November Loot Crate Review

November's Loot Crate had a theme of BATTLE!  I was pretty excited when they teased this one.  There were hints of great items from Street Fighter and Mega Man.  They also kept teasing that there was awesome t-shirt this month.

I loved when we got a t-shirt from this company last time in a previous box from Loot Crate.  I think that this one is a little overwhelming.  I think that this one is harder to read, and it kind of doesn't really make sense to mix ninja with pirate.  I think this kind of just sets up the rest of the box to be like this shirt, almost cool.  The Street Fighter head band...almost cool.  The Halo mini-figure...almost cool.  The Megaman helmet...almost cool.  The thing that I found to be the best in this crate was the Assassins Creed Unity coin.  The thing is, what do you do with it...other than put it in a drawer?

So, was it worth it...Loot Crate is $17.66 a month.  This one missed the mark for me.  I'm hoping that Loot Crate will win me back.  This past year has really been hit or miss when it comes to Loot Crate.  I think you have to be really open minded with this subscription and realize that some months may not be that great depending on your interests.

November Ipsy

November's Ipsy theme is "Girl Meets Glitter!"  It is very evident from the bag that we are going in a sparkly direction this month.  The funny thing is...I didn't get anything with sparkle, except for the bag.

There was this exciting and sad moment when I opened my Ipsy bag this month.  I was disappointed that my hair spray by Marc Anthony came mangled.  The cover is ruined, but the product still works and didn't seem to gush everywhere while in transit.  I was just left with cosmetic damage, no pun intended, to the container.  I think the big deal item in my package was the concealer by itCosmetics.  The downer, I already own and use it.  It's nice, but already gifted on to someone else.

The Starlooks pencil and lip paint by J. Cat aren't really that exciting to me.  And the creepy thing comes from SeaRx.  People were posting on the forums for Ipsy that you shouldn't use this product if you are breastfeeding.  This fact creeps me out.  What is so potent in this moisturizer that it could harm a baby?

So, was it worth it...This month was a little disappointing, but I think if I didn't already use the itCosmetics product it would have been one of my favorites because I'm always excited to try things from that line.  I'm interested to see what comes my way next month from Ipsy!

November Julep

This month Julep did me well.  I was also able to cash in on some of my Julep Jules.  I feel like there is a really nice assortment of items between my monthly subscription and the bonus items I selected with my Jules.

The pearlescent bronze polish this month is by far the best polish that I have gotten from Julep.  It seems like every change in light creates a new color.  I am so happy that I got this in my assortment.  The plum color is a great matte polish.  I feel like if I had gotten it in a different month's box I would have been more impressed.  It's just really hard to compare it to the bronze.  This month's beauty produce is Julep's new mascara.  I got the lengthening formula.  I'm ok with it, but it's nothing that I'll start shopping for online.

To be honest the only reason I cashed in my Jules on this Julep assortment is because I wanted to try their base coat.  This was a good choice.  This is the best base coat I've ever tried.  I love how it works.  The nail polish is just meh.  The hand scrub has yet to be tried, so yeah... I'm glad the base coat is so great; otherwise I'd be pretty disappointed in this selection.

So, was it worth it...This is the best assortment of items I've gotten from Julep yet.  I'm hoping that I can try a top coat from them sometime.  I'd like something that can really seal in the polish from top to match the base coat at the bottom.  I'm more than happy with everything this month!

October/November New Beauty TestTube

Last time I said that New Beauty was going to work on getting more high end products into their TestTube.  Let's take a look and see if they held up their end of the bargin.

First of all I'm going to get my snotty remakes out of the way and say that in no way should a candle (Votivo's Red Currant) be included in this subscription.  I feel that this is totally out of sorts here.  Phew...now that that's out of the way I can continue.  The, by far, most used item for me in this box is the Donell Lip Saver.  It's a nice neutral lip balm and has done a nice job of helping my lips during the winter months.  I have gotten the Klorane towelettes before, so it's nice to see them included here.

I have seen Philosophy products in stores before and being sold on television.  This is a nice way to give them a try.  I'm always a little hesitant when something is a body wash and shampoo.  This one has a nice smell.  I'm pretty picky with hair care products and to be honest, have yet to crack into either of these other two.  I feel like when I try something new it needs to be a Saturday in case I regret my choice to try it.  That way I'm within walking distance of my shower.

