Ultimate Subscription Box Tag

There is a subscription box for practically everything now, right? I've tried at least a dozen different ones for different interests and causes. But sometimes the products you get aren't so great. And sometimes that idea of getting disappointed in a sub box is enough to keep you from even trying it.

But it planted an idea, a game I play with myself, where I'd imagine what would be in the ultimate subscription box. After getting another disappointing Ipsy bag (I only share them on my Snapchat now), I decided to bring that idea I've been playing around with the past couple of years and make it into a post.

Even better--a tag! And I'm TAGGING YOU! If you could create your own subscription box, what would be in it? Would it be lifestyle, like FabFitFun or PopSugar? Maybe jewelry or shoes? Travel? Something for kids? Moms? Knitting? A foodie box? EVERYONE can do this tag! I expect to see it on your blog or YouTube or social media. Will you join me?

Mine? Obviously beauty. ;) I decided to go with a luxury beauty box--items that you wouldn't normally get for yourself since they're so pricey. I picked 5, full-size items (many boxes do samples) of my favorite things:

Pastel Scented Polishes--Ok, these aren't luxury items, but they don't exist anymore! A few years ago, revlon came out with this macaron-inspired collection and they nailed it. The formula was great, the scents were yummy (lemon, sugar, apricot, strawberry, mint), and the colors were pretty. In my box these would exist somehow--any brand would make them.

NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick--I call this my Little Black Dress lipstick because it's a classic nude, can be dressed up or down (wear as is, add gloss, etc.) and it can transform the shade of those glosses that just don't work right with your skin tone.

Lancome Grandiose Mascara--I am a drugstore mascara girl, but this one is so, so good. Usually mascara wands can be kind of gimmicky, but the swan neck, short plastic bristles, and smaller wand make this stand out.

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone--As a highlighter fanatic, I've nearly tried them all. This one remains a top contender. Not as white as the shade Pearl, but not as pinky-copper as Champagne Pop, Moonstone gives the perfect golden glow. It can be worn by so many skin tones. The powder form can be worn under, mixed in, or on top of makeup. Looks great in photos, too.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation--One of my ultimate splurges, this foundation is what makes my skin look perfect in pics. And it gives nice coverage too, for a dry skin foundation--check out the video below for proof: I was dealing with two massive pimples and redness from my eye wrinkle laser treatment and you can't tell. Oily skin--I would put Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in the box.

And here's the video where I go into lots more detail:

https://youtu.be/SSrCjpqn_WM

I'm tagging YOU--what would be in YOUR box?

Extra Elle: 

I am asking for feedback on my video. I put hours into these and would love you to check out my personality on camera. Please watch and let me know how I can do better! If you've never watched my videos, try this one.

Ipsy: May Glam Bag

As another month speeds by, it's time for another Ipsy bag! The theme for this month is Fresh Picks! Let's see what I got:

-Bag with plant design on one side, green on the other

-Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Moonbeam and Unicorn

• Coconut-infused mineral eye shadows, packaged in a beautiful travel-ready recyclable container, these exclusive duos are customized just for ipsy! These shades can be found in the Pacifica Mystical and Charmed Palette. Smooth application with gorgeous color pay-off. I'll be passing these on since I don't care for the colors.

-Endless Euphoria by Calvin Klein

• Calvin Klein translates the provocative fantasy of the iconic euphoria fragrance into a sunlit daydream filled with cherry blossoms and an air of sheer sensuality. I didn't care for this, as it gave me a headache, but will pass it on.

-Sans Tan Anti-Aging Sunscreen

• The Jersey Shore Sun® Sans Tan Anti-aging Sunscreen contains non-nano, anti-aging, certified organic ingredients, including vitamin E (non-GMO) & vitamin D3 which can be deficient in individuals avoiding the sun. SPF 35 provides broad spectrum protection which prevents premature aging and helps to prevent health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. Top rated & recommended for safety, stability and excellent UVA protection, by The Environmental Working Group. This practically free from everything, and it worked. Just be sure to shake it up before using.

-Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Masque

• Conditions, repairs and strengthens dry and damaged hair. Argan Oil nourishes and revitalizes, while Keravis Protein drastically increases hair’s strength and elasticity. The results are hydrated, soft and manageable hair. I have seen but have never tried this brand before. I liked it and would like to try more of their products. Smells so good.

-Avène Thermal Spring Water 

• The only thermal spring water bottled directly from the source and packaged in a sterile environment to guarantee purity and maximum skin benefits. Its unique composition is proven to soothe inflammation, itching, redness, general sensitivity and post-medical and aesthetic procedure irritation as it softens, protects and purifies the skin. So far, it seems like fancy water to me, but I will use this at the beach!

-Bonus Item: Bare Minerals Lipstick in Strike It Up

• I used up my Ipsy points to get this. It's a beautiful coral (imagine that...me with a coral lip! ha). I have a big Bare Minerals review coming in a couple of weeks, so styayed tuend for that!

Bare Minerals Strike It Up, Pacifica Eye Shadow Duo

Want to join Ipsy? It's only $10 a month! Click my code here to join.

What did you get this month in your bag or box?

PS: $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

Ask Elle: Best of Beauty Boxes

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Do you have any monthly subscription boxes? I've tried out several, and I get asked this question fairly often, especially since it's a new year. Today I'm sharing favorites. Enjoy.

Birchbox--This was the first sub I ever had and I was a member for a year!

• High-end beauty and lifestyle samples
• $10 month ($20 for men)
• Questionnaire profile
• Samples and full-size
• Point system to redeem on items in the shop or you can purchase them as well
• Best For: Fans of and occasional makeup users; you get to try high-end products you might not have been exposed to otherwise
•  I received mostly skincare samples, even after changing my profile, so I didn't like all of my boxes. However, most people are huge fans
• Similar sub I'd like to try: Glossybox

Wantable--Features subscriptions for makeup, intimate apparel, and accessories

• The best in beauty, curated by an industry insider
• $36 month ($40 one-time purchase)
• Very detailed questionnaire--the best I've ever tried. You never have to worry about getting something you don't want!
• 4-5 full-sized products hand-picked to match your preferences
• Best For: Beauty fanatics, especially beauty professionals, who want exclusive products
• I really loved this box and was exposed to products I had not used before

Beauty Box 5--Makeup, hair care, skin care, nail care, fragrances and beauty accessories

• 5 beauty samples--deluxe, travel, full-sized
• $12 monthly with additional quarterly and yearly plans
• Discounts on brands featured
• Mixture of luxury, commonly known brands, niche brands, eco-conscious and even vegan brands
• Best For: Beauty fans and beginners
• I really liked this box and found it similar to Ipsy.

PopSugar Must Have Box--Hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food

• Full-size products and premium items
• $39.95 a month
• Best For: Those who want a little of everything. It's not a beauty box, but has something for everyone, so I had to include it!
• My favorite "everything" box.
• Similar sub I'd like to try: Fit, Fab, Fun

Ipsy--The longest sub I've had, since 2011!

• Full-size and deluxe beauty samples in a themed bag
• $10 month
• Questionnaire
• Active online community (for example, members will swap items)
• Discount on brands featured
• Point system with gifts offered at different point amounts
• Best For: Makeup fans

So those are some of my fave sub boxes.

What are yours?

PS: GIVEAWAYS for YOU!

To thank you for supporting my blog, I have two giveaways I'd love for you to enter:

• Neutrogena for the New Year (FOUR WINNERS)--ends 1-11
• Naked 3 Palette--ends 1-16

IPSY Glam Bag for September (Video)

I can't believe October is nearly here AND that I'm finally feeling better enough to make a video. Yay all around! The videos you saw last week were from the beginning of the month. Anyway, I'm here to share what I received in my Ipsy Bag for September. Check it out:

• Classic Beauty was the theme this month. Does this bag make you think that? I think the products reflect the concept more than the bag.
• Skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Pads--Pop these under your eyes for cooling relief and to lessen those bags.

