The theme for this month was fairly self explanatory.  Between the new cosmetic line being stocked at Sephora (Milk Makeup) and an "innovative" gel blush, the April Play! by Sephora box tried to highlight the popular trends in skincare and makeup.  I prefer to receive makeup products in my boxes so this month's box left something to be desired.  I'm glad they included Milk Makeup, but I would've liked to try something more traditional (hint hint, Sephora).


1) Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil


I was really excited when I heard that there was going to be a Milk item in the April box.  Sephora just recently started carrying the line and I have been curious as to how it is.  The brand's whole idea is to make beauty products quick and easy to use, with simple packaging (which I love) instead of the elaborate designs we usually see.

The "sunshine oil" was...yellow (clever) and smelled pretty good (citrusy) but I honestly didn't know what I was supposed to do with it. Was it supposed to be applied to areas I wanted a "glow"? Was I supposed to only use it on my face? Sephora sends a little booklet with details on each product, but their directions for what to do with the oil weren't very helpful. In any case, I applied it to my face and elbows after I showered and...yep, I stand by what I said before about oils- I'm not a fan.  I don't like the way oils make my skin feel and though this wasn't the worst (by far), it was just an unpleasant sensation.  I don't think I'll be using this again. Also, for those wondering, this dried clear and didn't add any color.

2) Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment




This basically makes the same claims as other anti-aging products.  And if you thought the $85 DDF Wrinkle Resist Serum I reviewed in my Allure April box here was expensive, just stop reading about this right now. It's nice to try out this cream for $10 but I highly doubt I will ever see enough of a change to justify dropping $105 on this. At least not right now. If you're looking for recommendations on moisturizers and products to help with hyper-pigmentation (that are easier on your wallet), feel free to go back to my Allure April box review.

3) Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream



I was a loyal Clinique fan for many years of undergrad before they changed up their makeup formula and I no longer could find the correct foundation match with my skin tone.  Since then, I've mostly given up on them so this is one of the only Clinique products I own--besides the sample lipgloss in "Black Honey" I received in a Sephora purchase (lipstick version--which I am a huge fan of--here).

Like the whole "anti-wrinkle" serum stuff, I don't really understand the deal with eye creams. In the rare occasions that I've actually tried them, they've done nothing that a good facial moisturizer doesn't do and I still have to apply under-eye concealer regardless.  The Clinique eye cream was no different. It comes in a cute little orange tube and applies fairly easily but I didn't notice any change the times I used it.

4) Nars Satin Lip Pencil in "Rikugien"



As soon as I pulled this out of the box, I knew it looked familiar. This was part of the Sephora birthday gift for Beauty Insiders a couple of years back so I'm not sure why they sent out the exact same shade again.  Regardless, it's a nice, very neutral color which is perfect for clinic days (and a good change from my usual, darker lips I've been doing recently).

As far as consistency, it doesn't dry down completely.  It has a sheen (but not super sticky, because that's a deal breaker for me with lip colors) but doesn't look like you slathered on lip-gloss.  The main negative with this is that the color transfers pretty rapidly and I basically had nothing left on my lips after a couple of hours.  If you're not a fan of reapplying lipsticks (like me) then this may not be the best choice for you.

5) Sephora Collection Colorful Cheek Ink Blush Gel in "Peony"


Gel...blush. I didn't know how I felt about this when I received it and, honestly, I'm still on the fence. Initially, I think I didn't apply enough and I noticed nothing.  Then the second time, I think I over-applied and I could clearly see streaks of pink (ugh). Finally, I tried applying a little bit with a Sephora Collection Airbrush Sponge and then slowly layered and...it worked!

The color is definitely on the brighter side and it's easy to overdo it (tip: just continue to blend it with a sponge and eventually it'll soften the color a bit).  I'm also not a fan of the texture because, as opposed to regular powdered blushes, I could definitely feel it on my face for a while. It stayed put for a few hours so that was great, but I really didn't like how I was aware it was on for most of the day.  Lesson learned: blush gel + southern humidity are not a good mix.



