IPSY November 2013 Unboxing!

Hi all,

I'm so glad to bring you this unboxing video! This was probably my favorite or 2nd most favorite subscription box I've ever gotten! Please check out the video and leave comments with what you were given in your IPSY Glam Bag.

To subscribe to IPSY:http://www.ipsy.com/r/1lfc

Birchbox November 2013 Unboxing Video

Hi all,

I just got my Birchbox in the mail today and I was so excited to show it to you guys that I had to make a quick video to show you! I figured I will switch to video format for my unboxings since its probably best for you guys to see everything up close and in comparison with other products. 

Check out the video below and subscribe for more videos!!

http://youtu.be/kKHO2dmr0J8

Product Review: Sephora Superstars Limited Edition Gift Set

Hi everybody,


I wanted to bring you all a review about my new favorite purchase and product available on the market right now. It retails for $75 but the value of the products in this set is exactly $296.11 (you can see the calculations below) if purchased separately.

This is a 13 product set, of which 9 products are full sized and the others are very generous deluxe samples. These products are the best sellers of 2013 at Sephora, so you know they've got to be great.

So I took pictures of what all the products look like out of the box and I'll go through the efficacy of each one of them.





The packaging is absolutely delightful, when you pull off the laser-cut top-sheet, the inside box is a beautiful rose gold. As you can tell the produts range from lipstick to nailpolish to hair and perfume, this is a kit that basically gives you everything you need for a daily makeup routine (and even has 2 skincare products included).

The nail polish included in this set is Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer-Cleopatra In New York which is an absolute onyx black with gold hexagonal sparkles in various sizes that remind me of New Year's Eve. It is absolutely fantastic and the nail polish looks in real life exactly the way it looks in the advertisement below. This product if bought on its own retails for $19!!

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NARS actually has 2 of their products that made it into the favorites this year, and I was extremely excited because I've only ever owned 1 blush from NARS since they are so expensive I can never really justify purchasing their products! Both of these products are full sized. One is a Blush and Bronzer Duo in "Orgasm" and "Laguna" (their most popular shades) and the other is NARS Sheer Lipstick, Dolce Vita in the most wearable and universal shade "Dolce Vita" which looks great on all skin tones and anytime of day. The Blush duo retails for $41 and the lipstick goes for $26.

This set includes a rollerball of Viktor & Rolf's extremely popular floral scent Flowerbomb . I've always wanted to try this perfume and it was always too expensive, with even the rollerball selling for $29. I'm happy to report that I would purchase the full size, it's smells of oriental flowers (my absolute favorite), roses, freesia's and orchids! This is definitely a luxurious and delightful present to receive in this box.

Another product I was EXTREMELY excited to try out is the Too Faced lash system "Better Than False Lashes". This is actually two products, one is the "Nylon Lash Extension System" which applies nylon fibers to your eyelashes to add volume and length, and the other is the mascara itself which is used to wet your lashes before applying the nylon fiber and then for one final coat to color them black at the end. I'm happy to report that this is, in fact, a miraculous mascara. It makes my lashes look at least 3x fuller and longer than they really are. My lashes actually touch the backs of my eyelids when I wear this! Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Mascara retails for $35 if purchased outside of this set.





The Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is probably the item I was least excited about so I'm not too upset that this is a travel size rather than a full sized product. 1.7 Fl. Oz are included of this product and this retails for $17.91. This is a good beach spray, if you want to style your hair in beachy waves. It's actually even useful to add volume and distress up your hair a little bit if you want to create a messy bun.

I definitely recommend trying this out in the Superstars collection, I personally would never pay full price for this item because I don't think it's necessarily better than other $8-$12 surf sprays. I was happy that I did get to try it out in the set and I probably never would have if it wasn't included. I also can't think of a different hair product I would be happier to see inside this set, either, so it's still a win-win.

I'm a huge fan of Urban Decay, I own most of their palettes and I can never get enough of their buttery, blendable eyeshadows. Eyeshadows are the one must-have product from Urban Decay, the rest is good too but their eyeshadows are exceptional. The colors "Sin" and "Mushroom" are included in this set, they are a two-in-one eyeshadow. This is limited edition and, as far as I know, only available in this limited edition set. Full sized UD eyeshadows retail for $18 (but these are just in one color). I think it's really great that they give you two universal colors that are for ideal for a perfect neutral look.

Another product I hadn't had the pleasure of trying is Smashbox's Camera Ready BB Cream and it was also included in the set! Now, the only caveat here is that this only comes in the shade "Light" in the set so it will not work for all skin types. However, it is super-blendable, I'm usually a beige or nude tone and it seems a little closer to those shades that a true porcelain or "light". This is the full sized product and retails for a whopping $39. I think it's safe to say that I never would have tried this product out if it wasn't in this set, it costs a pretty penny. However, I really do appreciate it, it's very full coverage and blendable, it really moisturizes your skin as well.

The next two products are both staples in my beauty routine. One is Anastasia Brow Gel, Clear (0.085 oz)  (travel size, $5 value) and the other is stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20 value). If you've read this blog before, chances are that you know my absolute favorite daily eyeliner is the felt-tip pen one by Stila, this is a great way to test it out for a fraction of its cost. The brow gel is extremely useful for taming eyebrow hairs. 

Josie Maran Argan 100% Pure Argan Oil 0.5 oz has always been a beauty blogger favorite and is used for hydrating skin, cuticles, and dry hair. The retail value of the travel sized product is $15.20 and will last for months of usage, seeing as the applicator is an eye dropper so you can use this product in a very targeted way.

To finish off the set, last and maybe the best is the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream 0.5 oz to brighten and depuff (retail value $31). This is a small container that packs a big punch, it's packed to the brim, smooth and supple like whipped souffle batter, and smells of orchids and crushed pearls. I love this stuff, I've been using it nightly and I wake up with soft and rested eyes.

October Birchbox Unboxing - #BBuzz

Birchbox is one of the first beauty subscription services to have hit the market. I have been a loyal customer since March 2013. All of their products are always sent in a cute cardboard box which can be used to store your makeup products in your drawers.

The subscription: Birchbox

The cost: $10 US/month

Total product value: $29.56

Why is it unique? With Birchbox you can get "beauty extras" which are bonus products that can be provided to you (this happens once every few months) which do not count as part of your 10 products. You can also gain 10 points per review of each item on their website and 100 points (you can earn this every 2 months at the latest) gives you $10 to spend in their store.

Where can I subscribe? Click here

This month, Birchbox sent out a Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and Liz Early Pure Muslin Cloth (these count as 2 separate items). I wish this combo counted as one item seeing as you can't really use the cleanser properly without the cloth. The cleanser deluxe sample was 1 fl oz and the full size which is 3.3 fl oz retails for $21.50 which brings this sample price to $6.51. 2 muslin cloths retail for $6, so the value of the cloth is $3.

I also received the Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer Lip Gloss in Flowering Fuchsia which is a full sized item that retails for $14 (this item alone is worth more than the box subscription costs).

I also received a foil packet of Miss Jessie's Creme de la Creme Conditioner. The 1 oz foil packet is worth $1.33 since the full sized version of this product (12oz) retails for $16. I wasn't too thrilled with this product because I know conditioners require a few applications to actually work their magic and I can't imagine getting more than 1 use out of this foil packet, especially since I have long hair.

The last sample in the box was the Folle de Joie eau de parfum in 0.06 oz. The full size of this product (3.4 fl oz) retails for $98 which brings the value of the sample to $1.73. I like that the perfume had a spray pump, but it wasn't a scent that I would consider purchasing just because it's extremely expensive. It has tones of citrus and woodsy florals, it's definitely a more summer scent.