• Elizabeth Mott It's So Big Volumizing Mascara--If you have thinner lashes, give this a try.
• J. Cat Beauty Lipstick--I received a nude shade.
• Starlooks Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil--A dark pencil liner for smokey eyes.
• NYX Single Eye Shadow--I received this in Charcoal. Another great for smokey eyes.
• Paper Sample of EM Cosmetics--Threw this out on accident, but I already own other shadows from this line and have reviewed them.

{swatches of shadow, lipstick, liner}

To see what I thought of each product, 

check out this 2 minute video from my Youtube Channel (are you a subscriber?)

{still from video}

• If you're interested in joining Ipsy for $10 a month, please click here. Thank you!

Check Out: Wantable Box Review (Plus Video!)

I'm Guest Blogging while the lovely Jillian is in Italy (lucky!) over at Cornflake Dreams. Stop by!

Snapshot of my Wantable Video Review

If you've read this blog any length of time, you know I am drawn to a monthly sub box. I was naturally very excited when I was contacted by Wantable to review their makeup box. Not a beauty fan? Don't worry--they have one for accessories, too! All you have to decide is Baubles or Beauty! Check 'em out:

Price:

• $36/monthly or $40 per box
• 4-6 full-sized products from unique, specialty, premium brands
• Ships Internationally--check the site to see if your country is listed!
• They also have an Accessories box. And a newly-launched Intimates Box.

Profile Questionnaire:

• For almost all monthly sub boxes I've tried, I had to fill out a questionnaire in a means to cater the contents inside to fit my likes. Usually, this works so-so. But with Wantable, it is thorough, but very quick to fill out, using a sliding scale of Love-Like-Hate it.
• For example, say you clicked that you liked eye shadow. You're then asked what type of shadows you prefer, like matte, shimmer, loose, glitter, etc. It does this for all of the beauty products. I loved this!!

Product Quality:

• 4-6 full-sized products
• High-end brands that I've never mostly never tried, which is a cool way to discover new products!
• Each box is valued between $80-$100
• Not pleased with a box? Send it back for a refund--NO QUESTIONS ASKED

What I Received:

This month's box was curated by Jordon Liberty of Give Good Face.

I'm a huge fan of his, so I knew I could trust his opinion!

• Lisse Watier Light Up Lip Gloss
• Japonesque Travel Smudge Brush
• Mia Bellezza Matte Shadow in Soft Peach 
• LAQA & Co. Polish in Nookie
• Michael Marcus Kohl Cake Liner
• Extra: Lisse Watier Cream Shimmer Shadows in Peach and Sage
• PLUS a guide with product info, prices, tips, and tricks--LOVE THIS!

Swatches:

 Top coat is either Happy Birthday or Light It Up

Lisse Watier Lip Gloss

My Review & Overall Opinion of Wantable:

Check out the video above to see more about each product and my opinions.
I loved this box!

Ipsy Glam Bag: August (PLUS VIDEO)

It's time for another Ipsy Glam Bag review! It was all about the Glamour Academy this month. Let's see what I got:

Mica Cosmetics pigment in Bronze

-Great for blue eyes, and gives a foiled effect

Noya Vanilla Lip Balm

-It's kosher, organic, and well...it's a lip balm

Michael Todd Organic Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

-A black masque that's great for oily skin.

Chella Brow Pencil in Brown

-Works well, but I usually skip filling in my brows

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

-Didn't like it. Looked like I had nothing on. Very natural effect.

And here's a more in-depth video. Enjoy!

PS: If you're interested in Ipsy (it's only $10/month) please click my link.

Ipsy Glam Bag: JULY (Video!)

I am finally posting what I got in my Ipsy Glam Bag for July! The theme was "Beach Beauty." Let's check it out:

• POP's Pouty Pop Crayon nourishes, treats, and adds that perfectly-plumped pop to lips. These extra-nourishing balms gently bounce onto lips creating a plumped & pillowy pout leaving them with luscious, long-lasting color with a super-smooth texture. I got Coral Crush and love it.
• This BH Cosmetics palette includes a shade from each of the California Collection palettes: Hollywood, San Francisco, and Malibu. Chalky with some pigmentation.

