Memebox Superbox #49 All About Lips Review

I don't remember the last time I purchased a new lip gloss or lipstick, but somehow I always have about five billion of them at any one time.  I think that is probably because I love them, which is why the Memebox Superbox 49: All About Lips is such a perfect box for me!

Memebox (pronounced "mi-mi-box") sells the best in Korean beauty, and while they have a shop stocked with individual products, they also have tons of Memeboxes and Superboxes to choose from.  They're not a subscription service; each box is a one-time purchase and is usually centered around a theme.  Superboxes are different from regular Memeboxes because they contain all full-sized products.

The All About Lips Superbox is exactly what it sounds like, it contains six lip products, from balms to lipsticks!  Four out of the five brands featured are new to me, so I was excited to try them.  I was also hoping for at least one coral-colored lipgloss since they have evaded my thus far, and I kind of got what I was wishing for.

Here's what was inside:

• ROYAL NATURE Paint Mousse Lip Lacquer ($24 for 5 mL) - I received the shade "XO.Baby," which is a nude color.  I think it's too light for my skin tone and would just look wrong, which is kind of a bummer because I was the most excited to try this one.  It was randomly selected from five colors, and any of the other four would have been so much better!  Anyway, it glides on with a silky finish while leaving matte color.
• RiRe Tick Tock Lip Gloss ($18 for 3.5g) - When I read the name of this it reminded me of my cheerleading days back in high school.  Not surprisingly, the name has nothing to do with the stunt move, but instead is called "tick tock" because the cap contains a button you click to make the brush come out.  I got the color "Blossom Pink," and it is incredibly pigmented.  Even though this is labeled a gloss, I would definitely consider it more of a lip lacquer.
• Cheek Room Lip Tint ($10 for 8 mL) - *Sigh,* Cheek Room.  If you read a lot of Memebox reviews, you've probably come across at least one blogger who was less-than-in-love with this brand.  If you haven't yet, well--now you can consider me one of those bloggers.  First off, Cheek Room's packaging is horrendous.  I can look past that, though, if the product is great.  They're not the worst lip products I've ever tried, but they certainly are nothing special.  This tint, in the shade "02 Orange," supposedly stays on the lips for 2-3 hours.  I can say with certainty that this is not true.  It's a thin gloss with not a ton of color and it definitely comes off as easily as any other gloss.
• Cheek Room Color Lips ($10 for 4 g) - I like this Cheek Room lipstick a lot better than the tint.  I got the shade "03 Red," and it's a very nice lipstick.  It is red with gold flecks and the color isn't too in-your-face.
• Very Six 6 Seconds Kissing Lip Gloss ($17 for 10 mL) - This gloss will "perfectly aint your lips with the most natural and healthy-looking color radiance in just a single touch."  You're supposed to apply it, then wait six seconds for it to bring out the best color from your lips.  I was doubtful, but this does actually bring out a bit of color!
• Shara Shara Petit Friend Tint Balm ($8 for 20 g) - Everyone got the same shade, "OR01 Crown Orange."  I think the packaging for this is adorable!  The inside has a crown shape (see photo below), which contains the pink tint portion, and the outer portion is a nourishing balm.

I think the inside of the Shara Shara lip balm looks like a frog's foot imprint.

Bottom Line: This Superbox has a retail value of $87, which is great considering the box sold for only $23 (it is now sold out, but there are plenty of other boxes to choose from).  Obviously if you're not a fan of lip products this box wouldn't appeal to you, but I think they had a good variety of items that would please any lipgloss fanatic!

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

Liquid BioCell SKIN Review

We've all heard the sayings "beauty comes from within" and "you are what you eat."  Liquid BioCell SKIN, a new nutricosmetic supplement, makes good on both of these maxims!  It is the only liquid collagen and hyaluronic acid supplement on the market that's been proven effective by nearly 40 clinical trials.

Liquid BioCell is available in three different formulas: Sport, Life, and Skin.  I chose to review Skin because I had never tried a skincare product like this before.  In clinical trials it has been shown to reduce deep lines and wrinkles, decrease dryness, increase skin's collagen content, and reduce hyaluronidase (an enzyme that makes your skin age).  It also works to increase skin's tone and firmness.

