Fortune Cookie Soap-The Summer Soap Box Review

The Fortune Cookie Soap Box is a quarterly subscription box from Fortune Cookie Back and Body.  It costs $19.99 per quarter.  You will receive many mini products and a $10.00 off coupon for their store.  Every box has a theme based around their quarterly launch.  This box's theme was the Candy Aisle.

Here we go, the box is packed full of goodies:

The introduction card:

"Lollipop Your Cherry" OCD Hand Sanitizer

I generally hate hand santitizer's due to their medicinal smell.  This however smells like maraschino cherries.  LOVE.  So good.

"Rock Your Socks Off" Solid Sugar Scrub

This one smells like grape candy.  It exfoliates, moisturizes and softens your skin while in the shower.  This is a unique product that I can't wait to try.

"Captain's Berried Booty" Whipped Cream

I love the names of these products.  This smells like fruit loops, which is kinda strange for a lotion.  Although I don't love the smell, the formula of this lotion is amazing.  I will have to pick up other scents of the whipped cream.

"Sweet Dreamsicle" Wax Tart

Now I have Sweet Dreams are made of this in my head.  Do you? Sorry.  This smells like pineapple, orange and vanilla.  I'm not really sure what this is...thoughts?  Help?

"Lemon Drop It Like It's Hot" Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub

Ahh, these names! So good!  I love a good microdermabrasion and this one is lightly fragranced with lemon peel and orange zest.

"The Sweet Spot" Sparkle Me

This is a sparkle spray that smells like melon, strawberries, peaches, oranges and pineapple.  So, it smells like strippers basically.  And it is full of glitter.  Not for me ;)

"Blow Me" Lip Scrub

Get your mind out of the gutter, it smells like bubble gum!  I needed a lip scrub and this one is fantastic.

"Lick Your Lips" Fortune Cookie Soap

This is what the company is known for.  This one smells like smooth peppermint ice cream with flecks of dark chocolate.  

I really truly loved this box.  It is my first time receiving the Fortune Cookie Soap Box and I thought the quality of the products far exceeded the price of the box.  Some of the products are totally new to me and I can't wait to try them.  What do you think about the Fortune Cookie Soap Box?

Wantable Makeup Box Review May 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.

Wantable offers a highly customizable box.  You take an extensive quiz detailing what products you like and dislike, the shades of the products you like etc.  It really allows you to enjoy the products you receive every month.  And quizzes are fun. Right?

Here is this month's box:

Yay, looks great right?

Mirabella Glowing Coral Highlighter ($38.00)

I love this SO much.  First of all the packaging is beautiful.  The product is even better.  It is a beautiful coral highlighter.  You could also use this as a blush is you had a light skin tone and wanted a natural flush.  I have loved wearing this product.  Big Fan.

Vincent Longo Duo Eye Pencil in Lapis Lazlu ($28.00)

This product is perfect for a fun summer look or actually fall...or winter...or spring.  Yep, it's just good. They suggest you use the darker shade to define and shape your eyes in the outer corners and to use the lighter color in the inner corners of your eyes.  I can't wait to try this out!

Mirabella Lip Lustre Liner in Nude ($18.00)

Sorry, I can't get this photo to flip! This is a soft, easy to blend lip liner in the perfect summer nude.  It is a little darker than a typical nude, but I think it will still work.  It contains Aloe Vera to keep your lips soft all day.

Ofra Semi Permanent Eyebrow Gel in Dark Brown ($24.95)

This is only product I am not excited about.  The color is slightly dark for my eyebrows but I might work for the few days after I color it.  I'm also nervous about the semi-permanent idea, but it will probably be great for hot summer days. 

Total Value: $106.95

Price Paid: $36.00

I loved this box so much this month.  My favorite product is the coral highlighter.  It is a beautiful shade that is perfect for summer.  I really will use all of the products and the value is amazing.  Another great job Wantable, I can't wait for next month.  

Wednesday Wishes 5/28/14

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.

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Bronze-Bronzer Brush No. 12 ($78.00)

I have put this brush in my Sephora cart more times than I would like to admit.  It looks perfect for applying bronzer easily to achieve a nice sun-kissed summer glow.  But $78.00 for a brush?  I'm sure it is excellent quality, but I just can't seem to make the purchase.

What are your Wednesday Wishes?

Sephora Favorites Summer Stash

While in line at Sephora the other day, I saw a new kit of mini products that I just had to have.  Sephora knows how to get my attention with the adorable makeup bag full of mini products that I have always wanted to try.  

Here is what is contained within the Sephora Favorites Summer Stash:

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray .50 fl. oz.

