Julep Maven – Welcome Box – February 2014

Okay, so my sister gets this subscription and she really likes it, so I thought I would give it a try (and I think she might be gifting me a subscription for my birthday – fingers crossed).  When you sign up the first box you receive is free so that is the box I am reviewing today.  Also Julep allows you to add on products, so I added on three products and ended up spending about $22 dollars total.  Also, all of their nail products are free from formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toulene, and DBP.

This is what I received in the box:

 

Okay, so I received the Classic with a twist box.  They have many different options that you can choose from. This box came with Zora, Myrtle, and Mighty nail and cuticle serum. 

Zora (picture does not do it justice)

Zora is creamy whiteish pink with a bit of sparkle.  It is seriously one of the prettiest nail polishes I ever seen.  I can’t to try it out. 

Myrtle 

This is a pretty red, very classic, but it doesn’t really wow me.  

Mighty Nail and Cuticle Serum

I love this already.  I’ve already used it twice, I hope it works.  It is suppose to help damaged and dry nails.  My nails are damaged from the cold and from no chip manicures, so I’m trying really hard to move away from harmful nail products.  This will give you visibly stronger, smoother and nails with fewer ridges in 3 weeks and you can apply over nail polish.  

And now my add ons

Oxygen Nail Treatment

The color is a light pink. I’ve already applied it to my toes and it’s super light.  It’s good for nails prone to peeling and breaking.  

Freedom Polymere Topcoat 

This is a top coat that will give you a no chip manicure without the curing lamps.  You just let it dry for five minutes and you should be good to go. 

Mint Condition Pedi Creme 

I love the scent of this product!!! I’ve already used it and my feet already feel softer and well moisturized.  

Overall, I really loved this box.  I didn’t have to shell out too much money for really good nail products.  I can’t wait to get future boxes!

Limited Edition Birchbox Finds – February 2014

Okay, so a lot of people were less than thrilled when they saw the limited edition Birchbox. I was so excited.  It may be because I’m in my twenties, but I thought it offered a lot of decent products for a great price, $18. Also sometimes I need to stay in my budget and good products that only cost a few dollars are perfect for when you can’t afford the expensive stuff. I used my birchbox points and after shipping I paid a whole $3.00 for this box.  

The front of the card

 

The back

 

Besides the mascara all of the products are under $10.00

 

 

Biore – Self heating one minute masks. 

I actually really like this brand.  I used to always buy the deep cleaning pore strips, and they always seemed to work for me.  I can’t wait to try these out.  The only bummer is a 4 pack is $8, but I guess that’s a good price for a quick and easy mask.  I also really like charcoal masks, so I’m curious to see if it will really deep clean. 

John Frieda – Frizz Ease – Nourishing Oil Elixer

Like I’ve said in previous posts, I already have a hair oil that I like.  Since this is a pretty decent size, I’m going to keep it and give it a try.  If it works well, it will definitely be worth buying for $9.99.

Sally Hansen Complete SAlon Manicure in Pink A Card

Omg, I love the name of this product, but the color is a little too light for me.  I’ve never tried a Sally Hansen nail product before, so this is definitely a find for me!  The card says that you don’t need a base coat or a top coat and that it will last up to ten days, so it’s worth trying! And, it’s only $7.99

Rimmel London – Stay Glossy 3D in Back Row Smooch

I love this color and the shimmer.  I have sensitive lips, so I hope it doesn’t dry them out.  The price is reasonable at $4.99.  Not really sure what a 3D effect is though — i guess it’s suppose to make them look fuller.  

Nivea – A kiss of Care and Color in Sheer Caramel

I wish I would have gotten a different color in this! I can’t wait to use this (even with the nude color), so I hope that it’s really nourishing, like other Nivea products. It’s only $4.99 so if I really like it, I think I might more in different colors.

Covergirl – Bombshell Shineshadow in Ice Queen

This is such a pretty shimmer.  It seems like the perfect cream to use to in the corner of your eyes to add that extra wow factor.  The price is $8.99, which isn’t horrible for a eyeshadow.  And with the proper primer I don’t think you’ll need more than one application.  It says it’s supposed to last 12 hours on its own, but I’m not sure if I buy that claim.

Covergirl – Bombshell Volume mascara in Very Black

I prefer black mascaras.  I’m excited to try this product, but it’s going to have to wait until I start wearing my contacts in the summer.  Every time I try a mascara that is lengthening my glasses end up with mascara smudges on them… Anyway, there are two applicators one for volume and one for intensity, so I really think product will give and bold and rock star look for a night out.  It’s $11.99 and seeing that is has two applicators I think that is a decent price.  

 

Overall, I really liked this limited edition birchbox.  It has some great drugstores finds that I normally would never buy.  All the products are reasonably priced, so if you are on a budget the products within in it might be worth purchasing.  Since I paid only $3 for this box, it’s definitely worth the price to me.  Did any of you guys buy this box?  What did you think of it?   

BirchBox February 2014

Birchbox is my favorite box, and I was thrilled to hear that they were teaming up with US weekly for this month’s box.  Before, I received my box, I read a lot of legitimate complaints of samples breaking and spilling out, so I was crossing my fingers and hoping nothing of mine was broken.  When I opened up my box everything was intact! Yay!

And the samples:

This is the best birchbox that I ever received.  The sample sizes are great, and the products are amazing.

