Beauty Box 5: April 2012

After my buy one month get the second month free ended I decided to stick with BB5 to see if they kept moving forward and getting better....

Don't know what Beauty Box 5 is? 
Beauty Box 5 is a month beauty subscription service that delivers a cute Tiffany blue box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive  4-5 packet samples, deluxe samples, and a full-sized product. Brands are expected to vary from luxury high-end, department store brands, and anything in-between. The samples chosen are based off of a short profile, but it looks like the first few months all products will be the same. Beauty Box 5 costs $12 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Beauty Box 5

April 2012

My box came super fast this time around. They finally got tracking numbers which I really appreciated. I just feel secure knowing where in the world my future belongings are. What I did notice is that before the boxes even shipped the Beauty Box 5 website had all the products that were going to be in the April boxes up. Some of them were even visibile in March. I guess it made it not very exciting when I was opening the box since I had a suspicion that these would be the brands I'd be seeing. Plus, when I realized that I was receiving mostly satchels and single use wipes I was really disappointed. Instead of moving forward, the company went backwards.

Information Card:

Products:
LA Fresh: Waterproof Makeup Remover
Say goodbye to the irritation of scrubbing off that waterproof mascara and those trendy lip stains.Full Size: 24 wipes ($9.99)
Size Received: 1 wipe ($0.42)
I received the full size wipes in my Sindulge box last month. Here I received a single, measly wipe? I actually have only use 2 wipes from that container because I found I feel the wipes are too greasy. My face has a slick oil feel after I wipe with these. They make work on getting make-up off, but I want to feel refreshed and completely clean when I use these wipes. I wouldn't use my eye makeup remover (which is greasy) on my skin too. What I do like about these wipes is that they are probably a third of the size of what most companies give. I think those giant wipes are so wasteful! How big is your face that you need that large a wipe? And like I said last month, the company uses only natural ingredients, is cruelty-free, and eco conscious.

Supergoop: Sunscreen Wipe SPF 30
For long-lasting, water-resistant SPF protection, gently wipe SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes evenly over your face and body before exposure to sun.Full Size: 10 wipes ($10.00)
Size Received: 1 wipe ($1.00)
Another singlet? I'm intrigued by the idea of a sunscreen wipe. I never remember to put on sunscreen, unless it is in my makeup (which I make sure it is). But there are many days that I don't realize that I'll be outside and exposed to all the harmful rays of the sun. Even a few days ago I had to do a project outside and ended up with red skin. I have to start protecting my skin if I don't want it to look 50 by the time I'm 30! The wipe is formulated with all natural ingredients, no parabens, and is fragrance free. I love when a company clearly states that their products are plant based! It makes my life easier. I'll be sticking this guy in my purse and using it on a sunny day! It just would have been nice to have gotten more than one wipe.

Makeup Geek: Eyeshadow Refill Pan in Shimma Shimma
All of the pigment for half of the price, Makeup Geek eye shadow pans will blow your makeup mind!Full Size: 1 refill pan ($5.99)
Size Received: Full-size! 1 refill pan ($5.99)
This is the only product in my box that Im excited for. They promised to always have a full-size product in the box and they did deliver on that. Although I see the website also sells compact versions of these for just $2 more. It would have been nice if they came in a compact since now I'll just have a random pan floating around. Makeup Geek is a cruelty-free, budget conscious company that knows that we want pigmented, long-lasting color for less. I received Shimma Shimma which is a metallic champagne color. I thought it was an exact dupe for my theBalm Mary Lou-Minzer, but when I put them next to each other the Shimma Shimma was much more taupe-y (included a photo since its hard to explain). Adding primer made all the difference with this shade. Using it without primer it is perfect as a brow highlighter and with primer it is a great light, blushing champagne.

