Category: Beauty Tools

Boxycharm Subscription Box Review — April 2020

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Hey all! I hope you are all well and staying safe. I have received my April BoxyCharm last week.  I haven’t had the motivation to post, but I do love receiving this box each month.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for almost three years now and really enjoy it. BoxyCharm is now $25 a month plus tax for 5 full-sized beauty items. The value is at least $125 each month.

The only subscription boxes I’m currently getting is this box and BoxyLuxe four times a year.  I think Boxy has been doing an amazing job curating their boxes lately.

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The theme this month is Adore. My version is 24. This month I received:

Total $161.99.  That’s pretty good for $25

Here’s a close up of the palette:

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I’ve been wanting to try Zoeva’s eyeshadow formula for a while.  This palette is so pretty! It’s mostly shimmers, but they perform well.

I didn’t take close ups of the other products, but I’m pretty happy with this box.  I haven’t used Benefit POREfessional in years, so I excited to try it again.  The Iconic London highlight drops are so pretty on!  I’m glad I got that in the box.  The brushes are cute.  The only item I’m not happy about is the lashes.  I’ve gotten them before and didn’t use them.  These ones will sit in my drawer, too!

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Do you get Boxycharm?  What did you get in your box this month?

Boxycharm Subscription Box Review — February 2020

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Hey all! I have just received my February BoxyCharm! I love receiving this box each month.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for two and a half years now and really enjoy it. BoxyCharm is now $25 a month plus tax for 5 full-sized beauty items. The value is at least $125 each month.

The only subscription boxes I’m currently getting is this box, BoxyLuxe four times a year and the new BoxyCharm Premium.  I think Boxy has been doing an amazing job curating their boxes lately.

The theme this month is Adore. My version is 47. This month I received:

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These are gorgeous!  They are very soft and seem to be of good quality.  I really enjoy the Alamar eye brushes I have, so I’m excited to use these!

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The serum was my choice this month.  I love anything that smooths and firms my skin.  I will be testing this out once I’m done with my current firming serum.

The powder is okay.  I already have a Ciate powder in my stash that I got from a Boxycharm.  It’s a different name then this one but it looks like almost the same thing.  I’ll either save it for later or give it away.

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These are my least favorite products this month.  I don’t wear liquid lipstick and haven’t heard of the brand Qveen.  I will pass it on to someone else.

I like Pretty Vulgar and have tried a few things in my Boxycharm, but I haven’t found anything I love yet.  I have tons of mascara, so I’ll either throw this in my stash, or give it to one of my daughters.

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The box this month was okay for me.  I am loving the Kate Somerville serum and the brushes and will use those.  I might use the powder and mascara, or I might give them away.  I will definitely give the liquid lipstick away.

Do you get Boxycharm?   What did you get this month?

Ulta Haul — Treating Myself for Valentine’s day!

Hi All! January was a looong month!  I’m glad it’s over and we are well into February. So I decided to treat myself with an Ulta Haul. This is a Valentines to myself.  It helped that I had a 20% off coupon and a Christmas gift card I hadn’t used yet!

Here’s what I picked up:

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I fell for this palette as soon as I saw it online, and love it even more in person! I’m excited that there are neutrals along with the pinks and purples.  It will be so wearable for every day as well as special occasions.IMG-2749IMG-2761

Sorry this is a bit dirty, but that’s how it came to me.  Maybe the trip was too rough for it! I ams looking forward to using it.  It’s so pretty and soft.  I think it will be lovely for the spring as well as now!

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I have just finished my Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA serum and I really loved it.  But I decided to try something new.  Lactic Acid is supposed to be more gentle but still resurface the skin.  Hopefully I’ll love the Ordinary Lactic Acid.

This Milani blush is new and I’m looking forward to trying it out!

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My skin has been really dry and I need a new body cream.  The Unicorn Fruit Body Butter looks like fun and smells really nice.  Plus, I just wanted a new bath bomb and thought this one seems calming.

The NYX lip liner is a favorite of YouTuber Allie Glines, and I really need a new nude one.

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So, there’s my haul.  Have you picked up any new makeup or skincare?

Tati Beauty Blendiful Review

Hi all!  I hope you are having a great weekend!

