FabFitFun Starter Kit Unboxing

I was gifted this starter kit from a current member of FabFitFun per a coupon code. I signed up for a subscription shortly thereafter and received both boxes around the same time. I got duplicates of these items with my Spring box so I passed them along to my mother (with a few other things for her 60th birthday).

The first item I pulled out was the Summer & Rose 'Delilah' Crossbody Bag in black (retails for $62):

"This bag will take your from daytime casual to to nighttime chic all season long."

It's 8-1/8" wide by 6" in height, and 2-1/8" deep. The shoulder strap is 5/8" wide with a 22.5" drop. The exterior is vegan leather while the interior is 100% polyester.

This is a nicely crafted bag. I've never owned vegan leather before. I was really surprised at the authentic leather-feel. It holds more than it looks and the tassel is a nice modern touch. This is one thing that I didn't get with my Spring FFF box, but I own a ridiculous number of purses/totes, and my mom really likes it.

The next surprise was Marrakesh Argan & Hemp Oil Therapy Hair Styling Elixir (2oz retails for $22.99):

"A powerful blend of nutrient-rich argan oil from Morocco and ultra-fortifying hemp seed oil significantly improves hair condition and texture. Leaves hair feeling silky smooth with a healthy, frizz-free, glossy shine. Cuts drying time in half. Cruelty-free."

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream with Deadsea Water (5.1oz retails for $33):

"Formulated with Dead Sea minerals, witch hazel, and allantoin, this mineral-rich hand cream protects and safeguards hand from environmental and household damage, instantly improving skin's moisture level, smoothing rough, dry skin and restoring suppleness. Paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan, allergy-tested and approved for sensitive skin."

My mother has frizzy hair and uses hot styling tools to an extreme. With this hair elixir, she was able to blow dry it straight without using an iron and it left her hair soft and manageable.

The last item was Doucce Luscious Lip Stain & Lip Gloss Duo in Dark Lust (retails for $28):

"Talk about a two-in-one deal. This dual lip paint lets you choose between a matte and glossy finish. Both highly pigmented textures apply smoothly and evenly, giving your lips a plumped and sculpted look."

I really wish I could give you a better review of this item. This color is right down my mom's alley, BUT... my two young nieces were staying the weekend with her and she decided to let them play with makeup. This became a casualty of war. It's tragic. Children are supposed to play with the old, cheap stuff. Oh, well.

Despite getting duplicates, this intro box had an unbelievable value of $142.99 and contained high-end, useful products. Look for my Spring box review for a more in-depth critique.

Sisley Paris Beauty Subscription (February 2018)

Sisley’s strong values are built on its family culture, its place in the grand tradition of French cosmetics, and its international ambitions. Skincare, makeup, and perfume… By bringing together its expertise, its consultation know-how, and its creativity, they have created a specific approach for each of its product lines.

Phyto-cosmetology is the concept at the center of Sisley’s creations and relates to using the best plant-based extracts in order to create the best cosmetics. Their success is built on its laboratories’ innovative strength. Products are only put on the market once it has been satisfactorily proven at the term of a long research process that a product is both safe and effective.

With Sisley Paris’s Beauty Subscription, you’ll receive five samples each month, delivered straight to your door, to help consumers discover the whole Sisley product range, based on a theme which changes from month to month.

A six-month subscription costs $60 and a one-year subscription is only $100. Gold and Platinum members of My Sisley Club receive the subscription complimentary as a special thank-you for their loyalty.

The box arrives innocuously enough in an unassuming, black box. Inside is a card describing the month’s theme and product selection and an ivory satin drawstring pouch that carries the items.

February’s theme is “Beauty Award Winners.” Here are the products:




Radiant Glow Express Mask (60ml full-size: $128, 4ml sample: ~$8.53)
A gentle cleansing mask with red clay that leaves the skin with a radiant appearance. The absorbing power of the clay, in combination with plant extracts and essential oils, help to reduce impurities that dull the complexion while deeply cleaning the skin. The texture is soft, supple, and non-drying and does not create a pulling sensation on the skin. Skin appears toned and smoothed with a fresh, even complexion.

