September 2013 Birchbox Review

I received my Birchbox in record time!  Probably only the fourth time in almost a year and a half.  Here are the contents of my box:

Box 27

"Bonus" item: three samples of Cream blush by Glam Natural.  I definetly don't mind this as a bonus item, even though I don't care for cream blush.

Ruffian mini .017 fl oz.  Everyone received a variation of this in the September box. I love the formula..just thick enough to go on smoothly.  This is the best item in the box IMHO...P.S. Don't judge my cuticles!

 I received Hedge Fund, a perfect Fall color made of an olive color with goldish undertones. 
(This photo is more true to color).

 

Birchbox has a great point system where you earn 10 points for each product reviewed in your monthly box and equals $1..so for $10 your are getting back around $5 per box to buy anything including gift subscriptions in $10 increments. If you plan to join, sign up here. 


 

Citrus Lane July 2013

This month's Citrus Lane box I got was for a 18 month old boy.  This month was much better than last month's box, which left many disappointed including myself.  Here is a first look at my box:

I love a full(ish) looking box!

I am very happy with these contents.  Upon first looking at it, this is a well-rounded box, the only thing missing is a book..oh well!

As always, included is an information card and this month a bonus gift (a "mom" gift) is 10 free Postagrams that you can send from your cell phone or computer anywhere.  I haven't tried this yet but plan to send a few out before summer ends and I go back to work!

I was ecstatic when I saw these were going out to my son's age group!  This is a Peg Puzzle by Melissa and Doug.  I have recently been obsessing over their products because I love the old- fashion made/ long-lasting wooden toys.  I had been recently looking at the larger knob puzzles made for 12+ months.  This puzzle is for 2+ and I considered saving it for Christmas when he'll be 22 months but decided to try him with it.  Of course he doesn't know his numbers yet and can't fit the correct pieces in the shape but he is playing with it and it is helping with his fine motor skills as well.  There was several variations that went out of this puzzle that included farm and zoo animals, which has less pieces and is probably a bit easier but I was secretly hoping for this one, although I am planning to purchase the others as well.  Retails at $7.99

Cool It Buddy Instant Cold Pack - Set of 2.  At first I thought these go in a cooler, but these are for injuries while out and about.  I definitely don't have anything like this in my fist aid kit and since N is now mobile and walking (and a boy!), I'm sure I'll need these sooner rather than later.  Retails at $2.99 

What baby doesn't love applesauce?  I'm all about pouches for on-the-go!  Retails for approximately $.78-$1

Zoli snack stacker..super excited to get this;  I love finding out about new brands through Citrus Lane..Zoli is one of them.   Retails for $18 on Zoli.com, but have found for $14.95 at various retailers.

Another look...you can also add an additional stacker to this one or purchase lids separately ($6-$10 depending on where you shop) if you need a smaller container.

In all, I am very pleased with this month's box.  Approximate retail is around $29.98, and although the shopper in me could probably find the same items for around $20, I still feel the value is there.  Could they improve?  Absolutely!  Although I love pouches, it would have been great to send a bag (or 2!) of snacks that could be transported in the snack stacker.  Some boxes did get individually wrapped Ella's cookies, but you get my point.  If including such a low volume item - the food pouch counts as the 4-6 items, I really wish they would include multiple pouches (i.e. a 4-pack or 2 snack items like they did in May) or another item, (sorry, I don't count the 10 free postagrams as the 5th item in this box).  Just my thoughts though...I am much happier this month than last month and will continue to subscribe.

Did you love this box and want to try Citrus Lane yourself? If you would like to subscribe you can save more by signing up for a 6 month subscription for $125 (savings work out to be $21/month). Save an additional $10 if you use my referral link (we both get $10) here.   

Birchbox July 2013 - Suits

This month's Birchbox theme was based on the television show Suits.  I have to admit, I was too excited when I saw the sneak peaks and had my fingers crossed for the Instain blush that came out a little while ago!



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Info card as always regarding featured products and must-have beauty items.

