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?

My Sample Society March 2015: Lighten Up Unboxing Video is Live!

Please stop by and check it out and remember to give me a happy little thumbs up!

Unboxing! Sample Society March 2013: Lighten Up!

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 March 2013: Lighten Up

Unboxing And Review!

Oh boy, Sample Society has really been missing the mark for me the past few months, and this month certainly hasn't done anything to redeem this subscription for me. I am going to give it one more month- then I think it's time to check out for a while.

Upon Opening:

The Haul

1. Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer:

Sample Sized at 15 ml (Approx $11.45). Full Sized listed at 60 ml for $45.00

HOLY CRAP I AM SO SICK OF THIS SAMPLE. I never want to see another Juice Beauty product as long as I am alive. One of the reasons I've always liked Sample Society is because they don't always carry the same items you see rotating through typical beauty boxes. Apparently not any more. Enough already.

2. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara:

Sample Sized at 0.1 oz (Approx. $8.00). Full Sized listed at 0.3 oz for $24.00

This was the single item in this month's box that I was excited or even cared about. Which is why I held out buying one to review. Just in case! This is what I come to expect from Sample Society- a new product launch and I really think they should re-focus back on things like this.

3. Oscar Blandi Proto Texture & Volume Spray:

Sample Sized at 1.5 oz (Approx. $9.00). Full Size listed at 4 oz for $24.00

Considering the fact that I already received this in a Sample Society box last month- I literally have nothing good to say about this so I'm just not going to say anything.

4. Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm:

Full Sized! Listed at .2 oz for $12.00

Oh look another product I've already received half a million times from other beauty boxes. I know a lot of people are into this particular lip gloss. But, it just doesn't do it for me- so I'm not impressed.

5. Cargo Essential Lip Gloss in Umbria:

Full Sized! Listed at 2.5 ml for $16.00

I don't know how I feel about this lip gloss yet. The color is... odd... I'm going to have to revisit it. But, as far as first impressions go- I'm not huge on this one.

 The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $56.00

 Box Score: 2/10

Final Thoughts:  Although the retail box value is there, I wouldn't miss this box. Other than the benefit mascara there is nothing new or cool to try that I've always enjoyed from Sample Society subscription. I think it may be time to move on.

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

My Sample Society February 2015 Unboxing Video is Live!

Feel free to leave a comment or a happy little thumbs up!

Unboxing! Sample Society February 2015!

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 February 2015

Unboxing and Review!

I want to start this off with the fact that I was so upset with this box that I just randomly threw out the menu box and didn't document the theme for this month. So, I do apologize for that. 

That being said, we're on the other side of the coin here now and I am completely disappointed with my February 2015 Sample Society Box and I consider it the worst I have received.

Let's have a look:

Upon Opening:

The Haul!

1. Chloe Love Story Fragrance:

Sample Sized at .04 oz (Approx $1.75)

I'm not even acknowledging this. Starting out with a $1.75 perfume sample is in no way starting out strong...

2. 3 Nugg Beauty Masks in Revitalizing, Hydrating, and Deep Cleaning:

Each sample is 10 ml, listed at $3.29 each- $9.87 total

This may be a personal thing. Being someone who LOVES trying different types of face masks, I personally feel like Nugg has been shoved down my throat for the past 6 months or so. I've gotten TONS for free from bridal shows. I'm over it Nugg and not impressed. Though, I throw Sample Society some bonus points for sending 3 different types and only counting them as 1 sample.

3. Strivectin Intensive Illuminating Serum:

Sample Sized at .25 oz (Approx. $22.25). Full Sized listed at 1 oz for $89.00

So, this is what kind of put me over the edge with this box. After my January 2015 unboxing, I found out that this item was in my box last month by mistake. This, Sample Society, is where you cover your ass and find a way to make sure you either don't repeat a products 2 months in a row. Or, double down with another awesome product. Ugh.

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush:

Sample Sized at 50 ml (Approx $1.75). Listed at 200 ml for $7.00

I would be all for trying a new dry shampoo... if mine wasn't broken...

5. Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Princes Palace:

FULL SIZED. Listed at 10 ml for $9.00

This is the only full sized item we got this month. C'est la vie. And mine was opened when I opened the box. And, it was all crusty. Icing on the rotten cake- ick.

 The Final Verdict!

Box Value: $44.62

 Box Score: 1/10

Final Thoughts:  Although the retail box value is pretty good, I cannot get over the fact that I had issue with every single product that came in my sample society box this month. Starting with a perfume sample vial, over satuarted Nugg items, a repeat item, a broken item, and an open (potentially used) item- I'm actually kind of pissed off.

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

December Top 10- My Favorite Haul Items!

With a total of 11 Boxes this month and 59 ITEMS (!!) there was a LOT of hauling going on around my apartment this December. And with so many great items, I really wanted to do a Top 10 of my favorite items from December.


They're all such different items and I love them all for so many different reasons. So in no particular order, here are my Top 10 Beauty Haul items from December 2014!