Two of the main ingredients, collagen and hyaluronic acid, are naturally found in our bodies and are chief components of healthy connective tissue throughout the body.  In regards to your skin, they are essential for hydration, tissue repair, and an overall youthful appearance.  Only two ounces twice a day of Liquid BioCell SKIN are necessary to start transforming your skin.

I wasn't quite sure how Liquid BioCell SKIN would taste, but I was pleasantly surprised!  As you can see from the photo above, it also contains fruits, pomegranate, green tea, and grape seed extracts. The flavor most closely resembles cranberry juice to me, and I enjoyed drinking it.  You could also mix the serving into a smoothie or other drink if you'd like.

I have been drinking Liquid BioCell SKIN for about a month, but the suggested time period for seeing results is 12 weeks.  I am confident that I will see beneficial results after that time since the product is backed by nearly 40 clinical trials.  One of their 12-week bioavailability studes demonstrated that within as little as 28 days, daily intake of Liquid BioCell SKIN led to a 6000% increase in hyaluronic acid in the body, essentially decreasing wrinkles from the inside out without the need for cosmetic injections.  They even have an app, called "Hello Beautiful!" (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play) that you can download to track your results by taking selfies at different intervals.  I can say that I have noticed a reduction in dryness on my face.  My skin is combination, most of the time it's oily in my T-zone but I do get patches of rough skin on my cheeks.

• Learn more about Liquid BioCell SKIN at their website.
• Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a way to firm up your skin without having to rely on injections, Liquid BioCell SKIN is definitely worth looking at.  They're backed by proven results in clinical trials, and I like how simple it is to use.  It tastes great, and you only need to drink four ounces a day.  Easy!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent for review purposes.

Green Esthetics Giveaway!

Last month I reviewed the Green Esthetics Argan Oil Gift Basket, and today I have one of their argan oil Anti-Aging Creams to give away!

The Anti-Aging Cream is made with cosmetic argan, which moisturizes and stimulates skin regeneration to reduce wrinkles.  It's Leaping Bunny certified as cruelty-free and is also free from chemical dyes, parabens, and GMOs.  It's incredibly luxurious, and you can enter to win this full-sized, 2 oz jar by using the Rafflecopter below!

This sweepstakes begins on 26 October 2014 and ends at 12 AM EST on 7 November 2014.  Sweepstakes is open to US residents aged 18+ only.  See Rafflecopter for full terms.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Memebox "Time On My Lip" Review & Launch Info!

A few days ago I posted about a new product that Memebox was launching, and today I have the product to share with you!

Memebox is excited to announce the launch of their very first makeup item: Time On My Lip!  Here's the information, straight from Memebox:

Time on My Lip has a revolutionary hybrid gel formula that adds glamour to your lips while moisturizing them with natural ingredients. Layer it up to achieve three different looks as a tint, gloss or lipstick. Change your look as the day goes on and benefit from paraben-free ingredients.

The lip stain is available in two colors, Awesome Pink and Whop Coral.  Both are gorgeous, buildable shades, and I received Awesome Pink to review.

Memebox partnered with cult Korean beauty brand RE:CIPE to create this stain, and I love how versatile it is.  One layer is perfect for a daytime look or for work, but when you want a bigger pop of color you can build it up to be as vibrant as you like!  The Awesome Pink shade looks really bright on the applicator, but it's quite flattering on my lips.  It's nice and long-lasting, and the formula feels like a stain on my lips.  It's a little bit drying, so if you aren't used to using stains I would recommend layering a clear gloss over this.

Above is how one layer of the Awesome Pink Time On My Lip looks on my lips!  As you can see it's a nice flush of color.

Time On My Lips officially launches tomorrow, October 23rd at 12pm PST, and you can sign up for an early access deal by clicking here.  You can also get $5 off your purchase (or the purchase of anything from the Memebox shop) by using my affiliate coupon code, YS00.  Since this is an affiliate code, you must purchase through my affiliate link.

*Disclaimer: Press sample received for review. Post contains affiliate links.

