GLOSSYBOX May 2014 - Bergdorf Goodman

A plurk buddy of mine recommended GLOSSYBOX to me in May, and I was just in time to sign up for the Bergdorf Goodman box. The box costs $21/month but right off the bat I knew I would be receiving a $25 gift card to Bergdorf Goodman. So, it seemed a no-brainer to try out this subscription.

This box sold out pretty quickly, I ordered it mid-May and the box arrived on my doorstep June 2nd. Right away I was excited because the packaging was EXCEPTIONAL.  It's a very sturdy purple box and when you open it, there is a lovely sticker with a ribbon around the packaging. If I were to gift any box, this one would be one of my top choices.

Not even including the giftcard, the haul for this box was PHENOMENAL! I was sort of surprised this box didn't sell out faster because they announced pretty early in May that there would be a $25 giftcard in the box. So for those of you, kicking yourselves, just remember to jump on board next time!

1. This sample was so cleverly packaged! The Napoleon Perdis - Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer comes in 7 individual one-time-use packs. The full-size product ($45) comes in a 1.7 oz tube, but would love to see it come just like the sample. The product would stay fresher this way.  The primer really works well with and without moisturizer. It helped my foundation glide smoothly over the face.

2. The Revive - Intensite Volumizing Eye Serum is one decadent product! The tiny .5oz full-size bottle costs a shocking $350!  I had HIGH hopes for this product due to the price.  It did a fabulous job smoothing my creases and making my under eye bags much less visible. AMAZING! The price is out of my reach but I'm going to savor every little dab of this product until I'm out.

3. I along with everyone else LOVED the Alterna - Caviar CC Cream!  I used this as a finisher on my dry hair, it smoothed easily without weighting my hair down. It also made it very shiny and calmed fly-a-ways. I've also used this on damp hair and it makes my hair more manageable and soft! It's one of the best hair products I've ever used. It's the first product in any of my boxes that I've went to purchase immediately. The price is VERY reasonable at $25 for 2.5oz. Unfortunately it's currently sold out, but I will be checking back to purchase.

4. The Atelier Cologne - Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue was a pleasant surprise. At first, I felt the scent was too much but I admittedly did a no no and sniffed from the bottle. Once I placed a tiny dab on my wrist, I really loved how it smelled. You'll note some strong floral elements but also some base scents rooted in musk. I'm very picky with perfumes and this one is so unique and very feminine. Strong floral elements but also some base scents rooted in musk. It's very elegant and you'll stand out with such a beautiful perfume. Remember a little goes a long way! I have some other perfumes I would purchase before this one, but I'll be adding the $140 full-size (3.4 oz) to my wish list.

5.  I've used the Lancer - Lift Serum Intense sample everyday for over a week, and my skin is so incredibly smooth. My skin feels new and fresh. I already had minimal wrinkles and haven't noticed a change but am very pleased with the overall appearance of my skin. It's price is prohibitive for me at $275 for the full-size (.85 oz), but I'm going to use this every day until it runs out. If you can afford this, be sure to go the link above, Glossybox shoppers get 10% off purchases using the Promo Code: BGBOX.

6. The Hourglass Cosmetics - Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara is a very high end mascara that retails for $28 in the full-size (.35 oz).  I really loved this brush and the product went on smooth. Even with multiple coats, it held up well without clumping.

7. Of course I loved using my $25 Bergdorf Goodman Gift Card!  Honestly it was the first thing I used.  I purchased some Shiseido Facial Cottons, Clinique Nail Enamel in Juiced Up and a Lancome Nail Enamel in Vernis in Love. My total was $37, there were no taxes and shipping was free. Yes, I ended up spending a bit more than the card, but honestly it was worth it!


Glossybox Cost:  $17.85 [Used promo code for monthly]

May '14 Glossybox Contents / Approximate Value:
1. Napoleon Perdis - Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer (0.21 fl oz)- $5.56
2. Revive - Intensite Volumizing Eye Serum (0.1 fl oz) - $70
3. Alterna - Caviar CC Cream (0.85 fl oz) - $8.50
4. Atelier Cologne - Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue  (0.24 fl oz) - $9.88
5. Lancer - Lift Serum Intense (0.17 fl oz) - $55
6. Hourglass Cosmetics - Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara (0.15 oz) - $12
7. Bergdorf Goodman Gift Card - $25

May '14 Glossybox Approximate Value: $185.94

This was an amazing box, and it really set my expectations high for other boxes. They have a great referral program as well, you earn 200 points for every person you refer.  Each month they send out a survey for each product, you receive 20 points for each survey you complete. For each 1000 GLOSSYdots you earn, you can redeem for 1 free GLOSSYBOX.