What I did notice after I applied it to my eyelids is that it May contain carmine! Again! Another eyeshadow that may have crushed bugs. Why oh why do we still use this ingredient when there are so many alternatives? Especially companies that say they are cruelty-free. I contacted MUG and within minutes they replied back confirming that Shimma Shimma is vegan! They let me know that Razzleberry, Duchesss, Unexpected, Unicorn, Cupcake, Mango Tango, Country Girl, and Manderine contain carmine and therefore unsafe for vegans. I did ask if there was any thought of using a different red dye and the girl forwarded my suggesting to the owner, Marlena. Seems like an awesome company! And I may need to try out some other colors!

Pur-lisse: Pur-Protect SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer
Powerful protection from the entire spectrum is yours, all in a lightweight, nourishing moisturizer.Full Size: 1.7oz ($55.00)
Size Received: 0.14oz ($4.53)
Yup, another little satchel. I received this same exact sample last month from MyGlam. The company may be great and all products are vegan and cruelty-free, but I really didn't like this moisturizer. As I stated last month, the moisturizer has lupine peptides that nourish the skin, blue lotus flower that detoxify, white tea to help destress and repair damage, soy protein to help skin retain moisture, and sea silk that reduce firm lines and firm. Plus, SPF 30. It felt so greasy and had a sunscreen like feeling on my skin. It did not absorb well at all for me. But I do have a very oily skin complex, so maybe this just isn't right for my skin type. I'll be passing this along hoping someone else will like this.

Freeman: Facial Exfolating Scrub in Pink Grapefruit

This scrub gently resurfaces your skin, removing dead cells so your skin experiences healthy cell renewal.

Full Size: 5oz ($3.99)

Size Received: 0.5oz ($0.40)

I can't stay away from this brand. This is the second month in a row that BB5 has had Freeman travel-size masks. The masks just dont seem to do what they say or if they do poorly. But I always fall for pink grapefruit face products. I love how they smell and feel on my skin, so Im excited to try this one. The scrub is made from natural fruit extracts and natural oils which I like, plus it has aloe to help soothe my sensitive skin. The scrub will hopefully make my skin feel smoother and more radiant. This satchel is enough for 2-3 uses. 

Total Value of my April 2012 Beauty Box 5 Box: $12.53

Really? I could have bought two Makeup Geek Eyeshadows on my own for the same price and been happier than this box. Instead of moving forward and continuing with the nice sized samples that were in last month's box, they moved backwards. I don't mind a few satchels, but every single sample was a satchel! At least they pulled through and still gave me my promised full-size item. I love the MUG eyeshadow and am excited to have learned about the company, but was it worth $12 to get the rest of the items that Im just meh about. No. I decided to cancel. I was so hesitant for some reason, but I was only half excited about any of the boxes that I received. I may sign up in the future if things change, but for now it isn't worth my money.

What did you think of my April Beauty Box 5? What did you get? Are you happy with the boxes? Let me know in the comments below!

Review: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil Stash

The minute I saw HauteLook was having an Urban Decay deal I knew I would be spending big bucks. I picked up a few items including the 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil Stash Set. I've heard amazing things about the entire Urban Decay 24/7 line and couldn't resist adding these gorgeous colors to my collection.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil Stash

Juju all over eye, Rehab as thick liner beneath black eyeliner, and Sin in crease/highlight

Sin all over eye, Rehab on inner half of eye, and Clash as thick liner beneath black eyeliner

Review:
I originally bought these just to buy them, not really knowing anything about the product or any reviews. Yes, I know I have an online shopping addiction, but I'm so thankful that I do!  I was drawn to them because of the brown/gold colors which tend to be my favorite eye color. Urban Decay describes these as a jumbo, more versatile version of their popular 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils. The original pencils are much thinner and more geared for lining. Whereas the shadow pencils can be used for all-over eye color but still can be sharpened to a precise point for lining. The shadow pencils are normally sold individually but I received a bought a set of 5 shades. The only differences between the set and the normal shadow pencils are that the set pencils weight .022oz less (22% less) and they come with plastic, clear caps vs plastic, metal-finish caps. 

