Wantable Accessories Box Review-April 2014

Wantable Accessories Box Review-April 2014

Wantable offers a monthly accessories box subscription for $36.00 per month for subscribers and $40.00 per month for a one time box.  The box contains 3 to 4 boutique accessories, picked to match your personal preferences and taste.  My favorite part about Wantable is the extensive style quiz they have you take prior to choosing your pieces for the month.  You can cancel at any time or skip a month without any penalty.  Finally, you can return your entire box if you are unhappy with the items received.

This box is one of my absolute favorites!  It has always provided pieces that match my personality and  style and add to my jewelry collection.  This month however was not for me.  I have already returned my box.

The box:

First look:

Vanity Scarf ($24.00)

Let's start with an item I like.  This scarf is a beautiful golden yellow and very lightweight.  It would be great for summer over a simple dress or with a white t-shirt.  I almost kept the box because of this scarf. 

Punky Ring ($14.00)

I really dislike this ring.  It feels very, very, inexpensive.  It was already scratched up when I received it.  It is two bands of "silver" and one of wood-like metal.  Not for me. 

Bess Bracelet ($22.00)

This looks like a child's bracelet.  It also feels cheap.  Like Claire's cheap.  I hate this. I feel badly saying it, because I normally love Wantable, but this bracelet is so bad.

Oceane Necklace ($24.00)

This is o.k.  I like the spikes and the color.  They call the cord "leatherette." It feels like vinyl.  Again, it feels cheap.  Another Claire's quality item.

As you can tell, I was very disappointed with my Wantable accessories box this month.  I have returned it and received a refund.  Wantable's customer service is amazing and they take your box back with no questions asked.  I hope next month is better!

Wednesday Wishes 4/30/13

Welcome to Wednesday Wishes!  Every Wednesday I will show you an item or product I wish for but can't quite rationalize purchasing.  We all have a wish list, so here is mine. 

NuMe Lustrum Styling Wand ($280.00)

I am very much into styling wands lately.  They manage to keep my hair curly throughout the day (a feat previously impossible).  I currently have a drugstore wand that is ok.  This NuMe wand looks amazing.  I have seen several people on YouTube rave about this product.  It has 5 interchangeable heat barrels!  However, for $280.00?  I. just. can't. do. it.  

What are your Wednesday Wishes?

Social Bliss Style Box Subscription Review-April 2014

Social Bliss Style Box Subscription Review-April 2014

The Social Bliss Style Box is described as a monthly introduction to cutting edge fashion and exclusive products.  They handpick popular yet unique items that women will love.  Each box contains 3-6 one size fits all fashion accessories and lifestyle products.

The box has a value of at least $100.00 up to $200.00 and costs $39.95 per month.  This was my first box and I was so excited to open it!!

Here is the box:

First look:

Izzy and Ali Hannah Shoulder Bag in Mustard ($129.00)

This is a flap style shoulder bag in vegan leather with gold hardware.  The chain is also gold.  There are two pockets on the inside.  This bag feels expensive.  The size is perfect.  At first, I was disappointing in the color, but then I realized I have nothing like this.  What an amazing value! I think this bag will be perfect for summer.

Touch of Sparkle Cubic Zirconia Earrings ($50.00)

At first I wasn't sure about these earrings.  They looked a little gaudy in the box.  Then I put them on. They are absolutely beautiful!  I don't have anything like this and I know I can wear them to a dressy charity event.  What's not to like?  

Little Black Compact ($5.00)

This is adorable.  Perfect little rose compact with a double mirror.  I know my mom will love this, so it is going in the growing pile of items to gift to her.  

Girls Night Out Nail Art Kit by Stella ($7.00)

Again, something I would never purchase on my own but I'm glad to receive.  This kit has little rhinestones that you glue onto your polished nails.  I'm not sure if I can pull this look off, but I will give it a shot. 

Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara ($15.00)

I have used this before and love it.  This collagen based formula really lengthens lashes.  It seems like a deluxe sample; smaller than a full size product but bigger than a sample. 

