Sample Society: August 2012

=D. I started out being a little more than peeved at SS this month. The account said that my box was to have shipped July 28th (receiving August 3), then changed to saying that it shipped Aug 3rd. Being so used to receiving it the second business day of the month, I wasn't too happy about the unexpected change (I'm a creature of habit, what can I say?)

THEN, I looked at the product list for this month and all was well again ~^o^~. This month's theme must be products with interesting concepts.

Let's get going, shall we?

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer, Private Dancer

• I love purple! This is from the Mirrored Chrome collection. The colors have a duochrome effect. This one is purple and gold. Originally I was wondering if I wouldn't've liked Sugar Daddy or Swagga Like Us better, but I don't wear gold, and Swagga Like Us swatches make it look like oxidizing copper.
• LOVE the square bottle.
• Applies smoothly and without streaks. It's not completely opaque until 3 coats for me.
• It didn't look too unusual or impressive at first, but after a few minutes I started digging it. It makes me feel like some evil queen witch. Doesn't make me feel like a private dancer though.
• Full Size worth $18

Elemental Herbology Cool & Clear Facial Cleanser- Water lily, Green tea and Aloe vera cools and soothes sensitive skin. Olive oil acts as a cleansing agent to gently purify pores. Lavender and Tea tree extract help provide an antibacterial and sebum-regulating action.

• Clear, liquidy, lathers nicely. Smells like lavender (well ok, maybe not, but something strong, plant-like, and pungent)
• At first I thought "Oh great, another cleanser that's gonna dry me out". Turned out to not be the case. When applied it actually has a bit of an oil feel to it. My face didn't really dry out at all. I did a double take. Must be the olive oil.
• Didn't really feel any cooling effect.
• Full size 3.4 oz worth $46, sample size 0.8 fl oz worth $10.82

Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara, Black Ice -Longest Lash Mascara contains sea minerals to condition lashes while thousands of cellulose fibers coat the lashes without clumping or flaking.

After- applied on left of picture

Before

After- applied on left eye in picture

• THANK YOU! For the Black. Any other color and I honestly wouldn't know what to do with it. Gray lashes? NTY.
• The interesting thing here is the packaging concept. It's in a squeezable tube! How many times have you cried over not being able to use up every last smudge of mascara. It must be congregating at the bottom. This way, you can actually manipulate the product in the tube. If you would like more or less product, you can also control it that way. I hope the packaging doesn't dry out the product any faster though.
• Love the big brush with the pointier end (helps to get the lashes on the inside without smearing mascara everywhere).
• No clump application. Appears to lengthen and thicken slightly. I think there are fibers in here too.
• Full size .42 oz $33? Yikes, that's not cheap. Sample size .1 oz worth $7.86

Phyto Phytonectar Oil- Phytonectar Pre-Shampoo Ultra Nourishing Oil Treatment easily penetrates deeply into each strand bringing damaged, dehydrated hair back to life. The formula, rich in proteins, lipids, and vitamins from egg yolk, restructures ultra-dry hair while preventing oxidation with sunflower extract. Hair feels immediately replenished and its original softness and shine are restored. Use Phytonectar oil once-to-twice a week for five consecutive weeks. Do not use for one week after color process.

• I don't know what Phytonectar is, but this whole pre-shampoo oil concept is new to me. 
• Was going to dye hair, but it says not to use for 1 wk after so I held off and tried this instead.
• You have to leave it on for 15 minutes. I didn't know if you're supposed to apply to wet or dry hair so I applied to dry hair. Had to use the whole vial.
• Went to rinse the vial, and interestly the oil inside turned into a milky white concoction! How strange is that?? It wasn't even very oily feeling anymore, just slightly.
• Didn't have the Phytonectar shampoo, so I just used my own. Wondered if the shampoo doesn't just wash out all the oil and negate the effects, but surprisingly my hair was untangled after shampooing as well.
• The overall effect is that my hair was still dry on the ends. It may have to do with the Sebastian condition that I'm using from the July 2012 Glossybox.
• Full size 1.7 oz worth $30, sample size .33 oz worth $5.82

Arcona Cranberry Toner- This three-in-one formula tones and hydrates, while also infusing skin with protective antioxidants to leave your complexion looking and feeling refreshed. Antimicrobial cranberry, containing vitamins, phyto-nutrients and essential fatty acids, clarifies and protects. Use Cranberry Toner anytime to cleanse and tone or to remove makeup.

