as others sometimes do.
(6/5) I've tried a lot of eye creams/ointments/gels and they all seem to give me eye pain and headaches. This one is no different so I'm discontinuing it.

O& Soap Berry Bubble Cleanser (100 mL) ~ $25
Saponin from the zest of soap berry is known to have excellent cleansing effect and was even used by Indians as a soap cleanser. The soap berry together with mineral water creates bouncy-textured bubbles to thoroughly remove all residues, dead skin cells, and sebum for a naturally-glowing complexion. Spread the bubbles generously over dry face and gently massage in a counter clock-wise direction. Rinse off with warm water.
This product came in it's own separate box, but immediately after removing the bottle inside, I noticed a large stain on the box. I really hate when this happens because it could mean that the product is faulty and that useful product was lost. I do, however, love this cleanser. It makes my skin feel so clean! The only complaint I have about this product is about the packaging. I don't like how the cap is completely removable and can be completely detached from the bottle. I feel like this makes it more susceptible to cracking and breaking (due to dropping or stepping on it, etc.). Other than that though, so far it seems like an excellent daily cleanser.


The products are most obviously from Korea since all the words on the products are in Korean. Memebox includes a leaflet giving a brief description and directions for use in English. It also states the price of the full sized products.

I paid $23.00 for the box, $6.99 for shipping but got a $3 off coupon so I spent a total of $26.99 for this box. I am so crazy ridiculously happy with this box! There are so many full sized items and these are products that I will actually use and will last me a while. I recently got rid of my skin care regimen so I'm open and excited to be trying a bunch of new products. I was previously using Proactiv and my skin was still breaking out, like A LOT. This is a much more affordable alternative, plus I get a variety of products to try and the ingredients are much better for my skin. Not to mention, I'm not so secretly hoping that I'll start to look slightly like those Korean actresses in the KDrams.

Again, this was a GOOD DEAL. I've already purchased a box for my dad for father's day (Memebox For Him #2) because he too is OBSESSED (even more than me) with KDramas. Hopefully he'll let me review his box after he opens it (I may just give it to him early ;) ).

After I purchased my first two boxes, Memebox came out with three new specialty boxes: Milk box, Whole Grains box, and Oriental Medicine box. I felt it was highly appropriate (and absolutely necessary) to purchase the Oriental Medicine box, I'm going to be a pharmacist after all. I am loving, downright LOVING Memebox. I could just cancel my BB and Ipsy subscriptions to get one Memebox a month, but I won't... not right now anyways. We'll see in a few months how this all plays out.

If you are interested in Memebox, check out their website at http://us.memebox.com.

XOXO,

Sami

May 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

My first Ipsy Glam Bag, the May edition, arrived today (Shipped 5/8, ETA 5/16, arrived 5/17)! I am really impressed with the timing of this bag. After waiting 3 weeks for my first Birchbox, I appreciate the fact that Ipsy gets me my bag in only a little over a week. It also came in a cute pink bubble wrap bag that I LOVE! Ipsy gets an A+ for presentation.

On May 12, I got a sneak peak of what would be in my May bag as Ipsy revealed the contents of my personalized Glam Bag:

• Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask (60 mL)
• Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF 50 (30 mL)
• Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo #1- Celestial & Opal
• Boo-Boo Cover-Up - Medium (10 mL)
• SWISSCO Electroplated Eyelash Curler - Purple

I was really excited to get the hair mask and eyelash curler, the bag is super cute to boot! Okay, so first impressions, I was pleased to see that the sample sizes were extremely generous compared to Birchbox. The cover-up, eyeshadow and eyelash curler appear to be full sized items.


Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask (60 mL)
I absolutely love hair products, especially hair masks because I have long hair and neglect to cut it as often as I probably should so I have dry, split ends. My hair is also thick, coarse and heavy, which also means my scalp is susceptible to being oily often. The product says it can be used as a weekly mask or daily conditioner, either way, it should be applied generously, wait for 2-5 minutes and rinse out thoroughly. It can be used alone, or enhanced with a few drops of the eva NYC Hungry Hair Oil Treatment. I've used it once, and so far so good. I really love that I got a good sample size of this product so I can try it for a while; I plan to use it weekly. It has a nice smell, sort of beachy, but I can definitely smell the argan oil, which I like. I may actually end up purchasing this product in a full size. This product can be purchased in the size I received (60 mL retail price: $12) or a larger 500 mL jar (retail price: $40).

Hang Ten Classsic Sport SPF 50 (30 mL)
This product definitely arrived just in time for summer! I use a lot of acne products that thin the skin so a moisturizer with SPF in it is highly recommended. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of wrinkles or dark spots, so sun protection is a must. This sample size is decent and a perfect size for my purse. It does feel a little oily (significantly less than a regular sunscreen, but definitely more than a normal moisturizer should), meaning that I will probably only use this when I go in the sun as opposed to on a daily basis. I'm also not fond of the smell; it smells a little woody and like a typical body sunscreen. The full size product (180 mL) retails for $12.99.

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo #1 - Celestial & Opal
There were two different Duos with different color palettes. The one I got (the colors are called Celestial & Opal) is a more natural palette. The colors are both very sheer, one is a matte light pink and the other is a tan with a gold shimmer. When I first opened the compact, the cover dislodged from the bottom, making it feel cheap. The cover easily reattached though and I think the sample product was specially made for this Ipsy bag. This duo is regularly a part of a four color palette called the Mystical Supernatural eye shadow palette (retail price: $14). The colors are described as follows per the Pacifica website:

• Opal - opalescent pinkish-white perfect for highlighting and creating a natural look. Use on brow bones, inner eye and even as a liner. 
• Celestial - Creamy dreamy beige with a little bright pearl ideal for lids and highlights.

Boo-Boo Cover-Up - Medium (10 mL)
Like I mentioned in a previous post, I don't usually apply any sort of cover up to my face which, includes concealers. I've tried others before but have not been impressed. I actually am surprised at how much I actually like this product. First of all, this is a full sized product that retails for $19.99, double what I paid for the bag. Second, the shade matches my skin tone perfectly, blends well, and feels non-greasy on my skin.

SWISSCO Electroplated Eyelash Curler - Purple
I was initially really excited to get this; I had hoped to get this when spoiler #3 came out on FB and I saw it amongst the other products. I already have a reliable eyelash curler (I use a Chanel eyelash curler on the reg), but I'm always down to try new tools. After trying it out, it feels cheap and doesn't curl as well as my regular curler. In fact, this curler retails for about $5 and I purchased a curler from Target a while ago for about $3 and I think that one curls better than this one and feels sturdier.


If you want to order any of the products that were included in the month's collection, Ipsy has many special offers and discounts. Some are pretty significant (i.e. the Eva NYC site has a code for 65% off total purchase!).

I am really happy with the products I was able to try this month with Ipsy. I can see why there is a wait list for this subscription. The only thing I would have liked is a card with all the products I received and their prices, similar to what Birchbox does. To find the prices, you have to click on the links of the product, which takes you to the product website. Some links take you directly to the item within its site, whereas others will take you to the site but you have to search for the product. It becomes even more difficult when the samples are specialized for Ipsy sampling and appear different from the full sized products. I am especially happy with the Boo-Boo cover-up, its something I would have never purchased in a store or tried myself had I not gotten it in my Ipsy bag. I love that the products come in a cute bag. While the bag isn't the best quality bag, it can be used for cosmetics or other things. It is an additional benefit in itself. Lastly, Obviously my last name is Chang, so I love a good deal. This bag was a GOOD DEAL. The quality and quantity of the products I sampled are fantastic and I am so, so happy! Ipsy is definitely getting an edge on Birchbox, but we'll see who wins this month when my May BB finally arrives (probably in June).

Please let me know if you are interested in subscribing to Ipsy so I can refer you!

