Boxy Charm Unboxing - June, July, August 2020 - what I got in my boxes

 *purchased by me*

Three months worth of Boxy Charm in one post. 

Lately I been having issues with Boxy deliveries. I get my boxes super late its not even funny... Since June they been showing up by the end of the month.. But my August Base box came on September 5th... Again Covid is to blame... but on the other hand my IPSy get here before the 10th of every month ... so Covid my a**... Anyways I am waiting for my September boxes now (uhmmm my IPSY is here already ..) and that post will be up later ... unless I don't get them on time it will be up few moths later in the same form as this one. 

Even tho I complain on my boxes getting here late, the products I get are amazing. Boxy is really stepping their game and they keep getting awesome brands and feature their products in the box. I mean wait and see! I will give you over all whats inside in the particular box, and my thought on the items I tried. Btw I will have an awesome announcement in my IPSY box round up :) 

JUNE BOXES - THEME OASIS 

LUXE BOX

The lux box was a hit in JUNE. I was really happy with it as well as I was happy with the picture I took LOL. I know I am so full of myself LOL but who cares! this is one of my better pictures :) my box included following:

* Tarte Tartiest Pro Amazonian Palette - finally the Remix palette got her sister :) This is pretty warmed tone, matte palette. Perfect for everyday and perfect in par with the Remix palette we got back last year. Retail value $49

* Kylie Skin Face Wash - tbh I couldn't care less for this one. I don't support that brand and I gave my away. Retail $24

* Malin + Goetz Recovery Treatment Oil - this stuff is pricey and it's waiting (still sealed) for its turn. I have a lot of skin care opened at this point so it have to wait.Reviews are good on this so cant wait! Retail value $82

* Purlisse BB Cream - I already own it and I really like it. Especially during hot and humid New York summer. Was really happy when I saw this in my box. Retail value $35

* Lily Lashes Mascara - that one was one of my choice items. I have not open it yet but I know that Lily Lashes makes an amazing lashes so hoping the mascara will be just as fabulous. Retail value $24

* Billion Dollar Brows Brush set - not gonna lie they do look good., but I have not used them yet. Well if I don't they will make a prefect Christmas gift :) Retail value $55

*Bodyography lip pencils - Ugh lip pencils and eye liners ... I hate them in my boxes coz I don't use them ... the colors are so pretty tho ugh I wish there were lipsticks instead! Come on Bodyography please make lipsticks in these shades! Retail value 28

* Hallmart Collectibles Satin pillow case and eye mask set - I LOVE this! This one my other choice and gosh I am so happy with this cute set! Retail value $50

Total value of the box: $347

PREMIUM BOX 

This premium box was such a hit, just because everyone got TF Contour palette as well as Glow Recipe Avocado Melting mask. 

* Skin & Co Shower Gel - oh me and my hubby love the fresh scent of this shower gel. We went through one bottle already and I repurchased the second one. It has a notes of fresh lemongrass and guys anything with lemon has my name on it. Retail $22

* Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping mask - I am so happy to see yet another one of Glow Recipe products. I have a small sample size back when I purchased a Holiday kit and I really like it :) Retail $49

* Too Faced Cocoa Contour Palette - Again so happy to see another amazing TF products. I pulled my out and I used less then 5 times coz ..hi New York hot and humid summer that melts my makeup..Fall is coming and this baby is moving up to my everyday drawer :) Retail $44

* Kat von D lipstick - the choices were not that good this time around. I went with KVD lippe coz I do like the formula of them . Retail  $20

* Kat Von D Liquid Liner - ink well long wear matte eye liner .. I sold this one to friends friend. Like I said I don't wear eye liners... Retail value $20

* Billion Dollar Brow Sculpting dual ended brush - guys I almost threw that one away...well I did so I had to run outside and dig in the garbage can ... It got wrapped with the trash and I only realized I was missing it coz I look at the pamphlet. Geez. Retail value $35

Total retail value: $190

JULY BOXES - THEME SUNSHINE 

BASE BOX 

Not happy at all with this box ... 

