IPSY June 2015 Monthly Subscription Box Review

What it Is:  A monthly beauty subscription box featuring a variety of make-up/beauty products

Cost:  $10/month (free shipping)

Details:  Subscribers complete a beauty profile.  Based off your profile, Ipsy sends you 5 sample-size (and some full-sized) products each month.

The Products:

1.  Ipsy Glam Bag - RV $4.99 (estimated)

2.  IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil (FULL SIZE)- RV $24

3.  Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (.25 fl oz) - RV $8

4.  Aurora Gel Effect Nail Polish in "4 Alarm Fire" (FULL SIZE) - RV $7.99

5.  Altchek DePuff Eye Pads (2 packets of them) - RV $4

6. TreStique Mini Shadow Crayon in "Marimoto Pink Pearl" - RV $10.67 

RETAIL VALUE =  $59.65

A closer look:

Ipsy Glam Bag - RV $4.99 (estimated)

Each My Glam bag comes with a make-up bag.  This month, the bag is a fabric, black bag.  It's versatile and has a zip closure.  It's made just for Ipsy, so I've estimated the retail value of it.

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil (FULL SIZE)- RV $24

Initially, I was skeptical of receiving a universal brow pencil because I have blonde hair.  However, this pencil works for me.  It goes on smoothly and can be applied lightly to match my skin tone.  It has a nice eyebrow brush on the end too, which makes for great application.  This may end up being my go-to brow pencil going forward.  It's definitely worth the $$ in my opinion.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (.25 fl oz) - RV $8

I've received this product in subscription boxes before and love Smashbox as a brand.  However, I didn't notice much of a difference when using this product unfortunately.  Plus, using it just adds one more step to my morning make-up routine, which I'm not interested in right now unfortunately.  

Aurora Gel Effect Nail Polish in "4 Alarm Fire" (FULL SIZE) - RV $7.99

I mentioned in another post recently that I was tired of receiving off-brand nail polishes in subscription boxes (I wear OPI and Julep mainly 99% of the time).  However, this is the first polish I've owned that has the gel effect finish.  I really like it!  The color is an orangey-red color (even though it looks pinkish in the photo).  It has a shiny finish, which I love!  Definitely a fan of this one!

Altchek DePuff Eye Pads (2 packets of them) - RV $4

I was skeptical of these pads, but they actually worked!  (I'll spare you the photo of me looking like a football player with them on though).  I wouldn't buy them in the future b/c I already have a de-puffing product I use, but I was happy to receive them in this bag.

TreStique Mini Shadow Crayon in "Marimoto Pink Pearl" - RV $10.67 

This is actually my favorite item out of this month's bag!  It goes on creamy and has a shimmery finish to it.  The color is light, which makes for a perfect layering base.  It's normally sold as a trio and I think I'm going to order it soon.  

VERDICT:  I liked this month's Ipsy a lot!  The brow pencil, eye shadow, and nail polish are all great!  I paid $10 for $59.65 worth of merchandise, which is a great deal to me!  You can read my Birchbox review here.  For this month, Ipsy won out as my favorite!  

What do you think?  Have you tried Ipsy before?

XOXO,
Stephanie

Becoming Minimalist - An Inspired Trial Run....

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook and try to stay off of it overall.  Every once in a while though, I'll peak at what's going on in the lives of my "friends".  Today, I stumbled across a post my mom shared and it registered with me.  It was about becoming minimalist and no longer buying things we don't need (see full post here).

The concept is simple - we buy things we don't need that essentially take away from true happiness.

From the Becoming Minimalist website:  

"Six years ago, we decided to embrace minimalist living.

At first, the reasons were simple: we were spending too much time caring for possessions and we were wasting too much money on stuff we didn’t need. These possessions were not bringing joy or lasting happiness. Even worse, they were keeping us from the very things that did.

Possessions had become the Great Distraction in our lives. And the simplest way to recenter ourselves on the things that mattered most was to remove the excess from our home and lives.

We embarked upon a journey to sell, donate, recycle, and remove as many of our nonessential possessions as possible. It was one of the most life-giving decisions we have ever made—the benefits have been practical and soul-enriching. And we would recommend it to anyone.

Owning fewer possessions means less cleaning, less organizing, less repairing, and less financial burden. It brings freedom, clarity, and opportunity. Intentionally owning less frees time, energy, and space—resources that could be spent pursuing our greatest passions.

Our lives and marriages require space to be lived and experienced to the fullest. But in a world of ever-increasing speed, time for reflection and investment in the things that matter becomes more and more difficult to discover.

