Hello, Sunday!!!! Hello, Summer!!! Hello, People!!!
Hope everyone has been enjoying this lovely weekend!
I can't believe we are doing this again, but it's time! Time for
Birchbox
vs.
Ipsy
MAY SHOWDOWN!!!!
...And this time, I decided to change up the scenery a little and take advantage of summery view from my backyard, which is PERFECT because both Birchbox and Ipsy decided to gear up all of their subscribers for the warmer and brighter weather ahead of us (,or if you are in Texas, right NOW!).
Also, I have a special guest that will be mildly peppered through my post. My awesome, but sadly neglected, rooster that my husband picked up from H-E-B (our local grocery store).
Ok, enought rooster talk...Let's get started!
*IPSY*
What I alway love about Ipsy is that each month my items comes in a different pouch! This months was a burlap zippered bag with leaves printed on it. Definitely gives off a nature, natural, summery vibe which was very much in-line with May's theme of Fresh Picks!
Oooooh!!! Aaaahhh!!! Just everything put together SCREAMS light and fresh!
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
Excitement Level: 5/5
My thoughts: I am abosolutely excited about this product! If you follow me on Instagram (@lavenderwalls- Click on the tag! Go follow me!), you know I posted a few weeks back that I got ombre done to my hair! I am definitely LOVING IT, but, with any situation where you lighten and lift color out of your hair (especially if it is dark like mine), the strands are going to be drier and more fragile. Therefore, it is essential to have a nourishing conditioner to nurse the hairs back to health. I am always game to try new things, so we will see how this one goes. It contains Keravis Protein and Argan Oil which are really great at restoring and strengthening.
Pacifica Natural Beauty Eye Shadow Duo in #1
Excitement Level: 4/5
My thoughts: This duo looks so pretty and is perfect for creating a very quick and natural makeup look. It is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made with no parabens or yucky ingredients. Definitely can't wait to try this out!
Hang Ten Classic Sport Natural Sunscreen SPF 50
Excitement Level: 3/5
My thoughts: Sunscreen is an absolute essential all year round, but especially in the summertime when the sun can be extremely brutal! I'm most excited about this because it is easy to carry around in my purse. A lot of times, I find myself driving and notice that the sun is shining directly on my arms and hands, or I'm at an outdoor shopping center wearing a sleeveless top and shorts. This would definitely come in handy when I feel like I need a little emergeny sun protection. One thing I will say about this product from the little bit that I did put on is that it doesn't really smell pleasant - like wild mushrooms with a hint of plastic. Funny thing is that this is a natural sunscreen, so it shouldn't smell that way. But whatevs, in a pinch, I can't complain too much. It will get the job done.
Boo-Boo Cover- Up Concealer
Excitement Level: 3/5
My thoughts: I own quite a bit of concealers for reasons unknown to me and I don't have much to conceal except under the eyes to brighten a little, so I'm not really in a need for concealer. However, it never hurts to try a new one, and this one looks like it would do a good job. It's thicker and has a slight peachy tone, which are 2 qualities that make a great undereye concealer. I will try. I will report back.
Precision Beauty Eyelash Curler
Excitement Level: 0/5
My thoughts: Don't get me wrong! This eyelash curler in all of its metallic purple glory looks pretty, but I don't want to fix what is not broken. I LOVE my Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Holy grail, prized possession, beauty must-have!!! If I don't have it with me, I just will skip curling my lashes. You can think I am wrong and delusional, but it works for me. Also, I will say, I am looking at this eyelasher curler as I am typing and I'm noticing that it is not even. You can kind of see it in the picture below, on the left side right above the pad. If I had to say something positive about this item, it photographs well amongst the grassy lawn.
Overall Ipsy Rating: 3/5
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*BIRCHBOX*
YELLOW!!! My favorite color!!!
More YELLOW!!!! I *heart* yellow!
Birchbox goodies!!!
Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Acai Grapefruit
Excitement Level: 5/5
My thoughts: I typically epilate because it lasts longer and it doesn't irritate my skin, but let's be real. Shaving is so convenient when you are getting ready for work and decide last minute that the easiest thing to throw on is a dress. True story! This shave cream is actually a thick whipped consistency that smells like Starbursts! It is said to moisturize, soothe, and nourish...All qualities that are important when shaving!
Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Coral Crush
Excitement Level: 4/5
My thoughts: I have actually used this a few times already and I really really like it! It has long-lasting moisturization qualities, goes on very smooth, and just easy to apply and wear. I always gravitate towards balms and balm stains because you still get color without the dryness and color intensity that lipsticks most often give, so your lips look luscious and pretty in a very effortless way! I would definitely recommend.
Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer, Shampoo, and Conditioner
Excitement Level: 5/5
My thoughts: As I mentioned above with the hair mask I got from Ipsy, hair care is so important to me. This trio will be great to try out. Need I say more?
32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy in Honey Mint and Peppermint
Excitement Level: 5/5
My thoughts: Pop Rocks with dental benefits? What?!? Whoever this dentist is that created this product is pretty genius! I tried the Honey Mint one already. I don't know if it really freshened my breath, but it was like Pop Rocks and who would not be excited about freaking POP ROCKS!!! That's all! I'm sold!
Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion in Relaxing Sea Fennel
Excitement Level: 4/5
My thoughts: This lotion smells and feels so spa-like. Duh, Jennifer! Hence the "Spa Therapy" name. It's light in texture and scent, so perfect for warmer weather. Definitely a product that reminds me of something my mom would like and therefore will be going to her.
ADDED BONUS!!! Kate Spade Saturday COUPON!!!
Yes, please! Thank you, Birchbox!!!
Overall Birchbox Rating: SOLID 5/5!!!
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Clear winner in the month of May! Birchbox, WOW! With the yellow, and the Kate Spade coupon, and the lovely picks, the rating was very well-deserved!!!
I can't wait to see what June's deliveries will be! But, until then, we will just enjoy what we have received in the month of May and the fun stuff that will be coming up on this blog. In the meantime, check me out on Instagram (@lavenderwalls), check me out on Luvocracy (link below), and stay tuned!!! May Faves are COMING SOON!!!!
Have a great Sunday, a great week, a happy evening!
- Jen