Key ingredients: Red Clay detoxifies. Rosemary essential oil disinfects and protects against damage. Rosehip promotes cell regeneration. Red Vine tones. Plant-based Glycerin and Carrot hydrate. Chamomile essential oil soothes.

MY THOUGHTS: This went on super creamy for being clay. I love the rose-gold color. It made my face look ethereal while it was on (see below). As it set, it didn’t dry or tug at my skin, and when I washed it off after five minutes, my face felt smooth and clean-feeling. It has a very strong antiseptic smell, which I associate with cleanliness. This is a new class of clay masks for me.

Black Rose Cream Mask (60ml full-size: $162, 10ml trial-size: $27)
Offers the skin the look of “instant youth.” Rich in anti-aging ingredients, it instantly works on diminishing signs of fatigue and leaves the skin looking more youthful and energized. It brings together three actions to restore a luminous complexion – a smoothing and plumping action, a revitalizing action, and a softening and hydrating action.

Deliciously scented with rose, this soft, creamy mask creates a moment of relaxation and pleasure. Immediately hydrated and plumped, the skin appears visibly smoother and the signs of aging are minimized. The complexion regains its radiance.

Key ingredients: Black Rose, Great Mullen, and Magnolia essential oil soothe. Red Vine promotes radiance. Chlorella revitalizes. Shea Butter nourishes. Provitamin B5 and Vegetable Glycerin hydrate. Phytosqualane moisturizes. Padina Pavonica helps improve firmness and elasticity. Physalis Alkekengi Calyx extract protects against blue light exposure.

MY THOUGHTS: After cleansing and exfoliating, but before moisturizing, I applied a layer of this cream and, after fifteen minutes, wiped off the excess with a moist cloth. It has a faint, authentic rose scent and a light, lotion-like texture. It’s so light, in fact, I would consider using it as a sleeping pack if I had a rough few skin days (chlorine, sun exposure, etc). I nearly forgot I had it on and I can’t say that for many masks. My face definitely felt more supple after use.

Express Flower Gel Mask (60ml full-size: $140, 4ml sample: ~$9.33)
An express cream-gel mask for visibly refreshed, more supple, and velvety skin in just three minutes. Designed for dehydrated, dull or tired-looking skin. Through its exceptional concentration of moisturizing ingredients, it hydrates, tones, and minimizes the appearance of signs of fatigue and stress. The complexion appears smoother and more even in just three minutes.

Key ingredients: Sesame hydrates and protects from environmental factors. White Lily hydrates and softens. Rose freshens and softens. Iris tones and softens.

MY THOUGHTS: This mask has almost no smell to it. It’s thin and a little goes a long way. I dabbed off the excess after a few minutes and realized I could’ve put on a lot less. It takes some time to absorb fully so I would suggest using it at night. It left my face, neck, and decolletage feeling deeply moisturized and super soft.

Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age (50ml full-size: $525, 4ml trial-size: $42)
Fights against the visible signs associated with the three types of aging – environmental, genetics, and behavioral – to provide a truly complete anti-aging formula.

Its unique cocktail of revitalizing ingredients helps support the skin’s own youth-enhancing abilities to better preserve the beauty of the complexion. The results are spectacular on wrinkles, firmness, radiance, density, and hydration to preserve the skin’s beauty.

From the first few applications, lines appear smoothed, skin is visibly plumped and durably moisturized, and signs of fatigue are reduced. After four weeks, wrinkles are visibly diminished and the face appears more firm, dense, and radiant. After eight weeks, the skin glows more as if replenished from the inside and perceived aging has lessened.

Key ingredients: Rhatany, Lady’s Mantle, Soy Peptide, White Willow Leaf, Lindera, Persian Acacia, and Apple Pip (Phytostimulines and Ursolic Acid) extracts revitalize. Shea Butter protects. Vegetable Glycerin hydrates and softens. A blend of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and amino acids energize. Yeast protects against damage. Soy Protein conditions.

ME: This is a very rich cream and has a light, fresh fragrance. I found it worked better at night as a sleeping pack on my skin because of its thickness. It takes a while to absorb and my face was highly moisturized for hours. I had a rare breakout using this product that I did not experience with other items from the Sisley Paris lineup.

Having said that, results really were visible after five days. I have some tiny, tough-to-shake fine lines around the outside of my eyebrows near my temples… and they’re gone! I don’t know where they went, but they ain’t here anymore. This cream works miracles.

