Ipsy Sample Bag Review- July 2013

As my pasty white skin can attest- I've never really been a beach person. Once I'm there- I love it, but you don't often find me saying, "oh let's go to the beach." That is- until we moved to a place that has no ocean in sight and suddenly this summer in the midst of this incredibly ridiculous heat wave, I find myself wishing I could feel that ocean air on my skin.

We are in fact, going home next month and if time will have it, I'd like to find myself a little spot in the sand and that's where this month's Ipsy bag comes into play. It was beach theme! It probably was also, one of my favorite bags to date- I loved EVERYTHING in it. 

So let's get started.

First up- the bag! Amazingly cute and pink! It's the perfect little plastic bag to just throw in your adorably cute beach tote (note to self- buy incredibly cute beach tote for the trip).

The first item in this month's Ipsy bag was Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub which I am now obsessed with for my face. I used it this week and just loved how my face looked afterwards, but would definitely suggest you only use this once a week. A huge plus- it smells incredible! I usually find most scrubs for the face don't have the best scent but this one rocked a great lemony, citrus scent.

The second item in this month's Ipsy bag was mineral sunscreen moisturizer by Coola which I had never heard of before. It was unscented which is always a big plus when I find that light sunscreen scent is always there in sunscreen moisturizers. It also dried very quickly and didn't leave a greasy feel to my face.  I used it this week under my makeup and did like it quite a bit, but am saving this for my little beach day.

The third item in this month's Ipsy bag was by big sexy hair yet again. They really love sending out the big sexy hair products and with the exception of that dry shampoo volumizing crap I have loved everything they have sent my way with this brand. They can just keep sending them, because I have bought the products after trying them, and love to save the travel size ones for my trips. The product this month was weather proof resistant spray to combat the frizz. My hair can become a hot mess in the summer with the curl to it, and frizz is just a matter of life, but this may just be the answer. I loved it when I wore it out this week, and plan on buying a bigger bottle.

The fourth item in this month's Ipsy bag was an eye shadow trio by BH Cosmetics. It was their California Collection sampler, and it's perfect. There are three shades a dark purple (just darling for night), a bronze, and a gold. The bronze which was named San Francisco had me a little weary at first, but loved it on my eyes. The purple (named Hollywood) is SO pretty, and the gold (named Malibu) when mixed with something to just tone it down a bit, was another hit. I love this little eye shadow sampler which I think would look good on any skin tone. 

The last item in this month's Ipsy bag was by Pop Beauty Cosmetics. This was my second item from them in an ispsy bag, and I really do have to check out their products more. The first was a great little mascara, and this month's item was a pouty pop crayon in coral crush. At first, I thought this was going to be a disaster, and it is BRIGHT on me, but I toned it down with another shade of lipstick and it lasted forever! 

So what did everyone else think of their July Ipsy bag????

Beauty Deal of the Day- Philosophy Products on Zulily

I am in love with Zulily. If you don't know about zulily, its pretty much a TJ Maxx or Marshalls online. They do sales from kids boutiques, brand names for the kitchen, while also selling clothes, accessories, and shoes for women. Each day at 9 AM they open a new set of sales, which will last a few days before closing. You do have to be careful though on the site because sometimes it's just not a good deal, and you could find it cheaper at homegoods or another discount brand store. Know your prices, just like with any sale, it's not always a "sale" price.

I was very excited  to see that they have added a new partnership to their brands: Philosophy Products. Today they are featuring a sale on Philosophy products so head on over to Zulily to check it out.  If you would like to save five dollars on your first purchase: Click here.

I was very wary of Philosophy in the beginning since pretty much all I would see when I was out were the shower gels, mostly in food scents, and as much as I love the smell of eggnog, I don't want to actually smell like I doused myself in eggnog. So I tended to stay away from their products. They seemed to me to be a little bit too tween for my taste.

That is until a friend of mine, said I had to try their face products, and I am so glad that I did.  I was not crazy about Hope in a Jar- everyone says it works wonders but for me I couldn't get over the smell of it. It reeked of pine.

Here are my three favorite products from their skincare line:

Take a Deep Breath Moisturizer

Keep the Peace Moisturizer

Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Lotion


and so there you have it. Your beauty deal of the day.

Sample Society April 2013

April 2013 Sample Society Box

Hello again!

So I know I completely dropped the ball on reviewing the March box for Sample Society  (trust me, it was fab like always) and looks like this review will make it in just under the wire. I keep saying I will cancel this box, but then I get it, and just always love it, so for now, it's staying put.  For more information about the ins and outs of the sample society box check out my previous post here.

