Beauty Subscription · Make up

Hello, BoxyCharm! March 2018 Box

boxy charm hello charmer! | lookingjoligood.blogI have a feeling that if you love makeup and keep up with the “beauty community” you are already familiar with Boxycharm. But just in case you don’t know what it is…

Boxycharm is a $21/month/box beauty product subscription that includes 4-5 luxury and indie brand beauty related products.  Instead of sample sizes like some other subscription boxes/bags, each month, Boxycharm has full sized products.   It ships to both the US and Canada.

Boxycharm March | lookingjoligood.blog

Each month the value of the box is over $100.  This month’s box has $126 USD worth of products in it. It is a great way to try out different higher priced brands without spending a lot of money.  I’ve received products from brands such as MAC, Tarte, Cover Fx, Becca, Dr. Brandt, and Bare Minerals.

March’s theme is Bae Cation.

Boxycharm March | lookingjoligood.blog

I love that they include a card with the product’s info and pricing on it. This month’s products total $115.15 according to the card and $112.76 according to the prices listed on the Boxycharm site. (not sure why they are different on one vs the other?)

img_20180317_1004258723131395519301360.jpg

Each month there are usually a few product variations between the boxes that are sent out.  This month there were five different possible boxes.  I got variation number one, as indicated by the number 1 in the lower right-hand corner of the info card.

Boxycharm March | lookingjoligood.blog

Here is what I got in my box this month:

PÜR THE COMPLEXION AUTHORITY – EYESHADOW PALETTE $36.00

Boxycharm March Pur cosmetics palette| lookingjoligood.blog“This transitional palette can be used now or later to bring vibrancy back into your look. Our signature silky smooth ultra-mattes are paired with pretty pinks and a vibrant blue to lighten the mood. Plus, you can layer the shimmer shades for a duo chrome finish.”

This palette is beautiful!  It swatches great.  The majority of the shades in this palette are exactly what I would used on a daily basis. I have found that some of the shades on my eyes are not as intense. In my opinion, PÜR The Completion Authority (formerly known as Pur Cosmetics) is a great brand that doesn’t really get enough love in the beauty community.

PRETTY VULGAR – MAKE THEM BLUSH $26.00

pretty vulgar hush blush boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

“Make Them Blush powder blush awakens your complexion and provides a natural, glowy flush to your cheeks. This silky-smooth formula is long-wearing and highly pigmented. The buildable blush powder can be worn alone or paired for a multidimensional pop of color that will flatter any complexion.”

pretty vulgar hush blush boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

The packaging is beautiful!  I love when makeup looks pretty as well as makes you look pretty. . I got the shade Hush Blush. It is a pretty peachy rose mauve shade. I’m glad that I got this shade instead of the other option which is a bright fuschia.  This product is cruelty-free and gluten-free. The 8 vegan-friendly available shades include: Pretty Witty, Shameless Flirt, Tickled Pink, Hush Blush, Prim Vixen, and Charmingly Sinful.

SOUTH MANE BEAUTY – EYE GELS $9.00

img_20180317_100501-13960946771642994799.jpg

“Our eye gels are great for an easy mask without the clean-up. They soften and moisturize to ensure that you look rested and refreshed!”

This is not my type of thing, I didn’t even open these to try, I’m going to give them to my sister.

THE VINTAGE COSMETIC COMPANY – SMOKEY EYE MAKEUP BRUSH SET $21.76
(not $21.75, but $21.76 😁)

the vintage cosmetics Boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

“This brush set trio will enable you to create a stunning Smokey eye. Use subtle tones for a natural look, or bright and bold hues for a party look.”

The packaging is so cute!  Each brush has a little saying on the handle “Step 1 for the money…Step 2 for the shadow…Step 3 go girl go”.  I have so many brushes, I’m going to be passing these along to someone else as well.

BUTTER LONDON – DOUBLE DECKER LASHES MASCARA $20.00

Butter london double decker mascara boxy charm | lookingjoligood.blog“Get 200% thicker lashes in just one coat and a 314% increase in lash curl. The interlocking nylon fiber brush grasps each individual lash to lengthen, curl, and multiply lashes from root to tip.”

