Nicely Noted August Review

I reviewed Nicely Noted back in February, and to my delight I received another package of cards this month!  They send a set of three letterpress cards to your door on a monthly basis for only $20.  This also includes matching envelopes and three stamps, so you have everything you need to send someone a beautiful, handwritten note.

The theme for August was "Shine," an aptly-titled collection to reflect the last days of summer.  In this electronic age, I think it's important to remember that handwritten communication is still a great way to stay in touch; it's so much more personal than a text message.  I love that Nicely Noted sends out such gorgeous cards, all of which are curated to match the month's theme.  They also come in little slipcovers so you can keep them in pristine shape until you decide to send them.

This month's cards were Thanks a Million by Hammerpress of Kansas City, Missouri; Shine Bright by Bench Pressed of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Waves by Hable Construction in Brooklyn, New York.  I love how vibrant they all are!  I also liked that they're all blank on the inside, so you can write exactly what you want to say.  I've always made my own cards for birthdays and other occasions because I've found that looking for the right card at the store is too frustrating--they all have cheesy, mass-produced messages on the inside.

• Visit Nicely Noted to view their past collections and subscribe
• Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: Make someone's day brighter by sending them a card from Nicely Noted!  I haven't met a single person who didn't love getting mail, and Nicely Noted makes it easy to have a card ready for any occasion.

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Nicely Noted.  No monetary compensation was received.

Rozgé Cosmeceutical Lip Gloss Review & Coupon

Have you ever heard of using dragon's blood as an ingredient in cosmetics?  I hadn't, but then I was offered the chance to review Rozgé Cosmeceutical's lip glosses, which boast it as one of their ingredients.  Obviously it's not actually the blood of a mythical creature, but I was interested to learn that dragon's blood is a tree sap from the Amazonian rainforest that's harvested for its healing powers.

The Rozgé Lip Gloss is vegan and made from natural, organic ingredients and is also cruelty-free.  Dragon's blood protects the skin against environmental stressors, and other active ingredients include shea butter, sunflower oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and safflower oil.  All of these work together to moisturize and protect the skin.  The gloss also boasts a light-up cap and mirror on the side, making it easy to apply your gloss anywhere at any time!

The gloss is available in 23 different colors, and I received Dublin (coral/orange) and Casablanca (pink with gold shimmer) to try.  I think both colors are absolutely gorgeous and they complemented my skin tones very well.  The gloss itself isn't sticky at all, in fact I was surprised at how lightweight the formula was.  One application gives a nice touch of color, but more can be applied for a more vibrant appearance.  I love that they have the mirror and light-up cap, it really does make using them so much more convenient!

• Visit the Rozgé Cosmeceutical website to view their full line of products and use coupon code Rozge20 for 20% off of any order (valid through the month of September)
• Connect with them on Facebook

Bottom Line: I really enjoyed using these Rozgé Cosmeceutical lip glosses and recommend them to anyone who is interested in an effective, vegan, cruelty-free gloss!  There are so many color options that you're sure to find one (or more) to love!

Strixaderm MD Review, Part I

Strixaderm MD is a skincare company that offers a broad range of products that target specific skin concerns.  They promise visible, long-lasting results and their scientific formulas are certified by AMA laboratories.  Their products are also completely paraben-free and hypoallergenic, so when they contacted me to see if I was interested in trying some of their products I was quite interested.

I received four total products to review, and I'll be breaking them up into two separate posts.  Up first are the Crystal Peel Body Cleanser and the Secret Bright Ultimate Skin Brightener.

The Crystal Peel Body Cleanser can be used in the shower like any other body wash, but unlike your standard body wash it gives skin a deep, yet gentle, exfoliation to improve overall health and appearance.  It can be used on a daily basis without irritating the skin and has a fresh citrus-like scent.  It's a gel formula that's orange with little exfoliating beads.  I love trying out new exfoliating products, and I especially like ones that are easy to use.  It's just as important to remove dead skin cells from the entire body as it is for the face, and this cleanser provides an easy and enjoyable way to do so.  The technology behind it is Strixaderm MD's DermaScrub-PS, an exclusive, patented cocktail or active ingredients including amber powder and passion fruit seed powder (natural mechanical exfoliating agents) and florapearls (exfoliating microspheres that refine the skin's texture).  It also contains salicylic acid to help tone the skin and bromelaine, a natural toning enzyme derived from pineapples.  I've been using this cleanser for about two weeks and I really enjoy it!  My skin feels soft and smooth after I get out of the shower, and I like that the cleanser isn't overly-drying.

