My Apologies to Beauty Blender

So I have been using the Beauty Blender every day since I received it and I must say that it is starting to really grow on me.  It does blend your foundation very well, which is big in my book.  I cannot stand make up lines and I have not had that issue since using my Beauty Blender.

One thing I did notice was that the sponge began to tear a little when I was cleaning.  I don't think this is typical,  so it may be the cleanser I used (not the Beauty Blender brand) or the fact that I am pretty anal about getting the sponge completely clean.  So what did I do?  I sent an email to both Birchbox and the customer service center at the Beauty Blender headquarters.  Here is what happened:

Birchbox:


"In regards to your Beauty Blender, I'm so sorry to hear it's tearing! May I ask what kind of cleanser you are using and how you are cleaning it? For the Beauty Blender, what I suggest is using the cleanser that they sell (Here, we have it as a part of the travel kit). According to the instructions:

To clean your sponge, pump top of cleanser bottle to bring some cleanser into the well and dip the blender into the cleanser, squeezing to saturate with cleanser. Continue to work cleanser into sponge by squeezing and rinse in water.

I hope that helps! So happy to hear you're enjoying your other products! Please let me know if you need anything else."

Thanks for repeating the instructions to me, Birchbox!  I never would have thought to do that ;)  It's ok, though, since it may very well have been my fault.  

Beauty Blender Customer Service: 

"Thank you so much for reaching out to us!  Glad to hear you love the blender, but sorry to hear you’ve had a problem.  It is hard to determine exactly why this would happen, but it certainly should not have.  I will gladly send you a replacement and even a small sample of the cleanser; I do believe you will see a difference.  Please send me your address so that I can take care of this for you!"

Gee, thanks!  How sweet! I even offered to send them my torn blender, but no need!  Now THAT is customer service!  They knew I purchased the product through Birchbox, but were willing to replace the product, no questions asked.  I am glad they are sending a sample of the cleanser so I can find out once and for all if that is the issue.  I think they found their newest loyal customer! :)

We Have a Winner!

CONGRATULATIONS

to 

Katherine from

Irish Italian Blessings

for winning the

Incoco Nail Appliques

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY CURRENT GIVEAWAY

UNDER THE GIVEAWAY TAB!!

 

How Did I Determine the Winner?

The teacher in me is super pumped to share with you my method for choosing a winner.  I often use a tool in class that randomly selects a student's name from a list I had pre-loaded.  This is great for taking turns reading or determining presentation order.  What's better, the student who is chosen gets the honor of tapping the SmartBoard to determine which name will be selected next.  The kids love it!  I simply loaded the names of those who entered the giveaway and the first name that was randomly chosen was the winner.  You can check out the site here.

My First Ever Blog Hop Co-Host

Please join the blog hop I am co-hosting this week by clicking on my Blog Hop tab! :) I am also in the process of creating a Daily Blog Hops page that features blog hops for each day of the week, that ACTUALLY WORK! Lol. Let me know if you have any favorites you would like me to add. Thanks ladies!

Birchbox Haul

I received my Birchbox order today!!  Check out the products I received and my personal reviews.

Beauty Blender

$25.95

Beauty Blender: I tried this out as soon as I opened it because I just HAD to see what the fuss was all about.  You are supposed to submerge the sponge in water, dry it on a towel, apply the foundation to the sponge, "stipple" the foundation on your face, apply cleaner to the sponge, massage the cleaner into the sponge, rinse the sponge, and place it into the "stand" to dry.  Sounds like a lot of trouble, right?  Not that I mind, because you should always clean your brushes and sponges after use.  I just assumed with all of the upkeep and considering the price that this sponge must be like pure beauty gold.  While I did feel like it gave nice, even coverage, I am not really sure I would spend over $25 on these two little sponges again.  I really did not see a major difference between the Beauty Blender and other (much cheaper) sponges.  They could have at least included a small cleanser for that price.  For $2 less you can buy one sponge with a cleanser.  Also the "stand" is just some thin, clear plastic covered in dots.  I feel cheap leaving it chillin' on my sink.  The sponges are supposed to have a life span of 3 months.  Don't get me wrong, the product is not horrible, I would just prefer to spend my money elsewhere next time.  Hmmm...  I will continue using it until it is time to toss and see if I miraculously change my mind.

Exude Lipgloss in Dusty Pink

$29

 

 

Exude Lipgloss:  This little gem came expertly wrapped in a sturdy box, nestled in snug fitting foam.  The tube on the gloss has a very soft feel to it, which I loved.  You control the amount that comes out of the tube and it always keeps it's shape!  I love it!  The first thing I noticed about this gloss is the minty taste.  I love lip products that have a "breath freshening" kick.  It was very pretty and shimmery.  Thanks, Erika from Southern Belle as an Army Wife!  She received an Exude lipstick in her February Birchbox that she raved about, so I had to try this product out for myself.  You should check out her page to see what she received this month as well!  She also has lots of other goodies on her page that you will love (like fabulous recipes...YUM)!  

