Hello and I miss you all!
With work, life, and school my life has been extremely busy.
However, I have missed blogging and Instagraming so much! So I made it my New Year’s resolution to restart and revamp my blog and Instagram.
What kind of content would you like to see? Throw all your ideas in the comments!
Be on the look out for new posts from me.
Thank you 🐷
I forgot I was subscribed to this! So it was a nice little surprise today. It’s $5 a season and you get a random assortment of beauty and makeup samples. Sometimes you’ll even get a full sized product! I really want to sub to the cheap beauty boxes from other stores, lately I have an obsession with samples and deluxe sample sized products. Probably because I am doing a turn and burn project pan. Which is just making a point to use up samples, deluxe samples, and products that are almost empty.
Sample Packets
I’m not going to go into any detail with these. Here is just an assortment of one use packets. The L’Oréal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Liquid IV flavor packet, and Not Your Mother’s Smooth Moves Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner.
Daily Concepts Exfoliating Dual Texture Scrubber
I am a bit iffy about this. It just makes me a bit nervous to use wipe something so textured all around my face. I am afraid of tears. I might try this, but I also might just give it to a friend to try.
Cera Ve Daily Moisturizing Lotion
I have heard really good things about this lotion so I am interested in trying it out. I think it will work really nicely on my legs which are much more sensitive than the rest of my body. This will be a nice way to see if I like it or not.
Chap Stick Total Hydration With Hemp Seed Oil
I am always happy to try a new lip balm. This one feels really hydrating on the lips and has a nice fresh scent. Into my purse it goes!
Lottie London Slay All Day Liquid Lipstick “Fleek”
I have not been big into liquid lips lately like I use to be. I just find them to be too drying on my lips and I don’t like how they just flake off. However, I do really like the shade of this one so I may make an exception.
It’s a brown-red shade. I just really enjoy it and think it will really complement some looks. I don’t think it screams spring by any means, but who cares. It’s not like I’m into bright springy colors.
What did you think of this Walmart beauty box? Not a bad little assortment for $5! Comment your thoughts below! What is your favorite product or brand from the drugstore?
Thank you for reading 😍
The BoxyCharm base box retails for around $25 a month. It contains 5 full size (sometimes deluxe sample sized) beauty products.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation 130N $38
I have tried this foundation in the past and returned it. It was just too much for how oily my skin was when this first came out. I am going to give it another go, but if I still don’t like it I’ll pass it on to a friend. I do think the shade will be a good match. I do hope I enjoy the foundation now that my skin has changed a bit. I really want to get on the luminous foundation trend.
Be on the look out for a in depth review of the ABH Luminous Foundation!
Céla By Celine Tadrissi Glacier Clay Cleanser $45
My skin hasn’t been too finicky when trying new skincare products, so I am always up to try a new cleanser, especially one so pricey! It is supposed to remove makeup ( I always pre-cleanse), environmental pollutants, and dead facial skin cells.
Christophe Robin Instant Volume Mist with Rose Water $39
I do already own this, and I have yet to try it. I am going to give it a go, but if I’m not into it I am going to give the used one to my mom and try to sell the unused one on Mercari.
Item Beauty By Addison Rae Lash Slick Lengthening Mascara “Midnight Mood” $15
I usually go for more voluminizing mascaras. However, I am not against trying out one meant for length. Maybe I’ll pair Lash Slick with another mascara meant for volume.
On another note, I got the Ipsy X box curated by Addison Rae and I still have no clue who she is.
Lucky Chick Liquid Eyeshadow “Rose Quartz” $22
I have gotten some lip products from Lucky Chick in the past and they are fantastic! I am excited to try another product from them.
The shade is really pretty. The swatch set down quickly leading me to believe the shadow will be decently long lasting on the eye lids.
That’s everything that was in my box. This is a pretty decent box, I’m really excited to have received the ABH foundation. What was in your box? What product interests you the most? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 📖
There is a lot to un-box here, so let’s jump in!
111 Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Masks x5 $135
$135!? These face masks better solve every problem I have! They are supposed to give you a glowing complexion.
Milk Makeup Matcha Detoxifying Face Mask $ 26
This is one of the products I picked for this month. I have been wanting to give it a go for a while now. It is supposed to control oil, balance skin, and calm redness.
Keratherapy Deep Conditioning Mask $24
This mask comes in a giant size and smells soooo good. I can’t wait to try it. I really love hair masks.
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment $85
This is the second item I picked for my box this month. I have tried a few samples of this product and love it. I’m excited to have the full size.
Pür Signature Travel Essentials 12 piece cruelty free brush set $49
This is such a cute brush set. I love the shade of pink and that it comes in a nice sturdy holder. I have used a few of the brushes already and they are very soft with no shedding.
