BeautyBox 5 for December 2012

I usually do videos on all my beauty/lifestyle/dog subscriptions, but with the holidays and trying to get things done.......I didn't do one for BeautyBox 5! It was actually one of the better ones this month. When I signed up for BeautyBox 5 I opted to pay for a year in advance, which came out to be $8.33 per month. What I like about BeautyBox 5 is that they use minimal products in shipping. The box is small, the items inside are packed in a small bag and the box has the crinkle cut paper for packaging and protecting the items.

Here's what was in December's BeautyBox 5:
1. Jean Pierre Cosmetics Exfoliating Facial Cleansing Pads
Retail: $1.99 16 pad
2. Everyday Minerals Flat Top Brush
Retail: $12.99
* Use code BB5 before 1/15/13 to get 20% off statewide on everydayminerals.com
3. MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask
Retail: $4.99 1 sheet
* use code BB5 before 1/15/13 to get 20% off statewide on maskeraide.com
4. OFRA Cosmetics 3D Eye Shadow
Retail: $19.90 0.14 oz
5. Demeter Roll On Perfume Oil
Retail: $10.00 0.29 oz
* Use code BB520 before 1/31/13 to get 20% off statewide on demeterfragrance.com

POPSUGAR Must Have Luxury Edition Holiday Box

Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately.  I haven't done ANYTHING for the month of December.  Just a busy month.  I need to be more diligent on keeping up with blogging.  I will try in the New Year....that will be my New Years Resolution!!

Anyways I just started getting Popsugar's Must Have Boxes.  My first one was for this month, and I did post of video on YouTube.  I will try and blog about that in the next day or so, but right now I want to share with you Popsugar Must Have Luxury Edition Holiday Box!  I was literally shaking and tingly when I was opening the box and doing the video.  I was so very impressed with what they had in their box. 

Fist of all it came in a very nice black box tied with a silver tie!  When I opened it, it came with everything wrapped in a silver paper, and then opening that.....everything came wrapped in black tissue paper and bubble wrap with the black crinkle paper inside to help protect in shipping.

Opening it and pulling out each individual item was so exciting for me.  Like I said I was literally shaking!  They had a really nice selection of products to surely please and pamper the woman in you!  Everything from chocolates, candles, an antique clutch, moisturizer, a lip and nail dual, hand soap and gold colored cuff piece of jewelry!  Popsugar you did an awesome job!  I was so excited opening this box!

This is what was in my box:

What was in my box:
~ JewelMint Clutch  www.jewelmint.com
~ Epicuren After Bath Moisturizer   www.epicuren.com
~  Vosges Mini Chocolate Bar Library  www.vosgeschocolate.com
~  Compagnie De Provence Liquid Hand Soap   www.compagniedeprovence-usa.com
~  Tocca Scented Candle   www.tocca.com
~  Heather Belle Cuff  www.heatherbelleco.com
~  Deborah Lippmann Lip & Nail Duet www.lippmanncollection.com

Taking the Full Advantage of Birchbox!!

Lately over the past couple of months there has been a lot of disappointed subscribers with Birchbox.  Some are saying that the sample boxes are lacking, they didn't feel like they got their money's worth or that it just wasn't up to par.  But this is my take on the whole Birchbox subscription.

First of all you only pay $10 per month for your Birchbox!  A lot of times you receive at least one full size sample.  A lot of times this full size sample pays for the box itself.  A lot of times people get foil packets, protein bars, or earbuds.  People have to remember that this is a lifestyle box...not necessarily a beauty box.  How I have seen Birchbox, and a lot of the other monthly subscriptions, is that it has opened my eyes to a lot of products out there that I didn't know about.  So now when I see something....I'll know what it is and I'll know how I came to be familiar with it!

Secondly I bet that the majority of people who subscribe to Birchbox don't use the subscription to it's full potential.  I do and I have been really happy with it.  And what I mean by not using it to it's full potential is that every month when you get your Birchbox you can go onto their website and do product reviews.  You basically do 5 reviews per month.  With the reviews you get 10 points per sample and each 10 points equals $1.00.  Ok so if you do 5 product reviews each month, you are basically getting $5 that will go toward anything that Birchbox has in their shop!  This is actually awesome!!  You get half the price of your box back toward purchasing products in their online store!!

So I had a total of 400 points which equals $40!  I then went online to their store and purchased 2 Eyeko eyeliners ($15 each) and Juicy Couture Rollerball Duo: Viva La Juicy La Fluer and Viva La Juicy ($25).  

They had offered the Eyeko eyeliner a while back in the summer in a Birchbox, but I didn't get it in mine.  I heard many great reviews about this eyeliner, so I went online to Birchbox's store and bought two....at that time they didn't have the selection as they do now.  I got an olive and a turquoise color.  The olive I use quite a bit, it's subtle.  The turquoise I plan on wearing for an added pop of color to my eyes for like spring and summer.  This time when I went online to check them out I purchased black and purple.  The purple is quite close to black....but I love love LOVE this eyeliner.  The precision pen tip allows you to control the thickness of the line and it goes on so smooth!  It also has a fade proof formula that makes the eyeliner last and last.

