Blush Mystery Box ~ September

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Hi all! So I got a brown box in the mail a few days ago containing that usual black drawstring bag and all of the items in my Blush Mystery Box (which, in my opinion, they should call it mystery bag). I popped it open and decided to check out the info card and see all the details…

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The curator this month was Sarah Strand of Pop Beauty, a cosmetics company. Of course that meant the feature product would be a Pop Beauty product, and then she picked 6 others to go along side it.

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While I do like this Pop Beauty Pouty Lip Crayon, I actually got the same exact one in my July Ipsy Glambag, and got two similar pink Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blushes in my August GlossyBox. I mean, I’ll definitely use it, however I’m overrun with these products at the moment.

Next to that is a little black tube of Brad Biophotonic Skin Care Ultra Peel. This product is to be applied like a face scrub/mask and used to get rid of dry, dead skin and reveal fresh, new glowing skin. This sample-size tube looks like it will last anywhere from 2-5 applications, and I’m intrigued to test it out…

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For any nail polish fanatics, I received this teal lacquer by LVX which is a new company to me, but apparently is high-rated. While I wish I got the burgundy color that is on the info card, I’m sure I’ll test this one out, or pass it onto a friend as it’s a bit bolder than I’m used to.

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Next up is Anastasia Clear Brow Gel. If any of you remember, last month in my August Blush Mystery Box, I got an Anastasia Water-Proofing Mascara by this brand, which is supposed to be applied to make non-waterproof mascara stable in wet conditions. This one is to be used to clean up your eyebrows and ‘keep them in place’.

Next to that is Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo. This sample sized product, like many other dry shampoos, is meant to freshen up day-old hair and soak up any unnecessary oils. It’s great for on the go or weekends away, so I’m sure it’ll get use when I stay at K’s house for a long weekend.

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I first heard of Amtactin from Beauty Army, and looked into it to see that it’s a whole line of skin care/lotion products. This one specifically is a clinical-strength foot cream, meant to intensely hydrate rough, dry, and callused feet. This will be much needed after commuting back and forth to the city with boots and heels all week.

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Finally, we have this deluxe sampler kit from Racinne Skin Care, which includes Ultimate Youth Power Lotion, Serum, Eye and Neck Creams. This set of 4 anti-aging products are meant to work together to reduce lines and wrinkles, remove uneven spots and refresh skin to look young and lively. Full size, they are pretty pricey, and so although I don’t really use/need anti-aging yet, I may test them out to see their strength.

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Here’s the whole set of products from my September Blush Mystery Box (plus a sample)! I’m so-so with this box as I don’t really need anti-aging products or any more lip blushes/crayons, but I know I’ll find use with many of them either personally or for gifting.

Interested in Blush Mystery Box? Sign up here for $25 reoccurring monthly or $35 one-time charge.

xo, Kenzie

What’s on my… September 13th! Birthdays, Spoilers and More!

What’s on my Mind: Hi all! Yesterday was K’s Birthday, yay! And of course, like the awesome girlfriend I am, I bought him a Moulson Islanders Jersey, and my parents gave us two tickets to a game against the Bruins … Continue reading

Favorites Roundup! August Items I’m Loving…

So I decided to do a ’round-up’ of my favorite products each month/season, depending on which boxes I receive and how busy I am. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep this up either every month, or worst case, every 3 … Continue reading

Blush Mystery Box ~ August

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So my Blush Mystery Box Subscription Box arrived and I was PUMPED! I saw a teaser for the Philip B. Wave Spray ($22), which basically covered the cost of my monthly box. They included a Philip B. product last month as well, which was a box I loved, and so I had a good feeling about this one as well…

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As usual, they sent all the items in a cute black custom drawstring bag. I really like it because it is reusable and I don’t need anymore empty cardboard boxes sitting around my house.

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This month was curated by Liz Franz, Editor-In-Chief of Blush.com, Dermstore.com, basically the whole company that sends these awesome bags out. The info card lists a bit of info on Franz, as well as their featured item the Philip B. Maui Wowie Beach Mist. Then, when you flip it over, you can see the rest of the items included on the back.

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And so I began to unpack my bag! First off, I got samples from Dermalogica and Dremu, which is always a nice surprise. One thing I noticed when comparing my items to other bloggers is that the colors varied depending on the item.

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After the samples, I pulled out the biggest bottle, which of course was the Philip B. Maui Wowie Beach Mist mentioned above. I was happy with the flexible hair spray I received last month from them (same brand) and so I was more than willing to give this a try. The only downside is that in at least 3 boxes this summer, I’ve received Beachy Hair Sprays, just due to the season and popularity.

