Allure Sample Society April 2015 Review

Allure Sample Society is a monthly subscription box is $15/month, plus shipping. I am not a fan of sub boxes charging shipping. I have had this subscription box before and then cancelled due to the items being unreasonably small, and no full size items were ever included. Sample Society was taken over by Allure, and reinvented. They promised better brands and better samples. I have been hanging on a few months, but have not noticed a difference in the types of products/brands/sizes. Therefore, I made the difficult decision to cancel my subscription again. I still received this one last box this month. I am not including prices, because it's a waste of my time to try to calculate the value for something so small.   

They always include an info card, which is really helpful. In the past, the card used to talk about items that were not even included. This is one change I fully support.

Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - I absolutely love this brand!!! I have received some samples from my hair stylist, but I jsut don't use hair oil on my hair. I know it's good for combatting the frizzies, but I just don't like the feel of oil, no matter how lightweight it is. I generally use a cream, sometimes mixed with a small drop of serum, but the less the better for me.

Daisy Dream Marc Jacobs Perfume Sample - I've received this before, but I can't tell you which box. This has notes of blackberry, grapefruit, pear, jasmine, lychee. blue wisteria, white woods, musk and coconut water. This is a strict no perfume household, especially anything that smells floral, so this is not a good fit for me.

Benefit Cosmetics the Porefessional - I love this brand, and love this product. I use this often. This is a much smaller sample than I've received in other boxes, but will go in my travel bag for a weekend getaway. You an use this over or under makeup. Its designed to cover pores, but works well to keep makeup in place also.

Illume Tonka Noir Candle - I love that a candle was included, and I don't even mind the size. I do not mix well with this floral scent, so this is also a miss for me.

Mt. Sapola USA Lavender-Chamomile Body Lotion - I'm unable to use anything with Lavender, so this is also not a good fit for me.  

Jane Iredale Rio Just Kissed Lip Plumper - Cool mint and ginger plus special peptides give moisture and visible plumping that lasts. These mini lipsticks are great for a travel bag, or small evening purse, so I actually love getting them. This has a great color and the added ingredients to help be a lip plumper. This is a hit for me.

I did not calculate values this month, but I looked up what a few other bloggers are saying and they seem to feel it's around $16. I would agree with that. Even the items that were great, the sizes are too small to feel like you got something for the cost. I am not changing my mind about cancelling, because even after reviewing this box I still feel it's a little disappointing. I did give my feedback to Sample Society and one of the choices on cancelling is "the sizes are too small", which is what I checked. Because size does matter.

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ipsy Glam Bag April 2015 Review

Ipsy- $10/ month/ no shipping charges. You get a cute makeup bag filled with 4-5 personalized beauty products. It's a great way to build up your makeup collection, since they send so many different items.

This month's theme was "Beautifully Bohemian", which is a style that can be really hit/miss with me.This makeup bag really describes the theme. It does not, however, describe me. I've already gifted to someone who loved it.

Olive Lips Oats & Honey Moisturizing Lip Balm - $5.95. I love trying new lip balms. I don't necessarily need another one, but I'll never be sad to see one included. It smells like honey, goes on smooth, and definitely feels moisturizing. I'm really liking it.

Julie G Nail Color in Damsel - $4 Full size was included, along with a $1 off coupon for Jessig's Girl or the Julie G line. Very pretty color, but I'm pretty stuck on my current brands.

Pandora's Face Blush in Pink Carnation - $12, I think this is full size included. Pretty color that should work for most skin tones.

Mica Beauty Cosmetics Eye Primer - $44.95. I had to blink to make sure I read that correctly. $44.95 for an eye primer? I've seen it much cheaper on Ebay but I don't know about buying cosemtics that way. I don't wear Eyeshadow, so I can't even test this out to see if it truly works better than the leading brands. The reviews are all 5stars though, so maybe it is significantly better?  

The Balm Nude Dude Eyeshadow in Fit - $3. I'm never disappointed to see products from The Balm included. they seriously have the cutest packaging. The sample sizes are perfect for a travel bag. Unfortunately, its generally Eyeshadow from their line that's included, and I don't wear it even when I'm traveling. I hope they start participating with some items from their other product lines and including those in sub boxes. That would be cool.