I’m back with a new Tati Beauty review.  I have already reviewed the Textured Neutrals Vol. 1 palette when it was released.  Tati Westbrook is the founder of the brand.  She’s a Youtube star, as I’m sure you know!

This is the Blendiful makeup applicator.  I wasn’t going to pick this up at first, but after watching reviews of the Blendiful, I decided to pick it up!

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Here’s info from the Tati Beauty website:

The Blendiful is the makeup applicator you didn’t know you needed. This game changing soft textured fabric tool is a blending dream that’s designed to seamlessly apply & soften both liquid and powder products. The rounded edge & pointed tip help to provide a perfect blend step to step in your makeup application.  Buff in foundation with little product waste, experience seamless contour, smoother concealer & the most airbrushed powder application… even in those hard to reach areas of the face. Save product, save time & become the expert artist of your own unique routine. However you choose to use the Blendiful, your look will be one with no harsh lines every time. 

Here’s the back of the sponges:

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Here’s the package it came in, front and back:

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This is very thin and sleek.

I also wanted to show how it washed.  Below is my Blendiful after using it for foundation, concealer, cream bronzer and blush:.

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It’s dirty! I washed it with a little soap in the sink.  It washes up pretty quickly.  I lay it out to dry over night and this is how it looks afterwards:

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Nice and clean!  It’s still nice and soft.  Maybe not as soft as before you use it, but it still works just fine.

So, how do I like it?  First a confession.  The real reason I picked this up was the fact that I am lazy and when I heard this doesn’t have to be wet like a makeup sponge, I was in! I always forget to wet my sponge, sit down and get ready to apply my makeup, and have to get up and wet it.  Every. Time.

But, I’m so glad that I purchased it because it’s really a great product! The Blendiful is very easy to use.  I use it flat to quickly apply foundation.  It blends out so seamlessly.  The, it can be easily folded and manipulated to apply concealer, cream contours, blushes and highlights and all powder products. And my full face is applied in minutes.

I have tried it with stick and liquid foundations so far and like how it blends both.  It also blends my stick contours so nicely!

The little one is good for touch ups throughout the day if you have oilier skin.  I don’t, so I use it for powder.  It’s very soft and cute!

I highly recommend this if you love innovative ways to apply your makeup and want to try something new.  I will continue to use this everyday to apply my face makeup.

Have you picked up the Blendiful?  What do you think of the brand Tati Beauty?  Let me know!

 

 

 

 

FHI Heat Rose Gold Collection Review

Hi all! The luxe hair tools brand FHI Heat has recently come out with their Rose Gold Collection.  It’s so gorgeous.  The collection is designed to deliver professional quality styles at an affordable price. Included in the collection are the Rose Gold Platform 1900 Pro Dryer, the Rose Gold Platform Titanium Iron 1”, the Rose Gold Mini Travel Dryer and the Rose Gold Mini Travel Iron 1”.

I was sent the FHI Heat® Rose Gold Platform Pro Dryer for my honest review:

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The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Platform Pro Dryer (MSRP $139.99)  

  • Ultra-Light Weight dryer, utilizing high performing tourmaline ceramic technology, this dryer is the go-to and must-have for all hair types
  • Moisture-locking negative ions seal in moisture, repel humidity, reduce frizz and help eliminate static
  • Far-infrared heat dries hair from the inside out for healthier results.

Here’s a close up of the dryer:

 

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It’s so pretty!  But looks aren’t everything, and luckily this works amazing, too!  I find that it dries my hair very quickly, and my hair is smooth and soft after drying.

So many dryers leave my hair brittle and frizzy.  This doesn’t and gives me salon quality blow outs! The attachments are easy to use and help direct the airflow how you want it.

Also included in the collection are:

The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Titanium Pro Styler (MSRP $159.99)  

  • Features titanium plates infused with magnesium to heat up quicker and transfer heat to the hair faster for smooth, silky results.
  • Extra-long plates (20% longer than regular flat irons) allow for easier styling while moisture locking negative ions keep hair healthy and hydrated.
  • LED temperature settings up to 450°F for all hair types

The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Mini Travel Dryer (MSRP $32.99)

  • Ultra-Light and powerful dual voltage DC motor dryer is ideal for home or travel
  • Ergonomically designed with folding handle providing easy storage
  • Includes: Speed dry nozzle and carrying pouch

 The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Mini Travel Iron (MSRP $40)

  • Fast heat-up and even heat distribution in a convenient compact size
  • Allows you to create multiple styles and seal in vital moisture
  • Dual 120/240 voltage for worldwide use

 

This collection would make a great gift for anyone who loves luxe hair tools that work so well.  Plus, they are so pretty!