The eyeliner pen from Mally is a big time surprise.  The color is black, but there is a sneak attack here.  There are purple undertones.  So much so, that when you use it be mindful of getting your picture taken.  The use of a flash causes the eyeliner to be a hardcore purple.  Don't believe me...see the picture.

This was quite the surprise when using it the first time.  The Dermalogica samples were a waste for me.  I'm don't like getting small samples like these because I feel like you really don't get a feel for what the product can really do.

So, was it worth it...the TestTube ends up being $38.90 with shipping.  Considering all the "high end" items in this box, and how most miss the mark...this month is not worth it.  I'm saying three strikes and you're out to New Beauty TestTube.  I had such high hopes for you in the beginning, but you've broken my heart twice.

October Qbox Review

This is the last of my three month subscription to Qbox.  There are some items that I really liked, and some that I could have lived without.  That's pretty typical with Qbox though.

Each month Qbox gives you a cheat-sheet explaining all the products.  They are usually pretty self explanatory, but this month I had no idea at all what the candy/treat was.  It wasn't listed on the cheat-sheet at all, so I was left to take a risk.  There was absolutely no English on the package.  After eating it, I have no idea what the flavor is supposed to be.  The texture is unique too.  All I could pick out was salt and funky aftertaste.  Maybe this is why there was no information provided...

The Kumaman tote bag is actually a pretty big deal as far as I can tell from my web searching.  He is apparently the most popular mascot in Japan.  The Monsters Inc. cellphone stand was a surprise.  I wasn't expecting to get a Disney item in a Qbox.  The nail stickers are great.  I've used some and have really liked how they work.

The makeup again this month is from Too Cool for School.  This must be a huge brand in Korea, or easily mailable to us in the U.S.  It is a highlighter and lives up to its name.  There was also a really cool Galaxy Necklace in this month's Qbox.  In the cheat-sheet it showed that there are a ton of different designs.  I really like the color scheme that I got.  This is my favorite item in the box.

Since this is the October Qbox there had to be some Halloween items.  The socks are kind of a fun design.  It makes me wonder though, everything is printed in English.  The other items in the box don't have any English on them.  It seems like Qbox may be reaching to put together things to fit our American holidays.

So, was it worth it...my Qbox subscription was $68.85 for three months.  I am happy with some of the items in the box, but I could have lived without all of them.  The total value for the items in this box is $71.  If they were items you are in love with, it's a great deal.  I went to the Qbox site and saw the peeks at November's box and decided not to order again.  I will continue to get emails with a some hints, and who knows...I may go back to Qbox if there are items that pull me back. 

October Loot Crate Review

This month Loot Crate went with the theme of "Dead."  Real shocking considering it is October and there is that whole Halloween thing going on...

This month's Loot Crate saw some good and some bad items.  I really liked getting the variant cover for The Walking Dead.  I just wish that the other Walking Dead item were something other than the small piece of art work by Jsalvador.  I did find the temporary tattoos cool.  I like that they cover a variety of monsters and not just weird cut marks.  They are vampire, zombie, and werewolf bites to choose from to meet your desired look.  I'm also not really sure what I'll do with How to Survive a Sharknado.  I feel like this was a random piece that didn't totally fit the "Dead" theme in this month's Loot Crate.  It also seems a little dated.

At first, I thought this shirt was ridiculous.  Then I realized the majesty it possesses.  The cats are demonic, yet still enduring.  I can honestly say, I've not seen anything like this before.  It will be my Halloween work shirt tomorrow.  I am truly blessed to have it.  Thank You Loot Crate.

They kept teasing that there would be a special collaboration with Capcom this month. They ended up going with Dead Rising 3, and everyone got a sledgesaw hammer pen.  At first I thought it was just a figurine.  When I realized it was a pen, it made it a heck of a lot neater.

So, was it worth it...Loot Crate is $17.66 a month.  I was really hoping that with a theme like "Dead" I would really be won over.  The shirt and Walking Dead issue make it worth it for me this month.  I also know of some people who might enjoy the items from this month that I'm not so keen on.  I'd say this month's Loot Crate it worth it for me.  But if I didn't like the shirt, it would have been a miss.

