Walmart Spring 2015 Beauty Box

Here is what I got in the Spring 2015 Walmart box. I wasn't jumping up and down when I opened it, but everything is something I will use. And I am always up for trying a new mascara!



They also included these "magazine" samples. I don't usually use these, but I did try the foundation and it was alright enough that if I can find a really good deal on it, I might purchase it in my color.



And coupons, which will probably never get used, because I buy most of my drugstore products at Ulta.


Overall, I liked this box enough and will keep this subscription- you can't beat $5.00 every quarter.

Beauty Protector Beauty Wash, Beauty Cream, and Protect and Treat Mask - initial impressions

Recently I was contacted by Purple PR and asked if I would like to receive some of the Beauty Protector products. I've already received a few of their products from Birchbox, and their protect spray is one of my HG products at this point, so I emailed back and said, absolutely! 

Over the next few weeks, I'll be trying out their Beauty Wash and their Beauty Cream, and even though I've already tried and reviewed their Treatment Mask, I'm going to try it again, and see if my impressions change since this is a full size and I can better formulate a lasting opinion.
I will say, initially, all the products have that great Beauty Protector smell (I can't explain it, but it's definitely sweet). The Beauty Wash seems like it will lather well but not strip my skin, and the beauty cream isn't greasy at all. I'm really excited to give these new products a try!


FTC: This product was received from the PR company with no obligation to review, and no compensation has been exchanged. No affiliate links have been used in this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sample Society March 2015

When I decided to get rid of my ipsy subscription this month, I also decided I wanted to try the Allure Sample Society box. They were sampling the new Benefit mascara, Roller Lash, and I found a code to get $5.00 off your first box (making it $10.00 instead of $15.00), so I decided to pull the trigger.

Along with the subscription, you also get a code for $10.00 off a $50.00 purchase at BeautyBar.com. I think that's a pretty cool perk. Granted, I might not use it every month, but I've been going through the site and seeing what's there. It also might really come in handy on the month I need to buy birthday gifts for my girlfriends, or even around Christmas time!


As with all my first boxes, I'm going to do a complete unboxing. 



It came in a pretty non-descript box- I only knew what it was because of the return address. You would have thought it was a box of sex toys or something!



Inside that box was this box. It's extremely well-constructed. I can see keeping these around for gifts and such. 



All the stuff in the box- it came packed with paper to keep all the products from getting messed up, as well as a little booklet detailing everything inside.



Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer
An anti-aging moisturizer loaded with organic ingredients. 
What It Does: Brightens and smooths skin
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely be trying this out! As I've said before, I'm trying to stay away from putting a lot of different things on my skin right now, but I'm definitely hanging on to it and was excited to see it in my box.




Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
A mascara that lengthens, curls, and volumizes.
Will I Use It?: I have used it, and honestly? I don't get the raves it's been getting. I have super straight lashes, and have seen so many reviews from girls with similar lashes to mine going on and on about how great it is, but I did not see it doing anything at all to my lashes. It didn't curl them at all, and I watched many tutorials and mimicked exactly what the other girls were doing.
With that said, I did enjoy the formula and the wand, and will continue using it. But I'll be curling my lashes pre-use.



Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray
A dry texturizing spray.
What It Does: Adds volume, makes dirty roots appear clean, and boosts waves (if you've got them).
Will I Use It?: I get really nervous when I see the phrase "texturizing" because on my hair, that usually means it will seem sticky and make my fine hair hard to manage. But it does say it makes dirty roots appear clean, so once I'm done with the dry shampoo I'm trying to get through currently, I'll use this and give a full review later.



Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm
A clear lip balm.
What it does: While it doesn't offer any SPF, it does hydrate well enough to treat chapped lips.
Will I Use It: I've received this before in a box (my January 2015 ipsy), and I really, really love it. It isn't sticky or goopy, but really moisturizes. My lips have been super crazy dry with this pregnancy (fortunately one of the only weird skin things I'm dealing with), and this has really brought them back to life. I'm so excited to have a back up! This might become my HG lip balm!



Cargo Essential Lip Gloss in Umbria
A sheer, moisturizing lip gloss that comes in 15 shades.
Will I Use It: I liked the way it applied, but I've already passed this off to a friend. The color really wasn't for me. However, I already put this on a wishlist I have going on the BeautyBar website to check out another color when I make a purchase.

Overall, I'm really pleased with my first box! It had a product I really wanted to try, and got to without spending a bunch of money, it had one of my HG products, and all the others were ones I will either try or was able to gift to a friend. It was definitely worth the money and I'll be keeping this through April.
If any of you are interested in signing up for Sample Society, please click there!

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Sample Society booklet included in the box.

