Monday, August 20, 2012

Julep September 2012 Surprises


So, this month of Julep is crazy!! I was lucky enough to win a golden box a few days ago via the Julep Nail Parlor Facebook page, AND found the September box previews early! The official previews came out today on their site/ blog and in e-mails to Mavens. Thankfully they are the same as the leaked previews I found early and wrote about in my previous post!

Julep told me upon winning my golden box I would still need to specify a style to them, as they were doing something different with golden boxes for the month of September and they are to be style specific. Very, very sneaky Julep ;) Today on my account I saw this:
Normally this would be a golden box as it is all the products for the month of September. This month however you can get your regular monthly box for the standard $19.99 and purchase the whole collection for an extra $30- so essentially buy yourself the old version of the golden box.

Somewhat sadly, the golden box this month will only have five polishes in it. From this small picture I believe it will be the five polishes featured on the Trina Turk site- Otte, Delauney, Hoch, Alma, and Gunta. It will also have a special surprise in it though! It says the box is a $108 value which means the surprise is worth $38!  Knowing Julep the surprise will probably rock. I am assuming it is a different surprise for each style profile, or they wouldn't have had me pick a style?

Since the golden box won't have the mascara that made me the lucky winner of a golden box (I guessed first on the Julep FB page that mascara would be the new product for Sept), and I have a free credit for the month of September- THANK YOU for using my referral link to sign up-http://julep.com/?r=21739311, I decided to to switch from my regular American Beauty style:



I think Hoch is coming in the golden box (fingers crossed as I LOVE it, and I don't need another white- I recently got Kate)
Source
 To the Boho Glam box since I want to try the mascara, and really want Popova!! Blue is my very favorite color so I am not sad to be getting two Guntas this month, and I had to have the mascara! I have never tried brown so I hope it will look good with my green eyes, brown hair, and dark eyelashes??


Source
 I am very curious to see what the surprise bonus is for the Boho Glam box as with all the styles, and hope I chose a good style!! What do you think about the option to buy the whole collection this month? Do you like the smaller golden boxes? What are you getting?? I would love to hear your thoughts below :)






Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Spoiler Alert!! Julep September 2012 Boxes

Whoa!! I am not sure how this happened?!? A couple weeks ago I saw a picture on Jane Park's (creator of Julep Maven) Facebook page. She was wearing a new Julep color featured on the Trina Turk website http://www.trinaturk.com/Julep-Nail-Color/c/765 called Otte. I commented asking if Mavens (subscribers to Julep Maven) would see these colors in their boxes soon. She said yes we would!!

Just now I went on Google to see if anyone had put up swatches of these Trina Turk colors, and found the box previews for the month of September that usually do not come out until the 20th! Looks like September will feature the Trina Turk collection if these pictures are correct, plus more colors and brown and black mascara as the products!

Today I won a Golden Box via the Julep Nail Parlor Facebook page! I was told that Golden Boxes were based on the style of box you chose this month- that they are doing something different. Hmm. I wonder what that means?? I guess I will find out on Monday when I talk to the lady from Julep again about which style I would like :) I hope I get all these colors/ mascaras shown below!! I am extremely excited!!

So here we go, if these are correct that would be awesome! Like I said I cannot guarantee it until the official previews come out the 20th:

American Beauty is the style profile I got on my quiz when I signed up for Julep. 



 

What do you think of these boxes? Do you think they are too good to be true, or really the ones we will see for September?

Samples & Freebies!!

Hey everyone!! I just wanted to so a short little preview of some of the samples/ freebies/ giveaway products I have been ever so lucky enough to receive or win recently. I have tried a few of these, just received some, and am waiting on others. So, bottom line, you should see posts reviewing each one shortly. I want to make sure I really give them a good chance before putting up my two cents worth on here :) 




The first sample I recently found in the mail is Fructis Fall Fight Shampoo and Conditioner. It is made to help you keep your hair haha. Seriously though, I think it is absolutely gross when I get finished doing my hair and see all the strands on the sink ugh. The Fall Fight duo is designed to prevent unwanted shedding. I have tried this once, and it smells terrific, and left my hair looking nice. I will use the rest and let you know what I think! I doubt I will be able to to tell if it really works in the sample size, but it was great to get in the mail!

