#wanderbeauty – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

10 in 2020 — Rolling Project Pan First Check In

Hi all! I hope you’re doing well and staying safe!

This year I started with 10 makeup products. My rule this year is once I use one up, I’ll replace it with someone else. In the case of pressed powder products, I will probably keep them to see how far I can pan them this year. Here are the products I first started out with:

I have close up photos of the powders and stick products. I can’t really tell how much of the liquid products I have, but I’d say they are all half to 3/4 full.

Here’s a group photo of what I am using now:

So, the three glosses are gone! I used up two of them, the Bite Beauty and Buxom in White Russian. I gave away the Dose of Colors gloss. I just don’t like the formula of that lip gloss. It’s very sticky and full coverage. I like a sheer hydrating gloss.

I replaced them with two Buxom glosses, Dolly Lip Polish and Hot Toddy Lip Creme. And a new product, the Becca Cosmetics Under Eye Brightening Corrector. I started using this pretty much right after I started my project pan, after I got rid of the Dose of Colors gloss. Here’s the photos how it was in the beginning and how it is now:

I had already hit pan, but I made a huge dent in it! I am hoping to use it up by my end of June check in. If not, for sure in my September check in.

And I am so proud of hitting pan on my butter bronzer! I’ve had this for almost two years and have finally hit pan! I’m hoping to make that pan much bigger by next check in.

I have not used this a lot. Swirled together, the shade is darker than I am now. I will be using it more in Summer.

I have used this almost all up! I’m still scraping in the container, but I should be done with this soon!

I have been using this eyebrow pencil almost everyday. I can’t believe it’s not used up yet! I’m going to keep going and hopefully use it up by next check in.

For my other products, I’m about halfway through the beautyblender Selfie Shield primer. I have been using it more. I had to cut open the Leveler primer (in the back) because it wasn’t coming out. I have about an eighth of it left so am almost done with it.

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I think my Project Pan is going pretty well. I used up three products and should use up a few more by the next check in. I will replace them with other items since this is a rolling project pan.

Are you doing a Project Pan this year? How’s it going if you are?

10 in 2020 — Rolling Project Pan

Hi all! I’m back with my first Project Pan in a year! I took a year off, but have decided it’s time to use up some makeup.

The Project Pans I did in 2019 were mostly skincare. This year I’m starting with 10 makeup products and once I use one up, I’ll replace it with someone else. In the case of pressed powder products, I will probably keep them to see how far I can pan them this year. Here’s what I’ve chosen to start off with:

I have close up photos of the powders and stick products. I can’t really tell how much of the liquid products I have, but I’d say they are all half to 3/4 full.

Here’s the starting photo of my Butter Bronzer. I’ve had this for a year and a half. I use it consistently, and it’s crazy that I haven’t hit pan! I’m hoping to make a big dent in it this year!

I’ve had this powder foundation for a couple of years. It’s starting to get a little dry, but it still works well. I’m hopefully going to pan it this year and at the end of the year (or sooner), I’ll decide if I want to keep it.

I purchased this last spring and used it a lot in the spring and summer. I haven’t used it for a few months, but I wore it today and remembered how amazing it makes my skin look! I’m sure I will use it up this year.

I have been using this pencil since fall, but I thought I had more left in it! It shouldn’t take me long to use this up.

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I’m excited to see how this project pan goes! Hopefully I’ll use up some of my products this year. Also, check out my monthly Shop My Stash results to see my mostly skincare empties.

Are you doing a project pan this year?

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review — January 2020

Hey all! I have just received my first BoxyCharm of 2020! I love receiving this box each month.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for over two 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 Breaking The Ice. My version is 6. This month I received:

Ace Beaute Eye Shadow Palette in Scarlet Dusk— $34.99
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask — $22
Pretty Vulgar Under Cover Concealer — $25
Petite ‘n Pretty Fully Feathered Volumizing Mascara — $16
Wander Beauty Trip for Two Blush and Bronzer Duo — $36

Total — $133.99. I think that’s good for a $25 box.

This was my choice item for this month. I could have chosen this, Ace Beaute Vintage Dawn OR Dr Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream

I have tested it out last night and I think the shadows are really pigmented and bright. Maybe a little bright for me! It might be a palette that I use with a more neutral palette. I’ll play with it a little more and see. I might do a review on it as well.