You can purchase these in Kohl’s stores nationwide, www.kohls.com, and www.fhiheat.com

Holiday Gift Guides 2019 — Beauty Tools

Hi all!  It’s time for my Holiday Gift Guides, and this is my first one of the year!

Also, check out my Instagram in the next couple of days for pics of some of these gifts. It’s fortyflirtyfab.  If you’d like to follow me, I’d be happy to follow back!

Here are some great beauty tools in a range of prices:

Beauty Junkees 6pc Sample Set Makeup Sponges
Beauty Junkees Basic Eye Brush Set

Beauty Junkees Sample Set Makeup Sponges – 6pc ($20) — Say bye-bye to blotchy or rough skin and hello to your new go-to tools. Stock your makeup kit like a pro with this set of six bestselling makeup sponge blenders. Blend your foundation, your concealer, cream contour, your BB cream, or your skin care products flawlessly for a fresh and beautiful look no matter what!

Beauty Junkees Basic Eye Makeup Brush Set ($15 USD) — Your eyes have better things to do than be weighed down by heavy shadow. Let your beautiful eyes shine with a simple and refreshing pop of eye makeup that doesn’t overpower your natural beauty. This eye brush kit includes all the brushes you need for a simple, yet expertly-applied, eye look that is sure to wow.

  • Pack, Blend, Buff & Smudge
  • Perfect Brush Set to Use with Beauty Junkees Eyeshadow Quads
  • Professional Quality Affordable Makeup Tools
  • Valued at $40 if purchased separately

Purchase these sets and more at https://shop.beautyjunkees.com/

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves! 5-Piece Full-Size Brush Set + Luxe Travel Case
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves! 5-Piece Full-Size Brush Set + Luxe Travel Case

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves! 5-Piece Full-Size Brush Set + Luxe Travel Case ($75, $192.50 Value) — Experience how great brushes give you great-looking skin with Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves! 5-Piece Full-Size Brush Set + Luxe Travel Case! This limited-edition set includes 5 essential full-size, ultra-plush makeup brushes for your face and eyes—plus a bonus travel case that carries them in style. Featuring award-winning Heavenly Luxe cruelty-free hair and custom-cut shapes, these skin-loving brushes are designed to do the work for you to deliver your most flawlessly airbrushed results and the experience of your most beautiful you every time!

Set Includes:

  • Effortless Powder Brush
  • Effortless Blush Brush
  • Effortless Foundation Brush
  • Effortless Precision Brush
  • Effortless Dual-Ended Shadow Brush
  • Luxe Travel Case

Available at https://www.itcosmetics.com/

Beautyblender The Jewel Box Mystery Blind Bag
Beautyblender The Jewel Box Mystery Blind Bag

Beautyblender The Jewel Box Mystery Blind Bag ($20 USD) Like a little black box, there’s a surprise waiting for you – discover which Beautyblender® (one of two shades) is hidden inside this mystery ornament. Additionally, you’ll get a limited-edition Blendercleanser® Solid® Gemstone Cleanser to keep your blender in prime condition. This duo is irresistible for any makeup lover and so cute to open on the ‘gram.

Purchase at beautyblender.com

I hope you enjoyed my first  gift guide of the year! There’s many more to come!

BoxyCharm Premium Subscription Box Review — November 2019

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Hi all! I’ve just received my very first BoxyCharm Premium! This is a new subscription from BoxyCharm.  It’s a little more products than the regular and a little less than the BoxyLuxe.  Here’s the details:

  • It’s $35 a month
  • 6-7 beauty items a box
  • $175+ Value
  • You get to pick one of the items
  • The items will be different from BoxyCharm/BoxyLuxe – you can subscribe to both with no product overlap.