* PUR Cosmetics Festival 2 palette - I like this one . this one of the two products I was actually happy to get. Colors are so much fun but I have not played with it yet. Retail $36

* Clean Skin Club Vitamin C Brightening Booster - this is the second one I was happy to get and it was my choice item for the month. Retail value $50

*Ciate London Everyday Vacay Coconut Setting Spray - I would like it more if it was not so matte. I ca't really use dewy sprays coz my skin is already oily ... such a shame ... Retail value $22

* Lavish Beauty "Color switch" -  this is the next products are so pointless... why would they include two accessories ? I understand if you want to throw in one but two ? Come on! I already have 3 color switches ... I have no need  for this one . sadly this one will have to find a new home along with the next products. Retails $15  

*Chella Slanted tweezers - I used to work with Tweezrman and I have enough of tweezers .. Do you get why I am so frustrated ? silly color switch and tweezers .. they just throw it just to add up the value . These tweezers retail for $20 

Total value : $143

PREMIUM BOX 

This one was a bit better then the base but still two products were not for me...

* Byroe Bitter Green Essence toner - I was hoping to get this one. I didn't open it yet but I heard its good! In September box there is Tomato Serum and I can't wait ti get my hands on it. Retail value $95

* Morphe x Manny MUA palette - as much as I don't like Manny the palette is rather cute. I love the highlighters and I still have to play with the rest of the palette. Retail $20

*Kennia Ontiveros Beauty Blush Palette - this one was my choice and wow I LOVE it! what a stunning palette! Guys I been on the blush kick lately. There was also a bronzer palette available. I will insert picture and guys let m know what you think? Should I get it? Retail $42

* Folly Fire lipstick trio - these are so beautiful! wow ... again I am so happy to have them in my box. Colors are so up my alley and I can't wait to wear them more . Retail value $40

* Laura Geller Beauty line and define dual dimension eyeliner - pass for me ... LOL yup you see another eyeliner ... oh well I will give it to someone as a Christmas gift :) Retail $24

*Boxy Charm Neon Jelly makeup bag - like seriously? IPSY gives bags for free and BOXY adds it in a value... ugh... I mean I kept my and i made a use out if it . Retail $20 (I don;t think so)...

Total Value : $241

AUGUST BOXES - THEME GLAMPING

BASE BOX 

I was happy with the box. especially coz it had concealer and that Violet Voss palette I been wantig since I saw the sneak peek.

* Too Faced Born this Way Concealer - this one was my choice for the month. Finally I can tried the concealer that everyone seems to love it. Retail $29

* Violet Voss Essentials 2 Palette - I was hoping for this palette. Colors are stunning and up my alley. We got similar palette last year but it was colorful. Retail $36

* Clarins Velvet lip Perfector - the bestselling Natural Lip Perfectors went bold with the new matte finish. Its a weightless mousse that delivers highly pigmented velvety finish. Retail $26

* Minetan Body Skin Hydra Glow Serum - first time seeing this brand. But its is a triple action  HA formula delivering time resealed multi depth hydration for fully hydrated skin that glows. Retail  $45

* Rockins Cosmetics Big Fat Liner - yay another liner, oh gee! another product that will be passed along to someone in need of a liner. Retail $25

Retail Value :  $161

PREMIUM BOX

So happy! Two Too Faced products in one month! Nice Boxy!

* Sunday Riley A + High Dose Retinol Serum - We start Premium with a bang! This is the first time Boxy has Sunday Riley products. I got few in IPSY already. Again it just sits for now I need to go and see what I have open now.. Retail $85

* Ciate London New England Editor Palette - Inspired by New England's Fall features super soft and bendable shades. Mix of matte and shimmers.But tbh packaging is tacky. It reminds me of MUR if you know what I mean.  Overall I like the color story. Retails $32

* Too Faced Born this Way Translucent Setting Powder - yay another TF product! and now I have the whole set of Born this Way products. Retail $33

* MAC Lipstick - woohoo! I am always happy with MAC lipsticks :) I got my in the shade Fast Play . Retails $19

*Laura Geller Eyelash primer - I opened this one but its meh... it smudges .. Retail $24

* Afterspa - Slip on Exfoliator - ehhh another meh product that I don't think I need.. dunno let me open it and try it. Retail $18

Retail Value $211

DermaE Vitamin C and Anti-Aging Skin Care - what's good and what's not.

 *pr sample*

Hello ladies and gents! It's been a while since I last visited here. Since July 1st I am officially back to my regular job... And trust me I been super busy, hence I had to step away from the blogging world. I was active on IG tho but still its not the same.

I had few post in drafts, so I will be posting that first, unless something new comes along :) Like new launches or Christmas collection sneak peeks (can't wait for that). 