 

 

Look at entire box at a glance:  DDF acne treatment (.5 oz), 2 packets of Caldrea tea olive lime body lotion (.25 oz each), Set of 2 Birchbox bobby pins, Instain blush by The Balm, and I.C.O.N. India oil (.34 fl oz).

This was my most wanted item in this month's box!  The Balm Instain blush in Swiss Dot.  Comparision of size next to a  my Matt Batali sample from Ipsy.  This is smaller than the Bahama Mama blush sent out months ago but still a very decent "sample."

Swatch of The Balm Instain in Swiss Dot blended.

In all, this month was a great month for Birchbox in my book.  I've been disappointed a bit recently, but that being said, there is always at least one item I love in one of my boxes.  This month however, I have loved everything tried this far..WINNER!!

Birchbox has a great point system where you earn 10 points for each product reviewed in your monthly box and equals $1..so for $10 your are getting back around $5 per box to buy anything including gift subscriptions in $10 increments.  If you plan to join, I'd love for you to use my referral link listed here: http://birch.ly/10oUiuJ

Don't forget to check out my GIVEAWAY!  Enter to win a 3 month subscription to Birchbox.  Ends in one week.. August 31st...Good luck!

Fabfitfun Summer 2013 box

So here is my review of my second Fabfitfun box:

Outside box...Came quickly, despite expecting the original ship date to be the end of June..This came a week into July.

A first look at the box; a bit different packaging then the last box but filled up and no Jewelmint!!

Pur-lisse pur-delicate cleanser-5.6 oz, retails for $36.  I can't wait to try this..I've heard great things about this brand, though I have not tried it yet.

Evian facial spray-5 oz Retails for $12.  Claims to moisturize, refresh, and tone skin.  Basically this is a spray can of water, but honestly I am very impressed.  I saw a review of this product from Youtube before I knew the box would have it in it.  I'm not sure about the toning part, but this is very cooling and refreshing.  I can't wait use this on a hot day out and about.

Yes to Cucumbers soothing facial wipes 10 ct. Retails for $2.99.  I am probably the last person that has not tried a Yes to product lol.  I'm a bit disappointed that this was a travel size, but that's probably me just being selfish and wanting more!  I'm okay with a 10-pack..it's more than enough for an extended weekend getaway. 

Catalina Su lip gloss- no color listed, retails for $14.  Some people may be tired of receiving lip glosses in sub boxes, but lip gloss is a staple for me and I love trying out new brands. This people made me a bit nervous when I first pulled it out, but it is very moisturizing, not "sticky" at all, and is a nude color.  Perfect for toning down bright lipsticks. 

Orly Nail lacquer full size, retails for 8.50.  Color is Sparking Garbage..I love Orly nail polishes, especially their base and top coats!

Infinity Sun Glow on the Go-3oz, retails for $35. (Sigh..)  Glad this box has multiple items with a high retail value, but really?  Everyone does not need or want to be bronze in the summer.  Check out my profile pic and see why I don't need this lol.

Kind Bar, retails between $1.65-1.99 each.  I know that this is a part fitness sub, so healthy snacks are a given, but I dislike any diet or health bars.

Sunglasses from Ivory & Mason, retails for $135.  These are advertised as being These are incredibly small, I think they fit a lot better on my toddler; check out my pics at the bottom of this post.  he good news is that for $9.95 subscribers can exchange them for another pair. You can check out there different styles here.

Freeze it surf spray for "beachy hair," retails $7.48. Yeah, this is another product I can't use.  I wish that this was one of the items there was a variation for..oh well, I traded this on a swap board for an item my son could use.

In all, this was a great improvement over the Spring box and I really think that they are taking concerns seriously in order to improve.  I am still debating whether to stay around for the fall box or not, as I was happy with this box for $25, but would not be for $50, simply due to the fact I could not use 2 products equaling $42 in value, not including the extra $10 I will have to pay to utilize the sunglasses.  That being said, for $50 this box had an approximate value of $216 retail price..awesome deal I just wish it was around $35-40!!

