Elizabeth and Clarke Spring 2014

Box: Elizabeth and Clarke

Cost: $30 for 1 shirt; $50 for 2 shirts; $60 for 3 shirts

How it Works: Each season Elizabeth and Clarke releases a collection of 5 shirts that are aimed at becoming solid staples of your wardrobe. You can pick 1, 2, or 3 shirts each season.

Shipping Schedule: The Spring Collection is shipped on March 1st

Refunds: Elizabeth and Clarke has a very easy refund and exchange policy which makes trying the service hassle free. They will send you a label to send the items back and process your request when they receive them.

Cancellation: Cancellation is easy too. Just contact their customer service through phone or email and they will handle it.

Description Card

My Experience

I decided to try the Elizabeth and Clarke subscription service when I saw a deal through Living Social which gave you your first 3 item collection for $20. It was an amazing deal and I'm really glad I tried them out. Based on my measurements I decided to order the items in size 4, but when they arrived they were way too big. At first I wanted to just return them and get a refund, but the more I thought about it (and talked to their amazing CS reps!) the more I wanted to try a different size instead. They sent me a label to send the items back and shipped my new shirts (in size 2 this time) within one week. I'm really impressed with their customer service!

The Hutton

This is a simple grey shirt, but the fabric is so comfortable! As soon as my exchange arrived, I put this shirt on and wore it to a ballgame! The fabric has a little bit of stretch to it which makes it drape nicely, and the boat neckline would be flattering on almost anyone.

The Arden

This was the shirt that intrigued me the most. It's a pretty simple sleeveless button-down from the front, but in the back it has a nice drape and comes down longer. I don't wear as many sleeveless shirts as I once did, but this is a solid piece that could work with a jacket for work. It does fit a bit strangely because it's loose until it hits my hips where it becomes tight before the bottom drape in the back.

I also really like how the buttons are covered in the front! Such a small detail, but it makes the overall feel of the shirt that much more luxe and sleek.

The White

It doesn't get much more basic than a white button-down shirt. This would work both casually and in a business setting. The fabric is a bit see-through, so it must definitely be worn with a shell  underneath. The fabric is so nice and silky, and has a bit of weight to it as well. I especially love the detailing on the neckline!

Living in the deep hot-and-humid south, I really appreciate that you can button the sleeves back. That one detail means I can wear this year-round! I love versatile pieces like this!

Final Thoughts

Elizabeth and Clarke has some amazing customer service, and in the end I am really glad I did an exchange instead of a return. These shirts are such high quality! The beauty of all of these pieces is that you can dress them up or down. They are true staples for your wardrobe. 

For the Summer Collection, I didn't see anything I was interested in (and there were 3 repeats from the Spring Collection), so I cancelled my subscription but made sure I was still on their mailing list for alerts on future collections since I am sure I will want to order from them again.

Blush Mystery Beauty Box March 2014

Box:  Blush Mystery Beauty Box

Cost: $24.95 when subscribed, 34.95 for one-time purchase (includes shipping)

How it Works: The Blush Mystery Beauty Box is put together by the people at Blush.Com. It includes full and sample size beauty products that are worth up to at least $100. The monthly products come in a black tie-up bag, and a random free gift is always added. 

Shipping Schedule: Shipping is generally around the beginning of the month.

Returns: No returns accepted. 

Cancellation: You can call their 1-800 number or email support to cancel. I wouldn't suggest using their email support as I have had several problems trying to work with them in the past.

There is a note from member of the Blush Beauty team on each invoice. Such a cute idea!

My Experience

As I said in my review of the February Blush Mystery Beauty Box, getting this March box was a bit of a pain. I have learned not to use their online support in the future because my account was cancelled twice due to the CS agents not actually reading my emails. It was just a comedy of errors, that was more irritating than funny. 

Suki - 100% Organic Cotton Wash Cloth ($10.95 - Full Size!)

I can always use a nice facial washcloth. This one will be dedicated just to use on my face, instead of my other washcloths which always end up in weird places like the kitchen.

Miracle Skin Transformer - Hydroactive Microderm ($10.00)

Exfoliators are one of the items I am always willing to try out and play with. I have read mixed reviews on the Miracle Skin Transformer line, but this will be my first product of theirs I try so I'm looking forward to it!

