- monthly subscription or
- cancelable any time
"Tell the chef, the beer is on me."
My Birchbox order that I’d placed using my 200 bonus points arrived today. I am going to tear into the Macaroons as soon as I’m done typing this. Also very excited to receive the full sized Alima Pure blush in Antique Rosé. I’d received a sample size from Goodebox and since then, I’ve fallen in love with the brand. @alimapure @hailmerry #alimapure #blush #blusher #blushes #makeup #beauty #beautyjunkie #makeupjunkie #birchbox #subscriptionbox #food #hailmerry #gourmet #instafood #instagood #goodebox
Green Grab Bag is a monthly box of eco-friendly beauty products that costs $15/mo. This is my first box and I’m highly impressed. It seems like the box shipped from San Antonio, which is only 70 miles from where I live! :D I received the box the day after it shipped. Three cheers for lightning fast shipping.
Contents of the box:


So neatly packaged inside the brown box.

Everything unwrapped - Ta da!

Info card with details of the samples. This month’s theme is Earth Day, just like the theme of all other boxes I received!

The Gnarly Whale Thai Coconut Beach Waves (2 oz) - My hair is naturally wavy. I am not sure if I need it to be any wavier, but I’ll give this one a try, just because it includes coconut, which is my favorite! I love coconut water as a replenishment drink and coconut oil as an after shower moisturizer.

Dead Sea Warehouse Mineral Salt Face and Body Bar - I can literally smell the fresh salt. I *cannot* wait to give this one a try. Unfortunately, I already have so many other soaps that are calling out my name as well. This soap promises to be very moisturizing for dry and itchy skin.

Aimee’s Lotions ‘n’ Potions Facial Cream - I gave this cream a whirl last night and loved the fresh, natural scent and it’s moisturizing abilities. On my dry to normal skin, it didn’t feel oily even though the temperature is 75-80F. This sample size is good enough for up to two weeks, I think.

Merlot Natural 100% Grape Seed Oil - I love all kinda oils. I regularly use grape seed oil from The Grape seed Company as an eye makeup remover and facial cream. I am happy to have this backup. It has no fragrance, but I plan on adding some essentials oils to come up with my own concoction.

Colorado Aromatics Razz Tightening Cream - This is supposed to tighten your eye and jawline area. It has a spray head which dispenses just the right amount - I like. I gave it a try last night and loved the results. I could feel an immediate tightening around my eyes and jawline. I am still suspicious of its long term claims, but it does a good job of tightening the skin temporarily. I think this sample size will last me a month with regular use since I only need a tiny drop per application.

I always save the best for the last. Always.
Angelina Organic Body Butter and Sugar Scrub - I love the reusable drawstring cloth pouch these samples came in. I haven’t tried the sugar scrub yet, but it definitely smells delicious. Sasha couldn’t stop smelling them. I think he wanted to eat it. I am so happy to have the chance to finally sample chocolate body butter. Yes, it really smells like chocolate. I used it on my hands and loved the results. I am going to be very greedy about the body butter and use it sparingly.
Here’s a closer look -

OVERALL - Love it love it love it. Cannot wait for next month’s box. Do you subscribe to any eco-friendly beauty boxes?
This is the second month of a 3 month BarkBox subscription that I bought on fab.com for $49 (plus $5 off through ebates.com). Me and my dog, Sasha, were not very impressed with the box this month. One of the toys included in the box is Made in China and got easily chewed up by my dog - Luckily, he didn’t chew/choke on the small plastic pieces, but it is highly possible that he could have. The toy in question is a purple lizard that is Made in China. It’s from Safemade and is called “SafeChew Newt”. The label claims it’s “free from small parts which can cause choking and digestive blocking” and “safety tested for your whole family”, but I really doubt it. I’m very disappointed by the quality because it was advertised as pet safe, chew safe etc; but my small 14 lb puppy was able to tear off the limbs in less than 30 secs. I stopped observing him for only a minute and by the time I turned to look back at him, I noticed that several pieces of the toy were missing. My first instinct was that he’d swallowed them. I got really scared and looked down his mouth to see anything abnormal. Frantically looked around his play area and found the small plastic shreds hidden under my bean bag. I don’t even want to imagine what might have happened if he’d swallowed those pieces of hard plastic. I usually don’t discriminate against things Made in China and will continue not to do so; I have another month of BarkBox subscription remaining and would like to resubscribe again. I left a comment on their Facebook page and was asked to email them; yet to hear back. Will update this post if I do.
Moving on to the actual box -

Love the cute comic strip. It says “I Hate when I forget why I’m barking”. LOL.