The Secret Bright Ultimate Skin Brightener is a brand new product, so new that it isn't even on the website yet!  It's a skin lightener that works to reduce the appearance of freckles and dark spots anywhere, so you can use it on your body as well as your face.  I don't have any freckles or dark spots that I wish to conceal, but I like that this can be used to even out the skintone overall.  The consistency resembles that of a skin oil.  I've been using it on my entire body and it feels a bit heavy at first but absorbs quickly into the skin.

Bottom Line: I think the Crystal Peel Body Cleanser and Secret Bright Ultimate Skin Brightener are both really interesting products!  I've enjoyed using both of them thus far and am curious to see what the results will be as I continue to use them.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Strixaderm MD.  No monetary compensation was received.

August Loot Crate Review

My boyfriend had been subscribed to Loot Crate for a while but decided to cancel after last month's box.  When I learned that this month's theme was Heroes I was bummed that he cancelled because I was really curious to see what would be included (I was hoping for some good Marvel items), so I signed up myself.

There weren't as many Marvel items as I'd hoped for, but then again I do have to remind myself that the Marvel universe isn't the only one out there (but it's the only one that matters!).  The main reason why I wanted to get this box was because Loot Crate released a spoiler that there would be an exclusive Funko Pop Vinyl included, so I wanted to see what it would be.

• Funko POP! Groot Exclusive - I had a pretty good feeling that the figurine would be from Guardians of the Galaxy and I was hoping it would be a Dancing Groot!  I was mostly correct, it is Groot, but what makes this one exclusive is that it's glow-in-the-dark (the one from Loot Crate is on the right in the photo above).  I actually already had a regular Groot vinyl that I redeemed my Disney Movie Rewards points for (on the left), so overall I wasn't as excited for this as I thought I would be.

• TMNT Full Figure - Aside from Guardians of the Galaxy, the new TMNT movie is probably the biggest hero franchise movie currently out in theaters, so I wasn't surprised to see them in this box.  This is a Kidrobot figurine, and I got Donatello.
• H2W TMNT Mask Glasses - I wish I didn't need to wear prescription sunglasses because these area so fun (no, I don't have contacts, either)!  The blue set is for Leonardo.

• Loot Crate Labs Magnet - The magnet says "Chimigango's: The Breakfast of Anti-Heroes!" and I know it's a Deadpool reference, but I don't know enough about him to get it much more than that.  Does he like chimichangas?
• Shwings Shoe Lightning Bolts - These wings attach to your sneakers to turn you into a modern-day Hermes (or Mercury, if you prefer).  I think they're a unique idea, but I probably won't be attaching them to my shoes.
• Sega and Epic Scents Sonic Air Freshener - I do love Sonic; I used to play Sonic games on the Sega Genesis all the time when I was younger.  I haven't opened this yet so I don't know what it smells like, but the informational booklet says it smells like "Cool Rush."  Other looters may have received Mega Man or Proto-Man.  I think I would have liked Proto-Man, because that one is apple-cinnamon scented.
• Heroes Button - Every Loot Crate comes with an exclusive button with the theme on it.

Bottom Line: Even though I'm a Marvel fan more than anything else, I have to say that this box has a great assortment of heroes!  I liked this box better than last month's Villains one, and even though I already had a regular Groot, the glow-in-the-dark one is cool because I know only Loot Crate members received it.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

August Birchbox Review

My August Birchbox was okay; it had some good items that I'll definitely use, but I wasn't overly-enthused about any of them.  I don't expect every box to blow me away, though, so as long as I get some good samples that are relevant to my lifestyle I'm happy!

My August box had five samples (two are in the stupid pillow pack -- I hate those so much).  There was a pretty good assortment of different types of products, and some were things I would never even consider trying, so it was nice having the chance to.

• ModelCo Shimmer Bronzer - Birchbox is now allowing members to choose a sample for their box, and I picked this bronzer (the choices this month were just so-so).  Last month I was bummed because I didn't get the email alerting people that they could select their sample, so I emailed their customer service and they ensured me that I'd be on the list next time.  Well, come sample selection time, I didn't get the email again.  I emailed their CS and they gave me a direct link to the sample choice and confirmed that I definitely should have gotten the email, so hopefully for September's box I will get the email.  Anyway, I like this bronzer a lot.  I prefer bronzers with shimmer, and this one gives just enough color and compliments my skin tone really well.
• Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 - I feel like I've gotten a lot of Supergoop! products from Birchbox lately and I'm not the biggest fan of them (I think they're boring).  I do like hand creams, but this sample is so tiny that it doesn't even seem worth it.  I mean, really Supergoop!, could you spare it?  I think I like it, but I wish I had a bigger size to try.
• Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow - This is a Birchbox exclusive sample and I really like it.  I like using BB Creams, and this one gives me pretty decent coverage.

• Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume - I was really glad when Birchbox allowed users to select the option to only receive a few perfume samples a year, because normally I am not a fan of them.  However, the ones I've gotten from them this year have all been really nice.  This perfume only has one note, Cetalox, and I love the spicy scent.  What I don't like is that it isn't long-lasting at all, and I definitely wouldn't pay $120 for a full-sized bottle.
• Cailyn Cosmetics Dizzolv'It Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm - This product is really interesting, it's an antioxidant cleanser that dissolves waterproof makeup, dirt, and oils.  It has the consistency and texture of a body butter (kind of), but when you rub it on your skin it turns into an oil.  It smells great and does remove makeup pretty well.

Bottom Line: I liked the Cailyn Cosmetics Dizzolv'It and the ModelCo Bronzer the most this month.  I don't really need the Dizzolv'It, but it's such an interesting product and I enjoy using it!

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  Post contains referral links.

Memebox Global #13 Review and Coupon

If you haven't heard of Memebox by now, you may be living under a rock (or you just don't read subscription box/beauty blogs that often).  They're a beauty box that features the best in Korean beauty and skincare, and they have tons of one-time purchase boxes to choose from!

This box was my first experience with Memebox's (pronounced "Mi-mi-box") global series.  I ordered Memebox Global #14, but that doesn't start shipping until the end of the month.  Global Box #13 doesn't disappoint; it has a lot of different types of products to try.

This box is currently sold out, but there are tons of current Memeboxes and Superboxes available in the store.  It was priced at $23, which is pretty standard for Global boxes (and a total steal considering how many products you get and their accumulated value).  If you're interested in getting a complete surprise out of your Memebox, I recommend the Global boxes because they're going to have some great products, but since there isn't a specific theme there's a better chance that you'll have no idea what to expect!

• CNP Cosmetics CNP Derma-Scalp Shampoo (~$2.75 for 25g): This shampoo is my favorite product in the box because it's the one that's most relevant to my needs.  I have itchy, oily scalp and am always looking for ways to combat it.  This works to deeply cleanse, unclog, and exfoliate the pores in your scalp.  I like that it contains tea tree oil, one of the ingredients that's well-known for battling scalp issues.
• CNP Cosmetics CNP Tone-Up Protection Sun ($10.20 for 15 mL): This is a sunblock with SPF 42, and it contains "powdery components" that help keep your skin feeling silky-smooth in the sun.  It's a great travel-sized bottle, and I like having little sunscreens I can throw in my purse.

• Soy BIO+ Fermented Lumpoule (~$24.90 for 10 mL): I love the packaging on this lumpoule set!  I also didn't realize how expensive a full-sized set of 14 bottles would be ($174!), so I'm really glad that Memebox included this product in the box.  I wouldn't have been able to try it any other way!  The word "lumpoule" is new to me, but it's a portmanteau of "lump" and "ampoule."  An ampoule is a sealed glass capsule of liquid, i.e. the packaging, and the "lump" part is because it's made from soy bean lumps.  This is essentially a serum, as you're supposed to apply it before your moisturizer.  It's very light and absorbs into the skin quickly, and I like it a lot.
• Donga Tempo Eco Natural Super (~$2.07 for three): When I first saw these I thought, "are those...?"  Yep, they're tampons.  I don't use tampons so I don't have any comments on usage, but apparently Donga was the first Korean brand to produce tampons back in the 1970s.  They're made from 100% organic cotton.

• Yufit Eon Wheat-Germ Gream75 ($48 for 75 mL, full-sized): More than 75% of this cream consists of wheat bud extracts, and they work to hydrate, firm, brighten, and fight signs of aging.  The cream also helps tighten pores.  I noticed that it has "whitening" on the jar as well, and I know a lot of Korean products have whitening ingredients, but I like my tan skin and don't wish to lighten it so I used this sparingly.  The texture is incredibly smooth, though, so as a moisturizer I think it's great.