• Coola Organic Sunscreen: Keep the sun and environment at bay with this SPF 20 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen; a clear, Titanium Dioxide based formula (for those who are Zinc sensitive) made with 98% natural ingredients. This sunscreen is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, ultra sheer, anti-aging, and water resistant for 40 minutes. 
• Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Hairspray: A high-performance humidity resistant spray that combats frizz by providing a protective barrier against moisture. Weather Proof promises to leave your hairstyles intact, removing any chance of humidity attacking mishaps. Didn't work for me.
• Nailtini is making sure your toes are nothing less than intoxicating this summer with our seasonal fave shade, Mai Tai. This rich creamy tangerine sunrise is the perfect complement to sandals and sun-kissed skin. 

Check out my review for each product in my video below:

PS: Wanna sub to Ipsy? Then please click my code!

Ipsy Glam Bag: May (Bonus Video)

Who doesn't love getting something other than bills in the mail? I especially love a package full of beauty products to play with. Today I'm sharing my Ipsy Glam bag for May. The theme is "Spring Fling" and let's check out what I received (video at the end):

• Chevron print bag--CUTE! It's turquoise and orange, but the photo is reading blue
• Urban Decay Moon Dust Shadow in Space Cowboy--This was an extra sent to some members. It's so dang sparkly. I'm turning it into a polish.

• Pacifica Roll-On Perfume in Island Vanilla--A light vanilla perfume, perfect for your purse.
• Yaby Concealer in Buff--Nice, creamy concealer, and once the container is empty, I can reuse it for concealer or lipstick samples.
• Anastasia Clear Brow Gel--This is the best of the best!
• Mirabella Lipstick in Posy--A pretty, soft red that's buildable.
• Zoya Polish in Gie Gie--A soft, pretty shimmery pink that's perfect for spring and summer.

Interested? Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-h050fba0slgrqh6



If I look a little rough, it's because of some issues I've been dealing with on Instagram concerning my last giveaway. I want to thank all of you who said the sweetest things and spoke up for me. I consider myself to be nice, fair, and shy. I'm not one to rock the boat, and am a people-pleaser, but when I felt like my integrity was being questioned, I couldn't take it. I'm truly touched, so thank you. :)

Wearing all the products shown, minus the bag! ;)

Ipsy Bag: March

I've got two posts today, so be sure to check back! In the meantime, enjoy my review of this month's Ipsy bag! The theme of this month's bag is The Great Escape, which I think is something we could all use right about now. Amiright? Come escape with me, and let's check out some beauty products:

• Nautical bag--This bag is so cute! My Lil Sis has already claimed this as hers!
• La Fresh® Travel Lite® portable towlette wipes--small in size, carry-on friendly and slim enough to slip into a pocket, purse or wallet. Travel Lite™ personal amenities are made in with clean renewable solar energy! These makeup remover wipes feature biodegradable and compostable materials. Did an ok job of removing makeup
• Yaby Shadows--Can be used wet or dry and the smooth texture allows blending with ease. All shadows are vegan friendly and the pans are reusable for mixing. Tiny samples, but great shadows
• Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist--tones, hydrates, and refreshes your face and hair with the refreshing blends of organic juices for a fresh, radiant complexion. Strong scent and made me break out--but will retry once I am no longer sick.
• The GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette--made exclusively for ipsy Glam Bag subscribers. The magnetic base is the perfect spot to store pan-only eyeshadows, blushes & bronzers. Great idea for travel! I store bobby pins in mine, too!

Overall: Not my favorite bag, but I've used everything in it! 

Share your reviews to your sub boxes/bags/etc. below!