Info card pullout

Contents of the box spread out

Sasha posing with his box of goodies - trying very hard to not eat his treats or play with the new toys.

Treats from Etta Says - Sasha approved

American Dog Toys Fetch & Glow (L) - These went completely unnoticed since they don’t even squeak. Sasha doesn’t like to play fetch with rubber balls unfortunately.
Safemade Lizard Chew toy (R) - So, this is the toy we had issues with. It tastes like chicken - Can I blame Sasha for wanting to eat it? No. Can I blame BarkBox for supplying an unsafe toy? Heck, yes!
Here’s the aftermath -

Two limbs and a part of the tail gone in less than 30 seconds. Please treat this as a caution tale for your dogs.

Licks Liquid Vitamin - Two single use samples and a 20% off coupon code. We’re yet to use these. Will feed Sasha these soon.
Groom Mitt Dog Wipes (10 XL - use and throw) - I like the idea behind these. They’ll come into handy when we take him on vacation to PR. I can wipe off any extra dirt and sand without giving him a full bath. I don’t like to bathe him more than once a month else his coat might get too dry.
OVERALL - The food items, the wipes and the vitamin supplements are nice. Not impressed with the toys at all. Will observe next month and decide if I want to purchase a full priced subscription. I probably won’t since I got a two month Pawalla mini box deal from Livingsocial.com. I will activate my Pawalla account once we run out of Barkbox.
**Contains referral links. Box paid with my own money.
Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service that costs only $10/month (no contract). It’s one of those rare services where almost all the items are always makeup related versus skincare. Unfortunately, I wasn’t too pleased with the items from this month’s bag.

First off - The bag they sent me was not the “Pretty in Pink” April bag.

Various discount coupons and an explanation as to how this month’s bag didn’t mean their quality expectations which is why I didn’t receive it. My question? Why did the other subscribers receive the subpar bag then? Very confusing.
Sation Nail Lacquer (0.5 oz - Of Corset I’ll Call you) - It’s a light pink shade. Way too light for my skintone. I’ve already traded this on MUT.
Big Sexy Hair Powder Play - I tried this today. My biggest fear was the white powder would show up on my black hair. Luckily, it didn’t. It gave me a small lift, but not a whole lot. The volume didn’t last for too long either…my hair was back to it’s flat state in less than an hour.
Mica Beauty Mineral Eyeshadow - For some reason, I thought this is a highlighter. In fact, I used it as a highlighter today. Haha. Anyway, I’m glad I didn’t receive the Two Cosmetics eyeshadow since a lot of other subscribers did and I’ve already received one from the Lip Factory Inc. April bag.
Be a Bombshell Blush in Beach Please - I like the shade. However, since I have so many blushes, I’m getting very picky of which ones I would like to keep in my stash. I am going to trade this off on MUT swap forum.
OVERALL - Only liked 1 out of 4 items. I might unsubscribe very soon. Next month’s bag will be my deciding point. I have too many makeup items and I’m at the point where I don’t have space to keep average products. I would like to add a second Birchbox subscription since I’m actually finding better samples through Birchbox even though they’re smaller in size. Plus, I love the Birchbox points system. I used up my points from the last 4 months to buy a full size Alima Pure Blush (still on its way…). So, Birchbox costs me way less. Do you subscribe to Birchbox or Ipsy?
My Sephora Chic Week order arrived today! Nars blushes in Outlaw and Torrid. I might end up returning Torrid since it’s much lighter than I imagined. Loving Caudelie Divine Oil on my face. Excited to try the Tarte Double Detox Face Mask (beauty insider 100 pt perk) #sephora #nars #caudalie #tartecosmetics #tarte #makeup #makeupjunkie #beautyjunkie #beauty
Daily Dose of Green is a monthly subscription service for all kinds of eco-friendly products. It costs $15 per month. I subscribed a week ago, and have already received my first box. Talk about top notch customer service! :) Overall, I am extremely pleased with the variety and quality of samples received and will continue my subscription service. I already have some favorites. I like the fact that the box is a mix of beauty, home and food products.