If you like this color but want a more traditional blush, my favorite is: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour Blush in "Doll Face".

6) Derek Lam 10 Crosby "2am Kiss"

Because I was out of town for the past few weeks for rotations, I didn't have a chance to review my box until now. I came back this past weekend to both the Allure and Sephora April beauty boxes and I'm definitely liking the contents of the latter better.  I'm holding out on next month's boxes to make my final decision but I'm finding most of Allure's products to be things I could do without.  What really turned me off, though, was their customer service when I reached out about my broken perfume bottle.


Anyways, the theme of this month's box was "Up Close and Personal", and I felt like the items were pretty appropriate (a primer, anti-frizz serum, non-feathering lipliner, and body oil, which...I guess smells good for anyone that comes close to you?)

1) DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizing Serum

I'll admit - I've been known to try a few ridiculous beauty products in the past but I just can't get myself to get behind this whole anti-wrinkle, magic potion stuff.  Definitely not when it costs close to a $100 for less than 2 ounces (well, $85, but close enough). The product claims to "fill in pores...[and] diminish fine lines over time." I haven't used it long enough to speak to that, but if you're trying to find cheaper/equally effective moisturizers and retinol for hyperpigmentation, there's plenty of options. I highly highly recommend this Belif Aqua Bomb moisturizer, as well as the fairly affordable Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer and CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion (AM) (which is on sale right now at Target!). I've used all three and have seen a noticeable difference in my skin.  For hyperpigmentation and scarring, I would check out Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads (Sephora tends to have a few samples you can try out when you make a purchase online).
Needless to say, this moisturizing serum is sitting untouched on my dresser at the moment.

2) Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Styling Creme

Moving to the South has wreaked havoc on my hair.  Especially in the summer, the humidity makes my hair incredibly difficult to style and nine times out of ten I give up and just keep it in a bun.  To make matters worse, I've continuously been dyeing my hair so that's just added to the frizziness. As such, I was excited to try out this styling creme and was not disappointed. It smells great (I received the "olive oil" scent) and I definitely noticed a difference when I applied it to my hair and went out immediately after.  I avoid most styling products because I hate how heavy and greasy they make my hair feel, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this product didn't have that.  The size of the sample isn't very big but a little goes a long way and I still have a reasonable amount left even with (near) daily use. If you're suffering from constant bad hair days courtesy of this weather, I would give this a try.

3) L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil



Speaking of amazing scents, I loved this! I was initially a little hesitant because I've tried shower oils in the past and I hated how greasy they left me feeling.  I didn't experience that at all with this, however.  It leaves skin feeling soft and adequately moisturized; I didn't feel like I had to run out of the shower and immediately lather myself up in lotion.  The one thing I will say (because I "wasted" quite a bit of product before I realized...whoops!) is, don't expect it to lather as much as your typical body washes; there's just a "subtle lather" (as Allure explains it).

4) Mally Evercolor Shaping Lip Pencil in "Frisky Fuchsia"



Lip pencils especially in any shade of pink is something I could do without.  Between all my other lip liners, lipsticks, lip stains, and lip glosses, I have the entire pink spectrum covered.  Regardless, I tried this lip pencil to see how I liked it.  I ended up using it all over my lip as a subtle pink lipcolor instead of as a traditional lip liner and it was alright.  I agree that it doesn't feather, but I didn't find it to be all that "long-wearing".  A few hours of studying and a cup of coffee later, and there wasn't a hint of pink left on my lips.
Another thing: I cannot find this product anywhere online so I'm not able to find very many specifics and I'm not sure how someone would even order this if they ended up loving it. Allure states that the liners are priced at $26 for a 3 piece set and that there are eight shades of pink and red, but like I said, I can't verify that.

With that pricing and limitation of shades (oh yeah, and the general inability to find this product at all), I would skip this and stick with Nyx and Colourpop Cosmetics for lip liners.

