Beauty Army July 2013

So in May, I skipped the box and received one anyway, and now in July somehow I managed to forget to either pick my samples OR skip the box, so I received another surprise box.  I liked my May surprise box better than this one.  The samples here are ok and I'll definitely get use out of some of them, but two are foil packets and I'm actually not sure what the little silver pot of lip (?) product is.  It's really my own fault for not picking samples or skipping, so I can't really complain. 

Unboxing:

Birchbox July 2013

This month was a pretty good one despite the foil packets and the bobby pins (I have thick hair and the pins are very tight so they don't really work for me).  I was happy to receive two nice sized skincare items as well as the Instain sample.  And although the foil packets aren't enough product to really decide if the product is for me or not, I'll still get a good hair wash out of them!

Here's my unboxing video:

Products received:

1. Kérastase Bain Chroma Riche - Cleanse
2. BENTA BERRY G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream
3. theBalm InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush
4. Pür Minerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40
5. Birchbox Bobby Pins

Birchbox May 2013

Receiving these boxes in the mail is always such a treat, and I like the fact that often these subscription boxes come right into your regular mailbox.  It's great to see your little pink Birchbox sandwiched between a pile of bills and Forbes magazine.  

 My only complaint is that I've started getting a little tired of the perfume samples.  However, one of my awesome subscribers on youtube pointed out to me that you can request to receive no more than 6 perfume samples per year! So just one in every other box, instead of one in every box.  Sounds like a decent improvement to me.  I went ahead and selected that setting in my profile, so we'll see how many perfume samples I receive after this one.  My favorites this month are the Coola cucumber scented lotion with SPF 30 (it's about time someone made some sunblock that doesn't smell like sunblock) and the beauty protect detangler.

Items from my May 2013 Birchbox:

1. Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner
2. Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle
3. Folle de Joie eau de parfum
4. COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face
5. Pilot Corporation of America Acroball PureWhite®

Unboxing video HERE!

Beauty Army Unboxing (surprise box!) May 2013

I've been putting these Beauty Army boxes to good use, they're more useful than Julep boxes (just a mailing box) or Birchboxes (not as easy to open and close). These boxes are cute black boxes with a lid that swings open and a pink camouflage design on the inside.

This month's box was actually a surprise, I chose to "skip" the month but for some reason my order went through anyway.  No big deal, Beauty Army refunded my payment when I contacted them.  I thought I might as well share the box anyway!  Pretty nice for samples I didn't choose myself.  The mark scanda-lash hook up mascara and the gel nail polish are so cute and will definitely be used.  The lash cards are an interesting idea, but I don't think I'd pay for them so nice to get a sample in this box.  The skincare products will be fun to try out as well.

Unboxing video HERE!

Julep Maven May 2013 Unboxing, Swatches & Giveaway

Yet again I was mesmerized by a Julep Maven collection and had to go for the whole thing!  HOWEVER, there are three items from the collection missing from the photo above.  Why? Because those three items are now tucked away safely for a giveaway winner! Watch the video below to see what the items are, and enter the giveaway if you like them. :)

SeasonsBox May 2013

SeasonsBox went all out with a beauty theme for this month's box.  Maybe they've been watching a lot of beauty videos on youtube lately. ;)  I can't complain, who doesn't want bath products, nail polish and eye shadow showing up at their door?  The nail polish is a gorgeous coral color, and the eye shadow is neutral, I think both are perfect for spring and summer.  The deep steep body wash is lavender scented, and lavender is my favorite natural remedy for sleeplessness!  Try it out if you have any minor sleep issues.  Just make sure the lavender product you try has real lavender in it like this one.

Unboxing video HERE!

Birchbox April 2013

This box had an interesting mix of products.  The tea samples were pretty cute, and they went straight to my husband since I'm not a big tea drinker (unfortunately I'm more of a hot chocolate person, unluckily for my teeth but luckily for my dentist).  I like the Super Goop eye cream since it has SPF 37, but when I saw the price of the full size I don't think I'll be going for it.  I did highly appreciate the full sized mirenesse glossy kiss!

Items from April's box:

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue 
Kusmi Tea Paris - Wellness Miniature Assortment
Mirenesse Glossy Kiss
Ojon rare blend™ oil Total Hair Therapy
Supergoop!® Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Unboxing video!