Summer Beauty Cravebox August 2012

I received my Cravebox today! As always it only took three days to ship, which I applaud Cravebox for their shipping because other subscription services take a while to arrive. This box focused on the essential summer beauty items. It was only $11 and if you need some background information Cravebox is a subscription program that offers limited edition boxes costing around $10-15 with free shipping. The limited edition boxes focus on a particular theme or interest and you can sign up for whatever interests you. There is a raffle process for the LE boxes to give everyone a chance to try out their boxes. So far I am pleased with Cravebox and this is my 2nd limited edition box aside from the Dog Lovers Cravebox.

So let's get into it!

Below is the list of things included in the box as described on the Cravebox card included

Oatmeal and Peppermint Body Bar from Garden Botanika, leaders in botanically based blends of nature and science. 
This bar is very exfoliating and it smells amazing! If you don't like a strong peppermint bar then this is not for you!

Shea Sugar Body Scrub, with the exotic scent of tropical mango, from Tree Hut, for intense exfoliation and long-lasting nourishment. 
When I open this scrub I feel like my bathroom is instantly transformed into paradise. This scrub is not only exfoliating but moisturizing too!
Totally Ageless Intensive Eye Treatment from Puristics, a non-irritating, vitamin-enriched formula for smoother, softer, younger looking skin.
Since I don't have crows-feet or wrinkles it is hard to say whether this product works.
Soleil Bella premium disposable razors from BIC, helping you Feel Fabulous for Less.
This disposable razor is amazing! It works just as good as any Venus razor! I would definitely buy this again!
think Thin (Brownie Crunch), portable nutrition that's gluten-free, low-or-no sugar, and packed with benefits!
I don't see the point in including a food item in a beauty box, but on it's own this bar is pretty tasty. Beware! The crumb fall-out gets all over the place definitely eat this with a napkin!

The only thing I would change about this box is including another body product like a lip exfoliant, or moisturizing body lotion to go with the "taking care of your body" theme that the other items target. Overall I really enjoy this box. Thank you Cravebox!

If you want to find out more about this program you can visit their website at www.cravebox.com

Disclaimer: If you click the link above I will not be rewarded in any way. I paid for this Cravebox.

Dog Lovers Cravebox August 2012

I signed up for the Dog Lovers box and was excited to find out that I had been selected to receive the box. Their limited edition boxes focuses on a theme, holiday, or particular interest and are open to the general public. In order to get the box you have to sign up for a slot when it becomes open. If you sign up with the Cravebox website beforehand they will notify you when certain boxes are available. After signing up for a slot the only thing you can do is pray and wait for that congratulations email! Typically the wait only takes 1-2 days so it's not a long wait once the raffle is open.

With that said I was selected to receive my first limited edition Cravebox which was a treat for my two toy poodles! Let's get into it!

As you can see above they started sniffing around as I was taking everything out the box. Below is the list of things included in the box as described on the Cravebox card included

• TropiClean Fresh Breath Gel- Fresh breath, clean teeth, no brushing required. Oral care just got easy!
• Fido's Cookies- Gourmet treats that dogs of every shape and size find irresistible!
• Canine Caviar Buffalo Stix- The only grain-free pet food in America designed to reduce the risk of cancer and other health-related conditions.
• Scott Pet Pork Chomps- Great-tasting and easy to digest, it's no wonder they've earned the nickname "the World's Most Perfect Chew."
• KONG Chew Treats, Lamb Meat Stix- Your dog will love these healthy and tasty meat sticks as an anytime treat, training treat, or KONG toy stuffing!
• The Original Pet Bowl Mat- Contains your pet's food and water mess! Your floors will stay cleaner as the soft pile and foam core keep food debris and water spills contained.
• Merrick dog foods- Pet food made the way it should be! Three natural dog food recipes from Merrick Pet Care's kitchen, including:

• Grammy Pot Pie
• Grain Free Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe
• Grain Free Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe
• And don't miss the special Pooch-wear additions to give your dog a special sense of style!

Overall I am very pleased with this box. Also included was a Merrick book, Dog Health Newspaper, and some coupons plus a voucher to get a free collar+lead set when you snap a picture of your dog with his Pork Chomp. I only have two issues with this box

1. A toy was not included! [insert sad face] 
2. One of the Pork Chomps was "pass it's fresh date" although it is still usable as stated in a mass email that Cravebox sent out. I'm glad that they cleared that up! After the email this is not really a big issue for me anymore!

If you want to find out more about this program you can visit their website at www.cravebox.com

Disclaimer: If you click the link above I will not be rewarded in any way. I paid for this Cravebox.

Birchbox August 2012

Birchbox is a monthly sample subscription service for $10 a month. They feature a wide arrange of 4-5 deluxe samples in your box plus a lifestyle extra. The box you get is determined by the beauty profile you take on their website asking about your preferences for hair, skin, and trends to name a few. The cool thing about this program is that when you receive your samples you can review them and earn 10points per item with 100 points equaling to $10 which you can use towards their shop. Everything is shipped for free and they offer fun previews via their YouTube channel every month.

So after three long days of stalking Makeuptalk's forum, YouTube, and blogs, my own Birchbox arrived in the mail! And a day earlier than expected!

This is my second Birchbox and so far I'm very pleased I did not take pictures of my first box but will continue to do reviews from now on. Of course this month's theme is Beauty School appropriate considering it's back to school for most people.