Total Value: $206.00

Price Paid: $39.99

I really loved my first Social Bliss Style Box.  The box contained products I might not have chosen on my own, but I loved receiving.  The handbag is high quality and a color I need in my wardrobe.  It also introduced me to a new brand.  Excellent job Social Bliss! 

What do you think?  Should I keep subscribing to this box?

Wantable Makeup Box Review-April 2014

Wantable Makeup Box Review-April 2014

Wantable offers a monthly cosmetics subscription box for $36.00 per month for subscribers and $40.00 a month for a single box.  The box contains 4-6 premium full sized products.  My favorite thing about Wantable is that you can cancel your subscription or skip a month without a penalty.  You can also return the entire box if you are unhappy with the items received.

My Wantable makeup box is usually a favorite, but this month it was a fail. 

Here is the box:

What I received:

Chella Luscious Light Brown Eyebrow Color Pencil ($18.00)

This was ok.  The color did match my brows, but the formula wasn't for me.  I love my Anastasia brow pomade, and this just didn't rise to that level.  The product also broke after one swatch.

FACE Lip Pencil in Rochelle ($17.00)

Again, this was just ok.  The red wasn't red enough and the formula was dry and hard to apply.  It was not creamy at all.  It claims to be long-lasting.  It was not.  ;(

Eyetini Swizzle Stick Eyeliner in Black Stripe ($18.00)

This product was broken so I couldn't swatch it for you.   I can't really form any sort of opinion on this product.

(PLA) Beauty Cheeky Blush in Blushing ($22.00)

I have an eyeshadow from (PLA) Beauty that I love so I was very excited to try this blush. Unfortunately, it was a fail.  The formula was nice, but the color is just not right for me.  As you can see, it is too light for my skin tone.  I'm not sure who could wear this because I'm pretty fair.  

Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush ($9.99)

This is a great brush, especially for $9.99.  I have heard great thinks about Real Techniques brushes, and they were all true.  This feels like great quality.  However, I received a retractable kabuki brush from Wantable a few months ago.

Total Value: $84.99

Price Paid: $36.00

I am sad to say that this box was not a win for me.  This is my first negative review and I feel kinda bad about it.  I just couldn't justify keeping the box when it was full of products that weren't right for me.  Maybe I need to retake my beauty quiz.  This one is going back.  What do you think of this box?   Should I have kept it?

Birchbox Review-April 2014

Birchbox Review-April 2014

Birchbox is one of the original subscription boxes and is the most affordable at only $10.00 a month. Birchbox generally includes 4-5 beauty, skincare and hair care samples or deluxe samples as well as a lifestyle favorite every month.

The best part of Birchbox is the point system.  For every 100 points you earn, you receive $10.00 off of a full sized product order.  You receive 10 points for every sample review you complete and additional points when your friends join Birchbox.  It is really easy to accumulate points. 

Here is the box:

First look:

This month Birchbox included bright ideas for a rainy day.  I got #20: Delve into a real magazine.  Cute idea, but I wouldn't pay for this product.

What I received:

Color Club Gala's Gems Collection in Gold Struck (Set of 4 retails for $13.00)

Sorry about the sideways picture.  I couldn't get it to turn and save.  This is a beautiful opaque creamy gold polish with a nice shimmer.  It provided full coverage in one coat.

Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo (full size retails for $20.00)

I haven't tried this yet, but it claims to hydrate using plant proteins to keep color-treated hair true-to-hue.  I don't love when I receive a shampoo without a conditioner.

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser (full size retails for $16.00)

This product is so interesting, it looks and feels like molasses.  It is supposed to clear blemishes and brighten skin tone.  I tried it and I loved it.  The claims are true, my skin was brightened!

theBalm cosmetics How 'Bout Them Apples Cheek & Lip Creme in Pie (full size retails for $32.00)

This is my first theBalm product and I love it!  It is creamy and rich and super pigmented.  It looks great on both my lips and cheeks.  It looks more cherry red in person than it does on camera. 

