{Julep} All Night Long – December 2015

Posted on December 22, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“We’ve waited all year for this. Our December collection sees the long-awaited launch of a liquid-to-matte lip mousse developed with the help of thousands (thank you!). We’re pretty sure it’s our best lippy yet and we can’t wait to hear what you think about the final result. Pre-work coffee with a fave friend, white elephant gift lunch at the office, happy hour, date night, dinner, dancing, holiday brunch… Social energy runs hot this month and our December polish palette is ready to party.”

I have fallen back in love with Julep and the completely customizable Maven Box. If I do not like a product or a nail color, I can just swap it out for another product or shade. As far as I am aware Julep is the only company offering a totally customizable subscription box experience. The price did go from $19.99 to $24.99, having the ability to chose my products is worth the extra five bucks.

“So What products did you pick for your December Maven Box!?”

Oh, I am so glad you asked!

All Night Long

Feels Like Velvet Eyeshadow in Champagne and Caviar: Metallic pink nude & mocha shimmer. Blends effortlessly with a weightless finish and creates effortless eye looks when worn together—or each on their own.

It’s Whipped – Bisou: Modern Mauve hydrating, liquid-to-matte mousse that glides on mess-free, grips for all day vibrancy, and has a weightless finish.

Shader Brush: This versatile brush features fine, soft, synthetic bristles that allow for smooth, controlled application and flawless blending.

I used 400 Jules to add on a polish for free. I added on Rayma: Italian plum crème

Decembers collection was beautiful and I am so glad to have a matte lip gloss that I love. Before this one I was in a love hate relationship with matte gloss, a lot of them dry out to quickly and the color has a short life span. The Julep whipped delivered and I am one happy girl. The eye shadow is also lovely and easy to blend. I am so glad I chose the eye shadow and whipped, my box was totally me and I am in love with the new customization feature.

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.

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

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

{Julep} The Switch-Up Collection

Posted on December 3, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“We can no longer pretend we’re at the tail end of summer—it’s time our beauty routines lean into cold months. Fall 2015 is crushing it with updated texture (more on that in a minute), and skincare calls for extra love & protection.”

Julep was my gateway drug into a wonderful magical world of subscription boxes. This is actually my first box in well over a year, I stopped ordering for a while because I had more bottles of polish than I had toes. I wasn’t using it as fast as I thought I would and their beauty products did not peak my fancy. Plus there was the whole new warehouse and shipping issue saga, no one wants to remember that, it was a dark time in subscription box land. I waited out the dark time, Julep fixed the quirks and started listening to their Mavens, because well, Maven’s are always right.

The Switch-Up Collection

What Your Skin Needs: is 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.
———————> My skin is in a hot hot romance with this lightweight magical moisturizing milk. At first I was confused by the package, confusion was shot lived, you dispense the product with an eye dropper, its old school and cool. The milk absorbs quickly into the skin and does not leave a greasy heavy feeling behind. I use it at night and I wake up to incredibly soft morning skin, it is now my go to moisturizer.

Take a Breather: Oxygen Nail Treatment has a new name and a new sparkler in the family. Take a Breather adds a third option, a subtle shimmer, to the classic pink and chic ivory shades that have been healing and hardening nails between manicures since 2013.
———————> I am not a nail polish on my fingers kind of girl, I don’t even do nude shades, so this product is my go to. The classic pink has taken a back seat to the new shimmer. My nails are now a little scandalous with their shimmery coat.

Color Treat: Julep’s Breakthrough Oxygen Technology powers this fast-drying, long-lasting nail polish to get nails healthy and more beautiful at the same time. Our proprietary 5-free, vegan-friendly formula also includes strengthening Hexanal and antioxidant green coffee extract. You’ll never look at nail polish the same way again.

Aubrey: Rosewood shimmer

Cheyenne: Auburn matte metallic

Melody: Iridescent high gloss glitter top coat

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

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

{Target Beauty Box} October 2015

Posted on November 6, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“Must-haves. Can’t-live-withouts. Obsessions. As purveyors of all-things beauty, we at Target Beauty like to keep a lookout for what’s new and now. We’ve put together a few of our faves – all in one convenient box for you to try for yourself. Test’em out and tell us what you think. And if you love them as much as we do, find full-size versions at target.com/beautybox.”