October iJustine Fancy Box

There is a new Fancy Box curated by internet celebrity iJustine.  This is an awesome box.  It also helped that it came right before Halloween and was filled with things that fit the spirit of the season.

This is the fullest Fancy Box I've gotten in a long time.  Fancy Boxes have been averaging four items as of late to get to their guaranteed $80 price point.  This box did it will more smaller items, but they are right up my ally.

 

I love Fred and GamaGo products.  I would say now that I've got these three, 2/3 of my kitchen if will with these brands.  I am now only missing one to the ice "cube" trays that Fred sells.  I also already have their ninjabread men cook cutters, so I'm excited to have the undead model for this time of year.  While I'm not a big user of bottle openers, I'm happy that this is second one in my collection thanks to my subscription addiction this year.  Even though these products are pretty whimsical, they are also really well made, and I've never had a problem with either brand when it comes to wear and tear.

I honestly don't know the purpose of owning my own box of zombies, but I'm now the proud owner of my very own box.  Upon further investigation, I found out that they come in one of two colors.  There is a bright kelly green, or the pale purple that I received.  I think it looks more grayish, but either way, I'll take them any day over kelly green zombies.

 

There was also a shirt in the box this month that will be perfect for Halloween.  If you haven't seen these shirts before, they have script printed on the outside and an image printed inside the shirt.  That way when someone follows the directions on the outside, you can flip the shirt up over your face and create a mask that corresponds to the shirt.  This is a pretty funny idea, and I'm going to for sure wear the shirt.  I just have to be careful it's in a place that allows you to give the illusion of flashing someone. 

The last two items in the box bring in vampires and werewolves.  Really this box has almost all your classic movie monsters covered.  I give her, iJustine, a lot of credit for the variety within her theme.  The parts I've read in the book thus far, are well written and enjoyable.  I'm also looking forward to finding ways to use my new sets of fake teeth.

So, was it worth it...This box ends up being right around $45 with shipping.  The items in this Fancy Box are worth right around $75.  This isn't the $80 promised when signing up for the box, yet I'm still happy with what came here.  I think it's the fact that I really like all these items, and the monsters they celebrate.  This Fancy Box is going on my list of monthly subscription keepers.

October Glossy Box

Can I just say that I am shocked that this came in the mail so quickly.  I just got a shipping notice saying that my box would come between Nov.1st and the 15th.  This was an awesome surprise to get it so soon.  I also love that this is sooooo my favorite box I've gotten from Glossy Box thus far.

The first thing I'm going to say is that this month Glossy Box went for broke and four of the five items are full sized.  I am also really happy that they included something by Tarte because I've loved everything I've ever gotten from their brand.  The Proganix volume spray is a good one for me.  I normally hate using these sprays, but this one actually worked well for my hair.  This might become a re-buy for me.  I'm not so sure about the Sesha mask.  I got hooked on Glam Glow courtesy of Glossy Box, so we'll have to see how this one stacks up.

I really like the concept of the Nails inc. polish.  You can use it as a top coat to turn any polish into a matte coat.  It's like all of a sudden a person has doubled their nail polish collection.  I'm also really liking the Tart lip pencil.  It has a sheerness that doesn't make it look like a harsh lipstick.  It also has a balm quality to it that doesn't dry out your lips.  Drastic improvement over last month's lip tar...enough said.

The only item in the box that wasn't full sized was the perfume.  I'm totally fine by that.  Don't get me wrong; I like the scent.  I just get tired of perfumes rather quickly and switch around a lot.  This is the perfect size for my collection because I know it will last me a long time.

So, was it worth it...Glossy Box is about $21 a month.  This box far surpassed the price tag on my end.  All totaled the box ends up having a value of right around $70.  I also feel like this box lives up to the hype of Glossy Box being a higher end beauty box.  This month totally evoked my temporarily misplaced love for Glossy Box.  After my disinterest in last month's products, Glossy Box you've pulled me back in :)

October Ipsy Box

Ipsy's theme for October is Beauty Candy.  At first I was a little confused as to why that would be a theme, especially when all the pieces advertising the theme were pastels.  This isn't what I think of with fall.  I'm thinking they were hoping for a subliminal candy/Halloween thing.  Either way I got some great stuff!