Today's post is the collab I signed up for that features one of my favorites skin care brands: DermaE. They were kind enough to sent over the Vitamin C line (my fave), but there was a small hiccup and I got the anti-aging line first and then two weeks later they sent the Vitamin C line. But since I got both and I start using Anti-Aging products as well, I just going to include it my thoughts here as well :)  

VITAMIN C LINE 

• Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing  Paste - this is skin brightening, antioxidant, rich facial cleanser and mask that gently exfoliates the skin. Non-abrasive Ancient Rice and calming Golden Turmeric create multi tasking paste to help promote skin clarity and reduce appearance of uneven skin tone, reveling a radiant complexion. My thoughts: I like it, but I rather use it as a cleansing paste then mask. It have very gentle beads (Ancient Rice) that as not too harsh on the skin. The texture reminds me of a strawberry polish rather then turmeric as the paste color is more pink then yellow. It gets the job done. I like to follow up with a cleanser afterwards. I always do that I use the peeling/scrubs firstly and after I use the cleanser. 

• Vitamin C Concentrated Serum  and Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer - I actually tired both already in the past. They are featured in my top post here on the blog. Read it here.  Both have been staple in my routine for past few years. and I am happy to have a new set. I did gifted one of these to my friend (forgot which one) and she loved it. I think it was Christmas gift and when her birthday came I had few extra products of DermaE and I gave it to her. She told me she loves this brand and the products coz it didn't broke her out and they are very gentle. So each time I have something extra I make sure to give it to :) Share the love right :)

• Vitamin C Intense Night Cream - This stabilized Vitamin C formula delivers restoring overnight moisture, reducing the appearance of uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles. Probiotics and Rooibos work harmoniously with Vitamin C to help shield and strengthen skin's natural moisture defenses. Skin will appear smoother and firmer looking. Now to be honest I have not tried this cream yet. I got the anti-aging ones as well and ... I don't know which should I try first. LOL I know first world problems.... But since I already open both above mentioned serums I might just keep this one for later :)

• Vitamin C Anti-Blemish Clarifying Bi-Phase Toner - I think this is the newest launch by DermaE. I already got one in PR few weeks ago and I started using it. I mean I take anything anti blemish. I been using it every day for like a week and half now and I love it. My skin is getting clearer and acne appears less. It is formulated with Tea Tree Oil with is known to help battle acne. What I love about this is that I can be used by teens and adults. I notice that my daughter getting breakouts here and there so this comes really handy to use by both of us. 

• Vitamin C Bright Eyes Gel Patches - YES! I love these so much! I mentioned them before here. They are so fun in the morning before all the makeup application. After I wash my face I always pop them on and get my coffee going. Take them off after 10-15 min and my under eyes are so refreshed.Over all my eye look more awake. Definitely something I recommend to all. 

ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE 

• Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser with Vitamin A and Glycolic Acid - I am a huge fan of DermaE cleansers. I believe I mention that already many times LOL. Their hydrating cleanser is my absolute fave, but this one is cutting really close. It is really gentle on the skin and it cleans away dirt with ease. Its enrich with vitamin A, Glycolic Acid and Papaya fruit extract. If you are on the look out for a new cleanser , take this one by DermaE under consideration. 
• Anti- Wrinkle Scrub -  is the second fave from this line. Again the main ingredients are vitamin A and Glycolic Acid. I do like it more then the Vitamin C past I mentioned above. Its much more "scrubby", but not harsh, so it can be used 2-3 times a week. All depends on your skin. I use it every other day and so far I am ok. I used this first and then I go with the anti wrinkle cleanser. Perfect duo :)

• Anti-Aging Regenerative Day and Night Cream - again I am going to be completely honest, I didn't open it.  As of now I have the Vitamin C serums open so I will wait until I am done with both and get into these guys. 

Everything can be found on Dermae Website ---> click here. 

So that would be it on my DermaE skin care. Just fyi this is a collab with ApexDrop so all the products were provided as a PR samples exchange for honest review. All DeramE products are available at ULTA, DermaE.com, Face Values (I saw them there today), Target. 

Get That Glow - IPSY Glam Bag Plus - May 2020

*purchased by me*

My Ipsy Glam Bag Plus is here. And boy I was let when the choice item was up and I missed my chance on Sunday Riley Good Genes.... But all good coz I was able to purchase it during add on session for $18, which was an amazing deal! I mean IPSY is killing it with Sunday Riley skin care inside their boxes! and if you don't get it they offer it in adds on for fraction of the retail. I like that a lot!

