BOXYCHARM “SPARKLE AND SHINE” NOVEMBER UNBOXING: AWESOME OR AWFUL?

While not so patiently awaiting delivery of the November French Box tomorrow, today the mail carrier put into my awaiting hands the November Boxycharm “Sparkle and Shine” box.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’ve seen multiple unboxings of this box and am on the fence about whether I like it or whether I find it geared towards a younger demographic. A lot of shine is always a good thing, but a little sparkle goes a long ways. At a certain point in life, it can be a fine line between throwing on some classy shimmer and looking like a leftover from New Year’s Eve in Times Square, so let’s check it out and see if this box is awesome, awful…Or a little of both.

And there it is, just begging to be opened.

And, as everyone probably already knows, the theme this month is “Sparkle and Shine.”

“Now, pop open your box, Charmers, and get your sparkle and shine on!”

Whatever you say, Boxycharm.

RETAIL VALUE: $20.00 – $25.00 (must depend on which color one chooses?)

First up is this Color Bug by Kevin Murphy. It’s a similar product of the As-Seen-On-TV chalk highlighter for hair. We received the purple color. Not something I’d probably ever use (I was hoping for the gold), but my daughter did swatch it onto her dark brown hair and the color amazingly enough was actually detectable.

Well, that was underwhelming. Moving right along.

RETAIL VALUE: $16.00

Here we have a Tarina Tarantino Eyelicity eyeliner in the color in Glitter Mist. Although it looks white in the tube (and in the picture), it is actually an amazing opalescent, leaning to pink, color that is really gorgeous. This stuff has some staying power, too. If you’re in the market for a festive, long-lasting eyeliner for any upcoming holiday events, this is a product you’d probably love. Boxycharm was also giving a black version of this eyeliner, but we’re happy with the white.

RETAIL VALUE: $24.95

This shock of color blush is from Ofra in Paradise Pink. Although it looks pretty intimidating in the compact and in the pictures, it actually blends out really lovely to a subtle shimmery pale pink, kind of the same color pink one’s cheeks naturally turn when out in the cold. It’s a lot more wearable than I was expecting.

RETAIL VALUE: $14.99

A little more shimmer, this is by Bella Pierre and is their shimmer powder in Sensation. This is really lovely and really versatile, whether it’s on the eyelids, on the inner eye corners, or even on the cheeks. It’s a keeper.

RETAIL VALUE: $44.95 (and a great big knee-slapping chuckle at that…See below)

And here we have an overly inflated retail value for MicaBeauty Eye Primer.

It’s an eye primer. NYX makes an excellent one that appears pretty much identical in texture and does an amazing job. For $7.

Interestingly, this purported retail value of $44.95 is on sale for half price right now on the MicaBeauty website.

Color me skeptical, but there is no way MicaBeauty is selling ANY of these primers at $44.95. That is an absolute insult to any beauty maven’s intelligence. I’m even going to go out on a limb and say I highly doubt they’re moving many units at even the “sale” (snort) price of $22.50.

Honestly, it just infuriates me when retailers heavily inflate the retail value of a product just to up the value of a subscription box. No fault of Boxycharm, the onus for this type of bait-and-switch is totally on the supplier of the product.

In fact, here, ladies…Here’s a link to go get yourself a good quality NYX eye primer for $7 and spend the difference on something else nice for yourselves:

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=466013&catid=183538&cmbProdBrandFilter=47708&aid=338666&aparam=466013&kpid=466013&CAWELAID=120142990000071289&CAGPSPN=pla&kpid=466013

So there we have it, the much-awaited November Boxycharm “Sparkle and Shine.”

Was it great? Eh. Was it good? Yeah, but in my humble opinion, it’s not nearly as good as the previous few months have been. That Color Bug is definitely an odd choice, as it has rather limited appeal to various demographics and really isn’t something most subscribers would consistently use. Maybe once or twice a year and then it goes to the Haircare Graveyard.

I’m a bit disappointed but hoping that they’ll step the game back up for December.

I’m also obviously somewhere between amused and annoyed at the overinflated retail value of that MicaBeauty eye primer. I’d balk at the “sale” price of $22.50, forget about $44.95.

