Thursday, June 14, 2012

Birchbox: June Preview!

I'm a lucky subscriber to  Birchbox, a service which sends you four to five samples of luxury beauty items in the mail monthly. Every month I'll give you both a preview of the box I got and a detailed review of the items after I've been able to sample everything. If you're interested in getting your own box or gifting a friend, let me refer you here!

I got two boxes this month, and both happened to be the same box! The theme was Jet Set, and the items actually seemed to go alone with the theme this time! (Incidentally, I traded my extra box for a full-sized Stila bronzer/primer that other people were getting. Score!)

Not pictured: John Varvatos Star USA Men's Cologne


From the box...
  • Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive: Who needs the sun when you can get a safe, buildable, and natural-looking tan with these bestselling European towelettes?. Pack of 8, $14.99
  • Eyeko Fat Eye Stick: A Birchbox exclusive, this UK brand's too-cool shadow stick combines creamy color and long-lasting wear. full-size, $15
  • Likewise Facial Moisturizer + Sun Protectant SPF 50 Normal to Oily: Get sun savvy with this zin-infused cream. It acts like a hydrating toner to mattify skin while deflecting UV rays. full-size, $44
  • theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen: We're crazy about this two-in-one lip and cheeck stain: the sheer gel formula delivers a subtle, long-wearing flush. full-size, $17
  • LIFESTYLE EXTRA - tili Bags : Breeze through airport security with these too-cute plastic bags. They're perfectly sized for storing all your travel essentials (and beauty samples). Pack of 9-12, $8.49-$9.49
  • BIRCHBOX MAN EXTRA - John Varvatos Star USA : In honor of Father's Day, we've included this dapper cologne, a blend of ginger, juniper berries, and vetiver. Pass it on to a lucky guy friend or family member. full-size, $55-70
Initial Thoughts
This was a pretty good box, and one that a lot of people were coveting. Go figure that I get two! I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy the Eyeko Fat Eye stick, which I got in a pretty teal blue, since I don't wear eyeliner for multiple reasons. I can't apply it to save my life, and even when I manage to throw it up there, I look like a hooker; my face just can't handle a lot of eye makeup. However, the large size of the stick makes application easier, and I've found that I like the results if I smudge the liner with my finger tips after application.

I was also very excited to see the Stainiac in my box; not only have I been dying to try theBalm, but I love the idea of multi-purpose makeup. It really went with the theme, too, I thought. After all, the less you have to bring while traveling, the better.

The items I'm the least excited to use are the self-tanning wipes. I don't mess around with tanning, fake or real, because I'd rather not turn orange or get cancer. I've seen some good reviews on these wipes, though, so I might try them before I head to the beach next weekend.

Overall, I think this will be an interesting box. Reviews shall be forthcoming!


Do you have an experience with the brands listed? Which product are you most interested in getting a review on? Let me know in the comments! XO, Clueless!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Julep Maven: June Review!


I heard about the Julep Maven program from MUT and was intrigued. Normally the box costs about 20 dollars a month (a bit much for me, to be honest), but they're almost always featuring great penny promo codes! I usually skip, but this month, I was a sucker for the colors and had to splurge!

First, let me apologize for the drought of posts; I blame it on exams, general stress, and a lack of interesting things to talk about. It shouldn't happen again.

Now, on to the fun stuff. I totally planned to never purchase a Julep Maven box again, simply because they cost more than I really should spend. However, when I saw the gorgeous June Boho Glam colors, I couldn't refuse. They also included some cute lip balm and sunscreen (and Pixi Sticks!), though I'm saving those for trades or gifts.


Reviews of the polish after the cut! (Plus the fun look I created using them, too!)