However, I do have a $10 off code that is good for a one-time use for new subscribers.  Message me and I will send it to the first person that asks and will update this post if I come across anymore.  Subscriptions are quarterly at $49.99 per box, next quarter is scheduled to start in September.  If interested in signing up please do so through my link.

June 2013 Citrus Lane

Just received my Citrus Lane box for a 16 month old boy.  I have to admit after seeing spoilers I was not excited as I usually am nor was I looking forward to this box!

First look of the box.

The reveal of the contents.

I was really expecting a bucket style hat as I had seen others get.  Not feeling the hat, though it's probably not the flap style or orange..it's the huge blue peace signs all over it!  I Play hat retails for $14.

Love that this is SPF 50+!  Not loving the 6-18 month size for a 16 month old.  N's head is in the 99th percentile..soooo  this does not fit lol.

Haba sand castle mold.  Retails for $4.74.

Happy Tots plus pouch, retails for approximately $1.99.

A Citrus Lane exclusive...translation:  Episencial does not carry this size (1.5 oz.) on their site.  The 2.7 oz. tube on their site retails for $15, making this approximately worth around $6.50.  The tube feels half full, which it is because the tube is the same size as the 2.7 oz tube and filled with 1.5oz of product. (Thanks ladies on my FB group that pointed out the deceptive sticker!)

 

Total retail value of box: approximately $27.24.  To sum it up, I was indifferent to this box.  Very happy to get usable items, as N did not have any hats to fit him for this summer or any outdoor toys (this time last year he was only 4 months old!).  Unfortunately, if Citrus Lane would have added another low value toy or even a $3 snack, it would have really made a huge difference.  A four item box would really need to include another high dollar item to satisfy its customers and justify the $25 subscription cost.  I plan to give Citrus Lane a fair chance for the next few months, because I really do love them and hope that they get back to the boxes I first feel in love with.


Did you love this box and want to try Citrus Lane yourself?  If you would like to subscribe you can save more by signing up for a 6 month subscription for $125 (savings work out to be $21/month). Save an additional $10 if you use my referral link (we both get $10) https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/nikkia.dowling 

Comment below and tell me what you would like to get in your next box!

FabFitFun VIP Box - Inaugural (1st) Box Spring 2013 Reviews and pictures

By this time, I am sure that anyone reading this has seen at least one other review on FabFitFun's VIP box sponsored by Giuliana Rancic.  The company promises high-end, full sized, and hand-picked favorites that are on trend (think Red carpet).  Before I get into the review, I would just like to state that I am pretty thrifty (aka cheap) and do not run out and try new products or services on a whim.   I research the company and take time (meaning obsess) with finding reviews on the products or service.  This time I did not listen to my gut, which told me to wait until the summer box after the initial box launch so that I could properly assess the products given out, reviews, and customer service.  Okay, on to the subscribing process.

Sign ups for the subscription began early March, around the 6th or 7th I believe.  There was also a $10 off code off the the first subscription price.  The subscription is quarterly, which is 4 boxes a year at 49.99.  Definitely not something I budget for, especially since these types of boxes are all about "surprise," so while there may be hints, the reveal does not come until the first person gets their box.   I waited, debating on whether to get it or not. Then I saw the boxes that were sent out to several bloggers to leak pictures out for advertising.  Their boxes looked awesome.  Definitely the $120 value advertised for the first box and each included the same items: 1 Jewelmint necklace, 1 Go Smile, 1 Josie Maran magic marker lip stain, a deluxe sample of Jouer lip gloss, an exclusive Zoya nail polish, Butter London polish, and Think Thin bar.  I decided to take the plunge about 2 days before the cut off when they brought back the $10 off code, making the first box $39.99.  The one item that was revealed was Moroccan oil treatment, which I have heard wonderful things about. I rationalized everything else in the box was free, especially with my $10 off code.

And then I waited.  And waited.  No shipping notice, no email telling me when I might expect my first box.  So I checked their Facebook page..daily to find answers as well as Makeup Talk where thankfully I found out that anyone who ordered before the 15th of April would ship by xx date and those who ordered up until the 20th would ship out by April 1st.  Great!  At least I know the money taken out the same day was actually going to get me my order. The unanswered email I had sent out days before made me quite nervous. 