I am really happy I received this. When these cheek palettes were released last year, I really wanted to try them. I’m a fan of Wander Beauty. I haven’t tried this on my face yet (there is a swatch below). Bellini is a really pretty shade, but Costa Rei may be too light even for my fair skin.

Petite n’ Pretty is a brand sold at Ulta. It’s makeup for kids, tweens and teens so I’m not sure why it’s in a BoxyCharm. This is one I might pass on to one of my daughters.

I was sent a sample pack of the Pretty Vulgar concealers to match my shade a month or two ago. This is the lightest shade we were sent to test, and it might be a bit dark for me. I’m going to test it today. Here’s swatches of the Wander Beauty palette and the concealer:

The peach blush is gorgeous, but as you can see the bronzer is very light. The concealer is very creamy which is nice, but I usually like a little bit lighter shade for brightening. This may be good for me in the summer, though.

Las but certainly not least is the Glow Recipe mask. I have been wanting to try this! You can use this at night, or use it as a days mask. I might try it as a day mask and keep it on for 10 minutes first to see how my skin reacts to it. I do love the Glow Recipe watermelon moisturizer and pineapple serum. I’m very excited to try this product! It is in a smaller 1 oz size, but that’s fine!

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I’m pretty happy with my January BoxyCharm! I’m excited about the Glow Recipe mask and the Wander Beauty face palette. I will be testing out the eyeshadow palette and the concealer. And I’ll probably be passing on the mascara.

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

I just received my BoxyCharm Premium a few minutes ago, so I’ll be posting that review in a few days.

2019 Annual Makeup Favorites — And One Big Fail!

Happy New Year! I’m excited to share my 2019 annual favorites. This year I’m breaking it up into two categories — Makeup and Skincare.

I love sharing my favorite makeup products. I’ve included one in each category, and I will also lists some honorable mentions. I usually don’t include products I don’t like, but I have one extreme fail this year that was a favorite on many people’s lists. So read to the end if you want to know what foundation didn’t work for me at all!

These are my favorite and most used products of 2019. If I have reviewed or mentioned them before, I’ll link that post.

Tati Beauty Textured Neutrals Vol. 1 Palette — I purchased a few new palettes this year and got a couple in PR that I really like. This one stood out to me because I really love Tati and wanted to support her, and I’ve never seen a palette laid out like this. Gorgeous!

Honorable mentions are the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette. I used it a lot this year. It’s such a nice, neutral palette. A new one that’s a favorite is the Colourpop Going Coconuts palette. I will be reviewing that one soon. And my favorite colorful palette is the Natasha Denona Sunrise palette. It’s so gorgeous!

NARS Makeup Your Mind Eye & Cheek Palette — So this palette holds my favorite bronzer, Laguna and my favorite blush formula from the year. I love all three of the blush shades in this — Luster, Orgasm and Dolce Vita. Beautiful!

Looking back on my monthly favorites for 2019, I really didn’t have many blushes or bronzers in there. In November I purchased the Colorpop Pressed Powder Blush in Enchanted Mirror and the Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder in 01 Sun Light. I have been loving both of those. I would love to find more favorites in these categories this year.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer — I purchased this in the spring Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, but just started using it in the fall. I used it up in 2 months! I will be purchasing again. A primer I loved for the warm weather is the Touch in Sol No Poreblem Prime Essence. I received it in a BoxyLuxe this year and loved how smooth it made my skin!

Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation — This isn’t a new foundation, but it was new to me this year. I love that it gives a natural finish with a nice coverage. It doesn’t look like I’m wearing makeup. Honorable Mentions are the Pur 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Foundation and the Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation. Both look so nice on my skin and don’t settle in my pores or lines. I do need both of them in a darker shade, but I think they are nice, too!

Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer — This is one of the best concealers I have ever used! It’s easily blendable and gives great coverage. Plus it stays in place all day. I do not have a runner up in 2019, because nothing compares. Lets see if there’s a better one for me in 2020…

Urban Decay The Ultimate Brush Off Translucent Loose Setting Powder — I love the texture of this powder. It sets under my eyes and all over my face flawlessly. And it doesn’t sit in my pores and lines or look cakey. I’m not a big fan of the packaging and hope they repackage it into a normal container without a brush.

