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 Fancy Cullinary Box

Late Review, but totally worth it.  Fancy did a nice spin on this month's Culinary Box.  They focused in on baking.  I can definitely get behind that choice.

I am really happy that I got two more from the Short Stacks cookbook series.  The Tyler Florence box started my love for this series, so it's nice to see some back in this mix.  I'm curious to find out how this cupcake pen works.  It will either be glorious, or I'll hate attempting to use it.  I'm also on the fence about a cloth piping bag.  I've always used disposable bags.  But if I like this one, I won't have to worry about running out in the future.

I love using off-set spatulas when I decorate.  It's great that I have another one.  I've not allowed myself to get more because I always tell myself..."now, now, you already have one."  Problem solved, thanks Fancy.  I'm hoping that I like this candy thermometer.  I'm more a fan of digital read thermometers, but I like that this one will attach to the pan/pot while using it.  I've never used a dough roller before.  That's probably the best part of subscribing to this box.  You get all kinds of gadgets that allow you to experiment.

 The set of cookie cutters is really neat.  You can totally just use them to cut out the basic skull shape, or you can flip them over and press the design into the cut shapes to help in decorating.  I'm really liking all the cookie cutters I'm getting from Fancy as of late.

So, was it worth it...This box is about $45.  The value of the items comes in at about $73.  The box is supposed to be worth $80.  This is a little disappointing, but at the same time there are quite a few items in this box, so I'm happy.  It will be interesting to see if undervaluing the box is a continued trend.