My box arrived today via USPS

I love the fact that they keep their packaging to a minimal, yet make the box look cute! The outer carton will go for recycling.

The theme for April is “April showers bring May flowers”. It’s all about shaking off the winter & welcoming the spring colors.

Main info card with product details

Extra product detail cards - I’m not sure why these were styled into separate mini index cards. Maybe they decided to include these products at the end moment or maybe they decided to send me a few extra products since this is my first box? Either way I’m not complaining.

Shaklee Organic Super Cleansing Concentrate - I am so impressed that this tiny bullet that I received is capable of making two full sized products - A glass cleaner spray and an all purpose spray. Yes, it’s THAT concentrated. As soon as my Dr. Bronner’s spray runs out, I am going to try this next.

Clean Well wet wipes (three) - Always wanted to try this brand! These will come in handy when we’re on vacation in May.

BerryPlus Laundry Soap (two loads) - Each bullet can be used for 1 laundry cycle. This is all natural and is made of berries that grow on trees! What an eco friendly way of washing clothes. This is also my 5th laundry soap sample I received this month. I am well stocked for the next month fo sho!

22 Days Plant Protein Chocolate Powder (1 use) - You can add it to water or milk to make a protein shake with 22 gms of protein. Pretty awesome.
Rise Breakfast bar (2 pcs) - Will be using this over the next 2 days on my way out to work =) I love granola bars!
22 Days Cherry Chocolate Bliss Energy Bar -I have never heard of this brand before. So, this is a new find for me.

Calm Massage Oil - Contains 100% pure jojoba oil and essential oils of lavender flowers, orange peel and ylang ylang petals. I am obsessed with all kinds of oils. I’m the type of person who slathers her body with coconut oil right after a shower. And I use oil on my face and hair as a pre-shampoo treatment. This oil will travel with me on my business trip next week for sure. I will need this to stay calm believe me ;-)

I saved the best for the last :)
EveOrganic Beautiful Bronzer - For lighter skin tone, this can be used as a bronzer and for darker skin tone like me, as a highlighter. While I certainly don’t mind using it as a bronzer, just once, I would like to find a bronzer that will actually show up on my skin. I have a difficult time even getting NARS Casino to show up on my face. I’m probably NC42-44 (I don’t use MAC; so I don’t know for sure).
Moody Sisters Sugar Scrub - I am so happy to have received an eco-friendly sugar scrub. I can tell you this is homemade. It’s probably just sugar, some kinda oil (maybe jojoba?) and lots of peppermint essential oil. It has a dry consistency and needs some water during application.
OVERALL - Love this box! Totally worth the $15 price tag. Do you subscribe to Daily Dose of Green?
** Contains referral links. Paid for the box using my own money.
“ Since when did it become okay to blow up innocent civilians? We owe it to humanity to stop such hate crime. This is a vicious cycle and we don’t need this. A kills B, B kills C, C kills D…when will this end? ”
My birchbox home box arrived today! @birchbox #birchbox #birchboxhome
Wowsa!
I got to know about The Honest Company from various blogs I follow. They provide monthly essentials pack of two types - Family Essentials (bath & body and household cleaning items) and Baby Essentials. I decided to buy a free trial of Family Essentials pack. I only had to pay $5.95 for S&H. If I don’t call back to cancel my membership within 5 days of receiving the package, I’ll be automatically enrolled in a monthly essentials subscription service. The Family Essentials bundle costs $35.95 a month (includes five full sized items) and the Baby Essentials bundle costs $79.95 a month. Learn more here.
I got the free trial service just to try out the products. I don’t intend on subscribing to their service on a monthly expensive. For one, I don’t have babies. Two, I don’t think I need to spend $35.95 a month on household cleaning supplies…I use Dr. Bronner’s for almost all cleaning needs. And I have WAY too much of body care items anyway.
COUPON CODE - Use coupon code INVITED10 to save $10 off your first box.
Moving on to the pics and contents -

Very pretty packaging!