Our world is built on consumerist pursuits—and rejecting those tendencies requires great intentionality from each of us.

Hans Hofmann, the legendary painter once said it like this, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

Nonessential possessions begin to accumulate and demand our money, energy, and precious time. As a result, we have little left over for the very elements that make our marriages work.

We should be careful to not add extra burden to our marriages by chasing and accumulating material possessions. Our money is only as valuable as what we choose to spend it on. And so are our lives."

Now that you have insight into the concept, let me share my personal journey...

  

Let me start by saying that my husband is very minimalist.  A closet full of golf shirts and t-shirts (most of which have been given to him) is the majority of what he owns.  He would be very happy with a bare house as long as he has a TV to watch sports on and a bed to sleep in.  He is not big into possessions AT ALL!  (Though he does spend wayyy too much money on beer/cigarettes in my opinion - both of which gross me out, but that's another story).

I am the nester/the one who owns possessions and continues to collect more.  I've mentioned several times in this blog that I've been doing the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover for several years now.  I've made a great deal of progress on paying off my debt, but as you can see (especially lately with all the subscription boxes I've been getting), I tend to get off track easily.  I'm a stress shopper and I'm well aware of it!  It's a vicious cycle though - the more I buy, the more I have to work.  The more I have to work to achieve the income I need to make to pay for my spending habits, the more stressed I get (and the more stress-related shopping I do).  My house isn't uber-fancy and my car is paid off.  Those aren't my vices.  Clothes (and subscription boxes) are though.  It's time to "get a grip" (as I tell myself when I'm in the Dave Ramsey zone)!  

On the Becoming Minimalist, there's a great post about owning fewer clothes.  (For the full post, click here).  

From the website:  

“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.” – Epictetus

Consider for just a moment how your life would look different if you owned fewer clothes:

You would have more disposable income. - TRUE!

You would have more time to live your life. - TRUE!

Mornings would feature less stress. - TRUE!  (Less clothing choices to debate over).

Your closets would be well-organized and uncluttered. - TRUE!

Packing for trips/vacations would take less time. - SO TRUE!

Laundry days would be easier (not necessarily less, but definitely easier). - I kind of like being able to drag laundry days out for as long as possible, so this one doesn't affect me as much.

Unfortunately, instead of enjoying the benefits of owning fewer clothes, most of us buy into the lie that more is better. And because we do, we accumulate more and more clothing each season. We are convinced that new clothes will make us more joyful, more fashionable, and more popular. Unfortunately, they just end up getting in the way. - TRUE!

Consider going a different route with your life. Try owning fewer clothes. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy the freedom that it brings.

Whether you are hoping to minimize your wardrobe to the absolute minimum or just trying to pare down some of the excess in your closet, you will find these 10 steps practical and applicable:

1. Admit that you own too much clothing. - Yes, I own too much clothing!

2. Wear fewer colors. Most of us already have a few favorite colors that we wear most often anyway – usually because we like the way we look in them. Choosing to intentionally wear fewer colors means less accessories (shoes, belts, jewelry, handbags, etc.). It also makes too much sense not to try.  - Mmmm, I like my colors.  My "go to" is a colorful top, paired with black, grey, or white pants/capris depending on the season.

3. Embrace the idea of one. When one can be enough, embrace it – one black dress, one swimsuit, one winter coat, one black belt, one pair of black shoes, one pair of sneakers, one handbag… insert your own based on your occupation, lifestyle, or climate. - This may be the hardest one for me just because I have a lot of really great pieces that I've accumulated over the years (since college to be exact).  The concept is right on.  For me though, taking it to this extreme is a little more (OK, A LOT MORE), than I'm ready to do right now.  I'll have to come up with a happy medium here that I can stick to.

4. Donate, sell, recycle, discard. Depending on the size of one’s existing wardrobe, an initial paring down won’t take long. Make a few piles – donate, sell, or recycle. Start with the clothes that you no longer wear. You’ll be surprised how much you can remove.

