Sample Society December 2014: A Cautionary Tale

Hi hi!

      Haven't blogged in ages, but something happened where I really felt the need to share. Sample Society's boxes have been hits or misses for me lately. That's how these things are, some things you like, some things other people like.

     This box was awesome. Everything is perfectly curated, and the timing is spot on. Tried on the eye cream- it's really light and doesn't feel greasy or have random gross things peeling off your face (sampled a lot of those weird ones!). The RGB nail polish came right in time for my next manicure, and I'm super excited to try the Burberry thing. My friends and I are going out on Friday, so you can bet these products are going to be tested out!

     HOWEVER, one very upsetting thing occurred. I opened my Butter London Lip Balm to see the top smooshed. The lipstick was turned all the way down, so I chalked it up to poor design- the lip balm stuck out too far and hit the lid or something. Not a big deal- for now ("They might want to fix that" I thought). As I turned the lip balm upwards, eager to try it out, I noticed it was slanted. "Ohhh... it probably wasn't inserted straight, causing the top to be off too. Let me just push it in then, it won't look the same, but oh well."

I reached the bottom, and saw this. THE ENTIRE BASE IS BROKEN. That's lovely. Ok, no big deal, I'll just email customer service and ask for a replacement. When I had a burst sample for Birchbox (only one lipgloss after 2 years), I emailed them, and they sent me a replacement right away- got it the same week.

     The response from Sample Society is not the same at all. They said they don't have these items on hand, and can't send me a replacement, so they'll give me store credit of $5 for 90 days. WTF. Do you know what you can get for $5 from beautybar? GIFT BAGS AND RIBBON. AND, You have to buy $49 worth of things for free shipping. Otherwise, it's $5.99 for shipping. The Butter London lip balm is $20. So you're making me buy extra things, just to use this measly $5 credit, FOR SOMETHING THAT I ALREADY BOUGHT, THAT YOU SENT DAMAGED. WITH THIS FULLY PAID FOR BOX, SHOULD BE A BUTTER LONDON LIP BALM IN PERFECT CONDITION. I paid for a box in mint condition. Nowhere, did you say before this box was purchased that I am buying a box with items damaged. And with this joke of a credit, I can't even get the Butter London lip balm off the site to replace this broken one.

     Second point. VALID FOR 90 DAYS? That is ridiculously messed up. So now you're putting a time limit on when I have to make these EXTRA purchases by. Even though this is YOUR mistake, I have to pay for it (literally!).

     With this experience, I can say that Birchbox has way better customer service than Beauty Bar. If the boxes I like are becoming fewer, and the customer service is this poor (it was one service, that you can't even get right), it may not be worth it to continue with this subscription. Occasionally I do find gems in these boxes, but it may be more worth it to check out things that other customers have reviewed well instead of investing in the whole box.

     So now you've been warned. Butter London lip balm rant aside, I hope to be able to post swatches of the RGB nail polish in Oxblood later this week. Very excited!

***Customer Service Side Rant***

     This just reminded me again. A couple months ago, I went crazy trying to find a dress for a cocktail in the city for an awards show. I seriously went to 5 different malls in the same week. I found a candidate dress at one Lord & Taylor. When I went up to checkout, the manager snapped at me that there was no tag. I said "Ohh...ok..." and started to retract the dress, wondering why she didn't help me find a tag then- that's what sales associates at other stores normally do. The manager literally THREW the dress in my face. I couldn't believe it and stood there for several seconds stunned. It may sound like I'm being dramatic, but I can assure you that I am not. This was after walking all over the floor trying to find someone to help me check out and dealing with that frustration for half an hour (call me an idiot). I actually left the store, went shopping at Macy's, and came back. I've been so busy I haven't had time to write a complaint. You can bet that I will during my vacation though. I have the receipts (found the dress in a different size with tags- how hard was that?) with date and time, and that area was being filmed, so they can go and verify that information themselves. You can't treat people like that. The Lord & Taylor I usually go to is wonderful. They have excellent service and are always willing to help. This location, however, was not like it at all.

