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Glossybox July 2014 Subscription Box Review + Photos

July 2014 Glossybox

This month’s Glossybox didn’t feature any makeup products and instead focused on skincare and hair products. I usually love seeing makeup products the most in the boxes I subscribe to, but I didn’t mind that they were nowhere to be found in the July Glossybox because all of the skincare and hair items were hardworking products for a number of different concerns, like skin brightening and clearing, hair restoration and lip treatment. A++++ products!

Each month I say the same thing – that the products featured in each Glossybox are more “luxurious” than a lot of their counterparts in other subscription boxes (although Glossybox does feature some brands that other boxes also send out). This month’s products were very top-of-the-line and definitely luxurious and many of them have already received rave reviews on Glossybox’s website and across the web.

Mitchell and Peach Body Cream and Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm review and photos. Glossybox July 2014 Subscription Box Review + Photos. Monthly beauty subscription box review and photos. Photo copyright 2014: Sugarglow makeup, beauty, lifestyle, fashion, diy, etc. blog. www.sugarglowbeauty.com.

Mitchell and Peach Body Cream (left) and Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm (right)

Mitchell and Peach Body Cream (reg. $61 for 6.08 oz.; mitchellandpeach.com) contains steam-distilled floral essential oils straight from the Mitchells’ family estate in England. It is described as a “luxurious body cream” that contains pure English honey, organic cocoa, vitamin B5 and shea butter to leave skin “soft, nourished and delicately fragranced.”

I tried this lotion out quickly yesterday and I honestly didn’t think it really did much. I didn’t apply it all over, I just did a little test on the rough patches around my knees, but it just didn’t feel like it was actually moisturizing my skin … maybe it’s just me. I’ll try it out a few more times before I make a final decision.

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm (reg. $12 for 0.35 oz.; malinandgoetz.com) is a hydrating gel lip balm that “melts into lips” to moisturize without leaving the sticky factor. It is scientifically blended to restore and replenish with fatty acid absorption technology.

This is one of my favorite lip balms and even though I already have a tube of this stuff, I was super happy to receive another one because it’s so awesome. It soothes lips perfectly and you can use it all over as a gloss or you can use just a little bit as a treatment for dry, irritated lips.

GLAMGLOW YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

GLAMGLOW YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment (reg. $69 for 1.7 oz.; sephora.com) is a power-packed “facial-in-a-jar” that is supposed to work with skin’s natural collagen to exfoliate, tighten pores, smooth texture, reduce fine lines and absorb impurities. It is comprised of French sea clay, volcanic pumice rock and pieces of green tea leaf.

This is another product that I already use and absolutely love and I’m pretty sure everyone has heard about the awesomeness of GLAMGLOW’s facial treatments by now. I like their Super Mud Clearing Treatment a tad better than this one because I actually see crazy noticeable results with that one (it literally LIFTS the gunk out of my pores — way better than those pore strips do), but this treatment mask is great, too. A whopping 100% of testers “agreed it brightened their dull skin” after using it three times during a seven-day period.

Philip B. pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist

Philip B. pH Restorative Detangling Toning MIst (reg. $24 for 4.23 oz.; philipb.com) is described as a “weightless, daily detangling mist that leaves hair shining and frizz-free.” It is a keratin-safe leave-in toner that works by adjusting the pH of tap water to seal the hair’s cuticle for a smooth finish. It contains Apple Cider Vinegar, a natural astringent and pH balancer, to boost manageability and shine, as well as a “featherweight blend” of essential oils to detangle and fight frizz and static. It can be used on wet or dry hair.

I have SO many different hair products from subscription boxes that I rarely use, so I love it when I find a unique one like this — I really don’t have another product quite like it. I haven’t had time to style my hair since receiving my Glossybox a few days ago (I’ve been doing the lazy-girl messy bun), but I did try this spray out quickly on my dry hair and my hair DEFINITELY felt a lot smoother after using it.

With that being said, I absolutely must point out that the smell of this stuff is like … wayyyy too vinegar-y. I actually didn’t know what the hell that smell was until I read more of the product description — I usually have a pretty good nose for this kind of stuff but my first guess wasn’t vinegar because … why would a hair product smell like vinegar? So I read the label and realized that Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the ingredients, which makes the smell a lot more understandable.

The plus side is that the smell (I wouldn’t really call it a “scent”) does subside a LOT after applying it (almost completely), but I would suggest spraying a perfume or body spray — even another hair spray — on top of it if you have a sensitive nose. I’m really not picky about scents, and this product does seem super awesome (and unique).