1.  Kneipp Herbal Bath Oil in Balancing Lavender:

Sample Size at .67 oz (Approx $4). Full Sized listed at 3.38 oz for $20

Although technically from Glossybox's November 2014 box, I didn't receive it until December 9th. And my love for this product deserves it's own spot on the list. I have mentioned over and over again that Lavender is one of my favorite scents and is playing a big part in my upcoming wedding. This has a fabulous and strong French Lavender scent. A little goes a LONG way. Now, I don't have the biggest bathtub in the world. But, I used some very sparingly at first (definitely not half the sample bottle as the instructions suggest) and my bath tub was suddenly transformed into a gorgeous luxury spa getaway. I'm already stocking up on more on my trade boards!

2. Vasanti Cosmetics Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Rose Gold:

Sample Size at .03 oz (Approx $13.50). Full Sized listed at .04 oz for $18

Although losing my first liner in the huge fail that was my original Birchbox Decked Out! box, I was SO happy I was able to get a replacement in my follow up, AMAZING Birchbox Decked Out! 2.0 Box. The liner is GORGEOUS. It is super smooth, highly pigmented, and overall a beautiful product. I absolutely adore it!

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

From my December Sample Society Party Prep box. 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! 

4. L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil:
Sample Sized at .5 oz (Approx $6). Full Price listed at 3.4 oz for $42

I got to try this out in my L'Occitane L'Occibox that I snagged for $15! The price tag on this item leaves me to consider the fact that I would never have bought this on my own accord. However, the sample has sold me! It smells absolutely wonderful and acts like a dry oil.

5. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche De Beaute:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 1.7 oz for $32!!!

This is a FABULOUS, Full Sized item from Glossbox's December 2014 Holiday Box. Though I haven't tried it yet, I am really excited to give this mask a shot and love the opportunity to try a full sized Nuxe product!

6. Cailyn Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchid:

FULL SIZED! 2.5 g listed at $15.00!

This was one of the items I was most looking forward to in receiving in my Ipsy Thinking Of You Glambag. And it totally lived up to expectations! The shadow is easily applicable, stays in place, is a beautiful color, and is highly pigmented. I also think it's extremely complimentary to Birchbox's Vasanti Rose-Gold liner. And it has sealed the deal on my Holiday look!

7. Davines Repluming Trio! 

Replumping Shampoo, Repluming Conditioner, and Replumping Hair Filler Superactive (!!!)

Shampoo Sample Sized at 12 ml (Approx $1.25), Full Sized listed at 250 ml for $25.50

Conditioner Sample Sized at 12 ml (Approx $2.05), Full Sized listed at 150 ml for $25.50

Hair Filler Sample Sized at 50 ml (Approx $19.75!!), Full Sized listed at 100 ml for $39.50

From my awesome Birchbox Decked Out 2.0 box! I feel that one of the consistent themes I have running through this blog is that I forever bitch and moan that perfume vials and foil hair product packets should NEVER be considered a deluxe sample in a subscription box. It's borderline insulting considering most of these items you can get for free. That being said, Birchbox did this right. First, the trio contained 1 large and gorgeous looking "centerpiece" sample worth nearly $20. The shampoo and conditioners were extra, additional items. AND you still got 20 extra Birchbox points for rating them. That's foil packet samples done right!

8. RGB Nail Polish in Oxblood:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $18

Another item from my Sample Society December box to grace the list! Although a tad bit more watery than I prefer- this polish is AWESOME! Besides the fact that it is yet another full sized item, the color is AWESOME and it looks great on me. My fiance even complimented how much he liked it!

9. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black:

Sample Sized at .8g (Approx $8). Full Size listed at 1.2 g for $12

An awesome little surprise that kind of caught me off guard in my Target Beauty Box For Her box. This is a game changer for how I viewed Pixi. My 110% beauty need that I don't think I've left the house without wearing in over 15 years is black eyeliner. Black eyeliner is my litmus test. And if your company can't master the fine art of black eyeliner, I can't hang.

And this liner is FABULOUS. Seriously. It's like a gel pencil. It's supposedly waterproof and pretty natural. It has a nice, even smooth feel, goes on softly. But, still manages to stay fairly intense after I tried to rub off the swatch. For $12 a stick full sized? Pixi, you officially have my attention now...

10. Absolute! New York Nail Polish Remover Pads in Lavender:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 32 Pads for $2.99

And, finally! I am sort of fascinated with this little addition to my Beauty Box 5 Merry and Bright box! This TINY little canister contains 32 nail polish remover pads. And doesn't smell too terrible either. I haven't had the opportunity to use them yet. But, asking around, I've gotten some awesome feedback on them. Plus, I won't spill this!

Overall, there were so many products that I loved from all my boxes this month. But, some items really stood out among the masses. 

It was an awesome December and now I can't wait for 2015 and all the awesome Unboxings in my future.

Do you have a Top 10 list of favorite beauty items this month? I'd love to see if you felt the same way about some of the items you received. What was your favorite?

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...