Ipsy: March 2013

I just got my May Ipsy this past week. Where has time gone!?

Don't know what Ipsy is? Ipsy is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers premium beauty samples to your door. The creator of Ipsy, Michelle Phan, is a YouTube beauty expert that wants to share her favorite items with the world. The bags are delivered in the cutest reusable beauty bags. Once you join you will take a beauty/preference quiz that will help the girls choose the best products for you. The products range from beauty, skincare, hair, body, nails, and more. Every month you should also expect to receive full-sized products. Ipsy costs $10 a month, and your bag will always be valued above!
Click here to join Ipsy.

March 2013, The Great Escape
The theme this month is based around products that are perfect for travel. A perfect theme for spring. I didn't go on any trips this spring, but have two trips coming up in June! The bag itself is not my favorite. It feels really cheap, of course it is, but it almost feels like a diaper bag. It is weird to me.

Information Card:

Products:
Juice Beauty: Hydrating Mist
Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist tones, hydrates, and refreshes your face and hair while on the go, anytime of the day. Hydrate with the refreshing blends of organic juices for a fresh, radiant complexion. 
Full Size: 6.75 oz ($22.00)
Size Received: 1 oz ($3.26)
After living in DC for two years, I became best friends with my former MAC Fix + hydration mist. After MAC lost their cruelty-free status, I've been on the hunt for a new hydration mist. Trying out one from an all organic, cruelty-free company is the perfect way to start my search. Juice Beauty's hydrating mist uses white grape juice, aloe vera, and rose hip extract which all act as antioxidants that help sooth inflamed skin, rejuvenate tired skin, hydrate, and refresh. I love using these mists as makeup setters. A spritz of this after applying makeup help to set makeup, making it less suceptible to summer heat and humidity and kind of airbrush out your lines leaving you with a dewy fresh look. So far I like this mist just fine. I like that it has a finer spray than the MAC, but I dislike how powdery the smell is, but that dissipates quickly.
Cruelty-free!

GlamRX: Mini Freestyle Palette
The GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette was made exclusively for ipsy Glam Bag subscribers. The magnetic base is the perfect spot to store pan-only eyeshadows (2 of which are included in this Glam Bag!), blushes & bronzers, or whatever you need for perfect for quick touch ups on the go!
Full Size: 1 mini palette ($9.95)
Size Received: Full-size received! 1 mini palette ($9.95)
I have so many pans and single pot eyeshadows in my collection that I barely ever use since they are all in one large box. In the morning, I am not taking the time to look at each and every color I own before making a decision, I just keep reusing the most convenient ones. The idea of a freestyle magnetic palette is awesome! I'm quite sure GlamRX is not the first, but I do love that this brand has a massive mirror to make this palette perfect for the go. It is small, but again this palette is for on the go. A lot of my eyeshadow pans are not magnetic, but it looks like some competitors make magnetic stickers meant for metal eyeshadow pans.
Cruelty-free!

Yaby: Eyeshadow Pans in Azalea Petal and Seashell

Whether you want to make a dramatic statement or just add a veil of color to your eyes, the yaby eyeshadow refills are extremely easy to work with. Can be used wet or dry and the smooth texture allows blending with ease.

Full Size: 2 - 3 g pans ($6.30)

Size Received: 2 - 3 g pans ($6.30)

These little guys are adorable. And I love that they have magnetic bottoms so they are the perfect first additions to my GlamRX palette. Yaby was created by a makeup artist that understood that artists and makeup aficionados alike need eyeshadow pans/palettes that take up little space and are easy to organize. These guys are teeny in size (as big as a penny?), economical, and the company is fully vegan friendly! I received Azalea Petal is a shimmer plum and Seashell a shimmer cream. The company boasts that these are highly pigmented, provide smooth application, and can be used wet or dry. So far I really am happy with them. I dont think they are as pigmented as described, but I love wearing these two colors together for a sweet/soft day look. And even though the pans are teeny, I feel for the price they are so worth it!
Cruelty-free! 

LA Fresh: Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes

La Fresh® Travel Lite® portable towlette wipes are perfect for jetsetters, go-getters, outdoor enthusiasts and multi-taskers everywhere. Towlette packets are small in size, designed for practicality and are easy to apply discreetly.
Full Size: 8 ct ($1.99)
Size Received: Full-size received! 8 ct ($1.99)

Got to love these wipes! So far these are my favorite makeup remover wipes that I have gotten from LA Fresh. Many wipes could be halved or even quartered and still be large enough for one use. These biodegradable wipes are just the right size, you won't feel like you are wasting any product. My skin feels fresh, moisturized, and clean after I use these. And I didn't need to rub so hard to get my eye makeup off. I would definitely re-buy these if I saw them in a store.
Cruelty-free! 

Total Value of my March 2013 Ipsy bag: $21.50
I'm seriously loving Ipsy. What a change they've made in one year. This is one company that listens to their customers!

What do you think of the March Ipsy bag? What was your favorite item? Let me know in the comments below! If you dont get Ipsy and are interested, click here to join!

Goodebox: September 2012

I know this is long overdue. I know Ive been a terrible blogger lately. I think now that I have no major stressor in my life, I don't feel the need to unwind by blogging. I'm currently unsure of the future of the blog. Because this is so late, I'll just post an overall photo of the products to help speed up the process.

What is Goodebox?
Goodebox is a monthly subscription service that delivers trial size healthy, eco-conscious, natural beauty and personal care products. Each month you will receive 6 or more products customized for you. The brands and products that Goodebox send out have been thoroughly evaluated upon the brand's use of non-toxic, natural ingredients that respect earth, animals, and humanity. The samples will range from make-up, skincare, body, fragrances, and some lifestyle and wellness products. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked are based on a very detailed, thorough survey that even lets you indicate color preferences, any allergies, vegan, sensitivities, etc. Goodebox costs $16 a month, but the value of your box will be way above!
Click here to join Goodebox.