The second thing that I decided to get was the Juicy Couture Rollerball Duo: Viva La Juicy La Fluer and Viva La Juicy.  I originally was going to use my $40 points money toward a full size perfume of either Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fluer or the Viva La Juicy.  I was reading reviews, smelling samples, getting confused and couldn't make my mind up on what to get.  The price was about $69/$70 for either. I saw this rollerball duo and instantly knew that this would be the solution to my dilemma on making a choice!  I didn't have to choose and got both fragrances.  So a great way to get both without spending a lot of money.  It was only $25 for the rollerball duo!  And what I love about rollerballs you can just throw them in your purse to use for a quick splash of fragrance.

But wait!!!!  Stay tuned.  I have ordered one more thing through Birchbox that I'm really excited to share!

Sebastian Color Ignite Multi Tone Shampoo and Conditioner

I haven't been keeping up with blogging as I had liked and have so many things to blog about that I know I'm not going to get to.  If you'd like to see a lot of my monthly beauty/lifestyle/doggy subscriptions you can check them out on my YouTube channel littlebitofbeauty050.

Today I wanted to blog a little bit about a particular shampoo and conditioner that I got in my July 2012 Glossybox.  I have used many types of shampoos and conditioners, from drugstore to products highly recommended to me by my hairdresser.  And with these monthly subscriptions I have been getting I have to say that I was really impressed with the deluxe sample sizes of Sebastian Color Ignite Multi Tone Shampoo and Conditioner!  

The shampoo went on as any shampoo did.  It has a very nice fragrance...but when I rinsed my hair I literally had that "squeeky" clean feeling to my hair.  After using shampoos, and usually the same after a while, you can feel the residue of continual use in my hair.  But I have to say this felt so clean!

Okay now for the conditioner!  It's awesome too!  And what is so unique about this conditioner is that it's not like your normal conditioner.  First of all when you take the top off of the container.....and I wish I would have gotten a picture of this....the conditioner comes out like a mousse!  I love this!  And when you put it in your hair and work it in, it's really different.  It doesn't have that slick slippery feel as you work it in....and all over your body when you rinse it out if you're in the shower using it.  No...it just rinses out very nicely.  

So this is definitely a shampoo and conditioner to try.  Very nice, very unique and very GREAT!

 The sizes here shown are the deluxe sample size of 1.75 oz

November's Little Black Bags for $29.95!!

I have been taking advantage of the special offer that Little Black Bag is doing.  They are offering bags for $29.95 along with their original bags of $49.95.  What I love about this is, you don't have to get another handbag each time you want to open a bag.  You can get accessories and jewelry or home items, cosmetics and also an extra little goodie they throw in your back.

If you don't know what Little Black Bag is, it is is a monthly subscription.  It costs $49.95 + shipping if you decide you want to do the subscription or $59.95 + shipping for one time.  (For a short time they are offering a bag for $29.95). You go on their site and do a style survey and from there you can go into their gallery and choose 1 item to put in your "virtual" bag.  From there LBB will go in and put in 2-4 more items totaling over $100.  Once you pick your item and accept it, you can then see what was put in your bag.  You can trade out any items that you'd like with others on the site.  You have 7 days to trade (3 days for the $29.95 bag).  You can opt to ship your bag at any time or go for the full 7 days of trading.  You also have an option to skip a month.  If you like to use me as a referral you can sign up at:  http://www.littleblackbag.com?rf=YWxsIGdyZWF0IHNpdGVzIGRlc2VydmUgYSBncmVhdCBsYXVuY2g2OTkyMjY%3DLbbsePotLbbsePLbbsePLbbsePLbbsePLbbseP&utm_medium=Other&utm_campaign=UserReferral&utm_content=Invite_179359&utm_source=other  Check it out!  It's an awesome site and a lot of fun when you get involved with the trading!

Here is what I got in this month's Little Black Bag:

First Little Black Bag

1. 'Zad Slim Leaf Cuff - $18
2. Mata Traders Connected Bangle Set - $24
3. Mocha Square Stone Earrings - $16
4. Pureology Precious Oil Conditioner - $7.50
5. Lavanila Vanilla Passion Fruit Body Was - $14

Total value of this bag is $79.50

Second Little Black Bag

1. Cejon Heart Printed Scarf - $32
2. Pureology Colour Radiance Amplifier - $7
3. Mata Traders Persian Earrings - $22

Total value of this bag is $$61

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

I received the Goody Simple Style Spin Pins complimentary from Influenster in my Beauty Bloggers VoxBox.  This product was ok for those of you how put your hair in a bun.  For me it was rather difficult because I don't master this particular hair style at all.  I prefer to leave my hair down.  I did try it and totally forgot to have my husband take a picture to post here of what it looked like.  But that's okay because I wasn't particularly happy with the way it turned out.

These Spin Pins are pretty unique.  I can see that if someone was in a hurry to put their hair in a bun would like these.  The box showed how to use them in three different style buns.  They went in rather nicely and held my hair quite well.  So whoever made this little twisty pin did a great job!  It costs around $7.29 for two pins.