     I never used to write complaints to companies, but after working in industry, I realized the power of complaints. If you don't let the company know that something is wrong, then they can never improve, and nothing will change. Now, I'm not saying you should go crazy sending complaints about everything. Choose carefully to see if a situation can be improved.

     I was switching to Geico because of the low rates, but everyone I talked to had terrible things to say. I experienced part of the reason why myself when in one of the offices. The person I had helping me gave horrible customer service. She never went into any of the details of the policy- just pulled up what I had blindly filled in online, and asked me credit or debit. Then she rushed me as I was trying to read through the 30 pages of documents that I was supposed to sign. On top of that, she yelled at another customer to go home and do what he wanted to do over the phone. It was something that could be done in the office or on the phone, but this person has already come all the way to your office. Why would you send them home again? So I wrote out my concerns and sent them to the company. The manager of that office called me, and we had a chat. I don't know if anything became of that, but I suggested some extra training. Sales and customer service go hand in hand.


Hopefully you never have to go through these experiences, but if you have, I'd love to hear your story and how you handled it in the comments below!

Beauty Bar + Allure: Sample Society May 2012

OH THANK YOU! T^T Let us all gather in a circle of hugs as we cry tears of joy. We finally have makeup! XD. I was really excited to get my box this month after peeking (can't help it). Not so excited to see that the price went up for me again ($16.05 -__-, each of my boxes has been a different price).

The box weighs less this month, but I'm much more excited about the items than for April's box ^^. It's like an early bday present.
Let's jump in!

Items:


1. Colorescience Pro SPF 20 Travel Puff: Illuminating Pearl Powder- provides sun protection whenever and wherever you need as well as a dose of color to keep your complexion looking its best. This weightless mineral pigment provides hours of water-resistant SPF 20 and fits easily in any purse or bag, making it perfect for travel. Each puff contains 10-20 applications for multiple uses. Once empty, use for other makeup applications.

• I was interested to try this out because these travel puffs have been popular recently.
• Tried to take a picture, but the effect was not extremely noticeable. Saw the powder poof into the air but there wasn't a huge difference to the area of application.
• Deposits shimmers onto skin, smooths out skin tone with light coverage (My finishing powder needs to get here soon).
• Not quite the product for me. Got so frustrated patting the puff on my face and not knowing if anything was depositing
• Still glad I was able to try it out. May use it if I start to look oily late in the day (seemed to sop up oil a bit)
• Full size worth $10

2. Bond No.9 New York Gift Collection Bon Bon: Bleeker Street  - For those who wanted to give the entire city of New York as a gift: Bond No. 9 first-ever scent miscellany; 18 of our fragrances in pocket spray form, packed in two enticing layers in a sturdy white box. The elegantly elongated bottles, wrapped like candles in our signature foils, are perfectly sized for travel. Plus, they're refillable!

Essential Elements: Set includes: Bryant Park, Chelsea Flowers, The Scent of Peace, Chinatown, Andy Warhol Silver Factory, Eau de New York, Bleecker Street, Broadway Nite, Nuits de Noho, Wall Street, Fire Island, Little Italy, Park Avenue, Chez Bond, Coney Island, So New York, Hamptons, West Side.

• Mine was Bleecker Street (how did you know purple is my favorite color =D)- "The scent of New York night life
  Art, fashion, seduction, and dessert in liquid form. A warm and sensual aphrodisiac that glides from day into evening.
  Fragrance Notes: Patchouli, cassis, caramel, woods, musk."
• It's a sharp/ fresh fragrance with a hint of sweetness underneath. Can totally go from day to evening.
• HATE these perfume vials because they are so hard to open. Every time I try to open these, I feel like it's just going to spill all over the place
• It's a nice scent, but doesn't particularly attract me. Could have it or not, doesn't really matter
• Full set 18ct (.25 fl oz each) $260, sample vial .057 fl oz worth $3.29