This months value was pretty good. Ipsy- $10/month. I made the difficult decision to take a break from ipsy this month, and some of the other boxes that are known for smaller sample sizes. I have to cut down on the amount of makeup and sample sizes I am receiving, since my stock is getting too full right now. I don't want anything expiring while its still sitting waiting it's turn. I may return at some point, but this is the last month I'll have a review for awhile.
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Target Spring 2015 Beauty Box

The Target Beauty Box is released a couple times a year, and features items for the season. This is not a monthly or quarterly subscription box, you have to purchase each time it comes out. You are not able to have a standing order, and it sell out quickly. The cost is $5, which includes shipping.  

Tresemme Superior Hold Hair Spray - 1.47. This has all day humidity resistance. I don't use this brand so I won't be keeping.

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System - with Marula oil and Biotin. I have never used this brand, and did not know anything about it. I have now learned it is sulfate free, no parabens or phtalates, and is minus a bunch of other ingredients that I'm unfamiliar with anyway. This is a nice travel size, so I plan to try it.

L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray - $13.99. This was the item that got me to buy the box. I am a huge fan of setting sprays, I currently use Urban Decay and love it, but I'm also open to trying something else. However, this is more expensive than the UD stuff I'm currently using and love, so even if it works it's unlikely I'll ever switch.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel-cream for Extra-Dry Skin . This contains Hyaluronic Acid, which secures moisture and creates fullness to help your skin be more healthy looking.

Maybelline® Color Elixir™ By Color Sensational® Lipcolor - 0.17 fl oz - $5.49. Full size included. It's designed to be a mixture of a balm and shine formula. Interesting. Love the color I got.

 

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Glossybox April 2015 Review

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GlossyBox is a monthly subscription that sends you 5-6 luxury-sized cosmetic and wellness samples hand-picked by our beauty experts and mailed directly to your door. Glossybox is $21/month. You also fill out surveys about the monthly box, where you earn points, and after 1000 points you get a free box.

The box this month is special and really great. There were different versions. I received the Teal top and purple box, and I love it.

GlossyBox Thursday Friday Makeup bag - this is really cute! This wasn't on the info card, so I think this was a bonus item. I love that they teamed up with GlossyBox this month, just plain fun. There was also a 30% off coupon.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss - $18. This is also 100% vegan and cruelty free.

Estee Lauder Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum - $15 Reduces the look of dullness, uneven skin tone. This is supposed to show a noticeable difference in less than two weeks.
Aerin Waterly Sun - $14.99 - This is.14 oz. bright Sicilian Bergamot and Lush Dewy Greens entice the senses for an invigorating, luminous first impression. Delicate, yet alluring Waterlily and softly exotic Jasmine Sambac add layers of depth and intensity, warmed by sweetly inviting Musk. The effect is bright, dewy and fresh.

Marrakesh Split Endz Mender & Preventer - $5.99.  Powerful blend of nutrient-rich Argan Oil, from Morocco, ultra fortifying Hemp Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Panthenol seals and repairs split ends, while preventing future damage.
Julep Gel Eyeglider in Olive - $16.  This sets in 30 seconds and is waterproof. Also, it says it's clinically proven to last for 10 hours.

I came up with a value of around $70 and that doesn't include the Thursday Friday Makeup Bag. If you are interested in GlossyBox, please use our link here.
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MizzFit Quarterly Box #MIZ07 Review

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The second I noticed the mailman this morning I ran out looking for my Quarterly MizzFit box! This is the last box I'm expecting this month, but the one I was most looking forward to. So, even though I have a few more reviews to post, I stopped everything this morning to open this one. MizzFit Quarterly box is curated by Bianca Jade. Her fitness philosophy is “Style Up 2 Shape Up.” And she aims to inspire and guide you to radiant style and a strong life. The theme this month is 90/10. This is where you aim to be your best self 90% of the time. I kinda like that idea. This is our first Quarterly MizzFit box and we were super excited for it.

This box was much larger than I was expecting. I had read some spoilers and knew this would be heavier than usual. I was guessing wrist weights would be included once I heard that. The timing of a fitness box is great as swimsuit season will be here in just a few weeks and I'm starting to panic.

This is a pic of the first look. You're getting extra pics today, because not only is this my first MizzFit Quarterly box, but also because it was super fun to go through. The second pic is a letter from Bianca describing why she picked the items she did.