The bag this month is my favorite thus far from Ipsy.  I love the fabric and the color.  I was also excited to see the Ayres Body Butter.  I really liked it when I got it in a Glossy Box, so I'm excited to get a replacement here.  It has a scent that at first I wasn't so keen on, but I really came to like it by the time I used all of it up.  I'm also jazzed to see the Skyn Iceland facial towlettes.  I've heard good things about this brand because you rub them together with a little water, wipe off your face, and you're good to go.

Ipsy did a great job of picking a great lip gloss for me from Starlooks.  I also really like the eye shadow that I got from Jessie's Girl. Ipsy sent out six different colors depending on your beauty profile.  While there were some that I liked a little more than this one, I'm still really happy with this one.  The coverage is really good, and the color holds up well. The H2O+ hydrating treatment is a new one for me.  It is a gel formula, so I wasn't really sure how/when to use it.  Ipsy did a good job of linking to this product's website where directions could be found on when or how to use it.  In my situation it is used as a moisturizer after showering/washing my face.  For dryer skin it can also be used as a mask.

So, was it worth it...Ipsy is about $10 a month.  I really like everything that came in my bag this month.  I think this is a bag where I could do an empties update in a month and still be happy with what I got.  Ipsy is worth it again this month for me :)

October Julep Box

This month's theme from Julep was Black Magic.  Makes sense with it being October and all.  They also had a limited edition Halloween box that I snagged as well.  Let's start with the subscription first.

To be honest, I was a little confused when I opened my box up this month.  There was a lot in there; and, I didn't know what was what.  I had to resort to looking back to my invoice that came in my email when they shipped the box to me.  There was a card in there saying that I had earned some beauty freebies because I had spent enough this month (subscription, fall mystery pack, and Halloween box). 

Upon further examination I found out that I had earned an extra lip gloss, but they had forgotten to include one of my polishes.  I went on their site and emailed customer service.  I got a great reaction from Julep, and the missing polish is on its way with a confirmation number in my hand.

I chose to add on the fall color pack because they were supposed to be three colors for fall.  Apparently that means coral and two shade of yellow.  I was able to pick the glow in the dark white, which I am super amped about.

The Julep Halloween box is awesome!  I'm pretty sure that future boxes like this will be picked up by me.  I like the black cat nail decals and the colors have a pretty shimmer to them.  I also like that they included a top coat to protect the nail decals.  The candy corn I could have done without, but I see where they were going with it.

So, was it worth it...I'm going to say that I am not going to go with anymore mystery bundles.  I know I said that last month, but I caved with the fall colors pack hoping that this month would be different.  I really like the color that was included in my subscription this month and am looking forward to seeing what my other color looks like in person when it arrives.  So the Julep subscription is totally worth it and the mystery sets, are so not.

September Glossy Box

Once again my Glossy Box came during the start of the next month.  They must have revamped when shipments go out.  I just got a notice saying that my October box would be coming in November.  No big deal, just as long as it makes it to my house.

This month, Glossy Box teamed up with Harper's Bazaar.  I was curious to see what would come with this pairing. I was a little disheartened by what was selected.  I've gotten some great nail polishes in my Glossy Boxes.  I'm happy with the Essie brand, but the red is just meh in my book.  I also found it a little odd that they shipped out a conditioner without a shampoo.

 The night cream is your standard ho-hum night cream. Nothing that blew my socks off here.  I was excited to see that Glossy Box included and Benefit product.  I'm interested to see how I like this mascara.  I've used it for short term wear and have liked it thus far.  This was the best item in the box for me.

 Then there is the monstrosity that is the OOC lip tar.  It is an odd fuchsia leaning towards plum color.  When I used this the first time it was ridiculously dark and made my lips look dried out.  I think it was supposed to look matte, but I ended up with something I call chapped.  I put some gloss on top and it instantly stripped the color.  So much so that it began to run the color off my lips and my family, who I had gone to a football game with that day, kept telling me to check my lipstick because it was smearing.  I gave up, went to the bathroom, and washed it all off.  Good bye and good luck.  This will not be used again.

So, was it worth it...Glossy Box is right around $21 a month.  Considering what I got this month, it wasn't really worth the $21 for me.  There was really only one product that was exciting this month.  I will say though, that I don't blame Glossy Box.  Instead I feel that they were stuck within the confines of working with Harper's Bazaar this month.  I'm looking forward to a pure, no partnership, box next month.