Anyway, if you’d like to check out Boxycharm further, here are some links to get you started:

WEBSITE WITH REFERRAL CODE: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/9718/
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Boxycharm

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 stay tuned for tomorrow when THE FRENCH BOX arrives!!!

WANTABLE INTIMATES NOVEMBER 2014 UNBOXING – SUBLIME OR SUBPAR?

Well, it’s an extremely chilly morning here in central California (yes, I realize it’s 50 degrees, but in an area where 3-4 months out of the year the temperatures soar well into triple digits, I find 50 degrees to be positively frigid). I was cuddled up in my office with my first cup of coffee when I saw the mail lady go past my window bearing a bright pink envelope (which could only mean Ipsy) and a smaller white box (which could have meant one of several different boxes). Imagine my delight when I opened the door to find I was starting off this chilly Monday morning with both Ipsy and Wantable Intimates…Even though my tracking info for both had never updated.

The week is off to a fine start.

Last month Wantable Intimates blew me away with my first box, for which I chose a single-box purchase. Absolutely 100% thrilled with it (when I can’t find any a single thing to snark on or throw shade at in a subscription box, that company is doing an awesome job…Keeping me happy isn’t easy, to be sure). When Wantable emailed me a coupon to subscribe and receive my next box for $27, I was practically hyperventilating signing up.

So, let’s see what the November box brings and if will live up to its own hype. Admittedly, I don’t think there’s any way Wantable can ever top that October box. I’m sure all of you at some point have gotten that absolutely PERFECT box from a subscription company at one time or another, you know? The one where it looks like they turned you loose in their warehouse and let you pick your own 4 items? That’s how the October box felt for me.

Okay, now enough about October and its awesomeness. Let’s see how Wantable Intimates shapes up for November.

There it is, the familiar classy Wantables box. Love the emblem on this box, simple and elegant.

Now let’s see what lies beneath that lid, shall we?

Ah, the greeting card right atop the contents. “We Hope You Enjoy Your First Collection!” As do I, Wantable, as do I.

Okay, moving right along…

Oh my my. This looks like it could be another drool-worthy box. These things look UH-DORABLE. Let’s have another sip of coffee and dive on in.

(RETAIL VALUE: $24)

Ohh Emm Gee. Okay, this is seriously adorable. It’s a racer back tunic-style tank top in gray and white stripes. This is so stinking cute and so unbelievably soft. This will be perfect with any number of pairs of yoga pants I already own for those lazy days sitting around the house…Lovin’ it, Wantable!

(RETAIL VALUE: $36.00)

I am squealing like a school girl, Wantable. These lounging pants by Rene Rofe are so cute, and so soft I just want to bury my face in them and motorboat. Love Love Love the pink trim and the pink and gray stars on the black background. While I sorta wish these and the tank top were a little more coordinated so they could be worn as a set, I’m not complaining. I am a tank top aficionado and have tons of tank tops that will be perfect with these. Again, perfect for those lazy days around the house with a pair of warm socks and a hoodie. I’m totally in love with these. Well done, Wantable!

And now for the last 2 items, which are all sorts of awesome.

(RETAIL VALUE: $25.00)

From Pretty Polly out of the UK are these totally UH-MAZING Curves Dot Diamond Fashion Tights. I love to layer tights under my leggings (not just for jiggle control but for warmth) or with a long tunic and a pair of boots, and I love it when they’re big enough to yank up above my rib cage (I loathe having to tug at my undergarments). These should be perfect on ALL counts. The design is also awesome. LOVE IT!

(RETAIL VALUE: $18.00)

And the last item is yet another courtesy of Pretty Polly out of the UK. Seriously sexy AND seriously cute. Is it wrong that the first thought that crossed my mind was I SHOULD TOTALLY WEAR THESE WHEN I OPEN THE FRENCH BOX??? Yes, even though I’m opening (and loving) my Wantable Intimates November box, I’m still OBSESSED with the French Box anticipated arrival later this week. Totally loving these, Wantable Intimates, for those “special” occasions.

So there it is, my November Wantable Intimates box. Was it as purrrrfect as the October box? No, but then I didn’t expect it to be. I allow each of the sub box services one month to really knock it out of the park per year, and I think Wantable Intimates did that for me right out of the gate. That being, said, I do love this box and every single item in it.