Paula's Choice - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($5.75)

I have been wanting to try this particular product from Paula's Choice FOREVER! So hyped that there was a sample in Blush Mystery Beauty Box! It is a really decent size and should last for well over a month. Can't wait to see if this is the HG item for me that it is for so many other people!

Talika - Eye Therapy Patches ($11.17)

I don't have puffy bags under my eyes, but I definitely have dark circles and I'm always looking for new products to reduce the amount of concealer I have to use to cover them up. These patches can be used 3 times and I'm hoping they deliver on their promises.

StriVectin - StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles ($23.17)

Woo hoo! Another product I am always on the lookout for is a wonder cream for stretch marks. This is a 2-8 week sample too! So excited that I finally received a StiVectin item in a subscription bag too, since they always seem to pass me by.

DCL - Ultra Light Hydrator ($27.60 - Full Size!)

I've never heard of DCL and this packaging is less than exciting, although it is a full size so hopefully it will work for me. This box isn't customizable and there were two options possible for this item, one for dry skin and the other for oily. Glad I received the one for oily, acne-prone skin because I have both!

Laura Geller Beauty - Spackle Under Make-Up Primer ($7.50)

I have so many primer samples thanks for subscription boxes that it might be a while before I try this one. Can't lie, I don't like the idea of putting something called "spackle" on my face. That just sounds absolutely pore-clog-tastic. 

Total Value - $96.14

Final Thoughts

I love the value that these boxes have! Just under $100 worth of products, and I will use every single one! I really am heavily into skincare so this box appealed to me. Hoping that Blush keeps up the skincare trend!

BirchBox March 2014

Box: BirchBox

Cost: $10 monthly (includes shipping)

How it Works: BirchBox sends you several products each month based on your answers to your "Profile" which you can fill out prior to joining (or just leave blank if you want the luck of the draw!). You can change your profile at any time, but it may be a month or so before you see any changes.

Shipping Schedule: Begins shipping approximately on the 10th. You can also see spoilers for your box on the website.

Rewards System: BirchBox has a wonderful points system! You earn points for signing up (10) plus you get 10 points for each item from your box that you review. Every 10 points equals $1 you can use in the store. So every month, you are really only paying around $4-$6 per box when taking into account the points earned from reviews. Points can be used in the store for full size products of sample items from previous and current boxes.

Refunds: Contact CS if any issues occur with the bag or items. Their CS is pretty amazing, and if they can't solve your problem with a replacement, they will usually credit your account with points.

Cancellation: Very easy. Just use the cancellation option on the website or call.

My Experience

Once again I ordered two boxes! Those subscription codes that give you an automatic $10 to use in the store are just too tempting to resist! The above picture is from my main account and that is the one I used for this review. 

Keims - Cleanshine Energizing Shampoo ($1.90)

I am always up for trying out a new shampoo! I'm generally not a fan of peppermint scented things, but maybe I will love it in my hair! Quite a generous sample and the full size is only $9.50.

Air Repair - Rescue Balm ($2.00?)

This balm is for use on extremely dry skin. I don't really have that problem since I use lots of lotions to keep my skin moisturized, but my husband has dry patches on his elbows that we have yet to find a good product for. Passing this on to him and hopefully it works! The size isn't specified on the sample so I am guessing at the value.

Control Corrective - Cucumber Bead Cleanser ($.53)

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 Oil-Free Healing Lotion ($1.42)

Again, BirchBox just knows what I love! Trying out new skin care products is part of what keeps me in this subscription. Not too sure how much I will like these particular products though. I don't generally use exfoliators with "beads" in them as I feel they are too harsh on my skin, and oil-free facial moisturizers almost always leave my skin feeling dryer than I like. 

Vasanti Cosmetics - Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvinator ($5.67)

Another exfoliator! This one claims to mimic the effects of microdermabrasion which would be amazing! The instructions say to use a pea size amount a few times a week, so this sample should last for quite a while!

Coola - Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face ($3.60)

Ugh. I actually got this sample in a previous box for this account. You aren't supposed to receive duplicates on the same account, but their CS made it right by awarding points to my account for the mistake. I didn't like this product the last time I got it either so to the trade pile it goes!

Total Value: $15.12

Final Thoughts

Really good box for me, even though the total value was not as high as I have had before! I am excited to try every item, except of course the Coola SPF. This was a skincare heavy box, with one hair care item thrown in and I love it! Another win for BirchBox!

