Unboxing! Sample Society June 2015: A Day at the Beach! The Final Box!

What it is: Allure Sample Society Beauty Box
Where to get it: Currently unavailable!
How much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: General skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Often includes a full sized product and monthly $10 coupon off $50 purchase on BeautyBar.Com

 

Sample Society June 2015: A Day At The Beach

The Final Box!

Unboxing & Review! 

As many of you may know, this is the final Allure Sample Society Box being sent out through BeautyBar.com. And, with the lack of creativity and great products since January- I don't think this could have come a month too soon.

 

Let's have a look!

 

 

 

The Haul!

 

1. St. Tropez Self Tan Express:

Sample Sized at 50 ml (Approx. $11.00). Full Sized list at 200 ml for $44.00

 

I never use self tanning products. I turn orange. This is useless to me and I can't fathom why it is part of a beauty box. But, I get the idea that they want to go with the whole beachy thing. It's just not for me.

 

 

2. eSalon Perfect Ending Leave In Conditioner:

Sample Sized at 29 ml (Approx. $2.90). Full Sized listed on eSalon for $15.00 for 150 ml

 

Although I will use this and it smells awesome, I'm a bit peeved that Sample Society put a trumped up price for the product in their booklet.

 

 

3. E.L.F Studio Small Stipple Brush:

Full Sized! Listed at $3.00

 

Although I love getting makeup brushes, I like to try different ones and a typical E.L.F brush that I can pick up a couple blocks from my office just doesn't excite me. But, I am happy to have a new brush to try. So, I'm 50/50 on this.

 

4. Lauren B. Beauty Nail Couture in Polo Lounge Punch:

Full Sized! Listed at $18.00 for .5 fl oz

 

This is probably my favorite item in the box. A full sized nail polish in a really cute color. This is a win!

 

 

5. Completely Bare Wax Strips for Face, Bikini, and Body:

Sample Sized at 4 strips, may worth under $1?? The full set seems nice though with at lot of strips for $12.99

 

This feels like a throw away. I would be hesitant to have so few on hand in case I screw up. 

 

 

6. Cotz Face Sunscreen SPF 40 in Natural Skin Tone:

Sample Sized At .18oz (Approx. $2.40). Full Size listed at 1.5 oz for $19.99

 

Effing Cotz. I am SO sick of these Cotz samples. I can't use them and I seem to get like one a month. Maybe they're on the way out of the beauty box world since they've really been everywhere. That won't be a moment too soon.

 

 The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $38.00

 Box Score: 4/10

Final Thoughts:  I'm really intrigued how Allure is going to handle doing Sample Society from here on out. I was getting more and more disappointed with my sample boxes over the past few months and I could tell that obvious changes were going on. Let's hope for a bright new future with the new incoming sample boxes!

What did you think of Sample Society's June 2015 box?

 

Unboxing! Sample Society May 2015: New & Improved

What it is: Allure Sample Society Beauty Box
Where to get it: BeautyBar.com
How much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: General skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Often includes a full sized product and monthly $10 coupon off $50 purchase on BeautyBar.Com

 

Sample Society May 2015: New & Improved 

 

Unboxing & Review!

So, I know I've kind of been MIA the past few weeks. Besides the fact that I'm now in the seasons of my real life job, I'm going to be honest- I just haven't been feeling it lately when it comes to my beauty boxes. I was so underwhelmed with every box I received in April, I couldn't even bring myself to write pages of page of negative reviews. 

I guess I was of the mindset that if I don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. I was full aware of the whole Ipsy drama and I'm actually pretty peeved at Starlooks right now. But, it was all so blah and I didn't want to litter my blog with terribleness.

But, things seem to be looking up for May! Let's hop right into my first box- Sample Society's May 2015: New and Improved!

Upon Opening:

The Haul!:

1. John Frieda Luxurious Volume  7 Day Volume In Shower Treatment:

Sample Sized at 1 fl oz (Approx $2.50). Full Sized listed at 4 fl oz for $9.99

 

 Although my hair and John Frieda products don't normally get along, I dig this type of product and am interesting in giving it a try. 