It seems that Target is moving towards offering a monthly beauty box. They haven’t made any official announcement, however Target has been consistently offering a new box every month since July. The products differ from month to month and as always they are available on a first click first serve basis. The Target boxes usually sell out within a few hours of going live on the site, so you have to be on top of it otherwise dear you will miss out. The price has ranged from $5.00 to $10.00 per month. The higher the value of the box, the more the box will cost. At $5 to $10 the Target Beauty Box is a great deal. Best part is all of the products that are included in the box can be purchased at your local Target store.

“So what did you get in your October Target Beauty Box?!” Let’s unbox it and find out!!

Target Beauty Box – October 2015

Goody Ouchless Silicone Lined Elastics: made without metal for reduced snags & pulls.
————————> One can never own enough elastics, I love that this item was included in the box. I will definitely put these to use.

Covergirl Intensify Me Eyeliner 300: intense black formula glides on smoothly and dries quickly for instant drama.
——————————->*****BEEP BEEP FULLSIZED PRODUCT ALERT BEEP BEEP!!!! VALUE $6.99*******Not an eyeliner kind of girl, so this will go straight to the give away pile.

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick: velvety soft formula moisturizes with shea butter and alone for color that last; available in 20 shades
————————> ****BEEP BEEP FULLSIZED PRODUCT ALERT BEEP BEEP!!!! VALUE $8.59****** I received high heels which is a very light pink. First off how cute is the name, I think its fun. The shade high heels is perfect for day and work, if you are a barely there color kind of girl.

RoC Deep Wrinkle Deep Night Cream: lightweight retinol treatment hydrates skin cells and helps reduce the appearance of expression lines and deep wrinkles
———————————->*****BEEP BEEP FULLSIZED PRODUCT ALERT BEEP BEEP!!!! VALUE $20.49*******Holy buckets Target included a $20 full-sized product in the box! I have been using this since I received it and I love it. The formula is light weight and absorbs quickly into the skin. I do not have expression lines yet, but I have notices that my skin is smoother and brighter in the morning. It is a winner in my book.

Acure Morrocan Argan Oil + Stem Cell Triple Repair Shampoo: organic argan oil provides moisture for even the most damaged hair, leaving it soft & manageable
—————————————————–> I have been a fan of the Acure brand since I first got a sample from Birchbox. It tickles me silly to see that they are expanding into hair care, I would love to see an organic sulfate free curly hair shampoo from them in the future. This shampoo smells awesome and it left my hair feeling soft and light.

Acure Morrocan Argan Oil + Stem Cell Triple Repair Conditioner: organic argan oil provides moisture for even the most damaged hair, leaving it soft & manageable
—————————————————> Conditioners are shampoos BFF, this one is very light weight, a little bit of product goes a mighty long way. It left my hair feeling soft and light, bonus it smells amazing too!

Skinfix Ultra Rich Body Butter: super-rich formula quenches dry, parched skin
———————————————–> I am a Minnesota girls and when the temps turn to cold we go a running for the lotion isle at Target. In the winter our skin gets so dry and crackly, body butters are our saving grace. I love the skinfix hand cream and this for a body butter is pretty sweet. It has the think consistency, however it absorbs quickly into the skin without that annoying greasy feeling.

Hello Toothpaste: dye-free, sugar-free paste safely polishes teeth and freshens breath
———————————-> Wait!? What? Umm shouldn’t all toothpaste be sugar free? I thought sugar was a no no for teeth……………….no I am questioning my tooth paste, I think it might be betraying me and secretly hiding sugar in the ingredient list.

Olly Beauty Vitamins: an expert blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and collagen that promote healthy eyes, skin & hair
———————————> Grapefruit, they are grapefruit flavored and sadly I AJ had to spit them out, I couldn’t stomach chewing on them, they tasted yucky. Yucky, AJ no buy the full size of these vitamins.

S.W. Basics Certified Organic Body Scrub: gentle exfoliation & deep hydration made from three simple ingredients, sugar, coconut oil & shredded coconut
———————————> I am confused by this product, it is a powder, so I am guessing we need to mix it with water or just plain old apply dry and rub rub in the shower? I should probably read the directions first before I jump in the shower.