3. Alterna UV+ Color Fade Proof Fluide- combines strengthening pure Organic Bamboo Extract & color-locking, damage-locking Kalahari Melon Extract in a formula that weightlessly shields hair with a UVA/UVB barrier to fade-proofs color while enhancing vibrancy & multi-dimensional shine. With rinse resistant Color Hold® UV+ Technology for the highest level of color protection • Weightless formula 
• Enhances vibrancy & multi-dimensional shine
• Can be used alone or combined with any styling aid
• UVA/UVB shielding barrier
• Prevents color wash-out & fade-out 
• Highest level of color protection
• Contains rinse resistant UV filters that protect against oxidative color damage

• Plan on dyeing hair tomorrow so what a coincidence ^^
• At first I was thinking that applying this every single day is really tedious ( = not doing), but then I smelled how lovely it is @.@ very fruity and yummy
• Like a hair oil
• Cute pump
• Not sure whether I'd continue with the daily maintenance thing, but will try after dyeing.
• Full sized 2.5 oz $24, sample size .25 oz worth $2.40

4. StriVectin SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles-  original with even more potent collagen-boosting peptides and Strivectin re-engineered the formula with NIA-114. Discovered in DNA skin cancer research, NIA-114 accelerates the rebuiling of skin layers. 

• *squeal*! So excited!!! I've been wanting to try this for so long, but never could because of the hefty price tag. Didn't want to spend the big bucks only to find out it didn't work
• Using for facial wrinkles and stretch marks
• Smells minty fresh, texture is just thick enough
• Can't wait to see what happens, will give an update in a month or two.
• Full sized 5 oz worth $135, sample size .75 fl oz worth $20.25

5. Stila Cosmetics Forever Your Curl Mascara- Featuring innovative lash-curl memory, this eye-catching wonder contains a proprietary resin that continuously curls lashes throughout the day - and holds curl for long-lasting results. A unique brush design coats and extends each individual lash, while an intense carbon black hue delivers maximum impact.

• Lashes remain soft and pliable
• Dark color makes strong impact (Eyes look better)
• Not waterproof = not so fond of. Still working my way through Kanebo Kate (they make lashes firm so some don't appreciate) 
• Noticed lashes lengthen a little bit.
• Not sure about the curl hold, could just be my short stick straight lashes. It seems like others didn't rate it well on sephora (only 2.5 stars)
• Full sized .24 oz worth $22, sample size .12 fl oz worth $11

Overall: Total Box Value ~$46.94


VALUE: Good! Really appreciate how they're all things that I can try/ use.

APPEARANCE: Each sample didn't have it's own little box this time, and it looked a bit empty upon opening but I'm happy with the items so it's ok.

ITEMS: Loved! We got makeup this time (still no color though), and everything was something I was excited to try. 

FAVORITES: Most excited to try out the StriVectin SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch and Wrinkle & Stila Forever Your Curl Mascara


What do you think? Are the boxes luring you in yet? 


If you've been hooked, visit my first two Sample Society posts (tag link on Right Sidebar) to learn more. Be sure to use the code JMANGO when you sign up so they donate $5 to charity!

First BeautyBar.com Purchase!

I finally put in an order for the REN Glycolactic Peel Mask. At $43 it still stings, but I won't get a better price anywhere else, and this stuff really works! It came so fast. I ordered Sunday afternoon and it arrived by Monday @.@, quite shocking. A friend complains of a dry patch on her face, so I even recommended this to her.

For some reason, they send it in a huge box. Look at the size compared to what it contains. I got three samples, including one from Oscar de La Renta. The scent from my first Sample Society box is starting to grow on me so I thought I'd test out another. Definitely for the more mature woman. Guess we're operating at different generations.

There's a weird thing attached to the side of the pump top. I thought it might be another cover for the opening??  No idea.

There's something else that I must tell you all about.