Memebox Special #39 Cafe Box Review and Coupon

I got my Memebox Cafe Box in the mail a few days ago and it's one of the best ones yet!  I purchased it a while ago, sometime over the summer, and honestly had forgotten about it until I got a shipment notice.  Memeboxes are usually shipped months after they originally go on sale, so it's easy to forget.  It made for a nice surprise when it showed up, though!

This box cost $23, but I think I got it for free or nearly for free due to meme points.  I love coffee, so when I saw this box I knew I had to snatch it up.  Here's the description from the Memebox website:

Wake up and smell the coffee has just taken on a whole new meaning! We’ve rounded up freshly brewed beauty goods that will remind you of your favorite indulgent drinks from your go-to coffee joint. Indulge your senses in a swirl of sweet sin, and brim with delight with milky sweeties that will boost your beauty!

I was hoping for lots of coffee- and sweet-scented products, and the box didn't disappoint.

This box had six products total, all of which were full-sized!  Normally Memeboxes have at least a few full-sized products, but the Superboxes are the ones that have all full-sized items.  Even if I had spent the full $23 on this, it would have been well worth the price.

• Pure Smile Herb Essence Mask ($1) - This was randomly selected from the Herb Mask Sheet or the Green Tea Mask Sheet, and I got the Herb one.  I actually posted it up for swap because I don't use sheet masks as much, but this one has lavender extracts, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and collagen to relieve and moisturize skin.
• Holika Holika Dessert Time Lip Balm ($6) - I know that Holika Holika is a pretty popular brand in Korea, so I was excited to try this.  I got the Peach Cupcake flavor/scent and it smells so good!  I haven't used the actual lip balm yet, but I love the packaging.
• Binu Cook Ice Cream Scoop Cacao Body Soap ($3) - I could smell this as soon as I opened the box, but I didn't realize it was the soap I was smelling.  To be honest, it kind of looks like a turd to me, but it definitely doesn't smell like one.  It has the most delicious chocolate scent and it's a handmade soap that will "cleanse away excess oil, sebum, and dead skin cells."

• Vella Fresh Creamy Soap ($13) - Memebox announced this as a spoiler and I was intrigued; it's a creamy facial cleanser that's supposed to create lots of tiny bubbles.  I'm not sure I like it, though, since I don't quite "get" it.  The instructions say to lather the soap between your palms and then "Without getting your palms to touch the skin, gently massage the creamy bubbles onto your face."  What?  So...how do I get the bubbles onto my face, then?  Also, it really doesn't lather up at all.  I had high hopes for this, but I'm disappointed with it.
• Tonymoly Latte Art Cappuccino Cream-In Scrub ($13) - Tonymoly is another really popular brand that I had never tried before, and this scrub has the cutest packaging!  It's a pretty typical scrub, just apply to the face and massage in for exfoliation.  It actually doesn't have a ton of scrubbing beads, but I noticed that as I massaged it into my skin it left a really nice warming sensation, so that probably is a means of exfoliation as well.
• Cleomee Anti-Wrinkle Donkey Lotion ($83) - I have a really hard time believing that one bottle of this costs $83, but that's what the info card says.  It's also the product I feel fits the theme the least, but I'm guessing the fact that it's made with donkey milk is why they included it (coffee, milk, creamer, etc.).  Aside from donkey milk, it also contains hyaluronic acid, ceramide, glycerin, vitamin E, and EGF complex.  I ran out of body lotion recently, so this came at a good time and is a good replacement.

Bottom Line: The Cafe Box had a total retail value of $119, but if you take out the supposed price of the lotion it would only be $36.  That's still a higher value than what the box cost, so I think it's a good deal.  I'm very happy with this box and I really like the products, so I'm glad I was able to get it!

Don't forget that you can use my affiliate coupon code YS00 for $5 off of any order.  Since it's an affiliate code, you have to purchase through my affiliate link in order for it to work.

Also, my giveaway ends tonight!  Create a new account on Memebox and automatically get $3 in meme points to spend, and enter to win up to $30 more!  Click here to enter.

*Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post. Post contains affiliate links.

October Vegan Cuts Snack Box Review

Vegan Cuts is an awesome subscription service that offers two types of boxes: snacks and beauty.  I received their October Snack Box to review, and it's a great one!