To see more information about the Goody Simple Style Spin Pin and other products by Goody you can got to:    http://www.goody.com/  Oh....I see some other products that interest me on their website!  So check it out!!

Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream

I was really excited to receive Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair in my Beauty Bloggers VoxBox from Influenster!

What I really like about this product is that I use it on my towel dried hair and helps with the frizz. I have thick wavy, curly hair.  And what is really weird about it is that it is a lot thicker on the left side than the right.  So I use this product a little more on the left side because it's a little more frizzier than the right.  I love the texture of the cream and it has a really nice coconut fragrance to it.  It helped with styling.  Also living in the Pacific Northwest we have a lot of rain at times and just recently I got caught in the rain.  When I came inside my hair was overly frizzy!  I took the cream and put a small amount in my hair and rubbed it in!  And the frizz went away in no time!  It costs around $6.00 for a full sized 4-oz bottle.

For more information on Not Your Mother's products you can go to:  http://www.nymbrands.com/

Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair cream was sent complimentary from Influenster.com

Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit

I received the Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit in my Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox.  This kit was a great kit those who have never used eyelashes before or even pro.  The starter kit comes with eyelashes, adhesive and applicator.  The latex-free glue has a 24-hour hold.  I liked the kit, and using the applicator made applying the lashes a lot easier.  One thing that I do when I use new lashes is that I flex the ridge of lashes to loosen them.  Make sure that whenever you get a new pair of lashes to measure and cut them to fir your eye lid.  I liked wearing the lashes.  They were a little thicker than I normally wear, so it took a bit to get use to wearing them.  They are priced around $5.99 for the kit. 

For more information on Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit and other products they offer check out http://www.everezlashes.com/home

Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit was sent complimentary from Influenster.com

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact from Influenster

I received the NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact from Influenster in my Beauty Bloggers VoxBox.  I was really happy to receive this shadow palette because I use the neutral colors that come in this palette.  It comes with the lid primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows.  With the four color palette, specially coordinated to intensify and enhance your eye color, you can create a look as individual as your are!  Very nice palette!  I've never used NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact before, so this was nice to receive this palette.  The shadow palette was sponsored by Influenster for testing review.  The price for the palette is $4.99, which is a very reasonable price!  Very affordable.

http://newyorkcolor.com/

Bath and Body Works Mini Candle from Influenster

I received this Bath Body Works mini candle in the fragrance Cider Lane in my Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox.  First off I'm a big fan of anything Bath and Body Works and I have been picking up these little mini candles there.  I was really happy to get the mini candle and the fragrance is oh so yummy!  I could smell it first thing when I opened my box.  I love fall fragrances in candles and this is a wonderful fragrance.....all things fall.  I already had a mini candle holder so took out my summer candle and threw this in!  So cute!  I love these because I keep it on my vanity and I burn them.  Just the right size.

Also included in the box was a coupon for Bath and Body Works 3-wick candles for $10!  You could purchase 5 with the coupon!  So I took that in and got a 3-wick candle for Christmas!  And heading up to the cash register I also grabbed another mini candle in Nutmeg and Spice and a mini candle holder for the holidays! Oh I love the fragrances in our home!
www.bathandbodyworks.com

Bath and Body Works candle was complimentary to test through Influesnter's Beauty Bloggers VoxBox!  Thank you!!

Birchbox + Goop October 2012

This month Birchbox teamed up with goop.com.  Birchbox is a monthly beauty/lifestyle subscription that is $10 per month. They deliver high-end beauty and lifestyle samples from top brands. They also have a man's Birchbox, so get one for the man in your life! You can go to www.birchbox.com and sign up for your monthly subscription.
Birchbox + Goop
Goop.com is Birchbox's go-to resource for lifestyle inspiration, like wholesome recipes or a tip packed city guide, they have the inside scoop on all things wonderful. This month Birchbox enlisted goop to put together a collection of must-try essentials.

What is in this month's Birchbox:

** essie / goop Pick - nail polish in power clutch - Full-size $8.  I was really excited to get this nail polish in my box this month.  I am going to use it with Zoya's Fleck Effect Top Coat to make it really pop!

** Joanna Vargas daily serum - Full-size $85 - I'm really excited to get this in my box!  I always any kind of serum!!

** Kiehl's Aromatic Blends Liquid Body Cleanser in Orange Flower & Lychee - Full-size $24 - I have been using this in my bath and it's a really nice body cleanser with a nice fragrance!
** Naked Princess Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss in Naked Shine - Full size $26 - This is a really small sample, but it's a GREAT lip gloss!!  I would consider purchasing one through Birchbox!
Lifestyle Extra - Luna Fiber Bar in Chocolate Raspberry - Pack of 15 $14.95 - MMmmm chocolate and raspberry!  Great combination!  This is my second Luna Bar that I have received in my Birchbox!

I was pretty well pleased with this month's box.  I know a lot of people weren't and were expecting more when they teamed up with goop, and were disappointed.  I know a lot were looking forward to getting an Essie nail polish in their box and didn't.