5) L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara


This was a full-sized product in the April box.  According to its packaging, the mascara claims to make lashes "5x fuller" which I didn't notice.  Longer, yes.  Fuller, no.  I've always heard that drug store mascara is highly underrated but the sheer number of options gives me anxiety so I stick to my deluxe samples from Sephora.  I was hoping this mascara would be "The One" but, nope. Also, this is definitely not water-proof, which I learned the hard way when I proceeded to splash water on my face and immediately looked like a raccoon.

6) Bvlgari Goldea


I really don't have much to say about this besides the fact that I can attest to the fact that it smells good (though slightly overwhelming) even when it's leaked all over the box the products all arrived in.  The packaging, you would think, would hold up well because it definitely isn't the flimsiest bottle I've seen. I was wrong. 

When I found out Sephora was coming out with a monthly subscription box, I was ecstatic. I had pretty much given up on them entirely after trying out Ipsy for a few months (and a trial of Birchbox along the way, also) but I figured, since almost all my beauty purchases were made at Sephora, their box would be perfect. Of course, I went on to the website, realized that there was a waitlist, promptly signed myself up...and then forgot about it.

So imagine my surprise when more than six months later, I got an email saying I was finally off the waitlist (conveniently the day after I had signed up for the Allure Beauty Box -- which I reviewed here)!

The shipping schedule for the box is pretty annoying, because it wasn't sent out until the end of the third week and I received it about a week ago.  Hopefully, that's just an early kink that will be worked out.



First things first - the packaging. It comes in a box with the usual black and white Sephora design elements. Along with the usual beauty items, each box comes with a pamphlet that talks about the products and a "play pass" that allows you to get a complimentary "one on one session" in store along with 50 Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

Each month has a specific theme for all the products, with the March 2016 box named "The Perfection Collection".

The products:

1) Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (1.0 fl oz: $65)

I have tried a few other Murad products in the past and, to be honest, I just do not understand all the hype.  I haven't found the hefty price-tag worth it so I wasn't too excited to try this out. It's supposed to be a SPF + moisturizer + basically a built in "instagram filter" for your face all in one. I'm not so sure about the last part. I'm sure it moisturized and protected my skin, but I most definitely still had to use concealer and makeup.  I think I'll stick with my cheaper Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer that costs me a fraction of the price.

2) Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (1.7 fl oz: $15)

Every time I've tried to get my hands on the Fresh cleanser deluxe samples from Sephora, they've been out of stock and with all the other face cleansers I have, I didn't feel the need to purchase it without trying it out first. Fresh's other products have always been phenomenal (still managed to hold out on buying the full sized Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment) so I wanted to try this cleanser out as soon as possible. The product claims that the soy helps refresh skin and the cleanser removes makeup, and my face did feel noticeably cleaner after I used it but it was definitely not completely makeup-free. This is another one of those items that feels good on my skin, but not enough to necessarily justify the cost, especially if you already have a go-to cleanser.

3) Sephora Collection - The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponge ($12)

Perfect timing! My beauty blender had to be thrown out and I was going to purchase another one so I was glad I received this in my box this month.  Most of the time, when you're reading reviews for the Beauty Blender, there seems to be the opinion that anything beside the original Beauty Blender sponge is inferior in quality.  Because of that, I was willing to spend the $20 dollars every few months to replace my old, beat up sponge.  Last year, I decided to try out the Sephora Collection dupe and I found that I actually preferred those to the original I had.

The shape for these sponges is different than the traditional Beauty Blender, but I find that that's an improvement and makes it easier to handle when applying makeup.  Also, these sponges last a whole lot longer and I haven't had problems with mold, discoloration, and all the other complaints associated with the original Beauty Blender.

If you haven't tried using a sponge for makeup application/blending and were hesitant because of the price tag, I would recommend checking these out. I was skeptical about using sponges initially, but I really think that they do a far better job of giving a more natural, flawless appearance.

