{Walmart* Beauty Box} Fall 2016

Posted on October 21, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

Ahhh it’s finally fall! Which means any thing and everything is coming up pumpkin spice. Which is not ok in my book I LOVE fall but despises pumpkin spice anything. Pumpkins are for carving, not eating. Any hoo….. the Minnesota air is getting crisp, the trees are starting to show there colors, and my skin is dry as fuck. Fall/winter weather does a number on your skin. No one likes to be all sorts of dry and itchy. It’s just one of things one puts up with when they live in a northern climate.

Thankfully Walmart came to my rescue with a box full of products perfectly suited for fall. I know know Walmart. One of these days you have to drop your “I can’t shop at Walmart complex.” Walmart is awesom in my book, that’s where I do my grocery and household shopping. Not to mention I got a nice puffer jacket which is perfect for fall there last weekend for $10.00! Now that was a steal of a deal.

Enough about my grocery shopping and $10 puffer jacket! Let’s get to it! I know why you are here! You want to know what’s in my box!! Well gals and guys let’s open the box and find out!

Walmart* Beauty Box – Fall 2016

Fall 2016

Village Naturals Therapy – Aches+Pains Muscle Relief: powerful blend of essential oils and extracts including eucalyptus, spearmint and cooling menthol. The combination of sea salt and epsom salt helps to draw out impurities and ease tired muscles.
———————–> I was very excited to see this product in the box, 1. because I love there Lavender scented soak and 2. because it is a Minnesota company. I get to support a local company all while doing my shopping at Walmart.

Biore Charcoal Pore Strips: work like a magnet to instantly lock onto and lift out deep-down dirt, oil and blackheads. In just 10 minutes, you’ll remove weeks’ worth of buildup, see 3x less oil and achieve your deepest clean.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: multi-award winning hair hero is the perfect quick fix for great looking hair, even between washes.

Dove Purely Pampering NourA body wash with gentle cleansers and a fragrance that makes you feel pampered can help you take a few relaxing moments in your shower each day. ishing Body wash:

hello pure mint extra whitening toothpaste: with high-quality ingredients like xylitol, stevia and a silica and calcium carbonate blend that gently whitens teeth, prevents cavities, strengthens enamel and freshens breath.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: Formulated with shea butter plus other hydrating and antioxidant ingredients, this cream locks in moisture so skin feels soft.

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies: This supplement contains just the right balance of nutrients to support lustrous hair, healthy nails and vibrant skin, all with a tasty strawberry flavor.

Ecotools makeup brush cleansing cloths: instantly wash away surface makeup, oil and impurities from your brushes to improve their performance for a smoother makeup application.

This was a really great box with lots of new to me samples.The thing I love about the box is that if I like a sample, I can go right to Walmart and buy the full sized product right along with my groceries. No need to run half way cross town or order online, its right on the shelf at your local Walmart.

Do you want a $5.00 quarterly Walmart Beauty Box of your very own. Oh! Come on now, get over yourself and hop on over to https://beautybox.walmart.com. Your box is waiting for you and trust me you will not regret that you signed up! The box ships every three months and the next box will be winter.

***I was not compensated for this post. Reviews are my own.*****

{BirchBox} REVIVE AND RESTORE

Posted on October 21, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“This month we’re slowing down, getting cozy, and bringing you rejuvenating products to make the most of your you-time.”

You time? I can have you time? I am a busy girl so I do not get to squeeze in to many moments of “you time.” But when I do, I do it well. It’s fall here in Minnesota and I love this time of year. The nights are getting colder, the trees are turning, and it’s time to cozy up under a warm throw with Netflix. Or in my case fight the dog for ample throw usage, he usually wins.

Fall is my favorite time of year. Apples are plenty, the trees are turning, and the crisp air is making her way in. The mornings are cool followed by sunny afternoons. A time to remember and enjoy the warmth and bounty in your life. My skin care routine changes in the fall, our air is starting to get drier and my skin as saying “help me I’m getting patchy.” Birchbox always puts together a great box around the fall to help us prepare for the inevitable, winter is coming.