• Multi-use products have been a mini-rage recently, and this is supposed to remove makeup, refresh the skin, and protect against free radical damage.
• Can't evaluate it's ability to protect against free radicals, but I wasn't feeling very refreshed after.
• Has cool shimmers floating around. Smells like fruit at first, then becomes mixed with a potpourri smell. Quite strong.
• I was amused at having two plastic shrink wraps on my bottle.

• Full size 3.72 oz. worth $32, sample size 1 oz worth $8.60

Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

• This is an extra that's included. I'm not sure if Sample Society is following Birchbox and Glossybox with the "extras"
• I was excited to try this since I love the jojoba facial exfoliator.
• This seems like a normal moisturizer. Doesn't have a scent as far as I can tell.
• Full size 4 oz $45, sample size 0.04 oz worth $0.45

Overall Box Value: ~$51.55

There wasn't anything that I'm head over heels in love with this month, but I had fun trying them all out. The Cranberry toner I will probably not use because I never use toner, and this one is strongly scented. Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is also not that special. Facial cleanser and Phytonectar oil are interesting, but I don't see any huge improvements with them. The Jane Iredale mascara didn't give a stunning effect so I'll pass. DL nailpolish is cool. I'll see if I can find an occasion for it.

Birchbox: April 2012

YES! This is what I've been waiting for! Last month's Birchbox was disappointing (changed to OK status after further review), but this month I'm loving! Birchbox vs Sample Society April 2012 conclusion?  Birchbox wins!

What am I going to do with all these boxes? They're piling up. Ideas??

So excited for the BeFine Set! Saw that the box was .2lbs heavier than the last and hoped for some good samples. 2 pks cleansers, 3 pks moisturizer.

*EDIT* Turns out the moisturizer was expired! I didn't even notice (who actually notices those things?? Guess someone did). So Birchbox notified me through an email. And I'm supposed to get Birchbox Points to make up for it (although, klutz that I am, I don't remember if I put my email in right...). It's really true that Birchbox has excellent customer service. I really appreciate how they didn't try to cover things up. Mistakes happen, and I'm glad they notified everyone involved instead of keeping it hush hush (and only rectifying the situation with those that noticed it). Honestly, I wouldn't even mind if they didn't find the exact source of the problem (it doesn't seem like a frequent happening) or give points (not that big a fan of this moisturizer), but I'm glad they did! yay~ Birchbox really went above and beyond. This month they really have my stamp of approval.

The cleanser is very good. It says it's gentle, but it easily removed the heavy MAC concealer. 

Still, it's drying to my skin. Minty.

The moisturizer is spf 15 but it smells more like an actual sunscreen. ehhhh.

Dirt scrub!! so excited! Got the lemon one and it smells fresh and clean (I don't like lemon, but this was nice). Was surprised and not that fond of the oil added in at first, but my skin thoroughly thanked me later. The sample was only enough for one use though...

The little package had tea bags and lipstick *faints*

Vapour's Siren Lipstick in Intuition is wonderful. Truly dense color. This one is emollient and yet is thick enough that it won't slide around. Dramatic color that works for a sophisticated evening (for me). The only thing I hate is the packaging. It's so cheap it doesn't wind down completely.

What I was upset about was this =/.

The Amika Hair Mask is nice. It does condition hair and make it better in condition. Smells like vanilla in a more mature sophisticated perfume fragrance. Too mature for me.