Ipsy Bag: February

This week is whizzing by for me! Let's hope the rest of this week does, too. So last night I attended my first blogger event. Let's just say I'm so awkward! But something I'm not awkward about? Sharing products with you! All this week! Today is the latest Ipsy bag. For $10/month, I receive deluxe and full-sized beauty products. I've been subscribing over a year. Here's what was in February's bag:

• The theme was Red Carpet Ready! The bag is similar to black patent leather, with a silky-red lining.
• POP Beauty Smokey Lash Kapow Mascara--Promises to be smudge-proof with volume that curls the lashes. Three coats are recommended. This mascara wasn't bad, but it was a little clumpy.
• Coastal Scents Shadow Palette--I received the yellow-gold quad below. This is the second time I've received CS in a bag, but in a different color. I didn't like these shades on me, but I like and already own an 88 palette from them.

• Lash Card--If you have an issue getting mascara on your upper lid or on your face, you'll love these. I've been using the cards that fall out of magazines for years for that purpose, but these are tailor-made for eyes. I like these better as catching fall-out from shadows instead.

• Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer--This is a thinner consistency than the usual silicone-based primers I've received in the past. I didn't see a huge difference in flaws and pores disappearing, but it made my makeup/shadow last. Includes ingredients such as Willow Bark for natural shine control, Salicylic Acid to clear and unblock pores, Shea Butter to nourish the skin, Titanium Dioxide protects the skin's surface, and medicinal & anti-viral  Enantia Chlorantha bark.
• Mica Beauty Eye Gel--A great, black, smooth, smudge-proof liner. Tip: store upside to prevent from drying out!

• Overall, I'd give this bag a B. I was pleased with the performance of the products.

If you subscribe to a box, please leave your links to your reviews below!

Popsugar Must Have Box: January

I'm back again for my monthly Popsugar Must Have Box! For $35/month, a big box of hand-selected goodies that are premium and full-sized is sent to your door. This was a birthday gift and I've enjoyed every month so far. Let's check out what I got this month:

• FITNESS: Merrithew Stability Ball--Ah yes, this came last week as I failed my The 52 Project challenge. I've not used it yet, and if you use one, please let me know what you think.
• FASHION: Remix Timebomb Watch--These come in a variety of colors and are easy to clean, plus there's a secret button that makes the watch light up like a disco. It's a huge watch, but cute. And you can find me in the dark!
• BEAUTY: Epicuren Discovery Lip Balm--The lip balm has SPF 15 and soothing tea tree oil and aloe vera. This is the second, albeit much different, lip balm I've received, and I can't stand touching stuff in a tin. It just makes me less likely to use it. The tea tree oil is great but burns around my lips.

• FOOD: Popbar Chocolate on a Stick--These are cute, delicious, and I received milk and dark chocolate ones. I actually used to make these for Christmas and shared the post here.
• FOOD: Jet-Puffed Vanilla Mallow Bits--A perfect accompaniment for hot chocolate. These are like the marshmallows in cereal and you can add as MANY AS YOU WANT. Or eat from the box. Just sayin'.

• EXTRAS: Think Think Bars--These are delicious and came in peanut butter, crunch caramel, and chocolate coconut, with the latter being my favorite.
• EXTRAS: $15 off Casetagram--make a case for your Iphone/Ipad from your Instagram photos.

What new treats and products have you been loving lately?

Ipsy Bag: January

Ipsy is a monthly subscription service, that for $10 a month, gives you a bag full of beauty products. I've been a subscriber for over a year now and look forward to each month, and this month was no exception. Let's check out my bag for January:

bag's inside + nailtini polish in frappe

• The theme for this month is Super Stars! The navy bag looks like a small toiletries bag with cute stars inside. Also included were coupon codes for each product listed below. I suppose in order to become a more interactive site, Ipsy no longer includes the information card, and I miss that. I also miss reading about the monthly bag's theme. Instead, I have to visit the site to read more about each product and I see really nothing about the theme.

