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.

October Nicky Hilton Fancy Box Review

This is a box full of surprises!  And, being a true Nicky Hilton Fancy Box there has to be a candle :)

The big ticket item is the hair straightener by eva.nyc.  Fancy guarantees that you will receive at least $80 worth of merchandise in each Fancy Box.  Nicky Hilton did it in one item this month.  Not only is it a high price point item, but it also has a pretty dang spiffy design to it as well.  I have never used a hair straightener before, but I have had them in my cart in various stores numerous times.  I'm glad I held back and waited for Fancy to provide.

The remaining three items have a lower value, but that is to be expected when you get a high value item.  The first is a cat ring from a shop on Etsy.  I really like the design.  I can't believe how often there are cat items in Nicky Hilton Fancy Boxes.  If you like cats, subscribe to this box...enough said.  There is also a ring holder shaped like to snuggling bunnies.  This is awesome, because there have been two rings already, and this leads me to believe there may be more.  And, there of course, is a candle.  I feel like candles and cats are Nicky Hilton's trademark in these boxes.

So, was it worth it...INDEED!  I have yet to be disappointed by her Fancy Box currations. This box has a value of a little over $112.  Not bad considering it is a box that is $39 plus shipping.  I feel like I will be really sad if this box ever comes to an end.

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.