Sisleÿum for Men – Normal (50ml full-size: $275, 3ml trial-size: $16.50)
A global revitalizing, anti-aging skin care product designed specifically for men. It supports the skin's resistance against daily harmful effects (shaving, cold, stress, and pollution). It visibly firms, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, hydrates, fortifies and revitalizes, and protects against razor burn and signs of fatigue. The complexion is soothed, hydrated, and softened and appears less tired (a combination of key ingredients rich in oligo-elements). Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced and the skin looks toned, firmed, and more youthful. Sisleÿum is available in two fresh, non-greasy textures: normal skin (a gel texture for clean, matte skin) and dry skin (a cream texture for comfortable, supple, matte skin). Tested to be non-comedogenic.

Key ingredients: White Horehound soothes. Wild Pansy extract hydrates. Shea Butter nourishes and softens. Alkekengi Calyx, Padina Pavonica, and White Willow extracts firm.

Apply morning and/or night to clean and dry skin. Ideal as an aftershave. For dry skin. Appropriate for sensitive skin.

ME: My husband is always excited when there’s something for him to try out. He watches me testing all this stuff and he wants to participate! I used a bit on my hand and, let me tell you, this cream is no joke! It seriously softened and left no greasy residue. The fragrance is delightful. A lot of men’s skincare products have that heavy forest/musk aroma. This does not. It smells a little woodsy, but mainly I picked up thyme. It’s really nice. If they haven’t already, they should bottle that smell and sell it to men. I’d much prefer this scent to most colognes.

                                                                                                             

First… can we talk value? Based on quantity, these five samples have a value of $103.36. This subscription only costs $10 a month, and shipping is free. I couldn’t believe the price when I saw it.

Quality-wise, I can certainly understand Sisley’s prices. I have nice skin for my age, but those tiny lines that have plagued me are gone after only five days. I want more and am willing to pay for the results I see.

This may be the best subscription out there. If you care about your skin as much as I do, this is well worth a measly $10 a month. The only downside is… you will want to pay full-price for these products once you’ve used them, and that’s sorta the point, right?

Sephora Stash and "Insider" Information: Part Two

Sephora Stash- and Beauty Booty-themed posts showcase future reviews, like different product lines from one brand (e.g., Urban Decay for makeup, Origins for skincare, Living Proof for hair care) or various brands comparing similar types of product (e.g., foundations, mascaras, k-beauty, leave-in conditioners). I typically see a 40% increase in viewership for these posts. I don’t know why, but I like writing them, so if I get more readers, and said readers enjoy the content, I’m happy to oblige.

I just purchased the BECCA Backlight and First Light Filter Face Primers and the Under Eye Brightening Corrector with my previous order, so I was ready to try more. Especially when I saw the prices. I got the BECCA Light Chaser Highlighter in Opal Flashes Jade and the BECCA Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss in Opal x Jade… for half off! I LOVE Origins so when I saw this duo was an option for rewards redemption, I needed it. It came with deluxe trial sizes of the Origins Original Skin Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly with Willowherb and the Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb. I snagged a benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara promo (benefit-brand mascara promos are always great sizes). I got my Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid (6 shades) sample, but not the tarte ‘Rainforest of the Sea’ Collection Aquacealer Concealer (4 shades) or Giorgio Armani Beauty ‘Sí’ EDP samples, which is a shame since I’m doing a foundations experiment in addition to my usual perfumes post. I got Guerlain Météorites Baby Glow Sheer Liquid Foundation (03 Medium) and Living Proof T.B.D. Multi-Tasking Styler samples instead. Again, not complaining. Free is free. I’m just a blogger with ideas so it can be disappointing to not get what I’m expecting.

I’ve been playing with highlighters a lot lately and was eyeballing this Too Faced ‘Life’s a Festival’ Collection Rainbow Strobe Highlighter, mostly because, hello… rainbow! I also wanted the Cover FX Glitter Drops promo in Mirage. I love Cover FX products and, like benefit, the trial sizes are always generous. I received the Berdoues ‘Assam of India’ EDP and Juicy Couture ‘Majestic Woods’ EDP samples I requested, but not the fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, but that’s cool because they sent a TOCCA ‘Giulietta’ EDP sample in its place.