Total retail value of this box was $103, for which I paid $27 with my discount code. Quite a deal and, as with last month’s box, things I will definitely put to good use.

So far, I’m totally in love with my Wantable Intimates collection and feel that the stylists have definitely taken into my account my preferences that I listed in my account. Which is actually quite refreshing, considering I believe a lot of sub boxes give you options just to make you feel as if you have input into your selections when, in fact, you really don’t.

If you’d like to check out Wantable for their intimates, accessories, fitness wear, or makeup, here are some links to get you going (and remember the holidays are literally right around that proverbial corner and you deserve a little something special, right?):

WEBSITE WITH REFERRAL TO SIGN UP: https://www.wantable.com/invites/ntfr2IvEyVE
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Wantableco

You can do a single-box purchase to try it out for $40 or subscribe for $36 (pssst – If you register with your email address when you visit their site, you’ll usually get an email offering you anywhere from 10% to 40% off your subscription shortly thereafter).

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

I think I’m in the final stages of recuperating from this horrific virus I’ve been hanging onto for about 2 weeks now, so stay tuned for perkier blog entries when I return to my usual snarky self. Coming up very shortly (like in an hour), look for my Ipsy November “Girl Meets Glitter” unboxing (okay, unbagging), and expected this week are The French Box, Lip Monthly, Glossy Box, Lip Factory, Boxycharm, and probably a couple of more.

Until next time, stay beautiful!

ALLURE SAMPLE SOCIETY NOVEMBER 2014 UNBOXING: REDEMPTION OR BANISHMENT?

I work from home as a medical language specialist and, as awesome as that sounds, being interrupted when I’m working (one would be amazed at how many people think working from home actually entails no work at all) normally irks me above all.

Unless, of course, it’s the UPS delivery man bearing gifts. Such as today, when the ringing doorbell rudely interrupted my work, only to find the UPS man ready to place my much-anticipated Allure Sample Society November box into my outstretched little hands. He’s forgiven. Immediately. For this type of interruption, I’m quick to forgive. Delivery people bearing packages are always a welcome interruption.

Now, you’ll remember my not-so-subtle snark last month regarding ponytail holders and, more specifically, L’Oreal shampoo and conditioner in a box touted to contain “high-end, luxury samples.” My first and almost last box. However, bearing in mind that all subscription boxes seem to have a “slump month,” I decided to give them another month, just to be fair.

So let’s see…Will November make up for that extremely lackluster October box?

Yep, there it is, that familiar pretty little red box with ALLURE emblazoned on its top.

I have to admit, I really am impressed with the descriptor pamphlet they send in each box. It’s really well done and the pictures are lovely, with great, easy-to-read descriptions of each product.

Nice touch, Allure. Last month I was so taken aback by the sight of the L’Oreal products that I think the quality of this pamphlet escaped me.

Okay, now let’s see what we’ve got in store for November. High-end luxury samples…Or more Walmart travel aisle products? Let’s find out.

Looks pretty awesome at first glance. Not a ponytail holder nor a drugstore product in sight.

Let’s dive in, looks like the proverbial coast (or the drugstore aisle, in this case) is clear.

First up is a welcome addition to my hair care samples. By Alterna (a line full of awesomeness, by the way), this is a sample of their Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Omega+ Nourishing Oil. Allure gives it their seal of approval for medium to thick hair; apparently this does not play well with fine hair and flattens it (never a good look). Fortunately for the me, I possess very thick, naturally wavy hair…And I’m going to enjoy every last dropper-full of this pricey little gem.
RETAIL VALUE: $38/full sized product (this is a small sample vial).

Off to a very nice start, Allure…Let’s see if you can maintain that.

The second item to jump into my skeptical little hands is a 1-ounce sample size of Malin + Goetz Bergamot Body Wash. I’ve heard great things about this line and I’ve never had the opportunity to try one of their products. Although small, this sample should last for 2-3 showers…And it smells amazing, like freshly-cut oranges on a Sunday morning.
RETAIL VALUE: $32 for full-sized 16-ounce product.