The tea comes in this really funny cloth pouch. It does smell fruity. It is a weak tea so I'm disappointed. It also says Chinese Green Tea (foods from China are super suspicious) which has me on guard and well, I won't be trying the second bag.

Beauty Bar + Allure Sample Society Box: April 2012

MUAHAHAHAHA! I'm here to bring you Beauty Bar + Allure Sample Society Box Review Round 2!

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, but no more tax! thank you thank you thank you~) a month 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.

So I have been stalking this box to tell you the truth. It says that it's been out for delivery for a long time. It didn't actually come to my doorstep until 13 hours later. It's funny that they set the box inside the front storm door. Guess they might be worried about rain?

Overall... I'm kind of meh about this box right now? Maybe I'll grow to like these items more but this is my first review impression. I'll update with more details as I get to know these products like I did with the first box.

I thought for sure this time we'd see some makeup product or something with color (so many people were asking for makeup products after the last box). And in the email of telling me that my box shipped they had a picture of eyeshadow T_T. By the Allure logo it says "skin.hair.body.makeup fragrance" so.... sadness. And they ask about makeup in the beauty profile so I just assumed.

Turns out people really liked the items that I wasn't so fond of the first round, huh. They should have 2 types of boxes differentiating between skin types (oily vs dry use really different products!)

Well, Let's go!

DDF Amplifying Elixir - DDF's Amplifying Elixir can strengthens the skin's moisture barrier by up to 50%. Banyan leaf, lotus flower and red clover extracts improve hydration and transform the skin's appearance.

• Clear and very liquidy- reminiscent of the Juice Beauty Cleanser's viscosity. 
• Smells kinda chemically when you put your nose right up to it. Barely noticeable.
• Not able to see any immediate difference. You're supposed to follow it immediately with moisturizer and I guess it helps absorption and hydration. No noticeable feeling.
• *EDIT* I tried it under my usual moisturizer. This particular one is thicker (supposed to help with rejuvenating skin- don't see any of that >.>). I actually could tell that the moisturizer absorbed more into my skin. Usually it stays on top longer and gives a slightly sticky feel (being that it's thicker and all). Now it's not sticky at all, if anything it absorbed so much my skin was still thirsty for more! I'm not sure how much I need this (especially for that price, owie), but this would be good for someone who had some kind of skin treatment that they would like to absorb better. Maybe for acne or something?
• Definitely recommend trying this product if you ever have the chance. 
• There must be a type-o somewhere because the box says the moisture barrier is strengthened up to 70%. Or is it that beauty bar people personally tested it and found that it's not that good? =P
• Verdict: It does help to make things absorb better, but not something I really need. Especially at this price.
• Full size 1.7 oz $63, sample size 0.5 Fl oz worth $18.53

Murad Hybrids Acne Primer- Refine your skin tone and minimize the appearance of pores with this acne-fighting primer, which creates a smooth, non-shiny matte finish. It's the secret tool for ensuring a flawless foundation application.

• This kind of reminded me of the BB cream concept. It acts to control breakouts with .5% salicylic acid, primes for makeup and leaves a matte finish. So I decided to see if it has any coverage (supposed to be usable in place of or under foundation.)
• 
  

 

Oops, guess not really.

• On my dry skin this was indeed a matte finish. Much dryer than I like my skin to be, so I won't really be using this product. It's a runnier product.
• The pump is so cute though!! XD <-- sucker for packaging.
• Full sized 1 oz $35, sample size .17 Fl oz worth $5.95

 By Terry Echantillon Creme de Rose-  provides soothing nourishment for tired and thirsty skin effortlessly for hours, softening lines and wrinkles for a firmer, more youthful appearance. The luscious scent of roses makes every velvety application a sensuous experience.