I’m so particular about mascara. I have found a winner and I’m sticking to it.  I haven’t even opened this mascara so that I can pass it along to someone else.
boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

This month’s box was kind of a dud for me.  I am only using 2 out of the 5 products.  Even still, the box costs $21 a month and the products that I will be using total $62 msrp.  That being said…

I have really enjoyed receiving the boxes for the last 9 months, but I have decided to cancel my subscription for now.  I have so much makeup in my collection that some of the things that I love get lost in the shuffle.  I’m going to be focusing on appreciating the things that I currently own before I keep adding more and more.  Despite the fact that I am canceling, I still highly recommend Boxycharm.  It is a great way to build up your collection with amazing products at such a great price of only $21 a month.

What about you? Do you get BoxyCharm?  Did you get something different than I did? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.

If you are interested in trying out boxy charm I would love for you to use my referral link by clicking HERE or visiting https://boxycharm.com/refer/laura-AJQSTMGQ  (I don’t think that I actually get anything if you use my referral link, but hey why not!)

Check out my other recent posts about subscription boxes that I recommend by clicking HERE. I am still thinking about trying out FabFitFun, but so far I haven’t ordered it yet. I’ll keep you posted!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Beauty Subscription · Make up

Hello, BoxyCharm! February 2018 Box

boxy charm hello charmer! | lookingjoligood.blogI have a feeling that if you love makeup and keep up with the “beauty community” you are already familiar with Boxycharm. But just in case you don’t know what it is…

Boxycharm is a $21/month/box beauty product subscription that includes 4-5 luxury and indie brand beauty related products.  Instead of sample sizes like some other subscription boxes/bags, each month, Boxycharm has full sized products.   It ships to both the US and Canada.boxycharm February 2018 | lookingjoligood.blogEach month the value of the box is over $100.  This month’s box has $126 USD worth of products in it. It is a great way to try out different higher priced brands without spending a lot of money.  I’ve received products from brands such as MAC, Tarte, Cover Fx, Becca, Dr. Brandt, and Bare Minerals.

February’s theme is Galaxy Glow.

boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blogI love that they include a card with the product’s info and pricing on it.  Each month there are usually a few product variations between the boxes that are sent out.  This month there were three different possible boxes.  I got variation number one, as indicated by the number 1 in the lower right-hand corner of the info card.boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

Here is what I got in my box this month:

CoverFX – Shimmer Veil shade Amethyst $28.00

“These multi-use, shimmering creme colors are crease-proof enough for the boldest of eye looks and formulated with a weightless finish for a shimmering effect anywhere on the face. Suitable for all skin types.”Cover fx shimmer veil boxycharm February 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

Cover fx shimmer veil boxycharm February 2018 | lookingjoligood.blogThis product is gorgeous!  I love it!  a little bit goes a long way and adds so much sparkle to the eyes!  I’m such a sucker for sparkles!

Cover fx shimmer veil boxycharm February 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog
Top swatch right from the doe foot, bottom swatch rubbed in.
Crown Brush – Pro Brush Trio $29.99

“Use this 3pc Pro Brush Trio to contour your face to perfection! The small brush can be used to conceal imperfections and highlight underneath the eyes. The medium sized brush can be used to sculpt the cheekbones and perimeter of the face. Finally, the large powder brush can be used to set everything in place.”Crown Brush set boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

Ofra – Pop-up Palette + Blush Godet Refill $50.00 (variant item)Ofra pop-up palette and blush refill boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog“The Pop-Up Palette is perfect for any OFRA magnetic makeup godet. The palette holds up to 48 grams of product and items can be continually tailored according to personal preference. Ofra – Pop-up Palette boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blogI was really excited to get this as one of the variant products!  I don’t already have a popup palette, but I have wanted one for a while now. I’ll be putting this to good use!
Ofra blush refill boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog“The Blush Godet offers strong pigment with a long-lasting effect in a fabulous pressed powder blush. Can be applied wet or dry.”Ofra blush refill boxycharm february 2018 | lookingjoligood.blogThe Boxycharm card says that the pop-up palette is $19 while the Ofra website has it listed for $21.  Both site and card list the blush as $12.  I’m not quite sure where the Boxycharm website gets the $50 it lists for the combined price?  Maybe someone added incorrectly? Who knows…$12 and $19 combined for a total of $31.