I loooove snacks.  I'm not a vegan, but I like getting vegan and vegetarian boxes because they usually contain brands that have products and practices that I can really stand by, such as Non-GMO Project-verified and USDA organic items.  The Vegan Cuts Snack Box has all that and more, and for only $19.95 a month they'll send you 7-10 of these great foods!  Shipping is free within the U.S., $8 to Canada, and $15 to any other international countries.

October's box is themed "No Tricks, All Treats" and contained nine snacks.  When I opened the box the first thing I noticed was the Rosemary Truffle popcorn and I got so excited (I love truffle-flavored things), and it only got better as I continued to look through the assortment!

• Pop Art Rosemary Truffle Gourmet Popcorn - If you've never cooked with truffle oil, I highly urge you to.  It's a bit on the expensive side, but it's so worth it.  This popcorn had a light rosemary truffle flavor, and I wish it was stronger.  Overall, though, it's a healthier snack that's fiber-filled and very yummy.
• Flamous Organic Sprouted Multigrain Zatar Chips - These chips are 100% organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free.  They're thicker, kind of like tortilla chips (but so much better), and have a hint of spicy flavor.  I absolutely loved them and I think they would pair great with guacamole.
• Coconut Organics Coconut Chips - I could have gotten one of two flavors, and I got Dark Chocolate (the other being Toasted Coconut Chips).  I haven't tried these yet because I'm not the biggest coconut fan, but the fact that they're chocolate flavored and chips might change my mind!  They're certified USDA organic and made with 100% raw cacao coconut sugar.

• Numi Organic Tea - The flavors I received are Chocolate Spice (black tea) and Chocolate Rooibos (herbal teasan).  Both sound amazing, but I'm especially excited to try the Chocolate Spice tea.  I've had Numi teas before and they're a great brand.
• Tasty Organic Smoothie Fruit Snacks - These were my favorite snack in the box!  They're organic, non-GMO gummies with no gelatin, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.  I try to steer clear of gelatin because it grosses me out, so these are a great alternative.  The flavors were amazing.
• MRM Veggie Elite Performance Protein - I usually drink a glass of chocolate milk for protein after I strength train, but obviously a vegan would not be drinking milk, so this is a great alternative.  The flavor is Chocolate Mocha and I'm interested to see how it stacks up to my milk.

• TCHO Chocolate - I always see TCHO chocolate squares at the grocery store but I've never bought one because they're kind of pricey, so I was excited to get to try one!  I'm not sure what the flavor is, but the ingredients listed dark chocolate and vanilla, so I think it was just a basic dark chocolate.  Nonetheless, it was delicious.  All TCHO chocolates are organic and Beyond Fair Trade-certified.
• Luv You PB&J - This item isn't on the informational card that came with the box and I'm disappointed because I want to know more about it!  At first I didn't know what it was, so I opened it to find that it looked like a protein bar of some sort.  It tasted so good, just like a PB&J sandwich, and was shaped like a heart!  I want to buy more of these, I'm going to have to do a search for them.
• Zevia - Zevia is a zero-calorie soda that's naturally sweetened with stevia.  I don't normally like stevia, but I'm willing to give this a try.  I got a can of ginger ale and it's a little bit dented, but that doesn't dissuade me from wanting to try it.  I'll just have to be careful when I open it.

Bottom Line: I loved this box of treats!  I think Vegan Cuts does a great job of selecting a fun, healthy, and delicious variety of vegan snacks that anyone would enjoy.

• Visit the Vegan Cuts website to subscribe
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest, and Instagram

*Disclaimer: This box was sent for review purposes.

New Memebox Makeup Launching Soon!

Today Memebox announced that they're launching their very own makeup product that will be available starting October 23rd! They've been listening to what we the customers have been saying, and they've taken our feedback into account and will be releasing products that are trendsetting, unique, and affordable.

You can be the first in line to get your hands on this mystery product, which they're projected to launch at 12pm PST on October 23rd.  To qualify for early access, you must sign up at this page.