• Sure it smells like roses. If the roses are drunk. Like rose mixed with pear that's wayyyy too ripe and starting to smell alcoholic.
• Cream is thick. I don't feel like my skin is nourished from its "thirst". If anything there's more of a frictious texture. Speaking of, I had the opportunity to shake hands with another dry handed person- it's so weird because we both have friction from our skin so it's more like tough skin rubbing against dry tough skin, lol.
• I'm not fond of the texture (you probably can't tell if you don't have dry skin already) that my hand is left with, but this smell is addicting. I really want to eat something, or grab a drink now, haha. But not $99 worth -___-.
• I don't feel much product in this sample =/ maybe one or two uses. Tube is barely halfway filled. And you'll notice that it's already almost 1/7th of the original size. Wow that's not affordable. How many containers of this would you have to buy to see results? Did I miss something? Is it like only for the eye area?
• *EDIT* I've used it on my face now. It says for normal to dry skin. This dry skin is finding the formula a little too dry still. Should I have used the DDF Amplifying Elixer under? haha.
• Full size 1.01oz $99, sample size .14 oz worth $13.72

Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Hair Serum-Banishes frizz and flyaways, Hydrates and protects your hair. Provides instant, long-lasting shine

• Saw this and thought "ugh another hair oil"- remember I just had one from Orofluido from my last month's Birchbox.
• The bottle has a cute dropper so you can control the amount of oil you get. 
• It works to an extent (not perfect), but some are tough so we'll let it slide.
• You can see it does have a shine effect, careful not to apply too much like I did or you'll get a greasy looking hair
• 
• IT SMELLS SO GOOD. I cannot emphasize this enough!! It reminds me of green tea bubble tea. Except it's Jasmine. But OMG. I just want to buy it to smell it! >.< Does Oscar Blandi make this in a scent?? I want it on me! I want to smell this all day long!
• Full size 1.69 oz $35, sample size .169 fl oz worth $3.50

Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel-daily cleaning formula which develops a purifying lather to gently clean your skin pores. It helps to refine the look of pores leaving your skin fresh, comfortable and good to touch. This gel has a complex blend of botanical amino acids and other natural things that help to protect your natural complexion.

• Last but not least. This one was an interesting one. It wouldn't open -__-. No matter how hard I squeezed, product would not dispense. Then I thought well then they must have a seal, so I tried to take off the top. It would not come off no matter how hard I tried. I was about to take a pair of scissors and poke a hole in it after 10 min. Then I remembered that you can just take the top off. So I used a pencil to poke a hole. Who says you can't have brains and beauty? tsk tsk boscia, watch that quality... made in Japan too, I'm disappointed in you.
• Cleanser and makeup remover.
• Clear and viscosity of glycerin. Gentle, and lathers gently. I can see how it would be good to take off makeup, it has this texture that seems good for dissolving makeup in. Haven't tried it out on heavy makeup yet though.
• Verdict: Nice, but ehhh... not seeing anything too special yet.
• *EDIT*: Just full on used it on my face. It does have a nice lather and feels gentle, yet face is left like it has been cleaned afterwards. The only problem is 10 minutes after use, I started noticing my skin getting REALLY dry. We're talking full on flaking dry- which it hasn't done since I stopped the stronger cleansers. I don't want my face flaking so not buying >.<. This product has undone what the peels and microfoliant from last month have done. /Maybe those with normal to oily skin can give it a shot. I have heard good things about their other products though, so I'm open to trying them out. 
• Full size 5oz $26, sample size 1.69 fl oz worth $8.79

Overall: Total Box Value ~$50.49


VALUE: How can you complain?

APPEARANCE: Cute as always, I noted that each sample had its own little box. Although it seemed excessive, at the same time it prettied the samples up and took them up to the next level. A lot of the times the packaging also provides more information than the bottle or the site.

ITEMS: I don't know. I think I might be slightly disappointed. Sample Society (mainly because some items are just no suited to my skin = won't use)... people it's not just about how expensive these things are, I also want products that I'll use and can save up to splurge on =/. I think you have to include a makeup item in the next box now. Meanwhile Mr. Oscar Blandi should consider making a scent out of this Jasmine concoction if he hasn't already. Or I should grab that shampoo (but I really want the scent to last!).