Moving along with my highlighter/Too Faced obsession, I bought the Too Faced Diamond Light Multi-Use Highlighter in Diamond Fire. I was prompted to impulsively purchase due to the Viktor&Rolf ‘Flowerbomb’ EDP and Flowerbomb Twist Oil promo duo in rose. I requested as my samples, Giorgio Arman Beauty ‘Armani Code Colonia’ EDT, Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA Flower Market’ EDT, and TOM FORD ‘Oud Wood’ EDP. I didn’t get any of those. Rather, I got Guerlain ‘Mon Guerlain’ EDP, Stella McCartney ‘Stella Peony’ EDT, and Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen (2-piece) samples.

Not quite finished with Too Faced, and needing a new purple eyeshadow palette, I decided to buy the Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Soft & Sexy Eyeshadow Palette AND pick up another Viktor&Rolf ‘Flowerbomb’ EDP and Flowerbomb Twist Oil promo duo... this time in jasmine. Hard to believe, but I received the exact samples I ordered this time! For my foundation experiment, I chose Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer, Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation (2-piece), and Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation (6-piece) samples.

When the Milk Makeup Holographic Powder Quad was marked down from $49 to $30, it was all over the beauty news. I had to get one while the getting was good because, as I mentioned before, I’m currently obsessed with highlighters. The Living Proof Restore Smooth Blowout Concentrate deluxe trial promo helped push me to order. The Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation (3-piece) sample I wanted was fulfilled, but I didn’t get the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer (4-piece) or Ralph Lauren ‘Polo Red Rush’ EDT samples I wanted. I got a repeat of my last order’s Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation (6-piece) sample and a Ralph Lauren ‘Woman’ EDP.

I was excited to see this new kit – fresh Age-Delay Beauty Must-Haves. It includes a mini Soy Face Cleanser, trial-sized versions of the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask and Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate, and 5 packets of the Black Tea Firming Corset Cream. I adore fresh’s Rose Hydrating Collection so I’m sure I’ll love this set as well. I snagged the Alterna Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter. I haven’t had much luck with blowout creams I’ve sampled. I’m hoping this will change that. I also got the samples I wanted – Emporio Armani ‘Stronger With You’ EDT, Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA At the Barber’s’ EDT, and TOCCA ‘Cleopatra’ EDP. As a blogger, I’m always thrilled when I get the samples I requested to review.
                                                                                                                    

Sephora Beauty Insiders:

By signing up to become a Beauty Insider, you open up a whole new world of Sephora awesomeness. Becoming a member is easy and free. You can do it in-store or online. When you sign up, you'll be assigned a card number that will automatically be applied to your purchases online and can be scanned from your smart phone in-store. Pre-tax and pre-shipping, you'll receive one point for every dollar spent, excluding gift cards. However, if you use a gift card to pay, you will still receive points.

There's also a great app you can use to shop. Some of the perks of using the app are instant notifications that you will receive to notify you of exciting new opportunities. You'll also get app-only previews and promotions, be able to use the virtual artist program to try on various cosmetics and be able to save all of your LOVES for future purchases.

Some of the other benefits of being a Beauty Insider are:

• Birthday Gifts each year that you are a member. Usually you can select from several options of minis worth $10-$20. There is no purchase necessary in-store and only a small minimum purchase required online. These can be redeemed anytime during your birthday month in-store, and two weeks before and after your birthday AND during your birthday month online.
• Rewards! Use your points in the Rewards Bazaar to get really cool deluxe samples of some of Sephora's favorite products. Use any amount from 100 points and up to access these great bonuses. Obviously, the more points, the more incredible the items. New rewards are constantly being added and some are even for trips, like to New York Fashion Week or to visit various spas and boutiques belonging to brands like Caudalie, Make Up For Ever, benefit Cosmetics, and more. Some even including travel!
• Access the Beauty Insider Community. You can join groups, participate in the forum discussions, and chat with other insiders to get info and recommendations. Complete your beauty profile to receive personalized makeup color matches.
• Free Beauty Classes where you can learn from an instructor the basics like skin care routines, all the way up to creating new makeup looks based on today's trends.