REVIVE AND RESTORE – October 2016

GlamGlow Powermud Dual cleanse treatment: featuring ultra rare Brazilian white clay, this detoxifying mask transforms from mud to oil to deeply clean and soften.

Avene Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Cream RICH: super nourishing face cream restores skin’s natural moisture barrier and balances hydration levels.

This Works deep sleep pillow spray: clinically proven to aid a good night’s rest, this infusion of lavender and chamomile helps you fall asleep fast.
——————–> I fell in love with this product. The scent is so subtle and whisks you off to a beautiful night of sleep. The only kicker here is that the full sized product will run you $29.00, That is a little to steep for my budget.

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo: this gold standard dry shampoo instantly cleans while boosting strength and silkiness, minus any texture or weight.

Make Silk Cream Lipstick – Magnolia: long-lasting and smudge-proof, this hydrating antioxidant-rich lipstick does double duty as a lip treatment.

The curated box was a great mix of skin, beauty, and hair care products.

If you would like to join in on the no more points for reviews fun, checkout http://www.birchbox.com

{Target Box} simply RADIANT

Posted on July 19, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“Must-haves. Can’t-live withouts. Obsessions. As purveyors of all-things beauty, we at Target Style like to keep a lookout for what’s new and now. In this box, you’ll find a few of our favorites-just in time for spring break. Test ’em out and tell us what you think. And if you love them as much as we do, find the full-sized versions at Target.”

Radiant? I’d like to think that I am pretty darn radiant and simple to a fault. I like things to be easy, to many directions can ruin the fun and add time to a get ready routine. The products in the simply radiant box will bring out your inner radiant goddess.

July 2016 – simply RADIANT

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner: Antioxidants and UV filters nourish and help protect color-treated hair from fading for up to 8 weeks of vibrant color.

Dessange Paris Purifying Clay Balancing Shampoo: Clay purifies oily roots while pro-vitamin B5 moisturizes dry ends. Use with pre-shampoo clay mask, sold separately.

Wet n Wild Max Fanatic Mascara: Its intense formula creates 8 times the volume. Includes a fan-shaped brush that adds length and extra drama to the corners of your lashes.

Derma E Firming DMAE Eye Lift with Instalift and Advanced Peptides:Made with antioxidants, peptides and DMAE to firm skin, smooth crow’s feet and boost collagens. Vegan & non-GMO.

Acure Organics Facial Cleansing Gel: Organic olive oil and chlorella growth factor remove dirt and oil while boosting cells to leave skin radiantly refreshed.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Dermatologist recommended, this multipurpose ointment moisturizes severely dry skin and also soothes minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Fragrance free.

As always the folks over at Target put together an amazing box for an amazing price. It has become apparent that the box is now monthly, they just need to go ahead and start a subscription service and put the free-for all fight to bed. Then again stalking the site and pouncing as soon as that bad boy goes live is part of the thrill. I take my thrills where I can get them!

The Target Beauty Box is not a subscription service, they are first come first served, if they are sold out then you my friends are out of luck. I just checked target.com and the March box is OUT OF STOCK. For $7 this box is a great deal, that is if you can get your hands on one, they always sellout like hotcakes. So don’t sit on the beauty fence when you see them, just throw it in your virtual cart and call it a day!

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{Target Box} fresh & FABULOUS

Posted on July 19, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

I’m fresh and fabulous. Wait let me do the sniff test…….. yup I am as fresh as a daisy. I love Target and their curated boxes are a good deal. Best of all you can stroll the isles of your local Target to purchase the full-sized version of the samples that you loved.

July 2016 – fresh & FABULOUS

Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste – Peppermint:
An all-natural toothpaste that whitens teeth while fighting tartar and plaque and has a fresh peppermint taste. Fluoride free.

Dove Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo & Conditioner:
Dove Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo replenishes hair’s structure inside and out to eliminate signs of damage and strengthen against future breakage. The Dove Regenerative Nourishment Conditioner’s red algae–infused formula nourishes damaged locks and repairs internal structure for strong, healthy-looking hair.

