What's In The Box?: Birchbox (January 2012)

Can it be that Birchbox is on the come up!  And who says no one ever hears us "little people"!  The likes of YouTube and product review boards seem to be helping Birchbox get their act together in regards to the things subscribers don't like about their product.  I was on the verge of canceling my subscription (see all previous Birchbox posts), but decided to give them the opportunity to get things right, and they seem to be listening.

This month's box concentrated on items to help start 2012.  Here's what I got!

FIX Malibu Immaculate Complexion Advanced Antioxidant Serum

Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture - 3.4 oz

Zoya Feel Collection

Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream

’wichcraft Granola

I "heart" Zoya polishes!  They are so opaque and have a flawless finish.  I am all about skincare, since a girl is not getting any younger, so FIX and Algenist were right down my alley!  The Juicy Couture perfume was not my absolute fav, but I would wear it.  What I absolutely hated was the wichcraft granola; and for more reasons than one!  The taste was disgusting and I have a VERY forgiving palette.  The name was not very enticing either and actually made me feel like I was eating poison.  HATED IT!

Way to go Birchbox for listening to your customers!  I saw the spoiler for next month's box and am excited about the Eye Rock Designer Eye Liner.  Ever since I saw the Dior version in one of my mags and at Sephora I've been wanting to try them. 

Let's see if Birchbox can keep their momentum!

***Sorry for the late post!

Product Review: Revlon's ColorStay™ Makeup with SoftFlex™ Combination/Oily Skin Foundation

I've been looking for ways to curb my spending habits without losing quality and thought I would start with my makeup.  I've always been a bit of a makeup snob, thinking that nothing was better than MAC, Urban Decay, and the list goes on and on.  I recently picked up a bottle of Revlon's ColorStay™ Makeup at my local Target, after depleting my high-end foundation, and have been pleasantly surprised by the results.  This makeup essentially does all that it claims it can do!  I'm not a girl who wants to keep applying makeup throughout the day, and with this product you don't have to!  Claims are that your makeup stays put for up to 16 hours.  While I haven't timed how long I've worn the makeup, I do know that it lasts all workday with no touch-ups. 

The beauty of this formulation, besides the price tag (less than $10) is that it gives a flawless finish, that is weightless, with unbelievable shine control capabilities.  I think I was sold on that alone!  You don't even have to mattify your face with powder, it's like it is built-in!  I don't have sensitive skin and have not experienced any noticeable breakouts after using this product and have been completely satisfied with the results on my skin.

The only con I have found with this brand is that SPF 6 protection is not available for colors Golden, Caramel, Toast, Rich Ginger, Cappuccino, Mahogany, and Mocha; all of which seem to be shades for people of color.  I think that is a travesty because we all should protect our skin from the environment's harmful effects.

Besides the SPF situation, I think it is definitely curtains for high-end brands and "Hello" to drugstore makeup!  At least for now!  I have been very happy with this product, and as always, if you subscribe to the likes of Vogue or their sister magazines, there are always coupons in them that can be used to further discount this great product.

What drugstore foundations do you prefer and why?

My Favorite Things (December 2011): Top Ten Favorites For 2011

I figured for December instead of choosing one item, I would list the top 10 items that I have favored in 2011, from food to fashion that I didn't feature in my previous "Favorites" posts.  In no particular order here we go!

  

1. Cake Pops (Especially Ms. Audra's Red Velvet!)

2. Ulta Brand Nail Polish (This is some good quality stuff, who knew!)

3. Urban Decay's Naked Palette (Great neutral colors for everyone, kinda pricey though!)

4.  LCherise Paintings (Check my girl out here!)

5. Cucumber Gimlets (A drink for the more sophisticated woman or man!)

6. Keurig Coffee Machines (Love the Wild Blueberry flavored coffee and the Chai Latte, move over Starbuck's!) 

7. Oil of Olay Pro-X Advanced Face Brush (Clarisonic who!)

8. JCP (Clothes that fit a real woman's curves!)

9. Bonefish Grill ($5 Bang Bang Shrimp on Wednesday's Ya'll!)

10. Polka-Dot Palette (I had no idea I could paint free-hand, and you can too!  Believe me!) 

BONUS FAV!!!  Beyonce's "Party" (Love that song!)

