Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

May 14, 2012

May Gossip Girl Birchbox Overview


Hi everyone!! I'm definitely late to the Birchbox bandwagon, but I definitely could not pass up the opportunity to sign up for the May box because it was Gossip Girl themed/sponsored. I waited quite a long time to sign up because I feel like these subscription boxes can be so hit or miss each month. I'm a Gossip Girl addict, so I decided it was time to finally give in and try it.




Let me preface this review by saying that these boxes were extremely hyped up. I was so excited for the products that were rumored to be included, but I was unaware how varied the boxes were. I received the "Chic Sunday Brunch," box.


  • Arquiste L'Etrog Perfume Sample (full size - $165)
  • beautyblender blendercleanser Sample (full size - $17.95) 
  • Color Club Nail Polish in Disco Nap Full Size ($8)
  • Dr. Jart+ Waterfuse BB Cream (full size - $32)
  • twistband Skinny Headband (full size 6 pack - $20)
  • XOXO Notecard (full size set of 12 - $10)

I definitely have a lot of thoughts about the products I received in my box. This is my first box, so I have nothing to compare it too, but I feel like it should have wowed me more. There were only two products in this box that I was excited to see: the nail polish and the Dr. Jart+ BB Cream. The perfume  sample was a little too strong for my taste, but hey perfume can't be customized for everyone. I was disappointed to see the Beauty Blender Cleanser included when I don't own a Beauty Blender, but it explains that it can be used for makeup brushes as well even though it doesn't smell very pleasant. I love the nail polish color and it applies really well. I already use the Dr. Jart+ BB Cream in the golden tube and wasn't too excited about shelling out over $40 for a full size quite yet, so I was stoked to see this sample included. Unfortunately the sample was microscopic and only had one squeeze in it, the rest was air, which I read online was a huge issue for lots of other subscribers as well. The Twistband headband was nice. I happened to prefer wrapping it around my wrist instead of in my hair haha. 

I'm very undecided as to whether I will continue to subscribe to Birchbox. It's only $10, so I got my money's worth, but it's so hit or miss. It's that whole premise that keeps people coming back because you really don't know what you're going to get, but I hate surprises. I'll definitely keep you updated on my adventure with Birchbox if I do continue my monthly subscription. 

But if you do love Gossip Girl, definitely don't forget to check out the season finale tonight to see who Blair chooses! SO MUCH EXCITEMENT. 

SWAK - Danielle





May 3, 2012

Sephora Sun Safety Kit


I'm very excited to bring you this post about the brand new, limited edition Sephora Sun Safety Kit! I received the email from Sephora for Beauty Insiders this morning (4/28) and knew it had to be in my hands before it sold out. This $30 set is absolutely full of top rated skin care products. It's a phenomenal value for only $30, it includes 17 deluxe sized samples of various moisturizers, sun screens, primers, mattifiers, self tanners, etc. It has something for everyone! It's a $193 value which is absolutely amazing. 

I'm very big into protecting your skin especially during the spring and summer months. 100% of this set's profits benefit the Skin Care Foundation which is really really cool. I'm very excited to share these products with my mom as well because we're both so huge into skin care. I'm including it as part of her mother's day present, so that's a great gift idea too. I'm going to share with y'all the products included without reviews because as I said, I just purchased it. I can guarantee this set is going to sell out fast because it is such a great value and these are some of Sephora's Best Selling Products!!!


  • St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturiser in Medium Dark (2.5 fl oz)
  • Philosophy Hope Daily Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 (.4 fl oz)
  • Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth SPF 50+ (.5 fl oz)
  • Supergoop! Very Water Resistant SPF 30+ Everyday Face & Body Lotion 
  • Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer (.25 fl oz)
  • Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 (.169 fl oz)
  • Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 (.23 fl oz)
  • Shiseido Urban Environment Oil Free UV Protector for Face SPF 42 (.23 fl oz)
  • Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30 (.5 fl oz)
  • Boscia Oil Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 (.5 fl oz)
  • Origins Vitazing SPF 15 (.5 fl oz)
  • Kate Somerville Somerville 360 Face Self Tanning Pad
  • Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette Full Body 
  • Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15 (.33 fl oz)
  • Dr. Jart+ BB Beauty Balm SPF 45 (.33 fl oz)
  • Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
  • bareMinerals Mineral Veil with mini flawless application brush
It also comes inside a very cute small plastic train case which is great for storage after you take out the products.