BIRCHBOX

All posts in the BIRCHBOX category

BIG OCTOBER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY – GO BIG OR GO HOME – SECOND PLACE PRIZE!

Published October 30, 2014 by thebeholdingeye

Tomorrow is the big day, when a winner will be chosen and announced, so stay tuned…

Now, as promised, here is a picture of the second place prize, which includes a variety of items received in various boxes over the past couple of months and will be placed inside the Thursday Friday canvas makeup bag featured in the FabFitFun Summer box (RV $35).

g2-4

And here are a couple of pictures of the contents that will be sent to the second place winner:

g2-2

g2-3

g2

We aren’t going to put a retail value on each item in the contents as most are samples sizes (and the approximate retail value on many of these can be found in this blog, now that I think about it). Included are It Cosmetics Universal Brow (a very popular item!), 2 nail lacquers, deluxe travel sizes of Neil George shampoo and condition, deluxe travel size of suntan oil, a deluxe sample size of Be A Bombshell Smooth Criminal finishing powder, a 4-tray sampler of Coastal Scents Revealed neutral shadows, and more.

Our sincere thanks again to all who entered…and stay tuned tomorrow for the big announcement.

As always, feel free to follow what I’m up to on the following social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBeholdingEye
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

Until next time, stay beautiful!!!

CLARISONIC MIA 2 VERSUS OLAY PRO X: THE 30-DAY CHALLENGE

Published October 28, 2014 by thebeholdingeye

Last night saw the entries for the Big October Beauty Giveaway come to a close. Thanks so much to all who participated and be sure to keep an eye on this blog when the winners will be announced on Halloween, October 31st. Yes, winners. We have decided as a token of our appreciation for all of the entries (over 700 at final count) that we would put together a small second place prize (pictures to follow tomorrow).

A few months ago, after being tempted to get a Clarisonic, I zipped on over to YouTube to see what various vloggers had to say about it. I’d heard all of the hype, but I really wanted to check out a few unbiased/unsponsored opinions as well. I was somewhat surprised to see a lot of comparison videos between the Clarisonic and the Olay Pro X cleansing devices. Not knowing what the outcome of any of these challenges would be, I pulled up a chair, grabbed a Coke Zero, and proceeded to watch a few.

I was somewhat surprised when a few vloggers indicated they really didn’t see much of a difference between the results of the two and that, for $100 less, they would stick with the Olay Pro X.

I went ahead and purchased the Olay Pro X system to see what all the fuss was about.

After using it for 3 months, I do admit my complexion looks much better and much healthier. I haven’t had a single breakout and no longer have little dry patches that would creep up by my chin or by my eyebrow areas.

Of course, all things being equal, I was so pleased with the results from the budget-friendly Olay Pro X that obviously I now must invest the big bucks to try to the Clarisonic Mia 2 so that I can compare the two for myself. If the more economical Olay Pro X works this well, the Clarisonic Mia 2 has to work even better, right? At least I always convince myself that more expensive is usually better.

Now, onto today’s business at hand. Lo and behold, the UPS deliveryman decided to come by earlier than usual today and bestowed into my outstretched hands something I had ordered from QVC. The Clarisonic Mia 2.

bclarisonic

I chose the pink one (of course) and it came with a full-sized tube of Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash, which retails on its own for $32. It also came with an interchangeable head and the pLink charger unit.

Now for the interesting part…a 30-day challenge between the results I’ll obtain with the Clarisonic Mia 2 as compared to the results I’ve obtained using the Olay Pro X.

challenge3
CURRENT ROUTINE: Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash + Olay Pro X.

challenge1
THE CHALLENGER: Clarisonic Mia 2 + Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash.

challenge5
PRODUCTS TO BE CONTINUED: Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Serum and Olay Total Effects

In order to get an accurate representation of whatever difference there may be between the two devices, the only item I’ll change up in the other elements of my routine are the face wash. I’ll keep using the same serum and moisturizer as I did with the Olay Pro X, to make sure any difference in the texture, clarity, or overall appearance of my skin is due strictly to the Clarisonic Mia 2 and not some phenomenal new skincare product I’ve incorporated into my routine.

START DATE: 10/28/2014.

Okay, Olay Pro X and Clarisonic Mia 2, let the challenge begin!!!

If you’d like to check out both of these systems further, here are a couple of links to get you started:
OLAY PRO X (through Target): http://www.target.com/p/olay-pro-x-advanced-cleansing-system/-/A-13109555?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=13109555&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=13109555&LID=17pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=13109555&kpid=13109555&gclid=Cj0KEQjw_byiBRCu9qm5lc28ufgBEiQAWq-ta4s-szNErGbkygfg7bbHNQVqcDafGcVRbButt8VMtH4aAiln8P8HAQ

CLARISONIC MIA 2 (through QVC): http://www.qvc.com/Clarisonic-Mia-2-Sonic-Cleansing-System-with-Kate-Somerville.product.A254682.html?sc=A254682-Targeted&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-2-_-A254682&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/82/a254682.001?$uslarge$

I’m a huge fan of QVC and their payment-friendly purchases, as you can tell.