And last, but certainly not least, we received a beauty extra which is a Birchbox find that doesn't replace one of the 5 items in the box but is an added bonus they wanted us to try. I'm really excited about this one because you can never have enough lip balms. The vanilla creme scent of this ChapStick Lip Care Moisturizer, Hydration Lock, Vanilla Creme 0.15 oz (4 g) is very pleasant, not overpowering, and it really moisturizes your lips. This is a $2.99 value full sized product.

I'm very happy with this month's Birchbox. It's definitely building up to be a lot better than Birchbox used to be, they are sending far less foil packets (1 out of 6 ain't bad) but they still have a way's to go to match Ipsy and Glossybox in terms of product appeal. The lip gloss and chapstick were my favorite samples, I was really let down by the conditioner sample and I really wish they would stop sending me dinky perfume samples that are only good for 1 use.  

October IPSY Glam Bag Unboxing

Ipsy is a consistently amazing beauty subscription service, sending out 5 deluxe sized or full sized samples each month in a zip-up makeup bag (this doesn't count as one of your items but is an extra bonus each and every month). So far out of the ones I've been getting (Glossybox USA, Birchbox and Ipsy) this one is the best value. For only $10/month you will consistently get a box that is valued much higher. It is in direct competition with the Birchbox but it sends out far less foil packets which is great (I don't think I've ever received one even though I've been subscribed since March)!

The subscription: Ipsy

The cost: $10 US/month

Total product value: $28.79+ free bag

Why is it unique? You get beauty products curated by Michelle Phan, made famous as being the most popular YouTube beauty vlogger/guru. Every month you get a free makeup bag. You have a customizable profile which lets you choose the type of products you want to receive.
Where can I subscribe? Click here





For October, the products were housed in this adorable (yet not autumnal themed) makeup bag, constructed very well and which will last you a long time (this is customary for their quality). My only criticism is that this bag looks like it belongs in February for Valentine's Day, but I will use it just as I use the ones from their previous months (to house my beauty blender sponges, lip liners, or facial masks)

First and foremost, my favorite cleansing product of all was sent - makeup remover wipes! I received a La Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser sample, 30 wipes retail for $9.99 but we received 10, so this is a $3.33 value. While this isn't a full sized product, I am happy that I received 10 wipes rather than a few.

I also received a very useful tool that is quite universal and I don't think anybody would be upset to receive. You can never have enough eyeshadow brushes, so thanks for the Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush. I am happy to report that this is a nice and dense brush at the affordable price of $2.49 and I received the full sized product.

My absolute favorite product in this month's bag was the Zoya nail polish (color "Neve") which is a shimmery navy blue (or sapphire blue metallic), perfect for fall. This nail polish is also free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and camphor. This sample was full sized and retails for $8.

The next product which I was very excited about was the Wet n Wild Fergie 5-Color Eyeshadow which is full sized and retails for $4.99 at Walgreens in the color "Desert Festival". See swatches of the colors on the right. The colors were of a nice consistency, as I have come to expect from Wet n Wild eyeshadows (the best eyeshadows you can purchase in the drugstore) they are creamy, blendable and easy to work with. All of the colors are flattering and would work well on any skin tone and the compact is so large you get a ton of product.

Sexy Hair Big Sexy Blow Dry Volume Gel was also in this month's bag, and we received a 1.7 fl oz. sample (since the full size is 8.5 fl oz and retails for $14.96 regularly) the value of this deluxe sample is $3.00. I'm excited to try this and I have heard many great things about this brand!





My bag had a total value of $28.79
I'd love to hear about what others got in their Ipsy Glam Bag this month, I saw there were many other possibilities for products!!

October Glossybox Unboxing - Byrdie Edition

I've gotten many requests to show my readers what's in the subscription boxes I get monthly so I figured I would start with October! I subscribe to Ipsy, Birchbox and Glossybox, so I will review all of those for you every month starting now.

The subscription: Glossybox

The cost: $21 US/month

Total product value: $76.57

Why is it unique? You get beauty products from Europe, Asia and everywhere else. Very high quality products every month, I have never received a dud and I've been subscribed since March 2013.

