The pre-order for the December box is over for $15. They have begun to ship them already and now they are $25 for the $99 value palette.
The Starlooks Starbox
I'm absolutely bowled over by Starlooks. It's a purely cosmetic box - no little foils of teeny face creams, food stuffs and other nick-knacks. Just makeup that is good quality that you can take straight out of the box and wear with confidence!
Starlooks Eyeshadow Palette
I absolutely loved the neutral theme of the November box. The perfect mix of shimmer and matte, in my favorite hues.
My apologies for being MIA. Unfortunately, Hurricane Sandy blew our way. We had several thousand dollars in property damage, a power outage that lasted a week and we couldn't even go to work. My mom and I got sick from sleeping in a freezing cold and dark house, and then I had a reaction to some new medication I was on. To top it all, two of my cats are dying - I've had them for 16 and 17 years respectively, and one has a stomach tumor, one has renal failure. So a pretty miserable time. Fortunately, though, we still have our house and we are okay, and we are thankful for that although many are still suffering. I'm not complaining because at least our lives have returned to normal, but I'm sad for the devastation, destruction and heartache that hurricane brought to so many.
What's on my Nightstand?
Back to life, and the hurricane certainly made me realize that I needed to be more prepared and organized, so I am systematically going through each drawer and closet, and every nook and cranny to reorganize.
I started in my bedroom, by sprucing up the decor a little - a new lamp and a beaded placemat as a nightstand cover. The drawer was already pretty organized, but some new scented drawer liner paper that I purchased from Ross for $3.99 brightened up the drawer - with the peony scent an added bonus!
I love my new lamp! $49.99 from Home Goods
Flowers, a jewelry bowl, miniature fragrances and a candle!
I love flowers so that's a must, but I decided to brighten up the mood and get a little festive. For the month of December I've removed the flowers and added a white feather Christmas tree (available at Target) and changed the candle to a cutout candle holder with a pattern that resembles little snowflakes.
An organized nightstand drawer.
Pottery Barn Jewelry Tray with Miniature Perfumes
I always keep a jewelry bowl and some kind of fragrance - in this case a Quinn Beaded Jewelry Stand from the Pottery Barn, filled with some of my mini fragrances.
White Feather Christmas Tree from Target
CableDrop
On the bottom shelf, I stack books with topics that interest me, like Jean Harlow, Chanel, Africa, etc.
Bird Jewelry Bowl - Etsy
Feather Christmas Tree - Target
Candle - Diptyque Patchouli
Drawer Liner - Ross
Pewter Jewelry Tray - Quinn Beaded Jewelry Dish from The Pottery Barn
I've used several of the other Redken shampoos and conditioners and it's a brand I return to again and again. Everything I've tried from them thus far has been fabulous. I got a small shampoo and conditioner sample of this from my stylist a while back, and since then I purchased a full size version. It definitely helps delay fading for color treated hair.
Orofluido Elixir ($29.99) - Ulta
I got a small sample of this in my Birchbox and from the moment I used it, I fell in love! It has a sexy amber/vanilla scent and can be used on dry or wet hair. The instructions are to apply generously but I feel that less goes a long way. It's great to tame fly aways and it has staying power. If you have particularly dry hair, this is an item you may want to consider. It's probably the best hair oil that I have used, to date.
Unite Eurotherapy 7 Seconds Leave in Conditioner and Detangler ($22) – Available at Salons
I first read about Unite Eurotherapy online about two years ago and I was completely sucked in by the fact that celebrities like Demi Moore have used it - for real. She tweeted a photo of herself and there it was in her bathroom. I found a salon near me that carries the brand, and stocked up on some goodies. Since then I have been a devoted slave to the brand, because I do think that their products really work. I've made it a mission to attain the best hair and nails that I can, and I know that my hair is in far better condition now than it has been in years. I feel that this leave-in condtioner is partly the reason. A few spritzes after each wash (and after the use of the Redken conditioner) and my hair is suitably nourished until the next wash. I often use this conditioner alternately to the days when I use my Orofluido hair oil.
