Post Office Woes

I would have loved to have reviewed the last two julep mystery boxes today, however, my post office delivered them to gosh knows where. Julep customer service is sending out a replacement. So stay tuned.

August 2012 Birchbox Review

Heavy sigh, today i recieved the greatest dissapointment i have ever recieved from Birchbox. I have loved every box i have recieved thus far but this box is pale in comparison. To be fair others who have recieved their Birchbox have recieved differnt and decent items, i however got the dud box this month.

 This months box was yellow with a ruler printed on it. It is themed Beauty School and is (supposed to be) filled with beauty supplies.

 Included was a nifty booklet on how to take care of your skin in the morning (not going to lie i loved this), along with how to read a lable on a beauty product and differnt types of beauty tools are good to have and which ones do what. This is helpful if you feel lost looking at eyelash curlers and makeup brushes. For someone like this this was just a waste of paper. I still had hope though!

 What was i expecting? Well i was expecting beauty supplies that would get me through school or work or a day of being mommy. So makeup brushes or tools?? No. Lotion? Nope. Lipstick? Nadda. Mascara???? No way. So what kind of beauty products did i get? Talk a walk down disappointment lane and just scroll down.

Comodynes Hydra Tanning Face Moisturizing Summer Glow-
I received two foil packets filled with self tanning face moisturizers. I don't know about you but August and back to school doesn't really ring- lets get a tan- to me. Plus i bought my self tanners months ago. To be fair i guess this is to keep that tan you got over the summer, which makes sense, but i don't want to exactly moisturize my face with self tanner. The product itself isn't terrible. It will make you look slightly sun kissed if you're light skinned.
Price: $20.99


Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes-
So after you moistur-tan your face these can be used on the body. At least Birchbox is kind enough to not let me walk around with a brown face and a white body all ganguro style. For this i am thankful, i think. This works just like the Hydra Tanning Face Moisturizers. I personally will never use this in any functional way, but it will make your skin look sun kissed.
Price: $14

 These 4 tiny foil packets accounted for almost half my box.

 Next up we got some Q-tips that have a cute play on names. Beauty Fixation are Q-tips filled with makeup remover and are in little plastic wrappers so if you are on the run and need to fix your makeup or remove a little runny mascara (which i didn't receive) this would be perfect. This product isn't terrible, its a good idea, but its not something i would be excited to really receive, or even use. These are simple to use and the makeup remover is decent.
Price: $5

I shook my head when i saw this next product. Schick Hydro Silk Razor. A razor, really Birchbox? Last month there were hip headphones so this is not what i was expecting. Now to be fair this is a pricey razor, and already owning one, i can tell you they get the job done in even the trickiest of spots, and ladies you know what I'm talking about.  It also makes the Birchbox worth it's money and is considered a beauty tool. So maybe i am being a little too harsh. This also came with a coupon.

 Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur-
I was happy about this. I love how Juicy Couture perfume smells and to receive a sample of this scent was nice. This is a blend of wild berries, mandarin, and waterlily. It has floral and fruit notes. It is very girly and some time in the future i will pick this up.
Price: $90

 DDF Brightening Cleanser-
To end on a positive note, the one item i received which has something to do with the little guide i received, is this brightening cleanser. This product is supposed to fade discoloration and even out skin tone. It is a decent size, foams up nice when i apply it to my face, and doesn't have any weird smells. I like this product. I don't think i will purchase it, but i am glad i got to try it.
Price: $38

 Some final notes.
This month %15 of every full size purchase will be donated to Pencils of Promise.

 Do you subscribe to Birchbox? If you do, did you like your box or was the grass greener on the other side? Feel free to discuss below, and please subscribe if you like my reviews!
Don't have a Birchbox? You can sign up here!
I promise other months have been better!

August Julep Maven Classic With a Twist Box Review and Swatches

This month's Julep Maven box is inspired by this seasons jewelry trends and according to Julep's facebook the Olympics! Metallics and chromes, polishes swirled with metallic flecks, are shimmery and shiny. Classic With A Twist included Felicity, a yellow gold, and Alfre, a metallic purple. These polishes are fast drying (sometimes a little too fast) and apply evenly. Some colors, escpecialy the lighter ones such as Piper, can appear streaky and need more coats for even coverage.

 

 The extras in this month's box are nail polish remover and a tote bag. This isn't just any nail polish remover, this nail polish remover is acetone free and has a hand pump that you can simply apply a cotton ball too. Guess what, it is reusable! All of this for only $20 with free shipping. Do you think receiving nail polish and extras every month is awesome, then you can sign up here! Right now you can get your first box for only one penny! Use promo code PENNY.

It is going to be a good day when you see the Julep Box!

Julep's one year anniversary box!

Julep helps style you by matching clothes and accessories to your polish. I personally will be wearing Ruffian Gold by MAC with my polish.

When julep says its a celebration, everything sparkles, even the packaging paper!

Julep tote bag, perfect for those random makeup shopping trips to the drugstore. I can stay green and look good.

Side of the bag with the Julep symbol.

Julep nail polish remover, pumping cap, Felicity, and Alfre.

Felicity and Alfre by Julep

Felicity and Alfre by Julep

Felicity and Alfre by Julep. Felicity on accent nail, Alfre on the rest of the nails. Without flash.

Felicity and Alfre by Julep. Felicity on accent nail, Alfre on the rest of the nails. With flash.

 As for the nail polish. It works as good as any nail polish I've ever tried with the exception of my fingers did not feel dry afterward. This is a good thing, plus the pump has a locking feature that allows it to be safely closed if their are children around.

 The best way to end this entry is with a positive quote, which is also included in every maven box.

Do you want to sign up for nail polish delivered to your door every month? You can sign up here!

Julep Add On's August 2012 Kim, Piper, Sienna Review and Swatches

This month (even though we are still in July) I received my Julep Maven box add on's before my Maven box. Wait whats a Maven box? Well its a subscription box that comes to your door every month filled with nail polishes and more! Does that sound awesome? You can sign up here and try your first box for only 1 penny! Use promo code PENNY.

The theme of this months box is metallic! This goes hand and hand with the Olympics which is pretty cute. I will talk more about my box when it comes in.

I love the idea of, even though there are differnt box options, you can choose extra colors from extra boxes for only $4.99 each as add on's. It's a steep discount and you can check out the colors that you weren't getting, or were iffy on.

Sienna, Piper, Kim

 I love the continuous attention to detail that is always given when Julep ships. The confetti packaging always seems to match in some way.

Sienna, Piper, Kim

 The fact that Julep names the polish after female figures is very inspiring.

Kim:
 From afar it looks really nice but close up you can see flecks of blue glitter just faintly. I like how this shade is almost black without being black. The ribbons of metallic shimmer transfer well from bottle to nail.

Sienna:
I officially love this color.  It applies so evenly and is so shimmery. It is the perfect light gold!

 Piper:
This shade i wasn't too thrilled about. After two coats i still could not achieve an even or opaque coverage. I like the color, i just don't like how it applies. Maybe if applied over a white base this shade would work better.

I can't wait to receive my actual maven box so that i can share those shades and extras as well!