5. Donate, sell, discard some more. Removing the clothes you no longer wear is easy. Removing the clothes that you don’t really need can be a tougher choice. Turn around all the hangers in your closet. After the season, remove every article of clothing that wasn’t worn. That should help get you started on a second round of paring down.  This is doable for me.  The only issue I foresee though is that I have a closet of clothes ranging from Size 8 to Size 18.  No joke!  I don't want to get rid of clothes that are too small right now b/c when I lose weight again (another cycle in my life), I don't want to have to buy new clothes again.  This is where I need to apply the same concept outlined in #3 above though.  If it's not a size I wear now, I should only keep 1 of each item (versus 3 of each).  I can do that!  :)

6. Impose an arbitrary moratorium on shopping. For many, clothes shopping is just a habit – and habit always takes over for inattention. To begin breaking the cycle of purchasing and discarding, set a self-imposed buying freeze. I recommend 90 days. If given enough time, this simple exercise in self-discipline will change your view of your clothing and the stores that produce, market, and sell them.  I've done this before and it's worked.  I put myself on a Bath & Body works spending freeze about 2 years ago.  (It was only supposed to last for a year and I haven't been back to the store since).  Instead, I began making that the standing item from my sister for my birthday and Christmas - bottles of Moonlight Path shower gel.  I just ordered some items from the Limited last week and some pajamas too, so I don't need anything new right now (not that I needed it then).  90 days from today, right?!  (September 26, 2015)

7. Set a monthly spending limit. Pick a low number and stick to it.  If I'm not buying anything clothes-wise until September, that gives me plenty of time to figure out a monthly clothing spending limit.  I already have a monthly cash spending budget from doing the Total Money Makeover, so now the issue is just sticking to it.

8. Purchase quality over quantity. Only buy clothing that you truly love – even if it costs more. If you stock your closet full of things you love, you will have less desire to add to it. - True!

9. Avoid the sale racks. Sales can (and should) be used to help you get a better price on something you need. Unfortunately, most sale racks are designed to convince us to purchase something we don’t. - So true!!

10. Impress with your character, not your clothes. Lee Mildon once said, “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.”  True!

Well, now that the goal has been set, it's time for me to head to my bedroom and turn some hangers around.  Wish me luck!  Anyone else want to try this little clothing experiment with me?  I'd love to have a little support group of sorts to do this with.  (I'm not posting this on Facebook, so subscribe to my blog to get the posting updates).

XOXO,

Stephanie

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE July 2015 Spoiler

The first July 2015 PopSugar Must Have Spoiler is out!

The bag opens up similar to a men's toiletry bag and looks like it will be great for travel!  I'm excited to receive it!  What do you think?

Not a member yet?  Click here and enter code "musthave5" to get $5 off your first box!

XOXO,

Stephanie

LITTLE LACE BOX June 2015 Subscription Box Review

What it is:  A bi-monthly lifestyle delivery subscription box.  

Cost:  $59.99/month for a single box, $149.97 for 3 boxes (6-month subscription), or $269.95 for 6 boxes (annual subscription) - boxes are delivered every other month.  I signed up for the 6 month subscription.  Click here to get 15% off your first purchase from Little Lace Box.

Details:  Every other month, LLB sends a themed box with fashion and beauty items.

This Month's Inspiration:  Coco Chanel, who famously said "A girl should be two things, classy & fabulous".

This Month's Box Included the Following:

1.  Watercolor Print Silk Scarf - RV $45.99

2.  Kitsch Ring - RV $24.99

3.  Lucy B's Apothecary - Nail Lacquer in Starlet - RV $12.99

4.  Pour Some Sugar Scrub on Me in Coconut Mango Mimosa - RV $19.99

5.  The Packable Summer Hat by San Diego Hat Co. - RV $27.99 

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE = $131.95

A Closer Look:

Watercolor Print Silk Scarf - RV $45.99

As you can see from the photo above, this scarf is very bright!  It's silk and is definitely a throwback to a past era.  It is summer and bright colors are definitely in.  I'm just not sure how this scarf fits into my daily wardrobe.  I may end up tying it onto my purse like the photo on the insert shows.

Kitsch Ring - RV $24.99

This ring is unlike anything I own.  I like that it's adjustable.  I'm just not really sure it's my style.  I'm afraid it will get snagged on my clothes, purse, etc. too.  It's made with 14K Gold, which is nice.  I'm hoping this piece will grow on me.  :)

Lucy B's Apothecary - Nail Lacquer in Starlet - RV $12.99

Nail polish fits with the Coco Chanel themed box, but honestly, I'm so tired of getting nail polishes in subscription boxes (especially off-brands like this one).  It barely shows up at all unfortunately when swatched.

Pour Some Sugar Scrub on Me in Coconut Mango Mimosa - RV $19.99

This is my favorite item out of this box!  

This scrub smells sooo good!  (Like pineapple and tropical fruit).  It instantly makes me feel like I'm in the tropics drinking a margarita!  I LOVE this scrub!!