Suki Skincare was beyond nice enough to send me out some makeup and skin care samples!! I recently purchased their travel sized Balancing Kit off of the Birchbox site as well so will be doing a full length review on the products soon. So far, sooo good!!


In the mail a few weeks ago I also found a Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner. I knew you are supposed to use this product instead of Shampoo, but looked up the infomercial for more details. They want you to use 20 pumps of this stuff per side of your head! Whoa! I find that crazy, but what do I know? I tried it once using about half of this bottle. I loved its smell, and de-tangling powers! It left my hair looking great, but only for a few hours. Then it started to feel yucky, and greasy. I rinsed it out like crazy so was surprised to feel a build up on my scalp. Not sure if I used enough product I guess, but I thought using the whole bottle in one wash seemed like a huge waste?

Jilladair Flawless Complexion Gel primer is a product I should have coming in the mail soon! I was lucky enough to win it off of Your Beauty Junkie's blog http://yourbeautyjunkie.com/!! She has a wonderful video tutorial using this product as well as others. I sure hope my skin comes out looking as amazing as hers. I will keep you posted (literally ;) ). The makeup is not only supposed to hide your complexion flaws, but is good for your skin and can be used with or without foundation as it provides that much coverage. I am stoked to find out how it works on me!!


After hearing tons of Birchbox subscribers rant about Melvita's Rose Water Floral Water spray, I emailed Melvita USA about their products. Although they were out of Rose Water samples they sent me these three samples in the mail! I am yet to try them, but have the Orange Blossom Extraordinary Water Moisturizer, Serum Balancing Fluid Moisturizer, and a Purifying Clay Mask. I have big plans for the mask tonight. I will let you know!

I almost forgot! I won these Croc Leather Capri Sandals via another amazing blogger- Stylish Housewife
http://www.thestylishhousewife.com/. She hosted a twitter party along with Crocs. I somehow was one of the lucky winners they chose based on joining in the conversation! These came in the mail about a week later. They are comfy, and I actually quite like them. I used to despise the what I find to be ugly clog like Crocs people would wear, but now the company has some cute shoes on their site. I chose these because I love flip flops, they have a little heel to help with my height challenge, and the leather strap is really nice. I am all about being comfy as well. $40 shoes for free! Got to love it :) Thanks!!



 Today upon checking the mail I was pleasently surprised to find samples from Supergoop! I also recently aqcuired about their products via e-mail, and a very kind representative checked out my blog (YAY!!!) then sent me these. The package included Self Tanning Mousse which has SPF 20 in it, and a SPF 30 Sunstick! I am highly against tanning beds, and well cancer in general, so having the proper SPF on has been a concern of mine since I was little. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful mom who among countless other things, made sure I knew the importance of protecting our skin from the sun. I am getting on the pale side in a big bad way lately though, as I don't get outside as much as I used to :( I am very excited to give this sunless tanner a try, and review it for you! What amazing "samples" too. A value of $36 dollars! Wow, thank you Supergoop!!!!

Last, but certainly not least I have to tell you about what I won today!!! Those of you who have read my blog/ know me, know about my new obsession with Julep Maven! Today on their facebook page they had us guess what product they will be sending members in their September boxes. The first one to guess correctly would win a golden box for the month of September. Normally you have to chose one monthly box containing either 3 polishes, or 2 polishes and a product. Golden boxes have all the products from all five of the boxes- so usually 10 polishes and four products! Anyways, I WON!!!!!

I guessed the product would be mascara, and I was right :) On the 20th members get to see the new polish colors. I cannot wait to see what I will get, but am beyond thrilled! Mascara/ eyeliner are my favorite beauty products as well so this is a super added bonus. If you have any questions about Julep let me know, or check out my other posts! You can try it for a penny here http://julep.com/?r=21739311 using promo code COLOR2012 at checkout :).