Stay tuned for November's Birchbox!!

Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox

I was so excited to be selected to get Influenster's Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012. Influenster is a program where you sign up and unlock badges to help you with chances of getting one of their VoxBox. When I say unlock badges, they have many lifestyle badges that you click on and answer questions of different types of lifestyles....may it be being a new mother...... going to college...... having a pet such as a dog or cat ..... or being a baby boomer! The more badges you can unlock....the better chances you have at getting one of their sponsored VoxBox!

One thing I have noticed that really helps here is being able to promote the products you receive in your VoxBox. Which means having different social medias are great for doing this! I have a YouTube channel, I submit blog posts, I tweet about it, and share pictures on Instagram and Pinterest!

What I got in my Beauty Bloggers VoxBox:

NYC New York Color Individual Eyes Custom Compact: $4.99
Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit: $5.99
Bath & Body Works Mini Candle: $3.50
EBOOST: $1.40
Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin: $7.29
Not You Mothers Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream: $6.00

The value of this box is $29.17 and all the products are sponsored by Influenster.  

If this sounds like something you are interested in......check it out!  Who doesn't like free stuff!  You can sign up through my referral link at:  http://www.influenster.com/registration/7c587a3a0d27017f8582f522bb08be08 

Also if you're interested in checking out my profile on Influenster - 
http://www.influenster.com/profile/lovenest428

Stay tuned for updated blog reviews on the items I received!!

You Should Check out www.influenster.com !!

I am a big fan of Influenster!  It's a program where you sign up and unlock badges to help you with chances of getting one of their VoxBox.  When I say unlock badges, they have many lifestyle badges that you click on and answer questions of different types of lifestyles....may it be  being a new mother...... going to college...... having a pet such as a dog or cat ..... or being a baby boomer!  The more badges you can unlock....the better chances you have at getting one of their sponsored VoxBox!  

One thing I have noticed that really helps here is being able to promote the products you receive in your VoxBox.  Which means having different social medias are great for doing this!  I have a YouTube channel, I submit blog posts, I tweet about it, and share pictures on Instagram and Pinterest!

I was extremely excited to get my very first VoxBox, The Naturals VoxBox, that have many natural products to use around the home, for your health, and also for your personal use.  Check out some of my previous posts here on my blog about these products that I have received in the Naturals VoxBox!

And.....I just got another sponsored VoxBox that I just got today!  I am so excited to get chosen again, and will be submitting reviews soon on my new VoxBox!  So stay tune!

In the meantime, if you are interested in checking out Influenster, just log onto their website and get started unlocking those badges!  The more badges you can unlock the better chance you have at getting your VoxBox!  So go to: www.influenster.com and check it out!  

EBOOST - Influenster Naturals VoxBox

I was pleasantly happy to receive EBOOST in my Naturals VoxBox from Influenster.  I have never tried this product before.  

"EBOOST will boost your mood, focus, and immunity with natural ingredients and no crash,  As a shot or an easy-to-mix powder and in four flavors, you'll feel great weather you choose Orange, Pink Lemonade, Acai Pomegranate, or Super Berry."

I had waited for a while before trying this.  So this morning I had the most opportune time to try it out.  I deal with some conditions that I take medications that make me really tired and also lowers my immune system.  This morning I was having a really hard time.  I was overly tired, no energy and just felt like going back to bed after being up for a while.  After my bath, if I'm feeling like this, usually does my in for the day.  Just the simple job of getting dressed is all that I can do at times that does me in for the rest of the day.  This morning was no different.  But then today my husband wanted for us to go out for lunch and I didn't want to say no because of the way I was feeling.  After getting out of my bath I decided this was the perfect time to take EBOOST, because I really needed something to help me.  I mixed it up and drank it before getting dressed.  By the time I got dressed, dried my hair and put on my makeup, I felt totally different.  I felt good, I had energy and ended up heading out the door for lunch with my husband.  What I really like about EBOOST is that it is all natural.  I was worried at first about the caffeine from the green tea, because I shouldn't have caffeine, but didn't feel the effects that caffeine usually has on my.....like my heart racing!  EBOOST is packed with vitamins, minerals and super-nutrients that deliver a boost of energy and immunity.  Their packets have no sugar, artificial flavors.  I liked the flavor.  At first I didn't mix it right.  You are supposed to put the packet in a class and pour in cold water.  I poured the packet into the water and it left it foamy on the top, but it soon disparate.  It kind of reminded me of Tang.....what we had as kids.  But much more healthier for you.  This is something that I would most definitely buy.  Thanks Influenster for including this in my Naturals VoxBox!

   

Nectresse - Influenster Naturals VoxBox

One thing that I am not a big fan on is sweeteners, natural or artificial  other than sugar.  Mind you I am not a big sugar eater either.  I am always willing to try something new, especially if it's natural.

Nectresse was another item that was included in the Naturals VoxBox for review.  Nectresse is a sweetener that claims to taste like sugar but with zero calories per serving.  It's 100% all natural and is made primarily from monk fruit, combined with other natural sweeteners.

