Boxycharm Novemeber 2019 - Photos/Review

Boxycharm decided to elevate themselves and their plans. With 3 different plans available (although BoxyLuxe and Boxy Premium are on the waitlist for MONTHS.) Boxycharm went up in $5 per month in price - they told us it was due to the fact of nicer products. I can attest. This box is my favorite in quite awhile. I LOVE EVERY SINGLE ITEM! Keep it up Boxy and get me off this waitlist! :)

Boxycharm set of 2 brushes - The large multipurpose powder brush is perfect for liquids, creams, powders or mineral products. The foundation brush has an oval base to help with precise foundation placement and seamless blending. These ultra-soft brushes are hand-crafted, synthetic and cruelty-free. Retails for $35

Vitamasques Morning Goggle Eye Mask in Brighten and Protect - When I opened the package I wondered where the mask was until I noticed it was so small...and it was a superhero shaped eye mask. Geek out! I feel like Stargirl wearing this. LOVE.    This mask protects against pollution and blue light. It brightens and helps your puffy-eyes. Retails for $7

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter - I'm thrilled to receive another BECCA product. This company has been happy whenever I have their product. This highlighter blends pigments with liquids, creating a creamy feel that applies seamlessly and never cakes. The award-winning highlighting powder comes in over a dozen shades. Retails $39

Dominique Cosmetics Celestial Thunder Eye Shadow Palette - I was in awe of this palette when I saw it in the box. I look forward to playing with these beautiful colors. 12 shades of vivid pigments, shadows, and glittery foils. Retails for $44

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment - This was the 1 item I picked for the new customization. A proprietary blend of fruit stem cells and Vitamin C infused into certified organic, antioxidant-rich botanical juices works to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and minimize the appearance of dark circles. Retails for $50

BoxyCharm July 2019 Review/Photos

Boxy’s theme for July was Au Naturale. How do you feel about it? I don’t feel they all fit under that theme but for the most part, I am approving of these products. Only 1 product did I not like. 😞 Elemis and Boxy put a flyer for a $10 facial at Ulta - cause my subscription boxes sit by my bed for a couple weeks being backlogged I didn't notice it until the appointments sold out. SAD PANDA!

Elemis Superfood Vital Veggie Food Mask - Wheatgrass, Kale, and Nettle replenish the skin to nourish, smooth and brighten. Elemis provided its amazing night cream I raved about in the Limited Skincare Box; It makes your skin softer, smoother, more radiant. This is my second product from Elemis and I’m becoming a fan of the green(literally) company. I’m looking forward to their other products. Retails for $35

Appeal Deep Taupe Gel Liner - this liner is multi-functional as an eyeliner and lip liner. The shade is disappointing, y’all know how I feel about browns/taupes. Retails for $21

 Luxie Gaea 3 Piece Brush Set - I always look forward to Luxie's brushes, each time I get one or set that they have different patterns or textures. This time the brushes have an Eco theme with handles made of pink wood in the pouch that it came in being completely recyclable - how can you not love?   Retails for $30

Butter London Natural Goddess Eye Shadow Palette - it was a pleasant surprise receiving a Butter London palette mainly because I only thought they sold nail polish. I have so many fond memories of going to Sephora over the years and testing out all of their fantastic yet expensive shades. Glad to be elevated! This pallet has six highly pigmented, long-lasting shades ranging from matte, dark brown to metallic green with shimmer. Retails for $32

Alamar Mother Of Pearl Gloss in Corazon - This gloss hydrates your lips while showing off a shimmery, smooth, shining, iridescent effect. The last item I received from this company was the blush set and I was totally unimpressed, that’s partly because I don’t use blush. This gloss is non-sticky and works alone or as a topper. Retails for $10

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Clay Mask vs Hydro Boost Sheet Mask

2019 has been the year of skincare for me. I use facial masks 3 to 4 times a week; from sheet masks to Clay/Mud to gel. I have really stepped up my skincare/mask game compared to over the years. It was only last year that my skincare regimen was moisturizer in the morning and at night with an occasional clay or mud mask a few times a year. But since my growing beauty box subscription addiction, my world has opened up to other sorts of masks. When I was at Walgreens a couple months ago I discovered that Neutrogena had their own facial masks. Surprise! I chose from two sides of the spectrum. It wasn’t the only Neutrogena offered or Walgreens sold but it was a good start. I’m a fan of the Neutrogena pink grapefruit line and after doing some research about the facemask line they have, I’m looking forward to the pink grapefruit hydrogel mask.

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Clay Mask - when I picked this up it was a quick add on purchase when I went to get my prescriptions that I didn’t even notice that this wasn’t a sheet mask. As much as I prefer sheet mask over clay/mud masks, the fact that this is pink grapefruit won in the end. When applied it dries pretty fast and still keeps its light pink shade. It stayed true to its description - clearing out the impurities in my pores and de-shining my face. Now while it’s advertised as a mask for acne issues using this one time I can’t tell any difference. I feel like it needs to be used on a weekly basis. Also, you can get to uses out of this package if you need to be frugal. Retails for $3

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask- I spent the first few minutes after opening this mask trying to figure out which side goes against your skin. And the only negative thing I have to say about the Hydro Boost mask is they don’t come out and tell you or make it obvious which side it is. Otherwise, this Sheet mask is one of the best, especially for the value. I’ve used their Hydro Boost products before and they’re quite effective. It’s made from hydrogel material and this moisturizing face mask sheet holds up to 50 percent more essence than a paper face mask. My skin gulped up this mask! Retails for $3.50

Out of these two masks, the Hydro boost is by far the more effective and my skin’s favorite. However, they are on very different sides of the spectrum. I did like both but I would buy the Hydro Boost more often than the pink clay mask. Neutrogena price range is a steal ranging from 3 to 4 dollars for one mask.