Fresh Sugar Lychee Shower Gel ($18.50) – Sephora
A product that I repurchase time and time again. It smells good enough to eat - sexy, sweet and sugary - and it leaves your body feeling squeaky clean and your entire being invigorated. It washes off the body without leaving any kind of greasy residue, yet is moisturizing. It's truly as luxurious as shower gels can get.
Neutrogena Rainbath Revitalizing Shower and Bath Gel ($7.99) – Target
Another item I've used on and off for years - Rainbath. It makes you feel like you are showering in a warm mist of amber and spices! It leaves your skin beautifully moisturized and squeaky clean. You can use it for shaving and as a bubble bath, so it is a multi-use product.
Boots Botanics In Shower Facial Polish ($9.39) – Target
For a simple, gentle skin polish, use this product a few times a week. It lathers up wonderfully and has a lovely, clean scent. I've replenished this item several times already, and the last time I purchased two just to make sure I don't run out of it again. The little beads feel silky against the skin, not at all like some of the other rough scrubs out there.
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation ($8.49) – Ulta
One morning I rushed out of the house, intending to put on my makeup a little later on in the morning – but I forgot my foundation! I ran into the nearest store and grabbed something off the shelf. It turned out to be the Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation. My first purchase was actually one shade too light for my skin tone. But once the foundation settled I had a much more even and smooth looking appearance. You do have to set the foundation with a little powder though, or else you’ll end up with slightly tacky skin throughout the day. The other issue I have is that it is difficult to get the last bit of foundation out of the bottle. There always seems to be some left in there and it’s extremely annoying to have to dig around in there to get the last bit of product out.
UH, MAYBE. Fresh Sugar Hand Cream ($18.50) – Sephora
While I do love the scent of this hand cream, I’m not convinced it’s as moisturizing as other hand creams I use – like the Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, or the Antipodes Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream. It sometimes felt slightly greasy, which is something I don’t experience with the other hand creams. Although I would use this if it was bundled with other products I purchased (Fresh sometimes sells several packs of their products together), I wouldn’t order this hand cream on its own.
HELL, NO!
OPI Base Coat ($8.50) – Ulta
I’ve used this base coat for several years, and while it does help - for the most part - to prevent staining. I always felt that it was an acceptable base coat and did the job it was designed to do – help polish stay on the nails. But over the years I’ve noticed my nails have become dry and they tend to flake on the tips. While I was on vacation I had a mani/pedi the manicurist suggested that my base coat might actually be the culprit. She thought that it was drying out my nails too much. I had always believed my nails were dry simply because I wear nail polish pretty much all the time. Suddenly, I began eyeing this product with resentment and suspicion. I stopped using it that day, and now over a month later (and even after Shellac nails!), the condition of my nails has improved considerably. I find that nails require daily maintenance, however. Applying hand cream, using cuticle oils and pushing back cuticles are things that need to be done often, if not daily. A good multi-vitamin also helps.
Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara ($26.00) – Sephora
Although this mascara gave me thick, soft and fluffy lashes, it also dried and flaked within 3 – 4 hours after application. No matter how good a mascara looks on your lashes, flaking is a no-no. You shouldn’t have to worry about having to check your makeup repeatedly to brush flakes off your cheeks. Especially not at $26 a pop!
Estee Lauder Take it Away LongWear Make-up Remover Towelettes ($18.00 for a 45 pack) – Macys
While the EL makeup wipes are good for a quick swipe when you are in a rush, they aren’t good enough to warrant the $18 price tag. I also found that they didn’t do a good enough job of removing my Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara. And just as I find the MAC wipes scent very chemical and overpowering, so too do these wipes have a strong scent. Most people don’t seem to be bothered by the smell of the MAC wipes though, so if you like those the EL ones would probably smell okay to you.