Garnier Clearly Brighter SPF Moisturizer:
Antioxidant-rich formula moisturizes and tones for radiant, smooth skin that’s visibly brighter in just 1 week.

SweetSpot On-the-Go Wipettes:
Natural, pH-balanced feminine wipes made with botanicals and essential oils for an instant refresh. Paraben free.

Umberto Beverly Hills Lifting Powder:
A little does a lot to give your hair volume, texture and lift. It controls cowlicks and absorbs excess moisture, too.

NYX Butter Lipstick:
Buttery soft, silky smooth lipstick melts onto lips for high-impact color and a luxe satin finish without being sticky. Product comes in assorted colors.

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{BirchBox} MY MORNING ROUTINE

Posted on July 19, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

Mornings? I am a morning person, I love to wake up at the crack of 11AM. However my work schedule gets in the way of my sleepy time, so I am forced to get up at 6:30am during the week and well the dog has no concept of time, so I wake up round 7 on the weekends.

Simplicity gets me out of the door quickly.Ya know because I have to catch them all, yes I to am hooked on the Pokemon Go craze. I love it! Anyways simplicity is best because it gets me out to the bus stop on time. I am a night shower person, so with that out of the way, all I do in the morning is makeup, brush teeth, and my hair. Plus walk the dog, the dog must be walked otherwise he gets angry. No one likes an angry dog.

Enough about my mornings and my dog, let’s get to it. We both know you came here to see what I got in my July Birchbox.

July 2016 – MY MORNING ROUTINE

Benefit Cosmetics – gimmie brow volumizing fiber gel: This innovative, water resistant fiber gel has a precision tip for shaping and build-able formula for thick, lush brows.

COOLA Environmental Repair Plus Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion: This soothing lotion uses agave to moisturize, protect, and calm any post-sun woes.

MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB Sunscreen: Safe for acne and rosacea prone skinm this silky SPF cream absorbs quickly so it won’t leave a white, greasy sheen.

Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil: This portable rollerball brightens, hydrates, and illuminates to give skin a dewy glow thanks to essential oils.

Smashbox Cosmetics X-Rated Mascara: This unique formula uses Tripod fibers that stack on lashes for endless volume that won’t clump or flake.

This months sample choice was all about mascara, we could chose from three different mascara brands. I chose the smashbox brand and the other four samples were chosen by BirchBox.

In late June our buddies at BirchBox dropped a huge ass bomb, they this is hard for me to type, dropped their points program. We as subscribers no longer earn points for reviewing our monthly samples. I know ladies I too am in morning, maybe they will find something new to keep us intrigued. At this point BirchBox is attached to my soul and I am not ready to pull the plug on my subscription, so for now that bright pink box will still don my door step.

If you would like to join in on the no more points for reviews fun, checkout http://www.birchbox.com

{BirchBox} MULTIFACETED AND MIGHTY

Posted on June 27, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“Whether we’re checking emails on the elliptical or paying bills while getting a pedi, we’re pro multitaskers-and we expect the same from our products. Not unlike the gems on the outside of this box, the beauty gems inside are truly multifaceted.”

Multitasking! I like the sound of that. Multitasking is a girl with ADD’s main skill, I can do many things at once and this has saved me a lot of time. If I can do many things at once, then heck yes I want my beauty products to do the same. Especially in the summer months, the fewer products the better. Lord knows that Minnesota’s summer heat can cause a girls do to fall and her makeup to melt right off, its not pretty, but we manage.

I managed to snag June’s curated box. Hello! It has Davines products in it and not to mention how adorable is the lip crayon. I needed it in my life and by golly I snagged it and fell in love with all of the products.

“Girl! Come on, what did you get in your June Box!?”

MULTIFACETED AND MIGHTY – Birchbox June 2016

LOC One & Done Shadow Stick: from Birchbox brand LOC, waterproof shadow doubles as a long lasting liner.