Two for two, Allure, doing great here…

Next up, I spy with my mascara’d eyes a small sample tube of MD Solar Sciences MD Crème Mineral Beauty Balm. Lucky for me, my sample is in Light/Medium, which should be a perfect shade for me in fall and winter, and I’m really loving that it’s a BB crème that dries matte and has an SPF of 50. Allure professes that it falls short in coverage but makes up for it with its ability to blur imperfections and produce a matte finish even on oily complexions. Truth be told, I don’t need a lot of coverage and my skin is basically combination, not too oily but not too dry, either, so I’m thinking this could very well by my “holy grail” of BB crèmes. And blurring of imperfections is never a bad thing, right? Can’t wait to try this one out.
RETAIL VALUE: $39 for full-sized product.

We’re halfway through the box and I’m not disappointed yet. Let’s keep going.

A trial vial of Calvin Klein’s new fragrance, Reveal. Okay, full disclosure: I adore Calvin Klein fragrances, so I know I’m going to be totally biased and love this one even before that first intoxicating spritz. And, yes, it smells lovely…Somewhere between clean, freshly-showered skin, powdery, and lightly peppery at the same time. I would definitely purchase this on my own.
RETAIL VALUE: $70 for full-sized bottle.

Allure, you’re now officially 4 for 4…Can you actually manage for a 5 for 5 with this box???

Ah, yet another mascara sample from a subscription box. But you know what? I really love the Lorac line and I did want to try this mascara. I was somewhat disappointed with UD Perversion and the Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye mascara didn’t float my boat, but I’m hoping this Lorac Cobra Mascara will be as fantastic as it sounds. I found the brush (which was thankfully glossy and shiny and jet black, no sign of it being a “dry” mascara) on this is really intriguing, and I definitely plan to try this one out tomorrow. Here are a couple of pictures of the brush (which probably suck because I’m definitely not a photographer but hopefully you’ll see what I mean):

Hopefully the jet black against the red background make the unique-appearing shape of this brush stand out.
RETAIL VALUE: $20 for full-sized product (this is a pretty generous sample size)

And there we have it, the November Allure Sample Society box.

So, what’s the verdict? Did Allure redeem themselves from last month’s shenanigans with the L’Oreal and ponytail holders?

Why, yes…Yes, they did, and quite nicely. This is much more of what I was expecting from Allure Sample Society when I signed up. Not full-sized products, but samples of products for which a full-sized version might be out of my budget, samples of products I might not normally find on my own, or samples of products so spendy that I might be hesitant to purchase them without trying them. This box delivered just that.

Allure, I promise if you keep up this quality, I will refrain from referring to you as Sample Suck-ciety.

We’ll be signing back up for this box for December and give them another month or two to see if the quality of this box holds or if they revert back to drugstore product samples.

As of right now, I’m absolutely loving my Allure Sample Society November box and will enjoy trying every single product in here.

Allure, you have indeed redeemed yourself in my eyes (which admittedly are blurry from working but I assure you they’re loving these contents!).

If you’re as impressed with this month’s box as much as I was and would like to explore Allure Sample Society for yourself, here are a couple of links to get you started.

WEBSITE WITH REFERRAL LINK: http://www.beautybar.com (USE CODE SAMO3924 IF YOU’D LIKE TO USE ME AS A REFERRAL)
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/beautybar.com

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 stay tuned! Next week brings The French Box, Wantables Intimates, Ipsy, Lip Monthly, Lip Factory, and possibly more. XoXo

IPSY NOVEMBER 2014 “GIRL MEETS GLITTER” – SNEAK PEEK #5!!!

And here it is, the FINAL sneak peek at the November “Girl Meets Glitter” Ipsy glam bag. While I realize many of you lovelies are able to view your glam room, many are not, so for those unfortunate souls (including myself) here is the final sneak peek. Hopefully this will hold you over on this fabulous Friday until your glam room becomes available so you can see precisely which products you’ll be receiving:

“SNEAK PEEK #5: Let’s get glowing! Lustrous hair, skin, and nails are yours with TWO of these beauties. Your future looks bright.”

