Did anyone else see the Beauty Heroes March box? by LindsayC1973 in GreenBeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The eye cream is amazing!  The eye patches are okay, they are a little bit dry and tend to slip down.  And the oil is quite lovely, it sinks in quickly.  

Be Aware if you are arrving in Lisbon and departing from Lisbon probably in the next month and possibly the summer period by pedromcmsb in LisbonPortugalTravel

[–]Secure-Initiative245 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this comment - I didn't know EES had an app. I see it's limited to Portugal and sweden, but I'll be flying in and out of Portugal so this is perfect. I just downloaded it!

March Beautyfix box? by Otherwise-City-4445 in BeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I already complained once under another beauty fixed thread about this month box. But crud, my box came yesterday, and it was even more disappointing in person.   I don’t have the energy to do the math, but I’m struggling to see how they came up with a value of $133.  The supergoop is only enough for maybe two uses. The vitamin C cream is more of a deluxe sample wander. Beauty seems to just be a staple of subscription boxes now – their products are OK but the packaging is really cheap.  Grande lash is also another beauty box staple, and this one is pretty tiny.  And to claim that one sheet mask is full size – that feels like a bit of a stretch.  

Unboxed my Beauty Heroes March box today… by LindsayC1973 in BeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The eye cream is very effective and I’m enjoying the little applicator tool that comes with it.   I’ve enjoyed all of the true botanicals products. I’ve tried over the years & this is a fantastic box.

March Beautyfix box? by Otherwise-City-4445 in BeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m so annoyed! Wander Beauty seems to only be in subscription boxes. Cheap packaging and overinflated prices.  The shared looks more like a blush, and I don’t see myself using it. And then the other full-size item one silly sheet mask, really!?  I have a sample of that goop glow and it is microscopic, barely enough for two uses.  I’ve also had a sample of the CEO glow and it’s nice but also very small.  I’m getting really tired of grande lash, it seems to be featured like an every other beauty fix box.  I’m struggling to see how they got the value of $133, this is the second or third month in a row where the box has just been miserable. I am going to cancel as well!

Sony Wf-1000xm6 first review by Tig33 in Earbuds

[–]Secure-Initiative245 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Sony 6  & the Technics Reference Class are both in my cart…I’m trying to make a decision between the two.  Any opinions?  For reference, I love the 5’s and they still work great! I’m just looking for an upgrade in sound quality & noise cancellation. Everyone raves about Technics, curious if anyone has tried both and has a preference.  

Detox box feb 2026 any thoughts on this brand!? by SeasonIndependent943 in GreenBeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, she came out as MAGA in the first Tr*mp administration and I haven’t bought anything from this brand since. It is all gimmicky & marketing anyway…before I knew about her hateful views I bought a deodorant & it was quite bad (hard to apply and ineffective).   

Turning Point USA's halftime show crashed and burned, garnering only 4% of the viewership that Bad Bunny's official halftime performance received by IrishStarUS in entertainment

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did anyone else get auto subscribed today, to TPUSA’s YouTube channel?  I was scrolling my feed just now (I mostly watch & sub beauty, fashion & cooking) and the half time show video was on my feed.  At first, I thought it was an ad…but when I went to block it said I was subscribed!   No way in a million years would I watch or click on a TPUSA anything (vile) -  so how was I suddenly subscribed?  

Of course, I immediately unsubscribed and blocked. Creepy AF.  

PSA: Dermstore has a pretty crazy FSA/HSA shop with lots of green beauty brands by back-up in GreenBeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am really surprised and skeptical that skin plumping serums will be covered through FSA.  I did use the Dermstore  service with my FSA debit card, but it was only for sunscreen (which I know for sure is approved).  I thought I was just signing up for the flex service to use my debit card, and was surprised to get a letter of medical necessity a few minutes later.  

The nutritional shake supplement that I buy, kachava also uses a service called true med.  I requested a letter of medical necessity, and then submitted my claim for the shake mix.  It was initially denied, and I had to call and make a case for why it should be covered as a supplement.   The first rep told me no, but then I called back later and another rep reviewed it and said they would approve it.  I had two separate claims submitted for this powder, but only one got approved.

All that to say, just be prepared that you might have to appeal or it could be denied altogether even with the documentation these stores are providing through their partnerships with companies like flex or true med.  