I have wanted to try this product for so long, so I was excited to try out a sample size before committing to the big purchase of the full sized product.  This claims to keep your makeup looking just applied for up to 16 hours.  For a woman who has makeup on for at least 12 hours a day, I hope this claim is true. 

Stila Cosmetics Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Kitten .049 oz.

This is a cult favorite eye shadow.  It is a buildable, high-metallic cream eye shadow that can build from a light sheer shimmer to a high-metallic opaque.  It is absolutely beautiful and would look amazing with a brown smoky eye look.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in New Wave .08 fl. oz.

Wow.  This is really something.  I'm not sure in what situation I will need such a highly pigmented, incredibly glossy, bright pink, but I do LOVE it.  This tiny tube will last a very, very long time.

Nars Travel Size Laguna Bronzing Powder .08 oz.

Everyone and their mother has this bronzer and now I do too.  It is a medium brown with a golden shimmer.  This will be great for summer and produces a healthy and natural looking glow.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes 12L Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil .025 oz.

This is such a fun color-a metallic teal blue. It is a waterproof product that won't smudge or fade throughout the day.  I hope it will make my eye's pop!

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Mermaid's Dream .27 fl. oz.

SO beautiful!  I immediately put this seafoam splendor glitter polish on my nails.  Although this is a glitter, it looks more like a foil.  I absolutely love it and have a feeling I will go through this bottle very, very quickly.

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara .1 oz.

One of my favorite products and I'm happy to have a trial size for travel.  It is a jet black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes and separates lashes.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal.34 fl. oz

This is the only item I probably won't use.  It is a sheer creme liquid that pefects skin with light-reflecting pearls for a soft, natural glow.   Since I have oily skin, this will not work well for me.  I will gift this to a friend.

I think this kit is a great value.  You receive $107.00 worth of products for $42.00.  I am very excited to try out the urban decay setting spray, stila shadow and occ stained gloss.  What is your favorite product in this stash?

CVS 50% off Sale

CVS is currently running a 50% off sale on select makeup.  I picked up two products I have been wanting to try for a while and two products that were completely new to me.

Revlon Colorstay Long Wear Nail Enamel in Passionate Pink (retails for $7.99, now $3.99)

This is a beautiful bright pink in an opaque formula that goes easily and covers in 2 coats.

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Bottomless Java (retails for $8.29, now $4.15)

I have heard all the hype about the L'Oreal Infallible shadows and now I understand why.  The above swatch was made with one swipe. Holy Pigmented.  This might be my new favorite line of shadows.  I can't wait to try out all of the other colors.

Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve your Cabana (retails for $3.99, now $1.99)

This is clearly not a bronzer, but it is an absolutely beautiful highlighter.  Especially for the price.  It has a tiny bitter of almost micro-shimmer.  This is the perfect highlighter for the summer months.

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain and Balm in Passion (Retails for $9.29, now $4.65)

This is a very interesting product.  It feels like you are using a highlighter on your lips, which is really really strange.  One end is the marker like applicator and the other side is a lip balm.  The color is a beautiful berry stain and the other side is lip balm.  The stain is kind of drying and it is not long-lasting like a stain should be.  I wouldn't recommend purchasing this product.

Allure Beauty Box Review-Summer 2014

Once a quarter, Allure curates a beauty box that sells out within minutes.  It only costs $44.95 (plus shipping) and contains over $300.00 worth of products.  I am still using up the products from my winter Allure box.  This box is the best deal of the year, but requires a lot of patience in order to purchase it.  The site goes live at 12:01 p.m. EST when it goes on sale and often crashes.  Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to this box.

Here is the box:

First look: 

Contents by Category:

Makeup

Cargo Cosmetics Essential  Lip Gloss ($16.00)

This is a beautiful neutral pink color.  It is a high shine gloss that delivers lasting color.  I have several glosses that are similar, so this is going in the gift pile.

Flower Nail'd It Nail Lacquer ($4.98)

This is a Drew Barrymore beauty product that is 3-Free!  I was so excited to try this pastel lavender color.  It is extremely sheer.  I had to apply 4 coats to even get a hint of the lavender.  Then it chipped in one day.  ;(

Neutrogena Moisture Smooth Color Stick in Sweet Watermelon ($8.49)

I really love this product and shade.  It is a beauty pink toned berry color. It is incredibly moisturizing and tastes like mint!  I will need to try out some other shades ASAP. 

Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish in Dream Sequins and Top Coat ($9.98 or $4.99 each)

The triple shine polish defends against water and wear and provides high shine.  Who doesn't need another top coat?  I love the glittery bronze color and will likely save it for the fall.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes ($20.00)

I am so excited to have the full size of this product!  I have been using a sample size I received in an Ulta haul for about a month.  This is a wonderful mascara that lengthens and separates and has beautiful packaging.  What a deal! 

