Adventures in Polishland

Back to School Week | “No Makeup” Makeup

Posted on August 15, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today’s Back to School post is the perfect, easy makeup look for the classroom. To be honest with you, I didn’t wear much makeup at all when I was in high school, and even in college. Now I’ve mastered what DJ Tanner aimed for when she headed to Junior High. As Aunt Becky advised: “The trick to wearing makeup is to make it look like you aren’t wearing any.” I totally agree! Let me show you what I use to do my every day makeup!

BB Cream or Foundation: Having even and clear skin is the main reason I even put makeup on! I really like a light coverage foundation or BB cream, just to ensure I cover up any imperfections without looking like I have a ton of product on. [Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup & Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream]
Pressed Powder: If you’re prone to oily skin like I am, add a light dusting of pressed powder to your finished look. I am obsessed with the Rimmel Stay Matte that can be purchased at the drugstore, and have repurchased it several times. I get the shade transparent so I’m not adding more color to my face. [Rimmel Stay Matte]
Concealer: For days you have to cover up blemishes or dark circles, grab a concealer! I love the new Covergirl + Olay one that looks like a nude lipstick. It is so hydrating and covers my imperfections quite well. [Covergirl + Olay Concealer Balm]
Brow Pencil/Powder: Eyebrows frame your face, so make sure yours are looking great. I have one eyebrow that is much thinner than the other, so I use powder to even everything out. It looks natural, but makes me look more put together. I love this kit from Milani because it includes powder, a highlighter, and even tweezers! [Milani Brow Fix]
Blush: I rarely wear blush, but a little bit can add some color to your face and make you look more alive and ready for the day. Blush is perfect when you want a little something extra, or on days when you’re feeling “blah.” [Be a Bombshell Blush in Sweet Cheeks]
Tinted Lip Balm: Wearing a tinted lip balm is the perfect way to add some color to your lips for school. Lipsticks are just a bit much in the classroom on a daily basis. With all of the amazing options out there, grab your favorite lip balm and you’re ready for the day! [Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig]
Mascara: My most-loved beauty product is definitely mascara. It brings focus to your eyes, and makes you look more awake. A great option for a more natural look, is to get mascara in the shade blackened brown. I’m loving this new one from Revlon! [Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion]

These are all of the products I need for my “no makeup” makeup look! As you can see, I stay away from eyeshadow, eyeliner, bronzer, and all of that fun stuff. While you can certainly play around with your own makeup look, I prefer to just look like me when I’m at school! Be sure to let me know what your makeup necessities are in the comments, and stay tuned for the last day of Back to School Week tomorrow!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Back to School Week | Cute & Casual School Outfits

Posted on August 14, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today’s post is a first on Adventures in Polishland — fashion! One of the best parts of going back to school each year is putting together some cute, new outfits. Whether you’re going on a shopping spree, or searching through your closets, they key to the perfect school ensemble is feeling comfortable and looking great, too. I usually keep it pretty casual at school since I’m there to learn above everything else. Let me show you a couple outfits I plan on wearing this fall, plus some of my favorite clothing stores and back to school must haves!

First up is my go-to look — jeans and a t-shirt! Whether you’re in middle school, or law school like I am, you can never go wrong with the basics. To liven my outfit up a bit, I chose a feminine floral top, and added a necklace. I’ll share the product details below.

Top: Forever 21 – $13.80 – not sold online
Necklace: Forever 21 – $10.80 – CLICK
Jeans: American Eagle – $44.95 – CLICK
Shoes: Converse – $49.90 – CLICK

For days you want to look a bit more polished, swap the sneakers out for some flats, and choose dark colored denim. I’m totally ready to hit the law library in this outfit! Below I’ll link to the products I’m wearing, but since the jeans and shoes are from older brands I’ll find similar items for you.