I cannot believe my luck lately at all!! I am so thankful to all the companies and bloggers who have sent me samples, and hosted giveaways! It is safe to say I am addicted to receiving samples, and mail!! I would love to know if you have any of these products/ have tried them before? What did you think? Look for my reviews on them soon!! Thanks for reading :)

My August 2012 Birchbox


 
Whew,  I have been slacking on the posts lately!! There are a couple more weeks before school starts up again, and that is where my mind is right now. I will try to keep doing posts throughout the school year! Recently I have received quite a few samples/ won a couple giveaways!! I plan on trying out my new products and letting you know how I fancy them. If I get to it there might even be a couple today...yes, I am that behind sorry!!

Anywho (oh, that reminds me of stick stickly- anyone know what I mean ;) ) I got my August Birchbox! I actually received this bright yellow Back to School Beauty on the 13th. Many of the boxes seemed to go out extra early this month, so there were about a billion reviews up before mine came, and the BB website let me know what I was getting. Talk about mixed feelings over the products this month. Each video or blog I read showcased a subscriber who either loved their box like crazy, or had the exact opposite feelings.


Here is what came in my box:


  •  A Beauty School Booklet with beauty tips/ the products listed
  • Schick Hydro Silk Razor plus coupons for $4 off another razor/ refill, and one for .55cents off any Skintimate Shave Gel
  • Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Oscar Fish
  • Viva La Juicy La Fleur perfume sample
  • Yu Be Moisturizing Skin Cream for dry skin and lips
  • Caldrea Palmarosa Wild Mint Hand Soap 
So, here is what I think- eh oh this month's box. To start off razors are expensive, so even though most people seemed to hate getting a razor this month I welcomed it!


 I also was SO excited to see I was getting the Stila eyeliner. It is not only full size, but my favorite beauty products are eyeliner and mascara! I have been so envious of the ladies with the Eyeko London Fat Stick eyeliner, and liquid eyeliner in their boxes the last couple of months. This is not only my first eye product in a Birchbox, but my first Stila one :) It is in a brown sparkly color, and I always wear black. I have green eyes so brown will work for me (thank goodness I didn't get the blue one) and I was looking forward to trying something new. Unfortunately mine is broken! I tried to twist the tube and the product will not go up or down. I sent out an e-mail and am waiting to hear from Birchbox about it. I did hear from them about my suggestion to allow more choices on our profiles such as saying we love eye products, and they sent me a very nice e-mail including the information that they are working on this feature!!

The Viva La Juicy Perfume smells great, and is in a spray bottle instead of the little tube so that was a welcome sample :) The full sized cost $70 bucks so it is nice to be able to try a product I cannot afford haha.

The Yu Be Moisturizing Skin Cream is interesting as you can use it on lips and feet- okay, that is kind of weird actually haha. I think I will stick to one or the other especially since it is tiny. Only point one fluid ounce which is barely anything :(


I have no idea what Palmarosa is but it smells pretty nice, and upon looking it up I found out it is a sort of grass? As far as soap samples go I am not too over the moon about them or anything haha. It would be a nice extra maybe, but was counted as an actual sample this time.

My third Birchbox was alright, but I think I may have been spoiled in the previous two months? This month had a lot less samples overall. I think the broken eyeliner really brought me down too. I think I will see how next month goes, and then either keep going with the subscription or give it a break for a while. What do you think of my box? Did you get one? Let me know below please lovelies :)

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Julep August 2012 Boho Glam Mystery Box

Julep got me once again with a mystery box promotion. This time was a little different than in the past since they gave you the option of which box style you would like to choose. In the past you just ordered a mystery box and that was that. Being as indecisive as they come, and over thinking things to the max as I always do, I had quite the time deciding whether to get a box as well as which to pick!  I, of course, ended up ordering one, and went with Boho Glam since I have never had that style before and there are a lot of BG polishes on my wishlist :)

I was SO excited when my "your Julep order is on it's way" email popped up in my inbox. To double my excitement the tracking number started with the ever popular 9434 (Mavens have found these boxes are the heavier ones sent package services, and therefore seem to contain more goodies). In the past my tracking numbers have always started with 9400, so I was thrilled to see otherwise this time!

Sadly, my box was not as big as I thought it would be due to the tracking number, but still included a good number of products! It also arrived quick as a bunny! I just ordered it a couple days ago :)

My box included:

  •  The Best Pedi Prep Ever- retail $20
  • Julep Foot File- retail $6
  • Toe separators- not sold on site
  • Alyson- Almond Cream- retail $14
  • Blake- Sunny Yellow Creme- retail $14
  • Michelle- not currently on site- retail $14
  • I Paid- $19.99
  • Total Value- $68!