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Next up is the Mor Emporium Hand Cream in Snow Gardenia. I really like the packaging of this bottle: it’s very classy and reminds me of my mom’s Ralph Lauren perfume bottle with its dark moody colors and gold cap.  I’m not 100% sold on the scent yet, but do think it is a good product.

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The Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant seems like an awesome product. I love face scrubs, exfoliators and treatments and so this totally caters to me. You just mix some of it up with water until it turns into a paste and apply all over like a face mask/scrub.

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Top Coat seems like an awesome concept, except for the fact that I buy all my mascara as waterproof. I’m sure I have a few samples/mascaras lying around from past boxes and sample sales to try it out with, but I don’t think I would purchase in the future.

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Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pencil in Deep Plum is a full-size eyeliner that goes on smoothly, and actually came in a color I’m excited to try out. I believe they offered Navy Blue or Deep Plum, and I think this one may go well with my complexion.

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I have received Coola products before like in a past Ipsy bag, so I know that it’s a good quality brand. This Coola SPF 30 Face Classic Sunscreen is nice and doesn’t have that gross-overwhelming sunscreen smell, however the summer is just about over so I won’t be able to use it much, unless it’s really sunny and hot this weekend.

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Colorscience Sunforgettable Face Primer with SPF is an ‘eh’ item for me. I have about 10 primer deluxe samples sitting in my drawer that I just don’t get around to using as often as foundation or lipstick or mascara. However, it’s definitely nice for anyone out there looking for a primer, especially as it contains sunscreen.

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Skylark- Perfume Sample Set was a surprise to me. I wasn’t expecting a fragrance and I’m usually pretty picky, so I liked that this set gave you three different scents  to try out. Now to decide which I like best…

All in all, I’m fairly happy with this box. I got some products I know I’ll definitely use like the Pixi Eyeliner and Philip B. Waves Spray.

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The only thing I do not like is that they gave an ‘either-or’ option where you got one deluxe sample of either a Face Mask or a Primer. I would have preferred the face mask to the Colorscience Primer, just because I have SO many primers sitting in my drawers. In general, I don’t really use them as I apply a daily lotion, then foundation and primer seems like an unnecessary step in between/adds too much moisture and oil.

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*Coupon: If you’d like to try Blush Mystery Box, send an email to kenziedegen@gmail.com and I’ll send you a referral link for a $10.00 off either a 1-time subscription or $10 off $30 online purchase.

xo, Kenzie

What’s on my… August 20th: Discounts, Promos, Teasers

What’s on my Mind:

Okay, so it’s mid August and… wait, what? It’s the middle of August!? Sorry, but where exactly did the Summer go? There was a 2 week heat wave and then endless amounts of gloom and rain. I’m sad to say that I’ve been to the beach (besides vacation) about once this summer. That’s when you know childhood/college/happiness is over and you’re a real working adult now.

What’s on my Subscription List:

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I’m SO excited for some of the new boxes I’ve signed up for. I received a few boxes last week I still have to post up, and yet I keep thinking about the next ones that are coming. So, on my new subscription list for August, I’m adding Conscious Box! There is currently a Conscious Box Discount going on where if you simply use coupon code FREEBOX, you get your first box free… just pay for the cost of shipping ($7)

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Teaser/Spoiler Alert: Apparently Philip B. Maui Wowie Beach Spray (a beachy, texturizing salt water spray) will be one of the items in this month’s Blush Mystery Box! They just revealed it, giving you more of a reason to sign up. At $22 per bottle, this almost pays for the $25 box! I cannot wait.

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Additionally on my mind is… I have a LOT of products. I mean, way before I even got into attending beauty events or buying subscription boxes, I was a bit of a beauty/hair/skincare junkie. I’ve even gone to lengths now to organize my products: I have a shelf for sunscreen and selftanner, facial and bodycare, and then hair! My shelves are seriously overrun with Aussie, Garnier and Sublime Bronze products, yet that doesn’t stop me from getting more. Want to know my favorite products? Feel free to ask, and I’ll be posting every now and then with “Love List,” products I’m currently craving.

What did I do this Weekend?

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Many fun, relaxing things! I cuddled and played with Bella!

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I got Save The Dates for my brother’s wedding in April!

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I ate deliciously amazing Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato! (cheat meal, oops)

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And best of all, I saved a lil bird! This here is Carlos, or as Kevin decided to name him “Carlos Danger” (if anyone gets the reference… yeah, wasn’t my choice of names). But anyway, we went on a walk/jog at the track and on the way out, we decided to go a different route back to K’s house, and we all of a sudden saw this poor little injured bird lying in the ground. He couldn’t walk or fly, and then we noticed his eye was all beat up, like he flew into something or got attacked by a cat. And so, we found a shoebox, cut holes and created a little home for him with food and water, and Sunday we dropped him off a 1/2 hour away at a Bird Rescue and Rehab center. The woman told us he had his tail ripped off and definitely looked like he had been attacked. Fingers crossed for a healthy recovery for little Carlos!

xo, Kenzie

Blush Mystery Box ~ July 2013

Oh hey, I got a box! What could it be…

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I just got my first ever Blush Mystery Box from Dermstore.com and Blush.com. It’s my own fault for getting it just a few days before the end of the month, but I saw a few teasers as to the items in the July box and so I signed up in the middle of the month!

