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...

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?

Unboxing! Starlook's Starbox Happy Holidaze Box!

What it is: Starlook's is an online cosmetics company that releases a new Starbox of makeup every month.

Where to get it: starbox.starlooks.comHow much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: High end, cruelty free cosmetics
What are the Perks?!: Starlooks.com just recently rolled out a points program where every $ spent on the site equals 1 point used towards discounts on their site.

So, little disclaimer. I've made a huge mistake! A number of days ago, I posted what I thought was a spoiler for the Starlook's holiday box. Due to the confusing wording on the Starlook's website, I thought subscriber's would also be receiving Starlook's Panty by Post Set. Apparently I lied and that wasn't part of the holiday set. I am SO sorry about any confusion this might have caused anyone. I was a little let down. But, I did receive one GORGEOUS pallet! Let's have a look...

Starlooks Starbox December 2014: Happy Holidaze 

Unboxing and Review!

The Box:

Upon Opening:

The Palette!!:

The palette is one variation of Starlook's $99 15 Shade Shadow Palettes. The palette I received is not actually on their list of palettes on the site. I received 15es10 in Mermaid (Ultimate Satin).

And like all palettes, I can't use 100% of the colors. But the greens are OUT of this world and there are many beautiful shades. I'm sold!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: $99.00!

 Box Score:8/10

Final Thoughts: For only $15 I got this awesome palette. So, I'm insanely happy. Though I'm not sure if other would be the same. And, I'm a little upset that with the odd working on the website, I was expecting to receive the additional set. But, overall, it's been a great holiday season when it comes to subscription boxes and Starlooks pulled it off!

Did anyone else get a different palette? Feel free to share here!

Unboxing! Glossybox December 2014 Holiday Box!

What it is: GlossyBox is a monthly luxury beauty subscription box.
Where to get it: GlossyBox.com
How much is it?: $21.00 + tax monthly
Types of Products: Each box contains 5 luxury deluxe or full sized beauty products.
What are the Perks?!: Write reviews, refer friends, and take surveys to add up GlossyDots. 1000 GlossyDots earns you a free month of GlossyBox!

It seems Glossybox is stepping it up with their shipping! Which means my holiday Glossybox is ON TIME this month! And I'm excited to unbox for you! Let's dive right in...

Glossybox December 2014 Unboxing and Review!

So excited for this box. I still remain incredibly impressed with their packaging and their December 2014 Box is beautiful! 

The Box:

Upon Opening:

Gorgeous!

The Haul!:

1. Ciate Mini Paint Pot in Yule Rules:

Sample Sized at 5ml for $8.00 at Sephora

As a huge Ciate fan, I am in love with! I'm iffy about sparkly nail colors, but Yule Rules is an absolutely gorgeous turquoise sparkle! I know what I'll be wearing on Christmas!

2. Toni & Guy Leave In Conditioner:

FULL SIZED listed at 100 ml for $16.99

Glossybox just keeps winning for me! Besides the fact that I am in love with leave in conditioners, I get a full sized item?! It smells really nice and fresh. Love it!

3. Bellapierre Mineral Lipstick in Burlesque:

FULL SIZED listed at .12 oz for $19.99

Awwww you can't win 'em all. Although I'm glad that this is yet another full sized item, I can't use this lipstick at all. It's a fabulous color- just not for my lips. To the trade boards!

4. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche De Beaute:

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

Glossybox coming in for the win!! I am SO excited to try this! A full sized $32 item?! It came beautifully packaged in a nice gift box. I'm stunned!

5. Ritual Cosmetics Miracle Scrub in Ginseng & Ginko Biloba:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 2.5 oz for $17!

You have to stop this nonsense Glossybox! You're going to spoil me! Now, I'm pretty vocal about not being a huge fan of face scrubs. But, I cannot get ENOUGH of hand and body scrubs. It smells awesome too! And, I was in desperate need of something like this. Thank you Glossybox!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: 93.98!

 Box Score:10/10!!

Final Thoughts: Although this is only my second Glossybox, I feel they really out did themselves with their holiday box! First, the packaging is absolutely gorgeous. All the products were basically full sized! And the value is out of this world. I'm going to have to say that sans the lipstick, I am looking forward to using all these items. 

PSA: I have completed my FYI Page: Birchbox Montly 101

Last week, I posted my first FYI: Beauty Box 101 Page for Ipsy. 

With all the amazing things I have had the opportunities to write about on my blog, my 101 pages needed some extra time.

I have FINALLY completed my FYI: Birchbox Monthly 101 page for you to read and learn all about Birchbox and their subscription boxes. 

You can find all my review pages on the top, left side of my blog panel.