2. Julep Lip Gloss in Graceful:

Sample Sized at 0.1 fl oz (Approx $8.00). Full Sized listed at .25 fl oz for $20.00

So, I'm generally not a huge fan of Julep products. I did try their box for a while and was not really impressed. Although I think the color is pretty- I feel this is really over priced for a gloss. It's not just my thing and I wouldn't spend $20 on it. But, it isn't terrible either. I'll sit on this one a while to see how I feel about it.

 

3.Versace Eros Pour Femme:

Sample Sized at .17 fl oz (Approx $9.20) Full Sized listed at 1.7 fl oz for $92.00

See!! See beauty box world!! THIS is how you do perfume samples. I may be a bit partial to the Versace scents. But, this little sample is absolutely gorgeous and can have many uses. A win!!

4. Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water:

Sample Sized at 50 ml (Approx. $4.16). Full Sized listed at 150 ml for $12.50

5. Leneige Water Sleeping Mask:

Sample Sized at 20 ml (Approx $5.75). Full Sized listed at 80 ml for $23.00

I received both these products in past beauty boxes. The spring water mist didn't really appeal to me and I gave it to my mother. But, I did get the leneige water sleeping mask in my Target Beauty Box for Her in December and I absolutely love it! So a win and a loss in one

6. Alterna Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray:

Sample Sized at .85 fl oz (Approx. $6.07). Full Size listed at 4.2 fl oz for $30.00

This is probably my most favorite item in the box. I'm really interested in trying it out. I do so much damage with my heat products that I really need something to help it out. Fingers crossed it works well!

 

 The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $35.00

 Box Score: 7/10

Final Thoughts:  Although the retail box value isn't really as high as Sample Society's boxes normally are- I do like a lot of the items I got even though some were repeats!

What did you think of Sample Society's May 2015 box?

Unboxing! Sample Society January 2015: New Year, New You Box!

What it is: Allure Sample Society Beauty Box
Where to get it: BeautyBar.com
How much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: General skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Often includes a full sized product and monthly $10 coupon off $50 purchase on BeautyBar.Com

Yay! My first official Beauty Box of 2015 is here!

We're starting the year off with Sample Society.

Let's dig right in:

Sample Society January 2015: New Year, New You! 

Unboxing and Review!

So, I'm a little confused on the products and themes this month. I really feel like the items were just kind of thrown together. No wonder they didn't even bother to send me any spoilers this month. It seems really haphazard and you'll see why.

The Haul!:

1. Zoya Nail Lacquer in Lillian:

Full Sized! Listed at $9.00 for 15 ml

Now, don't get me wrong this is a cute color. And, I will always be for getting new nail polish. However, we did just get the awesome RGB Oxblood polish in last month's Sample Society box. Also, these shades just don't feel right for January. The booklet states that this month's box is about embracing color this year. I obviously have no problem with more color. But, I can think of hundreds of other shades for my names in the middle of January other than pastels that remind me of Easter. This is just trying to hard for my taste. I'm 50/50 on this.

2. Philip B. Light Weight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse:

Sample Sized at .5 oz (Approx $2.20)

I'm just kind ok with this. There isn't a whole lot in there. It does smell nicely of Geraniums. I'll give it a shot. But, I'm not over the moon on this.

3. Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar:

Sample Sized at .25 oz (Approx $6.00). Full Sized listed at 2 oz for $47.00

I dunno. I just can't get on board with Philosophy. I just don't like their products and I have tried MANY. I think I'm let down by their shower washes/ bubble baths that don't actually smell like what they're advertised to be. That puts me off. I find all these other items either boring or too greasy. And, I feel they're really overpriced for the quality they deliver. To each their own right? So, I probably won't be using this.

4. Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar:

Sample Size unknown- maybe $3/$4? Full Sized listed at 5.3 ounces for $45.00

What is this?! A soap for ants?! Are you serious with this Sample Society? This is the tiniest bar of soap I've ever seen! I'm excited to try it- but come one with this.

5. Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash in Cobalt Crystal:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $8.99

So, this is my favorite item in the box. It's just fun! And I really like that I actually got it in the silver color. The shadow is nice and creamy, the glitter is a nice addition. I'm still trying to figure out where the lash comes in though. I will say that it's not a great day when my favorite thing in a beauty box is from Revlon...

6. StriVectin Illuminating Serum:

Sample Sized at 7 ml

So apparently this is a bonus item. I have no idea how much it is. I couldn't find it on the Strivectin website. Meh. Ok?