Beauty Bakerie HD Flour Setting Powder is a close second. I purchased it in the Spring Ulta 21 Days of Beauty and used it up in a few months. I will be purchasing it again once I go through some powders I have. It is light and doesn’t settle into pores.

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter — This is an oldie but goodie! I rediscovered this highlighter in 2019. It can look soft and natural on or be built up to be blinding. I do have a few other highlighters, but I don’t really love any other of mine right now. I think I’ll try to find a perfect highlighter in 2020!

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara — What an amazing mascara! I alsways have the issue of my mascara smudging under my eye, even when I don’t put mascara on my lower lashes. This is a tubing mascara, so it only comes off when I take it off with just water! Amazing! I also love the L’Oreal Unlimited Length and Lift Mascara. It gives amazing length and builds up to be really voluminous.

Wander Beauty Frame Your Face Micro Brow Pencil — I got this in an Ipsy Glam Bag Plus. I no longer get that box, but I’m happy I received this brow pencil! It is the perfect consistancy for me, not too soft or too waxy. Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra-Fine Shape & Define is my runner up for brows. It’s insanely pigmented, so a little goes a long way. But it works so well on. I love the micro pencils when doing my brows.

Pop Beauty Pout on Point Lip Liner — I have had this liner for a couple of years and it is almost out. The color I have is Nude. It’s not too creamy, so it stays on all day. But it does glide on and blend like a dream! I don’t have another lip liner I love as much, so I might have to make a Pop Beauty order soon. I am always on the lookout for an amazing lip liner that doesn’t cost too much.

Iconic London Lip Gloss — I love this lip plumper! The shade I have is Nearly Nude. It’s lightly plumping and looks gorgeous over a lip liner or any lipstick. I don’t wear lipstick that much any more, usually just a lip liner with a gloss over it. Although this is very nice, I am on the lookout for my perfect sheer gloss. I need to use up ones I have before I will let myself try some more.

And now, my (probably controversial) fail for 2019:

L'Oreal Fresh Wear Foundation

L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation — Almost all reviews I saw for this last year were positive. And there was a lot. The only two reviews that weren’t as positive were ladies around my age that said it made them look like they were wearing foundation instead of just having beautiful skin.

For me, this foundation was just awful. It settled heavily in my pores and fine lines. I tried so many different primers, serums and combinations of those to try not to look like a cakey mess when I wore it. They didn’t work. Finally (before I gave it away), I had one day that I used an oil under it along with creams and primers, and it only looked slightly bad. Almost passable. LOL! I gave it away after about 10 uses.

It was so sad because I was hoping to love it like so many others. But I did find a perfect (for me) foundation, the Catrice one.

Did you try this foundation? What did you think?

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I found so many amazing products in 2019! I might have purchased too much, because I’m still working through them. I still get BoxyCharm, BoxyLuxe and BoxCharm Premium, but I have got rid of my other subscriptions. I am also going to try to purchase items I need in 2020. And of course, a few I want.

Stay tuned for my skincare favorites of 2019 and I think I’m doing an annual Project Pan this year.

September 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi all! It’s almost October, which means it’s time for my September favorites!

Below are my beauty faves for September. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

My favorites this month include a good mix of makeup and skincare, plus a hair care item!

I’ve been trying out loads of new skincare the last few months and love to spotlight my favorites each month. Plus, a few of these favorites are from subscription boxes.

I received the Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum in my BoxyLuxe for September. I use it every morning after cleansing and toning.It really brightens my skin!

The Primera Alpine Berry Water Cream is so hydrating.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion has made such a difference in my fine lines.

I purchased the Smashbox Primerizer during the spring Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty. I didn’t want to wear it in the summer heat and humidity, but now that it’s cooler, I’m really enjoying this. It smooths and hydrates the skin. Perfect before foundation to create a moisturized base.

I also got the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Scents in Creamy Coconut in the Ulta’s Spring 21 Days. I only have about a third of this left. I like the soft coconut set and it performs just like the original spray.

The IGK Hair Mistress Hydrating Balm was also included in my September BoxyLuxe. This is a gorgeous balm that works to smooth damp or dry hair. I use this every day to tame my frizzies.