Box inside the main box

Five trial sized products - pretty neat!

Honest Shampoo & Body Wash (1 oz) - Haven’t used it yet, but will give it a try as a body wash. I’m very picky when it comes to shampoo.

Honest Laundry Detergent (single use) - Yay! more laundry soap.

Honest Healing Balm (1 oz) - I love this stuff. It’s extremely moisturizing, but has a weird smell. I’ll use it as a hand cream since I have the driest hands in the entire world.

Honest Face & Body Lotion (1oz) - I like it since it’s of medium thick consistency and I don’t have to use a lot to moisturize my body. Just for reference, I have dry skin. I don’t think I’ll use it for my face, but it’s good enough as a body lotion. It’s fragrance free as well.

Honest Hand Soap (1 oz) - I’ll use this the next time I need to refill one of my hand soap bottles. Has a very soothing, faint scent.
OVERALL - So far, I’m liking all their products.FYI - You can also buy add on items in addition to the monthly bundle in case you need more than five products. You can also place an order without becoming a monthly subscriber. I’ll probably place one off orders for some things that caught my fancy (Oxy boost for dishwasher, bug spray, laundry pods), but don’t think I’ll be subscribing on a monthly basis.
** Post contains a referral link
This is my first Conscious Box. I ordered it last month when there was a special promo running where you could order a box for only $1 (incl. shipping). While the stuff that I received is great considering I paid only $1 for it, the regular price of the box is $19.95 a month and if I would have paid the regular price, I wouldn’t have been a happy camper. What I received is a BUNCH of foil packets…some, which I can’t even use!
COUPON CODE - Use coupon code EARTHMONTH to save 50% off any subscription!
Moving on to the pics -

Very pretty packaging! The pic of the Earth in the middle of the box is actually the front side of a pull out post card.

Lots of good info on the main box!

Welcome card with information on how to observe Earth Day. I’m not sure how buying conventional apples instead of organic will help? I always prefer organic apples since I know they’ll be non-GMO etc.


Contents of the box at first glance

Everything spread out

Let’s talk about the non-foil packet samples first!
Safonique Lavender Sea Laundry Detergent (2 loads) - Very exciting! I love laundry soap.
Peter Rabbit Organics Banana and Apple 100% Pure Fruit Snack (1 time use) - This is aimed at kids (think lunch boxes), not me. I don’t really enjoyed mashed up fruits, but will eat this just to get rid of it.
Lafes Deodorant Stick (2.25 oz) - The most exciting product in the box from my perspective. I am very much into natural deos and have wanted to use a crystal stick deo since ages. Will use this as soon as my current Jason Deo runs out.

Sappo Hill Glycerine Creme Soap (guest room size) - Will use since it’s vegan and hand crafted.
Seventh Generation Mandarin Refreshing Facial Cleansing Cloth (1 facial cloth) - Will use! Just wish they had provided some more.
There’s also a coupon to save $1.50 when you purchase any seventh generation product - This I will use since there are several Seventh Generation products I’ve been eyeing. I just don’t ever get around to buying them since I use Dr. Bronner’s for almost all of my household needs.
Totlogic Body Lotion (7 ml/0.24 fl oz) - Will use even though it’s meant for tots. The parent company also owns “BarkLogic” that makes lots of dog products. I would have much preferred to receive a dog product versus a baby product since I don’t even have human kids (my dog is my kid).