Once you've spent $350 in one calendar year you'll become a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider), and if you spend $1,000 you'll attain Rouge status. Both of these add to the special privileges you can receive as a Beauty Insider. For example, as a VIB you'll also get to have one Free Makeover a year in Sephora stores and a Monthly Gift, which turns out to be basically another promo code especially for VIB's. A VIP Rouge member gets unlimited free makeovers, Free 2-day Shipping, and invitations to Private Events.

What's great about shopping online is you'll get to choose two Free Samples of sweet products from a list of 12, free shipping when you spend over $50 (or for any amount if you purchase Flash Shipping for $10 per year), AND PROMOS! Do not forget to enter a promo code for orders $25 and up. Some require a higher minimum purchase, but all the free goodies are fabulous - deluxe samples, fantastic extras with select fragrance purchases, and occasionally makeup baggies full of perfume, skincare and makeup samples. There are even coupon codes for $10 off from time-to-time. You can find these promos on the site under Beauty Offers, by the promo entry space, or at coupon code sites such as Groupon or RetailMeNot. You supposedly cannot enter codes once they've been taken off the site, but I've found I can sometimes still enter a code in the first couple of days afterwards. Don't take my word for it! If you want something badly enough, place that order as soon as possible. Usually items are only added or removed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All samples, promotions, and rewards are first-come, first-serve, so if you see something you really want, make sure to grab it while you can. But don't worry. Even if you miss one, there are new items being added all the time.

I've found that purchases in-store can be hit-or-miss when it comes to getting samples and other freebies. Sometimes they have nothing in the original packaging. Other times you might get something unbelievable like a deluxe sample of a really expensive face cream, etc. One thing is true for almost all stores is that a beauty expert will pack you up a sample of almost anything you want from their product selection.

One last thing... Sephora has a beauty subscription service call PLAY! PLAY is $10 per month (with free shipping) and you will be sent five to six samples and/or minis, in an adorable pouch, straight to your door. Included is a PLAY Pass that you can redeem in-store for 50 Beauty Insider points with a full-size purchase, AND a one-on-one consultation to learn how to use your products for that month. Look through some of my PLAY reviews to get an idea of what kind of goodies you can expect to receive with your subscription.

Glossybox (February 2018)

Glossybox is a monthly subscription that delivers beauty products - hair care, skin care, makeup, perfumes, tools, etc. - to your door for $21 per month if you buy the monthly plan, but that price goes down if you buy a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription.

Glossybox carries some of the best brands in beauty. Each box contains five or more items from full-sized to deluxe samples. Following are the contents of my February 2018 box:

JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS Body Wash and Body Milk in Geranium & Grapefruit (2oz deluxe samples, $6.50 each) - This fruits and flowers-infused body duo features fragrant essential oils including geranium, grapefruit, and lavender, this rich, foaming body wash and gentle, creamy moisturizer will leave your skin refreshed and senses invigorated.

TIDBIT: The essential oil craze is in full swing. Promising to fight everything from cold and flu symptoms to skin conditions to cellulite and wrinkles, read up on the benefits of the potent little formulas to pick your personal combination.

PICK AND PINCH Pink Metallic Slant Tweezer ($20.00) - Accented by a gorgeous rose gold finish, these sturdy tweezers were designed with diamond precision to help you grab even the tiniest of hairs with ease. The sharp edges and narrow tips will quickly make this your new favorite beauty tool.

TIP: To create the perfect pair of eyebrows, simply place the tool at the end of your nose and angle it upwards towards your brow. Where it falls is where your natural arch should be.

DOUCCE Lip Definer Pencil in 475 Pavo (0.04oz full-size, $20.00) - Long-wearing and super pigmented, this gorgeous lip liner glides on without tugging or pulling, leaving behind a rich, velvety finish.

TIP: Make the most of your lip look by lining and drawing in your entire pout before adding lipstick, or just line the perimeter of the mouth and add gloss for a flirtier look.

JJ YOUNG Mud Sheet Mask in Pore Rosehip (0.63oz full-size, $5.00) - This k-beauty 3-D sheet mask delivers ingredients from the earth like rose hip directly into the pores to banish impurities, minimize moisture loss, and help fight signs of aging.

TIDBIT: The secret of how sheet masks work so fast comes from the concentrated serum-soaked sheet, which prevents quick evaporation and allows the ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin. Even one application is more potent than traditional skincare.