Target you out did yourselves. I have to say this is hands down the best most well thought out box to come out of the bulls eye. I am blown away at how practical the items are and that every product in the box is affordable. There is literally something for every girl in the October box and the best part is if you love the sample size you can stroll on over to your local Target to by the full-size product. I can do it on my lunch because I work in downtown Minneapolis, be jealous I can just walk right on over to the flagship corporate Target store (its huge! 2 floors of glorious Targetness! plus they have a cartalater!!!) which is always loads of fun.

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 October box is out of stock. For $10 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***

{BirchBox} Positive Force

Posted on October 27, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“At Birchbox, we know firsthand the power of beauty to inspire confidence, to change your mood, and to plain ol’ make you happy. This October, we’re harnessing the power of beauty in a different way: to raise money and awareness for an important cause. We’ve partnered with The Estee` Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to found one year of breast cancer lab research hours.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent health issues women face, affecting 1 in 8. That number is astounding. We’re proud to support a cause with dollars, awareness, and volunteer hours. We hope you’ll join us-and that you love what’s in this (very pink) box!”

Show me a woman who has not been touched by breast cancer? Everyone of us knows someone or has heard of someone who is battling the disease. Breast Cancer crept into my life when I was just 5, I didn’t understand what it was, I just knew that it meant you go to funerals. In 1987 my father’s sister Cherie Leigh lost her battle with breast cancer. I was robbed of my Auntie, a woman who I resemble to a “T”. The only thing I have of her is an old baby blanket that she lovingly cross stitched for me. I was to little to remember the times I met her or what she looked like, I only know her through my father’s memories. Yet in her death I found a bond, I know she loved me and that she is always with me, no matter where I go.

Ms. Barb, my mama’s dear friend beat breast cancer, she was with us for many years. She was and will always be my Avon lady. Ms. Barb died unexpectedly in January due to complications from an enlarged heart. She was the battle, but not war. My mama and I miss her every day. Ms. Barb taught me everything I know about makeup and skincare, she sparked my love of skincare products and makeup. I hear her voice in my head every time I pick a new shadow “child you are pale stick with taupes and pinks and you will never go wrong.” Ms. Barb was very right, taupes and pinks make my eyes sparkle.

Now lets get to this months box! I know this is why you trotted on over to my little corner of the world.

Positive Force – October 2015

Acure Organics Cell Stimulating Facial Mask: This green clay mask helps shed weekly dirt and grime, activating stem cells and revitalizing skin cells.
——————————-> Acure had me at the directions, the bottle literally states “smooth onto face and neck until you look like a green sea monster.” Like hello, that right there alone will make you giggle and put a smile on your mug. I have been a fan of the Acure brand for a while now and this mask lives up to their name. It is amazing and left my skin feeling smooth and sparkly clean. Bonus the price point is $12.99, so all of us can afford a little luxury in our lives.

Calypso St. Barth: Inspired by desert evenings, this is a spicy and exotic blend of coconut, violet, and sandlewood

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: This lightweight, ceramide-packed cream calms and deeply hydrates skin

Parlor by Jeff Chastin Moisturizing & Repairing Shampoo: a lightweight sulfate-free cleanser infused with softening and strengthening ingredients

Parlor by Jeff Chastin Moisturizing & Repairing Conditioner: makes hair soft, smooth, and shiny without weighting it down

W3LL People Expressionist Mascara: all natural pro-grade mascara that lifts and lengthens lashes without chemicals or dyes

This months box was really really great. I got introduced to a new product from Acure and to an all natural mascara. I like to cut the chemicals from my life where ever I can. So all natural beauty products are a huge bonus to me.

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***

{Peaches&Petals} October 2015

Posted on October 20, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“Experience our world of fun, flirty and fashionable vintage-modern lifestyle in a hand-curated box delivered to you each month. Our love for fabulously flattering fashionable jewelry and accessories define our style, but we also love a variety of beauty samples to help us keep our look. We live a life well-loved, and love things that help us enjoy every moment. Don’t worry about shopping, let us do it for you. Our team will source relentlessly for fabulous products, so you just get to kick back, relax, and experience Peaches & Petals when it gets to your door!”

Last month I kicked Ipsy to the curb and was on the search for a new subscription box to fill the void. I saw a review for Peaches and Petals and I knew it was love at first sight. I had to have their box in my life, they had me at vintage, so I trucked on over to their site and signed myself up. Peaches and Petals is a new lifestyle subscription box for $14.99 a month, which in my book is a gosh darn good deal. I managed to find a coupon code and snagged my first box for $7.50. I figured if the box sucked, heck I’d only be out $7.50 which is no big deal. The Peaches & Petals site offers easy cancellation if you are not satisfied.