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The Wander Beauty Frame Your Face brow pencil was in my September Ipsy Glam Bag Plus. The shade is Dark Brown and it works well for me. The pencil is a bit of a dry formula and takes a little pressure to use, but I like the effect I get with it.

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This pretty face palette is the Ofra x Madison Miller Miller Squad Midi Palette. I also received this in September Ipsy Glam Bag Plus. The blush is really nice for fall and I enjoy the highlighters, although they are very similar to each other.

I’ve had the Sigma Beauty Enchanted Eyeshadow Palette for a couple of months. I’ve posted about it on my Instagram (fortyflirtyfab), but I haven’t reviewed it here yet. I do plan on reviewing it soon. It is unfortunately sold out on the Sigma Beauty website, but I have found it on Amazon here.

This is a stunning palette! You can create ethereal or even very dramatic looks with it. The shadows blend nicely. Some of the shimmers need to be built up, but that’s fine with me.

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BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review — August 2019

Hey all! I recently received my August BoxyCharm! I always watch for the spoilers so I basically knew what I am getting. There were a couple of different variations this month. Read on to find out what I got (and if I got the variation I wanted)!

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for almost two years now and really enjoy it. BoxyCharm is just $21 a month for 4-5 beauty items, most of them full-sized. It is a nice way to try new makeup and beauty tools.

My version is 2. This month I received:

Wander Beauty Glow Ahead Illuminating Face Oil ($42)
Ace Beauty Glimmer Eye Shadow Set ($25)
Tarte Big Ego Mascara ($23)
Becca Cosmetics Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder ($39)
Steve Laurent Lip Liner in Chic ($15)

The total of this box is $144. Not bad for only paying $21!

I have been wanting to try this since it came out! It’s a powder that contains water. A lot of people say that it feels wet when you apply it. To me it just feels really cooling. I have tired it. I find that it’s not great for under the eyes, it cakes up. But a light layer can set the rest of my makeup and it looks really natural. I’m going to continue testing it out, it’s so much fun to use!

This oil and the powder were two items I think everyone will get this month. I already have a few oils I’m not using, so I will probably give this away. Plus, I think it has shimmer or glitter in it and I don’t enjoy that in my skincare.

So the big variation this month was either this mascara or the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum (which is what I wanted). I did get a deluxe size of this mascara with the tarte Unleashed palette I recently purchased. It’s okay. It gives a lot of volume, but it smeared badly under my eyes. So I will be giving this away and I am envious of those who received the serum!

The top photo is the nude lip liner and the bottom are shimmery shadows. I’ve used the lip liner a couple of times. It’s pretty hard, so I hope it will soften up. I do like the shade.

The shadows I received are in the shades Iced Latte and Cotton Candy. They remind me of Colourpop Super Shock Shadows. The texture is the same. Here are swatches of these products:

The shades of these eye shadows are so pretty! My only issue is that there is a lot of glitter in them. I don’t know if you can see that, but here are specks of glitter in each one. While I love metallic eye shadows, I’m not the biggest fan of glitter in my shadows. I’ve worn the pink one (Cotton Candy) and it is gorgeous on. My only issue is that I have glitter all over my face. Next time I wear them, I’ll put on a glitter glue first and see if that helps. If not, I’ll pass them along to my daughter.

This was an okay box for me. Not as good as the last few BoxyCharm’s I received. But I will use the powder — it kinds of makes the box for me. I also will use the lipliner and hope it gets softer and I might continue to use the eye shadows. The face oil and mascara will be given away.

What did you get in your BoxyCharm this month. If you got the serum — lucky dog!!!

I’m really looking forward to my BoxyLuxe in September. I hope it’s as good as the June one.

Allure Beauty Box April (and March) 2019

Hi all! I recently resubscribed to Allure Beauty Box. I was subscribed a couple of years ago and decided to give it another go. They were advertising an amazing collaboration box with You Tuber Carli Bybel. Plus $5 off the first box and a free La Mer gift. So they got me!

The Allure Beauty Box is $15 a month. And you receive deluxe and some full size products. Not bad!

I actually received the March box a couple of weeks ago, and thought that’s what they sent instead of the April box. But I just got the April box, too and thought I’d share both.