In the meantime, you can use my affiliate coupon code YS00 for $5 off of any order in the Memeshop.  Since it's an affiliate code, you have to purchase something via my affiliate link.

*Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate links.

October Birchbox Review

Each month during sample selection time, Birchbox has also given subscribers the opportunity to pick a special curated box.  Usually I just choose a specific sample I want, but this time around I wasn't really interested in what they were offering.  I did, however, like the looks of the curated Laggies box.

I had no idea what Laggies was before receiving this box, but I guess it's a movie with Keira Knightley that's coming out on the 24th.  I think it's a romantic comedy?  I have no interest in the movie, but the items featured in the box were all relevant to my interests and needs, so I decided to forego being surprised and chose it.  I always peek on the 10th to see what I'm getting anyway, so it was no big deal for me to know all of the items ahead of time.

I had actually used three out of the five products previously (the lotion, scrub, and hair treatment), but the reason why I chose the box was because I really liked all three of them and wanted more samples.

• TOCCA Crema de Mano in Bianca - I had previously gotten a TOCCA handcream in the scent "Cleopatra" from Birchbox and I liked it, so I wanted to see what this scent was like.  It has notes of green tea and lemon and is nice and citrus-y.  I can never have too many sample hand creams; I love keeping one in my purse, one at my desk, and having spares for travel.
• Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator - I really liked this exfoliator the last time I got on in a Birchbox so I was excited that it was going to be in this box.  It's actually one of the best scrubs I've ever used--it's gentle and has lots of microbeads that leave my skin feeling smooth.
• ModelCo POWERLASH High Impact Black Mascara - This is the only product I didn't really care for, and that's only because I don't get too excited for mascaras in general (I also have a ton of them, so more aren't needed right now).  I put it up for swap.
• Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle - I absolutely love Beauty Protector's products!  They smell amazing and work really well.  I had also gotten this in a previous Birchbox, and I used it then and will again now as a heat protectant.
• Sage + Fasten Eau de Parfum in Onward - This is the only perfume sample I've ever gotten from Birchbox that was in a rollerball applicator, and I like it a lot.  Unfortunately the writing on the packaging got scratched/rubbed off so I can't read it at all (this happened to Rebecca at Hello Pretty Bird, too), but it doesn't bother me so much because I love the scent itself.  It has notes of grapefruit, green apple, and lemon.

Bottom Line: The Laggies Birchbox was a great pick for me.  Even though it featured repeat products, they were all at the top of my list of favorites, so I'm glad to have more!  I'll probably let Birchbox pick my samples next month, though.

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

Memebox Special #17 K-Style Review and Coupon

Whether you're a new reader to my blog or an older follower, I'm sure you have heard of Memebox (pronounced "mi-mi-box").  They're constantly coming out with new boxes that boast the best in Korean beauty, and since each box is a one-time purchase (not a subscription), you don't ever have to worry about recurring charges.

There are two main types of boxes, the standard Memebox and the Superbox.  Memeboxes contain four to seven full-sized products and deluxe samples, and Superboxes contain full-sized products only.  Both are often centered around a theme, and the box that I'm reviewing here is Memebox Special #17: K-Style.

The box is packed with seven individual products, all of which are full-sized (even though this is not considered a Superbox)!  All of the items are aimed at helping you achieve the effortless looks of Korean celebrities.

• Shara Shara Feminine Single Blusher ($7) - I love the packaging of this blush, it's so cute!  I never use powder puff applicators, but the bow on this one is still just too adorable.  I really like the shade of this blush, too.  It was randomly selected from "CR01 Soft Coral" and "OR01 Warm Apricot," and I got Soft Coral.  I think Warm Apricot would have been nice as well, but this one will compliment my skintone nicely.
• Bbia Pigment ($5 for 1.8 g) - I received the shade "02 Sour," which is a nice rose gold/bronze color.  It's a loose pigment that almost looks like glitter, but when you actually open it up and look inside you can see that it's more the texture of a loose eyeshadow.
• A'PIEU Full of Nature Mascara ($3 for 4.3 g) - This mascara contains a setting wax formula that works to lengthen lashes.  It contains various grain, berry, and flower extracts to help maintain healthy lashes, too.