September 2012, Curated by Greta Eagan

Information Cards:

Products:
Go! Towel: 12 x 20 towel
A poker-chip sized, 100% bamboo "pop-up" towel weighing 1/2 oz that unfolds to 12 x 20 inches. Organic, unbleached, undyed, unscented, & anti-bacterial.
Full Size: 10 towels ($14.95)
Size Received: 1 towel ($1.50)
When I was little I loved those pop-up wash clothes that were shaped like animals and had cartoon characters on them. I think we still have a few still in use at my childhood home. I kind of expected this to be one of those, just as a undyed, organic cotton version, but it was not. It is more like a giant cleansing cloth without any cleanser. I really wasnt sure what I could use it for. The website says its great for outdoorsy adventures, using in the kitchen, or working out. It was really nice and soft and pretty durable, but for myself it served no purpose.
Cruelty-free!

Bamford Body: Geranium Body Lotion
A light, easily absorbed blend of jojoba, almond & shea butter. Eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint & geranium essential oils balance the mind while hydrating the skin.
Full Size: 8.5 oz ($36.00)
Size Received: 1.7 oz ($7.20)
I'm not really a body lotion person, but I do use lotion in the winter and before a hot date. This one is a little too granola smelling for me. I'm not sure if it is just me, but lavender and geranium just scream hippy to me. That smell always throws me off. The lotion itself is nice. Not too greasy, absorbs well, and makes me silky smooth. But the smell is too much for me.
Cruelty-free!

Erbaviva: Lemon Sage Organic Deodorant
An earthy, bold combination of Organic Sage, Lemon, Patchouli, and Tea Tree Oils plus organic grain alcohol counteracts bacterial growth and won't clog pores.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($18.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($5.14)
I always fear being vegan will make me turn into a granola hippy. Deodorant is probably the one thing that I am still buying from bad brands. I hate it, but this girl sweats and none of the organic brands do much for me. This deodorant is mostly made of alcohol so it stung a little when I put it on and it took a few minutes to dry. But I have to say I think this stuff worked well! Maybe not for running a marathon, but for an average day I was dry and smelled lemon-y fresh. The scent wasn't too overpowering, but it was a little granola (like how I overuse that saying). The full-size may be too expensive for me, but I could see 3.4oz lasting a long time. I may break down and buy the full-size once this runs out.
Cruelty-free!

Juice Beauty: Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer
Revitalize & protect with this lightweight daily moisturizer, chemical-free sunscreen, anti-aging blend of peptides, dMAE, alpha lipic acid, CO Q10 & organic fruit antioxidants for optimum age-defying benefits.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($38.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($11.18)
I heard so many great reviews about Juice Beauty. They were featured many times last year in different birchboxes, but I never received a product from them. I did trade for their blemish clearing serum but did not have great luck with it. It just seems like this company is not for me. This moisturizer was thick, did not absorb well, and felt heavy on my face. Others have had great luck with it, so don't take my opinion to heart.
Cruelty-free!

La Bella Figura: Découverte Under Eye Repair Serum
Effectively reduce oxidative damage in stressed tissue, making skin appear smooth, taut and youthful, reducing dark circles and smoothing lines. Look well rested!
Full Size: 0.33 oz ($115.00)
Size Received: 0.11 oz ($38.33)
Apparently La Bella Figura is a Chicago small business. Cool to see a natural skincare line from my hometown! This eye repair serum uses barbary fig seed oil. This oil is high in linoleic acid and Vitamin K. These help stop leaking capillaries which is what causes that dreaded puff and dark circles. This serum also has caffeine and argan oils to help you look like you've slept like a princess. Ive been hesitant to use it since it is so costly, but I get very little sleep so I intend to use every drop. I'll report back what I think.
Cruelty-free!

Zosimos Botanicals: Lip Stick in Black Cherry
All natural, hand made in the USA, non-sticky, moisturizing lip glosses & creamy, long-lasting lipsticks in complimentary shades ranging from sheer & natural to deep & vibrant for a sexy pout.
Full Size: 1 mini lipstick ($3.00)
Size Received: 1 mini lipstick ($3.00)
We received Zosimos Botanicals products in the second Goodebox. I received a blue eyeliner. It was a great color, but was not greatly pigmented. The lipstick swatched a very odd orange tinted purple on my arm, but surprisingly it applied a beautiful pinkish plum. It is creamy and moisturizing without being drying or too glossy. It lasted for quite some time and I didnt have to worry about it fading. I would definitely consider buying a full-size!
Cruelty-free! (select colors Vegan)

Hess Natur: $25 Eco-Fashion Gift Certificate
Creating beautiful, versatile eco fashion for a cleaner planet and a cleaner conscience, Hess Natur apparel meets to the highest aesthetic, social and ethical standards.
However much I love clothes, and even more so eco-friendly fashion, I did not find much on this website that I liked. It was a bit older than I would have liked. I did see some nice looking tees, but even with the gift certificate I didn't feel it was worth to spend $8 for shipping. I gave my gift certificate away to someone who planned on using it.

Total value of my September 2012 Goodebox:$66.35 + gift certificate
It may have taken me so long to post this because I wasn't overly excited about this box. Took me ages to play around with the products and even longer to figure out what I felt. But that is what happens with these boxes. Some months rock, others are meh.

What do you think of my September Goodebox? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the products I received? Let me know in the comments below!