XOXO,

Sami

April 2014 Birchbox

I received my first Birchbox today! I ordered it on April 21 and finally received it 3 weeks later (ETA was 5/8, but I guess that's what you get for living in Hawai`i). I accidentally registered for Birchbox twice so I received two boxes this month (they happily credited my card for one box, even though it was my error). I had answered my quiz with the same answers so the items in both boxes were exactly the same. This is what was in my box:

• Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner - Bhura
• Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle
• Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream - Light to Medium
• Color Club Gala's Gem Collection - Aquamarine Azulino
• KIND Healthy Grain Bar - Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner (Bhura)
I have been using the same eyeliner for years and was excited to try something new. I usually use a MAC Fluidline for my upper lids and a MAC twist up pencil for my lower lids, both in a black color. Bhura is described as a brown color, but it looks like a deep purple color to me. I applied this to my upper lids and it seemed smooth. Then I applied it to my lower lids and the color clumped in my lashes. The clumping caused particles to get stuck in my eye, irritating it. I had to remove all the liner completely. Needless to say, I will definitely NOT be converting eyeliners anytime soon.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle
I love hair products so I was excited to see this item was coming in my box. Some of it spilled in one of my boxes, but it smelled great and the spill did not deplete much of the bottle's contents. This product claims to do all of the following: instant detangled, thermal protector, UV protector, seals cuticle, smoothes hair, locks in color, adds shine, weightless, non-greasy, conditions, for all hair types. I'm not sure if all these claims are true, although I can attest that it does smooth my hair (although my hair is already pretty smooth) and is non-greasy. I also really like the smell. It kind of smells like coconut and vanilla and matches my current shampoo/conditioner regimen. Not sure if I would buy this since I like my current hair products and I think they work better than this one. I currently use a variety of Organix (now known as Ogx) and I love how they make my hair soft and shiny.

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream (Light to Medium)
I have never been a fan of foundations... this cream has not changed my opinion. The cream feels sticky on my skin and the coverage is far from flawless. Then again, I'm pretty critical of the term "flawless." The coverage of this cream though was not even adequate, but it's okay, I prefer the natural look anyway. 
(5/16) After I tried this and didn't like it, I gave it to my mom to try; she's been trying to find something similar to use. She said she liked the texture and it felt like it wasn't heavy or greasy. She mentioned that the coverage was minimal but liked that it has SPF 30 in it.

Color Club Gala's Gem Collection (Aquamarine Azulino)
This is by far my favorite item in this box! I've already painted my toenails and I absolutely LOVE it! I was originally hoping to get two different colors, but I'm now satisfied that both are the same color. This sample was the perfect size since I like to change my toenail colors often and I don't like larger bottles because it gets harder to use as the contents are reduced and as the polish ages. Application was truly flawless with a smooth, glossy finish; I used two coats. Aquamarine Azulino is a "pearly sky blue with a hint of shimmer," according to the BB description and I believe it is accurate. The polish that got on my skin completely came off after taking a shower. 
(5/13) Overnight, the polish hadn't completely dried yet so my sheets imprinted on my big toe (because it has the thickest coat of polish). This is common with many of the lower grade polishes, so I just added another coat. I still love this polish.
(5/14) Okay, now this polish is getting on my nerves. I added the one additional coat in the afternoon yesterday, and tonight, I sat with my feet under me and the fabric of the chair I was sitting on imprinted on my big toe. I can't believe how long it takes for this polish to set, not sure if I would buy this on the reg.

KIND Healthy Grain Bar (Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt)
I have seen this in Target and in commercials so I was happy that I would finally get to try it. I am not impressed. It tastes like an energy bar, which I am not a fan of, and the texture is a bit too crunchy and crumbly for my taste. I'm not a fan of messy foods either. KIND bars will continue to be absent from my shopping list.

I really like being able to try different products and I'm pretty happy with the ones I've gotten to try this month. Here are the products I will be receiving and reviewing next month:

If you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox, please let me know so I can refer you!

XOXO,

Sami