Influenster Sargento Cheese VoxBox

I was very surprised to qualify for a VoxBox from Influenster.  And excited that it was for Cheese.  Influenster is a kind of social media market research company thing, and they sent me this complimentary (completely, totally free) for testing purposes.  The box included a voucher for a free bag, a coupon for a dollar off another bag, and an insulated cheese stick holder.

I had never tried a cheese stick style snack before aside from string cheese, but I do try to get some dairy in every day, usually in the form of yogurt.  My yogurt is also 80 calories, so this is a great way for me to change up my routine without getting my caloric intake all out of whack.  

These are really good.  I expected more of a mozzarella cheese stick taste, a bit rubbery and bland, but they taste more like legit cheese - a bit melty with a nice edge to the sharp cheddar.  I have only tried the Sharp Cheddar-Jack version but I really like it and have repurchased a few bags already.  They seem a bit on the pricey side at over $4 per bag of 12, however it does work out a bit cheaper than the yogurt I buy (.50/ea) and about on par with my 80 calorie granola squares (about $3-4 for 10) so it is really cost competitive.  They just happen to have more per package than the others.

The only drawback that I have found so far is that occasionally the easy peel opening is hard to open.  I can't find where the plastic separates.  That is fairly rare however and pretty easy to deal with. Also, I tend to go a little overboard so they vanish on me quickly, but I can't exactly blame the cheese for tasting good. 

I definitely recommend these, and they seem to be pretty easy to find at grocery stores.  Right over by the string cheese and whatnot, I honestly don't know how I didn't notice them before. If you are looking for more info, recipe ideas and other fun stuff, check out their website at http://www.sargento.com/.

Here is my unboxing for a closer look:

Starlooks Starbox September 2013

The September Starlooks was actually a bit of a let down.  They haven't really been wowing me lately.  Bland colors and a lack of variety are becoming somewhat of the norm.  This box is a touch over $17/mo when shipping is factored in.  For that I would like to see more 4 product boxes with at least one colorful item per box, however that is just me.  I know a lot of people prefer neutrals. Starlooks was my favorite subscription service early this year, but now I greatly prefer Ipsy.

The eyeliner pot in Milky way is a very light silver.  It doesn't do much on it's own really - as an eyeshadow it is sticky and uncomfortable (but pretty).  It is a bit hard to see on my skintone as just an eyeliner.  As a base it doesn't seem as good as an actual primer (and I just use cheap NYX primer). 

The lipgloss in Pearl Necklace is a wonderful formula but the color just isn't there.  Also, the packaging they use for their glosses is terrible.  I had a problem with the stopper thing popping up into the lid, although re-tightening the cap and waiting a couple days seemed to reseal it.  Unfortunately this is the second time I have had this problem.  I also have a gloss from them with a cracked lid.  I know they had the stopper problem over a year ago with their last August box, and it bothers me that they have not worked to improve their packaging by now.  These glosses are not cheap at $12 and their customers deserve better.

The lashes retail for $13.  The look pretty?  I don't really use lashes.

There was also a 1 month free trial membership for a company called Ooberluxe, an online 'personal assistant' that makes reservations and such for you.  It seems like something wealthy business women could use, but I think most people are not so terribly inconvenienced by making their own occasional online arrangements that they would pay monthly for assistance.

You can learn more (and purchase some past Starboxes for $25, I doubt this one will be sold out for a while) by visiting them at:

www.starlooks.com

Popsugar Must Have Box September 2013

September's Popsugar Must Have Box was quite nice - nothing spectacular but everything is surprisingly useful.  Popsugar is currently $35/mo, however they are planning to increase the price in November to about $40, and I don't know that it is really worth that, particularly as a lot of the value is tied up in 'gift cards' for stores.  This months box included:

The Barr-Co diffuser seems to have a weak scent, however the bottle is so clean and simple and classy looking that it is a perfect fit in any room.

P.S. - You're Invited by Erica Domesek is a DIY project book with easy to moderate projects.  None of them seem to really jump out at me and many seem to involve altering items that already seem pretty cool on their own (if I had the scratch for a silk skirt, I don't think I would want to risk ruining it).  It is filled with a lot of great inspiration and tips though and I do plan to find something I can try out.