I tried it and to be truthful....I didn't like it.  I have a hard time with these types of sweeteners because they don't taste like sugar.  I use a little bit of sugar in my tea I have in the morning, and tried Nectresse in it instead.  And I have to admit, I don't think I'd change over to substituting Nectresse for sugar.  I just did not like the taste.  It seemed to have left an aftertaste in my mouth.  It would be go for someone who couldn't use sugar or shouldn't have it.  This is just my personal thoughts on it.  As far as baking with it, I'm not a baker.  I don't make sweets, like cookies, cakes or pies of that matter, so maybe the taste of Nectresse wouldn't be so bad.  Anyways these are just my person thoughts.  I appreciate that I was given the chance to receive and review this product in my Naturals VoxBox.

CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitizing Wipes - Influenster Naturals VoxBox

CleanWell Individual wipes clean up messes and kill germs with all natural ingredients that are easy on the earth. Their mild ingredients are great for hands and face, and the one-use packet is ideal for all your on-the-go activities!

After eating a meal and my hands being sticky, I used the hand sanitizing wipes.  The wipes have a nice texture to them.  They had a very nice citrus smell and they made my hands feel like it moisturized them somewhat.  One suggestion for the wipe like this since they are natural is to make sure that the wipes is biodegradable and to package them in something other than a foil pouch.  Other than that I really liked these wipes!  Also what else I liked about these wipes is that they were alcohol free!  Sometimes when I use hand wipes that have alcohol in it is if I have a cut on my hand or finger, the alcohol really stings.  Very pleased with these wipes.

GEODEO - Influenster Naturals VoxBox

GEODEO - Island scent Natural Deodorant Plus Detox Complex is a naturally-derived, bearkthrough eco-technology, specially formulated to be safe for your body and your world.  Rach a new level of purity, keeping you fresh for 24-hours odor protection.

I was really looking forward to using this natural deodorant.  The scent is really refreshing and it felt very nice using it.  I was really excited to get a natural deodorant since I haven't used any kind of deodorant in the past several years.  I use crutches and my underarms are sensitive.  I don't sweat a lot and I am really hesitant on using any kind of chemicals that they put in regular deodorants anymore.  Any kind of chemical is absorbed into your body and also they tend to make me breakout in deodorants.  I have used this for a few weeks now and am very happy with the results.  It is very easy on my sensitive skin and would most definitely be purchasing this for myself in the future.  I was very thankful for receiving this in my Naturals VoxBox from Influenster!

Parissa Wax Strips from Influenster Naturals VoxBox

I have never used any wax strips before.  I have gone and had it done at a salon, but never used any on myself.  Waxing at a salon can be pretty expensive and so it was really neat to get Parissa Wax Strips in my Naturals VoxBox from Influenster.  The strips are clear so it was easy to see where to put them and if they were covering the area correctly.  I had used them on my face, mainly on my chin and also above my lip.  I was a little reluctant at first to use them, but overcame my fear and used them. I did not use them on my bikini area since I really don't have a need to wax that area.  What a really liked about this product too besides it being natural, was that it came with oil that helped to remove the wax.  I was pleasantly surprised and happy with this product!

Inflkuenster's Vox Box LypSyl Review

LypSyl Instense Protection Lypmoisturizer

I really love this product!  When I first put it on my lips it went on really nice and smooth.  It is extremely moisturizing and stays like that for a long time.  My lips get really dry and chapped easily and so this is now my go-to lip moisturizer.  I use it at night time when I go to bed.  I really like the mint freshness that is in it, which at first had a slight tingly feeling on my lips.  What I really love about LypSyl is that is long lasting and is made with Sweedish Beeswax and Organic Shea Butter!

And it also has a fresh minty flavor, coconut oil that moisturizes, organic shea butter that helps heals and protects and Vitamins A & E to also soften and heal.

This is a great product and I would most definitely purchase.  One of the better lip protector/moisturizers that I have tried.  

Influenster's "The Original" Dish Drying Mat

The Original Dish Drying Mat

One of the products I got for review in my Influenster's Naturals VoxBox was The Original Dish Drying Mat.  My husband is the kitchen guru of our home and when I gave this dish drying mat he was really excited.  I mean REALLY EXCITED that it was rather enduring to see it.  He said he had been wanting something like this since he uses paper towels to lay on the counter to put hand washed or freshly pulled from the dishwasher items.  It's great because it cuts down on the amount of paper towels that he uses, it's very absorbent, plus you can wash it and reuse it over and over.  It's really great because it's cushioned so it's delicate on dishes and glassware, and it also folds up neatly if he wants to put it away in a drawer.  So this is definitely a very welcomed item to receive from Influenter.  Oh and just to let you know....this item should never be used as a pot holder, oven mitt or hot pad.  The price of the size we received is $4.99 and worth every penny! It is available exclusively at Bead Bath & Beyond.

