June Bulu Box Review

The Box: Bulu Box (Regular)

The Cost: $10/month (less with a longer subscription)

The Goods: Choose between Weight Loss or Regular options and you'll get 4-5 health and nutrition product samples. You can also earn points to spend in their shop by reviewing the samples you receive. 

Mindful Mints: ($.83) I don't like spearmint, so I made J try these.  He said the mint flavor is fine, but the mint itself is SUPER chalky.

 Bach Rescue Pearls: ($9.95)  These aren't vegetarian-friendly, so I handed them off to J.  I'm not sure whether or not he'll actually take them, though.

Spatone pur-Absorb Iron: ($1.18) The directions suggest taking this by itself, which is what I tried first.  I don't recommend it - it tastes like dirty lake water.  I chugged the rest of it mixed in with some juice and then had spend a few seconds convincing my stomach that it was worth keeping down.  I think I'll stick to getting my iron in pill form, even if it is less effective.

PepPod: ($1.50)  J is the one who's more into drink tabs and such.  This one Vitamin C, B1, B2, B12, Potassium, Niacin, and a few others - plus caffeine.

Nature's Bakery Fig Bar - Raspberry: ($1) We've gotten these fig bars from a few different sub boxes now and both J and I are fans.  I don't much care for raspberry, so he'll get to have this one.

Coconut Organics CocoBacon: ($4) A few vegans I'm following on Instagram are regularly posting about coconut bacon, so I was stoked when I saw this in my box.  Having now tried it...I can't quite decide how I feel about it.  It's not bad, but I don't think it tastes extremely bacon-y.  (Granted, it's been several years since I've had actual bacon.)  It tastes more like someone took coconut flakes and rolled them in the flavoring used on BBQ potato chips.

Total Value: $18.46

This is the highest value box that I've received so far AND it's the first one that had something I was actually excited to try.  Granted, I'm not going to run out and buy a case of the CocoBacon but I'm still happy I finally got to give it a go.

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JewelMint Collective Style Surprise: Hysteric Co. Review

The Box: JewelMint Style Surprise: Hysteric Co.

The Cost: $29.99

The Goods: Three styles from Hysteric Co.

 Gold Pyramid Studs: Love, love, love these.  They're small and edgy and feminine at the same time.  Seriously.  Love.

Gold Bar Necklace: Another winner.  It's small and simple, which is what I generally prefer in a necklace.  It reminds me of this Baublebar necklace, except that it has three small rhinestones on one end.

Gold Infinity Ring:  I have mixed feelings about infinity jewelry - when did it get so popular? - but I think I like this ring.  It's small and dainty enough that I can wear it every day, and the cashier at the grocery store complimented me on it so...there's that.

I liked most of the Hysteric Co pieces on the Jewelmint website, so I had high hopes for this box.  I would have preferred silver pieces over gold, but they're all styles that I would have purchased for myself.  It is a little frustrating that none of the pieces I received seem to exist on the Jewelmint or Hysteric Co websites.

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June Fabletics Review - Seconde

The Subscription: Fabletics

The Cost: Outfits start at $49.95

The Goods: Curated outfits of fitness apparel.

The outfit I opted for was "Seconde." ($59.95) Though the outfits are pre-designed, you can select your own color options for each piece.

Savan Sports Bra - Charcoal Heather: ($15.95 VIP) This sports bra super comfortable.  It's not the most supportive, but it's good for yoga and lounging. 

Lima Capri - Camo: ($39.95 VIP)  The sizing on these seem to run about a half a size small.  They're a bit more snug than I'd prefer, but not so snug that they're unwearable.

I really like how the straps on the sports bra sit.  It's really cute and unique.

The bottoms have a small pocket in the waistband where you can put your key or other small items.  I usually run with a Flipbelt, but this comes in handy when we're just wandering around the neighborhood.

