April Ipsy Box

Last month I said that I would have to take a picture of the funky packaging that Ipsy uses.  So here we go!

This packaging is genius.  You know right away when you open your mailbox that Ipsy has made it to your house.  This month's theme is Beauty Rocks!  I wasn't nearly as impressed with the bag this month.  While it is Ipsy specific, it seemed to be a lot lower quality than last month's bag.

 

I think having a lower quality bag allowed for more full-sized items.  I was able to get three items this month that weren't just samples.

My full-sized items were the Cailyn Lip Balm, Kiss Eyelashes,  and Color City Eyeshadow.  When I added up the prices of all these items, it made spending $10 on my bag this month well worth it.  The full-sized items total a little over $27.

I was also impressed that I got a travel size eyeliner pencil from Urban Decay.  This is the same size you get if you were to purchase the travel set on their website.  The set comes with three and sells for $19.  The only item that I was disappointed with with the Lollitint.  The lip stain held really well and lasted through multiple meals.  The frustrating thing is that it was almost the exact same color my lips already are. I couldn't even tell that I had it on, except for the fact that I could feel it on my lips.

Was it worth it...Yes!  Almost all the items were worth it.  I also like that I haven't ever tried fake eyelashes before, and it's like I get to try them for free because of all the other great deals in my box this month. There is also the added benefit of looking in my Glamroom on Ipsy for additional deals for the products I like in this month's box.  I'm really impressed with Ipsy!

April Tyler Florence Fancy Box

Before I get started...last month my Spoon Spatula from Fancy came damaged.  I received an email saying that they will be taking $15 off of my May Fancy Box.  I'm out a Spoon Spatula, but that's ok as I received double the value in credits for next month's box.

This month's theme is serving pieces.  I kind of like this idea. It's a little quirky, and there could have been some fun things with this theme.  I feel though, that what went into the box was a little too neutral for my tastes.

 

The Tyler Florence Fancy Box is $39.00 each month plus $7.95 for shipping and handling.  They did a nice job of keeping the colors in this box pretty neutral.  I feel like all these pieces would work with most table settings.  Unfortunately, I'm more of a bright and vibrant color scheme shopper.

Cake Server  ~ $6
Bamboo Servers ~ $21
Spoon Rest ~ $9

This seems like an assortment are things that people register for when getting married, only to be pushed to the back of their kitchen drawer a few months after the honeymoon.  These items are totally fine to have, but in the 20 years I've been cooking I have never used or wished I had any of these things.  Maybe this box will open my eyes to a whole new world of kitchen possibilities.

Small Serving Board ~ $25
Rustic Baker Lavosh ~ $8
Slate Coasters ~ $12

I am always up for trying new foods.  Lavosh is definitely a treat for a cheese plate.  I have eaten a handful of them and feel like they should be consumed with a more intense flavored cheese to amp up what the black sesame seeds are trying to do.  Luckily I think the serving board's job in my house will be for fancy cheese plates.  It's a hand-wash only item, which means I'm always more protective of these items.  I have a never ending love of coasters, so that was really the thing I was most excited about when opening the box.  I'm glad I got one eye popping moment from Fancy this month.

So was it worth it...Fancy promises you at least $80 worth of merchandise, and I got $81.  I really had high hopes with selecting Tyler Florence as my Fancy Box Celebrity.  I'm really hoping that next month will give me more excitement.  The nice thing with Fancy is that if you are unhappy with what is coming in the boxes, you can switch to another celebrity or theme box.  I'm starting to think three strikes and you are out Mr. Florence.