And here’s a quick look back at the previous 4 spoilers:

And there you go, all 5 sneak peeks…With our sincere wishes that you get whichever products you fancy most in your November “Girl Meets Glitter” Ipsy Glam Bag.

Ipsy is $10/month and includes a cute little makeup bag with 5 items (either full-sized or sample sized, it varies) that are semi-customizable.

If you’d like to check out Ipsy or even sign up, here are a couple of links to get you started:

Referral link to subscribe: http://www.ipsy.com/r/jk7y?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ipsy

And, as always, feel free to follow me 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!!!

GLOSSYBOX NOVEMBER 2014: SNEAK PEEK #2

What a way to start this box-aholic’s week, with 2 sneak peeks, first one courtesy of Ipsy and now one courtesy of Glossybox. Glossybox already released their first sneak peek last week, so this is sneak peek #2.

Without further ado:

Hmmmm…I’m not exactly overwhelmed with the sneak peek, not because I don’t love nail lacquer and not because I don’t love me some pink, but…well, we’re officially into Fall and I would have preferred a darker hue. While a custom match to the box color is a fabulous idea, I kind of wish they would have saved it for maybe the March box when Spring is in the air. C’est la vie!

And to refresh your memory (and so you don’t have to run all over the blog looking for sneak peek #1 from Glossybox, here it is:

If you’d like more information on Glossybox and maybe snag your own subscription, here are some links to get you started:

WEBSITE WITH REFERRAL: http://www.glossybox.com/referal?CI=MTIxNDg0
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GlossyBox.com

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…

BOXYCHARM NOVEMBER 2014: “SPARKLE AND SHINE” FIRST SNEAK PEEK!!!

Ah, sweet irony…The day I (finally) receive my October box is the day Boxycharm gives us a sneak peek at the November box, “Sparkle and Shine,” and it looks to be off to a good start:

The description from the Boxycharm Facebook page: “Sneak Peek #1: OFRA Cosmetics USA Pressed Blush in Paradise Pink, a $24.95 Value! Ofra’s fabulous pressed powder has just the right amount of pigmentation for long lasting coverage! Each Charmer will be receiving one pressed powder in “Paradise Pink” in one of these super cute compacts! Are you blushing yet?”

If you’d like to get a jump on the November box and sign up for your own Boxycharm, here’s a referral link and a link to their official Facebook page to get you started:

WEBSITE WITH REFERRAL CODE: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/9718/
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Boxycharm

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!!!

BIG OCTOBER BEAUTY GIVEAWAY – THE WINNERS ARE IN!!!!!!

Rafflecopter has spoken and given us the names of the winners…Ready, set and go:

WINNER OF THE SECOND PLACE PRIZE IS JENNIFER HOLM

And drum roll, please….

WINNER OF THE FIRST PLACE PRIZE IS CELISE TOI HARTGROVE

CONGRATULATIONS, LADIES!!!!

Your prizes will be mailed next week complete with tracking information.

Thanks to EVERYONE who participated and stay tuned for a November giveaway. Who knew giving things away could be so much fun??? We’re absolutely addicted to it now.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

BOXYCHARM OCTOBER 2014 UNBOXING: BEWITCHED – TRICK OR TREAT?

Happy Halloween from Casa Beholding Eye. It’s our favorite holiday (which is why we chose today to be the drawing of our Big October Beauty Giveaway winners) and the mail carrier did not disappoint.

Trick or treat indeed…She came bearing both Boxycharm and Glossybox. Halloween is already starting out fantabulous.

Now, I believe in full disclosure with my blog and I should let everyone know that I’m extremely disappointed in Boxycharm this month. Not the products, but with the shipment and delivery dates. My card was charged on October 7th for the October box, and yet it wasn’t released for shipment out of Florida until October 23rd, and then didn’t hit my manicured greedy little fingertips until October 31st. Ummmm…really not cool, Boxycharm. The much-ballyhooed Halloween Bewitched box did manage to hit my hands precisely on Halloween but…well, considering I’ve been seeing other people receive their boxes for about 10 days now, I’m not a particularly happy “Charmer” this month. Hopefully that won’t color my opinion of the box but I’m really expecting Boxycharm to step it up in November, or we’ll be parting ways. My biggest pet peeve with these boxes are lackadaisical or flat-out poor customer service, and I call waiting over 2 weeks to ship a subscriber’s paid-for product pretty much unacceptable. So, get back on your toes, Boxycharm…It doesn’t matter how great your products are if I can’t get them in a timely manner.