Julep Nail Polish

Julep is a monthly subscription for nail polishes.  You do the usual of taking a style quiz to figure out your style profile.  Their styles are American Beauty, Boho Glam, Bombshell, Classic with a Twist and It Girl.  Once you do that you they pick out what style you are. You can sign up for monthly ($19.99), prepaid 3 months ($59.97), 6 months ($119.94) or 12 months ($239.88).  You receive at least $40 of hand picked Julep products.  What I love about their nail polish is that they are "4-free"  meaning they don’t contain the carcinogens formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene or DBP.

The perks you get from joining Julep:

• 20% off all purchases in the Julep Maven Boutique
• Free Shipping
• Extra discounts
• Easy exchanges
• No commitment - you can skip any box and you won't be charged that month.  And you can cancel your account at any time.

Got my first order of Julep for August.  I did the style quiz on their website and was selected for the "Classic" collection. Didn't really like the colors that were offered under Classic and selected the polished from the "American Beauty" collection.  So this month I got Emma (a champagne frost with pink and purple shimmers), Renee (a lavender cream).  I also got a tube of "The Best Pedi Creme Ever!" (it exfoliates with AHAs and hydrates with Shea butter and coconut oil and also nourishes with essential oils and vitamin E.  It has a cucumber mint scent).  It all came in a cute adorable small tote too!  Can't wait to try these nail polishes!!

My referral link is:  http://julep.com/?r=23540386 if you are interested in signing up under me -that would be great!!

Influenster's Nautrals VoxBox!!

So I was really excited to be selected for Influenster's Naturals VoxBox!  Influenster is a site that promotes new products.  If you go to their site and sign up you basically try and unlock as many "badges" as you can about your lifestyle.  The more badges you can unlock the more chances you have to achieving a VoxBox from them that is free.  This is a pretty cool idea since it gets products out there to the public who they selected from their site.  I was so thrilled to be one of those people to be selected to receive their Naturals VoxBox.

The products in the VoxBox are provided for testing purposes.  The box was sponsored by Influenster and had full size products!!

What I received in my Naturals VoxBox:

**  The Original Dish Drying Mat: $4.99 - The Original Dish Drying Mat is a unique, laminated design that combines a thin layer of foam between two layers of high quality, super absorbaent microfiber for a new dish washing experience that conserves energy and paper towels by air drying, and saves water by hand-washing.

** LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer: $2.87 to $2.99.  With pure Swedish beeswax, organic shea butter, and vitamins A and E, LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer will give your lips long-lasting. deep penetrating moisture and lip care protection to moisturize, soften and protect your lips naturally for a healthy pucker!

**  EBOOST: $28 for a box of 20 effervescent powders, $39 for a box of 30 effervescent powders, $39 for a box of 12 shots.  EBOOST will boost your mood, focus, and immunity with natural ingredients and no crash.  As a shot or an easy-to-mix powder and in four flavors, you'll feel great whether you choose Orange, Pink Lemonade, Acai Pomegranate, or Super Berry.

**  CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitizer Wipes:  $29.99 for 50 pouches.  CleanWell wipes clean up messes and kill germs with all natural ingredients that are easy on the earth.  Their mild ingredients are great for hands and face, and the one-use packet is ideal for all your on-the-go activities!

**  GEODEO: $5.99 for 2.3 oz stick.  Reach a new level of purity, keeping you fresh for 24-hour odor protection.  GEODEO Natural Deodorant Plus Detox Complex is a naturally-derived, breakthrough eco-technology, specially formulated to be safe for your body and your world.

**  NECTRESSE: $3.99 for 40 servings, $6.99 for 140 servings.  NECTRESSE sweetener tastes like sugar but with zero calories per serving!  100% all natural, NECTRESSE is made primarily from monk fruit, combined with other natural sweeteners.

**  Parissa Wax Strips for Face and Body: $9.00 for a box.  A natural, mess-free, express hair remover that's ready to use.  Parissa Wax Strips for Face and Bikini zip away unwanted hair on your upper lip, jaw, cheeks and bikini line instantly, keeping your skin smooth for up to six weeks!

The total value of my Naturals VoxBox was $24.95

I will be making individual reviews on each product.....so stay tuned!!

Beauty Box 5 August 2012 Review - Great Box!!

I haven't been blogging for a while and really need to catch up.  So much I would like to share with you and let you know about.  

I got my first Beauty Box 5 in August and it was a really great box.  BeautyBox 5 is a monthly subscription that gives you 4-5 of your favorite beauty brands.  You will usually get one full size product in your box.  Monthly subscription is $12, Quarterly is $30 ($10/mo) and 1 year is $100 (approx. $8.33 per month).
If you would like to join through my referral you can at: https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=501f3452b6923 or you can go directly to their website at www.beautybox5.com.

What I got in this month's BeautyBox 5
1. Blum Naturals Makeup Remover Towelettes - 10 pack retail price $3.99
2.  H20 Plus Marine Calm Restoring Eye Cream - .5 fl oz retail price $32.00
3.  Ferro Cosmetics Sheer Crystal Veil - .14 oz retail price $19.00
4.  Ella Faas Creamy Milky Glazed Lips - .95 fl oz retail price $35.00
5. Doctor T's Supergoop! Sunscreen Swipe - 7 swipes retail price $15.00

Pretty happy with what I got for the price!  Not a bad beauty subscription!  Try it you will most likely like it!!