Last batch of samples I really don’t care about much…
Spirulina Natural Dietary Supplement ( 6 tablets - good enough for 1 use): I ate these since I’m currently on a diet. This packet didn’t provide any instructions on how to eat them. I just chewed on to a tablet - I wouldn’t advise you to do this else your entire mouth will turn a bright shade of green. Had to vigorously brush for 10 minutes to get rid of the color!
Q Speed 100 mg Fast Melt Coenzyme Q10 - I have no idea what this is since I don’t take these types of supplements ever.
100% All Natural Whey Protein (1 use) - I will use this with almond milk! I love whey protein.
Celestial 100% natural tea (2 packets of green tea, contains caffeine) - I don’t drink herbal tea. This will go to my husband who’s an avid tea drinker.
Nurturme Plump Peas Dried Organic Baby food (single use pouch) - Again, I have no babies. Why would a box send baby food without knowing if I have a toddler at home?! FAIL.
Organic Protein Food Bar Chocolate (small snack size) - This was tasty!
Omega 3+D Squeeze in Tropical Orange (Single serving) - This contains fish oil and I cannot eat it since I’m vegetarian. Fail.
OVERALL - I am going to be unsubscribing on Monday. From what I read on Makeuptalk.com forums, a lot of subscribers have had issues unsubscribing…Oh well. I just cannot afford to pay $20 a month on foil packets. I would have preferred to receive fewer, larger sized items. Plus, a box that decided for me that I have babies and that it’s okay to send me Omega 3+D containing fish oil is not something I can subscribe to. There are many other eco-friendly boxes out there that are much more appealing!
** Post contains referral link
My Birchbox came in a day early. This month’s box was curated in partnership with Women’s Health. Most people would be very happy with the box I received…me, not as much.
Here’s a peak inside my box -


Inside my box - 4 main items and a lifestyle extra.

Contents of the box laid out

Info card with content details

Caudalíe Huile Divine Oil - Tried it at night after cleansing my face. It’s a dry oil with an amazing fragrance. I think I used a little too much, but it still didn’t make my face oily. My skin absorbed it right away! This small sample is probably go to use for 5-7 uses.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave in Conditioner - Meh. Have too many hair products from other boxes.

Hail Merry Macaroons (Chocolate) 2 pcs - This is the lifestyle extra. LOVED IT. I gobbled up both pieces in less than a minute. I actually had 200 points lying in my account - I used all my points to buy a full size Alima Pure Blush ($20) and a bag of Hail Merry Macaroons in Strawberry ($5 for a full size bag). I received Alima Pure Blush and Eyeshadow samples in my Goodebox, and since then I’ve fallen in love with the brand. Can’t wait for both my items to arrive.

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick (full size) in the shade 07 - Quick Kiss. It’s a bright Orangey-Red Cheek and Lip stain. The container is made of plastic (just like NYX jumbo pencils). Even though I’m not sure how I’m going to sharpen this thing, I’m not too worried about it since I don’t see myself using this shade ever. It’s just way too bright for me. I swatched it on the back of my palm and I can see this working well as a cheek stain. I’ll give it a try. I’m sad that this was supposed to be the big ticket item in my box and I am just not excited about it. Wish it were in a different shade…The same thing happened to me with my Lip Factory Inc. box and I ended up canceling it.

Supergoop Eye cream - Tiny 2 ml sample. Whatever. Not that into eye creams, but will use it since it came in the box.

Free 1 yr subscription to Women’s Health Magazine - I used to receive this magazine last year through some kind of a free Ulta promo offer. I’ll subscribe because it’s free!
Overall - OK types box. My last box was pretty awesome, but I’m yet to get a single box where I’m excited about every single item I receive. With Birchbox, that’s not possible I guess since they have so many box variations (another thing I don’t like since I look at spoilers on Instagram and start getting jealous). Technically, this box costs me only $5 per month since I can write reviews and earn 50 points ($5) every month. For $5, this box is good. However, since I have SO MANY boxes I subscribe to (Ipsy, Goodebox, Eco-Emi, Green Grab Bag, Daily Dose of Green…), I’m not sure if I can justify Birchbox anymore. Decisions, decisions.
**Post contains a referral link
So, I finally bought into the Julep craze and treated myself to a free starter box of Julep nail paints (Use coupon: FREEBOX). I had to pay $3.99 for S&H. I received two nail polishes, a full size foot scrub and a sample size hand scrub. Pictures below.




This is the shade I’m wearing on my toes currently.

Overall - I like the texture of the nail paints. They are pretty opaque w/ just a single coat and are very fast drying. However, I am not THAT into nail polishes and receive quite a few in my subscription boxes. So, I’ll be canceling Julep. The only reason I subscribed was because I got tempted by the free box offer. This is a great subscription service for those who love nail polishes.
Lip Factory Inc. is a monthly subscription box for $22 that promises to bring you deluxe or full sized makeup items. Every 4 months, they have a “lips products only” box (March box was supposedly a “lips products only” box). I love my first box. Lots of makeup stuff.