(The sponge that came with the Play! by Sephora box is currently sold out but here are similar products that you can try out: Sephora Sponge, black'Up Contouring Sponge, Blending Sponge)

4) Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (1 oz: $42)

I only use primer under my foundation, which I wear rarely (only for special occasions). I had used the original Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer for many years and then moved on to the more lotion-like Nars Pore-Refining Primer because it felt a lot better on my skin. I wasn't aware that Smashbox had come out with an oil version of their primer and tried it out since I've been having trouble with some dry areas on my face recently. I generally don't like working with oil because I just feel shiny/greasy the whole time and this kind of left me with the same feeling.  My face didn't look like I was sweaty or anything like that, but I felt as if my makeup wasn't as matte as I would like it.

Again, this is not a cheap investment so I would recommend trying out something a little easier to work with if this is your first foray into primers.  And, obviously, avoid this if you have any problems with oily skin.  I'm probably going to stick with my Nars primer from here on out, but I can see this being useful for applying to those specific dry patches on your skin, if you have those.  If you really don't like the feel of the original primer (I admit, the silicone makes it difficult to work with at times) and want an alternative that also isn't oily, I would try out the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water. The best part is that it comes in a more affordable size so you can try it out with less regret.

5) Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - "Trooper" ($19)

I think I've mentioned this eye liner multiple times already, so I'll spare you the details.  This has been my holy grail eyeliner since I first tried it out and I try to keep myself stocked up for when I run out. It truly is waterproof, smudge-proof (good for people like me that are constantly rubbing their eyes...oops), and very pigmented.  I'm terrible at working with liquid eyeliner but I really think that liquid gives the most vibrant color so this was a God-send.  One or two swipes is all you need to get the color pay-off and the pen is easy to control so you can make the line as thick or thin as you want.

6) Maison Martin Margiela - "Replica" Beach Walk

Along with the five deluxe samples in the box, Sephora also sends a small fragrance sample, which is nice because the size is useful for travel.  This month's perfume was different from what I usually use (I'm more into the muskier scents) but I liked it; "Beach Walk" is appropriate for the Spring - fresh, clean, and a much lighter scent.

Verdict: 
Though this first month's beauty box had items that I wouldn't necessarily purchase, it was nice to try out different formulations, brands, and products that were outside of my comfort zone.  The biggest perk with the Sephora box, for me at least, is the fact that I make most of my beauty purchases there and this allows me to try out mid/high range items before I commit.  As you can see from the pricing for the full-sized products, the items tend to be pricier than the Allure box and that may be a benefit or flaw, depending on the individual.

Given that I felt pretty much the same way about both boxes this month, I'll probably give it another month or so before I decide which one to keep!

My first foray into monthly subscription boxes was Ipsy over a year ago.  A few months in, and I quickly found myself knee deep in makeup that I never planned to use.  Although it was difficult to hit the 'unsubscribe' button because the whole idea of receiving a package in the mail was enticing (ok, yeah, judge me), I finally parted ways and decided to stay away from any more subscription boxes until I found one that actually fit my needs. I'm fairly comfortable with makeup and have some "holy grail" products and companies I tend to use, so I was looking for something that would allow me to experiment and try out new brands/items. I'm also not very wild with nail polish or hair styling products so I was specifically looking for a service that catered more to someone interested in beauty/skin care.

...and then came Allure's Beauty Box (and the "Play! by Sephora"box).  I had been on Sephora's waitlist for their box for months and after researching the Allure box, decided to go ahead and try it out. Of course, the day after I signed up for Allure, I got taken off the Sephora waitlist, and should be receiving their March 2016 box in the next few days.

I received my first box a week ago, and I was pleasantly surprised. Though I don't recognize all the companies, they seem to be good quality products and, best of all, a decent size.


1) dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (8.5fl oz: $35)


I have never tried (nor have I been very interested) in trying a rinse. I'm perfectly happy with my shampoo/conditioner routine and why change something that works, right? I decided to give it a try, because, well, why not, and I'm glad I did. I usually avoid going out anywhere after I wash my hair because the humidity in the South turns me into a frizz-ball but that was not an issue with this.  My hair felt clean, but not like all the moisture and oils had been sucked out of it (which is how I feel typically). I've used this a few times since I got it, and it's been a time-saver for when I need to shower and get out of the house fast. The only thing I wasn't particularly fond of was the smell--hot shower + vinegar is not a pleasant smell (at least not to me) and the first time I used it, it was almost overwhelming. But, my hair didn't smell like it afterwards, so if you can manage to get through the shower, it should be fine (of course, if you like the smell of vinegar, then this isn't a problem).


