Beauty Box 5: April 2012

After my buy one month get the second month free ended I decided to stick with BB5 to see if they kept moving forward and getting better....

Don't know what Beauty Box 5 is? 
Beauty Box 5 is a month beauty subscription service that delivers a cute Tiffany blue box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive  4-5 packet samples, deluxe samples, and a full-sized product. Brands are expected to vary from luxury high-end, department store brands, and anything in-between. The samples chosen are based off of a short profile, but it looks like the first few months all products will be the same. Beauty Box 5 costs $12 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Beauty Box 5

April 2012

My box came super fast this time around. They finally got tracking numbers which I really appreciated. I just feel secure knowing where in the world my future belongings are. What I did notice is that before the boxes even shipped the Beauty Box 5 website had all the products that were going to be in the April boxes up. Some of them were even visibile in March. I guess it made it not very exciting when I was opening the box since I had a suspicion that these would be the brands I'd be seeing. Plus, when I realized that I was receiving mostly satchels and single use wipes I was really disappointed. Instead of moving forward, the company went backwards.

Information Card:

Products:
LA Fresh: Waterproof Makeup Remover
Say goodbye to the irritation of scrubbing off that waterproof mascara and those trendy lip stains.Full Size: 24 wipes ($9.99)
Size Received: 1 wipe ($0.42)
I received the full size wipes in my Sindulge box last month. Here I received a single, measly wipe? I actually have only use 2 wipes from that container because I found I feel the wipes are too greasy. My face has a slick oil feel after I wipe with these. They make work on getting make-up off, but I want to feel refreshed and completely clean when I use these wipes. I wouldn't use my eye makeup remover (which is greasy) on my skin too. What I do like about these wipes is that they are probably a third of the size of what most companies give. I think those giant wipes are so wasteful! How big is your face that you need that large a wipe? And like I said last month, the company uses only natural ingredients, is cruelty-free, and eco conscious.

Supergoop: Sunscreen Wipe SPF 30
For long-lasting, water-resistant SPF protection, gently wipe SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes evenly over your face and body before exposure to sun.Full Size: 10 wipes ($10.00)
Size Received: 1 wipe ($1.00)
Another singlet? I'm intrigued by the idea of a sunscreen wipe. I never remember to put on sunscreen, unless it is in my makeup (which I make sure it is). But there are many days that I don't realize that I'll be outside and exposed to all the harmful rays of the sun. Even a few days ago I had to do a project outside and ended up with red skin. I have to start protecting my skin if I don't want it to look 50 by the time I'm 30! The wipe is formulated with all natural ingredients, no parabens, and is fragrance free. I love when a company clearly states that their products are plant based! It makes my life easier. I'll be sticking this guy in my purse and using it on a sunny day! It just would have been nice to have gotten more than one wipe.

Makeup Geek: Eyeshadow Refill Pan in Shimma Shimma
All of the pigment for half of the price, Makeup Geek eye shadow pans will blow your makeup mind!Full Size: 1 refill pan ($5.99)
Size Received: Full-size! 1 refill pan ($5.99)
This is the only product in my box that Im excited for. They promised to always have a full-size product in the box and they did deliver on that. Although I see the website also sells compact versions of these for just $2 more. It would have been nice if they came in a compact since now I'll just have a random pan floating around. Makeup Geek is a cruelty-free, budget conscious company that knows that we want pigmented, long-lasting color for less. I received Shimma Shimma which is a metallic champagne color. I thought it was an exact dupe for my theBalm Mary Lou-Minzer, but when I put them next to each other the Shimma Shimma was much more taupe-y (included a photo since its hard to explain). Adding primer made all the difference with this shade. Using it without primer it is perfect as a brow highlighter and with primer it is a great light, blushing champagne.

What I did notice after I applied it to my eyelids is that it May contain carmine! Again! Another eyeshadow that may have crushed bugs. Why oh why do we still use this ingredient when there are so many alternatives? Especially companies that say they are cruelty-free. I contacted MUG and within minutes they replied back confirming that Shimma Shimma is vegan! They let me know that Razzleberry, Duchesss, Unexpected, Unicorn, Cupcake, Mango Tango, Country Girl, and Manderine contain carmine and therefore unsafe for vegans. I did ask if there was any thought of using a different red dye and the girl forwarded my suggesting to the owner, Marlena. Seems like an awesome company! And I may need to try out some other colors!