With the Sample Society Membership, you get a free year subscription to Allure. Unless I read it wrong, there is an option to opt out with a refund. I've had an Allure subscription before, and while it's fun to browse through, the majority of the magazine comprises of ads. I'm done looking through it within 5-10 min. As such, I decided that I didn't want these magazines piling up every single month (too lazy to keep taking out the recycling!). So I followed the instructions and mailed in the refund form along with a copy of my invoice. 

A couple days ago, I received an issue of Allure. So you're telling me that even though I spent my own postage and time sending you these documents, you ignored my request? I was unhappy to say the least. So I contacted customer service and the response I got was that they will remove me from the subscription list. Nothing about the refund. Not that I really wanted any money back, but if you offer something you should follow through on it!! If you hadn't given us the option in the first place then I would never have spent money on postage mailing those papers in! 

EDIT: Turns out, someone actually opened my refund check and hid it somewhere else! How rude! This is why I never like people touching my things- it breeds chaos. And now I've accused the company of wrong when they did properly send me a check for $12 within a week or two. My apologies.

I also noticed that the amount changed. At first it was a $15 refund that you would get. Now it says $12 (and that is the amount I was refunded). I know I didn't misread it, because if I did then so did many other bloggers. You can do a google search and see what I'm talking about. This is the Refund Form.

As such I am removing the BeautyBar.com banner that was on the right sidebar. It seems my decision to put the banner up was premature. Birchbox still reigns when it comes to customer service.

Reinstatement of banner contingent on likeablility of upcoming box (It's shipped May 1st! can't wait!)

I will still hold off for 1 or 2 boxes before deciding if I wish to cancel my Sample Society subscription.

Beauty Bar + Allure Sample Society Box: March 2012

It's here! You may notice the new banner that I have up in the right sidebar. Trust me, I would not promote something that I don't like (and have you seen other banners here before?) I'd heard rumors of this box starting up and hastened to subscribe. Mainly because they paired with Allure and I figured they wouldn't just rip people off. And considering Allure's pretty big I also figured they would have planned things better so that random kinks wouldn't happen- like MyGlam which I was also considering (more at the bottom).

Sample Society boxes were to start shipping March 5th, but mine shipped March 6th and I got it a day after. Life has been kind of on the downside for me recently =/ so this was a great pick me up surprise. Please send many prayers my way.

And, I want to note that today I got called "Chunky" by a woman twice my size. I'm a size 2 (just barely hanging on, but nonetheless). It probably is just extra offensive because a week ago someone told me I look like a 6. Yes, I still haven't gotten over it ~.~. Looking bigger than you are is never a good thing- if you're asking, always go a size or two down of what you're thinking. No I never ask for people's opinions on my size. These just came out of the blue.

ALSO! Talk about small blessings! I won the random Missha Survey drawing! Luckily I chose #13 as my BB cream color because that's the one I wanted to sample (and I get that and the Boomer as a gift- ~$55 value). The #13 sample I was planning on snagging on ebay somehow became unavailable T_T. So expect a quick review on those in a month or so. This is like the third thing I've ever won in my life. #1: half a cake in an elementary school cakewalk. #2: a cheap Pepsi cup from the school dining hall. This is a considerably more valueable win =D.

ANYWAYS!

Beauty Bar + Allure: Sample Society March 2012 Box!

What is it?: This is a sample subscription box like ones that have been released previously (Birchbox, MyGlam, Luxebox in Canada etc). You pay $15 (a bit pricier) a month +$1 for me (they charged me tax ~.~ which I was not aware of before: I guess technically it's supposed to be $1.05 but why charge us tax at all, it's not like we can get these boxes in a store! So $16 a month for me) and they send you a box of 5 deluxe samples to try.

Sample Society Box features some nice brands you can check out at BeautyBar.com.

Why do you want it?: It exposes you to brands and products that you might not go out and try yourself, and gives you enough of the product so that you can really get a feel for it.

Unboxing...x2!:

I had quite a time prying open the first box. The glued on flaps just did not want to come off, lol. Cute little design on the side. I kind of wish it didn't note that it's from BeautyBar.com just so if other members of this household get their hands on it it won't be so obvious.