No affiliate links have been used in those post. Any links used are for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

ipsy March 2015

***SPOILER ALERT: THIS IS MY LAST ipsy BAG***

The bag is really cute. It's a decent size and I'll probably hang on to it.



pur~lisse beauty pur~delicate gentle soymilk cleanser & makeup remover
Appreciate your skin, don’t irritate it. Cleanse the day away in one simple step with this sulfate-free blend of Soy Milk, Whole Oat and White Tea. This gentle cleanser leaves your face silky soft, without a trace of impurity. The 4-in-1 sulfate free & non-drying formula gently washes away dirt and makeup (even mascara!), while soothing and toning skin.
Will I use it?: I'll get around to using it eventually, I'm way behind on using cleansers, but I've added it to my stash. 





VINTAGE by Jessica Liebeskind in Crystal Pink

Add a beautiful wash of color and subtle, sexy shimmer with the ILLUMINATING FACE HIGHLIGHTER. Created to be worn on top of fresh, dewy skin or as a delicate highlight over pretty blush – the reflective pearls add radiance on contact delivering a diamond-like finish to the skin.
Will I Use It?: I've used it a couple of times, and it's a very pretty color. It does pretty much exactly what it said it would.

Boo-Boo Cover-Up: Medium Shade
Have a Boo-Boo? Skip the bandage and the shiny ointment. Look your best even while you heal with Boo-Boo Cover-Up for face and body. Our innovative formula offers great coverage for skin imperfections while containing ingredients known in nature to promote healing.
Will I Use It?: I've used this a couple of times. Even though it says Medium, it is definitely more on the fair side. It does a good job covering things up, but it's not a "must-have" in my makeup box.




NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Hunk
Pamper your lips with a hydrating kiss of smooth Butter Lipstick in 22 luxurious shades. The delicate texture of satin fused with the high color saturation creates an even finish on lips that’s long-wearing and beautiful.
Will I Use It?: No, I will never, ever wear this. As of writing this post, I've already passed it on to a friend. I don't have anything in my profile that would indicate I would like a product like this, and I've specifically asked for no lip products multiple times. I was really disappointed to see this in my box. At least I made a friend happy!




dr. brandt skincare pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion
“An apple a day keeps the lines away.” This oil-free, lightweight lotion is formulated with apple stem cells to help delay the natural signs of aging by maintaining the longevity and activity of stem cells in the skin. Simultaneously, retinol stimulates new cell turnover and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Brandt’s multi-tasking formula provides the best of both worlds, delivering anti-aging and pore minimizing/mattifying benefits.
Will I Use It?: I haven't tried it yet, but it's also put away in my stash to try.


I think the NYX lipstick is what finally killed ipsy for me. They clearly are paying no attention to my profile, or my reviews. And there are other boxes I'd rather try, so this is the last month you'll see an ipsy box from me.



FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from ipsy.

Birchbox March 2015

I still really love how all the boxes are totally customized this year, and this box is no exception to that! This month, we got to choose, again, between three samples, or a curated box, and I chose the amika Bombshell Blowout Spray.




I cannot get over how cute this box is!



amika Bombshell Blowout Spray
Lightweight styler that volumizes, smooths, and protects for a sleek yet bouncy 'do.
How To Use: Divide damp hair into sections and spritz from roots to ends before blow-drying.
Will I Use It?: I tried it, and I do not like it. Since this was my sample choice, I can't hold it against Birchbox, but this was just awful. It made my hair so crunchy and sticky, and not at all volumized or sleek. I will definitely not be using this again or repurchasing it. 



Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo
Vitamin-rich botanicals gently purify hair while restoring lost moisture and shine.
How to Use: Work a small amount into a lather with damp hands, apply to wet hair, then rinse.
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely be giving this a try, but I'm currently trying out a couple other shampoo samples I need to get through, so I'll have to do a review in the future.
Also included in this box was a bonus sample- the Reconstructing Masque!



Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Disco Rose
Creamy lip color with a subtle sheen and serious staying power.
How To Use: Glide onto lips, layering for a bolder hue.
Will I Use It?: I absolutely will use it! I love this color, and the gloss is just beautiful on the lips. It goes on smooth, and builds up really nicely. It's not at all sticky. This is definitely a keeper, and even though the sample is tiny, it will still last me a long while.



Supergoop! Daily Correcting CC Cream SPF 40 in Fair/Light
Next-generation SPF 40 CC Cream that triple protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays.
How To Use: Apply a nickel-sized amount over face and neck- it works as both a primer and a foundation.
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely give it a try! I love trying new BB/CC creams, and this sample should give me at least two to three uses, which is a pretty good indication of how well it's going to perform for me. I'll do an updated review once I have a chance to try it out.



Whish Shave Savior Hair Inhibiting Gel
All-natural formula that slows hair growth while deeply hydrating skin.
How To Use: Smooth onto slight damp skin after showering.
Will I Use It?: I might save this for after the baby is born- I'm only shaving my legs once a week or so (shaving is hard when you have a belly to deal with!), so I feel like I can't properly test this product now. I will put up a review one I am able to test this out.