• Secret Key Sweet Glam Tint Glow ($24 for 3.5 g) - The informational card calls this "Secret Key," but on the packaging it says "Secret Kiss," so I'm not really sure what the actual brand name is (but I would lean more towards it probably being Secret Kiss).  The shade name isn't listed in English on the packaging, but the choices were "01 Baby Pink," "02 Juicy Orange," and "03 Fuschia Purple," so from that I can guess that I got Juicy Orange.  Normally an orange lip color would scare me, but this one is really buildable so it is less intimidating.
• awesome Aqua Radiance CC Cream ($29 for 30 mL) - I've gotten a few CC and BB creams from Memebox and I really want to find one that works for me, but unfortunately I'll have to add this one to the pile of ones that don't.  I'm Korean but am also way more tan than the average Korean woman, so these are often too light for my skin.  Regardless, this one balances skin tone, treats fine lines and wrinkles, and maintains moisture balance.

• RiRe Luxe Auto Gel Eyeliner ($14 each) - The two shades are "Champagne" and "Choco Brown" (swatches later on in the post).  I usually use black eyeliner, but I like getting different colors because they're fun to experiment with.  The Choco Brown is nice because it's a bit less dramatic for work, and the Champagne is nice and light so it works well on the inner corners and waterline.  Unfortunately both of these were slightly damaged upon receipt (photo below), but I was able to just pop them back into place.

The liner part of the RiRe Luxe Auto Gel Liners got stuck in the cap, but I was able to remove it and slide it back down into where it's supposed to be.  Both of these are quite waterproof and glide on smoothly.

• Use coupon code JBVVBZ for $5 off of any order at Memebox!
• Enter my Memebox giveaway to win $30 in meme points!

Bottom Line: Memebox Special #17 has a great assortment of cosmetics to help you achieve the latest K-Style looks!  My favorite is the Sweet Glam Tint Glow.

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

See more photos of the items after the "Read More."

Memebox "Everyone Is A Winner" Giveaway!

I'm really excited to announce my first giveaway with Memebox!  Everyone is a winner because every person who signs up is guaranteed at least three Meme Points to use in the Memebox shop (one point is equal to one dollar to spend).

There will be three winners total:

• One first-prize winner will win 30 Meme Points
• Two second-prize winners will receive 7 Meme Points each

If you are a winner, you will win one of the prizes above and will also be able to keep the three Memepoints you earn just for entering.

Here are the requirements:

• You MUST sign up for an account with Memebox and include complete shipping details.  You can do so by clicking here.
• You must also sign up for the newsletter, otherwise Memebox will not be able to send notifications to the winners!
• This giveaway is for new customers only and duplicate accounts are not permitted.  Memebox reserves the right to reject any participant that had an account with Memebox prior to the giveaway (they will have other events and chances to win points for our current loyal customers!).

This giveaway begins today, October 13th, and ends on October 20th.  Winners will be notified by Memebox by the 24th.  Enter below using the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

October Beauty Box 5 Review

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends five full-sized products and luxury samples each month for only $12.  They ship to both the U.S. and Canada (shipping is an extra $3 to Canada).  What I really like about their boxes is that they include a good variety of items, including lots of great makeup but also beauty tools and more!

October's theme is "effortless allure," and the products inside were selected to help usher in "glamorous simplicity" with the fall.  I am always impressed at how Beauty Box 5 sends different types of products to sample, so you won't get a box that's predominantly skincare, or hair care, or something like that.  I prefer to get color cosmetics in my boxes, and this one had those plus a tool that I wouldn't have ever thought to buy but actually ended up being my favorite item in the box!

• ChapStick Hydration Lock ($2.99) - I had gotten a lip balm from the ChapStick Hydration Lock line in a different box, but this one is actually not the exact same.  This line has two different varieties, and the one in this box is a day/night combo for skin protection and moisturizing.  ChapStick is not my favorite brand when it comes to lip balms, but this is a great idea for a product nonetheless.
• Extend Your Beauty Cosmetic Tool ($5.49) - I love this!  It's a little spatula you can use to scoop out those last remaining bits of makeup that would otherwise go to waste.  I'll actually probably use this most on my myriad of lip balms; I hate when you get to the bottom of it and you can't push it up anymore, but there still is a little bit of product left to use.  I don't like to waste anything, so this will help me extend the life of my makeup!