Surprise surprise it's another box! This one is quite sturdy and nice. The lettering is done in silver.

And silver sparkly tissue paper! How elegant =D.

Comes with products and a little brochure on March tips from beauty experts with your $15 off $50 purchase code. This can also be found online at BeautyBar.com

The Goods:

• Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Cream with Encapsulated Shine-Release Complex- Olive Oil: Says to apply pea size to damp or dry hair.
  I left pic full size so click to see the shimmers on my hand. If it pops up in the blogger picture viewer thing- close out, right click the picture, open in new tab/ window, and magnify it (click it) to really see the shimmers.
  
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• To be honest I'm not sure exactly what this is. Glossing Cream. I thought it may be similar to leave in conditioner. It supposedly shines hair and fights frizz, is safe for color treated hair.
• Lovely light scent- fruity-floral thing going on, although it is missing depth in its scent and has that "hollow" scent problem: probably not noticeable to most.
• Hair does feel silkier- it actually is such a "slippery" product that my hands feel slippery after applying it onto my hair. It DOESN'T give a greasy hair feel or effect if you use as directed, but use too much and you could end up looking like you haven't washed your hair.
• The shine is most likely a result of the shimmer in the product- my hands look like they have a bajillion microglitters. 
• Overall I LIKE this. It's fun and I'm glad I got to try it out. I may not buy the full size because it doesn't seem like something I really need. Perhaps I'll change my mind by the end of this huge sample
• *EDIT* I dyed my hair (and the door) again, and look what happened. Turned into a complete frizzball. Hurried to slap some water on it which did tame the majority, but my goodness. Then I remembered my friend here and gave it a try. Majority of the stray hairs are under control, and you do see the shine- which hopefully won't turn into a grease effect. 
• I may purchase another small one after going through this one- just for those odd times like the above mentioned (don't want a big one to clutter up space). Also great for bad hair days with rain.
• Full size is 4 oz for $22.50. This is a 1.6 oz sample. So $9 worth (Beauty.com is selling for $9 and Amazon is selling the 1.6oz for $11.27). They do have a 7oz one on Beauty.com I think.
• Oscar de La Renta Espirt d'Oscar Deluxe Mini-Rollerball:  Floral-oriental fragrance which is a modern interpretation of Oscar de la Renta’s signature scent,  Inspired by the chic and sophisticated women of today.

• Top Notes: Sicilian lemon, bergamot and citron. Middle notes: Egyptian jasmine, orange blossom and tuberose. Base notes: musk, heliotrope, tonka and vetiver. 
• Bear with me, as I'm not good at describing scents. I don't smell ANYTHING floral about this. Definitely smell all the other stuff. Reminds me of baby powder and alcohol swabs. It's a warm and yet sharp scent (most likely from the citrus). Definitely smelled something similar on other women walking about daily. I think I used a really yummy scented Bergamot and Jasmine body wash (my grandmother's, haha ^^;;), but this was not that yummy scent -__-. Then again I dislike straight up citrus (it should be muted), so that's probably the issue here. All the top notes. If I try really hard I think I can smell the orange blossom.
• I looked up Bergamot for fun and learned that "One hundred bergamot oranges will yield about three ounces of bergamot oil". So sad T_T. What do they do with the fruit after it's skinned? Also bergamot peel is used in aromatherapy to treat depression and as a digestive aid according to Wiki. Maybe I should keep this around to see how my digestion is. I recommend looking Bergamot up, it's quite enlightening. 
• Scent lingers (staying power) and can be overwhelming if you apply too much. Over the course of 5 hours, the scent toned down to a much "warmer", less sharp scent. It might just be me though.
• Love the rollerball application and that it's a decent sized sample that will last a while. Especially today when most places are giving puny samples away. Perfect for sticking in your bag for on the go touchups. Love the pink interior of the box.
• I was very excited to see what the scent would be. Unfortunately it's not for me (more of a non citrus fruity floral person), but I think this is something many other older women will enjoy. It's really more of a personal opinion type of thing. Good staying power though.
• *EDIT* So I thought I'd try again. It smelled like baby wipes when first applied. This time I tried waving and rubbing off the top notes. Don't know if it did anything, but what I do know is that a few minutes later I can now envision a chic, sophisticated woman! A bit of an edge, with a little sweetness coming through. Guys, I'm loving it X_X. Hopefully it's not that I'm just getting used to it, lol. The scent is much gentler now. One thing is for sure, just one swipe with the rollerball. If I do wear this out, it'll be for a sophisticated evening. And I'll put it on well before I want others to smell it ;). 
• I changed my mind about it, but it's still not something I'd purchase.
• 3.4 oz full sized retails for $98. 1.7 oz is $78. The sample is .1 fl oz. Worth $2.88-4.59.
• Skyn Iceland icelandic Eye Relief Pen: "Delivers immediate relief to delicate under-eye skin that's most vulnerable to the effects of stress. The look of puffiness and dark circles is minimized while fine lines appear softer. The result? Your eye area is brightened for a refreshed and wide-awake look." Dab cream gently on under-eye area. A slight cooling sensation is normal.
                   