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: I have no idea. 2 items couldn't be priced. It can be anywhere above $30.00

 Box Score: 4/10

Final Thoughts: Maybe I was spoiled when December 2014's box was one of my favorite boxes ever. But this just seems like Sample Society threw some stuff they had laying around in a box. There wasn't even a page in the box for the Strivectin Serum. The theme seemed misplaced. And, I got the tiniest soap ever. Maybe next month...

PSA: Issues With Sample Society's November 2014 Alterna Hair Caviar!

**Update: I emailed Sample Society to let them know what happened. Their customer service is FABULOUS. They let me know that they had not heard of this problem happening with anyone else. I may have just gotten a defective item. They also randomly credited my account for $5- which was totally cool because I did mention I was not looking for a replacement/refund. Thank you Sample Society!**

Just wanted to do a quick PSA in regards to a problem I literally JUST encountered with my November 2014 Sample Society box.

To give you a frame of reference, I have a fairly large box that I store all my extra beauty haul products from my subscription boxes and elsewhere. It is basically a huge stash of items I plan to use eventually, plan to gift, looking to experiment or review, or to resell on Ebay. 

I am meticulous about this box and the items in it. I do not open or swatch these items. I inspect this stash at least weekly (especially anything with an expiration date). It is extremely important to me that I keep everything in tip top shape. 

Last month, I received a sample of Alterna Anti-Aging Hair Caviar.

I was on the fence about this item and stored it (upright!) in said sample box. It has remained untouched in a cool, dry place since my unboxing. A couple of days ago, I posted pictures of my DIY Beauty Baskets. I was considering the Alterna Caviar for one of the baskets. I obviously inspected the bottle and ultimately decided to forego using it in my gift basket. But, everything was fine.

Yesterday, I decided to go through my stash to take some pictures for an Ipsy trade I am doing. This was one of the items I was looking to trade. But, when I went to take pictures for the person I was trading with, I noticed something odd...

The rubber dropped cap at the top had suddenly become bloated and distorted. In my infinite wisdom, I assumed that the rubber had just detached from inside the top of the cap. And, without thinking about it, I tried to apply a little pressure to slip the rubber back under the lip of the lid.

Nope.

That little poke caused the rubber cap to pop open and off- spraying some of the oil all over me. I'm trying SO hard to refrain from any morose bloated corpse references. But, you get the idea... It was essentially like some odd gas built up inside the rubber top and now I am suspicious of letting this product anywhere near my hair!!

Here's what my sample looks like now:

I will be contacting Sample Society tomorrow to let them know of this issue and will post a follow up if I hear back.

Please be careful!!

Unboxing! Allure Sample Society December 2014: Party Prep!

What it is: Allure Sample Society Beauty Box
Where to get it: BeautyBar.com
How much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: General skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Often includes a full sized product and monthly $10 coupon off $50 purchase on BeautyBar.Com


My first December 2014 Unboxing is here! As usual, first to the plate is Allure's Sample Society. Earlier this month, I posted the Sample Society Spoiler Here. On first glance, I was interested in the box. But, I wouldn't say insanly excited. That left me feeling uneasy about my Sample Society subscription after last month's underwhelming box. However, upon opening- my mind has been completely changed. I absolutely love this month's box! Let's have a look!

Allure Sample Society December 2014: Party Prep 

Unboxing and Review!

Upon Opening:

1. RGB Nail Polish in Oxblood:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $18

It's always great to get a Full Sized product. This is first of a few for this month's Sample Society. The color is a new spin on a classic deep red. And, the name is reminiscent of a punk band for me- which I got a good chuckle about. I will totally use this polish- it is definitely a win!

2. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream:

Sample Size: 0.17 oz (Approx $10). Full Sized Listed At: 1 oz for $62, 1.7 oz for $92

Now, I'm not a huge eye cream fan- mainly because I don't feel like I need tons of anti-aging products around my eyes yet. It may be denial- it's just how I am. But, it's always great to get a substantial sample of a high end product like Estee Lauder. This sample comes nicely packaged and is known to work well. I think I may give it to my mom as a gift! In general, it's a win!

3. Burberry Beauty Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base in Nude Radiance:

Sample Size: 0.17 oz (Approx. $8). Full Sized Listed at 1 oz for $48

I really like this! A little goes a long way with this extremely shimmery lotion. I swatched maybe a drop on the back of my hand and the fluid spread evenly and significantly- but still felt light. The champagne color is gorgeous. This is truly a great product that I will definitely use to highlight for holiday parties! Another win!

