Beauty DNA July 2016 Review

Beauty DNA - is a monthly subscription service that will send you one FULL SIZE skincare or hair care item each month, I’ve occasionally received two items. The cost is $25/month. They have a unique matching system, where you fill out your likes/dislikes profile and you shouldn’t ever receive items with ingredients that you just don't like. You will also never receive the same product twice.

Cost: $25/month
How Often: Monthly
Ships To: United States via UPS Ground

I love the booklets that are included. They do really well at describing the products. They are printed on high quality paper and are booklet style.

The info book explains the item that was selected for you, gives you info, and then tells you why it was selected for you. This includes ingredients that are and are not included.

HydroPeptide Pre-Treatment Toner - $38. This toner fights breakouts, provides lightweight hydration, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boosts radiance, and promotes healthy cell renewal. I am happy to receive a toner and happy for a brand I have not tried yet. This is a hit for me.

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Serendipity by LLB – is a bi-monthly subscription that includes 5-7 samples, with the occasional full size item. This is pretty much a box of items that Little Lace finds that are not an exact fit for their full size box. This ships on the off months that Little Lace Box does not. Products can be makeup, skincare, tools, and other useful household items.

Cost: $9.99/month, $59.94/6 month subscription
How Often: Bi-Monthly
Ships To: United States (including Alaska & Hawaii & Puerto Rico) via USPS Priority

 I love the info booklets that are included each month. They tell a lot about the products. They also give a sense of the personality of those behind this brand and it makes the box feel like there was a very personal touch to the curation.

Each item is listed and very well described. I really like how they tell us the value of the item included, not just what the full size sells for.

Boca Terry Spa Headband - $3.99. This is a terrycloth headband. LLB uses the red stuffing for their boxes, which unfortunately got all over my headband. I did not have the time to spend to clean this up before snapping the pic so this is what it looks like out of the box. I'm sure it would come right out in the washer, but I don't want to take any chances the red color would run. These kinds of headbands are always great for keeping your hair out of your face when doing a face mask or washing off makeup.

Pre De Province Rich Hand Butter - $7.99. The one I received is coconut, which I am thrilled with! This reminds me of sunscreen, which of course takes me directly to my happy place, which is sitting on a beach in the Caribbean! I just may end up purchasing the full size.

Kitsch Chevron Necklace - $22.95. There were two version of necklaces sent out. I wish I had received the other version, which was a double layer gold/pearl necklace, so I'm def going to try and trade for it. I generally love Kitsch products and this is trendy enough, just not for me, which may be due to the mix of metals.

MannaKadar Fantasy 3-in-1 Blush/Highlighter/Eyeshadow - $19. This product has multiple uses. I do like that these suggestions are included because I think oftentimes people get boxed in with an intended use, and if something works for other than intended, it is nice to think out of the box on this. Sorry to be so philosophical, but I was recently reading up on multiple uses for baking soda, many of which I had not personally thought of.

LeBlanc-France Sachets Cote D'Azur - $5.99. I really love the artwork on these things, very impressive and beautiful. Suggested uses for this are under the seat in your car, in a closet, in a storage bin for those winter clothes, in your linen closet, in your underwear drawer. For bag vacuum cleaner use: open the paper cover, spread the scented particles on the floor and vacuum them up. The lavender floral scent is a no-no in this household, but if it were a vanilla or fruity scent we would totally use. I hope to see more products like this in the future.

Hello Fresh Coupon - $50 off your first two boxes. If you aren't familiar, Hello Fresh subscriptions send you a meal kit box of fresh ingredients and include everything you need to cook a home cooked meal, and you choose which meals you want each week. The coupons generally apply to new customers only. If you ever want one, contact us and we will send you a code.

The approximate value this month is $59.92, which is great for a $9.99 box. I really liked the curation of this months box. Really liked it. Even though I will not be using anything but the coconut lotion and the headband. I am going to try and get the other version of the necklace though.