NUXE Rev de Miel Facial Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel: this French multitasker disolves dirt, oil, and makeup while soothing and softening skin.
———————-> This right here is a great little cleanser. A little bit of product goes a very long way. It even washed away stubborn mascara and left my skin feeling smoothly clean. Bonus, the scent is amazing, very citrusy.

The Beauty Corp PBJ Smoothie Stick in Rasin the Roof: this stick boasts a soft, sweet tint, and moisturizes lips with good for you ingredients.
———————>This product is adorable! I love the packaging and not to mention it made my lips look pretty darn great. Plus this is full size! Yes a full sized product!

Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizing: packed with antioxidants and humectants, this rich formula works as both a mask and a daily moisturizer.

Davines Authentic Cleansing Nector Hair/Body: this nourishing shampoo-meets-body-wash uses organic oils to cleanse and hydrate from head to toe.
———————–> I am truly a Davines fan girl, I have yet to meet a Davines product that I didn’t like. I can get lost in the scent and it has left my hair and skin feeling so soft.

Davines Authentic Moisturizing Balm Face/Hair/Body: a three in one balm that conditions hair, nourishes skin, and even removes makeup.

The MULTIFACETED AND MIGHTY box was very well thought out and I loved that it included a product for skin, hair, body, and makeup. Birchbox hit it out of the park and I cannot wait to see what July’s curated box will be.

Birch Box is a beauty and lifestyle subscription box program that costs $10.00 per month. For every dollar you spend in the shop you can earn 1 point. 100 points will get you a free birch box or $10 towards a purchase in the shop at birchbox.com. I know you’ve got friends so why not refer those friends to Birch box and earn a few points for doing so. If you would like to learn more and get a Birch Box of your very own go to http://www.birchbox.com for more information.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

{BirchBox} Effortlessly Elegant Box

Posted on April 30, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“From sprouting buds to the first truly sunny day, spring is all about renewal – and what’s fresher than a revived looked? Our editors have assembled this box of products that will help you feel pretty, polished, and effortlessly-put-together for all your springtime adventures.”

Yay! Spring has arrived! “AJ checks the forcast……” nope nope spring only arrived for about a week in Minnesota. The past few weeks have been chilly and wet. They say April showers bring May flowers…… I will be holding mother nature to this. If I don’t have flowers in may she and I are going to have a chat. Because this cold damp weather is crazy talk.

Lets talk about the actual box this month. For the second year BirchBox has partnered with Riffle Paper company to bring us a vibrant floral box to celebrate spring. The box is gorgeous and it made me very excited to see what was inside! For the month of April I chose the curated box which featured one of my favorite brands TOCCA.

Effortlessly Elegant – April 2016

Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution: removes makeup, cleanses skin, and soothes irritation with natural ingredients like aloe and cucumber.

Dr. Jart+ Liftra Contour Cream: this high-tech, first-of-its-kind, collagen producing cream visibly firms, lifts, and plumps skin.

Laura Gellar New York Baked Blush-n-Brighten:baked from liquid pigments, this blush-highlighter combo delivers a natural-looking flush.

PARLOR by Jeff Chastian Volumizing Lifting Spray: this innovative body-enhancing spray uses marshmallow root to give locks instant volume and lift.

TOCCA Crema de Mano – Giullietta: loaded with natural botanicals, this green apple and pink tulip lotion absorbs in a flash.

The curated box was spot on for spring. It included a little something for everyone to change their look from winter to spring.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

{Julep} Brights + Whites

Posted on April 3, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

Sun’s coming, Mavens. Even here in rainy Seattle we’re already in serious sunshine mode. We’ve sprung forward our mani-pedi palette in a major way and we’re really, really (really!) excited for you to see our newest BRIGHTS. Plus, we’ve got some fresh new ways for you to get the perfect glowing complexion that’s so on point right now.

New Vivid Sheers. Can’t. Stop. PLAYING. One coat, and you get a juicy wash of color. One coat layered over white, amps the look totally. Multi-color crisscross, negative space, peekaboo white—we’ve loved every look so far.