As always, feel free to follow what I’m up to on the following social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBeholdingEye
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

Until next time, stay beautiful!!!

BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2014: KEEP IT OR KICK IT?

Published October 24, 2014 by thebeholdingeye

I’ll be up front about the October Birchbox. I wasn’t thrilled with my preview of what I would be receiving, but I remained optimistic and hoped that the products actually in my hand would be more exciting than the pictures on the website.

As the new year approaches, here at Casa Beholding Eye, we’re deciding which boxes are actually worth keeping and which need to be kicked…as in, kicked to the curb. Birchbox, which has an amazing points system (which can be accrued simply by reviewing the products received on the BB website) and spent as cash in the Birchbox store, and those points are what have keep me hanging on every month.

Let’s see if they can retain my subscription with the October box.

20141024_100057

And there it is. It feels amazingly…light. Well, let’s dive in…maybe something Friday Fabulous awaits.

20141024_100135

20141024_101419

First up is a 4-shade sampler of Coastal Scents Revealed palette in the shades “Latte.” These colors are definitely right up my alley, lovely nude/neutral shades suitable for every day wear and totally able to be built up for more a more dramatic evening-out look. The size of these samples is decent as well, containing enough of each shade for several applications.

The only con? I love this Coastal Scents palette so much that I already own the full-sized version…unfortunately this sampler isn’t “purse-friendly” and can’t be taken for quick touch ups on the go. C’eset la vie.

Moving right along…

20141024_101347

Next up is a sample size of Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips. This product was apparently originally made for nursing moms and apparently was found to make an amazing lip balm, as well as a good balm for dry cuticles, elbows, etc. I’ve actually heard good things about this product, so I’m looking forward to trying it.

20141024_101333

And the next item to find its way into my hand is Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner. I normally love Dr. Brandt products, and this is apparently an award-winning gel that helps to degunk pores for fewer blackheads and smoother skin. I’ve gotten several Dr. Brandt samples over the past couple of months in various subscription boxes that I’ve loved, so I’ll definitely give this product a try.

20141024_101258

I’ve already read high praises for this product. Beauty Protector is supposed to lock in color, protect from heat damage, and add silkiness. I’ve heard that not only does this product work well, but that the smell is UH-MAZING. After spraying a tiny bit onto my hand for the sniff test, I concur. It smells wonderful. Having thick, naturally wavy hair that’s been every color of the rainbow and beyond, I’m always on the prowl for products like this, so I’ll definitely be giving Beauty Protector the next time I wash my hair.

20141024_101317

I’ve saved my favorite product in this month’s Birchbox for last. This caught my eye as soon as I pulled back the tissue paper. This jar is just gorgeous, so perfectly “me.” It contains Camille Beckman Tuscan Honey Glycerine Hand Therapy. I have no idea how good the product inside may or may not be…I was so immediately enamored of the packaging that it really doesn’t matter. I’m going to keep this gorgeous little gem on the desk in my office…and likely order a full-sized product as well. The black container with the red rose is the perfect combination. I’m in love with this product without even trying it. Brava, Camille Beckman!

And there we have it, the October Birchbox.

Birchbox is $10/month and offers the easy-to-accure points benefit that I described above.

I’ve had months where Birchbox knocks it out of the park for me. I’ve unfortunately had more months where the products fail to excite me and end up in the “graveyard” of products that maybe I’ll get around to using someday. Such as during a Zombie Apocalypse where I wouldn’t be able to go out and purchase anything else.

Having a couple of hundred of points accumulated, I browsed the Birchbox store and decided to cash out my points by purchasing a 2-pack of Beauty Blenders.

Keep it or kick it?

There are so many other subscription boxes out there to choose from (some truly amazing ones, such as BoxyCharm, The French Box, and Lip Factory) that I feel my $10 is much better put toward a more expensive box that will contain products that I’m more likely to love…and thus more likely to use.

Au revoir, Birchbox. I’ve enjoyed our time together for the most part, but it’s time to go our separate ways.

STATUS: KICKED TO THE CURB.

Just because Birchbox isn’t a good fit for me doesn’t mean that some of you readers won’t love it and find it perfect for your needs. It’s great for sampling new products that you might not have otherwise heard of and the points are a huge perk of a Birchbox subscription. If you’d like to check it out further for yourself, here are some links to get you started:

WEBSITE AND REFERRAL LINK: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/ngb9d
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Birchbox

As always, feel free to follow what I’m up to on the following social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beholding-Eye/683364698413511
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBeholdingEye
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebeholdingeye

Until next time, stay beautiful…And keep your eyes open for the next Sneak Peek of the Big October Beauty Giveaway. There is one more item to be revealed before entries close and a winner is chosen.

Okay, maybe TWO items. We like to share the love here at The Beholding Eye.

If you haven’t entered yet, click on the Rafflecopter link below and get your name into that proverbial hat…Remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter!

ENTER HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway