Subscription Saturday

Many of us are subscribers of monthly beauty companies such as Birchbox or Ipsy (previously known as My Glam) and so I thought it would be fun to linkup and see what we all get! I was a subscriber to Birchbox but, due to too many disappointing boxes I have finally cancelled my membership after two years (that was a lot of "to's, too's, or two's in one sentence)!

Starting next Saturday (January 19th) and every third Saturday of each month I will host the Subscription Saturday linkup.  All you need to do is link up your blog post about your monthly subscription.

RULES:

1. The blog post must be a monthly subscription to a beauty sample company (ones like Birchbox or Ipsy)
2. The blog post must be current.  In other words, do not link up last months post, it must be the current month.  Just in case I need to be clearer, next week will have to be a blog post about January's contents from the subscription, your link must be for January's contents
3. You must put my button somewhere in your blog post (it will be available to you on the day of the posting)

Other than those 3 items link away.  Make sure you encourage your readers to go to others websites.  It's fun interacting with current and new readers!  So share the love.  That is the purpose of me hosting these linkup's anyway. =)

Much Love & Happy Linking!

August Birchbox is Here!

My Birchbox came in and after last months my expectations were high!  I was expecting to have another stellar package in my mailbox!  I don't know, maybe I set to high of standards for a $10 gift I get every month, or maybe I am just bored with it, or maybe I need to get a grip I don't know...

I won't say I am completely unhappy with August's Birchbox but yet again, my products do not match my card and the products on the card sound so much better!

August's box is all about Beauty School.  My Supply kit was suppose to include (according to the card) Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover, Comodynes Hydra Tanning Face Moisturizing Summer Glow, Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes, DDF Brightening Cleanser, & Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur.

Here is what I got:

Beauty Fixation Cuticle Conditioner - So I didn't get the makeup remover.  But these little things look kind of awesome so I will forgive BB for that.

WEI Buffing Beads & Golden Root purifying mud mask - This also seems pretty awesome, but I would have much rather had the face moisturizer and the tanning towelettes.  

Stila One application BB Cream, Foundation, and Concealer - The One application really doesn't seem to be enough. I'll let you all know.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor - The irony here is I just bought a new razor the day before the box came in.  At least it came with coupons!  Plus, razors are so expensive so it was kind nice to get this.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?!?!  My very last product is...drumroll please.....

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur - It actually smells awesome...crazy coming from a non-perfume lover...but it does! This was the ONLY product listed on the product card that I actually got.

I guess this post seems more like a rant than a nice loving one, sorry about that.  Frustration sets in only because I have been a subscriber for a year and a half!  Should I be V.I.P. or something?!?  That said, I can't wait to try all the products I received!

So I am leaving it up to you guys! What do you think should I stay or should I go?  

Any long term subscribers to BB think they have kind of lost their awesomeness?  

Birchbox: Why I can't just let it go

Some of you may remember me posting about my new love: My Glam Bag over my Birchbox subscription {need a refresher? click here}.  I still haven't cancelled my membership because every month I think the following month will be better, when it's not I am disappointed.  But....I am still compelled to continue my subscription in hopes that it will awesome!  Well Birchbox....your lucky I held out (although I am a little pissed b/c it looks like others get better boxes than I do...I have been your customer for one & half years!).  I love July's box and am willing to stay on one more month.  You, Birchbox, have bought yourself some time! =)  Here is the reveal of July's Birchbox and the number one reason why I am holding out one more month!

July's box is all about feeding the five senses - Smell it, Touch it, Taste it, Hear it, & See it.

Smell it 
Oscar de la Renta's live in love eau de parfum - Full size $25-78 - You all know how I feel about perfumes...so over it! I don't think I will ever have to buy another perfume as long as I continue with Sephora & Birchbox.  It smells lovely, but is very strong. A dab is seriously all you need.


Hear it
Earbuds - Yeah they are cool and there is always a need for an extra pair around the house.  But the feel super cheap and hard!  I don't know if I would want them chillin' in my ears for long periods of time!  I guess I'm willing to try them!