That’s why we’re throwing in a FREE Brigitte (Classic with a Twist) bright white crème so you can try out different designs too! Get it with any Vivid Sheer; limit one per box. <——— How cool is this! Julep is going to give you a free polish so that you can carry out the trend of vivid brights over white!

Julep gets my jam, they know what its like to live and work in a dreary springtime land. Minnesota and Seattle are very much a like and oh so very different. Julep had me at “Brights + White.” This months colors and products did not disappoint. I had a very hard time choosing and added three additional products to my April Maven Box. By adding 3 additional products I earned a free surprise gift.

“Lady! What did you get in your Brights + Whites Box!?

Julep Maven – April 2016, Brights + Whites:

Kaolin Clay Konjac Sponge: A gentle exfoliator made from the fibrous root of the Konjac plant and enriched with detoxifying kaolin clay that draws impurities from deep within skin.

Green Tea Konjac Sponge: A gentle exfoliator made from the fibrous root of the Konjac plant and infused with green tea powder to balance the skin.

Charcoal Konjac Sponge: This super gentle all-natural exfoliator is enriched with skin-clarifying charcoal to cleanse, exfoliate and detoxify your skin.

What Your Skin Needs Restorative Facial Milk: a lightweight treatment milk infused with five potent oils to hydrate and replenish skin. Just in time for winter’s harsh bluster on our sweet faces, this restorative facial milk is a seasonally on-point addition to the daily routine—under moisturizer, before makeup.
——————————> This is a repeat product for me, don’t worry it wasn’t done on purpose. With My Maven you can customize the products you receive in your monthly box. I happen to hands down love this moisturizer and needed another bottle, so I switched out a product and put this one in.
Just a note, be careful not to drop the bottle or dropper both are made of glass. I did this for you and ended up stepping on said broken glass at 3AM ( I thought I got it all) and cut the bottom of my foot.

Julep Lip Gloss in Charming: A gorgeous lip gloss that offers subtle color, unstoppable shine, and luscious hydration.
——————————-> Yup you guessed it, this is another repeat for me. I am addicted to Julep’s lip gloss, it is so light weight and does not ware off easily. Note the bottle is glass and if dropped it will break, so be careful when using it.

Julep Breathable nail color:
Isabela – Amparo blue crème
——–> free with Jules! I love getting free polish.
LuLu – soft pinkish gray creme
——–> this was my surprise gift for selecting 3 add on products.

Air Heads Green Apple Candy

I am in love with the My Maven customization feature and that you can switch up one or all of the featured products in your box. Julep is $24.99 a month, which is a great value because you can design a box that is totally for you.

To get a box of your very own visit wwww.julep.com for more information.

After your Welcome Box, the contents of your monthly Maven Box depend on the program you signed up for. Each My Maven Box includes over $40 worth of new beauty innovations and/or limited-run nail colors. We create at least five new boxes every month—one for each Style Profile, plus monthly exclusives. If you have a fully customizable subscription, you can personalize your box by picking exactly what you want.

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{Walmart Beauty} Quarterly Beauty Box – Spring 2016

Posted on April 3, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

These Walmart spring picks provide you with beauty products that help you define your beauty into full bloom!

Hello Spring! Well around here it is more like “Hello wind and chilly days!” Spring has sort of sprung in Minnesota, our days are a tad warmer, snow free, and fucking windy. Wind is no ones friend, it messes with ones perfectly groomed hair and skirts of a certain length are not safe.

I was very excited to see that the spring Walmart beauty box was on its way. Affordable easily accessible beauty and skin care products are important and Walmart always showcases the seasons hot new products. Thou I am a little concerned, Walmart must think that I have bad breath and itchy skin, they sent me tooth past and an itchy skin body wash. Everything else is semi-debatable.

“Lady! What did Walmart send you!?”

Walmart Beauty Box: Spring 2016

Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser: deep cleans to remove dirt and impurities from the pore while gently exfoliating away dead cells to reveal smooth, healthy-looking skin.