So April 1st came and went with no shipping notification.  I decided to try again and email FFF concerning the status.  This time Frank answered my email very promptly (within 2.5 hours of sending) with tracking and apologized for the lack of communication.  This made me feel better and once again was willing to give FFF a chance. 

Fast forward to my box:

Came packaged nicely and of course I was excited to find it!

Included a "welcome" letter congratulating subscribers for being an official VIP member.
 

And the contents...Keep in mind there were initially 10 different variations of this box, although all of the bloggers who were sent a box to review were the same box, with no indication that subscribers may or may not get all or substitutions of the products seen of the blogs.  Later, due to there being a back order FFF ended up sending out 12-13 variations.  I consider myself one of the lucky ones:

I was actually quite relieved.  The only thing I was "missing" from the initial blogger box, as it's called is the Go Smile, a tooth whiting pen that I was looking forward to trying.

I was a little surprised not to see the Zoya is the exclusive FabFitFun hot pink color everyone else received prior.  I received Rory, a pinkish-purple with silver undertones.  I won't complain - I love Zoya and luckily don't have this color.  This is from their 2012 line.  The Butter London color I received is Rosie Lee.  I've never tried Butter London, so I am happy to try this.

Zoya retails for $8.  Butter London retails for $16.

Moroccan oil treatment for the hair.  This was the bait to dangle everyone in lol.  It is great bait though.  Retails at $43 and makes your hair feel soft and silky.  I tried it yesterday and the claims are correct.  Thankfully you only need a little because I think I will purchase this when I am out! 

This is about the size of my pinkie finger.  Very cute but a good moisturizing gloss as well.

No comment about this one.  I was expecting it but gave it to my mother to try.  I strongly dislike diet type bars.

Instead of the Go Smile, an additional Jewelmint piece was given. These are not my style, that is as nicely as I can put it.  To be blunt, these earrings look cheaply made and I can not believe that they sold for $29.99 to anyone.  The "stones" are a plastic material and the posts do not look hypo-allergenic, which I hope they are, but the quality of the metal just is not there IMO.

I was actually happy to see this rather than the star necklace found in the bloggers boxes and in comparison to other rings, earrings, and necklaces that were sent out.  I would actually wanted one last year and wear this one..IF it was not missing a rhinestone in the center of the necklace.  Not happy.

Josie Maran lip magic marker and stain.  This was the next most sought after item, apparently, retailing at $21.  I have not tried this yet. 

So in all, I definitely got my money's worth.  Double in fact.  Doing quick adding, I'm at $88 for just the Moroccan oil, Josie Maran lip stain, and 2 polishes.  That's not including the deluxe sample of the Jouer, Think Thin bar, or two Jewelmint pieces, which I have no idea of what the going rate is for the jewelry because they are from 2 years ago.  FFF did offer a $10 credit towards the next box to some people with damage jewelry, suggesting $10 is the appropriate value.

So how do I feel about the service?  Unfortunately, not a good or even an okay first impression.  I do like my box but will not continue or recommend.  I had to rely too much on other people on forums to get my information, rather than from FFF.  I emailed them requesting a replacement for my damaged necklace 4 days ago with no response yet.  The first time I emailed them I also never received a response.  Their website does not have an account settings option to go to to view or cancel your account or get shipping information, which is why so many people had to write them about their status.  Maybe I am being a bit too harsh, but I feel there are so many subscription services out now that people who start one should know better and be better able to handle issues.  But lesson learned for me, I will absolutely hesitant before subscribing to a new company to see their reviews first. 

ETA: FFF did make good and offered me my next box for $25..half price due to the mising rhinestone in my necklace.  After thinking about it for a few days, I accepted and they actually cam eback with an additional option to pick out another Jewelmint item from the website (not outdated!).  I thanked them for their willingness to satisfy the situation and decided to accept the original offer for half price off the next box.