  
• Interestingly the tip part is soft and flexible, the back twists to dispense product. I kept turning and turning but nothing was coming out which left me like ???? Finally the product did dispense though. Hint: twist clockwise a lot of times, lol.
• Smells like other eye creams- funky. Kind of herbally, the scent is very light though.
• At first I felt none of this "cooling sensation" but soon I did. It's not so much on the skin where I applied but on my eyeballs? I almost feel like it's about to start stinging, but it's not. It goes away after a minute or so.
• Cream is like a slightly thicker lotion but not very thick like some eye creams A little greasy with thicker application. It absorbed right into my dry skin with light application, and with thicker application eventually absorbed in overnight.
• I noticed that it does the funny thing that other eye creams do as well. If you apply a bit heavier and wait for it to dry, you can actually rub the product and it will pill off. Which I have always thought was a weird thing- are you really absorbing or sitting on top?? X_X
• I thought this was a long term eye cream deal, but it says for immediate relief. I tried to take pictures again, but again not working. I personally thought I might have seen my circles get better on the outside part (inside was just as blue), but I don't know. I took pictures and they were no different. And I still had double bags. =/
• *EDIT* I tried this product again, and this time I did feel the cooling sensation (~1 min) where I applied (and a bit on the eyeballs as well). It seems I may not have applied enough the first time. I'm also now convinced that I'm not going crazy- my circles do look better towards the outside of my eyes. Bags weren't really helped much.
• The effect is minimal for me, but I can see where this would come in handy for summer.
• LIKE it, but probably will not purchase. At least not as of this moment *will continue testing at various points*
• Sample is full size retailing for $20.
  
•  Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Deluxe Sample:  This rice-based enzyme powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Actives to accelerate cell renewal, while Bearberry, Aspergillus, Grapefruit, Licorice, Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal combine for the most beneficial effects.
                      
  
• You mix the powder with water to make a paste and massage on face for 1 minute.
• Faint citrus smell. 
• Wasn't sure the powder to water ratio, so I just went with what I thought "creamy" was.
• Started out a little skeptical about how much exfoliation this was going to do. It's so nice O_O! My skin feels like it did after the REN peel- I can't stop touching it. The  dryer tougher parts of skin are still dry and rough, but the cheeks, chin, and etc feel just amazing. And to think it's a daily microfoliant! So I can have this nice skin everyday? Well I'll be darned.
• I WILL BE BUYING THIS. Thank goodness for $15 off.
• Full size 2.6 oz $40. Sample size .45 oz. Worth $6.92.
  
• I stuck it in my medicine cabinet, and now I really look like a product junkie -_- 
• REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Peel Mask: A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone. 
  • Removes dead skin cells to renew the complexion
  • Skin looks brighter, healthier, more radiant
  • Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Combats congestion, blackheads and blemishes
  • Apply to face and neck, avoiding eye area. Leave for 10 min. Wipe off mask with damp cloth. Rinse skin with warm water. Slight tingling may occur. Use weekly.
    