Cap Fitness Ankle/Wrist Weights in color blue - $6.90. Perfect for walking, lower body toning and aerobics. So I guesses right and I am thrilled to see this. I've been trying different things lately with workouts so this will only add to it. I plan to use today when I get around to jumping on the elliptical. I like that you can use on either wrists or feet.

better body foods PB fit Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder 8 oz - $5.39. As a healthy alternative to peanut butter, peanut butter powder helps to keep your food low in calories keeping peanut butter’s fresh, traditional taste. You can use this in shakes and smoothies, baked goods, sauces, confectionary treats, or as a basic spread on sandwiches. AND this has 75% less fat than traditional peanut butter. K loves to make smoothies and shakes. She also loves peanut butter. I'm saving this for her next trip home as she will love this.

Fatty Sundays Gluten Free Chocolate Covered Pretzels Sprinkle- $0.50  I couldn't find a price so I'm estimating. Pretzels, Dark Chocolate & Sprinkles all combined? Awesome! Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows I love my snacks. And it's not often I get the pic before I started eating it, which is why there tends to be pics with bites missing, or even just the packaging. Bianca mentions in her letter she likes to know what's for dessert, so she can workout hard enough to earn it. Reading this is what stopped me from immediately tearing into the bag (I'm basically pretty proud of this). Work hard then get your treat? Hmmm, I hadn't thought of it like that. I'm generally a "Now I need to work this off" kind of girl. I'm willing to try something new today, so I'll wait.

Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Day Cram SPF 15 - $3.19. I do like this brand. The product is lightweight and a pretty good moisturizer. I love that this one has SPF 15. That is not quite enough for my fair skin during prolonged exposure, but will provide enough protection for normal daily use.

Rumba Time Chelsea Clutch - $20. This was one of the spoilers I actually knew about ahead of time. I know Bianca envisioned this for your gym bag, but I'm heading off to a Cancun resort pool party in a couple weeks, and will totally be using this silicone clutch! I love the bright color and I love that's it's big enough to fit essentials like my camera, hair ties, room keycard, and any other items that tend to get lost in my beach tote.

Tribetats Arm Bands - $7 - This is also going directly into K's coming home bag. She just asked me to get her some last week. I really love the musical notes one. These should last 4-6 days. They can be easily removed with rubbing alcohol or baby oil. This also included a 30% off code for more.

 

Healthy HooHoo Feminine Wipes - $4.79. These are gentle wipes that are fragrance free, paraben free, and glycerin free. Who couldn't use this? This pack included 10 wipes and can easily fit into a gym bag. I like the compact size. Bianca included a 20% off coupon to use as well. I will probably use this coupon since these wipes are fragrance and paraben free.

Clean Energy Patches - $6.66 - Bianca included two patches, so when we try them we would know it is not just a placebo effect. I have never heard of this, so I had to look this up. You apply the patch somewhere, such as arm, chest, abdomen, or hip. You can wear it up to 8 hours. It's designed to provide the positive benefits of caffeine (non-jittery alertness) to give you sustained energy for work, play, sport. You are then supposed to be at peak performance naturally. I plan to try this out maybe on a day this week when I'm feeling too tired to work out but want to get a workout in anyway.

Butt'n Booty Gym Selfie Button - $7 - This is so cute it made me laugh. Bianca had this custom made for her subscribers. It's a cute button that can go on your gym bag. I'll probably add to my yoga mat strap.

New Beauty Magazine - $9.95. I haven't received this magazine in awhile, so it was a nice surprise to see it included. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is on the cover this month. One of the funniest women ever on TV, and she looks so great. Oh my gosh, I just googled her age and now I need to know her secrets.  How does she do it?! Bianca is on page 187 and shares her thoughts on some of her favorite products, one of which was included in this months box.

Crunch Live 45 Day Voucher and Workout Plan from Crunchlive.com - $14.98. Crunch Live is an online fitness portal bringing the best of Crunch’s fitness classes to the web. The cost is $9.99/month. They are known for high quality workouts that are ahead of the curve for fitness trends. I am curious about crunch classes, but there are no crunch gyms in my area. So, it's really nice Bianca included this extended free trial voucher. The flipside of the voucher card has suggested daily workouts, including a built in "day of rest". I love this even if it is unlikely I will get to all of them in six short weeks.

The Quarterly MizzFit box had an overall value of approximately $86.36, which is more than the $55 we paid for it. I always feel inspired every time I read Bianca's blog, but this really gets me in the workout mind frame going through her fitness box. I would love to continue writing more, because I'm seriously thrilled with this box, but I gotta go put those weights to use before my day gets any more away from me! If you are interested in the MizzFit Quarterly box, or want to check out Quarterly Co curators, please use our link here.
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