What's In The Box?: Birchbox (December 2011)

This month’s box was supposedly filled with products that will get you ready for frolicking and fancy fetes.  You know I was excited and filled with anticipation, thinking that this box was sure to make my holiday bright (BLANK STARE)! 

Let's just say that I will give Birchbox until the end of my subscription to get it together.  I'm still not blown away by their service.  I am, however, currently scouting for new beauty subscription services to take their place.  Ahem, MyGlam.com!

As I digress, more to come on that! 

Here is what I got this month.   Blah, blah, blah, blah blah...blah, blah, blah, blah!!!

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss

Harvey Prince Ageless - Pink Grapefruit - 100ml

Orofluido Elixir

Showstoppers® Designer Fashion Tape in Nude/Black

Benefit The POREfessional

EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster

My favorite item from this box was the lip gloss, though it is pretty much the same color as the one I received last month, in a lovely shade of pink.  I'm really interested in using the Benefit pore minimizer and the elixir.  I will let you know how that works out!

I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holiday (I think I got them all)! 

Be blessed and stay frugally fashionable!

What's In The Box?: Birchbox (November 2011)

Sorry folks for the late post, but December got here entirely too fast!

November's Birchbox boasted of "helping you get a head start on your holiday planning with a collection of gift-worthy products," however, I did not receive anything that I was excited about or could even give away.  For instance, I tried my hardest to give away the sample of Shalimar parfum, but couldn't get any takers on that, and ended up just throwing it away.  With November being a month of thanksgiving, I hated to waste, but what was a girl to do!  I didn't want to smell like someone's powdery smelling grand-mother!  No offense, but I am way too young for that! 



I did like the Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss.  It was a bit thick, but a pretty girlie pink color that looked nice with my complexion.  I thought the Paperdoll coasters were a complete waste of space in my box and the other items were just blah.  I am still waiting on Birchbox to wow me!  Here's what I got in the box.

Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial 60 ml Thymes Body Lotion Kérastase Elixir Ultime Two Paperdolls Coasters

Fingers are crossed for December's box. 

Wish me luck!

Product Review: Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade

My hair is REALLY loving Paul Mitchell's Foaming Pommade as a styler!  It leaves my hair soft, moisturized and full of body.  As a "natural" all of those attributes are hard to come by in one product, so I give this product two thumbs up! 

I use the foaming pommade as a styler for my two-strand twists, and when I untwist my hair the results are amazing and long lasting.  I can rock my two-strand twist out for close to a week using this product, while the usual lifespan of my twist outs with other products are 3-5 days, at best.

For my "green" or "curly girl method"naturalistas some of the ingredients may not be to your liking, but they are perfectly fine for my needs.  To each her own, I'm not judging!  For those who just want a product that works and aren't concerned with ingredients, this may be a product you may want to consider trying.

My Favorite Things (November 2011): The Kardashian Acrylic Clear Makeup Cube

As the acclaimed "Organization Queen," I, in true form, was immediately attracted to the Kardashian acrylic clear makeup cube.  This thing is massive and can easily store even the most self-professed "Makeup Hoarder's" makeup collection!  Not only is it nice to look at, it boasts up to 8 pull-out drawers, with dividers and a lid at the top.  The bottom drawer is even big enough to house your OPI polishes and other nail accoutrements.

If you are like me and can't afford to "Keep Up with the Kardashians," you can trail behind them with some knock off versions of the real thing.

Here are some sites you may want to consider if you are interested in purchasing this fabulous storage device!

Clear Cube (Expensive)

Beauty Makeup Supply (More Affordable, but still Expensive)

Acrylic Lucite Cube (Even More Affordable)

Muji (Very Affordable)

You can also try piecing together a cube configuration that fits your specific needs.  Target and The Container Store both sale acrylic storage pieces that can accomodate a fashionista on a budget. 

Happy Organizing!

What's in the Box?: Birchbox (September 2011)



Okay Birchbox, you're testing my nerves!  So disappointed, AGAIN! 