Peaches & Petal’s October sneak peek guaranteed that each box would include an Elizabeth Arden Tote that was to be valued at $40.00, sweet that’s cool, I can always use a tote bag. I was not a fan of the color combo of the tote, however I was getting a $40 item in a $14.99 subscription box, I wasn’t going to turn it down or complain. When I opened my box something seemed a miss, the Elizabeth Arden tote had a tag on it that said “YOUR GIFT.” This seemed a little strange to me and I hit up my BFF Google to learn more.

Google told me that the Elizabeth Arden tote bag was not meant to be sold, it had no retail value because it was offered as a free gift with a $42 Elizabeth Arden fragrance purchase. So Peaches & Petal’s “$40.00” value was a lie, in reality it has no retail value. This was the tip of the iceberg with the products and my excitement dwindled. We will get to the rest of the details in a moment, so far it’s not looking good for Peaches & Petals, cute name but ugh not so cute box.

Peaches & Petals – October 2015

Elizabeth Arden Tote: Valued at “$40.00”, Beautiful bag with plenty of room, water-resistant exterior, all with a lovely color combination.
———————————–>The tote bag is not available on the Elizabeth Arden website, the only place I could find this bag for sale was on ebay for $9.99 and not $40.00

Anne Taintor Sassy Magnetic Postcard: our sassy snarky side came out when we saw these! We knew you had to have it.
———————————–> This was a cute item, mine was not snarky thou. It is something I would not normally pick out for myself, I slapped it on the fridge, so hey I’m using it.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish: stay polished add to your collection and try something new this season.
———————————-> I received Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Crushed. The color is a nice apricot hue. I did a little research the color I received is no longer sold on the Sally Hansen website. In addition one of the ladies in a makeup group that I belong to, told me that the bottle I received is actually the old Xtreme wear formula that was discontinued around 2011. Yes it is literally 3 years old. I am not going to use it because I do not know if this product is safe.

Barielle Pro Essentials Skin Care – Day Cream: Pamper your skin with the Barielle essentials skincare line! We love this product, and loved the size of the jar – no sample here!
——————————-> Where to begin on this one. First off the day cream I received was not sealed and there were no directions on how to apply it on the container. I am always a little leery of products that are not sealed, so the paralegal in me did a little research. The day cream is no longer available for sale on the Barielle website and wasn’t sold on any mass retailer website either. Not even Ulta, nor Target, nor Walmart, nor Sephora had it for sale. The only place I could find this product was in variety three pack that was for sale on amazon. I called Peaches & Petals out on their facebook page and they admitted to breaking up a three pack and putting a product in each subscribers box. Peaches and Petals claim that the product is not expired and that it is safe for use. However I personally will not use any product that is not sealed and does not have directions, this to me is an incredible fail.

Smash Box Trio Eyeshadow – Glow On: who doesn’t love a premium line of Smash Box eyeshadow? Get your GLOW ON – perfect for everyday!
—————————->Again this product is not even for sale on the Smash Box website. Mine happened to come covered in glitter and lint, again it was not sealed. Some are saying that this is a counterfeit product, I can’t speak to that because I am not a Smash Box guru. However I do know when something isn’t right and this shadow just ain’t right. Its made in China and some ladies are saying that this apart of a set that Smash Box had back in 2009, which to me means “old makeup!”

Unfortunately, I have to give Peaches & Petals a big ass thumbs down. This was my first month and besides the postcard magnet, its an epic fail. They are a brand new subscription service and they are starting off on a really bad foot. I understand that they are trying to send out a high value box with a low price tag, but there are other ways to do it, than sending discontinued products. Peaches & Petals is owned by a company called Jammin Butter, that specializes in bringing you high end items for very little money. They buy large lots of discontinued products and resell them for a markup on their website, or in this case put them in their subscription box. When I emailed Peaches & Petals the customer service rep Miranda was very defensive and ignored most of my concerns. Which isn’t a good sign, as of to date the complaints are mounting on their facebook page and they have to issue an apology or an explanation on where the products came from.

If you want to give Peaches & Petals a shot go to http://peachesandpetals.com and use coupon code “PEACHADDICT” for 50% off your first month. The subscription auto renews each month at $14.99. Remember subscribe with caution. I am going to take the bullet for us and let my subscription roll through December, if they do not clean up their act they are getting the boot!