                    
    
    
• This is one that I've heard good reviews about and was especially looking forward to trying. I'm beginning to develop microwrinkles so we'll see what happens.
• It comes out of the tube resembling peach jam. some pulp/ fiber deal going on. Strange enough everything smooths out to clear looking. It even smells a bit like peach jam? But with some other not so pleasant aromas. The texture is like how a cold cream goes on- but clear.
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• Slight tingling on open wounds (just tiny break in the skin). Feel slight tingling all over too, but don't know if that's the result of it working, or drying, lol.
• WOW! At first I still felt some rough skin while washing the product off so I didn't think it did anything, but once my face was dry- soooo smooth (some rougher areas of skin are still rough though). Also noticed a "brighter" quality in my skin. Don't know if it faded scars any yet, or helped any wrinkles. I haphazardly applied this product on some rough areas of my neck and after washing you can definitely tell where I applied and where I didn't o_O. The hand I used for application and to wash the product off was even much softer. The next day, my face is still smooth but not AS smooth as the night before and my hand has resumed its texture. I hope it's really peeling something and not just acting like a lotion, lol. Tried to take before and after pictures but it just didn't work out- lighting kept throwing everything off.
• I applied the product for 15 min. I read that some people left it on for 20 min without adverse reactions, and since my skin needs a bit more work (and there's only so much of the product!) I left it for a bit longer. It seemed ok.
• Still a couple more uses left so we'll see if there's any difference after I'm done. 
• Full size 1.7 oz $55. Sample size .5 fl oz worth $16.18.

Overall: Total box value ~$54.98- $56.69.

• VALUE: Obviously I'm super happy with the value of the box considering I only paid. $16. $5 probably went into packaging and shipping.
• APPEARANCE: I really like the silver accents. And the whole "Society" bit just makes me feel like I'm part of some secret beauty cult.
• ITEMS: Originally I was a bit disappointed to find that it was mostly skincare items since I prefer things that I can see immediate changes with. BUT I'm excited to try out all these items and the ones I have tried are quite fun. Verdict? Pretty darn happy. If only you could see how wide my grin is. And really, isn't this what it's all about? Trying out things that you would have never touched otherwise. If you set this box out for $15 at some random store I would not pick it up. At $10 I might consider it but even then it's iffy. So good thing for subscription boxes XD.
• FAVORITES: The REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Peel Mask & Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. Today, my face looks dewy. Not because of oil, but because it's just so darn smooth now light reflects like nobody's business.
• Great sizes for using the products on the go!
• I figured the first box had to be something good for Sample Society to even start making a name for itself in this world already cluttering up with subscription boxes. I'm glad I took the plunge and can't wait for next month! In reality I wish I could get a box every WEEK, but I can't afford it *sadness*

MY BEAUTY PROFILE:

Skin Concerns: Dullness; Lines, wrinkles, aging; Dark Spots, uneven tone; Blemishes and breakouts; Sun Damage. Yep, a lot going on here.

Top Concern: Dark Spots, uneven tone

Dry Skin

Makeup Products I Love: Foundation/Concealers, Lip stick/gloss/shine, Mascara, Blush, Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, Nail polish. Probably quicker to tell you which I don't care about.

Biggest Challenge: Lip stick/gloss/shine. Not really. More like I love these especially but challenge to get the right product.

Hair: Breakage, split ends, color fading

Result I want most from hair products: Volume; better hold less frizz

Favorite Scents: Fresh (clean, fruit); Floral

Just looking at the profile it seems like they tried their best to match the skin and scent criteria.

Join the Fun!

Before you say anything, no they didn't pay me or give me anything for free at all. Even though I'm heavily endorsing this, it's just because I think it's a great thing.