Top: Forever 21 – $15.80 – CLICK
Necklace: Forever 21 – Spring Collection
Jeans: PLNDR – $24.99 – CLICK
Shoes: Delias – $19.90 – CLICK
Bag: Michael Kors – $103.50 – CLICK
Casebook: Amazon – $125.49 – CLICK

Back to School Fashion Must Haves!

Sperry Top-Siders are my favorite shoes! They’re comfortable, cute, and come in a ton of colors.

To carry those books, sport a cute bag! I love leopard print — it never goes out of style.

Don’t be late! Invest in a stylin’ watch to get you to class on time. I love my rose gold one from Michael Kors!

Best Stores for Bagainistas!

JCPenney – Arizona jeans are my favorite! They come in all sizes and lengths, not to mention colors and styles, too.
Forever 21 – Always super affordable, and always trendy!
Delias – Cute, comfy, and cool clothing! Seriously!
Express – Shop during clearance events and you’ll snag amazing deals. They have beautiful dresses!
BaubleBar – Gorgeous jewelry and great prices. I love their statement necklaces!

That wraps up my fashion post for Back to School Week! I hope you liked the outfits I put together, and the pieces I picked out. When you head back to school, remember to wear what you like and what makes you feel most confident. Respect your school dress code (and your parents!), but let your real style show through. Let me know your favorite stores to shop at in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Back to School Week | Makeup Bag Essentials for School

Posted on August 13, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Now that I’ve officially accepted the fact that I am heading back to school next week (ah!) it’s time to start putting together my book bag. While I don’t tote a ton of cosmetics to school, it’s important to carry the essentials just in case the unexpected happens. Let me share with you the goods I’ll have in my makeup bag this school year!

Here is the makeup bag I will be using! I got mine from Ipsy, and I just love the leopard and neon print. The reason I am choosing this bag in particular is because of its flat shape — it will easily fit into my book bag without taking up much space! I know this can’t be easily purchased, so I would definitely recommend these:

Forever 21 “Leopard Print” – CLICK
Sephora Collection “The Night is Young” – CLICK
Sonia Kashuk “Yarn Print” – CLICK

Now onto the essentials inside! I think these items are needed, and yes, they all fit in the bag!

Hand Lotion: You never know when your hands will be dry! Keep a travel size lotion on you at all times, especially in the winter. Plus, having lotion is a great way to meet people — I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked if I had lotion! Pick a brand and scent you’ll like, and one that won’t bother those around you. [Julep Age Defying Hand Brightener]

Powder Compact: Women historically go to powder their noses for a reason! Pressed powder is the perfect touch up, and keeps your skin looking great all day long. I like to have a compact with a mirror in it as well. This one from Covergirl also has a sponge inside so I don’t have to carry a brush! [Covergirl Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder]

Hair Ties: If it gets too hot or starts to rain, you’ll want to pull your hair up! While I love ribbon hair ties, it’s good to have a plain black one, too. It goes with every outfit! I find that Goody from the drugstore is the perfect go-to brand (and it’s affordable!). [Goody Ouchless Elastics]

Colgate Wisp Brushes: If you decide to have a garlic-filled lunch at the last minute, you’ll want to be able to freshen your breath before class resumes. No one wants to be embarrassed about her breath, that’s for sure! You can grab these Wisps at the drugstore and keep them for when you’re in a pinch. [Colgate Wisp Brushes]

Perfume / Body Spray: Everyone gets stinky once in a while, so I like to carry a perfume or body spray in my makeup bag. I get so many perfume samples from Sephora, so instead of purchasing a travel size product, I just stick a sample in my bag! If you prefer lighter scents, opt for a body spray instead. [Juicy Couture Couture La La]

Oil Absorbing Sheets: Heading back to school in August means the heat and humidity are sticking around for a while. To make sure I don’t look like a grease ball, oil absorbing sheets are necessary! These are great because they don’t mess up your makeup, but they leave your skin looking great. Any brand will do, but I suggest Clean & Clear and the CVS brand. [Clean & Clear Instant Oil Absorbing Sheets]

Mini Nail Files: We’ve all been there — that awful moment when (gasp!) you break a nail! I just love these mini nail files. They are cute and disposable, and save you in an emergency situation. These are also perfect to share with a girlfriend when she’s in nail trouble. [Tweezerman Matchbox Files]

Lip Balm: Every girl needs a good lip balm with her at all times! I like to have both a clear balm and a tinted lip color just to be sure I’m set for every occasion. Keep those lips soft and moisturized with your lip balms of choice. [C.O Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream & Baby Lips Cherry Me]

Antibacterial Lotion: My last must have is probably the most important, and that is antibacterial lotion. You never know when you’re going to touch something gross and won’t be able to wash your hands. I personally love the unscented lotions like Purell, but Bath & Bodyworks has tons of scents if that’s your thing! [Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer]

These are all of my makeup bag essentials for school! As you can see, I like to stick to the basics and ensure I’m ready for the unexpected. I hope you found this post helpful as you put together your backpack for the new school year. Be sure to let me know what items will be in your makeup bag in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Back to School Week | Get Back to Hogwarts with Kawaii Nail Lacquer

Posted on August 12, 2013August 16, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday, and welcome to Back to School Week at Adventures in Polishland! This is a sensitive time of year for those of us who are heading back to class, and I thought it would be fun to focus on some of the best parts of going back to school instead of dwelling on the forthcoming homework and exams. I will have a new post up every day from Monday to Friday featuring nails, makeup, fashion, and more. I thought I would kick things off with a review of some Harry Potter themed polishes from the indie brand Kawaii Nail Lacquer. Back to school time would be super awesome if I was going back to Hogwarts! Let me show you these magical polishes!

First up is Gryffindor! You might be in Gryffindor if you are brave and chivalrous. Its house colors are crimson and gold, and this glitter polish fits the mold! Griffindor is a glitter polish in a clear base, and is full of fine glitters, small hexagons, squares, and bars in a mix of red and gold. I layered one coat over L’Oreal Breaking Curfew to get this look. I wonder if Hermione would sport this polish… Maybe not, but I sure do like it.

Next up is Hufflepuff! Students in Hufflepuff are loyal and exceptionally good finders. Its house colors are black and yellow, but don’t be fooled — its animal is a badger (not a bee)! In polish form, Hufflepuff contains black, yellow, and gold hexagons, fine gold and black glitters, and black bar glitters. I layered one coat over OPI Skull & Glossbones. While no one wants to end up in Hufflepuff, at least you’ll have this gorgeous nail polish to wear!

Ravenclaw is up next, and I couldn’t be more excited! Why, you ask? It’s because I am a Ravenclaw! Students in Ravenclaw are wise individuals, and its house colors are blue and bronze (not blue and silver as seen in the movies!). The Ravenclaw polish has bronze fine glitters, hexagons, and bars, and blue hexagons as well. I layered one coat over ncLA’s Malibu Beach Babe. While this manicure may not be whimsical enough for Luna Lovegood, it’s perfect for me!

Last but not least is Slytherin. Join the ranks of the Malfoys and Blacks if you’re cunning and resourceful. With house colors like silver and green, I knew this polish would look awesome. It’s filed with small and medium hexagons, and I layered one coat over Julep Brandt to get the look in the photos. You’ll be ready for Defense Against the Dark Arts with this polish!

All in all, I am loving these Harry Potter themed polishes from Kawaii Nail Lacquer! They all have amazing formulas, and they represent the Hogwarts Houses perfectly. Unfortunately I won’t be going back to Hogwarts this year (my owl hasn’t showed up with my acceptance letter yet), but I think these polishes are super fun to rock on your nails this fall. You can purchase these polishes from the Kawaii Etsy shop for $8.50 each HERE and follow Kawaii on Facebook HERE.

Be sure to let me know which Hogwarts House you would be sorted into in the comments!

