Review - the Brush Guard's Brush Cleaning Kit

Not sponsored, purchased by me!

Click below to read my review and find out what brush guards do!

ipsy - May 2013

Subscription purchased by me, affiliate links within post

This month's ipsy bag was all about "Spring Fling." For a girl with dark olive skin, the color choices in this month's bag were a miss. I don't expect ipsy to color match its thousands of subscribers, but there should be a bit more consideration put into the colors of the samples.

Click below to see this month's ipsy bag!

Birchbox - May 2013

Subscription purchased by me, affiliate links within post

{In this month's box}:
Cargo water resistant blush in Bali
Coola Classic Face Cucumber Moisturizer for Face
Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste
Miss Jessie's Original Jelly Soft Curls

*Extra: Acroball Pen

Cargo water resistant blush in Bali

My excitement seeing this cargo blush quickly died once I opened the pot and saw the crumbly pieces pour out. I've never tried a Cargo blush, but I've always wanted to try one. Being the klutz that I am, I luckily(?) know how to repair a broken blush! I'll update this {link} once I've posted the pictures on that one here. :) 

Coola Classic Face Cucumber Moisturizer for Face, Sunscreen

I've never been a big user of sunscreen, but I've grown to realize it's so important to regularly apply sunscreen. I used to think that because I tan and don't burn in the summer sun, I don't have to worry about sun care. That's not true! You can still have sun-damaged skin without getting a sun burn. Take care of your skin, ladies and gents!

As far as sunscreens go, I found this Coola moisturizer a better option than most of the sunscreens I've used. It's on the lighter feel (though it still does feel a bit heavy) and the scent is not overwhelming. You know that chemical scent you get when you swatch on some sunscreen? Not so with this! The Coola moisturizer smells, well, like cucumbers. I'm sure this will get used up what with Summer just getting started in Chicago. 

Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste

I first got a sample of this toothpaste through my Glossybox subscription. I loved it then and I love it now. Though I don't think it's worth the splurge (over $10 a tube!), I will always appreciate receiving samples of this guy. 

Miss Jessie's Original Jelly Soft Curls

I've heard great things about this product and, though I don't usually like receiving samples in packets, I can't wait to see how well this one works. 

*Extra: Acroball Pen

It's a....pen. Kind of underwhelming for a beauty box. 

You can purchase a subscription to Birchbox through my referral link {here} or just go to Birchbox.com

What did you think of this month's box?

-Claudia

Birchbox - April 2013 (Women's Health)

Subscription purchased by me, affiliate links within post

This month's box was a collaboration with Women's Health magazine. Included in this month's box was an offer to receive Women's Health magazine (I opted out, bc I receive enough magazines at the moment). Overall, I enjoyed this month's box! Read on for more in depth reviews of each sample.

{In this month's box}:
Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir
Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum
Sumita Eyeshadow Pencils
Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-on
Atelier Cologne

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir

This teensy sample is a leave-in treatment for hair to help counteract the "aging hair." I have a lot (and I mean A LOT) of hair, so honestly this has not really been a concern of mine. But having a lot of hair doesn't make my hair any less susceptible to aging. You guys know me, I'm always up for trying new hair products. 

I actually really enjoyed how this smelled. It's a very lightly perfumed scent that I find very pleasant and wearable. Have I noticed any radical changes? The leave-in treatment leaves my hair feeling soft, but that's not exactly revolutionary for me these days. Well, the smell alone might convince me to purchase the full size. It's just that nice!

Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum

I haven't used this one too much. I don't trust in blemish serums or treatments that claim to act so quickly. In the past, using this type of products has usually led to my dry skin becoming severely dried out. 

Sumita Eyeshadow Pencils

I was pretty excited to get this pencil last month, but I wish I had a few more looks lined up for a pink liner. I think this calls for a YouTube inspiration search spree!

Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-on

I have amassed quite a few of these dark circle-removing roll-ons and while they are all nice feeling, I don't feel they do much. The same holds true for this Simple roll-on. It feels very refreshing, but I haven't noticed too much a difference in the dark circle department. I have pretty severe dark circles, so maybe this will work for someone else!

Atelier Cologne

No more! No more perfumes/colognes/sprays! I'm not a scent gal :( Sorry!

You can purchase a subscription to Birchbox through my referral link {here} or just go to Birchbox.com

What did you think of this month's box?

-Claudia