Six full size items from what I can tell and one foil sample - Pretty awesome!

Info card with details on the contents of April 2013 box.


29 Cosmetics Mascara - 0.28 FL. OZ/8 ml - FULL SIZE! Retails for $26.00. I definitely would love to use this..after I get through the 10 others that I have open right now.


Lisi Line & Define Automatic Eye liner pencil in the color Tsunami 0.0074 oz/0.21 gms - It’s a deep purple/black. Love this color! Think it retails for around $5-6.

LA Splash nail polish (10 ml) shade Aqua Fusion - Very pretty color, but it won’t suit my medium to dark skin tone. I’m going to give this one a pass. Retails for $3.99.

SweetPea and Fay J’Adore Les Lèvres Liquid Lipstick in “Mermaid Kiss” (0.35 oz/10g) - $7.99. This is my favorite item in the box. It’s eco-friendly and the shade is very pretty. I am going to start using this ASAP.


Two Cosmetics Duo Eyeshadow in the shade “Dancing Machine” (0.04 oz/1.14 gm) - Retails for $6.99. I like the shade, but I’m just not a big eyeshadow person. Two Cosmetics donates one piece to charity for every piece you buy.


Ofra Cosmetics Lip Gloss in the shade “Bordeaux” - Retails for $12.95. Love the deep mauve shade. I am definitely going to use it!

MD Formulations Facial Cleanser (3 ml/0.1 oz) - I am a sucker for facial cleanser. Love it!
Overall - I really LOVE the box and think it’s an excellent value. Received approx. $62 worth of products for $22. However, I am not sure if I need so many full sized makeup items per month. I can’t imagine what my bathroom will look like if this continues month after month.
My first Goodebox and I like it quite a bit, thanks to the amazing number of makeup items I received! In case you’re a new reader, you’ll soon learn how much I adore all kinds of makeup. The box costs $16/mo and is an eco friendly box containing beauty, lifestyle, and household samples mainly.

What a pretty shade of pink that bow is.

Front portion of the info card - Items I received were checked off with a pencil (how nice!)

Back side of the info card

When I opened the box, I went “Whaaaat? That’s it?! Where’s all my stuff?”…soon realized the small translucent envelope has four small jars. See, I really wanted to like this box more than Eco-Emi.

Here’s what was in the white envelope - Three beautiful shades of eyeshadow and a blush from Alima pure. I like the eyeshadows - They are nudist shades that I can use daily. The blush is nice too, but it didn’t swatch very well on my skin tone.

Three shades of eyeshadow —
a. Java (Satin Matte)
b. Freja (Luminous Shimmer blush)
c. Cappuccino (Pearluster finish)
d. Glow (Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow)

The topmost swatch is of the blush and the next three are eyeshadows. Last swatch is of the lip balm.

Rest of the contents of the box -
Bonus item: Bamboo handled eyeshadow applicators - I used them for my swatches. It’ll be difficult to clean these out. Probably use and throw.

Savon Du Bois Rose-Geranium Guest Bar - Thin sliver of pretty amazingly smelling soap. This is the 3rd soap I’ve received this month - Glossybox and Eco-Emi both sent me 1 each. I’m pretty well stocked up now for at least two months!

Yarok Feed Your Do - Styling Whip for your hair: Not sure how much I’m going to be using this, but it smells quite nice.
Alima Pure Nourishing Lip Balm - Pretty bronze/brown color. I like it.
Overall: I cant really tell how much my box is worth because the samples are small and don’t have any size labels, but the makeup items are a big plus. I saw lots of pics of the Feb box and I have to tell I like last month’s box much much more — Unfortunately I registered late Feb and by then it was too late to receive the Feb box. I’ll continue this box for the next month and then decide if I would like to stay subscribed.
"Tell the chef, the beer is on me."
"Basically the price of a night on the town!"
"I'd love to help kickstart continued development! And 0 EUR/month really does make fiscal sense too...