2) Macademia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Cleansing Conditioner (10 oz: $26)

I know, another hair product. After I said I wasn't interested in a box that primarily sent out hair/nail items. I have seen this at Ulta and a few other websites but the thought of just using conditioner (even if it's a "cleansing" conditioner) seemed odd.  It definitely applies exactly like a conditioner, which also made me wary. But, once again, my hair felt like it hadn't been stripped of all the moisture so I'm a fan. What helps is that it also smells amazing (the description claims it's "brown sugar" but I thought it smelled more like coconut) so if you can't handle washing your hair with something vinegar scented, check this out.

3) Julep Konjac Cleansing Face Sponge ($12; trio for $24 at QVC)


Stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep since I started school has really done a number on my skin and I recently changed up my skin care routine to try to get everything under control.  I had no idea what this was when I first received it but after reading about it I decided to try it out.  I'm not sure how beneficial the sponge's "charcoal infusion" is but it helps remove all my makeup and leaves my skin truly feel clean. The nicest part is that it's extremely soft and doesn't feel very abrasive.  This was one of the items I liked the most from this month's box.

4) Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder ($34)

I don't use powder. It's the one thing that kind of overwhelms me whenever I try to purchase one because everything sounds exactly the same and usually just makes me look super dry and flaky. Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation ($43 here) is my holy grail foundation that survived sweating, crying, hugs, and everything else at my wedding so I was curious how the powder was. It was extremely messy (partly because the container is so small and my powder brush is too large) but once I applied it (lightly), it was not noticeable at all.  My face doesn't get very oily, especially during the winter months, so I can't speak to that but I liked that I didn't have a powdery feel/look when I used it.

5) Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets ($18)

I had no idea such a thing existed until I received two of these in my box this month. Because the weather here was terribly humid recently and my hair was constantly frizzy, I had a chance to try these anti-frizz sheets almost immediately. Maybe I didn't use them right (all it said to do was run them through my hair...which I did) but I didn't see a noticeable change. I still looked like a chia pet with my hair tied up so I eventually gave up and accepted defeat. Let me know if you've had any luck with these because it sounds like such a great idea.

6) Cargo Blush (in "Catalina"; $26) and Cargo Bronzer (in "Medium"; $29)



Cargo! I've been wanting to try Cargo products forever so I was really excited to get their blush/bronzer duo. They hype is well deserved. The blush initially looked very light when I swatched it on my hand, but it was the perfect bright "baby doll" color for Spring. It isn't too overwhelming so it's great for layering depending on how dramatic/subtle you want it. The bronzer was great and pretty pigemented, as well and I loved the fact that there was no glitter or shimmer mixed in. The worst thing about some of the other makeup subscription boxes is that some of the shades that you receive can be completely wrong for your skin, but I truly thing that both this blush and bronzer are universally flattering.

7) L'Oreal Pro-Last Infallible Lip Color in "115: Timeless Rose" (on sale at Target here)



This was the "extra" item in the box and I really could've done without it.  It's a typical neutral pink that's appropriate for the workplace and good for something subtle, but it's similar to a lot of the other pink lipsticks I currently own.  On top of that, I found the formula to be somewhat uncomfortable on my lips, though the "condition pro-seal balm" (it's the second part of the two step process with this) fixed that. I don't see the point of applying a really tacky gloss and then taking more time to apply an additional sealer to achieve the same feel that my other higher end lipsticks have. The color payoff was decent but any trace of lipstick was gone after a couple hours (once I ate).

Overall, the value of items for this box was great and I loved that it allowed me to try new products, brands, and formulations that I hadn't before. I was pretty dead set on cancelling either this or the Sephora box after the first month but now I'm tempted to hold off on Allure for another month.

I'll post a review of the Sephora box soon!