September Nicky Hilton Fancy Box

I am super impressed with these Nicky Hilton Fancy Boxes.  I really hope this is a curator that keeps them coming.  This month I am really pleased with the variety of items.

When I opened up the box and saw that there were only four items included, I knew that this meant that there was going to be a high value item in this box.  I was surprised/disappointed when I began to pull things out, and I found the same purse that has followed me around Fancy.  I have gotten this bag four times now.  I'm still going to hold firm and say that this is a good assortment of items though.  I have used and like the first puse I got.  It's just another bag for my pass-along pile.  I'm also really liking the Molskine notebook.  I've seen them before, but never gotten one.  I've always felt like I could get by on a cheaper notebook.  This might convert me into classier stationary.

The item that caught me off guard with how much I really like them are the playing cards.  I feel like a big 'ol bag of dork saying this, but they are really neat playing cards.  They are continuing the lace theme and are see through with a lace print.  Now I haven't played a game with them yet, so I don't know how distracting they could potentially be, but holding them in my had I'm really liking them.

 

I am also really excited by the nail wraps that came in this box.  I really like nail wraps, but it seems like the same few designs are always at my local stores.  I like that this one is something totally new.  I really like the way the black lace design pops on the white backing.  I feel like this might be something that I would continue to order online, should I be impressed with the length of their wear.   

So, was it worth it...This box had a value of just over $89.  I was expecting it to be a little higher because there were only four items included.  I'm still really happy with this subscription though.  Considering I pay about $45 a month.  I got double what I paid for.  I'm going to keep them coming, and I look forward to what next month Fancy and Nicky Hilton may bring to my mailbox :)

September QBox Subscription

Alright, round two for QBox.  I still wonder what the name means?  I feel like I should be doing some kind of research to figure it out.  This months items come from both Japan and Korea. 

 This month's box had a ton of stuff in it.  There was WAY more than came last month.  The items are also a lot better. QBox is big on spoilers and this month the big item they kept teasing was the Kate Spade tote bag.  I actually like this bag quite a bit because it has a round bottom and it actually stands up on its own.  QBox made a big deal that it had a matching coin purse...who really cares...  The snack this month is a Gim seaweed snack as far as I can tell.  I have yet to try, but I'm excited to.  I have never had seaweed dry/dehydrated like it appears to be here.

I really liked the earrings this month.  I feel like QBox didn't know how to describe them either, so I'll just rip off what they came up with in their flyer.  They described them as "Pony Coin Tassels".  I'm also really excited to see a twistable headband.  If you haven't seen one in real life, there is a wire that runs through the headband.  That way you can twist it to look however you desire.  The item that has me pondering is the Liphop Eyeliner.  Subscribers got lipstick from them last month.  The thing that weirds me out about the eyeliner is that it is apparently a trend in Korea to use white eyeliner.  We'll have to see how that works out when I'm brave enough to use it.

The last two items in the box are from Sanrio.  This makes total sense considering this past month you could purchase a limited edition box from them focusing in on one of their characters.  I could have for sure made it through life without owning either of these two items.  It's probably why I didn't subscribe to the limited edition box.

 

So, was it worth it...QBox is a nonrenewable subscription.  That means you sign up for three, six, or twelve month plans and then you are done unless you go back to their site and renew on your own.  I signed up for a three month plan for $68.85.  There is a flyer that comes in each box that tells you the value of the month.  This month said the box came in at $111.50. The misleading and soul crushing part of this subscription is that when you look at the claims form that gets the package through customs, they declare the box at $30.  I guess it's one of those subscriptions that you do get a great deal if you are considering retail value.  It's just a little disheartening when you see what you are buying is actually worth.

September Loot Crate

September's Loot Crate came in with a bang.  The theme was Galactic which brings big things!  By now I've learned that Loot Crate is big into Firefly. Which means with a theme like Galactic, I'm going to love what comes in this box.

This box did a great job of bringing together a wide variety of Galactic items.  From a poster of Han Solo encased in crabonite to a handful of credits to get me around the Firefly galaxy.  This crate did a great job of bringing in a wide array of films and television shows.  This month's box had items from: Firefly, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Alien. 