This post contains some affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Subscription Sunday | August PopSugar MustHave Box

Posted on August 11, 2013August 16, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I have another unboxing of my favorite monthly subscription, the PopSugar MustHave Box! But before I show you all of the goodies, I wanted to remind you that the Hot Days, Hotter Nights Giveaway is going on right now, and also let you know that starting tomorrow it is Back to School Week here at Adventures in Polishland! Be sure to tune in every day to get psyched for Back to School. Now, onto the regularly scheduled Subscription Sunday!

The PopSugar MustHave Box is a lifestyle box filled with all types of goodies from makeup to home decor and everything in between. For $35 per month, you’ll receive a box worth at least $100. Here is a sneak peek of everything in my August box. It is jam packed, and it was heavy! Let me go ahead and share everything that is inside!

First up is a special item celebrating one year of the PopSugar box! This Open Circle Necklace from Gorjana retails for $65 and is 18k gold plated. I love the classic style, and will be sure to wear it! Plus, this item alone is already worth more than what I paid for the entire box!

Now onto the Must Have Home category! On the left is a Weekly To-Dos planner from May Designs. This planner retails for $20, and is so cute! I’m loving the chevron pattern. I also like that the pages inside are customizable, and not set to any specific year in particular. That means I can use it when I please, and never waste the pages! I’ll be sure to use this planner when school begins!

On the right is an All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box from Bentgo. It retails for $19.99 and even includes cutlery! I would have never picked out this lunch box for myself, but I’m so glad to have it. It will encourage me to bring my lunch to school instead of buying one. Plus, I love the cute green color, and all of the separate compartments. It’s even microwavable!

The last Must Have Home item is this Apple Bowl from Lunares. This bowl retails for around $21.28, as it can only be purchased in a set from the Lunares website. I think this bowl is cute — it is perfect for a teacher gift or hostess gift for fall! This is my least favorite item in the box this month, just because it doesn’t fit into my lifestyle well. Maybe I’ll put some candies in it this fall!

Moving on to Must Have Beauty! The first two items on the left are from Dermalogica, and are the Precleanse and Special Cleansing Gel respectively. These travel sizes retail for a total of $19.50! I’ve never tried any Dermalogica products before, so I’m quite excited to see how these work. It’s such a treat to have high end skincare in this box! I would never be able to purchase these items on my own.

The next beauty item is the Lulah Body Wash in Magnolia Fig. This body wash retails for $11.25 and smells divine! I can’t wait to use it. It is definitely a fragranced body wash, so if you don’t like strong scents this is not for you. Otherwise, it seems so luxurious! I even love the packaging!

The last item in my August Box is a Special Extra from the brand Nature Box. I got dried Granny Smith Apples, and they taste amazing! I love that PopSugar includes healthy snacks! This one retails for $3.99, but cannot be purchased separately since Nature Box is a subscription program! You can join for 50% off by going to naturebox.com/popsugar. I’m not currently a member, but if you are let me know what you think!

And that is everything in my August PopSugar MustHave Box! The total retail value is $161.01! What an unbelievable box! I have to say that each month PopSugar gets better and better. If you’re looking for an all-around amazing subscription, I highly recommend it. Join HERE and enter code REFER5 at checkout to get $5 off your first box.

This post contains affiliate links. PopSugar MustHave Box purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

King of Pop Manicure featuring Water Decals from Born Pretty Store!

Posted on August 10, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I am so excited to share with you another review featuring a fabulous and affordable item from Born Pretty Store. So far I’ve tried rhinestones, nail stickers, and Hello Kitty decals, but I was the most nervous to try out some water decals. Once I got the courage to try them out, I was so glad I did! Let me show you these decals and the fun manicure I created.

First up is the sheet of water decals. As you can see, there are a lot of different designs so you can create any type of nail art look you want. Since I love Michael Jackson, I just had to feature him on my nails. How cool is it that he is on this sheet?! I decided to create a King of Pop manicure!