I would like to share my YouTube page with you to show you what was in my box.  Check it out at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66FjdBayBQQ

Some more monthly subscriptions!!

As you know I like to research and join monthly beauty subscription and blog about each one.  I like sharing with you my finds and my products that I received.  I have come across and joined these new subscriptions:

• BeautyBox 5:  BeautyBox 5 is a monthly beauty subscription a lot like Birchbox or MyGlam.  You get 4-5 monthly samples of your favorite beauty brands, and usually they offer a full size product.  You can join monthly....quarterly or yearly.  Monthly subscription is $12/month.  Quarterly is $30 (which is $10 per monthly and is billed quarterly) and the yearly subscription is $100 (which comes to $8.33 per month).  I decided to go a head with the yearly subscription, which I should have joined for a few months just to check out what their subscription and beauty samples are like.  I would suggest anyone who does join a monthly beauty subscription to do just that and test them before committing to a subscription.  I guess I was thinking of the $8.33 a month.  But I'll keep my fingers crossed and see how each month's products and samples are.  Anyways just wanted to pass this along to you.  If you are interested in signing up under me my referral link is: https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=501f3452b6923 or you can go to their website and sign up directly through them at www.beautybox5.com !
• Influenster:  Now this is a really cool site and it is FREE! They have a unique spin on their membership.  You go in and sign up and you unlock "badges".  The more badges you unlock the more chances you have at receiving a free box of full size products!  One thing they look at though if that you give feedback and share your finds through social medias, like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and a blog site like this.  So you go on to their site and try and unlock as many badges as you can.  They have "Influence" badges such as YouTube, smartphone, blogger, promoter, etc.  Then the next set of badges is "Lifestyles" such as techie, health-nut, outdoorsy, beauty, green, mom, bride-to-be, dog lover, cat lover, and more!  So go into these badges and see how many you can open!!  The more you can the more chances you have.  I was very excited to get notification this past week that I got pre-selected to get to get their "Naturals" VoxBox!! In order for me to confirm my interest in their program and and to be considered and official participant I was asked to fill out their "Naturals VoxBox Pre-Survey" to customize my box.  So yeah it's pretty exciting and if you want to try and get a free VoxBox from Influenster, just go onto their website at www.influenster.com and fill out as many badges as you can, but also remember they are looking for members who have Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and a blog site, and to help share their products, also logging into their website to do product reviews!
• Julep:  Julep is a monthly nail polish subscription.  I have seen a lot of reviews on Julep and so many people love their nail polishes.  I love nail polish! It's one of my guilty pleasures!! I never use to have great nails...and my nails are shaped the nicest, but over the last few years my nails have become strong.  Painting my nails is actually something that I do that makes me feel good, and buying nail polish is an addiction to me!  Haha!  The thing that I like about Julep is that they are made without harmful chemicals that are in other nail polishes.  So you log onto their website, do a style quiz and then you can check out your first Julep Maven box with at least 2 gorgeous nail polishes, and other beauty favorites that they will include in your box!  If you don't like the nail colors they have selected for you, you can go and select another style.  It's $19.99 each month and you receive at least $40 of products.   You can earn a free month for every 2 people who signs up and purchases under your referral.  You also get 20% off and free shipping from the Maven Boutique! They will send you an email on the 20th of each month and you need to log into your account between the 20th and 24th to submit your request.  If you are interested in signing up under my referral, you can go to:  http://julep.com/?r=23540386 !!  Or you can go directly to their website at www.julep.com !

So these are just a few recent monthly subscription I am passing on to you!  Check them out!!  And let me know if you have joined any and what your thoughts are and how you like their products!

My Glam Bag August 2012 - My 1st and GREAT BAG!!

This is my very first Glam Bag and I can say is that I was very impressed with it! Glam Bag is a monthly beauty subscription that is $10 a month. Glam Bags come each month in a shinny metallic mailer and the samples come in a little cosmetic bag. Usually the cosmetic bags are different each month.  Very cute idea! You can sign up at www.myglam.com for your very own Glam Bag.

Here is what I got:

•  eclos Plant Stem Cells Anti-Aging Cellular Activator Face Serum - .5 oz
•  eclos Plant Stem Cells Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream - .25 fl oz
•  Salty Cosmetics Loose Luxury Mineral Eye Shadow in Glama-ZOID! #150 - .035 oz
•  My Glam Gloss color 02 - full size .237 fl oz
•  Demeter Fragrance Library Dragon Fruit Roll-On Perfume Oil - .29 fl oz
•  Circus by Andrea's Choice nail color in Ringmaster - full size .45 fl oz

So I was VERY impressed with my very first Glam Bag and the beauty samples I got!  I got 2 full size products....the My Glam Gloss and Circus by Andrea's Choice Ringmaster nail polish.  The eclos products re nice sample sizes and I'm very excited to try them.  I always love any kind of facial moisturizers or serums.  I was a little on the fence with Demeter's Dragon Fruit Roll-On Perfume Oil.  I like light floral fruity fragrances, but this one just didn't grab me when I first applied some.  Reminds me of Kool Aid.....and that's a smell I don't really want to have on me.  I will give it another try though.  Also excited to try the Salty Cosmetics Loose Luxury Mineral Eye Shadow.....great as a highlight under your brow or on the inner corners of your eyes for the bright wide-awake look that we all want!