• 23years old CX Detoxifying Air Therapy ($50 for one mask, full-sized): This product is made up of a syringe full of the mask material and a face mask to apply over it, called a Carboxy pack.  I was really interested to try this because the liquid mask is made up of carbonated water, creating sparkling bubbles that penetrate deeply into the skin to cleanse.  The informational card warns that it "may prickle a bit," and they weren't kidding.  When I applied the liquid I didn't feel anything, but as soon as I put on the mask it felt like my skin was burning.  It stung quite a bit, so if you're sensitive to that kind of thing this might not be the best product for you.  I have sensitive skin and I was afraid my face would be red after using this, but it didn't seem to be too irritated.  The stinging sensation did subside after about five minutes.  One thing I find odd about this pack, though, is that it only contains one face mask but enough liquid for many applications, and I'm assuming you need the paper mask to get the full effect.

• Nuganic Customized Sun Base Color Control Cream ($54 for 40 mL, full-sized): Prior to receiving this box I had never tried a CC cream before, so I was intrigued by this.  The info card says that it works to balance out the skin's oil/moisture level for a silky-smooth finish to your makeup, and the packaging states it will provide coverage for imperfections.  It also is SPF 50.  I assumed that it would be tinted, but it's actually white with little specks.  When I applied it it blended in to my skin, but it was several shades lighter than my natural tone so it just looked odd.  I wish this had a darker tint, because then it would be perfect!

Bottom Line: Memebox Global #13 had a total retail value of $191.92, with three full-sized products!  How can you say no to that for only $23?  If you're still not convinced that Memebox is a great introduction to Korean beauty, I recommend checking out their shop.  Not only do they have tons of boxes to choose from, you can also purchase full-sized products separately.  Use coupon code STTENZ for $5 off any order (one use per customer, good through August 31st).

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Memebox.  No monetary compensation was received.  Post contains affiliate links.

ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower Giveaway - Calling All Bloggers!

ESSIO is seeking bloggers to review their new aromatherapy diffuser for the shower.  This little gadget will turn your ordinary shower experience into a spa-like escape!  It clips onto any shower head and diffuses 100% organic oils to scent your shower water.

You can learn more about ESSIO at their website, and sign up to participate in the review/giveaway here.

10 Free Samples from Beauty Box 5!

Beauty Box 5 just announced that they're offering a free 10-item sample pack, you just have to pay shipping!  This is basically getting two boxes for the price of shipping, since each Beauty Box 5 contains five samples.

You'll receive two packets of their best-selling HASK Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment (I can vouch for this one, it's amazing!), plus eight other samples from brands like L.A. Fresh and Jergens!  This is a one-time purchase, by buying one you are not committing to a subscription.

Hurry and grab yours, it's only available while supplies last!  Click here to check it out!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Beauty Box 5.  No monetary compensation was received.

INNI Nail Wraps Review

I love painting my nails, but I'm no good at nail art.  I don't have the patience to sit down and do intricate designs, which is why products like INNI Nail Wraps are perfect for me!

INNI Nail Wraps are different than some of the other brands out there because they're completely customizable.  A set of completely unique wraps can be yours for only $10, just upload the design you want (you can use photos you've taken, patterns you've drawn, anything!) to their website and order away!  You can also browse their gallery and select from pre-made designs from other users.

INNI sent me three designs to try, which are pictured above.  The ones that really stood out to me where the diamond/crystal pattern, but the pineapples and blue/green pattern were really fun, too.  I love that they have so many designs to choose from, there really is one for any occasion (and even if there isn't--you can create your own!).  They come in sets of 30 pieces with 13 different sizes, and a nail file is also included to use during application.

My nail wraps lasted for about five days before they started to peel.  It wasn't listed on the instructions, but I painted a clear top coat over them after application for extra staying power.  I type all day at work, though, so I have a feeling that contributed to the early wear and tear on them.  They apply really easily, though--easier than any other nail wrap I've ever used.  They're more of a sticker than a lacquer (think ncLA over Sally Hansen, if you've used either of those brands), which I prefer because I find the lacquer ones to be too flimsy.  The adhesive is strong, but after you've been wearing them for a while you can easily remove them with a little bit of nail polish to loosen the glue.

Contest alert! INNI is currently running a design-your-own nail wraps contest, and the winner will receive a years' supply of wraps as well as their design gifted to celebrities at the Emmy awards!  To enter, simply create your own design and then upload it to the contest page on INNI's Facebook (click here).  The grand prize winner will be the person with the most votes, so be sure to promote your design on social media and get your friends to vote for you!  The contest ends on the 17th, so be sure to get your entries in!

