October 2012 ipsy & birchbox

Hi there!

I'll be delaying my rosacea treatment and skin care post I've been anticipating to share..

Because I've received my first ipsy and birchbox orders (monthly beauty sample subscription boxes for those of you who don't know) and I am totally psyched that I signed up for both companies!!

I received my ipsy box first (around 2 days ago) so I'll be reviewing that first --

Seeing the bright pink bubble package made my heart skip a beat, only because I wasn't expecting it so soon (I've heard most people receive their bags later in the month)!

The brainchild and collective effort of many YouTube beauty gurus (including Michelle Phan), myglam is a well known beauty sample subscription service ($10/month). Perhaps due to it's somewhat notorious(?) rep in terms of customer care and quality control, it recently had a makeover to ipsy, but I feel the content is kept practically the same...

In any case, this month's theme is "Hello, bombshell"! Side-note: Couldn't help but realize it's a familiar phrase I've heard a lot from Victoria's Secret when they released their bombshell bra.. lol

I got a total of 5 beauty items and an adorable black-and-white zig-zag patterned makeup pouch! The products weren't a total surprise, as most ipsy bags are pretty much the same...

1. Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment (15 mL/0.5 fl oz)
2. Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Sample Set 4 (2 g/0.07 oz)
3. Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Laquer Stain in #9  (FULL SIZE 3.1 g/0.11 oz)
4. Be A Bombshell Eyeliner in Onyx (FULL SIZE 3 mL/0.1 oz)
5. The Balm "The Body Builder" Mascara (3.5 mL/0.11 fl oz)

I have to say.. I'm honestly impressed with my first ipsy bag. No product really disappointed - in fact, I'm excited to try all of them! The laquer stain color I received, to my luck, is quite flattering on my skin tone (Asian medium-light skin), but I think it's more of a spring/summer type of color... But all in all, YAY!

The October birchbox was also an unexpected surprise (my birchbox didn't even have tracking info) which I received earlier today!

The box itself was a normal birchbox box, though I opted for the goop + birchbox collaboration.

But alas! The inside is filled with goop must-try goodies!
Again, I'm quite content with my birchbox this month. Here is a list of what I got (for reference, this is Box 1):

1. Essie "Power Clutch" Nail Laquer Vernis (FULL SIZE 13.5 mL/0.46 fl oz)
2. Joanna Vargas Daily Serum (5 mL)
3. Kiehl's Orange Flower and Lychee Body Cleanser (65 mL/2.2 fl oz)
4. Naked Princess Luscious Lip Gloss in Barely Coco (0.25 g/0.008 oz)
5. LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry (FULL SIZE 7 g)

The Kiehl's body cleanser is a deluxe sample size, which I am delighted about! It smells very pleasant as well - floral with bright citrus and sweet undertones. I'm willing to try this, though I would've preferred the body lotion sample over the cleanser (just sayin').

The Essie nail polish was definitely what put me head-over-heels this birchbox! Not only is the color an absolute stunner green-gray that is perfect for the cold weather (which I lack in my nail polish collection), but it's a full size product! YAY for quality nail polish that I'm actually going to use!

I couldn't help but be (just a wee bit) disappointed by the sizes of these samples.. but again, I've come to realized they're called samples for a reason. Though I've never heard of Joanna Vargas, I'm willing give her serum a try as it claims to brighten and glowify your skin. The lip gloss I'm a bit iffy about, only because the color (Barely Coco) isn't suitable for my skin tone... OH WELL!

Lastly, the LUNA Fiber bar.. I'm looking forward to trying it as I've never tried before (I'm not a big believer of meal substitutions). Sounds like it'd taste good - chocolate raspberry? YUM!

Though I would've LOVED a sample of a Chantecaille lip or eye product (a new collabo with birchbox I was looking forward to).. I'm pleased overall that I took the initiative in trying both services. Both boxes were an absolute hit for me and I'm psyched to try all these new products! And all of this for $20? If that's not a steal, I don't know what is!

Stay beautiful!
xo Karries