Vintage by Jessika Liebskind – Eyeliner Pencil $21.00Vintage by Jessika Liebskind – Eyeliner Pencil | lookingjoligood.blogVintage by Jessika Liebskind – Eyeliner Pencil | lookingjoligood.blog

“Jessica’s richly pigmented smokey eye pencil delivers intense jet-black definition! Creating pencil-point precision or smudgy, saturated color, the creamy-soft formula glides on lids without tugging or pulling.”
I would NEVER pay $21 for any wooden pencil eyeliner, this one included.  What would a subscription box be though without its overly priced black eyeliner pencil?

PUR The Complexion Authority – X-Faux Lips: Plumping Lip Exfoliator $17.00 (variant item)PUR The Complexion Authority – X-Faux Lips: Plumping Lip Exfoliator | lookingjoligood.blog“With an instant boost of shea butter, raw sugar, and exfoliating beads, this 4-in-1 lip scrub pencil exfoliates, plumps, hydrates and soothes. Using the shea butter to soften lips, while the raw sugar and exfoliating beads are used to buff away dead surface cells, it moisturizes the lips for a softer, smoother, more plum lip!”
PUR The Complexion Authority – X-Faux Lips: Plumping Lip Exfoliator | lookingjoligood.blogHere are some of the variant products that some other “charmers” could have received…boxy charm variation | lookingjoligood.blog

Bellapierre – Shimmer Powder $15.00

Bellapierre – Cosmic Glitter $15.00

Naked Cosmetics – Holographic Highlighter Palette $39.99

Seraphine Botanicals – Sugar + Lemon – Moisturizing Lip Buffer $24.00

Makeup Geek – Full Spectrum Eyeliner $9.00

Beauty For Real – Eyeliner Pencil $14.00

I’m pleased with the version of products that I got in my box this month. Out of the available variation products, the only other item I would have liked to have received is the Seraphine Botanicals – Sugar + Lemon – Moisturizing Lip Buffer.  Otherwise, I’m not really interested in the other items that were possible this month.
boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

What about you? Do you get BoxyCharm?  Did you get something different than I did? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.

If you are interested in trying out boxy charm I would love for you to use my referral link by clicking HERE or visiting https://boxycharm.com/refer/laura-AJQSTMGQ  (I don’t think that I actually get anything if you use my referral link, but hey why not!)

Check out my other recent posts about subscription boxes that I recommend by clicking HERE. I am still thinking about trying out FabFitFun, but so far I haven’t ordered it yet. I’ll keep you posted!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Beauty Subscription · Make up

Hello, BoxyCharm! January 2018 Box

Quite possibly if you love makeup and keep up with the “beauty community” you are already familiar with Boxycharm. But…maybe you have been living under a beauty rock and have no idea what it is 😉

If you don’t already know, Boxycharm is a $21/month/box beauty product subscription that includes 4-5 luxury and indie brand beauty related products.  Instead of sample sizes like some other subscription boxes/bags, each month, Boxycharm has full sized products.   It ships to both the US and Canada.boxy charm hello charmer! | lookingjoligood.blog
Each month the value of the box is usually over $120.  This month’s box has $148 worth of products in it. It is a great way to try out different higher priced brands without spending a lot of money.  I’ve received products from brands such as MAC, Tarte, Cover Fx, Becca, Dr. Brandt, and Bare Minerals.

January’s theme is Rock and Roll Soul.

Boxycharm January 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

 

I love that they include a card with the product’s info and pricing on it.  There are usually a few product variations each month between the boxes that are sent out.  This month there were two different possible boxes.  I got variation number two, as indicated by the number 2 in the lower right-hand corner of the info card.