The Kitsch headbands are pretty awesome.  The colors are great, and I use headbands.  I love getting these instead of the hair ties that I cant use with my short style.

Sharkies!  Ok, I haven't tried them yet.  The name is adorable though, and I like that they included a sport treat.

Rifle Paper Co. Coaster set.  These are paper coasters, but they are holding up well for me and they are really pretty.  They match my living room decor well.

The apple flavored That's It bar included in the box was so tart I couldn't eat it.  I tried...  The texture was nice?

The Shoptiques gift card has been the biggest disappointment for me.  I ordered two items, which shipped from two different boutiques, jacking up the shipping like crazy.  My total after using the $25 card was ~$50.  The most expensive item was about $45 plus shipping on its own and didn't fit.  When I returned it, they only credited my bank account $23.  I don't know if they credited the gift card, if it can be 'reused' or what, but I am hugely disappointed that my actual money wasn't refunded.  The cheaper necklace I ordered took forever to ship and was packaged terribly.  This is likely the last time I use a gift card received in a subscription box.

http://popsu.gr/gOps (referral link)

http://musthave.popsugar.com/ (weirdly unguessable regular link)

Julep Galaxy Mystery Box

I am such a gigantic sucker for Juleps wonderful marketing strategy that I had to cancel my Maven account to get rid of all that beautiful temptation.  Shortly thereafter, I received an email from them about a new galaxy themed mystery box.  @#*%$ Julep, I thought I was free!

Anyway, I love space.  There was no way I could resist, and holy wow am I glad I didn't.  I ordered the middle sized, cosmic mystery box with a value of at least $70 for $25, and added on the $9.99 'mystery item'.  I had to pay through the nose for shipping now that I am no longer a member, however the box they sent me has a value close to $120, so I can't exactly complain.

How did this even happen?  It's amazing.  Far more than the standard mystery boxes.  The 'mystery item' was just random stuff, the hand and cuticle stick and a polish in the color Carrie.  The colors I received in the actual mystery box are: 

Lexie (yellow)

Charlotte (purple)

Francis (green)

Blakely (molten)

Reiko (copper?)

Estelle (black with multi color holo glitter) 

The tiny travel size kit has the Rock Star hand creme and the Glycolic hand scrub, both of which I have been wanting to try out.  It also has another Oxygen Nail Treatment.  I am not sure how well that works as it can't be used as a base coat.  If I can see my nails, I destroy them.

I got a bit adventurous and decided to try my first nail art.  Julep posted a galaxy nail tutorial on their facebook.  My 'celestial bodies' are too big and just look like polka dots, but I do like how the coloring turned out.

I love and recommend Julep to anyone with self control, as they have a constant flood of irresistible deals.  I joined almost a year ago, and the condition of my nails have improved immensely.  Having such an interesting and good quality polish selection helps me keep them painted, which stops me from picking at them.  The polishes are small, and if you are not a member they are overpriced.  They do have a subscription service that gets you a discount and free shipping as well as your choice of a selection of monthly boxes at $19.99/mo.  You can always skip the boxes, but if you do you miss out on the Secret Store sale.  After that's over they start sending out the mystery box teasers...  Seriously, Julep is a non stop polish sale extravaganza.  If you want to check them out, their site is www.julep.com.

Wantable Intimates Box, September 2013

Wantable has launched a new line of subscriptions box for intimate apparel.  They already have a make up and a jewelry line that seem to be growing in popularity.  They all work the same way - you take a very detailed preference quiz and they offer a very customized box at either a $36 monthly subscription fee or a flat $40 one time fee.  This is a wonderfully versatile system.  When I found out they were offering a new intimates box I decided to try a one time purchase.  I could use some new undies and socks, which is what I assumed would be the primary items.

Let me start by saying that I love this box.  Even more now, a week later, than the day I unboxed it. I wear the socks at every possible moment, and when they finally fall prey to wear or to a hungry dryer they will be mourned.