If you want to get your own Glossybox subscription, leave your email in the comments and I'll send you a referral invite so you can get a bonus coupon.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Birchbox June 2014 - Away We Go

 My June '14 Birchbox arrived a few days ago, and with all the recent arrivals I just didn't get a chance to try everything at once. In comparison to my May box, I'm very very happy with what was included this month. This is my 2nd month with Birchbox, and while the products are small the deal is great. You get an opportunity to try items you may not be inclined to try either due to price or just being unfamiliar with the product. Birchbox gives you the chance to be adventurous without breaking the bank!

This will be one of the easiest posts to do because each month I submit reviews on the included items so I rack up points! You earn 10 points for every product you review and 1 point for every $1 spent. These points can be used at the website to purchase other products!

1.  COOLA - Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face - I wasn't familiar with this brand or product. It's a BB cream and tinted sunscreen in one. It is a lightweight liquidy feel that absorbs super quickly and smooths to a silky matte finish. The coverage is minimal but enough to brighten your face and even skin tone for a natural look with great protection. It's unscented with broad spectrum SPF 30.  I'll be adding this to my wishlist. The full-size (1.7 oz) costs $36, and at that price I'm not sure I'm ready to jump yet, but still it's a great summer find!

2. Gilchrist & Soames - London Collection Body Lotion - The packaging on the sample was very lovely, and it will make a perfect travel size this summer.  The container would be great to re-use after as well to store other products. I loved the wide open top.  As for the lotion, it's very nice and lightweight. Perfect for summer as heavy/thick lotions tend to get sticky and tacky when applying. This feels refreshing after a shower.  The scent is very light and clean. It doesn't overpower any fragrances  you may add after. Another bonus of this product is that it's ECO friendly (no parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol or petrol ingredients) and Cruelty-Free. The 8oz full-sized bottle will run you $16.

3. Joie - Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum - This was a pleasant surprise, I truly enjoyed this scent. It is a light floral with a deeper woodsy undertone, I can sense a bit of citrus as well. I use fragrances very subtly, like spray and walk thru. It will be a wonderful summer scent to use. I have a terrible time finding perfumes I love, so I will buy this one for sure! The price is $98 for the full-sized (3.4 oz) bottle.

 4. Number 4 Hair - Hydrating Shampoo - This is a very lovely shampoo. The lather is luxurious and the smell is musky yet elegant - very unisex.  At this time, I have a ton of shampoos so I won't be buying it anytime soon but was pleasantly surprised by this brand. The full size is a bit pricey at $34 for 8.5 oz, but I will say a little goes a long way with this product.

5. Number 4 Hair - Hydrating Condition -  The packaging says a little goes a long way and they are correct, I used about a 1/3 of the foil packet on my extremely long, thick and wavy hair. It worked wonderfully, it didn't weigh my hair down and my hair is incredibly soft.  At $36 for the 8.5 oz full size means the cost is a bit much for me at the moment. This will wait for a future purchase.

6. Vasanti Cosmetics - BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator - used tonight in my weekend skin care routine. The exfoliation was exemplary and surprisingly easy to apply.  Most exfoliators can be messy and are hard to smooth out over the face, a small pea-sized amount goes a long way. I have VERY sensitive skin and it felt slightly intense while using but my face was not red or angry after. My one negative would be the feel of my skin once I rinsed, it felt a bit tacky as if there was still product on it.  I cleaned with a toner before I utilized a sheet mask and that tacky feeling on my skin was gone. My face was incredibly smooth after and even more so after my sheet mask (from my MEMEBOX Global #11). Exfoliating before really helped my face absorb all of the products.  The full-size will cost you $34 for 4.23 oz.  Even at this price, I definitely recommend this product as it should last at least 4-6 months!

Birchbox Cost:  $9.65/month ($115.83/yearly)

June ' 14 Birchbox Contents / Approximate Value:
1. COOLA - Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face (.17fl oz)- $3.60
2. Gilchrist & Soames - London Collection Body Lotion (1.5 oz) - $3
3. Joie - Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum (.06 fl oz) - $1.73
4. Number 4 Hair - Hydrating Shampoo (1 fl oz) - $4
5. Number 4 Hair - Hydrating Condition (.25 fl oz) - $1.06
6. Vasanti Cosmetics - BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator (.676 fl oz) - $5.43

June '14 Birchbox Approximate Value: $18.82

After my first Birchbox in May, I really was not having high hopes for this subscription but then I realized the value really is in making your reviews each month. Last month I earned 70 points just for reviewing products (100 points = $10 in the shop).  So they add up quickly. In fact I purchased the Free For All Limited Edition box for less than half price using my points, and that box was amazing.