Dirt Sow + Reap Luxe Salt Scrub
Another item that I received in my Birchbox as a sample. I finally got around to using it and it was vile! It smelled like something from the ocean had died in my shower. I had to use a body wash to get the scent off me and then I had a greasy layer of this stuff on my skin! This product has to be one of the all time worst that I have ever used.
If you blink you'll miss out on the highly anticipated Barney's Love Yourself Event. The video above is my haul from the February event.
This time around the samples don't look as exciting, but if you are planning to spend $200 or more on cosmetics or fragrances anyway you might as well take advantage of the promotion and try out some of these samples.
Spend $200 in store or online between September 20 - 22 and you'll receive this sample bag from Barneys.
A few months ago I was contacted by a company called Starlooks who offered to send me a few of their new beauty program boxes called Starbox for a potential review. Starbox is available for $15 (including shipping). Each box contains 3 - 4 full size makeup/beauty products.
The first box I received was the May 2012 Starbox, which contained three lip glosses. I thought that this was strange of them to send 3 of the same items. What if someone doesn't wear lipgloss? I'm not that into lip gloss in general. I use it mostly in the evenings or on weekends. But apparently they had a theme going that month and they don't usually send out multiples of the same product in one box unless there is a special theme going on.
Starlooks Starbox May 2012
Starlooks Starbox lipglosses
Starlooks Starbox lip glosses
They are undoubtedly beautiful lipglosses that gleam in the sun.
I found the formula to be just right - not too sticky, yet tacky enough. These glosses smell pleasant (unlike some of the much more famous brands!), and they last as long as, well, a lipgloss can last. I gave two tubes of Cupid's Charm and Pink Diva to my sister, and I kept Modest for myself. She is a lipgloss aficionado who has sampled countless brands, yet she loved these glosses. I wore Modest in several of my videos on YouTube because it's so pretty.
Starlooks Starbox June 2012
June's Starbox included a fabulous mix of products - and eyeliner, eye pencil, eye shadow and a makeup brush.
Starlooks Eyeshadow in Caricature
Starlooks Eyeshadow in Caricature
Starlooks includes an applicator...
and a mirror!
L - Starlooks Caricature - R - MAC Vex
The first thing I noticed about the eyeshadow Caricature was that it was very familiar. Then I realized that it reminded me of Vex by MAC. I pulled Vex out of my MAC palette, and there it was...
I contacted Starlooks about the similarities and they did confirm that they have some colors that are similar to MAC's eyeshadows, in addition to their own colors. The difference is that Vex is slightly more shimmery than Caricature. The quality of Caricature is very comparable to Vex. Not to mention Caricature is only $11 if purchased separately, versus $15 for Vex.
L - Starlooks Caricature Swatch, R MAC Vex Swatch
813 Small Precision
The box included their 813 Small Precision brush which is great for blending color in your crease. This brush alone retails for $15 on the Starlooks website.
813 Small Precision tip
Starlooks Precision Eye Definer Pen in Black
Starlooks Precision Eye Definer Pen in Black tip
I've worn this eyeliner constantly since I first got it, but the real test was when I wore it to New York City on a terribly hot and humid day. But the liner stayed on all day. It also has a very pointy tip for a perfectly cat eye flick.
Diamond Line Eye Pencil in Myth
Diamond Line Eye Pencil in Myth
The eye pencil is stunning. It has a softer formula - not at all dry, and it has a fabulous shimmery sheen that is subtle enough to wear even in my conservative office. Overall, I was definitely impressed by Starlooks products. They have worked with a chemist who used to work for MAC years ago, and they believe that they have improved upon some of MAC's formulas. That's why they compare themselves to MAC in terms of quality. These products are undoubtedly good quality, and if you are bored with the teeny samples and unsatisfactory products you get in beauty sample boxes, this is definitely a brand to consider. The Starlooks Starbox is most probably most comparable to Allure Magazine's Sample Society Box in terms of the quality of products and the price.