FabFitFun Summer 2019 Review/Photos

Hello, summer! Here in Chicago we finally have some summer weather. Sure it’s mostly rainy and cloudy but at least it’s finally in the 80s. I don’t know where you live, but I hope you’re having some less crazy seasonal weather. So this marks my third season from FabFitFun and I have to say that it’s my least favorite. There were some gems 💎 , most definitely. Overall I wasn’t really feeling a box this season. In no way does that mean I’m canceling my subscription because I do love this company. They have amazing customer service, they are dedicated and on top of issues with their customers. This season just felt a little repetitive. For example, there I received a makeup setting spray and a rose facial spray. Which are basically the exact same products? AnyWho with further ado here is the FabFitFun summer box!

111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Masks (Set of 5) - I love 111Skin products and these masks are no exception. Whenever they come in a monthly box I look forward to a new high-end skincare product to try out. As you can see it'll turn you into "Silence of the Lambs." These masks are actually bigger than most sheets, making it baggy on some parts of my face. A lot of companies manufacture them either for small faces. Have you noticed your sheet masks not fitting your face?  The Rose Gold hydrogel mask is infused with pure gold and rose extract. Retails for $32 each or Set of 5 for $160

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and 4 Play Moisturizing Body Shower Cream Gel - Over the last few months I've heard people raved about this Bum Bum cream. It has a unique texture; thick and light but quickly absorbs into your skin. The fragrance will make one feel as if your floating in the Caribbean. Turns out its: salted caramel and pistachio. Not a duo I'd pair but it'll get you there. They say on their website and packaging, 'infused with the all-powerful Guarana Extract.' What is that? It's a Brazilian plant that has been used for centuries for its therapeutic uses. It comes in 3 sizes: purse size (25ml), travel size (75ml) and full size (240ml). The size pictured is the middle and the range  $10-$45, the most expensive body cream I've tried. If its as fantastic and effective as everybody say it is, I would consider it. We'll see if it makes it to the product of the month list. Oh, yeah...I'm bringing that back! YAY! The shower gel left my skin baby soft and not gross and dry like usual after my shower. I'm quite impressed; I understand why people are crazed over this company. Shower Gel Retails for $25 and BumBum Cream for $20

Burn 60 Resistance Bands - When customization opened there was the choice of the bands or bowls (or cups - I forget). I had been wanting to try resistance bands for are now; good timing, now that I have started physical therapy again. They came in 3 sizes - light, medium and heavy. Retails for $34

COOLA Organic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray - this matte makeup setting spray offer SPF 30 - which is the sole reason I'll use it. Setting sprays is a product I've never bought. I'd mainly say it's something that wasn't a nessecitity. Retails for $36

Invisibobble Original Duo Pack - I've seen this bobbles popping up in more places lately. And the way I go through charities...how can I not want this? It's sold as a traceless hair ring. It holds my thick, heavy hair up and won't hurt your hair either. My only hair tie that doesn't absorb water, very interested. The company has some nifty products, especially the Mermaid Bobble! Retails for $16

Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Clay Mask - Purple mask! My mind shouted with glee. The mask started to dry so fast that the purple dried into a pale lilac/white color. It happened so quick that I didn't get to enjoy my purple. (It's one of my fav colors, in case you didn't catch that). This mask is filled with desert lime, clay, davidson plum and aloe vera to brighten and soothe redness. Maybe its because I used so many different masks up to 5x a week, but I didn't notice any brightening. I also feel it's very expensive for this product. Retails for $39

Whish Exfoliating Foot Mask - Let me start off by saying I didn’t follow the instructions to the fullest extent. I found it a little ridiculous that you need to lather up your feet and leave this product on while you sleep for 8-12 hours. I left it on for 30 minutes and then went to take a shower. There was absolutely no difference. My feet were not any softer or any less dry. This product is obviously something I’ll have to try out to the full extent over the weekend. Reails for $32

Grace & Stella Rose Facial Spray - It been a handful of years since I had a Rose Spray, but they are benefitically when your skin is dry or sunburned. I love the feeling of the light, freshness with its rose scent on my face. For awhile, I kept one at work for mid-day skin refreshers. Retails for $26

Mystery Choice - Dr. Brandt Pores No More - The third choices for customization I wasn’t feeling it. I believe there was a towel and maybe a hair dryer was the other choice? So I decided to choose the mystery gift which was the first time for me. I am happy I did because I received a Dr. Brandt Pores No More cleanser. My Curology usually takes care of the issues I have with cleaning out my pores. Lately, it hasn’t been doing the job as well as it usually does. So I washed my face last night with the cleanser and my face was back to normal. Nothing like a Dr. Brandt products to make me blissful. I haven’t found one that I did not like. Retails for $36

Squeezee Sponges - This was my first add on for $10, a pack of 3 liquid soap-filled sponges. This product isn't a disappointment and quite effective.

Daily Concepts Daily Back Scrubber - I found this, my second item, interesting as it is a loofah back scrubber. It has two handles and you can reach any part of your body with it. Also comes with an attachment to hang on the wall of the shower. My body appreciates it! Retails for $18