Bottom Line: I really liked using INNI Nail Wraps and I would definitely purchase more in the future.  The fact that they're completely customizable is a total win for me!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by INNI Nail Wraps.  No monetary compensation was received.

Primal Pit Paste Review and Coupon

I know that the search for an all-natural deodorant that has a good amount of efficacy is often a frustrating experience.  I've heard from a lot of people that natural deodorants just don't "work."  If you're one of those people, I urge you to give Primal Pit Paste a try before you give up on natural deodorants completely!

Primal Pit Paste "kills body odor without killing your body."  What's so bad about non-natural deodorants, you say?  When applying deodorant or antiperspirant, you're applying it directly to your underarm area, which connects directly to the lymph system.  Sweating occurs because the body is trying to cool itself down, but it's also working to rid itself of waste.  Many antiperspirants contain aluminum, which works to temporarily plug the sweat glands (more information here).  Why is this bad?  Well, would you want to plug up a garbage disposal?  Probably not.  There have been a lot of conflicting reports on whether or not the aluminum is really that harmful, but I'd rather err on the side of caution!

Primal Pit Paste is free from aluminum and parabens.  It's also cruelty-free, and they were recently Leaping Bunny certified (this means they've passed the strictest tests for cruelty-free certification)!  Instead of harmful ingredients, it contains organic coconut oil, organic shea butter, non-aluminum baking soda, and organic arrowroot powder.  Coconut oil and shea butter moisturize, while baking soda fights odor and the arrowroot powder helps soak up sweat.  Primal Pit Paste comes in two varieties: an actual paste in a jar, and a more portable stick.  It's available in a variety of scents, including Thyme & Lemongrass, Lavender, Jacked Up Jasmine, Pachouli, Spice, Royal & Rogue, Unscented, and Orange Creamsicle (for kids).

I received a Primal Pit Paste Stick in the Lavender scent and I instantly loved it.  For those who are just beginning the transition to natural deodorant, this would be a great choice because the application is familiar.  The scent is light and pleasing but not overpowering, and believe me--this stuff works!  I started using it during the two weeks before a theater performance, which meant long nights of dancing and sweating.  It held up!  It's not an antiperspirant, so you can expect to sweat, but this stuff kept its promises.  I didn't notice any funky odors emanating from my body!

The paste form might take some getting used to for people used to "regular" deodorants, but I don't think the transition would be that difficult.  I definitely have enjoyed using it.  The scent I received was "Jacked-Up Jasmine," and, like the Lavender stick, it smells great.  It came with a small wooden applicator, but you could also just use your fingers (which is what I prefer to do).  A little goes a long way and it spreads on very easily.  I honestly don't have a preference of the stick or the paste, and I would suggest giving both a try to see which one works best for you.

 

• Visit Primal Pit Paste and view their full line of products
• Use coupon code ORCA20 for 20% off of your order!

Bottom Line: Finding a deodorant that works well for you can be challenging regardless of whether it's natural or not, so don't be discouraged if the natural deodorants you've tried in the past weren't quite what you were looking for.  I definitely recommend trying Primal Pit Paste, though -- they've got two great options to choose from with lots of great scents, they're cruelty-free, and they worked for me!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Primal Pit Paste.  No monetary compensation was received.

Hope Girl Cosmetics Review and Coupon

Hope Girl is a Korean cosmetics brand and one that's often featured by Memebox.  Memebox was kind enough to send me an assortment of Hope Girl products to review, and I can easily see why this brand is so popular!

Memebox is well known for their huge selection of beauty boxes, but they also sell individual products like the Hope Girl ones I'll be reviewing in their Shop.  If you're not familiar with Korean beauty, Memebox is a great place to start.  They've got so many products to choose from, along with detailed information about each of them so you can choose things that are perfect for your needs.  The Hope Girl brand boasts everything from nail polish to mascara and more!

• Wonder Magic Mascara - This 3-in-1 volumizing, lengthening, and curling mascara has a specially-designed brush with staggered bristles that grab lashes close to the root.  I have very straight, short lashes, and this mascara does do a great job of lengthening and curling.
• Milky Balm Lipstick in Chicago Red - I'm not usually a red lip kind of girl, but I was just in a theater revue and needed a good red lipstick for my stage makeup.  This one worked wonderfully!  It glides on smoothly and is perfectly pigmented.