Step one to using the water decals is to paint your nails. You can use any polish, but I decided to use Wet ‘n Wild Megalast in On a Trip. Make sure your polish is 100% dry before you begin to apply the decals. Next, you will need a scissors and a cup of water. These water decals work just like temporary tattoos. Simply cut out the design you want, remove the protective film, and dunk the decal into the water for 10-20 seconds. Then, place the decal on your nail and gently press down to transfer the design. And that’s it!

Now even though that sounds easy, keep in mind it will take a bit of practice. As you can see, I completely smudged the decal on my first try because I applied top coat too soon. Before you finish out your manicure with a top coat, let the decals dry!

After some practice, I got the hang of the decals. Here is my completed King of Pop manicure! Along with the Michael Jackson design, I had to add a crown and some diamonds. As you can see, my crown is a bit lopsided. Make sure you line up the decal on your nail before you press down. I also find that, unlike temporary tattoos, the decals come off easily when you slide them over your nails instead of holding them face down for a few seconds. Even with the imperfections, I’m still loving the result!

All in all, I’m so glad I tried out these water decals! While they do take a bit of trial and error, you will end up with a super cool manicure. The best part is this sheet retails for just $4.73 at Born Pretty Store HERE! Think of the dozens of manicures you can create with just this one sheet! Plus, you can grab an extra 10% off with the coupon code FZL91. As always, Born Pretty offers free international shipping. Be sure to let me know what you think of my King of Pop manicure in the comments!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Zoya Satins Collection for Fall 2013

Posted on August 9, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have the last of the Zoya Nail Polish fall collections to share with you. I loved the PixieDusts, and the Cashmeres, and the Satins are no exception! Let me show you these gorgeous polishes!

First up is Channing, a rusty red-orange polish with golden shimmer. Channing is opaque in two coats, and has a flawless formula. This polish just screams “fall” to me, as the color matches beautiful foliage. Channing is also really unique, and I’m loving it in my collection!

Next up is Mason, a gorgeous purple polish with a pink undertone and shimmer. Mason is so beautiful, and has an amazing formula to match. It is opaque in two coats, and the finish is just stunning. Mason is definitely one of my favorites in this collection. The color is right up my alley!

Claudine is up next, and is a titanium colored polish with silver shimmer. I am really impressed with Claudine. The formula is great, and opaque in two coats. I’m not usually a fan of dark colors, especially metallics, but this one is so edgy and has a rock star quality. Claudine is perfect if you don’t want black nails, but want something dark. I highly recommend it!

Up next is Neve, a gorgeous, deep blue metallic polish with hints of purple shimmer. Neve is another one of my favorites in the Satins collection. The rich pigmentation is so beautiful, and of course the formula is spot on. I can’t wait to put on Neve again! I can see myself wearing it a lot this fall and winter.

Giovanna is the next of the Satins, and is an emerald green metallic polish. Giovanna has an amazing formula and is opaque in two coats. Emerald is the color of the year, and this one is definitely the perfect choice. I love Giovanna, and I’m so glad to have it in my collection!

Last but not least is Maria-Luisa, a gold toned flakie polish. Maria-Luisa can be worn as a top coat or on its own. I applied three coats in the photos above to get a full coverage look. Maria-Luisa does have a great formula, and the flakies are so gorgeous! I did apply it over each polish in the Satins Collection as well, so here’s what that looks like…

All in all, I’m really impressed with the Satins Collection. I recommend each and every one of the polishes, but my personal favorites are Mason and Neve. You can purchase the Satins Collection on the Zoya website HERE for $8 each of $48 for the whole set. Be sure to let me know which of these polishes is your favorite in the comments!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Hot Days, Hotter Nights Giveaway!