fave product from the bag + nailtini polish in frappe

• Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Mini Body Butter--If you're a regular ElleSees blog reader, you already know I love body butters and make my own. I was delighted to receive a scent that I didn't own. This stuff smells so good and is super moisturizing! It's a strong blood orange scent (highlighted with raspberry and mandarin, but didn't give me a headache.  It's vegan, paraben, and gluten free. LOVE it.
• Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil--The benefits of this are endless--it is wonderful for hair but my hair doesn't like it! Instead I use to moisturize my face and cuticles. It's gentle for all skin types.
• Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Frappe--In November, I received a glitter Nailtini polish, so I was excited to see this one. The other color choice was Bloody Mary, but I like the milky light pink of Frappe. Naturally, it takes a couple of coats to achieve the desired color, and the pictures  of my painted nails do it justice. This is a great everyday, office, wedding, French mani, color. 3-free.
• Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray--If you haven't tried this hairspray, you're missing out. I only use it on my roots, and those with fine hair will love it most.
• SOHO “Get a Grip” Concealer Brush--3 brushes were offered this month, and this was the one I was sent. I received a smudge brush back in September, and was pleased with it. I am pleased with the concealer brush because I didn't own one! This brush helps to hide flaws and circles.

via ipsy.com

If you subscribe to a monthly box of any kind, 

please leave a link to your review below, and I'll check it out!

Ipsy Bag: December

It's the end of my first year subscription to Ipsy (formerly MyGlam). It's been kinda interesting seeing this company's ups and hiccups through its first year. I've enjoyed the growing community, as well as the videos that show how to use each product. December's bag is themed Happy Haute Holidays, hearkened back to the last year's first bag, and had several repeating brands from bags past (3 brands in this bag were also in last December's bag). Each brand mentioned has a discount with it as well, should I desire to purchase more. Everything is full-sized this month. Here's what's in the bag:

• Silver silk zip bag--A cute little makeup bag
• NYX loose pearl shadow--This loose pigment is so gorgeous and wonderful for the holidays. My sister, my mom, and I wore it this past weekend at my sister's wedding. While pigments can be messy, they are a versatile product. I can wet the pigment for a more intense look (it's intense already), use as an eyeliner, and even turn it into a polish! NYX has been featured a couple of times on Ipsy, but that's fine with me, as I am a huge NYX fan.
• Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner--This is my favorite Kohl eyeliner pencil, so I was thrilled to received this black liner. UD was in the first Ipsy bag. 
• Mai Couture Highlight Paper--Another brand featured in the first bag. Last year, I received the blotting papers and a sample of the highlight paper. Simply wipe a sheet onto the areas you'd like highlighted. A great travel product.
• Mirabella Primer--This brand was in September's bag. This primer has silicone, allowing shadow and foundation a smooth base, and the primer is thinner than Smashbox's. This is perfect for travel as well.
• Be a Bombshell Lipgloss--A red lipgloss is a great alternative to red lipstick, which can be daunting and austere. The gloss is moisturizing and has decent staying power. This brand was featured in October's Ipsy bag.

Share your monthly subscription box/bag/etc links below!

Myglam/Ipsy Bag for November!

Well, hey! How's your week going so far? I'm doing all right--I've got a short work week, plus next week will be short. We're so close to the holidays and all the gatherings, excitement, and parties. Ok, I like the dressing up and idea of the party than the actual parties themselves. Speaking of parties, today I'm sharing November's Ipsy bag! The theme is Party Perfect, so let's check out what's inside:

• Brown Bag--This small clutch is of satin material and not anything fancy, but I always reuse the clutches.

Nailtini polish...gold glitter with green glitter

Unusual but I like it for the holidays

Starlet Cosmetics Intense Eyeliner in Black

Good for smudging and stay power, but not as smooth as kohl.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Lipgloss

Very pretty and wearable sparkly cranberry color

Not as dark as pictured on lips

The Balm Meet Matte Shadow in Matt Batali

I didn't have this shade! And I love a matte shadow.

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel, The Balm Shadow, Starlet Intense Shadow

aka me trying to look "smoldering" like you fancy, real bloggers ;)

• All in all I was happy with this month's bag. While I don't use brow gel, I'm keeping it for my travel bag. I'm loving all the products this month, especially those I wouldn't normally pick up for myself.
• I like how Ipsy is varying the bags--while I got brow gel, others got mascara.

Send me your links to YOUR monthly subscriptions!