FAVORITES: Nothing too stellar, but gosh the Jasmine Oil and Rose cream smell so good.

Better Luck next time I guess =D

THOUGHTS? Have/Had it? Want/Don't Want it? Comment Below!

*************

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 brand 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.

First Birchbox!: March 2012

Got majorly kicked in the butt by karma. So before I signed up for Birchbox, I was randomly thinking that if I were the owners I would use left over samples from previous months and compile them into a basket for newcomers. -___-. WELL, I was excited for this month's Birchbox because it looked as if there might be some interesting samples. They had 23 boxes, one of which was unappealing since it contained the past samples. Guess which I got? yup. NOT COOL BIRCHBOX! It just so happens the previous months were the ones with the not so awesome boxes >.>

I was trying to figure out which box I got ahead of time (I'm a peeker). Finally figured out that it's the pictured box under the "Box" tab. Wasn't too happy and was thinking it might influence my feelings after getting the actual box.

Got the box, and wasn't too excited =/. Well I was excited when I got it (REALLY like presents), but not so excited after opening. To the point of delaying this review. Reading everyone else complain, I thought, "Sheesh, you like some things you won't, stop being so negative." But... it is disappointing, lol.

Apparently there was an option to pick the Teen Vogue box instead? I don't remember seeing that option, would've chose it instead since I'm more of a makeup junkie than skin, fragrance, hair girl =/. Really have to wonder if I was the only one to get this particular box =/

Reading online, I was also frustrated seeing people signing up for multiple Birchboxes when clearly there is a line for people who don't even have one. Hopefully they have it set so that those that are not even subscribed to one can have a slight priority- if there is a way to check, like by address or something =/.

Comes in a bright pink cardboard box that unfolds. Says "Birchbox.com", which... yea some nosy people in my house. Inside is another box. It isn't as thick as the Sample Society box's paper, but cute logo stamp. Figured out why my SS box has a slight scratch- I use scissors to slice open the tape and accidentally nicked it.

I really like the small package inside, it's like a present in a present o_O

What I Got:

1. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser-  "The impressive gel formula is made with an organic juice base of sweet cherry, lemon, and aloe, which are all rich in healing nutrients and antioxidants. Coconut and sugar extracts remove blemish-causing gunk and oil while respecting your skin’s moisture barrier. Finally, an alphabet’s worth of vitamins—including A, B, C, and E—brighten and even out skin tone."

 

• Wasn't super thrilled with this at first, mostly because I read the "Juice Beauty uses Salicylic Acid.." and "Instead of ...Benzyl Peroxide..." part. Salicylic Acid doesn't work on me. Benzyl Peroxide does. But then I realized that this product doesn't contain either ingredient.
• Decided to try anyways. It smells nice =D. You can really smell the cherry and lemon, pleasant.
• Brownish in color, runny.
• Lathers gently (I was surprised, didn't think it would lather because it was so runny).
• Gentle- skin didn't feel dry, and was soft after.
• Most importantly, it did make my huge pimples shrink a bit and they hurt less after washing O_O. I couldn't believe it. I was healing nicely, but life stress made me break out all over again. They weren't shrunk much, but a little, and less pain =D. Maybe the aloe is doing something?
• Wasn't too keen to try it at first, but after trying it, it's not bad o_o. =/ But... it's still not nice enough to make me personally buy it. Maybe when I run out of everything else?
• *EDIT* I'm having a major breakout, and although this doesn't quite solve the problem, it does make it feel sooo much better. I would say this product is for immediate pain relief- it also shrinks the problem a bit. Throughout the course of the next day the pain does return, but I think even the temporary shrinking effect this product has does seem to keep the problem from getting worse and possibly speed up the healing process a bit. I wouldn't mind having this product around. Again, another product I'd never try without these boxes. Thank you Birchbox!
• Full size 6.75 fl oz -$22, sample is 0.5 fl oz worth $1.63.