Posted on August 7, 2013August 7, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! I’ve teamed up with 10 wonderful beauty bloggers to help you celebrate the end of summer with a fabulous giveaway. There are 10 awesome prizes to win, so let’s get right into it! Please make sure to read the rules at the end of the giveaway, and send a huge thank you to xonoelle for putting all of this together. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules:

Must be 18+ or have your parents’ consent.
US only.
Winners will be drawn through Rafflecopter. #1 winner will win #1 prize, #2 winner will win #2 prize, and so on.
Please give 4-6 weeks for all prizes to be sent out. Each prize will be sent out from the blogger giving it away.

Zoya Cashmeres Collection for Fall 2013

Posted on August 5, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have the second fall collection from Zoya Nail Polish to share with all of you (check out my PixieDust review HERE). Fall is the perfect opportunity to don your cashmere sweaters, and Zoya has transformed our favorite autumn hues into gorgeous, creamy nail polishes. Let me show you these warm-toned polishes!

First up is Livingston, a true red polish. Livingston is the perfect red! It has a great formula that is opaque in two coats, and is a classic color to wear all year long. Not only is Livingston work appropriate, but it is fierce! With black and white trends in fall fashion, Livingston will be the perfect accessory to your outfits.

Up next is Pepper, a dark, brick red polish. Pepper is also opaque in two coats, and has the same great formula as Livingston. Last fall we saw oxblood nails were all the rage, and it looks like they will be again this season! If you didn’t grab this haute hue last year, I definitely suggest Pepper.

Sailor is next, and is a stunning navy polish. Sailor is definitely my favorite in the Cashmeres collection! It is the perfect navy polish that is opaque in two coats. It’s the perfect alternative to a black nail, since it’s not as harsh, yet it’s still edgy. I’m not usually partial to dark nail polishes, but Sailor is so nice!

The next Cashmere is Hunter, a dark green polish. Hunter screams fall to me — the shade is one of the classic colors of the season! Just as with the other polishes in this collection, Hunter is opaque in two coats and has a flawless formula. If you’ve been hunting for a great green, look no further!

Next up is Louise, a chocolate brown polish. Louise is an amazing one coat formula! I love when that happens! Plus, the color is so rich and pigmented. Louise is really the perfect brown, which I didn’t have in my collection yet. I can see this being great for nail art as well!

Last but not least is Flynn, a camel brown polish. Unfortunately for me, Flynn just looks awful with my skin tone. I feel like I am so close to the dreaded mannequin hands with this one! Despite that personal issue, Flynn still has a great formula and is opaque in two coats. This polish would look beautiful with a darker complexion!

All in all, I am loving the Zoya Cashmeres collection! The formulas are so wonderful, and the colors are just perfect for the fall months. I definitely recommend each polish in the collection, but my favorites are Sailor and Hunter! You can purchase the Cashmeres collection on Zoya’s website HERE for $8 each or $48 for the whole set. Stay tuned for the last fall collection from Zoya Nail Polish soon!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Ipsy v. Birchbox: Round Five | July 2013

Posted on August 4, 2013August 5, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I have round five of my Ipsy v. Birchbox challenge! July was an interesting month for these $10 beauty subscriptions — the retail value of each was only $1 apart! My winner this month really comes down to the products themselves. Let me show you what I got, and tell you a bit about each product!

First up is Ipsy! July’s Ipsy theme was Beach Beauty. This time the cosmetic pouch was a transparent, pink pouch made out of beach ball material. While the pouch isn’t exactly my style, it is great for the beach since it is waterproof. It’s also perfect for those who work retail, and need a clear bag to bring to work.

Here all all of the products! I’ll describe them for you from left to right.