If you want to get your own Birchbox Subscription, tell them Vixie Rayna sent you! JOIN HERE!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Memebox Global #11

Another present in the mail arrived today!   It was my first Global edition from Memebox. These have always received RAVE reviews so I was really thrilled to open the MEMEBOX Global #11 today. Especially as this box was shipped on June 9th and arrived in 4 days from Korea (and no I didn't do express shipping!)

Yay for MEMEBOX!! If you are new to this subscription box, then you must check them out.  It's a Korean beauty box company that is located in California but all products are shipped from Korea.

MEMEBOX is completely curated in Korea, you just can't find these products in the US and most are difficult to find even online.   I've included photos of the items in the box along with the information card, if I could find online retail links those are included. Be sure to keep your info card as it is essential with any MEMEBOX, as the directions for the products are always in Korean. If you don't keep this card, you won't know how to get the most out of your items.

1. I've been dying to try some Korean facial essences (my dear friend Ahana has been raving about them!). The Dear by Enprani Believe in a Bottle - Moistfull Booskin is an essence water that is part Booster + Skin Toner that helps hydrate and nourish skin.  The product comes in a box and the bottle is sealed.  For something shipped half a world away, it's important that these are sealed properly.  The scent is very fresh and clean. I received a 65ml travel sized product, the full-size (120ml) costs $31.

2. The Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Cinema City  is a multi-functional CC cream.  It came in a fair tone, which was perfect for my skin. I'm about as pale/fair as you can get. Usually foundations/primers/cc creams have a funky makeup-y scent. But I really did like this mild clean scent. The full-size (30ml) will run you $30.

3. Next is the super kawaii nail polish trio, Hope girl Nail Travel Bling Bling Set in Sugar Mint.    I'm not much for sparkly polishes but I will gift this to my niece. There was no pricing on this product but on the Hope girl website, a full size nail polish is $12.

4. I've been waiting to get a decent lip gloss in one of my subscription boxes and the  Witch's Pouch Radiant Lolli Tint #3 Funky Bloom by I-Charming is perfection. The bright pink is perfection and you can get a great ombre look by dabbing a bit in the center. I also adore the scent, it's very grapefruit infused.  This product is 2.5g and the full-size is 4.5g retailing for $14.

5. The illi Fresh Moisture Body Lotion  was a great edition, I'm always going through body lotions faster than I think.  The scent is a light citrus and the lotion goes on silky smooth. It absorbs quickly.  I do like that the scent is not over-bearing. It's perfect for summer.  This bottle contains 100ml and the full-size (350ml) costs $24.

6. Another product I've been really hoping for has been a Korean face mask. I hear they do unbelievable sheet masks and I'm very anxious to try this one. When I showed Miss Ahana this box, the first thing she asked is if I had a chance to try the sheet mask. Not yet but I will tomorrow!  This box included one  illi Green Tea Brightening Mask sheet. Each mask retails for $3.
*Tried the mask and it's AMAZING! Really weird to get out and was nervous unfolding it, although it is way more sturdy than I thought. It's super saturated, like dripping with serums. It felt so refreshing on the face, and I loved how much my skin soaked it in. I left the mask on for about 30 minutes and patted the remaining serum into my face. There was a lot of product remaining on the sheet - I used on my feet after!  My skin was moisturized without feeling greasy and it felt so refreshed. I will DEFINITELY be looking for more of these masks!

7. I'm a sucker for eye creams and was super pleased to receive the full size Purederm Botanical Choice Pure Solution Eye Cream in this MEMEBOX. This one product's value of $34 covered the box's cost. I haven't tried this one yet, because I have my eye serums from the May Glossybox to use first.