Persona Season One lip gloss “honey” $16
Now this is a gloss I can get behind. No glitter and the shade looks perfect for fall!
Fenty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlight “Mimosa sunrise/ Sangria Sunset” $36
While these shades are pretty, I’m never going to use this. I am passing it along to one of my sisters.
Hipdot Zion Palette $30
This palette is beautiful! I am in love with the color story. I am really excited to finally get to try the Hipdot formula.
That is it for my Fall 2020 BoxyLuxe! I am pretty happy with this box, and it’s value of $401!!!
What was in your box this season? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 💫
I have been on a roll with empties the past few months! Keep reading to see my thoughts on some of the items I finished this month.
Skin and Hair Care
Acure Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment 10mL
This was a sample size I some how came to own. It is a vegan and clean formula. I have tried a few night masks now, and this one has been my favorite! RP? Yes!!!
Sunday Riley CEO Glow Face Oil $40
Serums are hard to finish, I feel accomplished! I really enjoyed this serum, and saw a great improvement in my skin over all while using it. RP? Probably, I have a few to try out before then though.
Acure Pore Clarifying Red Clay Mask
I really enjoyed this mask. I really did help to clean out my pores, and improved their size over all. RP? Yes, once I get few some of the masks in my stash.
Evolvh Ultimate Styling Lotion 59mL $16
I used this on damp hair and it was fantastic. It made my hair less frizzy and my natural waves very pretty. The smell is light and over all enjoyable. RP? Yes! But, I have a few more similar items to use first.
Bioclarity Hydrate Skin Smoothie $14.95
I received this item in PR. I enjoyed this as a day time moisturizer, but it takes to long to sink into the skin, causing my face to have a bit of a greasy feel. RP? No, I do my morning skincare then makeup. So, this just didn’t work for me.
Pacifica Rose Water Makeup Wipes $5
I did enjoy these for makeup removal. They feel soothing and did a good job as a first cleanse. RP? No, I actually found some from Pacifica I prefer.
Dr. huang Beauty Lab Tea Tree Soothing Sheet Mask $3
This mask did its job. My face felt soothed! RP? Maybe, I currently have a literal Alex drawer full of sheet masks to go through.
Makeup
Jouer Powder Highlight “Citrine” $24
This highlight was beautiful. I have never even make a dent in a highlighter before, so that should say something RP? No actually, I have a ton of highlighters and I really don’t need more.
The Grow Gal The Instatint Tinted Brow Gel w/Microfibers $22
I had these both going at the same time, and ended up panning them both this month. It works well! I had the shade 02. RP? No, I like the Milk makeup one better.
Vasanti Kajal Waterline Eyeliner “Black” $19
I did not like this in my waterline. It actually had a problem with smudging. RP? Nope.
I used up a lot this month, not including what I reviewed. I used up $281.81 worth of product! Not too shabby at all!
What is something you used up this month? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 🐰
The Vegan Cuts Beauty Box retails for around $25 a month. You receive 4-5 full or deluxe sample sized beauty items. All items are always cruelty free and vegan! The box will have a $50+ value.
This months box supports the Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary in Deer Trail, CO.
Let’s hope into the unboxing!
Suki Skincare Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser $11.95
This cleanser is meant to gently exfoliate your skin while revealing its natural radiance. I am almost done with my current exfoliator, so I’m anxious to give this one a try
This Way Fave Sunscreen SPF 35 $15
Who doesn’t need sunscreen? I have been flying through these sample tubes I have been sent. This sunscreen is meant to adapt to your skin tone, so it doesn’t leave a white caste. Neat! The little duck on the packaging is a super cute touch.
Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Hair Mask $10
This mask is light weight, but still intensely moisturizes hair. It smells soooo good, and can also be used as a detangler!
Wicked Good Perfume Roller “Sugared Violets” $15.95
The scent is very sweet and floral. From the few times I’ve used it, I’ve noticed that it is very long wearing. I am absolutely in love with it.
Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes $3.50
I have seen these before at Target and have been interested in how well they work. It just seems a bit wasteful to use so many wipes, when you could just use a deodorant stick or cream. I am very intrigued to see how well they work in this horrible heat though.
That is it for my July Vegan Cuts Beauty Box! I am very happy with everything, and excited to try what I haven’t, and continue to love what I have tried. My box came to a total of $56.40.
What product interests you most in this box? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 💚🐰
Back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Today, I am going to Un-box my Ipsy Ultimate for June 2020 and give y’all my thoughts.
Ipsy ultimate is $50 a month. You get a larger makeup bag, 8 full sized products, and 4 deluxe sample sized products.
My Add Ons
This month I was a day late for add ons, so a lot of the cool stuff was gone. But I did get a few things I wanted!