Below the captions are Birchbox's description of the products

Caldrea Hand Soap A delicious-smelling soap loaded with aloe vera and olive oil to soften hands

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur This modern scent is a feminine blend of wild berries, mandarin, and waterlilly

stila Swap your plain black liner for this shimmery update--it'll make your eyes stand out

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream This best-selling Japanese cream hydrates chapped lips, rough heels, and cracked hands 

Schick Hydro Silk Razor

Swatch of stila liner in Oscar Fish

Hits: Caldrea, Juicy Couture, and Schick Hydro Silk Razor

Misses: stila eyeliner and Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream

This box was so-so for me this month. None of the product scream out to me "BUY ME! BUY ME!" besides the perfume and maybe the hand soap. The smudge liner does not impress me at all I can get an eye liner for less than $5 that works better than this in my opinion. Overall this box was OK and I look forward to next month's box.










I applaud Birchbox for exposing me to different products out there. This rating does not reflect my opinion on the service itself just the products!

August's Birchbox rating: B-

If you are interested in this program you can sign up to become a Birchbox member here: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=h6x23

Disclaimer: That is my referral code and if you sign up through that link I would get points for a free box or item. You don't have to use that link though! The regular website is https://www.birchbox.com/

Thanks!

Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle Remover Review

I was scouting out for a good cuticle cream remover at my local grocery store and came across Sally Hansen's Problem Cuticle Remover. I got it for $5 and decided to give it a go on my rough cuticles. This product claims to "remove thick and overgrown cuticles" while finishing with "smooth, soft, well-groomed cuticles". So I thought if it sounds as good as it advertises than it is definitely a staple! Plus I have heard so many good things about Sally Hansen's nail care line. So let's get into it!

It comes with 2 orange cuticle sticks for your convenience

Instructions on the package:

"DIRECTIONS: Apply a strip of Problem Cuticle Remover around cuticle and under nails. Massage into skin. Wait 3 to 5 minutes. Gently ease back cuticles with manicure sticks. Wash away excess with warm, soapy water. Do not leave on longer than 8 minutes."

Following the directions verbatim I prepped my nails and got my extra tools outs.

I use PROFX Apricot Cuticle Oil (applied to nails after cuticle remover), a metal cuticle stick, and an average nail buffer to shape my nails.

I applied the cuticle remover to my nails one by one then massaged it into my nails focusing on the cuticles. Then I waited 5 minutes for the product to work it's magic and pushed back my cuticles. After that I washed my hands with warm soapy water as instructed and applied PROFX cuticle oil to my nails.

The results were amazing! I had hard cuticles built up on my nails from a previous incident with my metal cuticle stick and this product just poofed all that away! Amazing!

I give Sally Hansen's Problem Cuticle Remover my stamp of approval!

Julep Maven Boho Glam August 2012

Satisfied with my first Julep Maven box I continued my subscription for August with this month's theme being METALLICS! I switched my style profile from Classic with a Twist to Boho Glam for the lovely pastel metallic colors. Also, I used my free add-on (after your first box you instantly get a free add-on) to get the lovely purple metallic, Alfre, from the Classic with a Twist box. Also, August is Julep's one year anniversary and in honor they sent out a free exclusive Julep Maven tote to members! It doesn't matter if you have been with them for a year they sent them out to all subscribers minus introductory boxes.

And so on to it!

Julep's Acetone Free Conditioning Nail Polish Remover is amazing! I was specifically excited about this box because of this remover. It makes removing nail polish so easy. No more flipping a bottle upside down as this squirts upright into your cotton pad for easy removal. Plus it's refillable! A++






They take 1-2 coats to achieve opacity

Anniversary Tote

Isla with two coats

Alfre with one coat

Piper with two coats

If you are interested in this program you can sign up to become a Julep Maven member here: http://www.julep.com/?r=22128822

Disclaimer: That is my referral code and if you sign up through that link I would get points for a free box. You don't have to use that link though! The regular julep website is http://www.julep.com/

Thanks!

Julep Maven's Intro Box July 2012

Julep is a nail polish subscription service that arrives at your door stop every month like a magazine subscription. Regular membership is $19.99 a month which includes free shipping. You will be given a preview of the boxes on the 20th of every month and have up till the 24th to pick your box. There are no hidden  fees and you can choose to skip a month or cancel your subscription at any time. The boxes to choose from are American Beauty, Boho Glam, Classic With A Twist!, Bombshell, and It Girl. The cool thing about this service is that Julep is always adding new items to their shop and as a member you are able to test it out before those without a subscription.

So I thought hmm....this sounds like a pretty cool subscription and I would like to try it out risk-free as it states! Plus I was influenced by Youtubers hauling their boxes every month! When I found out that I could get my first box for a penny using the code "COLOR2012" I was sold! So in July I received my first Julep introductory box. I logged on and took my beauty profile and registered as Classic With a Twist! So I'm here to bring you my first impression of the monthly nail polish subscription service.

The Best Pedi Creme Ever!
This stuff is amazing! There is nothing bad I can say about this product besides the size. I use this once a day after I get out of the shower and apply it all over my feet. It smells just like cucumbers and I do notice a difference instantly in the way my feet feels.

The packaging is very unique with the Julep Maven nail polishes. They are a  bit awkward compared to other shapes and sizes of nail polishes but as far as organization they are perfect stacked side by side.

Positives: The colors are vibrant! Beautiful shades perfect for summer. One coat on both shades is opaque enough.

Negatives: The formula is so creamy that it applies very thick. You have to apply very thin coats of nail polish so it won't smudge so quickly.

Rose with two coats

Robin with two coats

If you are interested in this program you can sign up to become a Julep Maven member here: http://www.julep.com/?r=22128822

Disclaimer: That is my referral code and if you sign up through that link I would get points for a free box. You don't have to use that link though! The regular julep website is http://www.julep.com/

Thanks a million!