Boxycharm January 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

 

Here is what I got in my box this month:

boxycharm January 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

Boxycharm January 2018 | lookingjoligood.blog

I have to admit that overall I’m not excited about the products in this month’s box…

Dr Brandt Primer | lookingjoligood.blog

Dr. Brandt – pores no more LUMINIZER PRIMER $38.00

“LUMINIZER PRIMER delivers a naturally radiant glow while blurring pores and imperfections for a beautifully illuminated flawless complexion.”

I love Dr. Brandt skincare products.  I’m excited to be able to use this primer!  It has a slight peach tint to the cream when first out of the tube, but smooths onto the skin clear.  It has a light lavender scent, but nothing too overpowering.

This is where my excitement ends…

Grande lips | lookingjoligood.blog

Grande Cosmetics – GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper $27.00

“GrandeLIPS, with active Ingredients Volulip gives you an INSTANT plumping effect within 3-5 minutes that lasts for hours. Results may vary.”

The packaging is super cute, but I have no interest in this product whatsoever.  I will be passing it along to someone else so I will not be opening it up and swatching it. I received the shade hot fuschia. Looks like a really bright pink.

Pur Bronze and Brighten | lookingjoligood.blog

“PÜR The Complexion Authority – Bronze and Brighten Cheek Palette $34.00

“An on-the-go highlight, bronzer and blush palette with three skin perfecting powders to create an effortless and sun-kissed glow on every skin tone. Featuring PUR’s fan favorites Afterglow and Mineral Glow along with a new blush shade, Blushing Glow, throw this in your bag and you’re ready to go!

Pur Bronze and Brighten | lookingjoligood.blog

I love that PÜR products are 100% cruelty-free and they do not test on animals. I have a few other favorite products from PÜR. I absolutely love my PÜR Soiree Diaries Eyeshadow Palette. The brand is great, but this cheek palette… what is PÜR thinking with this shimmery bronzer? I would be so excited about this cheek palette if only the bronzer was matte. Oh well, someone else is going to love this!

It Cosmetics - Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil | lookingjoligood.blog

It Cosmetics – Brow Power™ Universal Eyebrow Pencil $24.00

“Developed with plastic surgeons, IT Cosmetics’ #1 best-selling*, award-winning eyebrow pencil is infused with brow-enhancing biotin, lecithin, saw palmetto, nettle, green tea, antioxidants, grape seed, and vitamins A, B5, C and E, plus proprietary Brow Power™ Technology to give you your most beautiful, natural-looking brows—even if you have none at all. Plus, its universal transforming shade adjusts to all hair colors based on pressure, its exclusive oval tip mimics the look of real hair and it includes a built-in grooming spooley brush for polished perfection! *#1 brow formula for IT Cosmetics brand.”

It Cosmetics - Brow Power™ Universal Eyebrow Pencil | lookingjoligood.blog

Ok, so if you don’t like bragging then just skip this section…you have been warned.😉

I’m sure that this is probably a great product especially since it is said to be “IT Cosmetics’ #1 best-selling*, award-winning eyebrow pencil” Here is where the bragging starts… I have been blessed with really great natural brows. If I didn’t want to I wouldn’t have to draw on or fill in my brows at all.  I have no need for a pencil like this. I have no interest in this product whatsoever.  Once again, I will not be swatching it since I will also be passing this along to someone else that can get some use out of it.  (do you see a common theme here…)

It Cosmetics - Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil | lookingjoligood.blog

iCrown Pro - Glam Metals Palette | lookingjoligood.blog

Crown Pro – Glam Metals Palette $25.00

“Rock your look with the Crown Pro Glam Metals eyeshadow palette! These highly pigmented, ultra-blendable shadows make smokey eye looks a breeze!”

I love getting eyeshadow palettes from Boxycharm, but I’m not interested in this palette at all.

Crown Pro - Glam Metals Palette | lookingjoligood.blog

The packaging is super cute, with its guitar mirror to go along with the rock and roll theme of Heavy Metals. While some of the shades are quite interesting like Punk, Heavy Metal, and Pop Rock, this is another product from this month’s box that I have no interest in whatsoever.

Crown Pro - Glam Metals Palette | lookingjoligood.blog

These shadows might be amazing, they might be awesomely pigmented, and super smooth and buttery…but I already have so many similar shimmery shadows that it would be a waste for me to keep this knowing that it will just be added to the pile of palettes that I use a few times and never touch again.