Hanalie Full Face Sheet Masks pineapple, pear, lychee, and papaya
These masks came in a set of two, I bought both. They address a variety of skin concerns, and I’m sure I’m going to love them.
Luxie 640 Pro Precision Tapered
I already have one of these and love it for highlight. These was either $4 or $6 add on and I just couldn’t pass it up.
First Aid Beauty Pores be Gone Matte Primer
This is something else I have already tried and loved. This was a $4 add on. Just couldn’t pass it up!
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30
A perfect day cream for the summer, can’t be mad about that!
Biorace Pore Tightening Pearl Clay Mask
The other day I noticed how bad the pores around my nose are looking. I am definitely going to use this mask to spot mask the area around my nose and cheeks.
Sunday Riley UFO Ultra Clarifying Acne Treatment Facial Oil
I have never tired an acne treatment in an oil form, I’m excited to give it a go. I hope it works. Lord knows I need it.
H2O+ Hydration Oasis Nourishing Gel Cream
And we have another face cream. I am probably going to pass this little one on to a friend. I have one that really likes gel creams and always asks if I have any I want to pass on.
Dr.Brandt Pores no More Luminizer Primer
I have one of these primers currently in my rotation and it’s almost empty, but I love it! This was the item I picked for my box this month.
Yensa Super 8 Lip Oil “Pink Shine”
I enjoy lip oils. They feel soooo nice. I’m excited to try a new one out. I just hope the color doesn’t show up much on the lips.
This is a hair mask I have already tried and love. It works very well and smells great. I am happy to have another sample of it. I get about two uses out of this sample size.
Pixi Fresh Face Blush “Beach Rose”
The formula of this blush is really buttery and nice. It’s a rosy brown, which is a color I have been leaning to a lot lately for blush. So this is perfect!
Ciaté London Dewy Stick Highlighting Balm “Glow”
I have had one of these before from boxy charm, and I hate it. It broke me out really badly. I am going to pass this along to one of my sisters.
Wander Beauty Frame your Face Precise Brow Gel “Clear”
I wish I would have gotten this in a tint so that it could be a one and done brow product. But, whatever, I can always use a clear brow gel- I fly through them.
Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner “Black”
I have been wanting to try this liner out of curiosity, but I can never justify purchasing eyeliner, because I get so much in sub-boxes. I am happy I get to try this one out!
The Balm Auto Balm Pic Perfect
At first glance and swatch, I am not too excited about this palette. It just isn’t one I think I will use. I am going to test it on my eyes before I make a decision. However; I’m pretty sure this is another product I am going to pass on to one of my sisters.
LaRuce Brush Set
I couldn’t find this specific set online to link. The set name isn’t on the packaging and ipsys included card is useless. I wish I could have found it through! The brushes are very soft and seem very sturdy and well made.
The set includes a flat foundation, angled contoured, small kabuki, tapered blending, and shadow brushes.
That is it for my Ipsy this month! It isn’t my favorite box of all time, but I definitely will use all but like two of the products, which isn’t bad for a subscription box to be honest.
What was in your Ipsy this month? Comment or link below!
Thank you for reading 🪐
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
SC @manda_janette
From Mid- May til Mid- June I made a pretty big dent in my collection! I thought I would share some of my thoughts with you on the products that were this months highlights!
Earth Therapeutics Elixir of Dreams Pillow Mist $11.99
The packaging of this product has changed in the time it took to use up.
I love pillow sprays, I use them most nights. I really like the scent of this one. The price isn’t too bad either!
RP? Once I finish up my current one, I will be repurchasing Elixir of Dreams!
Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm $10.99
I love cleansing balms, and I have been trying to find an affordable dupe for the Farmacy Green Clean.
This balm is 97% organic, nicely priced, and readily available at Walgreens. It does work very well and has a nice light scent.
RP? No, you don’t get very much, so I went through this very fast. When you have to repurchase so much it defeats paying less. The Farmacy one comes with so much! I suppose my search continues.
Yes To Cotton Micellar Cleansing Water $7.43
I enjoy micellar waters and I’m not picky when it comes to them. I really enjoy the Yes To brand. They always seem to be on sale at Walgreens and Ulta, which is super nice!
RP? Probably! It cleanses well and actually seemed to soothe my skin.
Found Active Exfoliating Cleanser Stick with Coconut
The brand Found is sold at Walmart, however I couldn’t find this product actually for sale on their site. This product was sent to me in PR.
RP? No, I just do not like cleansing sticks, they seem really unhygienic to me.
Derma E Radiance Toner 1FLoz mini
I really enjoy the brand Derma E. They have some amazing products. This toner works very well and I did see an improvement in my skin while I was using it.
RP? Yes! But, the full-size.
Pure Heals Propolis Softening Toner 1 FLOz mini
I got this toner in an Ipsy bag. It was a nice toner, but I didn’t see much of a difference in my skin while I was using it.