4. Butter London Lippy Tinted Balm in Teddy Boy:

FULL SIZED! Listed At $20

Truthfully, I was really worried about this product. As I've learned from my many unboxings that generally subscription boxes like to send out deep or bright red or electric pink lip products. As I've said in the past, this annoys me to no end. Not only can I not wear these colors- I find it very unadventurous in regards to trying new products. However, Teddy Boy is a gorgeous soft pink that is highly pigmented and doesn't get anywhere. It looks great on me and I was happily surprised. Plus, it's another full sized item with very nice packaging and sturdy box!

5. Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy in Verbena and Lavender:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $8 for 25 g. Also available for $20 for 100g.

So, I'm not going to gripe and moan about this item. It's technically a win to me. Crabtree & Evelyn is a great company, this is a full sized item, generally the lotions work great, and it is packaged very nicely. That being said, I'm a HUGE lavender fanatic. As I have mentioned many times on this blog- anything lavender generally goes for me. Except for really fake, soapy smelling lavender- which I find Crabtree & Evelyn products to smell like. This was a little disappointing for me- but not the end of the world. And, I still love the company and think this is a winning addition to the Sample Society Party Prep box overall!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Although Sample Society listed this at over $46- I find the value to be closer to $60- which is awesome.

 Box Score: 10/10 !!

Final Thoughts: I am truly impressed with Sample Society's December 2014 Party Prep Box for a number of reasons:
1. I'm always happy to get a full sized product and feel incredibly good to have received 3.
2. This month's box was jam packed with true luxury, brand name beauty products.
3. All items had gorgeous packaging and look fabulous.
4. The Party Prep theme was cohesive and clear in the unboxing.
5. Unlike many boxes I have received in the past- I really feel that you can absolutely put together a great look from these products.
6. The general value of the box is even greater than I was expecting.

Great job Sample Society! I love my December 2014 Party Prep box!

PSA! The Allure's Sample Society December 2014 Spoiler is here!

Allure's Sample Society December 2014 Spoilers are here! Let's take a look!:

THREE Full Sized Items?? Oh yeh!!

Looks awesome to me!

Allure Sample Society November 2014 Winter Survival Unboxing!

What it is: Allure Sample Society
Where to get it: BeautyBar.com
How much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: General skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Often includes a full sized product and monthly $10 coupon off $50 purchase on BeautyBar.Com

Allure Sample Society November 2014: Winter Survival Unboxing and Review!

Woahhhhh boy. I think I'm in for a rough month of November. In so far, I have been extremely unhappy with all the preview and sneak peaks I have seen posted online. I really hope I don't seem so negative with my reviews this month! As per the norm, I have received my Allure Sample Society Box first this month. Unfortunately, I feel a little let down.

Let's take a look at the overall contents:

First thing that jumps out to me is that there really are no deluxe or full sized samples this month. Which, is usually the best part of Sample Society for me. This month the focus is Winter Survival and I get where they were going with it- but, they missed the mark a little with the products:

1. Malin + Goetz Bergamot Body Wash:

Full Sized Listed At: $18 for 8 oz or $32 for 16

Oh man. I am not on the Malin + Goetz train. Not a fan personally. I know the company has been pushing their product a lot through subscription boxes. But, I just can't get on the bandwagon. On top of which, I feel as if sending a sample of an overpriced body wash isn't going to change my tune. Hey- that's a personal preference and some people may really love it. And while I'm normally gungho on promoting NY companies- Malin + Goetz is a bit too reminiscent of Khiel's for my taste. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I want to try new stuff- not an old hat repackaged. Also, the scent and style of the product screams spring time to me- not survive the winter. Sorry!

2. Calvin Klein Reveal Sample Vial:
Full Sized Listed From $50-$90

ACK!! WHY??? WHY SAMPLE SOCIETY?? I really don't understand what I am paying for here. I totally understand that I am not going to get 100% of boxes I love or 100% of items I love. But, really, I feel like I paid for a free sample. Walk into any large department store and you can get this item for free. Maybe include the item as an extra. But, it is kind of upsetting that a free sample is being considered part of this month's box. Adding to the fact that not only am I extremely particular about perfumes- I'm not huge on Calvin Klein as an institution. I'm also still trying to figure out what this has to do with winter survival...