• Nanacoco Nail Polish ($3.95) - I've never used this brand before, but I am in love with the color!  Blues are my favorites, and shimmery blues are my favorite favorite.  This shade is called "Mermaid Lake," and it's a nice turquoise shimmer.  I think people usually associate bright blues with summer, but I like to wear them in the winter, too, because they remind me of icy weather.
• Bellapierre Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Stain in Pink (~$11.40) - I like using cheek stains instead of powder blushes because they have better staying power, and this one is a really flattering shade of pink.  It's harder to tell because of the glare in the photo above, but it's a vibrant rose pink that I think would be flattering on everyone.
• LashEm Picture Perfect Instant Wrinkle Reducer ($~1,34) - I don't have any issues with wrinkles currently, so this is the product I have the least use for in the box.  Beauty Box 5 was already anticipating this, though, and the informational card states that even if you don't have wrinkles, this can still be used as a primer regardless.

Bottom Line: October's box is a fun one!  I love the nail polish and the Extend Your Beauty spatula the most, but all of the products included are great.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent for review purposes.

Memebox City Girl: Seoulites + Coupon Code!

New Memebox alert!  City Girl: Seoulites is the theme of Superbox #75, and it promises to be packed with the most "buzzed-about beauty innovations" that the most fashionable girls in Seoul (South Korea's capital city) are raving about!

The box costs $23, but you can get $5 off by using my affiliate coupon!  This code will only work if you purchase via my affiliate link (hence the name), which you can do so by clicking here, or any other link in this post.  The City Girl: Seoulites box is only one of many great options Memebox has to offer, and the code can be used on any purchase.

• My affiliate coupon code is YS00 

What box(es) are you going to buy?

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil Review

I, unfortunately, suffer from dandruff.  I have since I was a kid.  Having an itchy scalp is pretty uncomfortable, and can also be embarrassing.  When I learned that tea tree oil could help combat the itchiness I was eager to try it out.  I've been using the oil for a while, but I had never tried any from Apothecary Extracts.  Theirs is a 100% pure Australian tea tree oil, and it comes in a generous 4 oz bottle that will last anyone quite a while.

The oil is a product of Australia, but it is bottled in the USA.  It contains only melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, and is free of preservatives, artificial colors, fragrances, parabens, minteral oils, chemical solvents, and petroleum.  That being said, it does have the natural scent of tea tree oil, which is a bit difficult for me to describe.  I guess I'd say that it most closely resembles the scent of peppermint oil, but with more herbal notes.

Apothecary Extracts was founded in 2013 when their team was tired of not knowing what was in their essential oils.  Many vendors dilute them or use unsafe extraction processes that contaminate the final product, and the people behind Apothecary Extracts wanted to change this.  Testing what is in essential oils is an expensive process, but they perform these tests because they believe in producing products of the highest quality.  Their tea tree oil is a great example of this commitment and I am so glad I was able to try it!

As I said previously, I use tea tree oil to combat itchy scalp.  I applied a two or three drops to my fingertips after washing my hair and then massaged the oil into my scalp, and it really does work!  Not only does it feel amazing (it makes my skin feel all tingly when I apply it), but after just a week of using this the itch is pretty much non-existent.  Since a little goes a long way, this bottle will definitely last me a long time.  Also, the bottle has a stopper hole for the opening, so you don't have to worry about dispensing more than you need or wasting product.

Tea tree oil was traditionally used by aboriginal Australians to treat everything from common colds to abrasions.  The Bundjalung Aborigines would crush up the leaves of the tea tree and inhale them to treat respiratory ailments, and more commonly would soak the leaves and use them to treat skin conditions.  It's a potent antibacterial, and is still used today in many of the same ways.  It can help with acne, eczema, and other skin conditions, as well as dental care and household cleaning.

• Purchase a bottle of Apothecary Extract's Tea Tree Oil through Amazon.  Each order also comes with a free eBook, "50+ Uses for Tea Tree Oil" that contains recipes for a bunch of different things you can make with your tea tree oil!