Curel Itch Defense Body Wash: stops the itch before it begins. The soap-free formula is a unique blend of gentle cleansers and skin conditioners that creates a rich lather to gently cleanse and soothe itchy skin.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer: gives your skin a natural-looking summer glow.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter Shampoo: cleanses and gradually infuses golden tones to illuminate the spectrum of your brunette color.

Vera Wang Embrace Perfume: Radiant, ethereal and pure

Colgate Optic White toothpaste: breakthrough formula is Colgate’s fastest whitening toothpaste to date giving you whiter teeth in just three days just by brushing.

CeraVe Healing Ointment: Protects and soothes dry, cracked & chafed skin

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Almond Nude: sheer, creamy color instantly moisturizes lips while it helps to improve their texture over time. Packed with natural fruit extracts, the hydrating formula replenishes lips’ moisture so they instantly feel softer and smoother.

This months box was so so for me. Nothing wowed me and a lot of the things that I received are just not me. The box is still a really good deal and a lot of the things I received will be given away to friends and charity.

***I was not compensated for this post. Reviews are my own.*****

{BirchBox} Ladies First

Posted on March 20, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“As a company founded by women, for women, this month has extra significance, We’re marking both International Woman’s Day and Women’s History Month- two great reminders to celebrate all the strong ladies in our lives, from friends and colleagues to heroes and inspirations. There’s nothing we can’t do, and everything we can.”

Strong and inspiring women….. Many women have shaped my life and have molded my character. I am partial and a little biased when it comes to my Mama. My Mama was one of the first women to hold a class C heavy equipment license. She was the first female dump truck driver for Conwed Industries now known as USG. Even when pregnant with me, she drove the dump truck until she could no longer fit behind the wheel. Having a first as a mother meant she instilled that nothing is impossible and that women do and will always belong in a man’s world. She broke down the doors so that my sister and I could be anything we wanted in life and for that I am forever grateful.

Beauty is just another tool in our take on the world tool kit. Makeup should enhance our inner beauty and compliment our world domination plans. I am a do it and run kind of girl, if it takes more than 10 minutes AJ ain’t doing it, cause she ain’t got time for that. This is why I love Birchbox, they send me samples to try and I can decide if it is something that will fit into my get er done beauty routine.

“Lady! Lets unbox this thing!!!”

March 2016 – Ladies First

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance AM Skin Illuminating Cleanser: this impurity-blasting cleanser brightens dark spots, evens tone, and transforms skin for a more radiant complexion.

Milk Makeup Lip Color – C.R.E.A.M: for intense demi-matte color, try this 30% pigmented formula made with shea butter, coconut oil, and grapefruit peel.

PARLOR by Jeffy Chastain Volumizing & texturizing shampoo: this multitasker uses marshmallow root to boost body and texture, while sweet almond oil protects and adds softness.

PARLOR by Jeffy Chastain Volumizing & texturizing conditioner: this lightweight conditioner nourishes, enhances body, and boosts texture,

treStiQue Color & smudge shadow crayon in aspen pine: this shadow crayon has a creamy formula that stays put for 12 hours, creating a smooth, crease free look every time.

William Schumann Skincare Hydrating Collagen eye pads: these 100% pure collagen pads hydrate and plump the skin around your eyes for a bright, youthful look.

My Birchbox was so so this month. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great, I will only use some of these samples, the others will go in my donate box. I hope you got a better more enjoyable Birchbox than I did.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

Have Bear Will Travel

She had to break, so I could shine

Category Archives: You’ve Got Mail

{Walmart* Beauty Box} Fall 2016

{BirchBox} REVIVE AND RESTORE

{Target Box} simply RADIANT

{Target Box} fresh & FABULOUS

{BirchBox} MY MORNING ROUTINE

{BirchBox} MULTIFACETED AND MIGHTY

{BirchBox} Effortlessly Elegant Box

{Julep} Brights + Whites

{Walmart Beauty} Quarterly Beauty Box – Spring 2016

{BirchBox} Ladies First