 

This box also had the obligatory magnet taking a classic and putting the Loot Crate spin on it.  This month took the ships from Star Wars and revamped them to look like a screen shot from a classic arcade game.  The action figure from Alien is a really neat item.  I just wish that I had gotten the Alien.  Random characters where in each crate.  My brother gets Loot Crate as well, and he was fortunate enough to get the Alien figure.

 

By far my two favorite items are the Tribble from Star Trek and the Mal figure from Firefly.  Both of these items totally caught me by surprise when I opened the box.  I ripped right into the Funko box when I saw that there was a Firefly figure inside.  I haven't had the heart yet to crack the seal on my Tribble.  I honestly don't know if I will ever be able to.

So, was it worth it...Loot Crate is $17.66 a month.  Most months have tons of Loot Crate exclusives that make determining the value of the box almost impossible.  This month is a little different because you can buy a fair amount of the items included.  When I looked into the items that could be purchased, I found a value of $41.49.  That was for only half of the items.  There is also the added bonus of more digital loot again this month.  Loot Crate partnered with Dark Horse Comics and gave subscribers access to a digital issue of Halo Escalation.  This month Loot Crate is worth it!

Ipsy September Subscription

Ipsy's theme this month is Street Style.  I think it's funny that they even try to come up with a theme each month.  I'm not really sure why they bother.  I think that people would still subscribe even if there weren't the assigned theme.  Sometimes I don't even know how the items relate to the theme.  This month is a good example of this.

I will say that the best thing in this box is the Briogeo Don't Despair Repair hair mask.  I haven't used products like this before, but I did enjoy this.  It left my hair feeling really soft and still looking clean.  Often times I skip conditioners because they end up making my hair look greasier after using them.  I haven't even opened the Pacifica eye pencil yet.  I got a really go eye shadow from Pacifica earlier this year.  I rated the brand highly on my Ipsy account, and now I seem to get things all the time from them.  I updated this brand to "just OK" with the hopes of getting some new brands in future months.  A truely new item for me this month was the Nourish Organic face wash.  I like how it works, but I don't think I'll switch brands.

 

Another brand that I down rated on my style profile is Be a Bombshell... I have liked a lot of their things, but it's time for a shake-up.  The highlighter from them this month is the first thing that I've gotten that I have been quite uphappy with.  It doesn't really show up on my skin, apparently I'm too pasty or something.  The lipstick by Hikari is a bright pink/red.  This is the only thing I could equate to "street style" just because it reminded me a little of stop sign red if you squint at it and don't know what color a stop sign really is.  The lipstick is high quality and lasts well all snarkyness aside.  

So, is it worth it...  Ipsy ends up being $10 a month.  This is a subscription that relies heavily on you reviewing the products.  I think this month had some misses, but I feel like Ipsy usually redeems itself with a few products that genuinely impress me.  This one is still worth it in my book.

Rockettes Fancy Box

There is another new Fancy Box in town and this one is curated by the Rockettes.  I'm not really sure who selects the items since they are a rather large dance group.  I do know that when I saw that they were going to have a subscription box, I knew this one was going to be interesting.

I feel like this is a true dancers collection.  All the way down to the tote bag to take your belongings to and from rehearsal.  I do really like the saying on this bag.  I also like how the lettering is staggered to reuse some of the letters in multiple words as well.  I know that I won't use the speaker because I have gotten various Bluetooth speakers from other boxes and not used them.  I have a really nice speaker setup, so this will be passed along to someone else.

What really made it feel like a dancing box was the leg warmers.  I will reveal my secret shame and say that when I opened the box I emitted a small noise showing my glee.  I have always wanted a pair, I know I'm sick and wrong.  I feel like this totally made this box worth it for me.  The hair ties by Twistband were also much appreciated.  I have recently started using this style of head band and have really liked them.

One thing that is disappointing about this box is that it is the same price as other celebrity curated boxes by Fancy and yet there were only four items.  Typically boxes from these celebrity collections have five or more items in them.  I'm hoping that next month will have more items.

So, was it worth it...I'm going to say that I'm on the fence.  The box is $39 plus shipping and handling.  The items in the box are worth nearly $90.  Most of the value, $40, comes from the Bluetooth speaker.  Hopefully next month this Fancy Box will have me feeling more connected either for or against this subscription.

Julep September Box

This month Julep went with the theme of Art Walk.  I'm not really sure what that is supposed to mean...  Apparently it means the start of fall, as there were no bright colors to bring this box together.