The products I received are:

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Natasha Denona Bloom Blush and Glow Palette – $55
Dragun Beauty Dragunfire Skin Perfecting Potion – $25
Becca Cosmetics Glow Gloss in Champagne Creme – $22
QMS Medicosmetics Intensive Eye Care Cream – $150
Kopari Beauty Coconut Rose Toner – $25
BoxyCharm 5 Piece Brush Set — $65

My total this month is $342!  That’s crazy for spending only $35!

Here’s another photo:

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I do think this feels like a luxury box.  Here’s some close ups of the products:

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I’ve been interested in this palette since it came out.  I love Natasha Denona products and thinks this looks so pretty, especially for the fall with my pale skin tone.  I haven’t swatched it yet, but I will do a separate review of this with swatches.

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These BoxyCharm brushes are really interesting.  They are very soft.  The oval shape of the larger brushes are not something I’ve tried before.  I think I’ll use those for foundation and cream products, like the blush in the palette.

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Here’s the skincare from the box.  These are some of my favorite products this month.

The eye cream is very expensive ($150!). But, I’m looking forward to trying it.  I think I’ll use it after I’m done with my current night eye cream.  It better make me look 10 years younger at least! LOL!

The Kopari toner smells amazing.  It’s supposed to make my pores look smaller, so I hope that’s true.  I’ll use it once my current rose toner spray is used up.

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These last two products are my least favorites in the box.  The Dragun Beauty corrector is so dark!  I’ve seen light skin gals use it, but it’s still a bit scary.  I’m going to give it a go, but I’m going to read up on how to use it.

The Becca gloss is in Champagne Creme.  It’s really pretty, especially for the fall and holidays.  But I have so many glosses that I need to use.  I think I’ll give this away to someone for Christmas.

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I think this was a great first month for BoxyCharm Premium!  I will use almost every product in the box, which is pretty rare.  I’m looking forward to what next month brings!

Did you get BoxyCharm Premium this month?  What did you think?

I’ll be reviewing my regular November BoxyCharm soon, so we’ll see how it compares to Premium.

Giant Ulta Points Haul!

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Hi all!  I recently turned in my Ulta points and did an amazing haul! I got the items above and this advent calendar:

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The Body Shop Online Only Essential Advent Calendar ($70 USD) — I can’t find this on the website anymore!  So sad!  It’s really cute and smells amazing! They still have the more expensive one.  The Online Only Deluxe Vegan Advent Calendar.  It’s $110.  You can purchase it here.

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Here’s the calendar open.  I’m excited to open this in December!

Here are close up pics of the other items:

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The pink bag was a gift with purchase.  It’s full of a bunch of deluxe samples.

And I’ve been wanting the recent Anastasia Beverly Hills collabs.  The top palette is the Carli Bybel palette and the bottom one is the Jackie Aina palette.  I will be doing full reviews of both (and the Tati Beauty palette which I just ordered today)!

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From the top is the Tarte Travel Size Timeless Smoothing Primer ($19 USD).  Tati Westbrook talks about this all of the time, and I’ve decided to try it out.  And I love that it’s in a mini. I always use a pore filling primer over a hydrating one.  I’m using up a couple now, but I will try this out once they are used up.

I have also heard a lot about the new Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer ($22 USD).  I purchased it in the shade 2, which may be too light for me.  I probably should have got shade 4.  But that’s okay, I’ll give it a go.

I picked up two items from Catrice — the Lip Treatment ($7.99 USD) and the HD Liquid Coverage Foundation ($10.99 USD).  I love a good lip treatment and I have heard amazing things about the foundation. I picked it up in 020 Rose Beige.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m hoping it’s an okay match to try.  Of course, since I got it all with my points, it’s FREE MAKEUP! It’s not the end of the world if the match for that and the concealer isn’t perfect.  I can always mix them with other products.

The other products I got are the Morphe X Jeffree Star JS4 Fly High Brush ($10 USD), Morphe Highlight & Contour Beauty Sponge ($8 USD),  The Ordinary ”Buffet” ($14.80 USD) and the Peter Thomas Roth Mask MashUp ($25 USD) which is unfortunately no longer on the website.

I’ve been sick, so I haven’t really tried anything out yet, but I might wear makeup tomorrow to try somethings out.  This is my largest points haul yet, and I’m so excited about it!