My hair was instantly softer and smoother after testing it, but I’m going to try it out for real tomorrow on my wet hair and then after it’s dry. I have a good feeling this product is going to become part of my regular styling routine!

Skin Inc Custom-Blended Brightening Serum

Skin Inc Custom-Blended Brightening Serum (reg. $45 for 0.34 oz.; iloveskininc.com) is a “custom blend of tone-improving vitamin A, detoxifying chlorella and hydrating hyaluronic acid.” This serum features Skin Inc’s patented encapsulation technology that improves skin tone and the appearance of dark eye circles, tackles dullness and dryness and reduces the appearance of pigmentation for clearer, brighter skin.

Skin Inc is “the world’s first Skin Supplement Bar,” and offers “highly concentrated, 100% pure and active serums and skincare” from Japan. I haven’t really tried this serum out yet (just a quick test to see what it felt like), but it got amazing reviews on Glossybox’s website and the serum that I’ve been using is just about finished so I’m going to start using this one tomorrow and try it all week long to see how well it works. It sounds great and perfect for all of my skin concerns, including dehydration and dark spots/imperfections from breakouts, so if it’s as great as it seems to be then I’ll definitely be purchasing the full-size version 🙂

Subscription Box Breakdown:

Almost every single item this month really was top-of-the-line, “best of the best” in hair care and skincare. The only item I wasn’t that impressed with was the body lotion, but I’m going to try it out again before totally writing it off. All of these products are pretty pricey, but they seem to be well worth the full-price cost, and the value of the box this month (according to Glossybox) was over $90. Totally worth the $21 monthly charge!

Pricing & Availability:

Glossybox is a monthly beauty subscription service that costs $21 per month. To subscribe click here, or visit Glossybox.com for more information!

Ipsy Glam Bag July 2014 Subscription Box Review + Photos

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Ipsy Glam Bag – July 2014

Instead of starting the dozens of other posts I have sitting in my brain waiting to be written, I wanted to first finish all of these subscription box reviews before they become “old news.” I received so many boxes over the last few days and I do have to say that all of the different July boxes have been awesome. The last one I received this week was the July Ipsy Glam Bag and it was just as great – if not better – than the other boxes I received over the last week. Each Ipsy Glam Bag subscription comes with a mini makeup case that holds all of the items for the month. These bags have been getting better and better and this month Ipsy sent out this super cute hot hot pink makeup case. This is definitely my favorite Glam Bag ever, I love it! The photo doesn’t really do the color justice because the actual color is a super hot pink — almost like a neon color.

bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow

Ipsy included a new eyeshadow formula from bareMinerals in the July Glam Bag and I’m really liking the color and the consistency of this stuff. I haven’t tried it out yet on my lids but I swatched it on my hand (below) and I was really impressed at how smooth and pigmented it looked. I’m really excited to use it tomorrow!

bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow in “Divine Wine”

bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow ($18 for 0.10 oz.; ulta.com) is described as a “creamy, long-wearing” shadow with “exceptional skincare benefits” and broad spectrum SPF protection. This 5-in-1 “luxurious” formula provides 12-hour long-wearing color; acts as a primer that won’t budge, smudge or crease; brightens eyelids; smoothes fine lines; and protects with SPF 15 mineral sunscreen.

Lavilin Jojoba Gel Cream and Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08 review and photos. Ipsy Glam Bag July 2014 Subscription Box Review + Photos. Monthly beauty subscription box review. Photo copyright 2014: Sugarglow makeup, beauty, lifestyle, fashion, diy, etc. blog. www.sugarglowbeauty.com.

Lavilin Jojoba Gel Cream (left) and Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil (right)

Lavilin Jojoba Gel Cream ($21 for 3.4 oz.; lavilin.com) calms and softens skin, and it’s perfect for use after over-exposure to sun. It is formulated with Jojoba, which is “known to restore the skin’s natural luster and suppleness, and soften and hydrate dry skin.” Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08 ($11.99 for 6 oz.; hangtensunscreen.com) is described as an “organically indulgent” dark tanning oil that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and exotic plant extracts. I really liked the Hang Ten sunscreen I received in a past subscription box so I’m excited to try this product out, especially since I love using tanning oils during the summer. Ipsy sent a cute 1-oz. bottle that I’m pretty sure I will be able to use over multiple beach trips.

Pür Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara

Mascara is usually one of those products that I’m not that excited to see in a subscription box since I already have so many of them, but this mascara looks awesome and the packaging is beautiful so I can’t wait to try it out! Pür Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara ($20 for 0.17 oz.; purminerals.com) is a waterproof mascara made with Argan Oil, which is loaded with “lash-loving” omega fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants. It comes with a clump-resistant wand that is supposed to ensure a “smooth, no-mess application,” even in the inner corners of the lashes.

Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm review and photos. Ipsy Glam Bag July 2014 Subscription Box Review + Photos. Monthly beauty subscription box review. Photo copyright 2014: Sugarglow makeup, beauty, lifestyle, fashion, diy, etc. blog. www.sugarglowbeauty.com.

Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm in Pretty Pink

The last product this month was this super cute mini tinted lip balm from Pixi Beauty. It goes on smoothly and the color comes out perfectly — not too bright, but definitely noticeable. Pixi Beauty Tinted Brilliance Balm ($14 for full-sized balm; pixibeauty.com) is described as a “glossy gel balm” packed with “lip-loving ingredients” that protects and hydrated lips instantly. After the balm wears off, lips are left tinted with a “flattering, personalized hue just for you” with a color intensity that depends upon the unique pH level of your lips!

SUBSCRIPTION BOX BREAKDOWN:

This was one of the best Glam Bags I have received all year. I’m pretty much loving every single product and the makeup case is so so cute and awesome — I’m going to be using it every day!

Ipsy Glam Bag is a monthly beauty subscription box that costs $10 per month plus a small tax (my monthly charge is $11 and change with shipping to NY). To subscribe, click here, or visit Ipsy.com for more information.

Beauty Box Five July 2014 Subscription Box Review + Photos

SUBSCRIPTION BOX BREAKDOWN:

This wasn’t the most exciting BB5 I have received so far, but there were definitely some good items nonetheless 🙂 I’m especially loving the gentle exfoliator (I might buy the full-size product) and the candy lip balm.

Beauty Box Five is a monthly beauty subscription box that costs $12 per month. To subscribe, click here, or visit Beautybox5.com for more information!

Birchbox July 2014 Subscription Box Review + Photos

SUBSCRIPTION BOX BREAKDOWN:

This was one of the better Birchboxes for me over the last few months and, even though I didn’t get to try out most of the items so far, I’m liking every single one of them and I will definitely be putting them all to use. For a few months there I was getting products that I didn’t really like/wouldn’t even use, but for the last 2-3 months my Birchboxes have been getting better and better and I feel like I did when I first subscribed over two years ago — finding products that I actually really like, and then buying the full-sized versions of them (which is really the point, isn’t it?).

Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle subscription service that costs a flat fee of $10 per month. To subscribe, click here, or visit Birchbox.com for more information!

Pop Sugar Must Have July 2014 Box Review + Photos

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Pop Sugar Must Have July 2014 Box

I’m always super excited when I see the new Pop Sugar Must Have box on my doorstep, but this month’s box wasn’t really the most interesting for me. I think last month’s box was a lot better. The July box had some cool items … some things I wouldn’t normally buy for myself, so I guess that’s a good thing since I like discovering new products, and I’m definitely going to be using most of these items, I just think that the box overall was a bit blah. I’m really not complaining, especially since the Must Have boxes are usually so awesome, this one was just not the best (in my humble opinion).

This month’s Must Have box was a very summery July theme, complete with items for the beach, brightly-colored foodie accessories, and yummy toasted coconut snacks. The other side of this card (above) details each item featured for the month, I just didn’t use the photo for that side because it didn’t come out clear enough!

French Bull Ziggy Salad Servers

The first item was a pair of these super fun salad servers. French Bull Ziggy Salad Servers ($12 for set of two; frenchbull.com) are scratch- and shatter-resistant and dishwasher safe so they will last for a longggg time. I’m loving the cute zigzag pattern, but they also come in three more colorful patterns that are available on the French Bull website.

ACME Party Box Company Chevron Straws

My favorite item this month was actually this pack of super cute chevron-patterned paper straws. I have actually been meaning to pick up paper straws just like these for awhile now because I have seen a lot of cute DIY projects online that use them, so, even though they might seem like a boring subscription box item (“a pack of straws??”), I will definitely be putting them to use.

ACME Party Box Company Chevron Straws ($7 for pack of 24; acmepartybox.com) are described as “old-fashioned paper straws” that will “make any occasion feel extra-special!” They’re one of those “too pretty to use”-type products — and I would much rather have them on display somehow than to use them in a drink (that’s where the DIY projects come in!).

Michael Stars Beach Hat

Okay I’m still not exactly sure how I feel about this one. I’m not exactly a hat girl … although this one is described as a “beach hat” to protect you from the summer heat. Either way, I still don’t think I’ll be wearing it. I don’t know, maybe. I haven’t really tried it. I feel like my hair needs to be a little longer to wear a hat … like, down to my hips. Then maybe it would look cute?