The Packable Summer Hat by San Diego Hat Co. - RV $27.99 

The hat - oopf!  It's nice that it has a Velcro closure, but it's just not my style at all.  Putting it on made me feel much older than my years.

VERDICT:  I was sooo excited for this box to arrive after seeing previous month's boxes, but this one was a miss for me.  (I was hoping for cutesy household items, a strand of pearls, a glamorous hair pin, or a little jewelry/trinket box or something).  I liked the sugar scrub, but other than that, was not a huge fan of anything else that was included in the box.  The theme for the August 2015 box is "Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy".  Hopefully it will be a better fit for me than this one was.

Have you checked out Little Lace Box yet?  If so, what did you think? 

XOXO,
Stephanie

BESPOKE POST June 2015 COPPER Monthly Subscription Box Review

What it is:  A themed monthly collection of goods to improve your everyday life.   

Cost:  $45/month (free shipping).  Use code "myfirst" to receive 25% off your first box.

Details:  On the first of each month, BeSpoke Post reveals their curated boxes for the month.  After seeing what's inside the box, you have until the 5th of the month to decide whether to purchase one of the boxes or skip for the month.  This box is geared towards men, but many of the items included are unisex.

This month’s box options were:  

“Copper” (Copper Mugs, Fiery Ginger Syrup & Ice Mallet and Lewis Bag), 
“Frontier” (No. 8 Pocket Knife, Bottle Opener, Black Sport Fountain Pen & Black Soft Cover Notebook), 
“Roam” (Tote Bag by Line of Trade, Cord Wrap, TM1985 and Water Bottle) and 
“Roast” (Presse Coffee Maker, Manual Burr Grinder & Coffee Beans). 

My husband and I love Moscow Mule's, so buying this box seemed like a no-brainer!   

From BeSpoke Post:

"It doesn't get much better than serving up a history-rich cocktail with all the right accompaniments. Case in point: the Moscow Mule, a drink that single-handedly popularized vodka in the States.


Back in the early '40s, two guys had a lot of Smirnoff and a lot of ginger beer, but not a whole lot of customers. So after commiserating over a few rounds of drinks, they had an idea: mix the vodka with a healthy dose of lime juice, top with ginger beer, and serve over crushed ice. A few years later, the entire country was drinking the stuff."

The "Copper" box featured the following items:

1.  Copper Mugs - Set of 2 - RV $40 (for both)
2.  Liber & Co Firey Ginger Syrup - RV $8
3.  Ice Mallet and Lewis Bag - RV $10

Total Retail Value - $58

Here's the Recipe from BeSpoke Post for making a Moscow Mule:  

1 1/2 oz Smirnoff® vodka
3/4 oz ginger syrup
Juice from half a lime
6 oz club soda

Add the vodka, ginger syrup, and lime juice to a mug. Add crushed ice, stir, and top with club soda. Garnish with lime slices.

FINAL VERDICT:  Our local bar started making these during football season this year and  my husband and I instantly fell in love with the crisp taste and ice-cold copper mugs.  I actually bought my husband some mugs for Christmas, but when he found out how much I paid for them, he asked me to return them.  $33.75 for what was included (a $58 retail value) was much better than what I found during the Holidays so this box was definitely worth it to me!  I'm excited to see what next month's boxes are!

(Previous month's boxes are also available for purchase.  I have my eye on the Maker, Charred, and Weekender boxes too).

Have you tried BeSpoke Post yet?  If so, what did you think?

XOXO,

Stephanie

BIRCHBOX June 2015 Subscription Box Review

What it Is:  A monthly beauty subscription box featuring a variety of make-up/beauty products

Cost:  $10/month (free shipping)

Details:  Subscribers complete a beauty profile.  Based off your profile, Birchbox sends you 5 sample-size (and some full-sized) products each month.

At the end of the month, Birchbox sends out an e-mail out offering to allow you to choose a sample for the following month's box or to choose the "Guest Editor" box which features items shown in the photo. I chose to pick a sample and receive the regular Birchbox for the month and this is what I received:

A little note card was included which gave product info about what was included in the box:

The Products:

1.  Dr. Jart Dermaclear Micro Water - RV $2.56
2.  Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner - RV $7.70
3.  Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peal - RV $4.80
4.  Temple Spa Good Hair Day Shampoo - RV $1.73
5.  Temple Spa Good Hair Day Conditioner - RV $1.73
6.  (BONUS ITEM) - Emi Jay Hair Tie - RV $1.20

RETAIL VALUE =  $18.52

A closer look:

Dr. Jart Dermaclear Micro Water - RV $2.56

This was the item I selected for this month's box.  It's a cleansing water that removes make-up and is supposed to brighten my skin.  I've been using this product since it arrived and LOVE how fresh it makes my skin feel when I use it!  Sometimes I end up splashing it off with water, but overall, I'm a fan!