Adventura Tank - Mint Julep Camo: ($15.95 VIP) Even though this completely clashes with the rest of the outfit, I couldn't pass this tank up.  I adore camo and the mint color is too damned cute.  It's slouchy in the best way and incredibly comfortable.  I'll probably wind up wearing this as "real" clothes more than as a workout top!

  

Total Value: If you're a VIP and you purchased all of these items seperately, it'd cost $71.85.  Non-VIP pricing would be $89.95.  

I'm obsessed with camo and I LOVE Fabletics, so I obviously couldn't convince myself to skip this month.  I kind of hope that next month's selections are lame so that I can skip easily. :)

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June Loot Crate Review - Transform

The Box: Loot Crate

The Price: $13.37 plus shipping

The Goods: 6-8 items perfect for a geek or gamer with a total value of $40+.

June's theme was "Transform."

The Loyal Subjects Transformers Minis Blindbox: ($12.99)  J hasn't opened this yet.  He isn't crazy about Transformers, so he might give this to a friend.

Transformer and MLG Gaming Stickers:  ESports are sort of a guilty pleasure of mine, so I'm weirdly excited about these MLG stickers!

 MLG Wristband: You know, this is the second sweatband that we've received from Loot Crate but I honestly don't remember the last time I saw *anybody* wearing one.  (Okay, MAYBE one of the little old ladies power-walking the mall.  That's it, though!)

Transformers Hexbug - Drift: ($7.99)  Apparently J has always kind of wanted a Hexbug, but never enough to buy one for himself.  I swear, he's 27 going on 9 years old. ;)

Warheads: ($.22)  I already stole the Lemon one while I was taking these pictures.  Shhhh...maybe J won't notice. ;)

Marty McPrime T-Shirt: ($26.95)  I think this is the most expensive shirt Loot Crate has sent out.  It's a really cool cross-over idea, and something about the artwork makes me think of the 90's.  (I mean that in a good way.)

Total Value: Over $48.15

Since J isn't super in to Transformers, this month's box wasn't as big of a hit as some others.  As always, he's happy with the shirt though, and that's good enough for me.

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June Vegan Presence Review

The Box: Vegan Presence

The Cost: $20/month

The Goods: 3-5 vegan goodies with at least one full sized product.

Cotton Revival Playful Pig Tea Towel: ($16.25) I'm not super crazy about the color but I LOVE the print on this.  

Fig and Yarrow Complexion Water - Rose/Sandalwood/Neroli: ($8.50)  I have mixed feelings about thigns you spray on your face. (I'm really jumpy with things like that.)  I didn't notice this being extremely hydrating, but it did smell nice and feel refreshing.

Urban Gorilla Coffee: We pretty much exclusively use our Keurig, so we don't even own a coffee bean grinder.  

Relogy Acne Spot Treatment: ($14.95)  I haven't used this long enough to have a very strong opinion on it, but I really like it so far.  It seems like it's helping, and it doesn't leave me feeling dry or sticky.

Lalun Eye/Lip Balm: I'm not sure how much is in this pot so I can't accurately figure pricing.  I'm not a fan of this.  It's too soft for me to consider it a balm - I'd say it's closer to a jelly but it's actually softer than that too.  The scent is much too overwhelming for me to tolerate it on my face, but I might try it out on my cuticles and see how that goes.

Total Value: Over $39.70

As always, I love the variety in the selection even if I don't use all of the products.  I'm really sad that this is the final Vegan Presence box!  I'll definitely miss it every month.

June Popsugar Must Have Review

The Box: Popsugar Must Have

The Cost: $39.95/month

The Goods: Hand-picked food, fashion, beauty, home, and/or fitness items.

One Potato Two Potato Kettle Chips - Hawaiian BBQ: ($.99)  I always like when I know what everything in the ingredients list is.  These are really tasty, too!  I'm not entirely sure what the difference between Hawaiian BBQ and regular BBQ flavoring is, though.