{Walmart Beauty} Quarterly Beauty Box – Fall 2015

Posted on September 30, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“A defining line here. A splash of color there. Every woman has her own unique way of showing the beauty within her. At Walmart, you’ll discover the latest products and most trusted brands at our low prices. Every day.”

Ahh September you have finally arrives, the cool air is quietly rushing in, pumpkin spice everything lines the shelves, and I start sneezing, as in really sneezing. Fall is my favorite time of the year, there are apples to eat, pumpkins to carve, and cool nights to cuddle in. Fall brings change, each fall I grow older and tick off one more year of survival, in the fall I find comfort in the changes around me.

Fall means switching up my beauty routine and prepping my skin for winter. I start putting away my light summer formulas and pull out my heavy duty moisturizers. My tan starts to fade and my skin loses its luster, fall I love you, but you are not good for my skin. Fall is also tights weather, I love wearing tights with my dresses and pulling out my heavier cardigans and blazers, not to mention my plethora of ballet flats too. Walmart happens to be my go to spot for stocking up on my fall beauty needs and ballet flats. Oh and not to mention I am now obsessed with the Pioneer Woman’s collection, which lives at walmart. So yes I have lots of reasons to go to Walmart.

“So AJ what did you get in your Fall Walmart box?

Walmart Quarterly Beauty Box – Fall 2015

Dove Advanced care beauty finish 48 hour deodorant

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

Aussie Mega Hairspray – 24HR flexible hold in 1 spray

Schick Hydro Silk Disposable razor

ACT Advanced Care Anti-gingivitis/Anti-plaque Mouthwash

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

********FOIL PACKETS!!! GET YOUR FOIL PACKETS HERE!!!! FOIL PACKETS!!!!*************
Nivea Extended Moisture Body Lotion
Crest 3D White Brilliance Fluoride Toothpaste for anti-cavity and anti-gingivitis
Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask
Jeregens Wet Skin Moisturizer

I felt that Walmart was trying to tell me something with this months box. Ya know that maybe I have bad breath, I stink, need shave my legs, and they threw in the mascara to make me feel better. Its stuff that I will definitely use, who doesn’t need extra deodorant and razors. Those are like the staples of womanhood, a girl has gotta have smooth legs and nice smelling pits. Well you can hide those non-shaved legs during the winter months, that is why God gave us tights ladies!!!!

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} Better Together

Posted on September 30, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“Five years ago, we started Birchbox because we believed in a better way to discover the best in beauty. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for joining us on this amazing journey!”

Yay! September you have finally arrived. How nice of you to join the party. I happen to love fall and everything except for pumpkin spice that goes with it. I love the cooler nights, short days, beautiful leaves fill out the trees, apples for eating, and pumpkins for carving. Not to mention my birthday and my favorite holiday Halloween is just around the corner. Fall it totally my jam and I cannot get enough of it. Well that is until my allergies are in full swing and I cannot speak because I sneeze 24/7, then I’m over it.

Fall means switching up my beauty routine and prepping my skin for winter. I start putting away my light summer formulas and pull out my heavy duty moisturizers. My tan starts to fade and my skin loses its luster, fall I love you, but you are not good for my skin. Fall is also tights weather, I love wearing tights with my dresses and pulling out my heavier cardigans and blazers, not to mention my plethora of ballet flats too. In MN we know our days are numbered and that mother nature will be dumping the all to familiar white stuff on us soon. So we reveal in the short days sunshine, cuddle on the cold nights, and count our blessings.

Enough about my fall obsession lets get to this months box!

“So AJ what did you get in your September Birchbox?”

Better Together – September 2015

(Malin + Goetz) Grapefruit face cleanser: this citrusy cleanser dissolves dirt and oil, clears up breakouts, and balances skins natural pH.
————————–>This is such a great cleanser. It is a light weight gel formula, that has a nice citrus scent, and it works into a nice cleansing lather. It powered through my makeup and left my skin feeling clean. I will definitely be buying the full-sized product in the future.

*******BONUS******* (Malin + Goetz) vitamin e face moisturizer: oil free formula that nourishes all skin types with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
————————–> Foil packet! but hey it counted towards my point total. I got 10 points for reviewing it.

Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo: enriched with olive oil and rice protein, this formula smooths frizzed-out and tangle proned hair.
————————–>As you all know by now I am a huge fan of the Davines brand and this shampoo lives up to their name. It smells so good and it tamed my frizz.This was my September sample choice item and I could not be happier. The Davines sample size is amazing, you get a little 2oz bottle, those 2oz go a long long way too.

*******BONUS******* Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner: calms frizz thanks to Minuta Oliveit’s rich with fatty acids, providing moisture and shine.
————————–> Foil packet, but who cares its Davines condition which is also amazing. Plus I got 10 points for reviewing my little foil packet.

NERD Skincare Super Hydrating Mask: lightweight mask enhanced with hyaluronic acid for a more youthful, smoother complexion.

POP Beauty Portfolio Eye shadow – Sugar Plum: a trifecta of long-wearing, blendable eyeshadows in bold, pigmented purples
————————–> The colors in this little set are so fall, purple just screams fall to me.

Rituals Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel: the sweet orange and cedar gel foams up into a thick lather, moisturizing, and nourishing skin.
————————-> The name alone made my smile, instantly pictured a little fat smiling Buddha. At first I though the scent was going to be a little on the manly side, however I was pleasantly surprised, it is amazing. I like that the scent is spicy and sweet, it is not over powering and light. You only need a little bit to create a nice lather, it left my skin feeling soft. Plus the sample size is huge for Birchbox standards.

I will admit, this was a gosh darn down right awesome box! My sample sizes were huge this month, well except for the two foil packets, but who cares when my samples were huge. Birchbox always sends out a great box during their anniversary month. Not to mention, the box was beautiful and it carried such a positive message “You’re Beautifl.” So many women need to hear and see that in their lives, all of us are beautiful and no one can take that away from you.

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

{Ipsy} Face Fashion

Posted on September 20, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“Sit back, relax, and strike a pose.”

Change is needed. This will be my last Ipsy review, I AmandaJean have shown Ipsy the curb. I know its only $10.00 but I am tired of hoarding baskets of useless crap. I have changed my style profile a million times and to no avail nothing changed. At first it was amazing, I received stuff that was perfect for me and each month I would eagerly stock my mail box waiting for the pink envelope to arrive. I now just roll my eyes and say “really that is what you are sending me…………………..boring and useless!”

As of late Ipsy keeps on recycling the same brands and concepts. A girl can only have so many taupe eye shadows, bright orange lipsticks, and curl enhancing creams. I mean come on, a girl with very curly hair does not need a spray that will give her beachy waves. Also I have nothing against taupe, I love taupe its a great color, just when you have a bunch of them it gets old. Orange based bright red lipsticks are not meant for every girl on this earth. I am pale, bright red or very dark purple hued lipsticks look horrible on me.

Anyways enough of my rant, I believe in being honest and want to assist you in choosing the right subscription box for you. Lets get to the bag……………………

“So AJ, What did you get in your Face Fashion Glam Bag?”

{Ipsy} Summer Lovin’ – July 2015

Posted on July 31, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“We’ll have whatever they’re having. Welcome back, summer, we’ve missed you.”

We need to have a heart to heart about Ipsy, I am no longer in love with the glam bag. At one time it was fun and filled with products that I would use, now its just stuff. Yet I cannot find it in my heart to breakup with Ipsy, I just get sucked in month after month, hoping things will get better. I’ve taken the beauty quiz so many times, yet every bag is pretty much a fail, a fail ladies. AJ don’t do fails. I am going to give Ipsy until the end of the year and if it does not get better, its getting the ax in January.

OK, what did you get in your bag lady!?

Ipsy – Summer Lovin’

Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser: This deep-penetrating, soap-free cleanser eliminates impurities and excess sebum without stripping the skin.

OFRA Cosmetics Bliss Eyeshadow: Bliss is a gorgeous shimmery powder that can be used as an eye shadow or as a highlighting powder on your cheek bones, brow bones or on the bridge of your nose.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Lip Balm in Ruby: Hydrating formula to leave lips feeling silky smooth with a hint of color.

Jor’el Parker Classico: Exotic, inspiring, and full of surprises, Classico whisks you away from the day-to-day. Indulge in the spicy seduction of Indian Tuberose, the striking and sweet sensation of Turkish Cyclamen and the purifying calm of Spanish Mandarin.

tarte deluxe Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer: multi-tasking bronzer is formulated to blend and build your perfect level of uniform bronze. Available in the signature park ave princess™ radiant bronze shade, the waterproof formula adds instant warmth and dimension across a variety of skin tones as Amazonian clay helps improve skin clarity, texture and tone for an overall lit from within complexion.