Big Sexy Hair in Weather Proof – $7.80 – This hair product is supposed to prevent frizz in the humidity. I was excited to try it out, but unfortunately all it does is weigh my hair down and make it flat. It did manage my frizz, but sucked away any volume. I suggest this if you have very thick hair.
Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub – $16.25 – I’ve been using scrubs religiously in the summer to keep my pores clean. This one is very interesting — I love the lemony scent, but it was difficult to rinse off my skin completely. I ended up with some residue, and wasn’t a huge fan of that. It’s okay, but for the price I won’t be repurchasing the full size.
Coola Face Sunscreen – $4.87 – This is the second time I’ve received a Coola product in a subscription box, and I don’t like it! The problem is in the packaging — this tiny tube isn’t even filled. I’m lucky if I get one use out of it. If the sample was larger, I would be able to tell you more about the product, but I’m not a fan of receiving these tiny sunscreen samples.
Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush – $4.16 – This is my favorite item this month! I’ve never tried Pop Beauty, but I’m loving it. Basically this is a jumbo lip crayon that is between a lipstick and a lip gloss. The color I got is bright, but goes really well with my skin tone. I’ve already worn it twice!
BH Cosmetics California Collection Sampler – $0.35 – You read that retail price correctly — this little sample of three eyeshadows is only worth 35 cents due to the full size palette being $7.00. My issue is that I got three eyeshadows that don’t even go together (a dark purple, bronze, and gold). If I could create a complete look from this sampler, I would appreciate it more.
Nicole by OPI in Pretty in Plum – BONUS – As a thank you for referring two new Ipsy members, I got this Nicole by OPI nail polish. I’m not including this in the retail value, as it’s not a part of the actual subscription. Otherwise, this is a really nice bonus to get!

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $33.43

OVERALL OPINION: Out of all the products in my Ipsy bag for July, the only one I will use on a regular basis is the Pop Beauty lip color. I will use up the Derma E and Coola products, but I’m not too excited about them. While the retail value is triple my money, I’m not too impressed with these products. They just don’t fit into my lifestyle well.

RATING (1-5, 1 BEING LOWEST AND 5 BEING HIGHEST): 2

Now onto my July Birchbox! The theme was Power Play, based off the hit show Suits. I’ve never seen the show, but as a law student I knew this box was for me! Here are all the products! Let me tell you a bit more about each one.

DDF Acne Control Treatment – $12.94 – This product came at the perfect time! I was experiencing some breakouts, and with the help of this product they are clearing right up! While this isn’t a miracle worker, it definitely got to work, and I could see improvements in my acne after a few uses. I love it!
Benefit It’s Potent Eye Cream – $6.40 – I was thrilled to receive this product! I’ve been wanting to try it out, and I’m so glad I got to. I must say I’m impressed — this cream is very moisturizing, and feels great. This sample is tiny, but it will last a while.
No. 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect – $7.00 – Another hair product! To be honest, I haven’t tried this out because I am already happy with the protectant I use. I’ll keep this one for travel, or for when I run out of my other one.
Birchbox Bobby Pins – $1.67 – These bobby pins are a cute product to get in my box, but I don’t know how often I’ll be using them. They are a bit oversized for my extremely thin hair, but I’m not overly disappointed with them. I love the cute pattern!
theBalm Instain Blush in Swiss Dot – $4.40 – I was thrilled to get this sample! I’ve been wanting to try blush from theBalm for a long time, but was afraid to pay the money and not like it. This one is a gorgeous shade — it’s very pigmented, but wearable. I’m so glad to try this one out!

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $32.41

OVERALL OPINION: Birchbox is sure stepping it up! I am really excited about three of the five products in this box. Two of them are samples I’ve been wanting to try for a long time! While I’m tired of getting hair products, I’m really happy with this month’s box as a whole.

RATING: 3.5

There you have it! My winner for the month of July is Birchbox! While both Ipsy and Birchbox had very similar retail values, I plan on using the products in my Birchbox a lot more. For me, the monetary value is secondary. The products aren’t worth anything just sitting in my stash! It seems like the Birchbox survey really understands me — it has beat out Ipsy four times! I can’t wait to see what happens next month after being a member of both programs for six months!

You can join Ipsy HERE and Birchbox HERE. Each program is $10 per month.

Some of the above links are affiliate links. Subscription boxes purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.