I didn’t get all of the spoilers that were advertised, but I think it’s a pretty great box.

Here’s the April box:

Juvia’s Place Nubian Mini Limited Edition

Vita Liberata Phenomenal Tan Infused Towels (2 pack)

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Creme

LA Splash Cosmetics ART-KI-TEKT Slim Eyeliner Pen — Full Size

LUXIE 205 Tapered Blending Brush Rose Gold –Full Size

Natasha Denona Eye Shadow in Bronzage

I have tried Vita Liberata mousses before, but never the cloths. I will try these out and see how I like them.

I haven’t tried this Briogeo product before, but will definitely give it a go. I love heat protection products.

The Luxie Brush is very pretty and soft. I will use that. My daughters usually steal any liquid liners I get, but I might try this out before they find it. I don’t use a lot of liner, but I would like to see how this works.

The first shadow swatch is the Natasha Denona Bronzage, there is also a closer swatch of that below. I think it’s fun how well it goes with the Juvia’s Place palette.

This is my first time trying Juvia’s Place. It’s a cute, mini palette and will be really good for travel. I have tried it and make a complete look with it. It was very nice quality and blended out well.

Here’s a close up of the Natasha Denona Bronzeage. It’s sooooo pretty! I’ve tried it with some of my favorite neutral mattes in the crease and outer corner, and it looks so pretty all over the lid. I think this will be a go to for summer. It’s really soft and buttery, too. I want to buy a larger Natasha Denona palette, but they are very expensive. Maybe in the future…

Here is my March box. I’m not going to show close ups of all of the products, but here’s a group shot:

This is my March box with my La Mer free gift. I received:

Tarte Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in OG or Bestie – FULL SIZE! Retail Value $20

The BrowGal Instant Brow Gel

Wander Beauty Mascara – FULL SIZE (Retail Value $24)

Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Oil

Mamonde Rose Water Toner

ModelCo Metallic Eyeshadow Trio in Mykonos

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask

I think this is a very good box. Even though I wasn’t expecting it, I’m glad I got it. I’ll use everything except for maybe the ModelCo palette and the brow gel is not in my color. I’ll try everything else.

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Do you get Allure? What was in your April box?

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — March 2019

Hey all! I received my second BoxyLuxe yesterday! I’m so excited! I’ve been a subscriber of BoxyCharm for over a year. The regular BoxyCharm box is $21 a month. BoxyLuxe is a once-a-quarter upgrade option you can add to your existing $21-a-month Boxycharm subscription. So for an additional $28.99, you’ll get the Luxe items, and be paying a total of $49.99 for that quarterly box.

I really enjoyed my December box. You can see that review here. I saw the spoilers for this box, I just didn’t know what variations I would get.

The theme for this month is La Vie En Rose. Here’s what I received:

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream ($48 USD)
MODA Brush Powder and Soft Glow Kit – ($29.99 USD)
Wander Beauty Lift Off Purifying and Brightening Peel Off Mask – ($34 USD)
Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love – ($24 USD)
CoverFX All in One Perfector Face Palette – ($45 USD)
15D Day Slayer Artistry Palette ($16 USD)
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color Polishes in Modern Love and Oh Donna ($20 USD)
Lilly Lashes Gala Faux Mink Lashes ($24.99 USD)
Iconic London Sculpt & Boost Eyebrow Cushion – ($40 USD)
BoxyCharm Makeup Bag ($20 USD)

I have tried this cream before. It’s very nice, especially as a night cream. It’s extremely hydrating without being greasy. And my skin always looks beautiful the next morning after use. This is a great product to get in the box!

These Moda Brushes are gorgeous. And they are really soft. They can be used for face powder, highlighter, bronzer — whatever I need them for. I love getting nice brushes in boxes, so I will definitely use these!

I have tried a few things from Wander Beauty, but I haven’t tried this mask. I actually think they created this Rose Gold peel off mask for BoxyCharm. I’m excited to try this! I’ll test it out this weekend.

I knew I was getting a Becca Lipstick and was very excited. But, I got the shade Chocolate — and it’s almost spring. I usually only wear nudes or lighter pinks, so this will not be used. And, it’s disappointing because I wanted to try the formula, but I don’t want to use it just one. I will give it away or sell it.