This month's box was one of my favorites yet- it was packed with goodies. Shall we get started???

one of the best makeup removers 

Borghese Gel Delicato Makeup Remover-0.5 oz. - okay this item is just amazing. I've been trying various makeup removers lately, and do really like the wipes (its easy for lazy days) but have to say that this item also made me think I should go in a different direction. It felt cool on the skin, wiped off the makeup easily, didn't leave my skin irritated, and I liked the smell. Will definitely be replacing this item once this little sample runs out. 

you better last me forever.....

Caudalie Premier Cru, The Ultimate Anti-Ageing Cream Sample Packette 2ML- I am in LOVE with Caudalie products. I had gotten a few samples from Sephora awhile back, and used every last drop of the under eye cream. It was amazing, and really helped diminish the puffiness and dark shadows. I was so excited to see this in the box, and have been using it every so sparingly because I want it to last and once you see the price tag on this baby you'll understand why....

CoTZ Face Natural Skin SPF 40 Deluxe Sample- This is a great little sunscreen. I thought it had a pleasant smell but was nervous about the darker tone. It did blend in nicely, which surprised me since my skin is so pale, but it felt a little greasy. I did like it, but wasn't in love with it.

perfection 

Hanskin Premium Perfect Super Magic BB Cream SPF30 PA++, SS Deluxe Sample - This product was amazing. I've been looking for a perfect BB cream, and find that all the ones I keep getting a sample of are just too dark for me (why do we fill out the beauty charts if all they send all dark tones?)  so I was THRILLED to receive a BB cream that was for paler skin. At first, it came out a little dark, but once I blended it in, perfection. It really was a great primer for covering up my pores. This will definitely be a repeat buy. 

an incredible facial mask 

Hanskin Hydro Sheet Mask (23ml) Deluxe Sample SS-  A new mask to try! Tried it recently and loved how my skin felt after using it, not irritated and looking refreshed. 

cute prints!

Jane Tran Hair Accessory Assortment SS- cute little barrettes- not much to say about them, except that I liked the cute print on them.  They offer a great selection of other prints as well. Adorable, right?

Overall, I loved this bag, really loved it. They had so many great little things to try, and all things I have been curious about trying or on the hunt for the perfect one. They knocked it out of the park for this one for me, despite not having all super big sizes or even any full sizes, I was really happy with this box.


What did you all think of the April 2013 Sample Society Box?

Ipsy Bag March 2013 Review

I don't know what it is but each month when I open the mail and find this pink bag inside, I get so excited.

The theme of this month's Ipsy bag was The Great Escape.

The cosmetic bag that came with the samples was super cute. They did an adorable anchor print on the bag, and it showed that Ipsy really listened to its customers who have been asking for months to get a print on a bag, anchors was one of the most requested comments that I saw on their Facebook page, and it a was a nice break from all the solid colored bags that have started to accumulate in my train case.

Isn't it cute?

So let's delve inside.......

my new favorite makeup remover wipes

LA Fresh Travel-lite Makeup Remover Wipes - I loved these little towelettes.The smell is really fresh on them, and I used them tonight to wipe off my makeup, my face feels really refreshed and clean. They also made my skin feel really smooth. I will definitely be buying more of them.

Yaby Eyeshadow Refills- My two colors were sand dune and so vein. I was pleasantly surprised by these two colors. When I first opened the bag, I thought the colors were a repeat of the horrible shades that were sent to me last month with the coastal scents pack.  The brown looked a little too on the yellow side for me, but I mixed it with a darker shade, and loved the look. I even experimented with the green shade, which is completely out of my comfort zone of eye makeup, and liked it. I don't know where I will ever need to wear green eye shadow but it was fun trying out a new color.  I will be checking out other colors from this brand. 

so pretty and pink

 GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette-  Inside was a magnetic holder  for small little eye shadows.....check it out.....

I used the eye shadows from this month inside

I thought this was an adorable addition to the bag this month, and will be perfect for travel in the upcoming months. It also has me interested in buying more of the eye shadows to make my own palette. This will definitely be going into my purse for on the go makeup. 

Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist Spray- I used this tonight after wiping down my face with the new makeup remover wipes, and loved it. I have been very curious about this brand, and feel its been popping up everywhere, but hadn't had the chance to try it yet. The spray smells lightly of roses but it felt nice and refreshing. I imagine it would feel nice on the face after being on a plane for a long duration. I'll be throwing this into my purse. 

Overall this was yet another great bag from Ipsy, it had one of the fewest amounts of samples thus far since I subscribed, but I loved everything. 