ROYAL APOTHIC Scrubbie Exfoliating Lip Treatment with extract of Fig (0.63oz full-size, $14.00) - Cold weather does notorious things to our lips. To keep your pout looking smooth and perfectly plump, use this gentle but effective lip scrub, which utilizes your natural sugars to banish dryness for good.

TIP: Massage the formula onto your lips in a firm, circular motion, wiping away with a tissue. Apply your favorite lip balm after scrubbing for best results.
                                                                                                                   

The Verdicts:

The John Masters Organics body wash and body milk smell fantastic. The citrus is light and fresh without the candy-sweet smell that lemon or orange bring, and the floral smell isn't overwhelming at all. The wash foamed nicely and the milk left my skin moisturized, although it did take a minute to absorb.

There's not much to say about tweezers, but these from Pick and Pinch are super nice - sturdy, good grip, a lot of precision, and really, really pretty.

I like the precision of the Doucce lip pencil. I'm not sure the peachy-toned color is for me, but the formula is silky and creamy and it glides on easily.

JJ Young's mud mask is a revelation. I've done plenty of moisturizing sheet masks, but never one soaked in mud. I was thoroughly tickled at how creeped out my husband was from seeing me wear this skin-toned marvel. It went on wet and slimy, like mud, smelled like mud, and dried up like papier-mâché. Bet you thought I would say, 'like mud.' Yeah, that too. It pulled out (I'm ashamed to admit) some impurities after I removed it, so I'm really impressed and would be very interested in trying more of this brand's offerings.

Who doesn't love a good lip scrub? This one from Royal Apothic tastes great. That's a big thing for me because I WILL eat it off of my lips. It does not get washed off. Ever. And I was especially surprised that it actually tasted like fig.

This February 2018 box has an approximate value of $72.00. That's a fantastic value. Even though it's not as high-value as some other months, it's still three times the cost of the box. I think it's my favorite so far. Every month should be Valentine-themed!

Mugler Addict (Winter 2018)

MUGLER Addict is one of my all-time favorite subscription boxes, and the fact that it only comes four times a year means it always pops up when I'm not expecting it. I get very excited to see that this box come in the mail. The black box is beautiful and well-made and is wonderful for storing all the goodies Mugler sends.

MUGLER Addict includes an informative card providing descriptions of each item. In this Winter 2018 box, the theme is Aura MUGLER.

Go with your instinct and discover the hidden power within. Aura MUGLER perfume is a wild blend of botanical freshness and feline sensuality. The bright, powerful emerald green bottle represents the heart, the center of all emotions and the source of all life. The perfect perfume to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your senses.

Aura MUGLER Eau de Parfum (0.1oz, ~$5.59) – Sparkling. Juicy. Fresh. Invigorate your senses with the botanical freshness and feline sensuality of this refillable fragrance.

Aura MUGLER Shower Milk (0.2oz, ~$1.34) – Pamper yourself and revel in the delicate sensation of Aura MUGLER Shower Milk.

Aura MUGLER Body Lotion (0.2oz, $1.47) – Leave your skin soft, moisturized and fragranced with the lush texture of Aura MUGLER Body Lotion.

Exclusive Gift: Aura Perfumed Pouch – Nestle the Aura MUGLER scented sachet in your wardrobe to fully immerse yourself in its botanical scent!

                                                                                                                                                   

Aura MUGLER is a HUGE deviation from previous Mugler fragrances. It has an almost bitter (but extremely sensual) scent. The top notes are tiger liana, the middle are rhubarb leaves and orange blossom, and the base are vanilla and wolfwood. My nose smells plums, fir, and vodka. Use these products sparingly. The scent is strong and doesn’t fade quickly.

I think I love Aura MUGLER the best of all Mugler fragrances. SO GOOD!!!