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Crime

$20

Lipstick Queen Glossy Pencil:  I LOVE THIS PENCIL!!!  I am usually not a lip pencil girl, especially when they are not automatic.  I have had my eye on this for months, though, so I decided to finally give it a try.  I am so glad I did! I have a feeling I will be using my bonus points to stock up on a few of these gorgeous glosses.  The color is perfect for my skin tone, but I hear that it is actually pretty perfect on several skin tones.  I have been wearing it for several hours now and it looks/feels like I just put it on.  Don't be scared when I say it feels like I just put it on.  It does not have a sticky, caked on feel at all.  It leaves your lips feeling very soft and moisturized.  I can't think of enough great things to say about this product!

Supersmile Single Dose Powdered Mouthrinse

$16/24 pack

Supersmile Powdered Mouthrinse:  I purchased this because I loved the practicality of it.  How perfect to keep in a purse, backpack, glove box, etc.?  I rushed and purchased them before trying them out since I feel in love with the concept.  I sort of wished I had tried my samples before I purchased, because this rinse left a weird feeling in my mouth.  It is really hard to explain, but I was certainly not their biggest fan.  I am going to keep them because they are great to have in a pinch, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend that everyone should run out and grab a box.  Then again, maybe it was just me...?  If anyone else has tried these, I would LOVE to know your take!

A Second Giveaway

I am too impatient!  I had to go ahead and post my second giveaway. ;)  If you adored the polishes from my Julep Maven box, they can be yours FOR FREE!  Be sure to click on the Giveaways tab to check out the rules.  Thanks for being such great supporters!

How to Add a Button to Your Page

So I know this isn't exactly sample box related material, but I had a fellow blogger ask how to add a button to their page. I myself had to Google it and check out at several sites before I found one that was right for me. Even then I think I combined two different codes to come up with my simple one. So if you are looking to add a GRAB MY BUTTON to your blog, please try these steps!

1. Create a button. You can use various resources to do this. My favorite is Picnik, although they will be shutting down in April I do believe, so you must be quick on this one. What I did was start with a square in Paint and colored it the greenish color that matched my blog background. Then I went to Picnik, added a brown border, added text that stated my blog's name, then resized to 125X125 and saved.

2. Upload your button to Photobucket. Once it is uploaded, if you have not yet resized it to 125X125, it is critical that you do so now. Simply click on the Edit Photos tab, select your button, change the dimensions to 125X125 and apply.

3. Now you will go back to your album, click on your button, and copy the DIRECT LINK.

4. Go to your Blogger Dashboard and add an html box. You will insert the following code:

[a border="0" href="http://mybeautyboxes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"][img src="http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u391/cinarella/mybeautyboxes.jpg" /][/a] [textarea cols="20" rows="4"]<a border="0" href="http://mybeautyboxes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u391/cinarella/mybeautyboxes.jpg"/></a>[/textarea]

5. You MUST change all of the [ to <  and all of the ] to >.

6. Instead of my blog URL, insert your own.  Instead of my direct link to my button, insert your own.

7. Voila!  You now have a button that can be copied and shared!

8. If you are feeling thankful for learning how, you can always pay me back by featuring my button on your blog ;)

If anyone tries this and it does not work for you, please let me know and I will double check my directions to make sure I did not miss anything.  I sent the same directions to the fellow blogger and they worked for her.  Thanks for stopping by!

Beauty Box 5- On the Fence...

So I received the cutest box ever in the mail today (well, Birchbox's shipping box is pretty stinking adorable as well).  It was my brand new Beauty Box 5 box.  Here is what it looked like:

The Inside

Insert Card:

Apparently if you complete the Beauty Profile, you will receive custom boxes in the future.  We will see how that goes.  So many services say that they use your profile to choose your products, but very few actually do.

Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelette

Value: $2.12

I received this product before in a GoGo Girlfriend box but gave it away because self tanners frighten me to be honest.  I have read a lot of reviews since then and am thinking I will be trying this one out on myself.  If I end up looking like an Oompa Loompa, I will be sure to let you know!!!

Priti NYC Soy Nail Polish Remover wipe

Value: $1

Look for this product in an upcoming giveaway as well.

Rosebud Salve

Value: $7

Perhaps my favorite product from the box.  Although I am not sure how much I will actually use it, I am excited to try it out and leave a review for you guys later.  It says you can use it on lips, cuticles, blemishes, etc.  Hmmm.... I am having trouble seeing myself putting it on a blemish, but then again, what do I know?!

