Best of the Boxes in August

I am going to start sharing what I consider to be the best items out of the many subscription boxes I get each month. I love getting my boxes because I get to try so many things that I probably would not have otherwise. I have monthly subscriptions to Ipsy, Boxycharm, Birchbox, and Beauty Beyond Borders. I also get Walmart boxes 4 times a year and will occasionally purchase Target Beauty Boxes.

I will try to focus on items that came in that month’s boxes/bags. Sometimes it will be items from a past box/bag because I don’t always have time to try them all in the month I get them. Sometimes I am using another product of the same type and don’t want to open a product until I can finish it. This is especially true of mascara. I get so many mascaras and I don’t want to open them until I am ready to use them because they will dry out.

From my Birchbox I was impressed with Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina – this creamy liquid lipstick glides on like a gloss yet lasts (and lasts and lasts) like a stain. If this is as good as the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner then it does last and last. This a beautiful color that does go on so easily. The color is more of a fall color so it will see a lot of use then. It goes on thin but applies like a dream. It quickly dries to a matte, opaque color. It lasted without a touch-up through breakfast and for 5 hours until lunch. It did not survive eating a sandwich. It did not seem to accentuate the lines in my lips. It did make my lips look a little dry when I reapplied after lunch. This is a product that will get a lot of use and I will definitely check out the other shades in this line. If you are interested in seeing what comes in Birchbox see Birchbox July 2016 and Birchbox August 2016.

The Ipsy bag rocked this month! I am loving the OFRA x @DupeThat “You Glow Girl” Highlighter – shine on with your awesome self. This pink-hued highlighter adds the perfect amount of shimmer to eyes and cheekbones. Gleam and go. This is a gorgeous highlighter! It is nicely pigmented and long lasting. I have not tried it as an eyeshadow yet but I am sure it will work wonderfully. It is pigmented and is more rose gold than it looks in the picture.

I am also very impressed with Trust Fund Beauty Liquid Lipstick in K Bye. This gorgeous mauve-y nude is the perfect right-now shade that’s an even more perfect transition into fall. Breathable matte formula (doesn’t suck the life out of your lips!). Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil smooth and condition. This is a beautiful color with a pretty matte finish. I like this even better than the Stila Stay All Day. It is even less drying and has a better finish.To see what you can expect to get in Ipsy bags see November Ipsy Bag Review and Ipsy bag – August 2016.

From Boxycharm I am happy with the Coastal Scents Blush + Bronzer Mini Palette. It comes with 2 blushes, a highlighter, and 2 bronzers. It also included a small contour brush that is great. These are very pigmented so apply carefully. I like both of the blushes and the highlighter is a good one. The bronzers make nice contour shades as long as you apply carefully! The first time I used this set I made a mess because I was not expecting such intense colors. Now I know to apply lightly and build the color if needed. This palette is a great size for travel so I will get lots of use out of it. You can see what I get in Boxycharm boxes by seeing November BoxyCharm and July Boxycharm and Boxycharm – August 2016.

I was very satisfied with my August boxes/bags. I will get a lot of use out of the products I received this month. I have already gotten a lot of use out of the palette and the lipsticks. I hope September is an equally good month.