MEMEBOX Global #11 Cost: $23 + $6.99 shipping (If you purchase 3 MEMEBOX you can bundle them with a discount, MEMEBUNDLE3 for a $5 off in June) 

MEMEBOX Global #11 Contents / Approximate Value:
1. Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin - $16.79
2. Too Cool Fro School Dinoplatz Cinema City - $10
3. Hope girl Nail Travel Bling Bling Set - $12 (1 Full size costs $12)
4. Witch's Pouch Radiant Lolli Tint #3 Funky Bloom by I-Charming - $7.78
5. illi Fresh Moisture Body Lotion - $6.86
6. illi Green Tea Brightening Mask - $3
7. Purederm Botanical Choice Pure Solution Eye Cream - $34

MEMEBOX Global #11 Approximate Value: $90.43

The goodies in this box were a complete surprise. That is the wonder of MEMEBOX!  The Global  boxes and Luckyboxes are the best reviewed boxes. I have several of these coming over the next 5 months along with some Superboxes and Special Edition boxes. The Superboxes have everything from makeups to foot care.  The Special Edition boxes are curated with themes like masks, hair&body, 10 minute looks, etc.  So follow me and we'll see together what arrives!

If you want to get your own MEMEBOX, tell them Vixie Rayna sent you! JOIN HERE!

Ipsy June 2014 - Pretty in Paradise

Pretty in Paradise arrived today! My very first IPSY bag in it's pretty pink packaging was waiting all sparkly and full of promise in my mailbox.  I couldn't wait to open this bag, as I ordered my year subscription from IPSY, over a month ago. The May '14 bag had sold out, so I patiently waited for this lovely surprise.

First off the Rebecca Minkoff makeup bag is STUNNING! It's a is zip pouch is going to be used right away to stash goodies in my purse. I adore the pattern, the base color is a navy blue, with red tag and red zipper. The tropical pattern features pineapples and plants, in a mix of abstract oranges, yellows, whites and teals. I really love that it's an easy wipe material, because I'm always getting powders on my canvas bags and they are always a pain to clean.  You have to check out Rebecca Minkoff's website because they have a small pouch in this identical Hawaiian print that retails for $75. 

The OLE HENRIKSEN "truth to go" wipes were a fab edition to the bag (although them plus the rest of the items didn't fit inside the bag). Wipes are always a necessity and I was very pleased with the bright citrusy-vanilla scent. It is a refreshing feel and it gently removes make-up.  The 10-wipe travel size costs $9 and it's the same amount in what was included in our June IPSY bag.

The Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray was a SUPER edition to this bag. This product smells like the beach in a bottle, all sea salt/coconut oil/sand/pineapple/beach breezes.  I seriously could sit here and smell it all day.  The product works well, I quickly sprayed over my dry hair and scrunched as directed. My naturally wavy hair soaked up the goodness and it really gave me an effortlessy casual look.  It's a small travel-sized bottle (1.52oz) and the full-size (4.2oz) retails for $8.79.

The makeup products in this month's bag were a bit disappointing for me. The products are all very nice, I just wasn't excited because I've recently received some mascaras, eyeliners and lip glosses from other boxes.

The Jesse's Girl Liquid Eyeliner is a nice full size product that retails for $6.99. The applicator is excellent and it glides easily across the eyelid and drys extremely quickly.  I do not have any liquid liners because I've been a bit to scared to try.  I also didn't want to waste money on a product I would never use, so as I'm typing this, I'm a little more happy with receiving this in my bag.

The NYX Butter Gloss is lovely, but the shade is a bit boring. I like the feel it's silky without being too sticky. Even though the Eclair pale pink/nude shade is a bit dull,  one can never have too many glosses. This is another full-size product and retails for $5. 

The Be A Bombshell Lash Out Mascara was another full-sized beauty product included. It's a decent mascara in a rich black. I do not currently need any mascaras, I'm completely over-stocked at the moment, but I like to use a new mascara every 60 days anyway to keep the freshest products on my eyes. This sells for $15 on the product's website, so I'm VERY pleased with the value.

The IPSY Bag Cost: $9.17/month ($110/yearly)

IPSY Bag Contents / Approximate Value:
Rebecca Minkoff Bag: ?? (One can never really value their bags, as these are custom made each month for IPSY - but I would pay at least $10 for this bag)
Ole Henriksen Wipes: $9
Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray: ~$3
Jesse's Girl Liquid Eyeliner: $6.99
NYX Butter Gloss: $5
Be a Bombshell Mascara: $15

June '14 IPSY Bag Approximate Value: $38.99 (Not including the bag)

The goodies in this month's bag were personalized for me by taking at beauty quiz at IPSY.  You can re-take the quiz at any time, and it will adjust what your receive in future mailings.

If you want to join IPSY, tell them Vixie Rayna sent you! JOIN HERE!