January 2018 Boxycharm First Impression

February 08, 2018

January 2018 Boxycharm First Impression

Sometimes I wish I got my box when influencers do. It would give me time to play with the products so I could give a good review. Then again, I'm glad I don't because surprise is still half the fun.

I'll just put this out there. I've had a love/hate relationship with Boxy for awhile. I've been sent some great products that I absolutely love. I've also received some items that just don't work for me. That being said, that's probably one of the best things. Being sent things you wouldn't normally buy and loving them.

So, that being said, I cancelled awhile back (September I think). When I started seeing sneak peeks for January though..... I had to resubscribe. I got waitlisted. Then I was FINALLY taken off of the waitlist in time to get this box.

The product I was dying to try was Dr. Brandt Pores No More Luminizing Primer. My pores on my cheeks are larger than I'd like and I'm always looking for something that works.

Secondly, the Crown Glam Metals Palette was seriously intriguing me. The colors looked like so much fun and I couldn't wait.

After receiving my box I was both, excited and disappointed. I had so much hope for the PUR Bronze and Brighten Palette. But it wasn't what I hoped for. I did, however, create a look using everything in the box. It wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't my favorite. The colors in the PUR palette were all shimmery. I'm one who doesn't want my bronze or blush to be shimmery or metallic looking. I like mine flat. That being said, it has some staying power. I apply my makeup around 6 every morning. There was still a lot of bronze and blush left when I got home at 7 that night. The highlighter stole the show. I love this highlight. It's subtle but is beautiful. And it lasts all day. So, overall, the blush is yuck. The bronze is a pretty color that I'll probably use as shadow. The highlight is A++ and I will keep it at the top of my stack.

Side note: a little goes a REALLY long way. My swatches are just a dab into the palette.

Dr. Brandt did not disappoint. It's definitely luminizing, use sparingly. What I can say is that I saw a reduction of my pores but they were still visible. Just keep that in mind. The second time I applied I mixed it with a little Tarte Poreless and the effect was great. Pores were at a minimum and, since it's matte, it toned down a little of the "pow" from Dr. Brandt. This is a good, solid primer. It works beautifully with my Too Faced Born This Way Foundation and I set (as always) with Coty Airspun Powder. My look was flawless. So, yes, Dr. Brandt this is also an A+ product.

I was so torn about the IT Cosmetics Brow Power in Taupe. I typically lean towards taupe when buying eyebrow pencils but I'm also a slave to my MAC pencils. In my mind, there's nothing better. This product, however, has really blown me away. The application is seamless. The color is spot on for my brows. I get a beautiful brow in a short amount of time with these. This is another love in this box.

Grande Lips in Midnight Purple..... Only in my goth days did I wear such a dark lippie. I'm also not into having huge lips. But I gave this a shot. I applied lightly and really worked it in then applied a little more. I definitely didn't want dark lips. The color isn't terrible like I imagined. But I also didn't see a substantial difference in the volume of my lips. It's so so. I'll probably play with it a little more to see if it's something I'll actually wear or if it's a complete pass.

Lastly, the palette that made me resubscribe. Crown..... I am completely uncertain if I love or hate this palette. I love most of the colors and most of them apply so easily. But they're not really me. I think this is another "play a little more and decide".

Overall I'm not disappointed with this month. The value always exceeds what you pay. The eyebrow pencil alone costs more than the box.

All the pictures and swatches below....