If you want to check out my video on this month's Glam Bag....check me out on YouTube at littlebitofbeauty050 !  Please subscribe too if you like my videos.  I am on a mission right now to get 60 subscribers and once I reach the 60 mark I will be doing an awesome giveaway that will include a handbag from Little Black Bag!

Twitter: @littlebitofbeauty

Birchbox August 2012

Received August BirchBox. Not real sure about the items in this month's box. They seemed a little lacking compared to others that I have received in the past. BirchBox is a monthly beauty sample subscription that is $10 a month. This month's theme was "Beauty School".The enclosed card on "Pencils of Promise" was really interesting and a great thing that Birchbox is doing!! All month long BirchBox will donate 15% of their proceeds from the Birchbox Shop to Pencils of Promise, with the goal of building a school in Central America! I'm all for schools not matter what...and especially building schools in other countries where children don't necessarily get the chance to a decent education.

This is what I got in this month's Birchbox:
** (2) Caldrea Hand Soap - Full size price is $10.50
** Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur - Full size price is $70 (Love this!!)
** stila smudge stick waterproof eye liner - Full size price is $20
** Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream - Full size price is $16
BIRCHBOX FINDS: Schick hydra silk razor

If you subscribe to Birchbox let me know!  Also let me know what you got in yours this month and your thoughts!!

You can follow me on YouTube:  littlebitofbeauty050

Twitter: @littlebitofbeauty

Little Black Bag for August 2012!! There are 2!

If you're into something new and exciting with monthly subscriptions, Little Black Bag is one of the most innovative and fun monthly fashion subscriptions.  For only $49.95 per month you can get up to and over $150 worth of handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, accessories and home items! 

How it works is that you can go to their website and if you decide that you'd like to do a monthly subscription, you just pay $49.95 per month + $4.95 shipping.  Or if you just want to give it a try without any commitments it's $59.95 per month + $4.95 shipping.  You go onto their site, so a style survey and once you've done that, the site takes you to their gallery of awesome designer handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, and so much more.  You go in and choose one item and once you go and agree to pay, what Little Black Bag does is that they will go in and put 2-4 more items (depending on how you answered your survey) into your virtual "bag"!  This is where the fun really begins!!  Depending on if you like what Little Black Bag has selected for you, you can decide to keep your items...and have them shipped OR you can start trading out the ones you don't want to keep.  You can trade with other member on the site and you have a total of 7 days to trade.  This is so fun and so addicting!  When I first started with LBB I was really hesitant on trading and afraid that I'd get stuck with an item that no one else wanted....but you know what? There seems to be someone out there who wants the item you want to trade.  And sometimes there are so many trade offers that you get to pick and choose who or what you want to trade! Some people are so committed to trading that they will trade constantly to get what they want.  Me....I don't have the time or the energy to devote to such craziness!!  People recommend that you go the full 7 days to trade.  That's up to you.  Me....I will trade until I realize that I really like what I got and will elect to have my items shipped.  You can also elect to "skip" a month, which is great because that gives a little flexibility for you to decide if you want to purchase items from LBB or not.  Also you have the option to send back any item/s that you are not happy.  They will either give you a refund or you can elect to have that item's dollar amount applied to your next month's LBB!  Their customer service is excellent!!

Oh and not to mention.....they also add free stuff to your bag!  One month they had free trial size of Redken products, and this month everyone got a coupon for $15 off any purchase of $75 dollars at www.stevemadden.com !

Anyways I did two bags this month and here is what I got!!

My 1st Little Black Bag August 2012

• Melie Bianco Edith Top Handle Framed Bag - Valued at $70
• BCBGeneration Mini Square Crossbody - Valued at $78
• All the Rage Beaded Necklace - Valued at $40
• Steve Madden $15 coupon off on any $75 purchase at their store.

          Total #1 Little Black Bag Value:  $188!!

My 2nd Little Black Bag August 2012

• Street Level Structured Top Handle Satchel - Valued at $72
• Lydell NYC 3 Row Metal Disc Necklace - Valued at $26
• Spring Street Seven Wonders Dainty Necklace - Valued at $18
• Steve Madden $15 coupon off on any $75 purchase at their store.

Total #2 Little Black Bag Value:   $118

If you are interest in joining Little Black Bag through a referral from my, you can join at: http://lbb.ag/I0HF .  I can get an free item added to my next bag up to $25!  You too will also get a referral link to have your family and friends join and you can get an extra item valued up to $25!!  

Also let me know if you do because I would really love to find out what you got in your Little Black Bag!

If you are interested in seeing an open box video of these items, or my other monthly subscriptions, visit my YouTube channel at - littlebitofbeauty050 !!