Quick swatches on paper right to left: Alyson, Blake, Michelle. My nails are currently occupied with Daphne and Mila. Melanie on toes :)
 I am happy that the Pedi Prep came in my box with the file as I have been wanting to try it. I really like how the Best Pedi Creme ever leaves my feet feeling/ how it gets off all the nasty dryness. I tried this out this morning  when I got my box with the file and have mixed feeling though. The pedi prep is smelly and a lot seemed to come out! It is in a roller ball container so that is very nice, and less messy for my hands, but not for the container or my foot. It also has a strong smell- not horrible, but not good. The file worked pretty well, but seems like it could break easily if I apply too much pressure. It was very bendable if that is even a word haha. 

Blake is a lovely yellow I have wanted for some time now! She looks quite bubbly so I will have to test her out soon hmm. Michelle also looked so pretty as I love blues. I went to unwrap it however and realized it was leaking EVERYWHERE, even under the plastic wrapping! I had to do a big clean up of all the polishes (go figure the darkest one decides to leak haha). I haven't had this happen before so it was strange. I  am not sure if the bottle is broken somewhere or if it just got too hot? I even got this package right out of the mailman's hands though. He rang the doorbell because there was .45 cent postage on a letter for my sister. I paid it then found out it was something dumb from a representative running for office. Grr. Oh well, it probably saved me a bigger mess.

Alyson by the way is interesting to me. Kind of a lighter shade of Vera I got in my last mystery box. I might end up liking it, but it is not something I would buy on my own. 

All in all, besides the mess factor, and losing polish I am happy with this box. I now get to try out some products I wanted to, but were too expensive for me to buy on their own, and the beautiful Blake. I think I am done with mystery boxes, but am not upset that I decided to buy one more.

If you want to try out Julep for a penny I highly recommend the product :) You can get an intro box for a penny right now! Just take a short quiz to find out what your colors are, and switch if you do not like them (different from the mystery boxes and a nice option). To get yours go to http://julep.com/?r=21739311 and enter the promo code COLOR2012 at checkout. If you have any questions about Julep feel free to ask, and check out my other posts :)

Did you get a mystery box? What did you get? What do you think of mine? I would love to hear from you!!


Thursday, August 2, 2012

Birchbox Partners with Pencils of Promise in August 2012

Today is only 2nd of the month, but I am already anxious for the August Birchbox! In June and July (this will be my third BB) I didn't have any trouble finding "spoilers" about what type of products I could expect. So far this month, Birchbox has seemed to stay more secretive about what is in store for our August boxes. I finally found hint though, and am now ten times more excited to receive the highly awaited "your box has been shipped" email.

Photo Source: http://blog.birchbox.com/

On the Birchbox Blog there are now two posts about August boxes :) Birchbox is teaming up with an organization called Pencils for Promise. Pencils for Promise helps to build schools in areas around the world for children in need. Throughout the month of August 15% proceeds of all items bought in the Birchbox shop will be donated to Pencils for Promise. The organization has a goal to build 100 schools before the year is over, and they have already build 58! Birchbox proceeds will go towards the building of a school in Guatemala. The August boxes will be Beauty School themed to go along with the efforts of Pencils for Promise :)


Photo Source: http://blog.birchbox.com/
As a teacher I am thrilled to be subscribed with a company that is doing its part to help children!!  It makes me feel good knowing that there are still companies out there that do not just hoard the millions of dollars they make, but instead use what they can to give back to others. Birchbox is still keeping the actual products we may see in these fun yellow packages on the down low, but I hope their preview video comes out soon! 

What are your thoughts on the Birchbox/ Pencils for Promise collaboration? Do you have any predictions of what beauty products we might see? I would love to hear your ideas, and also find out what you would love to see in the August box! :)

I will be sure to post again if I find out more details/ when I receive my box. After getting Suki balancing skincare samples in my July BB, I also decided to purchase it from the shop last week. I will be doing a review on my Suki products soon so keep an eye out!!


What to try Birchbox? Sign up here:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=2zl7x