A MUGLER Addict subscription is $50 per year and you get four boxes a year, which comes out to $12.50 a box. If I cannot find the same product size on the site for sale, I figure the value of the fragrance samples and minis based on the 1.7oz size or what's available, and the standard size for all other products. Not including the value of the Aura MUGLER perfumed pouch, which I am unable to determine, the total value was $8.40. That isn’t very close to the usual value. HOWEVER…

I cannot find the scented sachet anywhere online. That’s pretty typical for the exclusive gifts you’ll receive in your MUGLER Addict quarterly box. The really are exclusive. Perfumed pouches typically range in cost between $3 - $6, BUT… this isn’t just any generic fragrance. This is a high-end, designer perfume we’re talking about. I’m gonna assign a much higher value to it. Probably around $10.

Additionally, perfumes in miniature replica bottles go anywhere from $10 to $30 at places like Sephora. This being a Mugler fragrance, it’s worth would definitely be far above the $5.59 estimate I assigned it.

Those things being the case, the value for these products will definitely outweigh the cost. I know I could pay at least twice what I actually did and feel I got my money’s worth.

Mugler Addicts also receive a code for $15 off and free shipping on any purchase.

I'm really glad that I decided to become a MUGLER Addict. Wish I remembered to renew sooner because I feel like I probably missed out on some fantastic boxes. Cannot wait to see what they have in store for me come Spring.

Birchbox (February 2018)

Every month, Birchbox will send 5+ beauty samples from a variety of makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, and fragrance categories - personalized to you based on your Beauty Profile. Plus, you'll get tips and tricks on how to use them.

A Birchbox subscrip-tion costs just $10 per month with no shipping fees or long-term commitments. Any subscription comes with a free gift. 6- and 12-month subscriptions come with greater gifts and savings for you.

Customize your box by choosing a specific sample or adding full-size products to ship alongside your box. Earn Loyalty Points (1 point per $1 spent) by purchasing any subscription or buying from Birchbox's online store. Points can be redeemed for any full-size product in the store. Ten points equals $1 to shop!

The February 2018 theme is "Follow Your Heart." Following are the items I received:

LOVE, BEAUTY & PLANET Argan Oil & Lavender Shampoo (3oz deluxe sample, $2.00) - Show your strands some love with this color-safe, paraben- and silicone-free shampoo that gently cleanses while smoothing strands.

LOVE, BEAUTY & PLANET Argan Oil & Lavender Conditioner (3oz deluxe sample, $2.00) - Infused with argan and organic coconut oils, this paraben- and silicone-free conditioner tames frizz and detangles.

CLEAN RESERVE Amber Saffron EDP (0.05oz sample, ~$1.40) - This refreshing fragrance features sweet notes like mandarin oil, rose, lily, and raspberry, and is grounded by a warm medley of musk, saffron, and amber.

R + CO. Park Ave Blow Out Balm (0.5oz deluxe sample, $2.80) - This smoothing balm adds bounce to your blowout while protecting from heat damage.

MARCELLE Ultimate Volume Nano Mascara (0.18oz deluxe sample, ~$6.63) - This mascara's mini brush is designed to reach even the stubbiest bottom lashes and inner corners for a full-feathered look.
                                                                                                                    

The Verdicts:

The lavender scent of the Love, Beauty & Planet shampoo and conditioner is pretty strong, but it left my hair feeling soft and silky.

I love CLEAN Reserve fragrances! This 'Amber Saffron' eau de parfum is wonderful. You can easily sniff out the raspberry and lily and saffron. This isn't candy-like though (which fruit scents can often be). It's a light, everyday kind of fragrance.

The R + Co. hair balm is a little thick and sticky. It smells really nice, though, and does it's job. It added a lot of shine too.

I didn't care much for the Marcelle mascara. It left my lashes with clumps as you can see from the photos to the right. The top pic is my eyes bare. The middles shows one eye done. The last displays the complete job.

Bonus Samples!

FOREO Day & Night Cleansers (0.1oz each) - This duo has you covered from a.m. to p.m. Use the day cleanser to wake up your skin with probiotics and fruit extracts, and the night cleanser to nourish with moringa extract.

ESTÉE LAUDER Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Envious - This lipstick's smooth formula deposits intense pigment and a creamy finish for a show-stopping smile.

The FOREO day cleanser has an almost citrus-y scent. It's one of my new favorite skincare finds. I don't usually like cleansers that don't foam. This one went on almost like a lotion, but I could really feel the clean. And just when I thought the day cleanser was great, I tried the night cleanser. It has a softer smell and a gel-like texture, and again, my skin was super clean afterwards. I would LOVE to try these with a FOREO LUNA someday.