Michael Stars Sea Grass Crusher Hat ($48; michaelstars.com) is made from knotted sea grass and has a faux leather band wrapped around it with two buttons at the end. The dark brown color I received (above) looks like it might be exclusive to Pop Sugar, or it’s just not available on the website. The website features two different colors — a cobblestone blue-ish gray and a natural straw shade.

Dang Foods Toasted Coconut Chips

These “chips” were actually a LOT yummier than I thought they would be. I’m not a huge fan of some coconut-flavored foods (I definitely don’t like coconut in my chocolate, and I’m not really feeling the coconut water craze), but there are some other coconut foods that I loooooveee, like Thai coconut milk-infused soups, or toasted coconut in or on pretty much anything. These chips were awesome, and what I liked most about them is that they’re crunchy on the outside, and then you get a slightly softer feeling in the center of the chip from the meaty flesh of the coconut. I’m about to buy the 3.2-oz. family size bag on Amazon because these chips are my new favorite snack.

Dang Foods Toasted Coconut Chips (~$3 for 1.43-oz. bag; dangfoods.com) are non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan “chips” that can be eaten straight out of the bag or sprinkled onto just about anything (ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, etc.) for a delicious treat. Coconut “meat” (copra) is high in fiber and provides “loads of energy”, making these chips an even more awesome snack.

Sun Bum Sunscreen and Lotion

I guess any good summer subscription box should have some kind of sunscreen in it, but I’m stocked up on enough sunscreen to get me through to next summer, so this was another not-so-exciting part of the July Must Have box for me. The after-sun lotion, on the other hand, I will definitely be using. It is infused with aloe, Vitamin E and cocoa butter to help soothe skin and preserve your tan.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion ($15.99 for 8 oz.; shop.trustthebum.com) is described as a “moisturizing sunscreen formula” that will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching skin with Vitamin E, which helps to neutralize free radicals (the main cause of premature skin aging).

Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion ($11.99 for 8 oz.; shop.trustthebum.com) is enriched with soothing Aloe and Vitamin E to provide “an intense hydration to gently restore the skin’s natural moisture balance,” in a light, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and smooth.

TKO Jump Rope With Soft Grip Handles

Another product that’s not so exciting, but useful nonetheless. I have been meaning to buy a new jump rope and this one is perfect. Jump rope workouts are fast and efficient and it’s the perfect workout to get in in the morning before a busy day.

TKO Jump Rope With Soft Grip Handles (~$13; tko.com) are perfect for a quick workout sesh and you can burn up to 170 calories in just 15 minutes. This one has soft grip handles so you can jump rope in comfort 🙂

Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara

The last item this month was a “Special Extra” product from Revlon — a new mascara with high-shine, ultra black fibers.

Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara ($7.99 for 0.24 oz.; drugstore.com) contains a lacquer film technology and intense color pigments that deliver a “lustrous, deep color to lashes,” and a “lash stretch” brush that pulls the high-shine, lengthening fibers “from root to tip and beyond.”

Pop Sugar Must Have is a monthly lifestyle subscription box that costs $39.95 per month. They feature a range of items from beauty to fashion to home decor, fitness, food and more, and all items are full-sized (so it’s well worth the price!). To join, click here, or visit musthave.popsugar.com for more info 🙂

Julep Maven July 2014 Review + Photos: The Poolside Collection

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Julep Maven July 2014: The Poolside Collection

This month I completely forgot about customizing my Julep Maven box so I received my default box, the “Bombshell” box, instead. Bombshell is the “style profile” that I ended up with when I first subscribed. Basically, you take a quiz based on your style preferences and that is the style box you end up with each month (there are a few different styles, about 5 or so). Then, each month, you start out with that specific box and you can add-on or swap out different products based on exactly which products and nail colors you want.

So, anyway. Even though I didn’t exactly choose my box this month, I’m still happy with what I ended up receiving. I’m glad I got the new body lotion (instead of the body scrub, which was the other featured beauty product this month), and I got two pretty nail polish colors that I probably would have picked for myself anyway.

Julep‘s July collection, appropriately called “The Poolside Collection“, features nine new nail polish colors and two new beauty products: the Julep Bare Body Milk (below) and Julep Bare Body Polish ($26, or $20.80 for Mavens). I didn’t receive the body polish, but it’s described as an “invigorating scrub that polishes away the rough stuff standing between you and smooth, beautiful skin.” It is a creamy formula, packed with “tiny spheres” to exfoliate and, unlike salt and sugar scrubs, it doesn’t turn into a crumble-y mess when you mix it with water.