The Pencil stash includes 5 pencils:
     -Clash: bright turquoise with silver sparkle
     -Delinquent: dark puple with bright purple sparkle
     -Rehab: shimmer reddish/brown taupe
     -Juju: frosted shimmer taupe
     -Sin: shimmer champagne

What I love is that the colors that glide on are exactly what you see on the packaging. They are so true to color it isn't even funny. Often with gold,s you may buy what you think is a soft taupe but ends up with a red/bronze. I was worried that I wouldn't have any use for Clash, but it is so fun to use as a liner or to add a pop of color at your tear duct. Delinquent is a very, royal purple. It is deep, but the sparkle adds the perfect amount of glitz. It'd be another great liner or as added contour in the crease line.  My favorites are as I expected, the golds. Rehab is a reddish brown taupe that is not too dark that it couldn't be used as an all over eye color. Juju is my favorite of all the colors. It reminds me of the 2nd lightest cube in The Body Shop Shimmer Cube, which was my first real eyeshadow purchase years and years ago. Sin is a well known shade from Urban Decay, it can be found as a potion primer, in the NAKED palettes, the latest Book of Shadows, and the list goes on. And the shadow pencil version of the shade does not disappoint. It is such a beautiful champagne! The color will compliment any skin color and brighten your eyes.

So the colors are perfect, but how do they apply? The name says it all. They truly glide on in an instant. The formula is creamier than I could ever imagine. But feels as light as can be without any awkward sticking. You barely need to use any pressure to have perfect, even application. Plus, they are opaque with one swipe. The pigmentations is absolutely incredible, the colors in the swatches are from one just one layer without any primer. To get that kind of color pay off from most eyeshadow it takes layers, good brushes, wet application, etc. Not with these. On my lids the color is just as intense.

What I love most about these shadow pencils is that they are waterproof, crease proof, and smudge proof. I did a 24 hour swatch test and they held up to the challenge! They lasted through an entire day on my arm, an entire night's sleep, and only started to fade when I was in shower with the water directly on the swatches. I had to scrub to actually get the color to fully wear off (although, they easily are removed with eye makeup remover). I couldn't believe it! What you may not believe is that I took the photos of the bottom eye look (using the teal Clash) at the end of a 15 hour, humid day! No primer, no smudge, barely any fading, and still shimmering just like when I applied. The only issue with the staying power is that if you want to blend and layer shades you have to act QUICK! UD sells a special blending brush made for these pencils, but Im too cheap. I found it easiest to just use my fingers to help blend. The stay power is more important to me due to my crazy schedule and the few minutes I have to get put together.

I may have found my new favorite eyeshadows. These are easy to travel with, take up little space in my growing makeup collection, and no need to worry about fading or fall out. Every day I've been grabbing the pencils. Im in love.

Individual 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil's retail for $20 and are available in 12 colors. Take a look at the colors at: www.urbandecay.com

The 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil Stash retail for $34, but is currently on sale for $12 on the UD website. Get it while it lasts at: www.urbandecay.com

The bottom line: Gorgeous, shimmery colors; Creamy, smooth application; Highly pigmented; Water, crease, and smudge proof; Very little fading; Color lasts for hours and hours; Quick and easy application. 5/5

Review: Kat Von D True Romance Eye Palette in Truth

I have to admit, I am not a fan of Kat Von D. As in the person. What I've seen of her on tv she seems whiny and somewhat an attention and drama whore. Plus, Im a Sandra Bullock lover and anybody who associates with Jesse James these days is not high in my book.

I never thought of buying her make-up line due to my opinions of her. Why fatten her wallet? But my friend found this palette in the sale bins at our local Sephora for only $15. Hells yes! We both picked up the last palettes. My packaging was all ripped up, but the shadows were not touched, so I grabbed this baby right up.