Lifestyle Extra: Healthy Grains Bar-Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt (15-count retails for $11.88)

SO good.  I ate it immediately.  I highly recommend this sweet and salty snack.

This was a fairly good box for me.  I love the nail polish, face cleanser the theBalm product.  The shampoo will get used, but I don't love it.  What did you get in  your Birchbox this month?  

Wednesday Wishes 4/23/14

Welcome to Wednesday Wishes!  Every Wednesday I will show you an item or product I wish for but can't quite rationalize purchasing.  We all have a wish list, so here is mine. 

Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm ($27.00)

I have heard rave review after rave review for this product.  This lip balm is supposed to change my life.  But a $27.00 lip balm?  Really?  I just can't seem to make this purchase.  Has anyone tried this and does it actually change your life?  

The TMI Blog Survery

The TMI Blog Survey

Theodora from Preppy Runner did this survey and I thought it was fun to learn a little more about her, so I'm giving it a try.

1. What are you wearing?

A black and white striped dress from Target with a red belt and black heels. 

2. Ever been in love?

Yes, more than once.

3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

Unfortunately, yes. 

4. How tall are you?

5'2 and a very important 1/2

5. How much do you weigh? 

More than i want to!

6. Any tattoos?

Nope, but I have always wanted one.  My dad and I made a promise to each other that if we were to get tattoos, we would do it together.

7. Any piercings?

Two in each ear..but to be fair, I haven't worn any earrings in the second hole since high school.

8. Favorite song? 

That is SO hard.  I would say fire and rain or wild horses.  Plus pretty much any song from RENT.

9. Quality you look for in a partner?

Ambition.  I think it is important to be with someone who is always striving to be their best self. 

10. Favorite quote?

There’s only us, there’s only this
Forget, regret, or life is yours to miss
No other path, no other way
No day but today

There’s only us, only tonight
We must let go to know what’s right
No other road, No other way
No day but today

I can’t control my destiny
I trust my soul, my only goal
Is just to be

There’s only now, there’s only here
Give in to love or live in fear
No other path, No other way
No day but today

There’s only us, There’s only this
Forget, regret, or life is your’s to miss
No other road, no other way
No day but today

11. Favorite actor?

I can't choose just one!  Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman.

12. Loud music or soft?

Loud in the car so I can sing along.  Soft everywhere else!

13. Where do you go when you’re sad?

To a bar.  

14. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

About an hour from the shower to walking out the door.

15. Ever been in a physical fight?

No, there is little chance I could win a physical fight. I like to do things I am good at ;)

16. Turn on?

Honesty, intelligence, big arms 

17. Turn off?

Douchebaggery.  Liars.  People who are close-minded. 

18. Fears?

I am ridiculously afraid of flying despite knowing that it is the safest form of travel.  

19. Last thing that made you cry?

I teared up in church yesterday because the music was so beautiful!

20. Last time you said you loved someone?

My mom.  We always say "I love you to the moon and back."

21. Meaning behind your YouTube name?

I don't have one.

22. The relationship between you and the last person you texted? 

My last text was a group text with my friends Amy and Matt to see if we were still out last night.

23. Favorite food?

Being a midwestern girl, I have to say steak and potatoes. 

24. Place you want to visit?

Spain and Italy.  However I will need to be tranquilized to fly that far.

25. Do you have a crush?

Kinda...

26. Last time you kissed someone?

Oh boy, September.  So sad.

27. Last time you were insulted?

Being a lawyer it happens fairly regularly.

28. Favorite piece of jewelry?

All of the jewelry I received from my Grandmother.  It is costume, but I love it. 

Play along at home! Pick some questions to answer yourself.

Friday Favorites 4/18/14

Every Friday I will tell you about 5 products I have loved using this week.  You can purchase them easily through my luvocracy page here.