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Play! by Sephora July 2016 Review

Play! by Sephora – is a beauty subscription box curated by Sephora! They send a five deluxe samples and a fragrance sample each month. This is an excellent way to build up your inventory, collect travel size products for your travel bag, and to try out different brands before investing in a full size purchase. The items should be products that are currently trending. You can also find out more about the products by using PLAY! BOOK with the Sephora To Go app. This is the only subscription box I know of that distributes information this way. If you are thinking about this subscription, just get on the waitlist because the wait can take forever! You will also receive a card that you can bring to any store for a free tutorial and 50 Bonus Beauty Insider points.

Cost: $10

How Often: Monthly

Ships To: United States (lower 48) via USPS

Each month you receive a drawstring bag. I have yet to figure out what purpose this serves. I think this could easily be skipped and not missed one bit by any subscribers. The theme this month is "Effortless Summer". There were two different box versions sent out.

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser With Red Clay – $4. First Aid Beauty is one of my favorite brands so I'm always thrilled to receive it. This is a deep cleanser that is supposed to be good for blemishes. It is safe for sensitive skin. I will be using this today, and I anticipate using every drop.

 

Beauty Blender Blotterazzi – $10. This has one cushion and one cleansing packet. This is made from the same material as the full size Beauty Blenders. This is designed to be used for touch ups on the go, and you use this instead of traditional blotting papers. I can see this being useful when travelling.

Citrine from NEST Fragrances – vial sample. The dewy softness of lotus flower and freesia are set against sparkling citrus notes and hints of precious woods. I would be ok if they would stop including fragrance samples in the boxes. Sigh. But they insist on having one each time. Every. Single. Month.

 Ouai Haircare Wave Spray – $8.84. This is a spray for your hair for the beachy waves look. What is unique about this brand it's a very light formula and does not make your hair have the crunchy dryness. K has already called this.

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer - $6.86.  I really love the Too Faced brand. I'm not overly thrilled to receive yet another bronzer this summer, but I do like that a Too Faced product was included.

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing –  $8. This is a perfecting primer that reduces the appearance of imperfections and pores for up to 8 hours. I don't know if anything can work as well as miracle blur, but I'm willing to give this a shot.
This month has an approximate retail value of $37.70, not including the fragrance vial. I think this month has been my favorite box yet, although I'm still not overly wowed. I think I would have been if the Too Faced product had been something other than a bronzer. But a bronzer does seem like a good fit for a summer box. Either way, the curation of skincare, makeup, hair, and tools (blotterazzi) was an impressive mix!
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Luxor Box July 2016 Review

Luxor Box – is a bi-monthly subscription box that includes luxury, beauty, spa, jewelry, and lifestyle items. Each item is high quality. You receive 5-7 items with a guaranteed value of $275. This is our favorite box in the “luxury” category.  
Cost: $129/US or $159/Canada OR a Petite Box is $43/US only
How Often: Bi-Monthly
Ships To: United States & Canada via USPS

Luxor Box always ships inside another box. They add plenty of stuffing so the box always arrives intact. They have one of the best quality boxes in the industry, so it's nice they arrive without being banged up.

They always include their logo stamped tissue paper, held together by their logo sticker.

Every item is always well wrapped and each box includes plenty of stuffing.

The info cards are the best. They are printed on high quality paper and include plenty of info about each of the included items.

Shaffer LA The Julian Clutch - $198. This was created for the Luxor Box! I love the bright cobalt blue color! One thing to note, this is a clutch. My only complaint(s) is this does not zip closed and there is no strap. Even if doesn't zip, with the bucket type of style it is, it would still be fabulous with a strap. I don't trust clutches that don't zip. It's unfortunate because I feel like I should really love this. It's made with a high quality Italian leather.

Here is a fuller picture of it opened. Again, I just think it's really beautiful!

Youth Corridor Hydrating Soothing Mask - $115. Subscribers received either this item or the Revitalizing Beta Hydroxy Mask. The one I received restores, calms, and balances your skin. I don't know what is happening with the summer weather, but right now I sure could use all the skin hydration products that I can get my hands on.