I really like the Estée Lauder lipstick. The foil sample was just barely enough for one application, but it's rich, creamy, moisturizing, and has great pigment.

This February 2018 box has a total value of $14.83. While that's not as high as some other boxes, I get to try eight products from six brands, four of which I've never used before. The curation alone for this (Valentine'so-themed) box alone is just incredible. It's obvious a lot of thought and care went into picking the month's items. Can't wait to see what surprises Birchbox has in store for me in March!

BOXYCHARM (February 2018)

How BOXYCHARM Works:

• Each month, you will receive 4 to 5 full-size beauty items, ranging from makeup to skincare to beauty tools. Boxes have a minimum value of $100.
• Find new and creative ways to use the products by watching tutorials and looks shared by the Charmer community on social media.
• Enjoy members-only offers from the best brands in beauty. Win free products through BOXY-Giveaways and receive reward points redeemable in the exclusive Charm shop.

The box costs $21 per month (includes free shipping) with discounts on 3, 6, and 12-month subscriptions.

The February 2018 theme is "Galaxy Glow." Following are the items I received:

NAKED COSMETICS Holographic Highlighter Collection ($39.99) - With six stunning holographic shades, this highlighting palette is essential for any makeup enthusiast. Each iridescent shade is perfect for highlighting and layering to transform any look into something enchanting.

COVER FX Shimmer Veil in Amethyst (0.14oz, $28.00) - This multi-use cream color is crease-proof enough for the boldest of eye looks and formulated with a weightless finish for a shimmering effect anywhere on the face.

THE VINTAGE COSMETIC COMPANY Smokey Eye Pencil in Jet Black (0.04oz, $21.00) - Delivers intense definition. Creating pencil-point precision or smudgy, saturated color, the creamy-soft formula glides on lids without tugging or pulling.

PÜR THE COMPLEXION AUTHORITY X-Faux Lips Plumping Lip Exfoliator (0.01oz, $17.00) - Raw sugar and exfoliating beads buff away dead surface cells while shea butter softens and moisturizes lips for a softer, smoother, plumper lip.

CROWN PRO Trio Brush Set ($29.99) - This 3-piece professional brush trio contours your face to perfection. The small brush can be used to conceal imperfections and highlight underneath the eyes. The medium brush can be used to sculpt the cheekbones and perimeter of the face, while the large powder brush can be used to set everything in place.
                                                                                                                                                                                   

The Verdicts:

Left to right: Ivory #02 (rose-quartz), Ivory #03
(ultra-violet), Sierra Nevada #01 (opal), Ivory #05
(emerald), Ivory #06 (sapphire), Ivory #04 (gold)
and Cover FX Shimmer Veil in Amethyst

My dream of owning the Naked highlighter palette was the whole reason I signed up for this month's box. I was so scared I would either miss out altogether or get the box variation which had an alternative that I didn't really want. This has some beautiful all-over colors. The pressed powders crumble super easy for when you'd rather use them as loose powders. They have a smooth, velvety finish. That being said, I'm a makeup dummy despite the hundreds of tutorials I watch, so... now I look like a glimmering unicorn wannabe. All's I need now is a horn.



This Cover FX shimmer cream is stunning. When I applied it to my eyelids, despite claims to the contrary, it burned. That being said, it went on smooth, dried quickly, and didn't budge or crease. And I probably shouldn't have, but I bought two more in other shades.

Vintage Cosmetics' eye pencil goes on smoothly and hugs the lash line really nice. Vintage is one of the newer companies I've discovered and this makes me want to try more.

The PÜR lip exfoliator was actually not the item variation I was hoping for in this box, but I LOVE it! It's my new go-to lip product. It tastes fantastic, piña colada-y, which is great because I absolutely never wash off a lip scrub like I'm supposed to. It did a lovely job sloughing the dead skin off of my lips and they felt very moisturized.

These Crown makeup brushes are SO soft and still firm enough to blend makeup perfectly. My new favorite beauty tool find!

This February 2018 box has a total value of $135.98. I honestly don't know if I've ever been happier with a subscription. I adore getting to try new brands, and four of these are relatively new to me. For the quality and value, you can't do much better than BOXYCHARM.