Teenie Tiny 

Weleda Hydrating Day and Night creams

Value: $6.97 

(I don't see how.  Must be amazing products)

I am looking forward to trying these out, but are you kidding me???  They could have stepped up the sizes a little.

 

See what I mean?  My nail polish is bigger than these munchkins are!

All in all I was not super impressed with this box.  I signed up with a buy one get one free promo, so at least I have a free month next month to give them another shot.  I have a feeling if it is the same quality as this month, it may be my next monthly subscription to go.

Total Box Value: $17.09

Box Cost: $12

Refer 5 friends get one month free!

Join Here: 

https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f399393dc2e6

Julep Maven

I am SO excited that when I came home from work today I had TWO pretty boxes waiting for me!  The first one I opened was my Julep Maven box (which I got for only a penny!  See my previous post for how you can do the same).  The first thing I noticed when I opened my box was how impressive the presentation and wrapping was!  Seriously, they have done the best job of any box I have ever received (and I have received a LOT).  Check it out:

Yes, each and every item was individually wrapped.  The nail polishes were bubble wrapped and they all were put together in clear plastic wrap and tied with a ribbon.  What a nice surprise!  

Here are the inserts that came in the box.  I didn't realize that you received a free month with every 2 referrals.  Pretty awesome!  The $20 box is a bit expensive for me, but you can skip months and if you refer people, it may not be a bad deal.

 

My Polishes in Meryl (gray) and Oscar (gold glitter)

FYI- While these colors are gorgeous, they are just not for me, so be looking for them to be featured in an upcoming giveaway :)

 

Wow!  I did not realize that I would be receiving a hair product.  I thought they were strictly nails.  I must say that this was an AWESOME surprise as I adore hair products, especially those for damaged hair and offer heat protection. This little jewel does both!  I love the product name, too.  

TOP COAT FOR HAIR <3

Yet ANOTHER surprise:

This is one of the best dark chocolates ever!  I usually don't like dark chocolate and my boyfriend does, but it seriously hurt me to share with him this time.  I hope he knows the sacrifice I made in sharing and the inner turmoil it caused ;)  Even better, it came in a cute Oscar shape and was a VERY decent size.

So here is my complete box, looking ever so glamorous! 

If you think this box may be for you, please use my referral link!  Thanks big bunches!!

http://julep.com/?r=19158094

My Glam Bag Review- Free Promo Code to First Taker

So I was at first thrilled with my My Glam bag, but now I am not too positive that I am really big on the items I received (based on personal preference).

The Bag

My Thoughts: This bag is SUPER adorable but very cheaply made.  This would have been my main makeup bag, but I don't think it can withstand the daily use.  It will look lovely under my bathroom sink! ;)

NYX roll on shimmer in Nude

My Thoughts: I loved this product!  It made the bag totally worth it.  This product retails for $4.99, but I would have never thought to try it if it weren't for My Glam.  The color wasn't my favorite, but if you apply it lightly, you get more glimmer than color.  Don't ask me why, but I am like a teenager lately- obsessed with glittery shadows.  I like that this is a roll on.  Very easy application, no mess.

X Out Shine Control

My Thoughts: I do not typically have a problem with shine unless it's summer and I just use powder then.  Therefore, this will probably be the next product I feature as a giveaway.  Just an FYI, I intend to hold giveaways every week this month and then some ;)

Freeman Facial Enzyme Mask

My Thoughts: I used this tonight and was not exactly impressed.  There was so much product that it just seemed to goop up on my face.  It never really hardened or did anything fancy- it just sat there.  It had a slight gritty feel to it.  What I really did not like was that it felt like I was putting Vaseline on my face.  Yes, my face was smooth afterward, but I would prefer to be smooth using other products.

Dead Sea Premier Samples

My Thoughts: These are super teenie tiny.  I can't really leave a review for them because I want to take them with me when I have to travel somewhere to use.  That is my favorite part of traveling and staying in hotels, I  get to use my stock pile of travel sized products!

Okay, here is the promo code I was telling you about.  Yes, it says gift certificate on the card, which means it should be used as a form of payment and should be able to be used in conjunction with other promo codes.  This one is more like a promo code and only one may be entered at check out.  $100 is a big deal, but it is only available for tools and extensions and the cheapest item is a mini straightener at $115.  With shipping and taxes, the cost is over $30 and I do not really need another straightener.  They have other awesome products too, so if anyone wants the code, here it is:

GML2298374

(one time use only, so the first taker, it's yours!

All in all I am not yet ready to break up with My Glam by any means, but I am hoping next month will be a little better.  The products were not terrible, just certainly not for me.  Can't wait to share with you what I receive next time!

