Birchbox December 2015

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $10/month

I received my December Birchbox a while ago, but I've been behind on my reviews with the craziness of the holidays. This month all subscribers received $10 toward any $35+ purchase in the Birchbox shop. It was a nice little treat for the holidays! I love the box design this month!!!

Birchbox always includes an information card to explain about everything in the box.

This month the chosen items were eye shadow and there was Serge Normant Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray, which was what I chose. I can always use more volume, so I wanted to try this. It worked well and did volumize my hair instantly. It smelled nice, not too strong. It definitely had staying power like a hairspray, which I liked to hold my volume longer than other products I've tried. This isn't a product I'd use every day, because I'm just lazy about my hair most days. This will be perfect for days I want my hair to look perfect!

I also received Coastal Scents styleEyes Eyeshaow palette in formalEyes. I'm not sure if this is the same brand that was offered in sample choice or not. I received a light pink shade and a darker mauve shade, which works perfectly on my skin tone. I really like these shades!

Another sample I received was Malin + Goetz Clarifying Clay Mask. I use this brand all the time and have never tried the mask, so I was excited to see this. It is very gritty, but made my skin very very soft and smooth. I've never tried a Malin + Goetz product I didn't like, so I knew I'd be a fan of this. And I'm always happy to find a good mask that works well.

I also received theBalm Cosmetics FratBoy blush. This is a nice pink shade that works well on my pale skin. I really like the packaging on theBalm products, too!

The last sample I received was Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream. This was a very tiny sample, which I was a little disappointed about because I love a good moisturizer through the winter months. This was similar to vaseline and smelled medicated. The scent was not strong and wore off pretty quickly. I did use a very small amount each time I tried it and it definitely worked amazing to moisturize my very dry hands. I just wish I would have received a larger sample!

My December Birchbox was so so this month. It had samples I will use, but I wasn't completely wowed by anything. I think I just have too many beauty products and might take a break from Birchbox for awhile. I love trying new products, but I have way too much right now. I think I have a few more months left to my subscription, so I'll let that run out, but after that I'll take a break.

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Birchbox Limited Edition: Charmed Life

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost:$40

I was looking for an excuse to buy the Birchbox Limited Edition: Charmed Life box, since the first time I saw it. Well, during the Cyber Monday sale with the extra 30% off, I couldn't resist. I used some points I had racked up, to make this box a great deal! We recently re modeled our master bedroom and spruced up the guest room, so I knew I could use most of these items in the guest room. I couldn't wait to see everything in person. I love the box it came in. Perfect for gifting!

Here are the samples I received for free with my order. That pretzel was yummy!

The box included an information card explaining everything in the box, but I didn't take a picture, oops. So, I'll just move on to what was in the box.

The Canvas Home Dauville Multiple Bud Vase in Gold is beautiful. Right now I have it sitting on the dresser in the guest room, but I still need to find some pretty flowers to fill it with. It's exactly what the room needed! I love the white vase with gold accent. It looks fancy and grown up, but still modern, which is exactly my style! 

I received the Illume Demi Vanity Tin in Desert Tulip with Matches. I like the tin that the candle is in. It kind of reminds me of a lipstick tube and is painted in bright colors. The candle smells really pretty too! This is also in the guest room on the dresser, just in case I decide to sit in there and relax and want to light a candle.

The Isaac Jacobs Sunburst Picture Frame was my favorite item in the box. This is a Birchbox exclusive! This is a well-made frame and I love the sunburst design. Like everything else so far, it found it's home on the dresser in the guest room. I'm not sure what type of picture I'll put it in yet, but I'm thinking I'll change it out seasonally to keep it looking fresh. Right now I need to find a holiday inspired print to put in it!

I also received the NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Sample Size. This is an oil that can be used on your face, body, or in your hair. I tried it on my face and it worked well and didn't make my face greasy. I'll definitely try it on my legs too! 

I've tried the Tocca Crema da Mano in Cleopatra before and I really like how soft and moisturized it makes my hands. I'm not crazy about this scent, but the formula is perfect for our dry winter. I'll definitely be keeping this in my bag.

I loved the Stephanie Johnson Folding Mirror! This is a great size. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's bigger than a compact mirror and nicer. I love the stand and I love how it closes to keep the mirror clean. I also like the metallic case it's in. It's like a compact mirror you would use for traveling, but much larger and nicer than the one I currently use, so this will be traveling with me from now on!

The Umbra Geo T Ring Holder is so pretty in person. It is heavier than I expected, so it won't fall over when I put rings on it. It looks perfect displaying my rings in my jewelry area. The base is navy and the T part is gold, which is a perfect color combination for my room. I wasn't sure if I would like this in person, but I really do!

I'm very happy with the Birchbox Limited Edition: Charmed Life box. It went perfectly with my style. I like how everything looked perfect together and added some sparkle to my room. I will use every item and I'm very happy with the quality of it all. This was definitely worth a lot more than I paid, which makes me very excited. I always love the Limited Edition boxes that Birchbox puts together. They're always a great value with nice and unique products!