Caudalie.  Instant Foaming Cleanser. Full size, $28

The sample size is great – I think it is a great size to take with you on vacation, or to use once your other face cleanser is used up.   I think I’ll get about a week to two weeks out of this sample.  It is suppose to detox your face with grape extracts and soothe it with chamomile.  And it’s French!

DDF.  Ultra-lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew.  Full size, $42.

The full size of this is 1.7 FL OZ and the sample size is 1 FL OZ, so that’s pretty good deal in itself.  However, I don’t think I would buy the full size.

Agave.  Healing Oil Treatment.  Full size, $24-$40.

Like I’ve said in other reviews, I already have a hair oil that I really like.  But since this is a small packet, I will try it out.

OPI.  Sheer tints in I can Teal You Like Me.  Full size, $9.00

The picture looks so dark, but it’s a super sheer light blue.  It’s really pretty and I can’t wait to try it out!

Harney and Son Fine Teas.  Wrapped Sachets.  Full size, $9.60

I love getting samples of tea.  I received two the first one is a White vanilla grapefruit and the second is Mint Verbena.  I received other samples of tea from birchbox before and they were great.  I like taking these kinds of samples to work, because it makes me avoid spending money at starbucks.

This is my link: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/1nqpw

Bulu Box February 2014

This is a box that I have dying to receive.  After a small hiatus from the gym and eating healthy, I am getting on track.  I bought the weightloss box because I thought it would give me a good variety of products to try.  The cost is $10 a month.  I bought a 3 month subscription for $15 and I see a lot of coupon codes for the 50% off subscription.  You get 10 points per review of each product, and I received 50 points for this box which is equal to $5.00.

And the inside:

Power Crunch Ultraburn – Vanilla cafe.  $49.99/1.4 lb tub

I was so excited to receive this sample.  I have been wanting to try a coffee flavored protein.  Unfortunately, the best by date is 11/13. While, I’m sure the product is fine and safe is try as it’s just a best by date, I’m not sure if the flavor profile will be the same as a newer packet.  I emailed bulu and I will see what they have to say.

Plant Fusion – Nature’s most complete Plant protein – Chocolate.  $34.99/ 2lb tub

I can’t wait to try this brand.  I love that is all plant based protein, non-gmo and relatively cheap for a protein powder.  If I like I’m going to buy it on their website, since I somehow already have $10 worth of points racked up.

Shapeology Burn Blend.  $39.99/ 60 capsules. 

I’m not really into these types of supplements.  But i must say that it is a great size, the sample is 14 capsules.  They suggest to take between 1-2 in the morning and 1-2 in the afternoon.  The size is big enough for you to be to tell if it gives you adverse side effects, but obviously not large enough to see if the product helps with weightloss in the long run.  I will be giving this a try, since it’s not something I would normally buy.

Chosen foods meta powder.  $15.99/15 sticks

I really like that this is a USDA organic product, but the price is kind of high for a fiber supplement.  A whole pack would only last you 5 days since it says to take 3 times a day. I’ll still give it a try. I currently have a tub of fiber from target that is 120 servings and it was around the same, but it’s not organic.

SoyJoy.  Dark chocolate cherry.  $18.99/ 12 bars.

This seems like a great product for anyone who has gluten allergy or intolerance.  I wouldn’t really consider this a weightloss product, but the flavor is divine.  You can indulge in a decent size snack for only 140 calories – Not bad!

Overall, I really enjoyed this box and can’t wait to get my next two months of products.  I will update this once someone contacts me back from bulu regarding the Power Crunch Ultraburn.

This is my link:  https://www.bulubox.com/referafriend/?bl=bG92ZWx5X3N0ZWZmZmZAaG90bWFpbC5jb20%3D

EDIT:  I received a response from Bulu and they are amazing!  They apologized and they are sending me a full-size of the Power Crunch Ultraburn – Vanilla cafe.  I’m so surprised, since I would have been happy with just a newer product.  And to top it all off they are giving me another month for free.  Also, I never mentioned this blog to them which means that they are doing it because they really want to keep their customers happy!

Ipsy February 2014

Finally got my February 2014 ipsy bag.

 

 

Okay, so I love the bag.  It’s cute, pink, simple, and girly.  And, it doesn’t smell this month!

The Pop Beauty Plump Pout Mini – Peony Petal

It is the perfect size! Unfortunately, I think the lid and the gloss itself smells a little funny (maybe I have a sensitive nose?).  I’m not sure if I’m going to use this, because my lips are really sensitive.  Once I see more reviews on this, I might give it a try.  I saw a couple other people complain of a smell.  It just smells really chemically to me. Let me know how it works out for you guys!

Mally evercolor Starlight waterproof eyeliner – Starshine 

It is a really cute metallic silver color.  I can’t wait to wear this out.  I think it will look great on the upperlid and it really reminds of winter time.

Jesses Girl eyeshadow palette – Behind Blue Eyes  (I wonder if all of the products are song titles?)

I think this is a pretty good deal.  It has a bunch of cute colors that I can definitely use and I love that ipsy actually pays attention to your profile.  It is small enough to take in your purse for touch ups.  

Zoya nail polish – Odette 

THis is a really pretty color, but it’s not a color that I would normally wear, but I can’t wait to give it a try since this is such a great brand of nail polish.  It’s free of formaldehyde, toulene, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor.

Uberliss – RituOil

While this seems to be a great sample, I have so many hair oils, so I gave this one to a friend.  I hope she really likes it.  It seems like a decent size and that it will last quite a while.