     2.   Eye Rock Designer Liner- The stick-on adhesives are super easy to apply and help you create an array of eye-catching looks. Unlike traditional liners, they won’t smudge or fade.

 

• -___- REALLY?!?! REALLY?!?!?
• When I first saw this I thought, "It looks like a sticker". Then I thought, well maybe it's not really. Like it's very thin or something, it has to be right? Then I read people saying how it's literally a sticker. Let me tell you, it's literally a sticker. Looks like  kind of a felt-like finish.
• Once you put the sticker on the black looks more solid.
• Did it all in one go since I'll not be wearing this out and was curious to see how thick liner looks on me- most people say asians should draw thicker liners. I can just imagine wearing this to a party and people asking me, "Are you wearing double eye-lid tape?!" As a matter of fact, they should market it as such. A double eyelid tape with liner predone. 
• Feels like a sticker on your eyelid- not comfortable. 
• You're supposed to cut it from the inner corner, but the inner corner never stays down. Try to not touch the inner eye corner area while applying. False lashes might come up on the ends if you don't apply with enough glue, but at least they look good!
• These look better with my eyes closed. Not impressed. If you tried to give these to me I wouldn't take them.
• Instead, whoever did this should've made a temporary tattoo.
• Possibly the most offensive part is that it just simply doesn't conform to my eye shape. Why would you give an asian person an inflexible eye product?! The Violent Lips would've been so much more fun to try imo =/
• I have to pretend like this was an extra freebie to make myself feel better about this box.
• Full size 2 pks $13. 1 pk worth $6.50.

           3.  Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien-a symphony of glistening, refreshing citrus notes
            orchestrated through the Sicilian lemon. "Winning combo of lemon, grapefruit, and
               green mandarin notes".

• =/ Definitely smell the citrus. Remember what I said about citrus scents in my Sample Society post? Not a fan of this scent. 
• Liked the little wand inside I could use to apply the scent
• It's ok that I didn't get a larger size, wouldn't use it
• Fragrance is not as heavy as the Oscar de La Renta. Does not have lasting power. I could sense the scent fading after a minute. Not a very complex scent.
• Would not buy. I'll just peel one of my sour oranges and rub the skin on my skin for this scent =/
• Full Size 50ml $85.00, sample size 1.75ml worth $2.98.

          4.  Orofluido Beauty Elixer-This serum relies on a triple-treat of standout oils:
            argan oil strengthens strands; linseed oil smoothes cuticles to leave hair
           shiny; and Cyperus oil fortifies and boosts manageability. Quick-absorbing
           and lightweight, this oil works on damp or dry strands. Take three to four
          drops between the palms of your hands and distribute evenly through damp
          hair. Style as usual. You can also work a couple drops through dry ends or
          use a tiny amount to calm flyaways.

• This is one I was not originally happy about. I don't want to stick oil in my hair. BUT...
• The design is pretty.
• Smells like vanilla. A lot of people like the scent, personally not a fan =/.
• Used about a dime size amount to run through hair in an effort to tame frizzy hair. Works to an extent.
• Absorbed fast, hair is shiny, not greasy. Hair is soft and touchable.
• Probably will not buy, the scent would eventually annoy me. >.>
• Full size 3.4 oz $29.99, sample size .17 fl oz worth $1.50.

          5. Deborah Lippmann The Stripper to Go- Each packet contain a “mitt” that
            has been soaked with The Stripper, a gentle but effective polish remover.
           The lavender formula has a soothing scent, plus aloe to moisturize nails
           and cuticles.

• Whyyyy... I rarely use nail polish right now. Plus not a fan of lavendar.
• I'll have to review these when I do get nail polish on. See, if they had given me the Color Club mini nailpolish, then I could knock out two reivews...
• I have heard people love these and go to buy the full size. Personally I do fine with a cotton ball and nail polish remover.
• EDIT: LIKE the product, check out the review HERE
• Full size 6 mitts $12, sample size 2 mitts worth $4.