 3. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Omega+ Nourishing Oil:
Full Sized Listed At: $38

This is by far my favorite item in the box unfortunately. I'm all about the hair serums. However, the oil is a bit heavy- I guess that makes up for the SUPER tiny bottle. It does have a nice scent. I just think it's too heavy for my fine, oily hair. I'll update if I use the product and don't end up looking like a drowned rat!

4. Lorac Cobra Mascara:

Full Sized Listed At $20

Ok, you really can't go wrong with black mascara. This may be another one of my personal "issues." But, I have now collected an entire subscription sample box full of mascara samples. There are only SO many I can use. On top of which, I normally use eyelash extensions. I'm unsure how to feel about this. On one hand, trying all these mascaras give people the opportunity to find a product they really like. On the other hand, if every sub box consistently sends mascara every few months, we reach this conundrum of not even getting to try these new products before they expire. When there are literally billions of different beauty products and companies, why not live a little and explore some new stuff?

5. MD Solar Sciences MD Creme Mineral Beauty Balm:

Full Sized Priced At: $39

I like how in the actual Beauty Bar booklet description, they literally say "This BB falls short in coverage..." I laughed when I saw this. It basically says to me, "Meh- this stuff isn't great. But, hey we threw a tiny, one/two use sample in for you because we couldn't get anything else this month." And, that's exactly how I feel. Also in the description, they state "It's a little greasy going on..." Nope. No thank you.

I'm sorry that I'm starting out a Negative Nancy this month. But, I'm really perplexed with the low quality of sub boxes that I'm slated to get this month. And, I feel like this is just the start. Maybe everyone is revving up for the holidays and December bags that will really wow this year. Until next month, I'm skeptical.

As per a rating, I am going to have to give Allure Sample Society November 2014 Winter Survival box a 2/10. (That's a huge fall from grace compared to my last month's 9/10 review). I feel like this was a throw away box were half the items would be free samples at the typical department store or specialty store like Sephora, the items were repetitive, and I didn't feel "winter survival" to be a strong theme. Sorry sample society! Maybe next month...

Allure Sample Society October 2014 Unboxing!

I LOVE Allure's Sample Society!

Their October 2014 box has been one of my favorites so far, so I'm happy to share it with you!


Here's Opening It Up:

1. Estee Lauder Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum:

Full sized version is $92 or $62. 

Nice start! Estee Lauder is high quality products and it's always nice to get a higher end sample in my subscription box. Haven't tried it yet, but this is a win!

2. L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner:

Full sized priced at $4.99

Another win!! I love trying new shampoo and conditioners. And for some reason, I really love samples of shampoo and conditioner. They're awesome for travel and if my fiance uses up the shampoo or conditioner and doesn't tell me! They smell great as well!

3. Emi-Jay Hair Ties:

Full-Sized Priced at $6.60

OMG I love these!! First, I consistently lose and break hair ties. So, I can always go for extra. Plus, these are really cute and have a nice sparkle to them. I like wearing them on my wrists as well- like a cute little accessory. 

4. Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara in Black:
Full-Sized Priced at $28.00

Now, I normally wear eyelash extensions and rarely use mascara. At the moment, I am letting my lashes take a little break. And, I REALLY like this mascara! It goes on well. Stayed on through a whole night of drinking with my best buddy. And, my fiance actually made a comment on how awesome my make up looks (we've been together 10 years and he's rarely said that!)

More winning!

5. Bond No. 9 in Chinatown Perfume Sample:

Full-Sized Priced around $200

Ok, so I wasn't too happy with this sample. But, just because I don't care for the perfume. Personal preference. It's too "sharp" for me. I like any company based in and about NYC. I've actually been to the flagship store quite a few times. So, I do know and like the brand. 

I'm generally meh about perfume samples. I love getting my sample boxes. But, realistically I won't be able to use ALL the products I get and some I won't like. So, I do try to re-coop some money via ebay sales. Perfume samples are generally a loss for me. I also strictly adhere to wearing Thierry Mugler's Angel :).

Overall, I'm going to give Allure's Sample Society October 2014 box a 9/10! These were some GREAT products I absolutely loved sampling! YAY!