As for my bag, ugh was not really impressed. I like the actual bag tho! so summery and it looks like a ocean water and sun :) SUMMER baby!

• Coloured Raine Vineyard Soiree Palette - this was my choice item and tbh I was hesitant between this palette, Mimosa Moment palette by the same brand and NoMad Kiss of the Sun Palette. I was looking on the website to see swatches or anything on it but could not find anything so I went ahead and chose Vineyard Soiree palette. Its pretty and its cool toned purple. I like Coloured Raine shadows I have few singles and I heard that Queen of Hearts is beyond amazing :) This palette is Limited Edition made for Glam Bag Plus. Retail $22

• Mudmasky After Mask Vitamin Serum - this serum you should apply after masking. I guess this could work if i use clay mask as these tend to dry my skin really bad. I dunno how I feel about it to be honest. The retail value is $53.75 and I am  not sure if its worth it. Also no idea if I will be keeping it or passing along... Time will tell

• Sugar Rush Velvet Liquid Lipstick in the shade Cupcake -if you don't know Sugar Rush is sister or a baby brand to Tarte Cosmetics. all I will tell you that it smells like cake but the shade is not me. Its too nudy too brown... There was more berry option and I would prefer that one more. Retail $15

• Girlactik Skin Glow Duo in Sunset - this was part of the choice and i thought I wont get this and here it is. I just gonna say no to the product and the brand... I don't have a good experience with them at all.... Retail $26

• Beauty For Real - Hi Def Mascara - yay another mascara .... if its not mascara its a liner... I will try it later coz right now no makeup days are in :) Retail $19

• Sunday Riley Good Genes- and yes my add on item :) I am so happy to have it and I do have a high hopes for it :) I not sure if you remember I bought small mini size duo at Ulta but I haven't open yet so that duo will travel to my mom while I will keep this baby! Please work good for me :) Retail $85 

And above is bag that was sent this month and guys I love it! I only wish it was a bit bigger :) I already purchased bag from the glam bag ultimate and now I need regular glam bag bag :) I dunno I love IPSY bags and some designs I want them all :) 

What do you think of this bag? It's $25 a month just like Boxy Charm, but to be honest it didn't wow-ed me. I like the palette and the rest will go somewhere else. I love that was able to get Good Genes in adds on :) and of course the bag is so pretty :) 

April Favorites and Few Pics from life in Quarantine

HI Loves, how are you all doing?
Sorry but there will be no makeup faves this month coz well I haven't put on makeup in weeks!
I also sometimes skip skin care... I know don't yell... It's just I just didn't feel like pampering myself at all.
Even tho it was a rather slow month I found myself using few gems.

• M.A.D Acne Drying Lotion - this have been my fave for a few months now and guys I love this drying lotion! It makes such an amazing difference in my acne! Especially when the "new" pimple shows I put this lotion on for over night and sometimes during the day, and withing few days pimple is gone. I have no idea what happened but I had really bad hormonal break outs during April and this was saving my face.  
• M.A.D Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer - I been using this moisturizer also for months now and I swear by it! Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Ginger Root Extract and Peppermint oil are some of the main ingredients. Its really light weight, helps control oil and most importantly helps fighting acne. I was even using it under my makeup and it really worked well and it definitely                                        helped me calm my acne down. 
• Fresh Beauty Rose Toner, Kambucha Essence and Rose Deep Hydration Oil Infused Serum - I will send you to my post (here) to see my review. These three are seriously amazing. I notice that Rose Toner did helped my acne a lot! hence I am running low on it. I used Kamubucha essence twice a day and Deep Hydration Oil Infused Serum just night time. 
• Sol De Janerio Spray - just coz you need to smell good in quarantine no? I love this spray! I have one at work as well :) 
• So Fresh SO Clean nose strips - this are my favorites, they pull all the "stuff" out. They are on a thicker side so sometimes Its hard to adjust them on the nose, but seriously so worth it as it pulls a lot! I am on my last two strips and I will need to somehow get more asap :) 

So that would be it for my Faves. Like I said, not much as I was being super lazy in April. Hopefully May will be better :) 

Now below are collages of some pictures I took in April :) Enjoy 

So I dyed my hair again. This time I used Arctic Fox and hi its pink and purple, just like Twilight Sparkle :) And showcasing new earrings from Aliexpress! Stunning right? I order few in the same theme :)

Outfit in March, April and still May. My Pj's :) Comfy and I basically live in it :) Here I wear regular H&M tank top and pants from the PJ's I recently hauled from Amazon.