          6. Hollywood Fashion Secrets Hollywood Fashion Tape- These easy-to-use
           double-sided tape strips can be applied wherever a little extra wardrobe
          help is needed. Made with hypoallergenic, residue-free ingredients, they’re
          safe for both sensitive skin and delicate fabric.

• Something that can always be used I guess. Not going to review this until I get the chance to try it out- could be a while.
• Full Size $8.99/36 = $.25 + $7.99/18 = $.44 + $4.99/25 = $.20 + $9.99/30 = $.33 , 4 piece worth $1.22.

Overall:Total Box Value= $17.83

• VALUE: it's ok. $17.61/$10 = 1.76  vs SS $54.98/$16 = 4.54. Looks like I get the biggest bang for my buck from Sample Society. Still, the Birchbox is technically worth more than what I paid, so not tooooo upset.
• APPEARANCE: Eye catching, to the point where even males in the house are attracted to see what's inside. I left the house with the lid tightly on- one pro of the Birchbox box is that the lid fits snuggly and will not lift up. When I got home, the lid was only just placed on top of the box -___-. People think I don't know when they go through my things, but I do. Love the little extra package inside.
• ITEMS: So-so really Birchbox should consider at least distributing boxes as such. 4 categories for samples: Highly coveted (includes full sized), Medium intensity, Lower Intensity, and Cheapies.
• 1 Highly Coveted + 1-2 Medium Intensity +1 Lower Intensity + Cheapies for the rest.
• 3-4 Medium Intensity + 1 Lower Intensity + Cheapies for the rest.
• All Medium Intensity
• I see my current box breakdown as: Juice Beauty (Medium Intensity), Eye Rock (Cheapie), Annick Goutal (Lower Intensity), Orofluido (Medium Intensity), Deborah Lippmann Mitts (Lower Intensity/Cheapie), Hollywood Fashion Tape (Cheapie) = 2 Medium Intensity + 2 Lower Intensity + 2 Cheapies. Total I got 5 samples and a Lifestyle Extra though.
• FAVORITES: Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser & Orofluido Hair Oil.
• Like the concept and that it's only $10/month. Dislike some of the samples, got surprised in a good way by a couple. I guess that's what this experience is supposed to be about
• Based on this box alone, I cannot highly recommend it yet. I'll have to wait until my NEXT box.

Try your hardest not to disappoint bloggers. When other people are disappointed, they just voice it to 50 of their friends. When bloggers are disappointed, they post and announce it to the world. This box wasn't a complete disappointment, but if you set it out for $5, I still would not pick it up. If you put it out for free I might. maybe...

I set my beauty profile to include most things figuring they'd send me the good stuff, but it seems it backfired and they just stuck in whatever =/. But the profile does reflect me, I like to try different styles.

Thinking of joining? Go ahead and enter your email address on their website HERE. There's a waitlist, so by the time you get in, I'll probably have my second box for you to see, and hopefully it'll be more convincing for you to decide to subscribe, haha.

One thing that I LOVE about Birchbox is their whole rewards system. You get points for referrals, but ALSO for reviewing items and signing up for subscription. This is nice because even if no one uses you as a referral, you can still accumulate points by yourself and earn discounts. 


For every 100 pts you earn, it's $10 off. You can earn 100 pts through reviews after about 2 months of box feedbacks. That's like $5 off/ month. They probably use $3 for packaging and shipping, which leaves them about $2. I highly doubt they pay for the samples, the companies probably provide them free in the hopes that you will buy the full sized and they can profit there.

And I just got a coupon in my mailbox to celebrate their Anniversary. People always say how Birchbox's customer service is good.


Birchbox is also really great as a gift. I got the 3 month subscription for a friend. The cute packaging really makes it something special.

When you sign up, please use my Referral LINK to help me get points =D.

Got a subscription box? What do you think? Is it worth it? What kind of good things have you found in your boxes?

'Til next time!