I completely forgot that I was getting a Boxycharm box for March. A few years ago, I switched to an every other month plan, and I often lose track. So, I didn’t sign in on March 1 or 2 and pick my products. Instead, Ipsy picked for me. So, my box was a surprise.
The theme of the March box is “Main Character Energy”. I have no idea what that means or how it relates to the products that I received. But no matter.
Here’s what I got:
- Ace Beauté Layer Grip Primer: I love my Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer, and I’ve been loyal to it for about 4 years. But I also like the brand Ace Beauté because I’ve received some good masques from Ace Beauté in past Boxycharm boxes, so I was open to their Layer Grip Primer. Unlike the Tatcha primer that is more like a hydrating skincare product in addition to being a primer, Ace Layer Grip Primer is a clear gel that so far seems to have a good grip on my foundation. To me (after one use), it doesn’t really feel like a hydrator, in spite of the fact that it has jojoba and vitamin E, perhaps because it’s a clear gel rather than a cream. I’m wearing it today, and I will use it for more casual occasions when I need a primer under my foundation, and save my pricey Tatcha for more exalted festivities!
- Mischo Beauty Lip Balm Butter: This Korean beauty lip balm comes in a handy, long, slim, squeeze tube. The lip balm is tinted pink and has a vanilla-ish flavor that fades after a few minutes. The balm doesn’t fade, but keeps on working for a few hours. Although I still have my absolute fave City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss, the Mischo Lip Balm Butter is a very good daytime lip balm so far. I may try it overnight to see how it lasts.
- Camara Aunique Beauty Makeup Brushes, The Virtuous Woman Brush Set Vol. 2: Mary and Esther are the two brushes I received in the set. I love the faux tortoise shell handles, and the soft bristles of each brush. Mary is a fluffy tapered powder brush, while Esther is a slanted contour brush for applying foundation, bronzer or blush with precision. Although I’ve been using my Artis brushes most often for months now, I used Esther today and it performed brilliantly.
- Origins Ginzing Brightening Eye Cream: I’ve known about this brightening eye cream for ages, but I never tried it. Lately, I do have darker circles than usual under my eyes from lack of sleep and stress. I tried this soft peachy cream, and I’m in love. It adds a noticeable brightness under my eyes, and the orangey shade does help mask my dark circles. I would say that this is my favorite item in the Boxycharm box!
- Laura Geller, Laura’s Essential Candy Cravings Palette: This is a perfect palette for spring since it’s filled with 12 peachy, rosy and neutral shadows in different finishes as well as coordinating blush and highlighter. Unfortunately, one of the glitter shadows broke in transit even though the palette came in a cardboard outer box, then bubble wrap, and finally inside the outer cardboard Ipsy/Boxycharm box. The deep, glittery shadow got all over the left side of the palette itself, the mirror and on some of the shadows. I managed to clean it up somewhat, but next I have to depot the shade and use my repair kit (or else alcohol) to repair it. It’s a very pretty shade that broke. Figures, right?
Since I wasn’t even expecting this box, it was a good surprise. I liked all of the products enough to try them, and I’m sure I’ll continue to use them. The Origins Ginzing Brightening Eye Cream is a definite keeper!
I am cutting back on my spending during these uncertain times, but for now, I will keep my 6 month subscription for the Boxycharm Box at Ipsy. The price is now up to $36 for 5 full size products including taxes and shipping. At least, I will continue to have 5 new makeup and skincare products every other month for about $7 each. These days, it seems like a “bargain”. 😉