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Rainbow Honey March 2014

Box: Rainbow Honey

Cost: $10 (plus shipping)

How it Works:

Rainbow Honey is not a subscription, but an independent nail polish and perfume company. They offer a Mystery Bag for $10 every month, or free with a purchase of $65 in their shop.

My Experience

I first heard about this bag over on /r/beautyboxes and as soon as I saw the swatches I knew I had to get one! This bag is the same for every who orders it, so once you have seen one you've seen them all. From what I have seen, they stay in stock until they run out and the March bag is still available!

All My Stars (Clear Base, Various Blue Glitters) - $5.00

Nail Honey Cuticle Oil - ??

The Soiree (Clear base, Pastel Square and Star Glitters) - $5.00

The cuticle oil smells really nice! It's not available on their site, and the card says it's a new item for them so I would expect it to be available in the near future. 

The polishes go on very smoothly with plenty of glitter. I didn't have to dig around to get the coverage that I wanted. Both swatches are two coats. Neither of these are available for individual sale on the site. From the information card, it sounds like The Soiree may be in a collection later this year, and All My Stars was a special polish in the mystery bag to celebrate Rainbow Honey's anniversary.

Lavandula Mini Rollerball - $1.50

This is an adorable little perfume sample! I am terrible at discerning and describing scents, so here is what they say about it on their website: Herbaceous French Lavender brightened with sun-filled citrus notes of Lime, Yuzu, and Sweet Orange. I'm not really crazy about the it myself, but I'll wear it and keep the container for de-potting perfume samples in the future!

Nail Honey Hand Cream Sample (??)

A good cream is essential to keeping your cuticles in shape during the winter. This product doesn't seem to be on their website, so I am unsure how much this cream sample would be worth. I don't particularly like the packaging because lotions stored in foils tend to dry out really quickly. I will have to de-pot it into something else more suitable so I can use it without drying it out.

Total Value: $11.50 

(not including Cuticle Oil or Hand Cream sample)

Final Thoughts

Such cute little polishes! And I love that they sent out more than just the polishes as well! The extra items really added to the overall value of the box for me. Looking forward to the Rainbow Honey April Mystery Bag! 

Lip Factory March 2014

Box: Lip Factory 

Cost: $22 (includes shipping)

How it Works:

 Lip Factory is a monthly makeup subscription box, and contrary to what you might think, it isn't just lip products! Each month they send around 5-6 items, and the products themselves don't tend to vary from box to box, but the colors will based on your profile. Every 3 months they release an "All Lips" box with only lip products. 

Shipping Schedule: 

Shipping begins approximately on the 10th 

Returns: 

No returns accepted

Cancellation: 

Through email or ceasing Paypal payments.

My Experience

This is sadly my last Lip Factory! I tried it for three months, and deliberately waited until the "All About the Lips" March box before making my decision of whether I would continue with it or not. I just feel like there are other boxes I want to explore for now, but this is a pretty good one, and I know I will drool over other peoples un-boxings in the months to come.

I would like to note that apparently some people receive a "Welcome" gift in their first box, but I never did. This seems to be a sporadic thing, and not at all consistent among subscribers. I didn't ask their CS about it since this was my last month, but you might want to if you are just beginning your subscription.

My profile: 

Eyes: Blue

Hair: Dark Brown

Which best describes you? Keep it Neutral

Complexion: Light

Jesse's Girl Vitamin E Treatment ($3.00 - Full Size!)

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Ellovi - Lip Butter ($5.00 - Full Size!)

Bluuugh. So boring. I would have been fine with just one lip balm, because it is a decent item that I will use, but TWO? Lip Factory, go home. You're drunk. 

The description for the Jesse's Girl lip balm calls it a "lipstick", but in my opinion there would have to be some pigment present in order to try calling it that. So I'm calling BS on that one, Jesse's Girl. Just call it a dang "Vitamin E" stick and move on. I have a stick of lip balm at several strategic places (work desk, purse, bed stand, vanity, etc), so I will use these. But I don't have to like it.

The Ellovi Lip Butter has a strange smell and I can't pin it down. It's not totally pleasant though. The ingredients are all natural which is great, and I will enjoy trying it out if only for that reason.