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Immediately, I saw lots of custom tissue paper and this black drawstring bag! The contents of the July 2013 Blush Mystery Box are all inside the bag. It adds a cute, unique touch, and also gives me a bag to keep some of my many beauty products in. Oh, what’s that to the side? FREE SAMPLES!

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I had heard via MakeUpTalk.com discussion board that they often include a free item or sample, however when I signed up there was another additional free item that you could receive, just for signing up for the monthly reoccurring subscription! Well, I’m all about free stuff, so I was excited when I saw all of these items. There was a packet sample of Neova “power defense” along with Dremu Airbrush refining eye cream, and then a tube of Dermstore Lip Quench moisture treatment!

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This month was specially curated by makeup artist Elle Leary, and their feature product this month was Emani- Organic Lip Shine.

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As mentioned above, this is the Emani lip shine in the shade Blush. I’ve never heard of this brand or product before, but I really like the color so I’m willing to give it a try!

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This is one of the products that had me sold on the July box. I recently recieved a Philip B. product in my June GlossyBox  and liked it, plus it was on sale at HauteLook.com. It seems different than other hairsprays, as you can build up the texture and hold based on how much and how often you apply. For $22 a bottle, this basically paid for this month’s subscription!

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I’m not going to lie- I was a little confused as to what exactly the Quick Refiner by Bioelements was. So, I did a tad of research and found out that it is a ‘leave-on facial exfoliator’ and is supposed to eliminate dead surface cells and reveal smooth even skin. Interesting. Apparently a full-size bottle of this is $46! Definitely giving it a try based on the good reviews and my hopeful thinking.

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I already love Tan Towels and have a love/hate relationship with L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towlettes, so I was interested and happy to recieve these. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad is made especially for your face, as an exfoliating self-tanner towelette. As long as it goes on smooth, doesn’t streak and doesn’t have that weird tan-smell, I’m in! I have tried so many self tanners, that I’m on the search for the best of the best!

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Designer nail polish. Oh, how you kill me. I already cringe when I hand over the $8-$10 per bottle of Essie or OPI polish, so I’ll admit I’ve never purchased a $19 bottle of polish before and I’m trying my hardest not to get addicted because I don’t think I (or my wallet) have the capacity to start buying these. But trust me, it’s hard not to love this polish called Ray of Light by Deborah Lippman. Perhaps I can just find a salon that carries it…

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Knock on wood, I don’t have wrinkles, however I’ve heard that by the time you’re 25 you should start using anti-agers and wrinkle fighters. Is there any truth to that? If so I still have a few years (phew!) however that won’t stop me from testing this Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex out. Besides reducing the appearance of crow’s feet and deep wrinkles, it also is supposed to help even out skin tone and increase hydration. Plus there’s SPF!

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I’m a little skeptical about changing my day-to-day face lotion, especially since mine has salicylic acid to keep my skin balanced and pimple-free. This Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance 24H Lotion is an all-day hydrating and detoxifying face lotion. What seperates it from other brands is the radiance-enhancing formula aids in regulating sebum production (regulate oil production, in simpler words) while minimizing the look of pores. I think I would test it out in the morning, but will be sticking to my usual routine before bedtime.

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So here’s the whole package! I’m really happy with the different combination of products: some hair products, skincare, makeup, etc. I will definitely be enjoying the Philip B. Hairspray, Deborah Lippman nail polish and Alpha Beta Glow pads, right off the bat. These are all high-quality, and most can only be purchased at specialty beauty stores which really makes it worth the $25 per month.  If you let me know, I can e-mail you a code for $10 off your first purchase! You can leave me a comment or e-mail me at kenziedegen@gmail.com

I can’t wait to see what’s in next months box! I’m hoping for another luxurious skincare product, and perhaps some high-quality makeup! Interested in Blush Mystery Box? Sign up Here!

xo, Kenzie

What’s on my…. June 21st (P.S. Discount Codes in Here!)

So, somehow my entire post from yesterday unpublished itself and went back to basic draft form. Beyond confused, so here’s a re-post with a few edits…. What’s on my Mind: Coffee, coffee and more coffee. Can you guess who hasn’t … Continue reading