See it
Manna Kadar Sheer Glo shimmer lotion - Full size $29 - I'm partial to my Benefit High Beam but I'm willing to give this a try.  They say you can mix it up with your foundation or just use it as a highlighter...I'm game for tryin' it out!  I'll let you all know! =)


Touch it 
Fresh Soy face cleanser - Full size $38 - I'm always in need of a good facial cleanser; especially one that is made with natural ingredients rather than those horrible additives!  I'll let you know how well this works out!

Taste it
I'm assuming my "taste it" is the Laura Geller Double Dipped Lipstick in Caribbean Kiss - Full size $17.50. OMG! Although it doesn't "taste" like anything this is absolutely fabulous!!!  Check out the two different shades in one lipstick!! UGH! I am in heaven! One side of the stick is a lustrous shimmery pink and the other side is a gorgeous shimmery golden pinky shade! Ahhh! I love this and it is the numero uno reason why I am holding out one more month!

Do you subscribe?  If so, what did you get?  Leave your link if you blogged about it too!  July glam bag will be up Saturday! =)

Boxin' Out & Baggin' Up - My Glam Bag

Most of you know that I am a lover of Birchbox and have been subscribed to their sample service for over a year now. I love trying new beauty products but to be quite honest their past couple of months have been BORING! Don't get me wrong I love being exposed to new brands. Actually if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have found Zoya nail polish and Jouer moisturizing tint both of which I am absolutely in love with.  But, I would love to see some of those "big" brand names in there every once in a while.  Ok, ok, what constitutes as a "big brand name" since all of them are considered "big brand names" right?  Well, yes that is true, but I want to see MAC and Urban Decay in there among others.


Anyway, I was twittering one day last month and came across My Glam Bag. First off, I have never heard of them so when I saw the word Glam and the word Bag I was instantly curious.  I love glam and I love bags so I had to check them out.  Basically, they are the same deal as Birchbox. $10/month gets you a bag stuffed with samples.  So, I signed up to try it out and just got my first shipment last week.  OMG, this bag was AWESOME!  Check out the contents:

1. NYX Roll On Glitter - I love NYX they are inexpensive but still great quality. I use these products all the time!! The Roll On Glitter can be applied to the eyes, face, and body!  On top of the full sized sample, they gave you a coupon code for 30% off more shades at NYX's website.  The cost of these are $4.50 with the 30% off the end up being $3.15 which is awesome!


2. Freeman Facial Mask Sachets - Never heard of Freeman but this bag included a easy-to-use skin-perfecting mask.  Haven't had a chance to use it just yet, but it sounds like I will love it.  Mine came in Goji Berry!  Glammies get 16% off when you go to Freeman's website.  The full trio is just $10 for My Glam Bag girls!  WHAT?!  That is so great!


3. X Out Shine Control - If you have skin problems then X Out is suppose to be the best stuff to stay flawless and shine free.  Sounds good to me! My skin has completely changed since having a child. I went from never having acne in high school (ok, ok, the occasional stress bump would arise) to now having anxiety over my skin!  This is an oil-free moisturizer with a mattifying complex and according to X Out's website, it works just like those other home supply acne medicines where you can choose between a 30- or 60-day supply one time or continuing shipment (actually they are the makers of Proactiv).  A continuing ship for a 30-day supply is $19.95 and Glammies receive a free full-size Shine Control with their purchase of their supply!  Not sure if I am going to end up purchasing the supply. My 10% benzyl peroxide works just fine for me.

4. Premier Dead Sea Cinderella Mask - The fact that you are seeing the words "Dead Sea" is enough to already fall in love with this.  I love anything and everything that involves the salts from the Dead Sea and I always feel the most beautiful after I use them.  However, they are so expensive!  Premier's website values the Cinderella Mask at $149.99!  WOW!  I cannot find myself loving this that much that I would spend that kind of money on it at the moment.  Maybe if I fall in to major money I would buy it and use it more often!

5. NuMe $100 Gift Card - Perhaps this is my most favorite part of the glam bag this month!  $100 dollars for me to spend anyway I want at NuMe's website!  They have professional styling tools, hair extensions,  feather extensions, so many things I don't know what to choose from!  I have been wanting hair extensions so I believe that is most likely what I am going to be spending it on.  Birchbox has never given us a gift card like this!  Last month we got a free iTunes download but that is squash compared to this!  How awesome right?!?