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner - RV $7.70

The second item in the box is this waterproof eyeliner.  It's a beautiful eggplant shade that I'll definitely wear!

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peal - RV $4.80

This was the one item from the curated box I was interested in when the sample e-mail came out last month.  I was so glad to receive it in my box!  You just apply a thin layer of it and rub your face in circular motions to remove dead skin and leave skin looking brighter.  I've used a similar product before and it really does work! 

Temple Spa Good Hair Day Shampoo - RV $1.73
Temple Spa Good Hair Day Conditioner - RV $1.73

I am always happy to try new shampoos and conditioners.  I'm not a fan of these two though due to their scents.  The shampoo just smells "soapy" and the conditioner, though it does have a hint of mint/menthol to it, doesn't smell any better.  They did leave my hair feeling soft though, so that's a plus!  

(BONUS ITEM) - Emi Jay Hair Tie - RV $1.20

Besides the eyeliner, this was my favorite item from the box!  I LOVE Emi Jay hair ties and have gobs of them.  I can always use another one.  I love them because they don't leave the indentation in your hair when you remove them like regular hair bands do.  They're also gentler so your hair won't break off when you remove them.  I highly recommend them to everyone!

VERDICT:  I liked this month's Birchbox!  I will definitely use everything they sent and LOVE the eyeliner and hair tie.  I paid $10 for $18.52 worth of merchandise, which is a good deal to me.  The fun of Birchbox is trying out new products, so this definitely fit the bill!

What do you think?  Have you tried any of the Birchbox before?

XOXO,
Stephanie

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE June 2015 Subscription Box Review

What it is:  A monthly lifestyle delivery subscription box.  

Cost:  $39.95/month + tax (discounts available for signing up for a 3 or 6 month subscription).  I signed up for a 3-month subscription for $109.85 + tax ($112.71 total) and saved $10 off the regular price.

Details:  Each month, PopSugar Editors choose an assortment of fabulous surprises in categories of fashion, beauty, home, fitness, food, and more.

This Month's Inspiration:

This Month's Box Included the Following:

1.  Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses - RV $45

2.  Judy Blume's "In the Unlikely Event" - Hardback - RV $27.95

3.  Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette - RV $14

4.  Yogitoes Peacock hBand - RV $4

5.  Spongelle Boxed Flowers Buffer - RV $16

6.  SNAP Infusion Super Candy (2 packages) - RV $4

(7.  Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card)

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE = $110.95 (not including the gift card)

A Closer Look:

Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses - RV $45

I always welcome a new pair of sunglasses!  I have a habit of shoving them in my purse and breaking them when I try to pull them out after I've piled other things on top of them.  I love that these come with a case (and a durable one with solid end closure at that)!  The sunglasses are somewhat flexible and soft to the touch, so they're comfortable when you push your hair back with them when indoors.  I didn't own a pair of black sunglasses yet either, so I'm happy to have these!

Judy Blume's "In the Unlikely Event" - Hardback - RV $27.95

Receiving books in subscription boxes is hit or miss with me for the simple fact that it means I have to take the time to sit down and read the silly thing.  (I finally read Andre Agassi's book "Open" a few weeks ago after staring at it on my bookshelf for at least 4 years).  This book was featured in People Magazine a few weeks back and received good reviews so I'll eventually read it.  

Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette - RV $14

I've used Pacifica eye shadows before and like them!  This particular palette features summery shades that stay on well.  (I could see the shadow still when I got home from work, which is a plus).  I'll definitely use this!

Yogitoes Peacock hBand - RV $4

The colors in this headband are pretty, but it doesn't thrill me.  The material is stretchy and reminds me of t-shirt fabric, so this particular band just kind of lays there (versus the elastic bands which always slip off).  The ends instantly began rolling up when I put it on, which I'm not a fan of either.  Not a fan, but at least it was only $4 of the total value of this box.  