1. ZENTS Eau de Toilette in Petal ($56.00)

This is the most beautiful summer scent.  It is light and only slightly floral.  It smells like clean laundry or light soap.  I have been wearing it for about a week and absolutely love it. I only have a sample, so I need to purchase the full size!

2. K. Hall Studio Peony Candle ($11.00)

I am ready for summer and this candle is a great jump start. It releases a light peony scent that fills your room.  It is soft and beautiful.

3. EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint ($3.29)

I am late to the party with this product.  I have heard raves about this product and just picked it up last week.  The Sweet Mint flavor is sweet and makes your lips tingle.

4. Anastasia DIPBROW Pomade ($18.00).

I thought this would be too advanced for my novice makeup skills, but it wasn't.  The brow pomade glides on with an angle brush and fills in your eyebrows easily

5. Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum ($25.00)

I found this product in the discount bin at Ulta a few months ago.  It has worked wonders on my hair. Just a few drops rubbed into the ends has made my hair happy and healthy!

Pop Sugar Must Have Box Review-April 2014

Pop Sugar Must Have Box Review-April 2014

The Pop Sugar Must Have Box is far and away my favorite subscription box.  Every month, Pop Sugar delivers full sized products and premium items in the categories of food, fitness, home, fashion and beauty. This box is $39.99 a month with free shipping.  The products received always significantly exceed the cost of the box.  

You can currently use the code APRIL10 for $10.00 off of your first box!  The April Box was meant to help us think about getting read for spring with items to help get outside, clean house and embracing eco-friendly habits.  

First look:

Must Have Fashion: Blue Avocado (Eco) Shopper (retails for $29.99)

This bag was designed by Lauren Conrad (who I love).  It is a collapsible tote made from upcycled plastic bottles.  It folds up into a pouch that you can fit in your purse.  I love this design and the size is perfect for some light grocery shopping. Living in the city, you can never have too many reusable bags!  I'm thinking of purchasing more of these. 

Must Have Beauty: Too Face Natural Eyes Palette (retails for $36.00)

Colors Left to Right: Nude, Honey Pot, Chocolate Martini (how pretty is honey pot?)

Colors Left to Right: Silk Teddy, Push-up, Erotica (Silk Teddy is perfect for summer)

Colors Left to Right: Heaven, Cashmere Bunny, Sexspresso (heaven is great for a brow bone highlight)
I love eye shadow palettes.  They are convenient and offer so many options!  First, this packaging is great.  The shadows are held in a metal tin.  I dropped it twice already and the shadows are intact. Yay! The colors are perfect for everyday and are buildable for night looks.  This is a palette that can take you from day into night.  It also comes with a booklet with ideas for looks, perfect for a makeup newbie!

Must Have Home: Graphic Image Pocket Notes (retails for $20.00)

This is a small 3x5 notebook with silver lined pages.  The inscription is "Run the World."  This is cute and handy.  It fits easily in a purse or pocket.  I'm not in love with this, but it is fine.  I see myself gifting this to my brother.

Must Have Home: Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Hand Soap (retails for $10.50)

This hand soap combines floral aromas and spicy cedar undertones.  I immediately put this product in my bathroom.  The scent is light and beautiful and it produces a great lather.

Must Have Home: Fresh Pastry Stand Totally Awesome Tea Towel Set (retails for $18.00)

How fun are these towels?  This is something I would never buy on my own, but I'm glad I received! I also love that they are from an Etsy store.  It is nice to see PopSugar supporting Etsy.  The towels say "Totally" on the blue towel and "Awesome" on the green towel.  I'm have flashbacks of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.

Must Have Food: Nature Box PopSugar Must Have Mix (suggested retail $5.00)

This product was specially made for the PopSugar box.  It contains a medley of almonds, soybeans, corn and cranberries.  I tried it.  It's o.k.  Not great, not awful.

Total Value: $119.49
Price Paid: $39.95

I really liked this box!  The reusable bag and the eye shadow palette made it well worth the purchase price.  I have already used both items several times!  I definitely recommend trying out the PopSugar Must Have box.  It does not disappoint.