For the past few months, it seems like sheet masks have become all the rage. I usually stick with "traditional" masks and I have so many of those that I haven't really ventured out into trying anything else.  But I kept coming across the Tony Moly Sheet Masks everywhere on instagram and I decided to check them out.

Errr, so it's been a while since I updated anything on here (oops). I've been meaning to post about Black Friday and Christmas for a while but hadn't had a chance to sit down and do it...until now. This post is super late at this point, but I'll try to be better at regularly updating from here on out.



So I had told myself I wasn't going to get anything else after the Sephora VIB sale but then, of course, they had to send that $20 off $50 and I found myself on the site -- "just to look"-- and, well...
But a lot of the things I received are deluxe samples so they don't really count, right?

1) Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 ($7.50): I ordered this for my husband because he received some as a present a year or so ago from someone and he's liked it since then. I also got a smaller size in the Sephora sample bag I received, so I was able to try it out, too.

The scent/flavor is kind of masculine but if you're looking for something that's a little different than the usual fruity, flowery glosses/chapstick, I would recommend this. The tube lasts a pretty long time and because it's a little bit more expensive than the $2 chapstick I'm used to using, I tend to keep track of this a lot more (haven't lost it yet, fingers crossed).

2) Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss in Black Honey ($16.50) : I went through a phase in college where I only wore Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey . I eventually moved on but I was interested in trying out the new lipgloss version of my old HG lip color. Glad I tried out a smaller sample size because I was not a fan of the consistency. Much too sticky and there was very little color payoff. I find myself reaching very rarely for anything glossy anymore (is this a sign that I've officially grown up??) so it could just be that I prefer more matte formulas in general.

3) Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ($12-24): Ever since I ran out of my Diorshow Black Mascara , I haven't been able to find another one that I liked as much. Though I like this mascara, I don't really find it curling or lifting anything, really. It's also not very long wearing, so I usually end up using something else if I'm going to be out all day.  If anyone has a recommendation for a good, waterproof mascara, let me know! :)

4) LaVanila The Healthy Body Butter ($19): Have heard great things about LaVanila so wanted to try this out. I'm pleasantly surprised with it, since it's a departure from the usual stuff I use. I've been using it almost everyday and there's still quite a bit left. Will definitely repurchase.

5) L'OCCITANE Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil (similar): My skin has been freaking out ever since the seasons have changed and multiple people have recommended skin oil, particularly in the winter. Sephora had a small sample size ( I didn't want to buy a full sized bottle until I knew it worked) so I placed an order. Honestly, I haven't noticed much of a difference. I mean, my face feels oily, which isn't very pleasant and I'd rather just use a facial moisturizer than add yet another thing to my routine.

6) Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb ($22-38): This stuff is AMAZING. I happened to get a sample from Sephora when I ordered online and I've been hooked since. My skin is less irritated and dry and I don't have to worry about my foundation getting flaky and dry when I use this. The consistency is interesting and it takes a little getting used to; it's almost like a gel. Definitely my new holy grail moisturizer. There's an even more moisturizing version that I may try out eventually.
7) Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask ($4-$25): Everyone seems to swear by Origins, particularly those with imperfect skin. I've been using the Out of Trouble Mask ($25) regularly since I got it and I've liked how my skin felt both while I was using it and after.  If you're looking for something that doesn't give your face that burning sensation when you have it on and doesn't leave you red afterwards, I would give the Out of Trouble mask a shot.

The Charcoal mask also felt really good on my skin and it definitely didn't dry me out (which is always a problem I have with masks, in general). In terms of price, it's also one of the more affordable masks and they have a lot of different sizes available, which is nice if you want to experiment without breaking the bank.

8) Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss ($19): I received a smaller sized tube of the Light Rose gloss and...I'm not a fan.  I use MUFE's cosmetics fairly regularly but the quality of the gloss was so unlike them that I was surprised. It feels extremely tacky and the color pay-off is nonexistent. I was struggling to keep my hair away from my face the entire time because the gloss was so sticky while it was on. Not worth spending $20 on an item that feels like cheap, tween lipgloss.

I'll do some full-length reviews on a few of these in the near future! :)