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.

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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!

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