Birchbox celebrated their 1st Anniversary, so I was expecting this month's box to be the best yet!  Sadly, I was left disappointed holding the box!  While some of the items were ok, the box as a whole kinda sucked, plus the extra item to commemorate Birchbox's anniversary was a friendship bracelet made of yarn and metal.  It didn't look like something a mature fashonista, like myself, would wear.  Definitely wasn't feeling the piece of metal on a string!

Don't get me wrong, I don't expect my boxes to be on point every month, however, I have been quite underwhelmed with my last couple of boxes and have started to reevaluate the benefit of membership.  Many folks that I follow on YouTube have also expressed their disdain for this month's and the last few boxes they have received.  I am hoping that this feedback will get back to the company, so that they can avoid the risk of losing customers en masse, leading to their demise, because Birchbox is a great concept.

Though Birchbox's concept is perfect for the person who wants to try new products without the commitment, per say, there needs to be some sort of intervention or reevaluation done to provide customers with the luxe deluxe samples that they boast on their website.  I purchased the year long membership, so we will see if I will be renewing when the time comes.

PLEASE Birchbox get it together!!!

Here's what I got this month.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream for Normal to Combination Skin LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth Incoco® Nail Polish Appliqué Jouer Lip Enhancer

I am a fan of "press on" nail polish, but I got some crazy sky blue color by Incoco that I would only wear at Halloween.  I haven't tried the Pangea Organics Facial Cream, but have put it in my travel bag and look forward to testing it out.  The LIV GRN fragrance is nice, but I will probably never purchase the full size and the Jouer Lip Enhancer left my lips feeling and looking very moisturized.  I would consider purchasing that product.

Product Review: KeraCare Natural Textures Twist & Define Cream

I stumbled upon this product at my local beauty supply store, and boy am I glad I did!  This has been a fabulous product for my twist outs.  The cream moisturizes, helps lock in the shape and pattern of the twists, has a decent scent and allows the hair to dry in a timely fashion (i.e. overnight). 

The price is kind of hefty, in my opinion, at $19 for a 8oz. jar of product.  I went through the jar in no time, but I do like to coat and feel the slip on each strand, so the jar may last longer for you if you use a conservative amount.  I also wash my hair about twice a week.

I hear that Ulta carries this product in their brick and mortar stores (not online), and you can use one of their coupons to make the cost a bit more affordable.  I will be repurchasing the KeraCare Natural Textures Twist & Define Cream and may consider trying other products from the KeraCare Natural Textures line.

Way to go KeraCare!

My Favorite Things (September 2011): Handmade Pocket Tissue Holder

2011 is flying by and cold and flu season will be here before we know it!  To remain fashionable, while toting my facial tissues, I purchased a few cute handmade pocket tissue holders from a vendor on Etsy who goes by the name CreativeJenV.

On the site, the tissue holders do not have a tie closure, but one can be added if you ask the vendor to add it for a small fee.  These dainty holders are great because they keep your tissues in their place instead of slipping out of the plastic they are packaged in.  I hate that!  The holders come in a variety of colors and patterns, sure to suit just about everyone; and make a great gift or stocking stuffer.

Check out CreativeJenV at her Etsy Shop.  

What's in the Box?: Birchbox (August 2011)

After receiving such nice treats in my very first Birchbox subscription, I was excited to get my next box that boasted "taking a page from the Jetsons and introducing subscribers to Birchbox's favorite gee-whiz products".   This month's box was definitely a snooze and showed not one nod to anything innovative or routine-changing!  First fail for Birchbox!

The thing about Birchbox is that what you get in your box is directly related to the beauty profile you complete on their site.  I saw on YouTube that some subscribers received Carol's Daughter hair products, but because I chose frizzy hair in my profile I received Ouidad hair gel for frizzy hair, which makes sense.  However, I really wanted to try Carol's Daughter's "Monoi Collection"!   Maybe I need to change my profile, huh!

What I did like in the box was the June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque; and the least liked product was the stretchy hair tie (Epic Fail!!!).  The hair tie seemed like such an afterthought thrown into the box as a filler.  The worse!


Shaveworks™ The Cool Fix™ Targeted Gel Lotion (5.3 fl oz)
Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer
June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque
Ouidad Climate Control® Heat & Humidity Gel

Let's see what September's Birchbox will bring.  They haven't lost me yet!