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Have you used any Ulta points for free makeup?  What did you get?

 

Ipsy Glam Bag Ultimate Review — October 2019

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Hey all!  It’s time for my October Ipsy Glam Bag Ultimate review! Here’s some info on the new subscription:

  • Glam Bag Ultimate is a new subscription with 8 full-sized & 4 deluxe samples, personalized for you, for $50/month. You’ll get to choose one of your full-size products with the new choice feature!
  • There will be a makeup bag, every month.
  • You can now add up to 5 Add-Ons for your bag. Previously you were limited to 3.

This subscription is $50 a month.

I have pretty much enjoyed Ipsy Glam Bag Plus, so I wanted to get this new subscription a try.

Here’s what I received for September:

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Here’s close up looks at the products:

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I chose the Green Clean this month.  I haven’t used it before, but I am looking forward to trying it out.

The Biorace serum looks interesting.  I can always use hydration.  I will be trying this out when I’m out of my current hydrating serums.

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The Cela creme contains “A potent blend of Canadian botanicals—blueberry, elderberry, evening primrose, juniper berry, rosemary, and lavender—team up to deeply hydrate your skin.”  I will be keeping this and trying it out in the winter, when my skin needs more hydration.  It’s supposed to work well before makeup.

I’m not really interested in the Eggplant mask or Unicorn Glow primer, so I’ll save those to give as holiday gifts.

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The Saem is a Korean skincare brand.  I will probably save these to give as stocking stuffers. I may try one out.  Not too exciting.

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These F.A.R.A.H brushes look nice, but I don’t really need face brushes right now.  I will probably give them away.

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Neither of these are very exciting to me (the theme of the box, LOL.  These will probably be stocking stuffers.

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I haven’t tried anything from Makeup Geek before, so I am going to test this out. It has a pink duochrome flip, so it’s probably not an everyday highlight for me. It might be nice for Halloween or just dressing up.

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This is a pretty blush trio.  I don’t really need it and think this will make a nice gift for someone.

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Besides the Farmacy Green Clean, this is the other product I was excited about.  It’s very pretty and perfect for fall.  I have a few of these Huda Obsessions palettes and really enjoy them! It will go well with my Smoky Obsessions palette that’s in my October Shop My Stash.

So, I was very excited to try the Ipsy Glam Bag Ultimate out, but I’ll only use a few of the 12 products I received.  For $50, I don’t think it was a great deal.  I’m not sure I will continue this subscription.  You would think that for their first box, it would be amazing.

Did you try Ipsy Glam Bag Ultimate this month?  What do you think?  Did you get different products than I did?

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review — October 2019

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Hey all! I recently received my October BoxyCharm! This month there were so many different variations.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for over two years now and really enjoy it. BoxyCharm is now $21 a month for 4-5 beauty items, most of them full-sized. Next month, in November, it increases to $25 a month. The value is supposed to be a little more, though.  There is also a new BoxyCharm Premium starting in November.  It’s $35 a month for 6-7 products. I haven’t decided if I want to try that one yet.  I might cancel my Ipsy Ultimate (review to come), and get that instead.

My version is 39. This month I received:

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Total — $140 — great for paying $21!

I am in love with this box!  Probably one of the best ones I’ve gotten in a long time.  The Touch in Sol balm was the item I chose this month, so I’m excited to use it.  I’m already using the lip gloss and it’s beautiful — not sticky at all.  I don’t think I’ve noticed plumping, but it’s minty and nice.

I’m really looking forward to trying the Illuminati sponge.  I’ve never heard of the brand before, but it’s soft and I wonder how it will feel once wet.  I’m going to hold on to it for when I need a fresh sponge.

The only product I may give away is the Tarte highlighter.  I don’t really wear liquid highlighter.

My favorite item of the box is definitely the Dose of Colors palette.  I’ve been wanting to try one of their 5-pan palettes.  Here is a close up of the palette:

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So pretty!  And the shades are so smooth.  Here’s swatches:

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All of these shades swatched really nicely.  I’m excited to use it!

I’m very happy with my box this month.  Next month will be a more expensive box and it’s also supposed to be worth more.  I’ve seen a couple of spoilers and it looks like it will be a great box!

Do you get BoxyCharm?  What did you get this month?