But, for now, here is my direct link to my FYI: Birchbox Monthly 101 Page!

Hope you enjoy!

It there's anything else you would like to know about Birchbox please let me know in the comments and I'll be glad to add it to the page!

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!!

PSA: I have created my first FYI Page: Ipsy Glam Bags 101

Over the next few days, I am going to be rolling out FYI pages for many of the Beauty and Subscription Boxes that I am familiar with.

Since I have been a long time Ipsy Subscriber, I decided to write my first review and go in depth about information and opinions I find pertinent to learning about all Ipsy has to offer. As well as links to archived unboxings.

You can find all my review pages on the top, left side of my blog panel.

But, for now, here is my direct link to my FYI: Ipsy Glam Bags 101 Page!

Hope you enjoy!

It there's anything else you would like to know about Ipsy please let me know in the comments and I'll be glad to add it to the page!

Unboxing! My first GlossyBox November 2014!

What it is: GlossyBox is a monthly luxury beauty subscription box.
Where to get it: GlossyBox.com
How much is it?: $21.00 + tax monthly
Types of Products: Each box contains 5 luxury deluxe or full sized beauty products.
What are the Perks?!: Write reviews, refer friends, and take surveys to add up GlossyDots. 1000 GlossyDots earns you a free month of GlossyBox!

Yay! My first GlossyBox finally came! I know that GlossyBox has been getting a LOT of heat for sending out their boxes so late. But, since I am getting the box around the time I get my other boxes, I am just looking at it like they're a month behind. Basically, I'm not even mad and won't let myself get worked up about it. Maybe I'm old school- but I remember a world of ordering band t-shirts from zines and waiting months upon months to get an item and bidding on Ebay only to have to wait until someone receives and processes a money order then shipping out an item days later to get it. So, I'm a little patient with online ordering in a world of Amazon Prime 2 Day Shipping. Barring this, let's take a look at my very first GlossyBox!

GlossyBox November 2014 Unboxing and Review!

The Box:

Upon Opening:

I cannot get over how gorgeous the GlossyBox packaging is! Everything is so gorgeous and packaged so nicely! Even the actual box and menu inside are really high quality. This would make a gorgeous gift if you aren't on time constraints!

The Haul:

1. Kneipp Herbal Bath Oil in Balancing Lavender:

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

Okay GlossyBox, you win! What remains pervasive throughout all my reviews is my very particular love for all things lavender that actually smell like lavender. And this bath oil is absolutely KILLER in that department. In case you were wondering, it has a very strong but natural French Lavender scent. I will definitely be using this and I'm already in love with my first GlossyBox item!

2. 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment:

Sample Size at 1.5 oz. (Approx $5). Full Sized listed at 6 oz for $20

Personally, I am partial to spray in hair treatments and conditioners. To be honest, now that I think about it- I am actually kind of surprised that I don't get them often in any of my beauty boxes. Off the top of my head, I think I got one from Ipsy quite a while ago. But, since I do like them and rarely get them, this is a pleasant surprise. It smells great and I can't wait to try it. 

3. So Susan Cosmetics Universal Blush:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $23.29

Wow! My first full sized item! The blush is a bit dark for me. So, I'm not sure if I am going to be able to use it. But, it's a very nicely sized item and I am happy to see something so substantial in a subscription box. Awesome!

4. OPI Nail Lacquer in Pink Outside The GlossyBox:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $9.50

Haha! I get it. The polish matches the GlossyBox. I'm such a sucker for cheesy things like this that I actually think it's pretty cool. The color is a very soft pink (just like the actual GlossyBox) and I'm already a huge fan of OPI in general. I'll be keeping this item thank you very much!

5. Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defying Moisturizer:

Sample Size at .5 ml (Approx $11). Full Sized listed at 2 oz for $45

I'm not too familiar with Juice Beauty. But, I've been seeing them around a lot. The only other samples I have ever received from them have been so insignificantly tiny. Maybe one or two uses max. This is such a gorgeous sample size and will totally be useful in helping me decide whether I like Juice Beauty or not. Honestly, I feel like this is the type of sample size I need to form an opinion on a product. Awesome!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $50

 Box Score: 9/10

Final Thoughts: For my first GlossyBox, I am highly impressed! The packaging was above and beyond many of the other subscription boxes I am familiar with. The number of full sized samples was awesome and even the sample sized items were substantial. They didn't really feel like samples- more like travel sized. I mean, I think that's kind of cool. There was a nice selection of products that ran the gamut of different beauty wants and needs. Besides the late shipping and the fact that I will probably not be able to use the blush- this was an overall awesome first experience with GlossyBox. I look forward to December!

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!