This is the Cover FX palette. This was created for BoxyCharm. This is the Light-Medium shade. There is also a Medium-Deep I believe. This is my favorite item in the box from my first impressions. The packaging may not look like it, but it’s really good quality and it has a nice mirror. The shades are all perfect for my light skin. But…

Speaking of skin tone, BoxyCharm make an announcement that everyone should fill out the profile questionnaire so that we will get the correct shade for our skin tone. But, I guess that they sent the incorrect shades to a lot of subscribers. They did apologize, but they aren’t sending out a new palette, they gave the subscribers charms instead. So hmmm. I’ll talk more about this at the end of the blog.

So, this is the Morphe Day Slayer palette. There were four different palette variations. These others had purples, corals and pinks. This one has oranges and browns. It was the one I didn’t want because it reminds me of fall and it’s almost spring.

I will either keep this until fall and then try it out or give it away.

These Deborah Lippman polishes look really pretty. The one on the left is Oh Donna, a sparkly rosy mauve and the one on the right is Modern Love, a classic mauve creme. I am going to use these, maybe even together, this weekend.

These are very pretty, but I don’t wear false lashes. So I might add these to my Instagram giveaway I’m doing when I hit 5000 followers (follow me @fortyflirtyfab to see that giveaway later, and my fun posts now!).

I haven’t tried Iconic before, but they are a luxe brand. I am trying out some new brow products, so I don’t know if I’m going to keep this. That’s why I’ve kept the seal on it. I love brow pencils, but I’m sure this is nice. The color is Medium, but I’ve seen some photos and it looks pretty dark. My brows are almost black, so it would be fine for me.

I just realized that I forgot to take a photo of the bag alone. You can kind of see it in the first photo. It’s too lake to take one now, but I might tomorrow and if I do, I will put it here. It is a really pretty train case style bag.

So that is a lot of products, whew! The total is $301.98 which is pretty great for spending $49.99. I think this is a really good deal, if you don’t mind not knowing if you will enjoy the variations you get. I’m glad I got the correct face palette, but I’m not going to use the lipstick or probably the eye shadow palette. And I think it stinks that many subscribers can’t use their face palette (or not use it as intended. It can probably be used for eyeshadows).

I will keep and enjoy the face palette, the brushes, the mask, polishes, train case and maybe the face cream. I have so many right now, I don’t know if I will keep it. The other products I will either giveaway or sell.

I have so much makeup and skincare right now, and I am also getting Ipsy Glam Bag Plus soon. So, I think I’m going to give both of the subscriptions until June (which will give me one more month of BoxyLuxe, plus it’s my birthday month) and then I will choose which one to keep. These are my only current subscription boxes, but I don’t really think I need both. But we will see…

Do you get BoxyLuxe or BoxyCharm? What were your variations this month?

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — December 2018

My first BoxyLuxe arrived yesterday! I’m so excited! I’ve been a subscriber of BoxyCharm for over a year. The regular BoxyCharm box is $21 a month. BoxyLuxe is a once-a-quarter upgrade option you can add to your existing $21-a-month Boxycharm subscription. So for an additional $28.99, you’ll get the Luxe items, and be paying a total of $49.99 for that quarterly box.

Here’s what I got this month:

I have to say that my first impression was wow! This box is so much larger than norm BoxyCharm and it was packed full. The products are basically what you need for a full face of color cosmetics, eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, mascara and a lippie. Plus, a beautiful brush set and skin care and a bath and body product!

Here’s a closer look and my thougts of each item:

When I found out this was in the box, I was so excited! I was still on the waitlist for BoxyLuxe, but I was so hoping I would get off in time for this box. I’ve never tried Violet Voss. I am going to review this on my blog later this month (after I’m done with all of my gift guides). But I have tried it yesterday and today, and spoiler alert — it’s as gorgeous on as in the palette!

This is a highlighter and blush palette. I think the shades are pretty, but it’s strange that the product is in strips and not square pans. It will be difficult to get face brushes into it. I will probably give this away to someone for Christmas.

I’m so happy to receive both of these variations. My shade of lip gloss is Flaming Hot. It’s a shimmering purpley pink with glitters. It’s so gorgeous on! It will be really nice for holiday parties and my anniversary, which is next weekend.