The One & Only by Emily Giffin: ($16.52)  I used to be a big Giffin fan but I sort of got bored with her stories after a while.  This'll make a decent pool-side read. Maybe it's been a long enough break for me to enjoy this one.

Native Union Voucher: ($15) Meh.  I clicked through the website and the only thing I found remotely interesting was $130.  This definitely won't be used.

You Smell Lemon Verbena Wet Wipes: ($5)  These individually wrapped wipes have aloe in them, so they'll be super nice after a day at the pool or park.

Sachajuan Shiny Citrus Body Lotion: ($24)  I'm not usually a huge citrus fan, but this lotion's scent is subtle enough that I actually do like it.  The lotion itself is really nice and lightweight.

Turkish T Basic Breeze Sorbet Towel  - Turquoise: ($32) First of all, the 'turkish-t' branding has made it so that I don't think I can ever call it anything other than "turkey shit."  The beach towel that I've been using is a souvenir-y one from Hawaii, so I'm glad to have a nice alternative.

Lollies Hair Ties: ($8) I love these!  They're more comfortable on my wrist than regular hair ties and they're much cuter than Twistbands.  I do wish that they were a little smaller - I think these would work best for someone with thick hair.

Total Value: $86.51 (Not including the gift voucher)

This might be my favorite Popsugar box in a long time.  I know I'll use everything that they included except for the Native Union voucher.  Now I just need to find time to go hang out at the pool!

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June Ipsy Review - Pretty in Paradise

The Box: Ipsy

The Price: $10

The Goods: 4-5 full and deluxe-sample sized beauty products chosen based on your beauty profile.

NYX Butter Gloss - Apple Strudel:  ($5) I can't quite figure out if this color is right for me.  It might be a bit too orange-y.  

Be a Bombshell Lash Out: ($15)  There's something about Be a Bombshell's product packaging that feels so cheap.  Even so, this is a decent mascara.  It seems to makes my lashes look longer but not so much fuller.  I'll probably like it more layered over another mascara.

Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: ($6.99)  I drew a couple lines the back of my hand and they have resisted smudging - even through a handwash or two.

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray: ($3.25)  I haven't used this yet so I'm not sure whether or not it works.  I *can* say that it smells delicious - like pina colada.  I want to go to the beach now!

Skinn Olive & Enzyme Cleanser: ($12) Meh.  I have a TON of facial cleansers to go through so I don't know when this one will make it into rotation.

Total Value: $42.24

All 5 of my products this month are cruelty-free!  After last month's face-product heavy bag, I was a little disappointed to get another face wash.  The eye products seem like winners though, so even if I don't use the others I'll have gotten my money's worth.

May Nadine West Review

The Box: Nadine West

The Cost: No upfront cost, prices vary per item.

The Goods:  They send you jewelry and tops and you decide which, if any, to keep and then return the rest.

It seems like Nadine West is shifting to focus more on "outfits" versus just a collection of accessories.  

Turquoise Scarab Earrings: ($9.99)  These earrings were definitely good quality for the price.  I mostly just wear stud earrings because I'm too lazy to take them out and change them every day.  I have several pairs that aren't studs but I honestly can't remember the last time I wore any of them.
Returned.

Lucky Brand Turquoise Necklace: ($29.99)  The price tag attached to the necklace said $85, so that made $30 seem like a steal.  This necklace was a bit too big and bulky for my personal taste - I tend to lean towards minimalist styles over statement ones.

Returned.

Turqoise Striped Tank: ($14.89)  This is pretty similar to the black tank they sent me in February.  I really love the color of this top and the stripes are surprisingly flattering.

I'm not completely crazy about the crochet design on the back (it reminds me of my grandmother's doilies) but my hair covers most of it anyway.

Kept.

This is the nicest over-all collection that I've seen from Nadine West.  I was THRILLED to finally see some silver jewelry - even though I wound up sending them back.  I also like that they are including notes on the style choice now.  It seems like they're getting better every month, so I can't wait to see what the future holds for Nadine West!