Bottom Line: Tea tree oil is an incredibly versatile product, and I feel confident using Apothecary Extract's oil because it's 100% natural and effective!

*Disclaimer: This post is powered by BrandBacker.  I received this product for review purposes.

ModCloth Stylish Surprise Review

Every few months, ModCloth sells their Stylish Surprise mystery boxes to clear out that seasons' inventory.  I missed their last sale, and by the time I heard about this one they only had dress boxes left.  The other options were shoes and apparel, and I probably would have gone for an apparel box if they were still available.  But regardless, I was happy to snatch up two dress boxes for only $10 each!

As I said, each dress was only $10 each, so I had to restrain myself from ordering more than two (I'm trying to be a little less impulsive with shopping lately).  I also figured that I didn't want to risk getting three dresses that I wouldn't wear, so two was a safe enough risk.  When the box arrived, they had packaged both dresses in one box, which I was glad they did since it's less wasteful.

At first glance I thought, "Hmm.  I think I'll like these!"  I noticed the color of the turquoise one right away and figured I would love it, but wasn't as sure about the lace one.  I do like lace, but I was hoping for some dresses I could wear to work (my office is pretty business casual), and lace is usually a bit too dressy for that environment.

Ta da!  I don't know the names of these dresses and I'm too lazy to go through ModCloth's site to find them, but they are both cute.  That being said, the lace one is entirely not my style.  It reminds me more of a prom dress.  I did really like the one on the right, though--the color is perfect and the style is fun without being too revealing.  Both are size medium.

I knew I would never wear the black and white dress under any circumstances, so I gifted it to a friend.  When I tried on the turquoise one, I was really disappointed to find that it didn't fit!  It has a zipper in the back, and it was just a tad bit too small and didn't zip up all the way.  If I lost a few pounds it would probably fit, but...meh.  I don't really need to lose weight at the moment, so I'm not going to go crazy trying to drop it for one dress.

Bottom Line: This Stylish Surprise box was a bust for me, but it wasn't ModCloth's fault.  I actually do think both dresses are cute, one just happened to not be my style and the other one didn't fit.  Next time I know to order a size up, and hopefully I'll have better luck!

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Strixaderm MD Review, Part II

*Disclaimer: Strixaderm MD sent these products for review purposes.

About a month ago I reviewed two products from Strixaderm MD: the Crystal Peel Body Cleanser and Secret Bright Ultimate Skin Brightener.  Now I'm back for part two, with two more skincare products to share with you!

Now that fall is here and winter is fast approaching, I'll be switching up my skincare routine.  I like to use thicker, more potent moisturizers when the seasons turn because we're heading it much dryer weather!  Strixaderm's AquaScoop! lotion is a "24-hour moisture magnet, rejuvenating plumping cream," that boasts saccharide isomerate, a highly effective moisturizing and emollient agent, vitamin E for hydration, agaricus bisporus beta glucan, which absorb water and releases moisture, and shea, cocoa, and mango butters.  It's a great cream with a smooth texture, and I think it's perfect as a night cream because of its thick consistency.  You could certainly use it as a day cream if you so chose, though.  After four weeks of use, this cream promises to make skin visibly more firm and plump.  I have been using AquaScoop! for about two months and I do enjoy it.  I can't say I have noticed that my skin is much firmer, but I presume that's mostly because I haven't noticed any sagging or wrinkles to begin with.

The Glamour Radiance Brightening Elixir is a face lotion that helps to brighten the complexion.  It also fades age spots and imperfections, contains antioxidants to protect the skin against free radicals, and Strixaderm's DermaLite-PS complex promises visible results within four weeks.  I don't have any issues with age spots, but I do have uneven skin tone with a lot of redness.  I have been using this for as long as I've been using the AquaScoop! (this in the morning, AquaScoop! at night), and I like it a lot as a light moisturizer.  I have noticed an improvement in my skin as well, there is less redness and I think it looks smoother overall.

Bottom Line: Strixaderm MD has a great line of skincare products to help with a range of concerns.  I had a great experience using both of these creams, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is looking for effective moisturizers!