****NOTE: Boxes from past months may still be available. Visit their website here for more information. From the Starlooks website: Starlooks Starbox Subscribe to your monthly Starbox! Includes 3-4 FULL SIZE makeup/beauty products by Starlooks, delivered to your door for $15/month! OR gift someone their Starbox each month without stepping into a post office. Sign up your lucky gift-ee and they will begin to receive their gorgeous Starbox filled with FULL SIZE, high-end Starlooks products. Your and/or your gift-ee will receive your first box the month AFTER you subscribe. Starboxes usually ship and arrive within the 3rd week of every month. ** Please note: INTERNATIONAL ORDERS MUST BE HANDLED PERSONALLY BY A STARLOOKS REPRESENTATIVE. If you would like to subscribe from a country outside of the US, please contact us via email or phone. This box was sent to me free of charge for to consider for a review. This is not a sponsored video or post, and all opinions expressed are solely my own honest opinions of my personal experience with the products. - Take care, The Sassi Wench
I was more than a little thrilled with this months Glossybox! They included a lovely pink lipstick - one of my all-time favorite shades of pink!
I'm not a fan of BB creams, but from the feedback I received on my video the Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream is supposed to the one of the best out there, so I look forward to trying it.
So everything looks good, everything is exciting and I absolutely love it!
The September 2012 USA Glossybox includes:
OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel
Glossybox lipstick - Glossy Pink
Global Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner
Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream with SPF 42 No.13
http://www.glossybox.com
$21 per month
Earn GlossyDots for feedback on your GlossyBox! Earn 20 GlossyDots for each review that counts towards a free box.
MyGlam has changed its name - probably because of all of the negative publicity and horror stories about lost boxes and refund issues in the past 9 or so months. What a pity that MyGlam lasted less than a year. It was certainly entertaining to watch the whole debacle. But no matter what it tries to do it can never undo all the damage and make all those anti-MyGlam videos go away on YouTube. So its latest incarnation is now called "Ipsy beauty by you" which is simply an appalling name. It almost sounds like "oopsy" which has negative connotations... Not to mention that everyone is just going to call them MyGlam Ipsy from now on. You can't help but get the feeling that the founders of MyGlam would just love to erase the past 9 months. Anyway, MyGlam Ipsy now comes complete with a revamped website (see below). Good luck with that by the way... and what I mean is good luck trying to navigate around the new site. Confusing as all hell.
And the name Ipsy is already in the Urban Dictionary - read about it here. It's hysterically funny! Thanks, @CarolynP1
MyGlam Ipsy is still sending out some products that can mostly be found in any Walmart (check out the brush). At least some things never change.
Needless to say this months MyGlam offerings top Birchbox once again - although that wasn't a difficult accomplishment.
I did like this bag except for the Circus by Andrea's Choice nail polish - which is possibly one of the worst nail polishes I have ever tried. It streaks and it chips easily. Terrible formula.
The new Ipsy bag - formerly known as MyGlam Bag for September 2012 includes: London SOHO New York Smudge Brush Jane Sparkle Lip Gloss - Sparkle Pink Circus Andrea's Choice Nail Polish - Tightrope Carols Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer Mirabella Eye Color - Semiformal
If you thought the September 2011 Birchbox was bad, get a load of this one! It makes last year's one look like the most deluxe box ever made!
Birchbox and Color Club® Custom Collection
In fact, it's hard for me to get excited about almost anything in this box except for the Vasanti BrightenUp Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator. By the time I uploaded this video I felt downright depressed!
Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Youngblood Mineral Primer
twistband™ Lace up for Fall
Nexxus® Pro-Mend products
Mighty Leaf Tea - Tea Pouches
The only saving grace here is that after you rate the 8 items you get 80 Birchbox points. So in fact you only really paid $2 for this box.
Mighty Leaf Tea - Tea Pouches
Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Birchbox and Color Club® Custom Collection
twistband™ Lace up for Fall
Youngblood Mineral Primer
Nexxus® Pro-Mend Split End Binding Targeted Leave-In Treatment Crème
Nexxus® Pro-Mend Split End Treatment Daily Conditioner
Nexxus® Pro-Mend Split End Treatment Daily Shampoo