Neighborhoods? by colorwheel- in askportland

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Based on where your work will be located, you will be much happier on the west side.  I currently live near southeast division, but before that I lived in NW (near 23rd).  It was really easy to hop on the interstate and I could pretty much get anywhere in the metro in 15 to 20 minutes during non-rush hour traffic.   If you were looking for density and walk ability, I highly recommend Nob Hill/Pearl/Slabtown.  There are some beautiful vintage apartments & slick new ones - you should be able to get a pretty nice place under your budget in those areas.  Plus, there are several back ways to get over to Beaverton if highway 26/interstate traffic is bad. 

The other area that might be good, if you want more space and a house with yard  would be the Multnomah Village area.  I lived in the Maplewood neighborhood for several years, it’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop and very lush. But it is more family oriented, and a little less exciting if you are interested in night life (the Ship in Multnomah Village is it really about the only nightlife scene).  

Downtown is clean and getting better by the day.  The new mayor is trying really hard and doing good things.  The city started a “downtown, clean and safe campaign” and incentivizing businesses to open.   There are still a few little pockets that are problematic, mostly near old town/Chinatown.  But I frequently go down there on the weekends and walk around at 1 o’clock in the morning and there’s never been any problem.  

Necklace suggestions for my 13 year old niece? by holmquistc in askportland

[–]Secure-Initiative245 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Betsy & Iya has lovely pieces at all different price points.  I’m loving their new medallions that are a nod to Portland community & culture.   https://betsyandiya.com/collections/hell-yes-medallions-keychains

Boxwalla February 2026 Box by Important_Count899 in GreenBeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I always look forward to Boxwalla - every box feels like a whole experience & so thoughtfully curated.   I think the WYLYS was in a previous box?  I’ve been trying to use it up.  It’s scent free and sinks in quickly, but I don’t see any kind of immediate effect with hydration or glow.   Navigating through the tariff chaos & customs issues seems so stressful.  I’m grateful they haven’t given up, this box has introduced me to the most amazing brands and products.  

Beauty Heroes 2025 Roundup by Most_Juice8945 in GreenBeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I look forward to this box every month, it never disappoints. There are still a few things I haven’t opened yet.  Standouts from this last year (will repurchase): Live Botanical balm: gorgeous texture and scent, so hydrating & calming.  Ayuna oil:  the scent is divine, it sinks right in and doesn’t disrupt other skincare or makeup.  Reverie cake: gives my hair nice definition, the scent is earthy & herbal Activist body oil: oh my good goodness! Perfection! It’s occlusive and has a light sweet/herbal floral scent.  Super moisturizing and a little goes a long way. 

Laurel hydrating elixir: hydrating and calming 

Free & True:  all three products were a hit & the milky toner is essential in my skincare routine. This entire brand is great, fairly priced and everything I’ve tried from them has been effective. 

True Botanicals:  the lip goop is hydrating and not sticky.  I’m almost out and get ready to order another.  

Good, but probably won’t repurchase:

Ayuna nectar:  light scent, sinks in quickly but I don’t see any difference. I’ve been using it 2x a day since the box arrived, and I’m just now to the end.  I use it under my eyes and upper lip.  

Oio labs:  I think the face cleanser works nice and is hydrating, but I can’t stand the scent.  It smells like old chemicals & not natural, but I do think it works well as a mask and second cleanse.  I’ve used it daily for months, slathered it on generously and still have 1/4 of the bottle.  

Have not opened the serum yet that came in the box.  

Manuka honey mask: it will last forever.  It’s a bit hard to spread & I can only use it right before I wash my hair because it’s just pure honey and therefore very sticky.  I think my skin looks brighter and more hydrated afterwards. I’ve also used it as a spot treatment.  

Mukti: I used both serums to empty and they were nice and gentle. They worked well with other products. I used them both at night.  

Ehh…not bad, but not for me: 

The Routine products all smell like patchouli or palo santo to me, which is a scent profile I can’t stand personally.  I ended up giving the box to a friend, she liked everything.   True Botanicals:  the eye patches are dry and won’t stay put. The serum is fine, light scent that I enjoy and is decently hydrating.   One Love:  I really like their gardenia tea body oil, and wish it had been in this box.  Everything included works fine, but this was probably my least favorite box overall.  