Fingers crossed that my August bag will be ten times better than this one. I have not used a single thing out of the bag this month and I have a few friends in my life that will be very happy soon. That is the nice thing about having friends, they always lovingly accept my castoffs.

Do you want an Ipsy Glam Bag of your very own? Well then, for $10 a month (shipping is free) you will receive a Glam Bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. If you want a bag of your very own or more information please visit http://www.ipsy.com/r/1w1i Trust me you will be glad you did!

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

{BirchBox} Go Bold – July 2015

Posted on July 31, 2015 by NinjaInTheCity

“Summer is not the time to hold back. It’s the season of wearing brights on brights on brights, driving with the windows down, and eating popsicles for breakfast.”

Dude I totally eat popsicles for breakfast and ice cream for dinner, I just do it all year round. I love summer right now everything is so fresh and light. The farmers markets are brimming with bounty from the fields, road trips with the boyfriend, and running though the sprinkler with Sophia. Not to mention my nephew Jack arrived this month, he is a cute little peanut and I cannot wait to spoil him rotten.

Here in Minnesota we are going through a heat wave, one so hot it just melts your makeup right off. I have been pairing down my routine to just a tinted moisturizer and gloss, it holds up well to the heat monster. My curly hair is another story, frizz and buns are my BFFs right now. I am waiting for cooler less humid days and stary nights. We still have a lot of summer left in MN, so I am trying to soak up every last drop, AJ ain’t got time for fancy beauty routines and Birchbox totally got my vibe this month.

“So Lady, what did you get in your BirchBox this Month? Was it BOLD!?”

BirchBox – Go Bold

Cartier Baiser Vole perfume: from a brand that knows elegance, a romantic floral scent with notes of fresh powdered lily.
————————> I didn’t know powdered lilies existed. I actually like this scent it is very fresh and simple, clean yet romantic. You definitely will not see me shelling out for the full-sized product, $106 is above my uptown hipster girl budget.

Davines Minu Shampoo: richly foaming wash that gently cleanses hair and safeguards color.
**BONUS! GET YOUR BONUS SAMPLES RIGHT HERE, STEP ON UP LADIES! GET YOUR BONUS**
Davines Minu Conditioner and Davines Minu hair serum,
———————–> if you are a regular, then you know that I love the Davines brand! I am a total fan girl, all of their products smell like heaven and clean like a dream. Its an Italian brand and it is a little bit on the higher end of the beauty budget, but it is totally worth the price. The Minu shampoo & conditioner smell so good, I love how it left my hair feeling soft and smooth.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint: oil-free SPF formula that controls shine and leaves a soft, velvety finish.
——————–> Finally something in a shade I can wear. This is a great little moisturizer, I love that it has SPF in it, that’s one less product to smear on my face, which is a time saver. I just wish the sample was a little bigger.

stila look at me liquid lipstick in Venizia: this creamy formula glides on like a gloss yet lasts like a stain.
——————> This was the July sample choice item, we could choose from three stains. I have fond memories of my time in Venizia, so it was a no brainer to me. The color is very bright for my pasty pale skin.

Supergoop Anti-aging city sunscreen serum SPF 30: this anti aging serum blocks UV rays while hydrating skin and preventing future damage.
——————–> I always see ladies complaining about receiving Supergoop in their boxes. I have been a subscriber since August 2013 and this is honestly my first Supergoop product, so there will be no complaints from me. I love the concept of a sunscreen specifically for our faces, science has proven that our face ages faster than the rest of our bodies, so why not have an ally in your corner. I will definitely be buying the full-sized product of this.

This was a really great box for me, I will use every product I received, well except for the lip stain.

***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

{Julep} All Night Long – December 2015

{Julep} The Switch-Up Collection

{Target Beauty Box} October 2015

{BirchBox} Positive Force

{Peaches&Petals} October 2015

{Walmart Beauty} Quarterly Beauty Box – Fall 2015

{BirchBox} Better Together

{Ipsy} Face Fashion

{Ipsy} Summer Lovin’ – July 2015

{BirchBox} Go Bold – July 2015