When Julep gets ready to send your order to you, they open your monthly box online and let you see what you will be getting.  I'm glad I did this because one of the colors in my shipment was a blecky maroon color.  I ended up trading it out for a teal color.  I was happy with the gray color that was an original pick by Julep.  The beauty product this month was their new Plush Pout.  It is a lipstick with a lip balm center.  Interesting concept, weird texture when you try it though.  It has done what it has claimed thus far, but I feel like as time goes on, how does one ensure that there will be equal distribution of both the color and the balm?  Apparently science will save the day with that one.

When you get to revamp your box, they also finagle you into selecting mystery items for a small fee per item.  I got suckered in by selecting three mystery polishes.  After I did that, I was told that if I bought another nail polish I would get two more surprise items.  I fell for it and got the fourth.  It was hit of miss on the mystery polishes.  I got a metallic black which I really like.  Then I got a weird khaki.  The third was a satin finish teal.  This color would have been great if a glossy teal had not been included in my subscription already.  The fourth, selected by me, has yet to be tried.  I really like that it's supposed to look like a spray paint layer over a color base coat.  I'm looking forward to trying it.

 

The two mystery items were a skin repair serum and a hand and cuticle balm.  Both seem like smart choices with colder months headed my way. I have already used the skin repair serum.   It has yielded excellent results.  I would suggest this to anyone that has tricky dry patches of skin that lotion can't keep up with.  I'll have to wait and see how the balm does this winter.  My hands great really cracked during the winter because I work outdoors in subzero weather.  I'm hoping this will help.

So,was it worth it...I'd say that this month's box had great colors for the polish and the lip stick is an interesting adventure.  I'm going to say that the additional items aren't really worth the money when it comes to "mystery."  I'm going to avoid temptation in the future because the colors weren't worth it.  Getting all of the mystery polishes added $36.96 to my order.  I could have purchased the sole spray paint polish for $5 and gotten something I would for sure use.  The monthly fee for Julep is about $23 with shipping.  I think I'm going to give Julep one more month and see what happens.

August/September New Beauty TestTube

This month New Beauty TestTube included a note saying that they had too much fun to fit it all in the tube, but not to worry because the tube would be back in their next shipment.  I'm glad this will be back if it means no more weird boxes.  You'll see what I mean in just a little bit.

That big awkward box from Equitance is a skin brightening kit.  While it sounds like it could be a good idea because there are six different items included to meet whatever skin needs you might have, there are just small samples of them. 

They are tiny samples and you may not see the results before you use all of the treatments up.  Some of them are even pills to help from the inside out.  The only thing that stinks about this is if a person found these pills were starting to work, there isn't even enough included for a full week.  The same can be said for all the lotions. 

This was a perplexing group of products.  Apparently it's a thing to spray water on your face.  It is also apparently a thing to buy water that is considered Thermal Spring Water.  I had to look up what this meant.  I found out that it is rain water that travels through a mountain for 40 years making it perfect for curing this and thats.  I feel so out of the loop, or not.  The directions are funny because it tells you to spray it on and then wipe it off after three minutes.  Does that mean it will be too soothing if you leave it on for too long?  I was also confused by the Aha cream.  What the heck does that mean?  Apparently it means Alpha Hydroxy Cream.  It is supposed to smooth and brighten dull skin.  This box seems to really want me to glow once I have committed to all the products.

Curse you foil packets!  Companies should just stop making these.  I feel like if I met someone that said that they always tried foil packets when they received them, I would end the friendship.  The YBF primer works fine.  I just don't really care for face primers.  I gave this one a shot and didn't really see a need for it.  I apparently am fortunate to not need a primer at this point in my life, or don't seem to understand their greatness.

I was also surprised by this assortment because not all of the items featured in the magazine this month were in my box.  I also had items included in my box that were not included in the product magazine.  Interestingly enough what I got in place of the featured items actually had a higher value, so that's a win.

So, was it worth it...Each tube is $38.90 with shipping.  This month was more misses than hits.  The lotion I got from Memoire Liquide has a value of $24.  And, if you combine it with the values of the other items in the box then you do surpass the price tag.  There is a risk of not getting your money's worth if you don't like the items in a subscription box.  This month my money was not deemed worth it.