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Bundles of Joy November 2015

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $36/month

My daughter's Bundles of Joy box arrived last week. I love seeing what she gets each month, because I never know what to expect. The boxes are usually themed in some way, so I was hoping for a holiday box this month.

Bundles of Joy always includes a letter with the retail prices of all the items and a note telling about the theme and why the items were chosen. I love how personalized this box is! I say that every month.

Here is a peek at everything my daughter received.

The first item was Mud Pie "Letters to Santa" Ornament. Retail price $6.00. This is adorable! It's an ornament you can hang on the tree and put letters to Santa inside. So cute! My daughter loves it!!!

She also received Peas on Earth book. Retail price $6.99. This is a really cute book, with a pop up at the end. I love the cute illustrations!

The Stella Lane Red and Gold Christmas Headband is perfect for my daughter's Christmas outfit this year. Retail price $12.00. She will be wearing a gold dress with green plaid shoes, so the pop of red will be just what her outfit needs. We've received this brand of headbands in Bundles of Joy boxes before and my daughter loves them!

The final item includes was the Gymboree Gold Striped Sweater. Retail price $32.95. This is also perfect for her Christmas outfit and any other outfit we need to make more festive throughout the holiday season. It looks so cute with the headband! I loved that this was included in the box, because I had not bought a sweater for her Christmas dress yet, and this will be perfect!

I loved this month's Bundles of Joy box! I love it every month!!! We always receive the perfect items and my daughter uses every single item we've ever received. I really liked the Christmas theme of this month's box and was so happy with the unique items we received! This box is always one of my favorites month after month!

* This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Birchbox November 2015

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $10/month

I received my November Birchbox earlier in the month, but I'm just getting around to writing my review. It's been a very busy month. I peeked at what I would be receiving this month, so this box wasn't a surprise when it arrived.

Here is a first glance into the November box. I love all the pretty boxes they've been designing! They're so much better than the plain brown boxes they used to come in.

Birchbox always includes an information card explaining everything in the box.

This month the sample choice was from the LOC line, which was created by Birchbox and YouTube beauty star Tati Westbrook. I chose the Vibrant Matte Lipstick in First Kiss. This is a nude lipstick, but this color didn't work for my skin tone. It was too tan for my pale skin. I need a shade with a bit more pink in it. I really liked the formula of this lipstick, though. It wasn't sticky and it felt soft and moisturizing!

I also received Avene Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum. This has a high concentration of thermal spring water and felt very moisturizing. It sank into my skin nicely and is perfect for the cold weather we are having. I really liked this!

I hate receiving perfume as samples in my Birchbox, so I wasn't too thrilled to receive Cartier La Panthere. This is a musk scent that is too strong for me. I'm not really a perfume wearer, but when I do wear a scent it has to be very light and fresh. This is the opposite of anything I would pick out for myself, so this definitely wasn't for me.

The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5 in 1 Styling Treatment was a product I wanted to try, so I was happy to get this. It volumizes, smooths, conditions, strengthens, and adds polish. It says to apply this to damp hair and blow dry, but I've been very lazy and have been letting my hair air dry, so I put this in damp hair and styled my hair when dry. It had more bounce and made my hair soft and smooth. Plus my hair wasn't staticky after using this! I will be using this a lot!

The final sample I received was Oribe Masque for Beautiful Color. This smelled like the other Oribe products I've tried, which I really liked. It has a subtle perfume scent that is very pretty. This made my hair moisturized, but didn't weigh down my fine hair. My hair had more volume and was soft and smooth. I haven't found an Oribe product I didn't like, so I was happy this was included in my box!

I also received the Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color as a bonus. I loved both of these products as much as the masque. They all made my hair smell great and have body and softness. I was very happy I was able to try all the products together. I may have to purchase this whole set.

I was very happy with my November Birchbox. I received a couple products that didn't work for me, but I loved the hair care products and the serum. I think they all will be making their way into my daily regimen. I can't wait to see what I get next month. I missed out on the Birchbox plus add to box items for December. They sold out right away. I would have loved the Rifle Paper Co calendar, but I was a bit too late. I also loved the toolbox for make-up, but missed out on that too. I'm sure there will be many other products I'll want too. They have a sale coming up for Black Friday, so stay tuned for that. And remember Birchbox makes a great gift for the the guys and girls in your life!

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Popsugar Must Have November 2015

Rating: Love It!!!!

Cost: $39.95/month

My Popsugar Must Have box arrived for November 2015. I always look at spoilers before I get this box, because I just can't wait to see what we're getting. This month I wasn't too excited about the spoilers, but still couldn't wait to see the box in person. Popsugar released 2 spoilers this month also.

Popsugar Must Have always includes an information card explaining everything in the box. This month's inspirations were Friends & Family, Gratitude, Gifting, and Festivities. I really love this time of year, so I was excited about this box.

Here is everything that was included in the November box.