Beauty Box 5

Hello lovely ladies!  Several of you have been interested in joining different subscription services but many of them are putting people on a wait list at the moment.  The newest one I have found is Beauty Box 5 and it is currently open to new members.  I have not yet received my February box, but can post a picture of what another member received.  I am not certain if the boxes are all the same since they are a brand new company.

If you are interested in joining, just follow this link. 

https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f399393dc2e6

If you refer 5 people, you get a box for free!

Each box contains 4-5 beauty samples.  There are different purchasing options so that you can pick how dedicated you want to be.

Recurring monthly- $12

Recurring quarterly- $30 (save $6)

Recurring yearly- $100 (save 44)

I signed up with a promo code and was able to buy one month and get one free.  I will determine after that time whether I want to sign up for the whole year or not.  The buy one get one free offer has expired, but I will let you know if I hear of any other offers.  I would join quickly though because these subscriptions fill up quickly!  Let me know if you join!

My First Giveaway!- Closed

I know that this giveaway is on a smaller scale than some I have seen, but I love the concept of getting something for free!

The Prize

One set of Incoco nail polish appliques

How Can I Win?

It is simple.  All you have to do is follow my page and post a comment on this post.  

Want something extra? 

If the winner has my button featured on their blog OR if they have provided a link to this giveaway on their blog, I will also send them a $10 gift card to Sephora for being such a great supporter!

When is the Drawing?

A winner will be randomly selected on Friday, February 24th.  

Who is Eligible

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents.

*Keep an eye out for more giveaways in the near future!  

MyGlam Bag February- Video

This is my first ever video.  I cannot stand the sound of my voice on film (I sound like a little girl), so it is all pictures with captions and music (music compliments of a GRO download from Birchbox).  Anyway, I hope this works!  ;)

Birchbox Haul- Coming Soon!

So I went to place an order last night to receive the FREE travel hairdryer, but as luck would have it, they were sold out.  I was a bit disappointed, but I got over it when I received my 20% off coupon today for our 6 month anniversary!  Here are the products I purchased:

beautyblender® beautyblender® double

Supersmile Powdered Mouthrinse

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Crime

Exude Lipstick in Dusty Pink (Gloss)- My friend received the sample of this in another color in her box and she raved about it, so I was sold.  Can't wait to try it out!

The total price of these items was $90.95.  With my 20% off coupon, the total was brought down to $72.76.  I was able to get $30 off from redeeming points I had earned and shipping was free.  This brought my total down to only $42.76.  

Once I receive the actual box, I will post pictures and reviews of these items.   Can't wait to share!

Green River Ordinance- Birchbox Extra

In my Birchbox this month, I received a card with a link for 7 free songs from a band I had not heard of called Green River Ordinance.  At first the link appeared broken, but now you are able to listen to and download the songs from the Birchbox website.  I must say that I really, REALLY loved the songs.  I plan on burning a CD tonight so I can listen to them on my ride to work tomorrow.  At first I didn't know how I felt about music as an extra in my box, especially when it was defective.  Now I am super thrilled!  Thanks for introducing me to a great new band!

Julep Maven For A Penny!!!

I never thought I would sign up for the Julep Maven because I am not big on nail polishes.  I usually use whatever they have at the salon.  The rest just sits in dust under my sink.  As luck would have it, I came across a code to receive a box for a penny.  That's right, A PENNY (shipping included)!!!!  Here is the link for the site:

http://www.julep.com/?r=

Simply enter the code COLOR2012 at checkout.  

Trust me, you will be glad you did ;)

If you do not like your box or do not want to get charged for the next month, simply cancel before that month ships.  Offer good on your first Julep Maven box.  

February Beauty Army Box- Box Value $79.98!

So I arrived home today to find THIS in my mailbox:

I was pretty stoked that it came in the same fancy box.  These have become my new makeup storage boxes for under my sinks.

Intro Card and Box

 

I was really disappointed when I realized that my Blingtone eyeshadow was damaged in shipping.  I have emailed the company and will get back with you about what they will do for me (if anything) since this happened, so stay tuned!  They have agreed to give me an extra sample next month in exchange!  BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!  SUPER FAST, TOO!!!  

I LOVE the product though!

Blingtone Eyeshadow in purple haze

Sample Value: FULL SIZE $20

StriVectin- SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles

Sample Value: $20.25 (No joke)

LaRocca Skincare Gold Cleanser Exfoliant

Sample Value: $11.25

 

Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer

Sample Value: $22.50

Pausing for a self portrait ;)

Indie Lee The Shampoo

Sample value: $3.66

Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo

Sample Value: $2.32

 

My Box

Total Box Value: $79.98

Would I pay that much for these products?  Probably not, but I sure enjoy the samples! :)