The Pink Poodle Socks from Sock It to Me have a value of $11.00.  They actually have a ton of cool patterns.  The socks are very soft, but stretchy.  I wear a size 11, so I normally tear through regular socks quickly.  These feel like they will hold up for quite a while.

The Coobie Essential Thin Strap Cami in Seafoam has a value of $20 and is my least favorite item.  It will work for layering, but it is a "one size" item and of course fits weirdly.  It is a tight but slick material that I am worried will ride up if not tucked in tightly.  Useful but not particularly enjoyable.

The Izabella Herringbone Tights in Dark Grey are valued at $19 and the fit is impressive.  I am 6' tall and didn't expected them to send me tights due to the sizing limitations caused by my legs.  Unbelievably, these fit great and are extremely cozy.  It almost makes me happy for the impending doom of fall weather.

And then there is the crown jewel of the box, the Essence Tank in Red from Pheel (size large), worth $48.  The fit is amazing.  And it isn't lounge wear, as I was expecting.  It's active wear, baby!

I have already tried it out at the gym and I am trying to determine how many times I can wear it in a row before other members start to wonder if it's ever clean (it is I swear!).

So yeah, hugely impressed with this box.  It is out of my price range to buy on the regular, but I would very much like to purchase this again as an occasional treat.  Total value is $98, and the cost of the box was only $40.  If you got one of these, let me know what you think!

 

For more info:

 www.wantable.com

Unboxing video if you would like a closer look:

Starlooks Starbox August 2013

And more lipstick from the last of my August beauty boxes.  Luckiest. Month. Ever.

The infinity lipsticks in Endless, a very sheer shimmery peach and Eons, a rose matte pink are part of the Natalie Corona Special Edition box for August.  These are nice wearable colors, but much safer than I would like.  Part of Starlooks success means appealing to a wider audience and they seem to be moving away from the bold looks of last year.  The formula is creamy to start and lasts about 5 hours.  I actually prefer their regular lipstick formula, which I find creamier, better pigmented and lasts about 4 hours anyway.

Also included is their eye glitter in Emerald.  I am surprised this is ok for eyes.  The glitter migrated a bit and annoyed my contacts.  It also got all over everything.  The color is fantastic, but the product isn't really for me.

The prism doesn't actually look very nice.  It's better than the button from June, but I don't think I will be using it.

Starlooks is $15/mo and they send 3-4 full size items.  I like them and use their products far more than items that I have gotten in other subscriptions.  I do hope they do something a little bolder for fall though, maybe a burgendy or deep plum lip color.  I would also like to see more balanced boxes.  With 2 of the same type of item in a box they are bound to disappoint anyone not a fan of the one product type.  The same with the June box that had two eyeliners. No one type of cosmetic is beloved by all.

www.starlooks.com

Unboxing video, and a closer look at the items:

Ipsy August 2013

Squeeeeeeee they sent me an Urban Decay lipstick!  My favorite brand and favorite type of item.

Urban Decay lipstick in Anarchy - blatantly my favorite thing.  I like the formula, it starts creamy but gets a little dry after an hour.  It lasts 5+ hours and is amazingly pigmented.  The color is blindingly awesome.  Love it.

Chella brow pencil - this one surprised me, I like it more than I expected.  It's dark so a light hand is needed, but it is easy to use and does a great job filling in sparse spots.

Mica loose eye shadown in Bronze - this is ok, nice and shimmery.  I like the color and feel of last months penny wise from Starlooks a touch better though.

Pixi Mascara - Ug, I hate the brush part.  It is really wide at one end and the widest part is all that touches my lashes.  It takes forever to apply.

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal facial scrub - I haven't tried it yet as I am a bit gun shy of facial skin care however this is formulated for sensitive skin so I am hopeful.  I have heard nothing but great things about the Michael Todd line.

So yes, overall AMAZING.  Ipsy has eclipsed my other beauty subs for my absolute favorite.  It is only $10 and while their shipping has gotten kind of slow/sucky the products do not dissapoint.

http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-h7wnv8b3vz9fy3 (referral alert)

www.ipsy.com (if you prefer over referral links)