{Target Beauty Box} October 2015

October 2015
“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.

Oct 2015

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

October 15
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

October 2015“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.

October 15
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.

Oct 15

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

October 2015
“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.

October 15

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.

Oct 2015

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.

Oct 15

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
Tote

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.
cream

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!