Jesse's Girl - Lip Liner in Naked ($1.99 - Full Size!)

This was an ok item for me because I have been wanting to experiment with using lip liners. This one is a bit dark for me, and I found the name to be a misnomer since I would expect "Naked" to be a nude color. But it will get some use, and I like the little built in sharpener.

Cargo Cosmetics - Lip Quad in South Beach ($24.00 - Full Size!)

YAWN. These glosses are a nice formula, but they are in a tin meaning that I can't travel with them since I would need a brush to use them. It's just easier to use a tube gloss. And these glosses are just barely pigmented. See those swatches? That isn't just a picture of my hand in a moment of shine-time. No, it's a picture all four glosses swatched! They don't look much different on your lips.The little indentation in the top pink color is from me hitting it when opening the packaging, so as you can see they are creamy as opposed to hard in texture.

Mirenesse - Lip Bomb in #16 ( #34.90 - Full Size!)

Oh boy. This thing is just a goop-tastic mess.The top picture shows the true color (more nude) but in certain lights it can turn more pink like in the bottom picture. The formula is just terrible. It's crazy thick and you have to use a super thin layer to avoid your lips sticking together. There is so much shine to it that this particular color looks a bit off. But then I feel like adding a ton of shine to a nude lip color is defeating the purpose a bit. There is no way I would ever pay full price for this product considering it's only positive point is the packaging.

Total Value: $68.89

Final Thoughts

This box was a pretty big fail for me. It was really just boring, which is the exact opposite of what these boxes usually are, especially the All About the Lips boxes! Such a bad note to end my Lip Factory subscription on, but I may be back one day if Ipsy stops fulfilling that makeup-sub-box sized hole in my life.

All that being said, all the items in this box were full size! So if I had been excited about the items, this would have been an incredible box! 

Ipsy Glam Bag March 2014

Box: Ipsy Glam Bag

Cost: $10 monthly (includes shipping)

How it Works: Ipsy sends you 4-5 products each month based on your answers to your "Beauty Quiz" which you fill out prior to joining. You can change your Quiz answers at any time.

Shipping Schedule: Begins shipping approximately on the 10th. 

This is also the day you can see your "Glam Room"

Rewards System: Ipsy is not a bag you join for the rewards system. You earn points by joining (100pts), referrals (250pts), reviewing each item you receive (10pts each), and several Facebook interactions (varies). The points expire a year from the date of earning them. Ipsy doesn't have a "store", just three items that each cost 1000 points. These items change as they go in and out of stock. 

Refunds: Contact CS if any issues occur with the bag or items and they are usually pretty good about either replacing individual items or the entire bag.

Cancellation: Very easy. Just use the cancellation option on the website or email CS. There is no phone number listed to call.

My Quiz Answers: 

Personal Style: Classic, Professional, Retro, Natural, Simple

Comfort Level: Very Comfortable

Adventurous: Very Adventurous

Makeup Products: BB Cream/Primer, Eyeliner, Blush/Bronzer, Eye shadow, Brushes, Tools

Skin Care Products: Cleanser, Moisturizer, Treatment, Masks, Nail Colors

Skin Tone: Light

Skin Concerns: Redness, Oiliness, Acne

Bare Minerals - Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready ($7.00?)

This is a lovely pink lipstick that goes on super smooth! I really, really like it which surprised me since I wouldn't necessarily expect Bare Minerals to make sure a good lipstick. When I think of Bare Minerals, powders come to mind due to using their mineral makeup for years. This mini is the perfect size to throw in your bag too! This was a great sample for me, which I think makes it the first sample I have gotten from Ipsy that made me truly happy!

Chella - Pen Eyeliner in Indigo Blue ($24.00 - Full Size!)

Let's follow up the star sample of the bag with the dud sample - A bright blue eyeliner pen. I saw I was getting this when my Glam Room updated and was so disappointed. There is no time I would wear this, outside of a costume. Other Ipsters seemed excited about it though, so I'm tossing it in the ol' trade pile for someone else to enjoy.

NYX - Love In Rio Palette in No Tan Lines Allowed ($6.00 - Full Size!)

I was so excited about this sample I could wait for the picture before swatching it out! When looking over the options for these palettes, I was really hoping I would get one with a shimmery medium brown, and I'm so glad I did! The highlight is practically not there at all, but the medium and dark browns are quite lovely. I think these colors will work well for work. Can't wait to try this out!