What did you think of this month's Ipsy bag?

Birchbox Sample Box February 2013

Birchbox

I joined Birchbox this month after a four week wait; they are so popular right now that they have a crazy waiting list. Four weeks, and apparently that is one of the shorter waits.  The box costs ten dollars a month which also includes shipping. They boast that they send out deluxe and full size samples. Each box should have four or five samples per month. They are one of the original sample box subscription services, allegedly the one that started it all.   With such hype, I was sure that I would be blown away by this subscription, since it was something that everyone wanted to get in on.  I’m not kidding, there was so much hype. Surely, I wouldn't be disappointed in it.

The FAMOUS Birchbox has arrived......

My February Birchbox was a Red Carpet theme (real original). 

My box included the following five products:

Juicy Perfume Sample- I don’t even care about the value, because I hated this scent. It reminded me of something a tween would wear, and felt it was a rip off to be in the box. It certainly wasn't a deluxe sample size of a perfume. I could have gotten this for FREE from pretty much any beauty place.

perfume 

Color Club Professional Nail Lacquer Mini in Wild Cactus - .25 oz Value $4- This is a really cute color that’s more of an emerald shade. Very fun. 

So adorable! I just wish it was bigger......

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle - estimated 1.25 oz. - The value of this sample was $4.12. I really liked this product, and have been using it on my hair, the scent makes me feel like I just came from the salon.  It reminds me of coconut.

Perfume for the hair

Ghiradelli Caramel Chocolate Square- Um, Seriously???? No. Sure I love chocolate as much as the next person, but I don’t want chocolate in my sample box, this is not a sample, this is just a random piece of chocolate and a brand I could find anywhere.   Just No.  (okay so my snark could be coming from the fact that I can’t have chocolate right now and had to relinquish this to my husband). But even so- no. 

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Beauty Balm-0.1 oz -The value of this is around $2.00.  Well, I would imagine it was the value if it actually had much of anything in it. Mostly air in this one, and the little that I got out didn’t work on my skin tone. I was excited to get this at first because of all the hype about BB creams. 

Mostly air

Value: The total value of this box is maybe $12 or $13. Not impressed. Not impressed at all.  

PROS

I will be nice and say that one pro that I have heard about Birchbox is that they send out a variety of boxes each month. I think it’s almost forty (or maybe even more) different varieties, which I think is pretty cool. It makes it a bit of a surprise.  My box was not overwhelming by any means, but some of the boxes that I saw other people received looked really great.  The big thing was that Lancôme had finally signed on with them as a brand this month, so everything on their site was all about the arrival of Lancôme. That’s wonderful-if I had ACTUALLY received a Lancôme product in my bag.

CONS

Birchbox was a big letdown for me- I had a hard time even coming up with a single pro since I was just so disappointed with this box.  Everyone claims that this is THE sample box to have, and I wanted to cancel my subscription as soon as it arrived. They claim that they send out deluxe and full size samples, but their version of deluxe is no different than the tiny samples that you can get at any Sephora or cosmetics counter. I’d rather just go to those places and possibly pick out what I want, and not  get these tiny RANDOM things in my box. I feel it’s ridiculous to pay ten dollars a month to get samples that come FREE with any purchase elsewhere.  The value just wasn't there for me.  I paid ten dollars to get $10.00 worth of products, no thanks.  This was not a bargain, not when you compare them to the value of the other boxes.

Second, I've heard some horrible things about delivering. This was the last of my sample boxes to arrive, all of which are supposed to mail out around the same time. I will mark this up to Nemo being a huge issue that week, BUT I have read that other people have had many incidences where their box didn't arrive until the last day of the month. 

Next, Birchbox offers a variety in boxes, this I think is great- however don’t bother sending out varieties if you aren't going to take into consideration the beauty profile. Many people complained that they received products that were the opposite of what they had for hair type or skin color.  Variety is wonderful, but not if it’s a useless variety to the person.

Also, the amount of samples was a letdown. They claim they send four or five samples.  Mine had four with the chocolate.  Okay so it is four samples BUT you’re not fooling anyone with that chocolate and honestly- what does that even have to do with red carpet? Everyone knows you don’t eat for weeks before going on the red carpet.

Lastly, Birchbox like Sample Society loves to repeat items. Many people complained that they received hair bands in this month’s box, last month’s box, and in DECEMBER’s box. Ugh. No.  Do NOT send the same thing three months in a row.  Birchbox also has a fondness for sending out their Birchbox pillow boxes in their bags and love putting Juicy perfume samples in them as well.  I’m not a fan of juicy perfume, and have no use for those little boxes.  This doesn’t just apply to the women’s boxes- one of my friends did the male box for almost a year, and cancelled because he felt there were only so many shaving cream samples you could get.  He thought they lacked in variety of product.