 Walking dog around the neighborhood. Sophia had fun and that day was such a pretty warm weather :)

The white tree is right infornt of my house. Thank God I was able to take a pic before it turned green :) Second picture is of empty NYC that I showed here.

Pink flowers on the trees are my faves!

Park Slope :) I took few pics from the car. By the end of April I had a partial nail avulsion. I suffer from ingrown nails and sometimes they get really bad. They took a big chuck of my nail (sorry I don't want to gross anyone out so I will keep the pics for myself). It was a surgery with anesthesia. She had to "stab" me with the needle in two places on my toe, right beneath the nail and in the back. :(  Hurt like MF. My nail currently is still healing and it will grow eventually.

 Sushi party platter. Hubby's friend visited from Upstate and brought sushi :) How can I say no?

So that would be it. My April was really quiet and most of the days I spent on the blog and watching tv.

I up to date with Outlander. I started and finished Sex and the City (again all 6 seasons) , True Blood (amazing 7 seasons!), and I have one more season to go of The Grimm :)

 and finally I watched The breakfast Club and re-watched few classics like The Thing, Wuthering Heights, The Count of Monte Cristo :)

How was your April? 

IPSY Full Bloom - my first Glam Bag Plus unboxing + adds on- April 2020

*purchased by me*

After months of consideration I decided to give an IPSY a shot. My sister in law is subscribed to it and she likes it. She gets two boxes Glam Bag Plus  ($25) and Glam Bag Ultimate ($50). 

I decided to start with the Plus for now and see how I like it and maybe I can add Ultimate as well, but tbh $50 a month is quite a lot... 

View of the makeup bag included this month. Cute but I have seen better :) Next month bag is so pretty! Yes I saw the spoilers :)

My first bag was decent. Not mind blowing. 

There was also option for adds on and I grab three products that I will show in this post as well.
Glam Bag Plus just as Boxy Charm contains 5 full size products and retails at $25 

Here is the overview of my Glam Bag Plus:

• Shaina B Miami Mini Miami Eyeshadow Palette - Shaina B is not a new brand for me. I got their brushes in the past via Octoly campaign. This palette, by looking at the pictures I was not sure I will like it. But once I got it and in real life is really pretty! The top row is all shimmers and bottom all matte and the colors goes well with one another. Have not yet tried it on the eyes but I do have high hopes. Retail $20

• Cela Creme Rose The Very Best Cream Rose - ok I thought this will be a bum but omg it smells so good! and when i was taking pictures and applied on my arm it felt really nice and hydrating. Did I say it smells good? Retail $39

• Tarte Tarteist double take eyeliner - meh... I dunno why these boxes don't care to check beauty quizzes. I don;t use liquid eyeliners at all, I don;t know how and I just don't want them... I will be passing this along .. Retail $24

• Context Skin Nail Polish Duo in Rocket Queen and Don't Cry - nail polishes I don't mind at all :) I have not yet to try this brand so I am happy to get it. Plus the shades look really promising. Retail $30

• StarSkin VIP Crem De La Creme Intently Recovering Cream Coating Face & The Diamond Mask - That's a mouth full! StarSkin is the brand I know and I tried few masks from the in the past. I am happy that these were included. Retail $30 

Total Value of my Glam Bag Plus is $143, I paid $25 plus tax for this subscription. 

Now the adds on. 

I really was hoping to get Sunday Riley in my bag, that was the reason I signed up. 

But I guess it worked out as I was able to purchase the Martian Mattyfing Melting Gel Water Toner for $12!

what a steal! I had this toner in the past along with UFO serum and I really liked it. It amazing if you have acne/ prone skin :) Mine went bad over a year ago and I never repurchased coz this little sucker cost over $60. So when IPSY offer it on adds on I was there and I got it!

Two other products were:

• Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Dream Mask - I been fan of this brand for quite some time now. I have the toner and I been enjoying it. So when IPSY offered sample size (15ml) for $3 how can I say no? 

• Kaleido Cosmetics - Skin Blush in the shade Primadonna - beautiful rosy glowy blush. I have one in the shade Prom Queen and I love the finish of it. It melts nicely with the skin and gives beautiful glowy flush. I got this one for $3 and its a full size. 

What do you guys think? How does it compare to BOXY Charm that I been showing you for past year? Would like to hear your opinion :)