Sample Society is new, but it's already sold out  of subscriptions. I suggest putting in your email for the waiting list if you even remotely think you may want to join. Go to BeautyBar.com and click on "Sample Society" link under the dark navigation bar. While you wait for it to open for subscriptions you can ponder it some more.

When you sign up please use my Referral Code "JMANGO" (without quotes): NOT because either of us will get rewards (we won't), but because they will donate $5 to charity! What a great way to make the most out of your purchase, all it takes is you copy pasting the extra bit and you can help others in need as well.

It is set so that they will donate $5 each time you use my referral code on each of their six sites (Beautybar.com, Diapers.com, Casa.com, Soap.com, Wag.com, Yoyo.com = total of $30 possible donations) for your first purchase. The money will be split across their 5 charities by default, but you can set it to distribute the funds to just the one charity of your choosing. I left mine to default because I feel like these are all great causes.

You set up a beauty profile- their FAQ notes that the boxes are NOT customized yet.

Their FAQ also notes that you can't see the products beforehand BUT YOU CAN. They list the products under your tracking information in the email, and after your box is mailed you can see pictures of the products in your Dashboard as well. I peeked.

It does have a reward: Basically you get $15 off a $50 Beauty Bar purchase each month if your order includes at least ONE item that you sampled in your box that month. Isn't that great?! And I think it's Free Shipping with $25 purchase for new customers. So that $55 REN face peel would still be a painful $40, but less painful than $55.

HURRY! XD I can't wait until you all get your boxes so we can share thoughts!

What's the Story? aka. How did I end up with the Sample Society Box


I'd originally been looking into Birchbox, then people whispered that MyGlam was better if you want makeup (and I was all over that). But it seems like MyGlam gives some drugstore type of cosmetics as well (I don't mind if they're good, but my recent experiences has told me to be picky with them) and isn't as interesting (I'm subscribing for the novelty of it all!). They included a freeman mask for one box- my last experience with a freeman mask left my eyes burning even though the product was two inches away (and yes I did test multiple times to confirm). So until I see some better boxes there (and the kinks-shipping/charging/relabeling issues?- worked out) I'll be holding off (the makeup bags are super cute though >_>).

Birchbox.com...  well I finally got off the waiting list after a month. I had gotten a 3 month gift subscription for a friend back when they weren't so hot that there was a waiting list. By the time I decided to take the 1 year plunge I had to wait. But good thing I did. Poking around obsessively online showed that the boxes sometimes are just not that stellar. They look like things I'd be happier getting at $5 instead of $10. But some months had great items from brands such as NARS, Laura Mercier, Stila, and even the Beauty Blender. So when my invite came, I hesitated, but thought what the hey, I've come so far. EXCEPT I opted for the Monthly instead so I can cancel if needed.

What is Birchbox? It is a $10/ month subscription box of 4-5 high end samples. And supposedly customized to your beauty profile.

I still think it's a fun concept, so if you're thinking of joining, then please use my Referral LINK <--*Click*. This one does give some reward points- which help me to obtain items on their site a little cheaper--> which is good for you because I can review more things ;D. Win-Win. Thanks bunches ahead of time~!

While all of the above was going on...

I was reading about a new up and coming box called Sample Society. It sounded good because of the collab with Allure (hoping they can introduce us to some hot items >.<). Within an hour I was desperately trying to get in. Of course they would be sold out of subscriptions. But then I was desperately trying to force my way through. Even found something that claimed to have a "Back door" way of getting the system to allow you in. Nothing was working and I left dejected. The next day I kept trying- nothing but error messages. Meanwhile I was panicking. I finally gave up. THEN a surprise came a week or two later, email about my order, what order?? I checked my Beauty Bar account and what is this I have a box?? How?? When?? I don't know. Somewhere in the 20+ attempts something went right. And that, my friends, is how I ended up with a box. Now I just have to make sure it didn't charge my credit card 20x by accident as well. =P

Hurry and sign up! Can't wait to discuss boxes with you all. When my Birchbox comes you can expect a review on that as well.

THOUGHTS? COMMENT BELOW! ^^