Kat Von D True Romance Eye Palette in Truth

*I apologize the swatches or flipped from what the case shows. I'll make sure in the future that this doesn't happen. I would fix it but I already merged all the text layers to the only photos I have of the swatches. My bad.

Review:
Kat Von D is a Sephora Exclusive collection of deluxe beauty products created by the tattoo artist. From what I could find this palette collection was inspired by unlocking the forbidden, opening up the soul, and refining beauty. Which is why the packaging has key graphics. I really like the palette packaging. It feels solid, has a sold locking clasp, and it is a reasonable size. I could easily travel with this or slip it into my purse and not have to worry about shadow seeping out. The palette comes with two double-ended applicator brushes that really seem useless to me. I used one for one of the swatch colors just because I didn't want that cream all over my new eyeshadow brush. 

Truth includes 8 eyeshadow colors:
      -Sugar Skull: shimmer vanilla
      -Long Distance: shimmer citron
      -Snake Eyes: semi-shimmer lime
      -Finland: shimmer aqua gold cream
      -Prague: silky deep plum
      -Galeano: shimmer pale lilac
      -Rehab: shimmer golden tan
      -Sister: matte peach

The first set of swatches were taken with dry application over Sephora Collection Perfecting Primer. The second set of swatches were taken with wet application (using MAC Fix+ on brush) over Sephora Collection Perfecting Primer.

The colors themselves are all quite lovely. These colors allow you to have a sweet, natural day look or a dark, smokey sexy night look or a bright and vibrant, playful look. Lots of versatility. I've found a purpose for all of the purple shades. Sister makes a great all-over base for color, I love using rehab over my underbrow region, Galeano in my crease and outer lid, and Prague makes for a perfect liner. I've always stuck to purples, browns, and metallics so the additions of the green shades is difficult, but Im finding ways. I used Snake Eyes has a lower lash liner to add a nice contrast and brightness against my darker lids. And Long Distance looks great in the crease line with gold shades on the lids and Sugar Skull has a highlighter.  But I can tell you now my top three are: Prague, Galeano, and Snake Eyes.

The majority of the colors are highly pigmented (excluding: Sugar Skull, Finland, and Sister). It takes a single swipe of Prague to line both of my eyes. I couldn't believe how much color swiped onto my lids, even without primer the color payoff is incredible. Although Sugar Skull and Sister are not as pigmented, you sort of want to be able to build on your base and highlighter. It makes them more versatile. You would think that the shades would have a creamy, thick formula to have such great color payoff; but unfortunately, the shadows are really crumbly and not well-pressed. I feel like however long this palette should last will be cut in half since each brush sweep wastes so much shadow. It is best to apply the shades with a wet brush to help reduce the amount of flaking and to ensure they don't get all over your face while applying. Sister and Prague are the only colors that apply/change consistencies when applied wet. Prague becomes like a water-based paint, very silky smooth, exact lines. Sister becomes clumpy and cakey. I find the wear is pretty fantastic. I don't feel it fades, creases, or smudges! Even Snake Eyes, the light lime lasted all day.

One of the most gorgeous colors in the palette is the aqua/gold shade, Finland. Sadly, it is a complete piece of crap! The cream is dry, hard as a rock, feels waxy, and applies uneven and clumpy and is sheer. It took maybe 10-15 layers to get the swatches. And it never ended up looking even. It is sad since this is such a pretty color. I'll probably still try and use it because I love the color so much. But, I'd have to have time to apply this color. I wish it wasn't cream based and was the same formula as the others.

This exact palette is no longer available on the Sephora website, but you can find it available on ebay. The original price for this palette was $34, but I paid $15.

If you are interested in trying a Kat Von D True Romance eye palette they are available exclusively at Sephora. Take a look at the current Kat Von D collection at www.sephora.com.

The bottom line: Solid packaging, Pretty, versatile colors, Highly pigmented shades, Amazing wear. But flaky and crumbly, plus the cream shadow's formula is terrible.  3.5/5