The LORAC mascara is so fun. When you apply the blue primer, your lashes are blue! Colored mascara usually doesn’t show up on my, but this did. And with the mascara over it, my lashes had so much volume. I will keep and use both of these products. And I love that they are from brands I know and like.

This is such a gorgeous set! It includes 8 brushes, and they are so pretty and soft! I’m good on brushes right now, but this will make an amazing gift for a friend (who hopefully isn’t ready this right now)!

I was happy to see this as well. I’ve heard such great things about this cram and am looking forward to using it. I’m not the biggest fan of the strong scent, but I can get past that if it’s as good as I hear.

I have tried Spongelle before years ago, I think in a PopSugar box. They are sponges with body wash in it. They are so foamy and smell amazing. A really nice addition to my shower routine. This is in the shape of a star and was made for BoxyCharm.

It’s hard to tell, but this is a small and very cute straightener. I’m not sure if I will give this away or keep it. Hmm. I think I might keep it. We got to choose between a straightener and an eye shadow palette, so I decided to choose this. I think I might need a small straightener for travel! It folds up nicely into the felt case, too.

This makeup bag is very nicely made, but I don’t see myself using it. I will give it to my 23 year old daughter. I think she will like it. I will probably give her the charger, too.

So, my first BoxyLuxe was a hit! Out of the 9 items received, I will keep and use 6 of the products and give away 3. Wow! I usually only keep one or two of the 5 BoxyCharm products each month.

I really recommend BoxyCharm and BoxyLuxe so far. You can subscribe here.

Do you subscribe to BoxyCharm and/or BoxyLuxe? What did you get this month and what do you think?

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review –August 2018

I received my August BoxyCharm so early this month. I’m very excited about that!

Boxycharm is just $21 a month for 5-6 beauty items, most of them full-sized. It’s an amazing way to try new makeup and beauty tools!

This month I received:

I was so happy to get these eye masks! I have seen them reviewed and thought they looked fun! They are gold foil on the outside and a cellulose fiber that delivers hyaluronic acid and more! They look so cute on and when I removed them, my eyes looked amazing! Very smooth, bright, and my dark circles were reduced! Love!

The style of these lashes are Siren. I don’t wear lashes, but they are pretty. The band is really thin and I think these would actually fit my eyes. These might come in handy later, so I’ll hang on to them.

This Adesse New York oil includes Vitamin E, shea oil, sweet almond, and jojoba oils. This has a light scent. I haven’t used it yet because I have a cuticle oil I forget to use. I think I might give this away.

After I received this palette, I told my daughter who is leaving for college that I had a nice, neutral palette for her. Then I showed her this. She laughed so hard!

This palette is very good quality. It has sturdy packaging and a really nice mirror. The colors are obviously very bright. I am going to try them out soon and may do a review of the palette alone.

I will have swatches of this, the brow cream and the lipstick below.

Bang Beauty Chocolate Eyeliner — I don’t usually use eyeliner. I use shadow to line my eyes. But I do like gel eyeliner. I don’t wear black often, so this might be nice for every day. I will try this out. (But I don’t think it will work with the bright Laura Lee palette)!

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Action, vivid orchid cream. This is such a creamy lipstick that feels so good on! And the color is so pretty. But it’s not really for me. I like nudes or pinks. I have tried it out, so I will keep it. Who knows, I might use it (and this will go with the Laura Lee palette!)

Here are my swatches:

On the left is the eyeliner. I should have applied it with a brush because it was hard to do with my finger. You can see the color and it was really difficult to remove so it would probably last a long time on the eyes.

The lipstick is next. It’s really pretty. The next 6 shades are Laura Lee’s palette. From left to right is Issa Party, Damage Control, Karaoke, Dranks, Bottoms Up and Hungover. I have tried one shade, Hungover in my crease, outer corner and under my eyes. And it was gorgeous! So I’m kind of excited about the crazy colors.

I think this month was okay. I will use all of the eye masks and I’ll try out the palette and eyeliner. I’ll keep the lipstick or give it to my daughter. I’ll hold on to the lashes just in case I need them. I will probably give the nail oil away. I usually don’t keep as many products out of my BoxyCharm. So while I’m not blown away by anything, I will use some of it.

What do you think of these products? Do you get BoxyCharm? What did you receive?