The first spoiler Popsugar Must Have released for this box was Tarte Cosmetics Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow. I have so many eye shadow palettes, so I wasn't too excited about this, but I always hope for new and different colors to try. I received the palette with browns, which I'm not too crazy about because I have very pale skin and blue eyes, so browns don't look too great on me. I would have preferred the palette shown in the information card. I may gift this to someone that will enjoy it. I always say I wish Popsugar would do more variations between boxes and I'm happy when they do. This color palette just wouldn't have been my top choice, but it will make a great gift!

The other spoiler Popsugar Must Have released was the Capri Blue Mercury Jewel Box in Rain. I was so excited to see this candle in person and I was mostly excited about using it as a storage box after I burn the candle. This will look perfect in my bedroom. It's totally my style with the glass and wooden top. I love the scent of the candle too. Perfection! I love this and thought it was going to be my favorite item this month. This also would make a great gift, but I'll be keeping this for myself!

My favorite item in this month's box is the Deepa Gurnani Katie Crystal Headband. I'm not really a sparkly headband sort of girl, actually I'm not really a headband sort of girl, but this is beautiful! It's very comfortable and will be perfect for the holidays. I think I'll be wearing this all the time! I'm already thinking of places I can wear it in the next few months. When I saw this in pictures, I wasn't excited about it at all, but believe me, the pictures do not do this justice at all. It has a fabric liner, that makes it not get stuck and pull your hair. It's seriously the most comfortable headband I've ever tried on! And so pretty and sparkly too!!! 

I also received West Emory Bingo Set. I love that Popsugar included something different this month. I don't remember receiving anything like this in a past box, so I was very excited. It's a very chic bingo game. I wish they included a chic bag to hold the calling numbers, but I'll find something to use. I can't wait to play with friends!

Another item included was Gramr Gratitude Co. Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack. These are so cute and I love stationary. Not sure why I like it so much, but I do, so I was happy these were included. I usually don't send out anything for Thanksgiving, but I'm going to now! I'm sure the people who receive them will be very happy too.

The food item included this month was Terrapin Ridge Farms Pecan Honey Mustard. This sounds like something that was made for me! I haven't tried it yet, but I think it's going to make a great dip for entertaining. The food items are always my favorite. I don't always like them, but I love how Popsugar includes things I've never tried before. I owe my obsession of Snap Pea Crisps to Popsugar. I love those things and buy them all the time! I'm hoping this will be just as yummy!!!

As a special Extra Popsugar included an Inkdot $20 Gift Card. You can make photo gifts, and I'll definitely use this for something!

 

The November Popsugar Must Have box was great! I will use everything and I was much more excited about this box after seeing everything in person. I'm happy with the variety in this box and some different items I've never received in sub boxes before. I hope they do just as well with the December boxes.

The Popsugar Must Have Special Edition Holiday Boxes for Her and Him are also on sale. I already bought them, because I think they'll sell out quick. I started a tradition a few years ago where me and my guy open these boxes on Christmas, so I'm continuing that. And I don't look at spoilers for these, so they're a complete surprise for both of us! And if you are still interesting in purchasing the Special Edition Neiman Marcus box, it is still for sale also.

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Castile Soaps Deluxe Subscription Box November 2015

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $20/month

I was contacted by Castile Soaps to try one of their deluxe subscription boxes, so of course I jumped at the opportunity! I love bar soap (I really really do). It just feels more clean to me, so it's what I always use. And I love trying new brands. This is organic soap, which I love!

This arrived in plain packaging, so I didn't take pictures of it. Castile Soaps has 2 subscription box sizes. The Discover box is one soap per month for $7/month, but Castile Soap is running a promotion and you can get your first month for $.01 and free shipping. This promotion won't last long, so take advantage while you can. The Deluxe box is 3 soaps per month for $20/month, but Castile Soap is running a promotion to get your first month for $15. They are both a great deal for the quality soap you'll receive, but even if you're unsure, how can you go wrong with trying one for $.01?!?

Here is a picture of all 3 soaps I received in the Deluxe subscription box. Castile Soap also included an information sheet with some facts about thinking green and results and benefits of using Castile Soap. On the website there is a shop section that gives lots of information about each soap, if you want to read more about them.

The main ingredients in the soap is printed on the outside of the box. It's always amazing when you can read all the ingredients. This is a soap I feel safe using on myself and my 3 year old daughter.

The first soap I received was Green Tea. This is my favorite scent! It's great for anti-aging, because it has caffeine which invigorates and supports the youthful appearance of skin. I love that none of these soaps have an overwhelming perfume scent. This smells subtle and lovely. It works great too!

I also received Aloe Vera soap. This one also smells subtle and fresh. It is a complexion correction soap. It corrects redness and blemishes. I haven't tried this one yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

The final soap I received was Calendula. This smells subtle and floral. This is to detox and brighten your skin. I really like the way this one smells too! I haven't tried it yet, but I can't wait to. I love that the tops of the soaps are clear, so you can see the fibers of the ingredients used.

The Castile Soaps really are great and I recommend trying this subscription if you are thinking about it, especially at the $.01 promotion price (which won't last long). If you love bar soap as much as I do, this subscription is definitely for you. And if you like subtle fragrance that is not overwhelming!

*This complimentary box was received in exchange for my honest review. As always the opinions are my own!