Every month, you receive substantial codes for some of the products provided in the Glossybox. This is quite customary for any subscription service. Here's a preview of the contents of my October box (usually these arrive in the mail near the end of the month). I was VERY excited when I saw the preview of the box with a full-sized Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara!

This month subscribers received a Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream in a generous deluxe sample size, (this retails for $42 at 1.7oz) we received the 0.5oz so the value of this product is $12.35. It smells just like what you would imagine a lotus to, very plant-like. I have been using it and it is quite moisturizing, but it's quite a pricey product that I don't think I would purchase on my own. This is a nice, luxurious sample to get.

I received a Renu Exfoliating Gel which retails for $42 at 50 ml and we received a 20 ml deluxe sample so the value of it is $16.80. Subscribers either received this sample or Sesha's Anti-Wrinkle Mask. This feels delightful on the skin, it really does feel like it's cleaning up the dead skin cells on my face, but again this is quite an expensive product, especially since it's a cleanser, so it's nice to receive such a large sample because I probably won't go out and purchase it.

Subscribers also received a deluxe sized sample of Bulgari's Eau Parfumee Au The Vert, which reminds me of a spring scent because it's made with "Green Tea" as the base note. However, this is the most adorable sample I have ever seen because it's in a miniature retro glass container. The full sized product is 1.33oz and retails for $62. The sample is 0.17 fluid oz so it is valued at $7.92. The scent is fresh and light, definitely not overpowering and I find that it takes on an even better smell on my skin.

balance Me. has provided every subscriber with their limited edition tinted lip salve that is 100% natural. The product received was the full size which retails for $16.50 at 10ml. You can see that it swatches to a much letter intensity than the pumpkin color inside the tube. It's an extremely liquid formula, not sticky or unpleasant to wear. The super soft beige color was created exlusively for Birchbox. The gloss smells like peppermint and emphasizes lip size, creating a bee-stung effect. Great product, I would definitely recommend trying this out.

And now the product we've all been waiting for, Tarte's Lights Camera Flashes Mascara!!! This puppy retails for $23 for the full size and that's exactly what Glossybox gave us! The packaging is magnificent, there is no funky smell like some other mascaras, and it lengthens and provides so much extra volume to my lashes that I can actually feel the difference. My lashes have never hit the skin above my eyelid, but with this, they definitely do and I love it! The applicator is easy to use, it's a silicone bristled applicator and I have an extremely easy time applying the wet formula with it. I highly recommend trying this mascara, in my opinion it's worth every penny.

DIY Nail Polish Tutorial

Have you ever seen a nail polish color on TV or on someone else that you really liked? And yet you haven't been able to find that shade and purchase it? Or are you just sick and tired of paying $10-$20 for a decent nail polish. Here's a quick way to make your own colors... the possibilities are limitless!

This tutorial might be just the thing you need to spruce up your hallowe'en look this year, too!

You'll only need some very basic materials:

1. clear nail polish or top coat (preferably one that you like and has staying power for best results)
2. eyeshadow color you really love (or more! You can mix these together for unique color combinations) - this can be a pigment or just an eyeshadow in a pan/palette
3. empty container (optional) - this is only if you're making smaller quantities and you don't want to use your entire clear nail polish for one DIY color
4. toothpick
5. funnel made from a rolled up piece of paper and taped together

Steps to Making Your Very Own Nail Polish!

1. First gather all of your supplies.
2. Use your toothpick to pick off some of the nail polish you have and mix different colors together to achieve what you like. In the photo above you can see pink and brown were mixed for a coral hue.
3. Transfer your pigment or powdered nail polish into the clear nail polish OR if you do not want to contaminate your clear polish, funnel the pigment and some clear polish into another container with a lid.
4. Close the container and shake.
5. Apply your fabulous new color to your nails!

I highly encourage you to give this tutorial a try, it's super simple and fun. You'll be so happy with all of the amazing compliments you get and the surprise answer you'll give people when they ask you where you got that beautiful polish!

Happy crafting, everyone!