Product Review: Emjoi Emagine Epilator

I can admit that I am a bit of a hairy beast, so I was in the market for a more efficient and economical hair removal process besides shaving or waxing.  After seeing a YouTube review of the Emjoi Emagine Epilator, I decided to purchase the gadget for myself.  I am a self-admited frugalista, but I decided to bite the bullet and make the purchase, resolving in my mind that it would be worth the savings of not having to buy disposable razors; which are ridiculously priced I might add, at least for the good quality ones!

Product Review: Zoya Nail Polish (Pandora)

I was first introduced to Zoya nail polish in my Birchbox (see My Favorite Things: July 2011 post) where I received a sample size of the polish in the color Pandora.  Zoya (Pandora) is a high quality polish that goes on opaque after one or two layers and has quite a bit of staying power.  I did a quick polish on my nails and the color lasted with very little nail prep and no top coat for about a week.  Impressive, for someone who washes their hands frequently!

My only qualm with the polish was that the color was not complimentary to my skintone.  I have an olive complexion and the nude/pink shade of the polish made my hands look dead because they were so similar in color.  Pandora would probably look best on lighter or darker complexions, but I highly recommend the brand.

Zoya nail polish can be purchased online, at Ulta, and other retailers.  Remember to use your points and coupons when purchasing at Ulta!

My Favorite Things (July 2011): Birchbox – Cynthia Rowley Edition

After seeing videos and hearing rave reviews on YouTube about Birchbox, I recently became a subscriber to the monthly subscription service.  According to their website “Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products”.  Sounds interesting, huh!

I have always been a child at heart when it comes to getting things in the mail, and I’m not talking junk or unsolicited mail.  I’m talking an occasional care package from mom, or an unexpected “Thank You” card or gift from a friend.  Those things make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  My Birchbox subscription is no different and has me running to the mailbox daily to see if my package of pamper me goodness has arrived.  Very exciting!

The beauty of Birchbox is that you can purchase a box monthly at $10/month, or you can sign-up for a yearly subscription for $110/year), similar to a magazine subscription.

Each Birchbox is tailored to you and is based on a survey you complete when you register for the service.  This month’s Birchbox was a culmination of Cynthia Rowley favs.  Here is what my first package contained:

Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist
Philosophy® Purity Made Simple™ One-Step Facial Cleanser - 16 oz
YBF Beauty Automatic Universal Taupe Eyebrow Pencil
Zoya Touch Collection

You can subscribe to Birchbox at www.birchbox.com. 

Product Review: Shea Moisture Hair Products

I am a huge fan of quite a few video bloggers on You Tube in an effort to try to understand, tame and maintain my natural hair.  I have been natural since December 31, 2009 after transitioning from relaxed to natural for about a year.  MsVaughn, who I follow on You Tube, advertised that Walgreens had a BOGO on their Shea Moisture products, so I thought I would try them all, since I was essentially getting them for half price, plus I am a self-professed hair product junkie.  Yes, I can admit it!

I purchased the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus line and the Raw Shea Butter line.

I first tried the Coconut & Hibiscus line, which consists of the Brilliant Curl Shampoo, Curl & Style Milk, Hold & Shine Mist and Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  The shampoo was very thick and luxurious feeling and I liked the way it suds’d up, however, it left my hair feeling a bit dry, but not quite straw-like, just not moisturized.  The Curl & Style Milk didn’t give me the slip that I look for in my conditioners and I found it hard to detangle my hair, which usually detangles easily with other conditioners in my rotation.  No matter how much conditioner I used, my hair was still left with tangles that were difficult to tame.  I used the Curl Enhancing Smoothie as a moisturizer under my hair gel and found that my hair seemed to be moisturized and soft. 

The verdict: NOT impressed with the Coconut & Hibiscus line.  In fact, so unimpressed that I didn’t even try the Raw Shea Butter line and returned them all back to Walgreens.  I did keep the Curl Enhancing Smoothie because it does moisturize and I kept the Hold & Shine Mist, to use as a refresher. 

Remember that in this natural hair game, no one head of hair is created equal, so find what works for you.