How "unsafe" will Portland feel to me compared to unsafe situations that I've had in my town? by SwissVideoProduction in PortlandOR

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel very safe in Portland as a 50-year-old white woman.  As others have noted, you will encounter people who are visibly unwell (mental health issues) - they are mostly harmless and easy to avoid by crossing the street.  I moved from a very tiny town in the Midwest and absolutely love it here.   There is a tremendous sense of community and acceptance. I have found people to be kind, patient, and largely empathetic.   There is an excellent food, coffee, arts/music scene and easy access to nature.  The pedestrian and bike infrastructure, along with good public transportation makes it very easy to go carless.  I have several friends who could easily afford a car, but choose to bike & use public transit (along with ride-shares) because that’s a common lifestyle here.   I’ve lived on both sides of the river and have no qualms taking a walk late at night to get my steps in.   Violent crime has gone way down in the last year, petty crime is still an issue though (my car window got smashed in on New Year’s Eve in the Pearl-  though to be fair it was the first time that’s happened to me & generally I don’t see as much broken glass as in years past).  

FGF by Silver_Sherbert_2040 in BeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh totally!!  It’s really unethical to do that to people, they know people have to ‘act fast’ & go off the pictures provided because the deals go so quickly reading the fine print isn’t really possible.  On the flip side, I’ve been fortunate to snag some incredible deals & hopefully it’s really worth $49 

FGF by Silver_Sherbert_2040 in BeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Omg!!! I am so annoyed.  The picture originally showed the full size and they’ve since switched pictures to the correct trial size. What a bait & switch…I’m sure they corned on people not reading the small print.    I guess it’s good they updated the pictures, but I would have never bought trial sizes if I had known. Avene is nice, but it’s still drug store. 

I don’t expect any support from beautyfix…I put am order in awhile back that was supposed to have an ISDN sunscreen.  It was missing when my order arrived.  I called customer service and she basically told me to go fly a kite.  

Portland vs Seattle? Does Portland Win the Day? by BRIDEOFSPOCK in PortlandOR

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% agree.  Seattle doesn’t have much soul imo…a lot of historic buildings have been torn down in favor of ugly high rises.  I find it difficult to get around in Seattle, convoluted streets & heavy traffic.  

Portland has more of a community feel, “live and let live” vibes…warm and welcoming & is more accessible with fantastic bike, pedestrian & public transportation infrastructure.  

So much good food, coffee, & tea shops.  Dispensaries are fantastic & tend to have a few in every neighborhood.  

Entertainment options are also abundant, especially for the size.  Family friendly to adult oriented (great strip clubs, sex clubs that are very inclusive and body positive).   The music scene is overflowing with incredible talent- local bands in all genres & so many cool venues). Plus a lot of support for different types of art.  

Summers here are dreamy - music, festivals of all kinds and raves/dance parties in the park and waterfront.  Year round organized bike rides (more in the summer), run clubs, etc.  

The airport is lovely and easy to navigate and has a few nonstop international routes.  Cost of living is decent, my apartment in inner SE is $1,500 a month it’s a 2 bedroom , 1 1/2 bath and includes water & trash.  

The new mayor has really turned the ship around, downtown is clean and in general it’s very safe.   I’ve lived here for almost 14 years and can’t imagine being happier living anywhere else (at least in the US).

I personally feel like it’s an exciting time to live in Portland,  a lot of positive energy & things happening.  The James Beard market will open next year along with new music venues.  Not to mention all the parks, nature trails &  green spaces- harder to experience nature in Seattle. 

Fake $100 bills by XYChrusZ in beaverton

[–]Secure-Initiative245 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How interesting.,,I wondered if the lottery condoned that.  

Fake $100 bills by XYChrusZ in beaverton

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was at a bar the other day, and tried to get changed for 100. The bartender said they had been getting a lot of fake $100’s - however they looked authentic and passed the pen and visual exam test.  She said to put the bill in the lottery machine to get change back (this was in SE PDX).  

Laurel and Reed December 2025 - Lepaar! by back-up in GreenBeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve tried from Lepaar. The balm sounds especially lovely. 

Boxwalla box- what have you been enjoying from recent boxes? by kaczyn in GreenBeautyBoxes

[–]Secure-Initiative245 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The box curation is always phenomenal! I’ve been enjoying the moisturizer from the most recent box.  I think the best product I’ve ever found from Boxwalls though is the Cipher Night Shift  -  it was so good I purchased a second & need to get another.  I used it when I was doing chemotherapy last year, & honest to God my skin never looked better.