If you can’t guess by now, this is not a subscription that I will be continuing. 

Sample Society February 2013 Review

Sample Society By Allure

Sample Society is a sample box sponsored by Allure magazine through beautybar.com. It’s a little more expensive than Ipsy at $15 a month including shipping.  Like Ipsy, you are billed the first of the month, and the boxes are due to arrive by the 15^th. This month my box arrived the first week of February.  It was the first of my sample boxes to arrive this month.

The Sample Society Box

My box for February included the following items:

oooh lovely.....

Immunocologie Treatment Cream- 0.5 oz. This was valued at $80! That alone made the box completely worth it. The cream is interesting, a bit watery in its consistency but feels nice on the face. However, once this is gone, I won’t be buying a full size which costs more than $270. It also has some weird kind of antler velvet or something to that effect in it, and I can’t explain it but it makes me feel a little guilty putting that on my face.

Crazy expensive face cream

LaRocca Hibiscus Cream Cleanser with AHA- 7ml- This was a small sample that was valued at $0.50.  This had a really nice scent to it, and didn't irritate my skin when I used it to wash my face.  I only got one use out of it.

so very tiny

Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Thickening & Strengthening Mousse- 1 oz- This product had a $4.00 value. I don’t use mousse regularly in my hair routine,   I will most likely passing it on to mother.  The product is supposed to strengthen and thicken your hair. My hair is pretty thick, so it’s not even something I would need. However, I did like the scent of it.

my mom's new mousse

Exude Lipstick Gloss – This was a full size product valued at $29.00. The color that came in my box was a soft brown/nude shade, which upon opening I thought would look horrible on me since I have pale skin. However, I was very surprised at how the nude color actually worked. The color lasted a long time.

Really cool packaging

Diptyque Eau De Toilette – 2 mL – This sample was valued at $2.00. I also hated the smell; it was very strong and musky, way too much for me to wear.  It reminded me of those horrible scent satchels that my grandmother used to hang in her closet or put in her bureau. I’m not a fan of any musk scents. My mother will be getting this one as well (white musk was her signature scent for YEARS)- she’s going to love this box.  However, from what I've read from other reviewers and subscribers, sample society seems to love to send this out.

old lady French perfume

Overall Value:  $115.50! This was truly an amazing value and made the price of the box more than worth it.

PROS

Quick Delivery- my box arrived the first week of February! It was my first subscription box to receive this month.

Amazing Customer Service- I had two issues with my box this month. First, when I opened the box they had packaged it with black confetti paper, but something happened in transport and everything in the box was covered in black soot. I mean COVERED. Even after I had wiped all the products down, it still had that black soot like consistency on most of the products.  My second issue was that one of my products was empty- yes, empty. I emailed the company to let them know and was given a response that I would get a replacement of that product.  I was VERY shocked and pleased when a NEW box arrived.  This is excellent customer service in my book!

Value- Like Ipsy this box proved to be a great value, and then getting the second box was just the icing on the cake. Paying 15.90 for over 200 dollars’ worth of products?? Priceless.

Cons

As much as I liked so many things about Sample Society, I won’t be renewing or keeping this sample subscription.  The products in this box were nice and expensive, but I can’t see myself spending two hundred dollars on a face lotion, and the reason I get these boxes is to try different brands that I still can AFFORD.  I have no issues trying a bare minerals lipstick and then knowing that I like it, buying it for twenty dollars, but trying a sample of a $275 dollar face cream and falling in love with it? That’s just torture.  I also felt the brands were just a little too hoity toity for me- they reminded me of products that a seventy year  old woman who wore Chanel suits and lived in the upper east side would wear. I don’t need snobby French brands. Give me fun packaging and things that are in my TAX bracket.

My second issue was that from what I’ve been reading from other subscribers, they tend to send the same things out and often sometimes two months in a row.  I subscribe to these boxes to try new things, I can understand that sometimes products will be repeats, but I certainly don’t want to get the same sample of something two months in a row. Apparently their favorite to send out is the Diptyque perfume.

Lastly, I also can’t explain it, but it’s easier to say I spend ten dollars a month on a box, somehow going up that extra five dollars sounds frivolous.  Maybe down the road I would revisit this sample box, but for now- it’s getting cancelled.  However, that is not to say that I don’t recommend this to people. It was a great value, just maybe not the right fit for me right now. 

