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 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?

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...

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!

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...