RP? No, I prefer the Derma E one.
Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer Mini $12.54 (£10)
This is another product I got in Ipsy. I do enjoy how my makeup wears over it. However, the scent is a little too strong for me.
RP? No, I have a full-size and once I use that up I think I’m done with this primer. I worry that what causes the scent is going to break me out.
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Primer Mini $15
I have had this since the holiday collection came out last year, maybe even the year before, and I finally got around to using it! I had had this primer previously so it’s nothing new. It works very well.
RP? Probably, but only during a sale.
This mini took me longer than I thought it would to get through. I love fix plus, I just really wish MAC was Cruelty Free.
RP? No, I have a million comparable sprays, none of which are $16 for a small size.
The infamous Tarte Shape Tape. I think a lot of people’s opinions on this product have been changing, but I for one, still love it.
RP? Yes, after I finish up a few of my current concealers, including a Shape Tape in another shade.
Ofra Cosmetics Laguna Beach Mini
If my memory serves me correct, I received this liquid lip in an Ipsy bag ages ago.
The shade is beautiful and I love the formula.
RP? Not yet. I have a few other identical shades. But, if I ever use those up, I think this is the one I would purchase again.
Over all, the past month I used up $194.67 worth of products. That is including the products I did not give an individual review of.
Not to shabby! I am happy to have made a nice little dent in my collection, but there is still a long way to go!
What is a product you used up this month? Have you tried any of these products? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 💚
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
SC @manda_janette
For $5 a quarter you can get a beauty box from Walmart, full of drugstore beauty samples. I decided to check it out!
Hello Charcoal Infused Tooth Brush
Funny this is, I already have this tooth brush and I love it. I am happy to have a replacement when it is time.
Hello Naturally Whitening Toothpaste “Farm Grown Mint”
I have never tried a tooth paste from Hello, and it’s always fun to try something new. This is also a hefty sample size!
Bioré Rose Quartz and Charcoal Daily Purifying Cleanser
I have never heard of Rose Quartz being in a cleanser, so I am kind of excited to try this. It says it is great for oily skin, deep cleanses, and radiates self love. How cute.
Head & Shoulders Supreme Nourish and Smooth Conditioner
This conditioner, is of course, meant to help the scalp. It is made with Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil. This isn’t a brand I would normally use. But, I’ll give it a try.
Calm Magnesium Supplement
I am drinking this supplement as we speak. It’s sour as heck! Hopefully it helps make me calm. Lord knows I need that.
NYX #thisiseverything Lip Oil “Sheer Sky Blue”
As you can tell from the swatch, the tint doesn’t really show up. Which in this case is a good thing. I’m not sure that this is a product I will really use, but it’s cool that it was included in such an inexpensive box.
Overall thoughts?
I think for $5 this was a pretty cool little box. I may just keep my subscription and see what the next season brings?
Have you ever tried a beauty box from a store?
Thank you for reading 🐌
Find on IG @_notan_alien
SC @manda_janette
Before we get into the actual box, let’s discuss how bad I wanted the Tarte Micellar Water for whatever reason? Didn’t get it, but now I just have this strong urge to buy it. I mean I am almost out of micellar water.
Anyway, away from my dumb rambles. The base box is $25 a month. You get five beauty products, for the most part full sized items.
My box this month did not contain an info card, and I did not get an email containing one.
Glam Glow Berry Glow Probiotic Recovery Mask
This stuff looks and smells like yogurt. You can either wash off the mask, for tissue off the excess and massage into the skin what remains. I am excited to try it out. I know Glam Glow is rather pricey.
Daily Concepts Shampoo Bar
If you saw my latest Target Beauty Box unboxing, you would know I love shampoo bars. I am happy to get to try this one out. It smells wonderful!
Ayam Dead Sea Mineral & Vitamin C Serum Makeup Remover Wipes
I can always use more makeup removing wipes. I like that there is Vitamin C Serum infused in the wipes. The skin can always use a little extra Vitamin C!
Pretty Vulgar Eyeshadow Primer
Is this brand still sold at Sephora? I feel like I only see it in sub boxes. I like trying out different eye primers, my lids are kind of oily.
Studio Makeup Eyeshadow Palette
Usually I would be excited about receiving a palette, but this is just so boring. It reminds me of a toned down version of Sultry by ABH. I will still be doing a Look with this palette for a future post. But, I may complain the whole time.
Over all thoughts
I am actually pretty happy with everything, but the palette. And I’m sure my mom would actually really like it. So, I’ll get to pass it on to her. Not my favorite box, not the worst.
What was in your Base box this month?
Thank you for reading 🍓
IG @_notan_alien
SC @manda_janette
Beauty & Tidbits 