Ipsy Sample Box February 2013 Review

Ipsy

Ipsy is a sample box subscription that costs only ten dollars a month (this includes shipping). You are billed monthly the first of every month, and the boxes are shipped out by the 15^th. Thus far, I have never had an issue with either shipping or billing, in fact most months by the time they send me an email notifying me of the shipment of my bag- the box has already arrived or will arrive the next day.  The sample bag comes each month in a bright pink (really bright pink) envelope and inside you get a cosmetic makeup bag (each month it’s a different one and often a different size, for example in December the bag was the perfect size for carrying makeup brushes because it was longer in length).  Included in the subscription are four or five deluxe size samples of hair, makeup, face, or nail products.

My Sample box this month was the theme of Red Carpet Ready. The makeup was black patent leather. 

February 2013's cosmetic bag

Inside were the following products:

The Goodies.....

Pop Beauty Smoky Lash Kapow- This was a full size sample that was valued at $18.50. I had never heard of this brand before, the packaging is cute, but I haven’t tried it yet.  I feel like I am swimming in mascara samples recently. I'm sure its fabulous- Ipsy has yet to steer me wrong with their mascara selections.

Pop Beauty Smoky Lash Mascara

MICA Beauty Cosmetics Mineral Makeup Gel Eyeliner- This wasn't labeled for the size, but a full size is valued at over $35.00 and this was a very substantial size- so who knows,  it might actually be full size.  I was very excited that this was in this month’s bag because in January’s bag one of the products had been an eyeliner brush.  I love this product! Easy to apply and really creates an impact.

MICA Beauty Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner

 Lash Cards- This was valued at $3.50. They are supposed to prevent mascara from clumping. I love them! Others have complained about this being a product this month because they often just use business cards for the same effect.  They felt they were worthless, I don’t think they are, and when I am done, I can use business cards like them.  Sometimes, I just like getting things in the bags, because I hadn't heard that this was a trick to use, and now I know.

Lash Card Packaging 

Coastal Scents Mini Eyeshadow Quad- I couldn't find a value on these, and I hated them. I hated the colors that came in my bag. None of them looked good on me, they had sent out two varieties of this, and neither variety looked like it would work on me.  Mine had a weird gold color and from the other colors that I saw- can’t imagine that they would look good on many people at all. However, I think this the first ever product that I have received from them that I didn't like.

Worst colors ever for me.....

Pixi Flawless and Poreless- 0.5 oz- This was valued at $15.00. Primers are my thing right now; I’m obsessed with trying them since I lost the lottery when it came to the size of my pores.  I've only used this once since like mascaras, I also have quite a few primers right now from either previous subscription bags or samples from Sephora.  I liked the consistency of this primer and helped to fill in my pores for a smoother look. I will continue to use this after my Mirabella primer (so amazing) from the December Ipsy bag is finally gone.

Value- The total value of this bag was hard to gauge since sizes weren't included on some of the products, or values couldn't be found.  From the values I could find, and by guessing that the eyeliner was a full size product, this bag would be valued at over $70.00!!!

PROS

Fast shipping- as I said there has never been an issue with the bag going out late or not arriving before the 15^th

Sample sizes- Many sample boxes out there give out only deluxe size samples, but Ipsy gives out both deluxe and full size products. They also claim to send out four or five samples each month, but since my subscription started last October I've never had anything less than five products in each bag.

Variety- So far I've not had any repeat products from Ipsy except for getting mascara in two bags but considering that you are supposed to throw those out pretty fast- this is not a complaint at all- you get lots of variety of brands and products- some months it’s all makeup while January focused on hair, nails and face. I love that it has introduced me to new brands and while in the past I may not have splurged on a lipstick not being sure if I would like it, but getting a sample size of it to try without guilt, would win me over as a consumer.

Value- Since I joined in October my bags have been valued at no less than 30 dollars each month, this is much higher than the ten dollar price tag. I've had in some bags, one product alone being worth thirty dollars in its size.  I’m a sucker for a good bargain, and to me this often feels like a steal.

CONS

I only have one complaint about my Ipsy subscription and that is some variety for different makeup profiles. They have you fill out a makeup profile, and yet everyone pretty much gets the same shade of lipstick (and it’s always a super bright orange red).  Orange red lipstick on a pale person just made me look like a clown.  Why bother with the profile if you are going to send everyone the same shade???

I really love my Ipsy subscription- I just find it to be a great value and worth the little splurge each month.  I really can’t say enough good things about it. Who doesn’t love getting a makeup kit each month??!