Other than the amika spray, I really, really enjoyed this box and will use everything in it. Although the smashbox and supergoop! samples were a little small, there's still enough included to make an informed decision about the products. I'm definitely happy with this subscription, and can't see myself cancelling any time soon!


If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.

The only affiliate link used is the Birchbox affiliate link directly above. Any other links to the birchbox shop are just for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask Review

(This product was received in my May 2014 New Beauty Test Tube.)

How To Use: After shampooing, massage into hair, ensuring the conditioner is evenly applied. Leave in for three to five minutes before rinsing. For even deeper conditioning, cover hair in a plastic cap to retain moisture while sitting under the dryer for 10 minutes, then rinse. 

Initial Impressions: This sample is teeny, and so I didn't use much of the product the first time I used this, and was just okay with it. It didn't strike me as anything special- just another deep conditioner. 

Final Impressions:  The next two times I used this, I had better results. It didn't leave my hair feeling greasy, but did leave it tangle free. However, it didn't really leave my hair feeling moisturized, and actually felt a little drier than it had before using this product. I'm not sure why that is, since this says it's a repairing mask for dry, damaged hair. So it pretty much just seemed like a regular, nothing-special conditioner, and not a mask.
I won't be repurchasing this product, ever. There are a lot better deep conditioners out there for my hair type, and this just didn't really do anything for me.

You can purchase this product here.

FTC: This product was received as part of a subscription box service that was purchased by me with my own money. No affiliate links have been used, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tarte Miracles from the Amazon Collection - February 2015 QVC Shipment

This post is a little delayed, because I actually received it last month- I'm still trying to get back in the habit of blogging! But I had to share because this was definitely purchased on a whim but I'm so glad I did!
It was offered as the QVC Today's Special Value for $59.56, and I'll be getting another shipment in June, and another in October. You can see all the details over on Musings of a Muse for the February shipment here, and for June and October here. I just love her blog so much!



Here's how my box arrived. I just love the colors. Purple is my favorite, and I can see hanging on to this bag for a very long time.



Look how cute this is! The colors are coming off a lot more muted in the photo than in real life, but this is a great sized bag, and I will definitely be using it! It will probably be coming with me to the hospital. (Yep, I'll be one of those girls packing a bit of makeup to take with me- not sure I'll use it but I'm sure I'll be happy to have it anyway!)



Here's all the products - Foundcealer in Fair, Foundcealer Brush, Double Ended Eyeshadow Brush, Amazonian Clay Eye and Cheek Palette (blush is Talented, eyeshadows are Pink Beyond, Taupe for the Best, Dreams Plum True, Out of this Pearl, Thistle be the Day, and Paint the Brown), Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara in Black, and Lipsurgence  Liquid Lipshine in Exquisite.

I LOVE the foundation. It gives off a great coverage, but doesn't look cakey at all. I thought at first I chose to light of a color (I am very pale), but after I finished applying it and it really sunk in, it is perfect. I just have a lot of red tones in my skin, so sometimes I'm not sure, and wasn't sure when I was ordering- I figured at the very least, I could contact QVC and let them know my mistake. But now I won't have to! The foundation itself is a little weird to use- there's a push thing on the cap and you push that to get the foundation loaded in the top, and then you plunge it onto the brush, and it doesn't always give you the right amount (too much, too little), however, I just try my best to dot the foundation around my face and then blend. I also like that this foundation layers extremely well.
This brush is awesome- it blends the foundation well, and doesn't leave it looking streaky.
I haven't used the eye brush too much, but it's okay.
The mascara is just one of my absolute favorite mascaras. I had never tried it before receiving it, and now I find myself reaching for it constantly, because it is just so good. It separates my lashes really well, and keeps the curl.
Finally, the lipsurgence. As you know if you've been keeping up with my blog, I'm not much of a lip product girl, but I do like this one. It's a little darker than my natural lip color, but isn't sticky, and it stays on pretty well.



Finally, the palette. This blush is just... I need to own all the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes. They are all just so pigmented, and you barely need to tap your brush on them to get the product. And the colors stay all day long on my face.
The eyeshadows are all totally wearable, and beautiful. I have green eyes so I love wearing plum-toned shadows. I think they're so flattering and make my eyes stand out. I will say with all of these shades, there is a bit of fall out, but tapping your brush to get off the excess can aid with this problem. The shades are very blendable. And I love the matte shades on the bottom- I've found myself reaching for this palette on multiple occasions to use those two shades as liners.

I also really just love the packaging in general. It's very sturdy on all of the products, and the colors are so pretty. I'm definitely a sucker for a pretty package.


You can still purchase this kit from QVC for $72.50. I definitely think it's still worth that, and I'm so happy with this! I can't wait until I get my June and October shipments!


FTC: This kit was purchased by me with my own money. I am not affiliated with QVC or Tarte, and no affiliate links have been used in this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.