You guessed it, I will not be swatching these shadows because I will be passing this along to someone else.  Here are some great swatches from Beauddiction’s Instagram If you are not already following her you really should.  She does the most creative swatches I have ever seen!  How cute are these guitar swatches to go along with the Heavy Metal theme?!

Crown Pro - Glam Metals Palette swatches | lookingjoligood.blog

Crown Pro - Glam Metals Palette | lookingjoligood.blog

You win some you lose some…This month was not a winner for me.  The box cost $21 USD and the value is $148.  While I am not interested in $110 worth of the products, the Dr. Brandt – pores no more LUMINIZER PRIMER has a retail value of $38.00, so at $21 this box is still a winner.

Originally, I was planning to get Boxy Charm for only three months.  After loving everything I have received I signed on for another three months. This is my 6th Boxycharm Box, and despite not loving the majority of the things in this month’s box, I don’t plan to cancel anytime soon.
boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

What about you? Do you get BoxyCharm?  Did you get something different than I did? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.

If you are interested in trying out boxy charm I would love for you to use my referral link by clicking HERE or visiting https://boxycharm.com/refer/laura-AJQSTMGQ  (I don’t think that I actually get anything if you use my referral link, but hey why not!)

Check out my other recent posts about subscription boxes that I recommend by clicking HERE. I am still thinking about trying out FabFitFun, but so far I haven’t ordered it yet. I’ll keep you posted!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Make up · Review

Fun In the Summer Sun

I LOVE summer!  

Summer is by far my favorite season of the year!  The best part about the summer is all the beautiful sunny days, the worst part about summer is sunburn!

Unfortunately for me, most sunscreens usually make my skin break out.  It is a catch 22, do I chose to get breakouts or sunburn.  Since I have fair skin and work as an oncology nurse, I usually opt to suffer through the breakout while saving my skin from the sun.  Thankfully there are all different kinds of makeup that can make you look good while also keeping you safe and healthy while you are in the sun.  Fortunately with these products I don’t have to choose between the two.  It is so nice to not have to look like a greasey mess with breakouts while protecting myself from the sun’s rays.

Here are a few that I recommend:

25 spf chapstick | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

ChapStick Ultra, Moisturizing Lip Balm, SPF 30-  Trust me from personal experience, you want to prevent your lips from getting sun burned!  This lip balm has SPF 30. Reapply often and be glad that you have spared yourself the pain of burnt lips.

Lorac Breakthrough Performance Lipstick 15 spf | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Lorac Breakthrough Performance Lipstick- If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time you already know that I am a HUGE fan of Lorac Cosmetics.  Here is another awesome reason to love them.  This lipstick is not only moisturizing, long wearing, paraben-free, and has Vitamin E and olive fruit oil for anti aging, but it also has SPF of 15.  It comes in 5 beautiful shades and right now is on sale for only $10 on the Lorac site.

bareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

bareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 This paraben free foundation was the winner of the Allure magazine Best of Beauty. It comes in 20 different shades and is available at Sephora, Ulta and Nordstrom for around $18.

IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+  “Why did IT Cosmetics create this product: To finally give women an all-in-one multi-tasking beauty miracle that truly gives full, flawless, perfect coverage, protects your skin with SPF 50+ from the harmful rays of the sun and is clinically proven to improve skin texture and hydration. IT Cosmetics worked with plastic surgeons to develop a multi-tasking correcting cream that is true scientific breakthrough. It’s packed with anti-aging ingredients that is clinically proven to improve skin and works on all ages, that doesn’t crease or crack!”  Available at Ulta and Itcomsmetics.com for $38.00.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup with SPF 55 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup with SPF 55.  SPF 55 is no joke!  Overall I really like the Neutrogena brand.  They have a lot of great products to offer.  This compact provides buildable coverage without it feeling greasy and heavy.  It blends easily, is oil free and dermatologist tested.  You can find it at Target, Walmart and most drug stores or at Ulta for around $14.

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on both.  I would also love to follow you on Instagram as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!