Graphic Image Jotter ($41)/ Set of 24 Card Refills ($3.75)/ and Leather Wrap Pen ($40) - $84.75. This was wrapped really nicely. I usually like Graphic Image products. A lot. But this time, I'm left scratching my head why this is useful. I have never cared about expensive pens, I don't ever feel they work better than regular ball points. And I'm not quite sure what I would do with these little jotter notecards. But I do love how nicely this was packaged.

Dartington Crystal Medium Crescent Clock - $85. This is very high quality and really nice. I feel like I've just been congratulated for putting in 20 years somewhere. I still like this and will be placing it on my desk, because it will look nice there and also because I can't imagine it fitting in anywhere else.
This months box has an approximate value of $482.75. I think the value is great. And the quality of the items included are very consistent with what you would expect from the Luxor Box. With that said, however, I'm sadly just not feeling it this month.
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Allure Beauty Box July 2016

Allure Beauty Box (formerly Sample Society) - is curated by the editors of the Allure Magazine. It promises 5 deluxe sizes “expert approved” beauty items from luxurious brands. It comes with a great info card "mini magazine" that tells you why they picked what they picked, how to use it, and why they like it.
Cost: $15/month or $165/Annually
How Often: Monthly
Ships To: United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) via UPS Ground

Full look at the items included.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - $14.88. This brand always reminds me of the '80's. I'm sure the products are good, but I think what prevents me from being excited about this is the brand just doesn't feel new or fresh to me. Ever. A few drops goes a long ways.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - $9. This primer is oil free and doesn't clog pores. You wear this on top of your moisturizer, but under your foundation.

La Mer The Moisturizing Soft cream - $18.70. This is a new brand to me so I don't have any opinion, but it does get great reviews online. It's quite pricy. I am happy they put the size of the sample on the label, because it made it much easier to determine the value.

 

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Super Strawberry - $11.50. I think this is probably 2/3's of full size, but I am estimating half, so that's where I came up with the price. I happen to be currently using the full size version of this, same color even, so I'm showing you a pic of it next to the other. What I like about this is it gives a subtle pop of color, which looks quite natural when your wearing it.

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment - $17.25. Glamglow is one of my favorite finds from sub boxes, and I will never ever get tired of receiving any Glamglow items. This is a facial mask that fights breakouts.
This months box has an approximate value of $71.33. My favorite this month of course is the Glamglow. but I'm also happy with the Clinique stick since it's something I use, and I'm looking forward to trying the la mer cream.
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ipsy Glam Bag July 2016

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Ipsy – is a beauty subscription box created by Michelle Phan. They send a mix of deluxe samples and full size beauty products, and a makeup bag. You take a beauty quiz and should receive items that match your profile. This is very similar to Birchbox, and an excellent way to build up your inventory and try out different brands before investing in a full size purchase.

Cost: $10
How Often: Monthly
Ships To: United States & Canada via USPS and DH

Ipsy always includes a makeup bag. This months is really cute. It is a beach theme, love the little umbrellas. The theme this month is Hot Summer Nights.

Luxie Beauty Luxie Rose Gold Small Angle Eye Brush - $10. I happen to be collecting Luxie brushes, so always happy to get another one!

Organic Surge Daily Care Reviving Eye Gel - $9.81. This gets mixed reviews online, but basically it's an eye gel that can quickly be absorbed, and its enriched with clarifying Green Tea and Eyebright extracts to soothe and rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes.

J Cat Perfect Duo Brow Pencil in dark brown - $3.99. This will help create fuller and perfectly defined eyebrows. Has a retractable eyebrow pencil, a blend of vegetable, coconut and soy bean oil that guarantees a fluid application and sensational color. My brush came bent, but I think I got it back to where it should be.

Pur Cosmetics Illuminate and Glow Primer - $9.90. This is designed to be worn under makeup, to help your makeup stay put longer.

The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt Trimony in Matt Moskowitz - $4.67. This is a matte plum shade. It's really pretty. I love The Balm Cosmetics, they packaging is so super cute!
This months Ipsy has an approximate value of $38.37. My favorite item this month was the makeup bag that was included, but I also like the dark brown brow highlighter as well.
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