So the question is will I continue this subscription service?  Um, Hell Yeah!  This is so freakin' awesome!  I'm not ready to give up Birchbox just yet, but they definitely need to step up their game if they want my business!

Here is My Glam Bag's website if you want to check it out too!

Baggin' in up and Boxin' it out!

Nicole

February Birchbox & January Review

So, I have been under the weather lately and haven't felt up to videos and blogging.  But I am starting to feel better.  Birchbox's were still a little later than usual again this month, but there was plenty of awesome stuff this month.  Watch below!

February's Contents



• Bare Escentuals, Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
• Befine, Exfoliating Brown Sugar Cleanser
• Nars, Orgasm Illuminator
• Pomega5, Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
• Sweetriot, Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs

January's Content Review

• Ahava, Dermud Intesive Nourishing Hand Cream - Full-size: 4.2 fl oz. $28
• Not worth it in my opinion, really didn't make a difference in my hands

• Dr. Dennis Gross, Alpha Beta Peel - Full-size: 10 applications $35
• LOVED!!! My Skin felt soooo awesome after this!

• myfaceworks, Sheet Mask - Full-size: 6 masks - $55
• AGAIN, I LOVED! Only pet peave...it was super cold! Totally worth it!
• Oscar Blandi, Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum - Full-size: 34 ml - $24
• Perfect for color treated hair that needs a boost! Leaves my hair feeling soft and shiny!

• Zhena's Gyspy Tea, Full-size 22 sachets - $7.99
• Co-workers absolutly fell in love with this tea.  They said it was the best they ever had!  If you like tea I say give it a try!

All of these prices and items listed above are based from birchbox.com.  Visit them to start getting your BB's every month!  & Again....I am not being paid by anyone for these reviews! xoxo, QN!

Birchbox Haul & Review-January

Birchbox's were sent extremely late this month....BOOO! But they have finally arrived so here is the video. Below the video is the details (size & price of the products) and the review of Decembers products!


January's contents

• Ahava, Dermud Intensive Nourishing Hand Cream, Full Size: 4.2 fl oz - $28
• Dr. Dennis Gross, Alpha Beta Peel, Full Size: 10 applications - $35
• myfaceworks, Sheet Mask, Full Size: 6 masks - $55
• Oscar Blandi, Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum, Full Size: 34ml - $24
• Zhena's Gypsy Tea, Coconut Chai Black Tea, Full Size: 22 sachets - $7.99

December Review

• Blow, Heat is On Protective Styling Mist, Full Size: 8.5 fl oz - $18
• I LOVE THIS!  This has proctected my hair for heat and damage and keeps it shiny and healthy!
• Jouer, Luminizing Moisture Tint, Full Size: 1.7 oz - $38
• I LOVE THIS!  This product I was weary of at first but quickly fell in love with it.  It gives my face a natural glow which is nice during the winter!  It comes in 5 shades to match your skin tone!
• Stila, Lip Glaze in Kitten, Full Size: .08 oz - $22
• This is Okay.  For the price I am not sure if it is even worth it.  I don't like the color, although Kitten is my all time fav shade for eyeshadows by Stila.  I don't really like it as a lip shade.  Also, the gloss is super sticky and doesn't last.
• Serge Luetens, L'Eau Fragrance, Full Size: 50 ml - $105
• This is also Okay.  Yes the scent is fresh and lovely <--even though I don't care for perfumes but I will never spend that amount on a perfume.  This is just my opinion. 

Here is Birchbox's website where you can sign up if you are interested.
P.S. I am not being paid by Birchbox or any of the companies mentioned in this post for the reviews of these products. I am simply just running my mouth! ;o)

Birchbox Haul

Hi Everyone! Here is my Birchbox Haul. What is Birchbox? Well, it is a $10/month subscription service in which you get high-end/quality deluxe samples mailed to your home around the 10th of each month. It is really cool because if you love to try out new things it gives you a chance to try it and then buy it later, or if you don't like the product you don't buy it. There is also a point accumulation system as well. Each month I will do a Birchbox haul so you can see what I get.

Here is website: www.birchbox.com