Pixi Beauty - Flawless Beauty Primer ($9.00)

Can we say "shimmer bomb". I might try to use this as a highlighter, but I'm not so sure about using it as a primer. Most primers I like are very silicone based (hence the slick velvet feeling), but this one just feels like a typical liquid. I also generally use primers to blurr out pores, and this one seems like it would do the exact opposite. I'll try it though!

Total Value: $46.00

Final Thoughts

Even with guessing the lipstick value, this bag is worth just under $50! Disappointed that there were only 4 items in the Ipsy bag this month, but the items I got were pretty stellar! The eye shadows and lipstick will become part of every day looks for me, and I am looking forward to experimenting with the Pixi primer. The eyeliner was a total fail, but hey, you're not going to love everything.

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Blush Mystery Beauty Box February 2014

Box

 Blush Mystery Beauty Box

Cost:

$24.95 when subscribed, 34.95 for one-time purchase (includes shipping)

How it Works

The Blush Mystery Beauty Box is put together by the people at Blush.Com. It includes full and sample size beauty products that are worth up to at least $100. The monthly products come in a black tie-up bag, and a random free gift is always added. 

Shipping Schedule

Shipping is generally around the beginning of the month.

Returns

No returns accepted. 

Cancellation

You can call their 1-800 number or email support to cancel. 

My Experience

I actually received the February Blush Mystery Beauty Box in the middle of March because I used a promo code to sign up. The fine print of the promo had said I would  be getting the March box as well, but when I never got a confirmation for the March box shipping I contacted their CS through email. They told me that you can only get one box mailed to you per month so to get the March box I would need to make a separate order. None of that made sense to me, but that's what I ended up doing. 

Can't say their email support is very good. The response I received to my first email asking about the March box was a confirmation from them that they had canceled my account.And it didn't get much better from there. I would highly recommend calling them instead if you have any issues.

Featured Curator Top Pick

Bioxidea - Miracle 48 Excellence Gold Face and Body Treatment ($24.67)

I love face masks, yes I do! And this isn't just a face mask. According to the little pictorial on the back (see below) you apparently use this on your face then thrown it in your bath to soak in! Essence everywhere! Doesn't that sounds like the best mask you've every heard of? Seriously cannot wait to try it out!

DHC - Deep Cleansing Oil ($5.50)

Another item I am super excited to try out! The Oil Cleaning Method (OCM) of facial cleansing has interested me for a while, but I haven't taken the plunge due to uncertainty in which oils to try. This one smells a lot like olive oil, and when I checked the ingredients it turned out that was the main one. Glad I can finally jump into the whole OCM thing without buying a full size product.

NYX - Are You DeprEYEved of Long and Full Lashes Mascara Serum in Jet Black ($13.00 - Full Size!)

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vbeaute - Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator ($3.53)

Blah. I don't use mascara so this will probably find it's way to my trade pile.

I am not generally a fan of physical exfoliator gels, so I'm not terribly excited about this vbeaute product either. They tend to feel a bit too rough on my skin. This one contains coconut and rosemary extracts which seems like a bit of a weird combination to be, but I'll patch test before I try it on my face.

Klorane - Dry Shampoo with Nettle ($19.50 - Full Size!)

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NCLA - Nail Wraps in Pizzo ($16.00 - Full Size!)

The dry shampoo I am currently using has been a bit of a dud, so I'm glad I'll have a new one to try out as soon as it's empty. I like the idea of nettle extracts being sprayed into my hair!

The NCLA nail wraps are not really my thing. I have never been able to get wraps to work correctly, but I would be willing to give these a try on a few accent fingers to practice. 

Elizabeth Arden - Untold Eau de Parfum ($5.90)

I always groan and die a little inside when I see perfumes in subscription boxes. I almost always dislike them. The packaging for this Elizabeth Arden scent is so cute though. And it isn't totally offense either! Wouldn't say I love it, but it's ok.

Total Value: $88.10

Final Thoughts

The website and card stated that the value of this box was over $100, and that was not the total value I totaled up, even using the product costs on their website. It's not that far off, so I don't want to sound whiny, but their advertising it definitely off if the total value isn't reflected. This box was about half-and-half for me, but it is still a great value.