Okay, now that I’ve vented, let’s try to objectively look at the box and its contents.

As always, there is it, in all of its glory…the Bewitched box.

The descriptor card and, on the flip side, the contents and their retail values. The goodies lie under that pesky piece of paper.

Let’s see what our caffeine-filled little brain is drawn to first…

Ahhhh, now this is a treat. From Palmetto Derma, it’s a full-sized bottle of their Collagen Booster & Restoration Serum. It says it “protects from premature aging and creates youthful, glowing and beautiful skin, all day and night!” Okay, I’ll take them up on that challenge. I’m still on my first cup of coffee and glowing is about the last thing I’d describe myself to be at the moment, so maybe this will do the trick.

Palmetto Derma also included a coupon for 20% off their entire website. I actually really appreciate it when companies do this, in case I fall in love with their product and want to order it again. Of course, sometimes scouting about the internet with a Google escort can help you locate the product at another source even cheaper than the cost with the coupon (yes, I’m notorious for being thrifty whenever possible when it comes to my beauty products).
(RETAIL VALUE: $48..00)

Moving right along…we’ve still got Glossybox sitting there taunting us as well as picking winners for the giveaway so there’s no time to waste…

From Cult/Commerce x Boxycharm is the “Shady” collection of nail lacquers, in beautiful shades of deep purple sheen and deep gray/black sheen. These colors are really lovely. That being said (here we go with that full disclosure nonsense again), apparently a lot of Charmers have had issues with the brushes in these being stiff and…well, not acceptable. Boxycharm assured us that if we soak the brushes in acetone or nail polish remover for a few seconds and wipe them off, they will work just fine. I’ll be putting that to the test later and hopefully that little tip does work, otherwise you’ll be hearing from me, Boxycharm!
(RETAIL VALUE: $21.00…seriously? For that price, these brushes better not have issues)

The next 2 items are both full-sized; the first is Be A Bombshell Eyeshadow in Risky Business (a gorgeous golden brown color) and a full-sized Starlooks eyeliner in Ultra Olive (a lovely deep shade of olive green flecked with gold). Loving both of these…Not sure how often I’ll actually wear the Ultra Olive eyeliner, but I’m sure I will at some point because it really is a lovely color.
(RETAIL VALUE: $28 combined – eyeshadow $14.00 and eyeliner 14.00)

Last up is the much-hyped piece de resistance of the Bewitched box, a full-sized Coastal Scents Eclipse concealer palette. With shades designed to camouflage undereye circles, neutralize redness, and cover just about any imperfection, major or minor, on one’s face, I’m looking forward to trying this one out. It’s also apparently buildable for sheer coverage up to full coverage.
(RETAIL VALUE: $19.95)

And there we have it, the Boxycharm October Bewitched box, finally in my hands and unboxed.

RETAIL VALUE OF BOX: $116.95.

Do I love it? Meh…but as I said earlier, I’m dissatisfied with Boxycharm and the extremely late shipment this month, so that might be dampening my enthusiasm. They are great products (I’d have liked a black or brown gem liner but what the hey…olive is neutral, too, right?). Other than that, I really have no complaints…Provided those brushes on the nail lacquers work properly after a brief dip into some acetone. I love the eyeshadow color, I love the description of the serum, and the palette hopefully lives up to its hype.

We’re going to give Boxycharm one more month to see if they can pull their act together with shipping boxes out in a timely fashion and then perhaps do a “kick it or keep it” evaluation of them. I truly do usually love Boxycharm, so I’m hoping they get their proverbial act together and step up their performance next month.

If you’d like to sign up for Boxycharm (I believe there might be a short wait list), here are some links to get you started:

WEBSITE WITH REFERRAL CODE: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/9718/
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Boxycharm

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 stay tuned later today for the announcement of the Rafflecopter winners of the drawing…Good luck to all, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

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

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).

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

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:

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Until next time, stay beautiful!!!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!!!