Spongelle Boxed Flowers Papaya Yuzu Buffer - RV $16

I really like the concept of this sponge!  It remains stiff around the edges even when placed under running water so it does a great job of exfoliating.  There seems to be plenty of body wash inside of it too, which will definitely last for multiple washes (I've used it twice so far and it still has a lot of product inside it).  It washes off nicely and leaves a clean feeling.  The only thing I don't love about it is the scent.  When I saw coconut on the inspiration insert I was hoping they'd send that scent.  The papaya smells is just eeh to me.  

SNAP Infusion Super Candy (2 packages) - RV $4

Any time candy is included in a subscription box, I end up eating it while looking thru the box.  These were no exception.  Both flavors were sweet with a kick of sourness from the outer sugar layer, which I loved.

Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card

I love finding new websites.  This particular one sells vintage jewelry.  Personally, I'm not huge into vintage finds.  There's some cute pieces on this website, but to use this gift card, you will definitely end up spending additional money.  (Their pieces range from $38 up to $298).  There's a brooch that I like on there, but I don't want to spend the extra $$ to buy it.  There's no expiration date on this gift card, so I'll keep checking back.

VERDICT:  This was not my favorite PopSugar box unfortunately.  With my 3-month subscription, this box averages out to $37.57/month and it had a retail value of $110.95.  I like the sunglasses, but would never pay $45 for them regularly.  The candy was good and I'll eventually read the book and use up the eye shadow.  Nothing really stood out at me this month as being something I was really "excited" to receive though.  Still, it was fun to receive a box of surprises.  

Have you checked out PopSugar yet?  If so, what did you think of this month's box? 

XOXO,
Stephanie

SERENDIPITY by LITTLE LACE BOX Subscription Box Review - June 2015

What it Is:  A complimentary (for now) bi-monthly beauty pouch for Little Lace Box subscribers featuring a variety of primarily make-up/beauty products

Cost:  Free (for now) for active Little Lace Box subscribers.  $9.99 for non-active LLB subscribers

Details:  Every other month (on the off months of the Little Lace Box), you'll receive a pouch like this of items that didn't exactly fit the next LLB curation.

This pouch came as a total surprise to me!  June is one of the months Little Lace Box is scheduled to ship, so when I received the shipment notification at the very end of May, I was expecting the regular, full box to arrive.  Instead, I opened the envelope and found the following letter explaining what was inside.

The Products:

1.  OFRA Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil - RV $13

2.  OFRA Cosmetics Plum Lip Liner - RV $13

3.  OFRA Cosmetics Bordeaux Lip Glass - RV $12.95

4.  Bella Ink Birthday Card - RV $3.95

5.  Brode Electrolyte Vitamin (2 of them) - RV $4.00

RETAIL VALUE =  $46.90

A closer look:

OFRA Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil - RV $13

OFRA Cosmetics Plum Lip Liner - RV $13

OFRA Cosmetics Bordeaux Lip Glass - RV $12.95

First, let me start off by saying receiving 3 full-size items unexpectedly was a really nice surprise!  When signing up for Little Lace Box, there is no profile you fill out though since it's advertised as more of a lifestyle box.  Unfortunately, the colors were all darker than what I normally wear (I have blonde hair and blue eyes).  The lip liner looks pinkish in the photo, but the actual color is a darker plum.  I'll end up using the gloss and liner, but sparingly.  The eyebrow pencil really is as dark as the end shows, so I ended up using it as an eyeliner instead.

Bella Ink Birthday Card - RV $3.95

This card is really cute and well-made.  I'll definitely be sharing this with someone special on their birthday in the future!

Brode Electrolyte Vitamin (2 of them) - RV $4.00

According to the insert, these vitamins are supposed to replace lost electrolytes and maintain hydration.  Since I opened this box on my way out of town for a concert (where drinking was involved), these came in handy the next morning.  I took them both with a glass of water and felt fine the next day.

This card was also included for a wine promotion.  It's not something I'm going to end up purchasing though.

VERDICT:  This was a pleasant surprise!  The items included were full-size and it's a free subscription for now.  Considering they sent $46.90 worth of products, that's a great deal!  I wonder how long Serendipity will remain free for current subscribers.  According to the Little Lace Box website, the subscription is $9.99 for non-active subscribers.  I hope they'll include a profile in the future once they start charging for the subscription if makeup is going to be included so buyers can receive shades that match their complexions.  In the mean time though, I'm happy to try out the products they send.  I can't wait to receive my full-size Little Lace Box for June!!

The back of the letter included info on the theme for the August Little Lace Box:

What do you think?  Have you tried Little Lace Box before?

XOXO,
Stephanie