• Honey Bling Blusher - This blush is made up of a mineral-rich coral and pearl powder that works to keep skin looking healthy and youthful.  Fine powder particles allow the blush to closely adhere to the skin, preventing it from becoming cake-y or drying.  I found that this particular shade is a bit too light for my skin, but I'd definitely be interested in trying other colors.

• Powdery Body Perfume - I received this in the Memebox 10 Minute Box as well, but a spare is great to have.  It's a scented silica powder containing sweat-absorbing microparticles that help keep you feeling fresh all night long.  The scent is very subtle, like a sweet floral mix to me.

• Nail Travel Bling Bling Set - These nail polishes are my favorite item of the bunch because I'm a total polish addict!  They're densely pigmented and quick drying.  I really like this color combination because it's neutral but still has tons of sparkle.

You can browse the entire line of Hope Girl products available at the Memebox Shop here.  Use coupon code STTENZ for $5 off any order in August!

Bottom Line: I'm so glad Memebox introduced me to the Hope Girl line!  All of these products were a lot of fun to use and were really effective and delivering on their promises.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Memebox. Post contains affiliate links.

Memebox Superbox 42: Birthday Box Review and Coupon

If you're keyed into the beauty world, you're probably well aware that Korean products have become incredibly popular.  Memebox (pronounced "Mi-mi-box") is a beauty box service that makes it easy to access the latest beauty trends from Korea!  They're not a subscription -- you can buy as many boxes as you want, but they're all one-time purchases, so you don't have to worry about cancelling or putting a subscription on hold if you ever need to save some cash.  I've received a few boxes from them now and have really loved every one!

Memebox Superbox #42 Birthday Box is my favorite box yet!  It's sold out now, but there are tons of other boxes to choose from still.  This was my first experience with a Superbox; they're generally bit more expensive than the standard Memeboxes, and the difference is that they contain all full-sized products.  I think they're well worth the price tag.

All of the items in Superbox 42 are ones that I'll put to good use, so this box was a win for me!  To be honest, I was a little confused as to why it was called the "Birthday Box," but here's the description from the Memebox website:

Give the gift of gorgeous for any occasion this July with Memebox’s Birthday Box! Packed with only the cutest and most charming goodies, this Birthday Box will perfectly pamper your favorite gal pals from head to toe! This premium brand features only the most high-quality total spa care products that is suitable for all ages, and for a limited time, it's up for an exclusive deal only at Memebox! So, don’t miss this limited-time only chance to truly show appreciation for all the favorite women in your life!

•  i belivyu All in One Hair & Body Wash ($14 for 250 mL) - I love the packaging on this bottle, it's so pretty!  The wash itself is rich in apricot, carrot, green tea, chamomile, rosemary, centella asiatica, and gold extracts; making it very gentle but effectively cleansing.  I love the scent, too; it's very sweet and fruity.

• i belivyu Flower Hand Cream ($36 for four 30mL tubes) - I love having a stock of travel-sized hand creams because I'm always sticking one in my purse or on my desk at work.  These come in orange, yellow, red, and purple flower scents.  I've only used the purple flower one, but the cream is smooth and the scent is incredibly light.

• i belivyu Cube Sparkling Lemon Sugar Scrub ($24 for seven 8g cubes) - This is my favorite product in the box.  I love a good exfoliating scrub, and these can be used on the face or body.  They smell so delicious and lemony, and are really effective.  The instructions say to crumble one up and use on the face, but I found that I'd rather rub the cube across my skin and not use all of it at once (since there is a lot of product in just one cube).  I'd probably crush it up and use the whole thing if I used it on my body, though.
• i belivyu Powder Wash Vitamin Face Cleanser ($24 for 70g) - This is my second favorite item.  I had never seen a powder face wash before so I was really interested in giving it a try.  I put a dime-sized amount in my hands and added some water as the instructions said to and found that it lathered up really well.    Granol particles and papaine enzymes softly and thoroughly work away impurities and residue while macadamia and olive oils deliver protection and hydration to the skin.

Bottom Line: This box would make a great birthday or anytime gift for the beauty lover in your life!  I think it's a great introduction to Korean beauty, too, since the products in their basic state (lotions, face washes) are familiar to most U.S. women.

• Use coupon code STTENZ to receive $5 off any order from Memebox (expires August 31st)!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Memebox.