All of the Julep monthly collections are first released for Maven subscribers, and then you can order any of the items featured that month on the website a few weeks (maybe up to a month) after that.

Julep Bare Body Milk

I’m a bit stocked up on body lotions and moisturizers, so I really didn’t think this was going to be the most exciting Julep Maven month for me, but I’m definitely digging the lotion, and I think that a skincare item is a nice change from the mostly makeup products that Maven boxes have featured in recent months.

It smells wonderful (a super beach-y scent), and, even though I’ve only tested it out so far on my arms, it seems to get the job done pretty well. I’m going to do a full application tomorrow. I definitely don’t have a problem covering my body in the amazing scent and the tube looks cute on display among some of my other beauty products on top of my dresser.

Julep Bare Body Milk (reg. $24 or $19.20 for Maven subscribers, 6.8 oz.; julep.com) is described as an “ultra hydrating”, lightweight, fast-absorbing body lotion that “leaves a soft, silky finish that’s not heavy or greasy” in Julep’s summery signature “Beach Tonic” fragrance. It contains milk thistle to lock in moisture and help protect against environmental factors; olive oil, which delivers essential fatty acids to hydrate and repair skin; grapefruit oil, which promotes cell turnover; and orange peel to brighten dry, dull skin. Sounds pretty yummy to me.

Julep Nail Color in Beverly

I was actually really impressed by the two new nail colors I received with my July Maven box. They contain Julep’s (fairly) new Color Treat Oxygen Technology which makes the polish dry faster and allows 30% more oxygen to permeate the nail bed (the 30% is compared to nail polish from other brands without this technology).

I think both of these colors went on flawlessly and stayed on very well (three days later, still no chips). I am comparing this to other Julep polishes I have used in the past that did not have this “Color Treat” oxygen technology. Some Julep polishes have been a huge pain for me and they have gone on kind of messy and the polish itself seemed very sticky. This new technology really makes a huge difference.

Julep Nail Color in Beverly (reg. $14 or $11.20 for Maven subscribers, 0.27 oz.; julep.com) is described as a “Boysenberry creme” color. It’s a dark purplish berry color. The photo above makes the polish look a little more purple, but it does have reddish berry undertones which you can see a lot better in the photo on Julep’s website.

Julep Nail Color in Lissa

My favorite of the two nail colors in my Maven box this month was this beachy turquoise shade. Like the Boysenberry creme shade (above), this one is also formulated with Julep’s Color Treat Oxygen Technology that allows it to dry quicker and makes the polish last longer (as well as the 30% more oxygen that permeates the nail bed). An independent trial revealed that 95% of women found that this technology revealed stronger, harder and more conditioned nails in just two weeks, and Julep’s “proprietary” 5-free formula also includes “strengthening Hexanal and antioxidant green coffee extract” for an extra healthy nails boost.

Julep Nail Color in Lissa

Julep Nail Color in Lissa (reg. $14 or $11.20 for Maven subscribers, 0.27 oz.; julep.com) is described as a “tumbled turquoise creme.” It’s a really pretty bright turquoise (it looks a little brighter than it does in the photo above), and it’s really a true turquoise — more on the blue side than the green side, but I really can’t describe it any better because it’s just a real turquoise shade.

Fourth of July USA Tootsie Rolls in the Julep Maven July 2014 nail polish subscription box. Julep Maven July 2014 Review + Photos: The Poolside Collection. Monthly beauty nail polish subscription box review. Photo copyright 2014 Sugarglow Blog: Makeup, skincare, hair products, reviews, subscription boxes, DIY, fashion and more. www.sugarglowbeauty.com.

Tootsie Rolls added in to the July 2014 Julep Maven box

And the very last thing that was in my July 2014 Julep Maven box were these very Fourth of July Tootsie Rolls. Julep actually used to add in a surprise beauty item each month (nothing crazy, like maybe an extra nail file or some nail buffers), but they did away with that and recently they’ve been throwing in some candy as a surprise addition.

I have no complaints about this — I’m a little sick and tired of all the super healthy snacks that I’ve been seeing in subscription boxes (and really, pretty much everywhere). I am a candy addict (I’ve had a few root canals to prove it) and free candy is the best. No shame.

Julep Maven is a monthly nail polish and beauty product subscription box service that costs $24.99 per month, or $19.99 per month with a three-month subscription (you get $40+ worth of products in each box). Julep recently added a new “tier” to their subscription service that costs $39.99 per month for $60+ worth of products. Each box is fully customizable. To subscribe, click here, or visit Julep.com for more information.