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Retro Glam Mascara ($5.99)

I haven't opened this up yet, but look at the picture of the brush!  Very cool.  I will do a review on this after I try it. 

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Medium ($38.00)

This is a product I already use and LOVE.  This CC Cream provides flawless, perfect coverage and protects your skin with SPF 50.  I have applied it with a brush and with my fingers and it goes on perfectly both ways.  It is very full coverage yet lightweight and a little product goes a long way.  Some bloggers have complained that we didn't get to choose a color and that medium is too dark.  I am pretty fair and this doesn't look too bad on me.  After a bit of a tan this summer it should be perfect! 

Hair Care

Big Sexy Hair Get Layered Hairspray ($17.95)

This is a quick drying hairspray that provides volume, thickness and the ability to build hold by layering.  This actually does hold my hair well without feeling sticky or heavy.  I'm a fan!

Oscar Blandi Dry Heat Protect Spray ($24.00)

I was so happy to receive this product as I have wanted to try a heat protector.  Unfortunately the scent of this is not my favorite.  It smells like the Old English furniture polish.  I have used it for a week and notice absolutely no difference in my hair. 

One 'n Only Argan Oil Cream to Serum Styler ($11.99)

This is a lightweight styling cream that provides smoothness and manageability.  I really, truly like this product.  I think it is comparable to the Aveda Smooth Infusion line, but much less expensive.  I found a great new product!

Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Conditioner ($24.00)

This product is supposed to moisturize and smooth color treated hair.  A dry conditioner, who knew? I haven't tried it yet.

Rusk Freezing Spray-Humidity Resistant Hairspray ($19.00)

Holy Hairspray Batman.  This can is HUGE.  It wouldn't even fit in my bathroom cabinet.  I haven't tried it yet since I am using the Big Sexy Hair right now.

Not Your Mothers Intensive Hair Unit Renewal Treatment ($7.99)

This hair treatment is infused with carrot root extract to help repair damaged, troubled hair and revive it to its natural strength.  They recommend you use it once a week.  Can't wait.  I love a good hair mask.

Aloxxi Flexible Hairspray ($18.00)

What am I going to do with all of this hairspray?  This hairspray delivers hold with an anti-humidity, frizz-fighting formula. It feels lightweight and has a light, pleasant scent. 

Redken Mess Around 10 Disrupting Cream-Paste ($17.00)

This is for short to medium hair types and creates texture and separation.   I have pretty long hair so I gifted this to my BFF.  

GK Hair Taming System Thermal StyleHer ($12.00)

This is a heat activated styling cream that provides conditioning and moisture.  Haven't tried it yet. 

DeveloPlus Anti-Aging Hair Treatment System ($19.99)

This is a two week hair care system containing a shampoo, conditioner and serum that is supposed to leave you with vibrant, youthful hair in 2 weeks.  It also claims to slow down the graying process.  As I quickly approach 35 (eeek), I realize that need this product.  I have used it for about 5 days now and my hair feels soften and looks a little more shiny.  I'm a fan.  It will definitely last for more than 2 weeks. 

Body Products

Tan Towels ($12.00)

I love tan towels!  I remember buying them off of hsn many years ago.  This is the only tanning product I have ever used that didn't leave me streaky.  I highly recommend this product!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face and Body Stick ($10.99)

It's sunscreen with a deodorant type applicator.  Nothing exciting here.

Softsoap Sea Kissed Exfoliating Body Wash ($4.99)

This contains "the blissful scents of paradise."  Softsoap needs new writers.  This does smell lovely though. 

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash in Pistachio Cream ($7.79)

 Yay!  I heard good things about this product and it smells heavenly.  It contains pistachio and magnolia leaving a very light scent on your skin.  Love.

Skincare:

Burt's Bee's Brightening Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream ($20.00)

This product claims to even skin tone and help diminish the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.  I adore Burt's Bee's products, and I can't wait to try this out. 

Cetaphil Cleansing Cloths ($6.99)

I am always happy to try out a new cleansing cloth since I go through them like crazy.  I like these. They are scentless which is amazing and they stretch, which i like!  I would definitely purchase these. 

Other

Rembrant Deeply White and Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste ($6.99)

It's toothpaste.  What can I say?  I should have ended with something more exciting. 

Total Value: $345.11 and enough products to last for many, many months. 

Price Paid: $44.95 plus shipping

How great is this box?  It is a total pain to get, but SO worth it.  What is your favorite product in the Allure Summer Beauty Box?