Pur-lisse: Pur-Protect SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer
Powerful protection from the entire spectrum is yours, all in a lightweight, nourishing moisturizer.Full Size: 1.7oz ($55.00)
Size Received: 0.14oz ($4.53)
Yup, another little satchel. I received this same exact sample last month from MyGlam. The company may be great and all products are vegan and cruelty-free, but I really didn't like this moisturizer. As I stated last month, the moisturizer has lupine peptides that nourish the skin, blue lotus flower that detoxify, white tea to help destress and repair damage, soy protein to help skin retain moisture, and sea silk that reduce firm lines and firm. Plus, SPF 30. It felt so greasy and had a sunscreen like feeling on my skin. It did not absorb well at all for me. But I do have a very oily skin complex, so maybe this just isn't right for my skin type. I'll be passing this along hoping someone else will like this.

Freeman: Facial Exfolating Scrub in Pink Grapefruit

This scrub gently resurfaces your skin, removing dead cells so your skin experiences healthy cell renewal.

Full Size: 5oz ($3.99)

Size Received: 0.5oz ($0.40)

I can't stay away from this brand. This is the second month in a row that BB5 has had Freeman travel-size masks. The masks just dont seem to do what they say or if they do poorly. But I always fall for pink grapefruit face products. I love how they smell and feel on my skin, so Im excited to try this one. The scrub is made from natural fruit extracts and natural oils which I like, plus it has aloe to help soothe my sensitive skin. The scrub will hopefully make my skin feel smoother and more radiant. This satchel is enough for 2-3 uses. 

Total Value of my April 2012 Beauty Box 5 Box: $12.53

Really? I could have bought two Makeup Geek Eyeshadows on my own for the same price and been happier than this box. Instead of moving forward and continuing with the nice sized samples that were in last month's box, they moved backwards. I don't mind a few satchels, but every single sample was a satchel! At least they pulled through and still gave me my promised full-size item. I love the MUG eyeshadow and am excited to have learned about the company, but was it worth $12 to get the rest of the items that Im just meh about. No. I decided to cancel. I was so hesitant for some reason, but I was only half excited about any of the boxes that I received. I may sign up in the future if things change, but for now it isn't worth my money.

What did you think of my April Beauty Box 5? What did you get? Are you happy with the boxes? Let me know in the comments below!

Beauty Box 5: March 2012

Finally received my second Beauty Box 5. It took longer than most for me to receive my box. They ship UPS MI, but didn't send out tracking numbers which is silly since there is a tracking number right on my package. I was anxious once everyone else I know had already received their box. But here it is! My last box of the month.

Don't know what Beauty Box 5 is? 
Beauty Box 5 is a month beauty subscription service that delivers a cute Tiffany blue box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive  4-5 packet samples, deluxe samples, and a full-sized product. Brands are expected to vary from luxury high-end, department store brands, and anything in-between. The samples chosen are based off of a short profile, but it looks like the first few months all products will be the same. Beauty Box 5 costs $12 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Beauty Box 5

March 2012

Still no description card for the products and the facebook page was very sparse with any updates. I don't like when companies reveal products, but some conversation on favorite brands or product types would be nice. And I hate not having a product information card, why did you choose this product? Why is it special enough for me to want to try and buy it?

I still really like the presentation. I don't have a need for reusable boxes. Less waste, the better! And the boxes still are adorable.

Information Card:

Products:
Freeman Beauty: Facial Anti-Stress Mask
Indulge yourself with the Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask. Enhanced with natural minerals, it instantly absorbs excess oil while deep cleaning pores.

Full Size: 6oz ($3.99)

Size Received: 0.5oz ($0.34)

Oh boy, another Freeman product. I haven't tried the hydrate mask that I got last month in my MyGlam yet, but this is a mask that is more geared towards my skin type. Ever since I went on accutane the only acne issues I have are T-zone blackheads. Nothing I've tried seems to work, maybe because Im so stressed out all the time? This mask is formulated with Dead Sea Minerals to absorb oil and purge pores. You are left with smooth and radiant skin. So I'll am really excited to try this product and will be trying it in a few days. Although I heard that it is bright blue, and I look on the back and they put in Blue 1! Why? There is no need for this synthetic dye. Hopefully it doesn't irritate my skin. If it doesn't, it is so cheap that I'd buy the full-size. The sample is enough for 2-3 masks. 

Becca: Eye Tint in Vicuna
Take your artistry to a bold new level with Becca's long-lasting eye tint. It goes on smoothly as a creme and sets as a powder, letting you layer it under powder eye colors and loose pigments for even greater intensity.

Full Size: 0.24oz ($24.00)

Size Received: Full-size! 0.24oz ($24.00)

This eye tint is waterproof, streak-free, and crease-resistant. It is a cream that dries as a 'powder.' Even after it has a really weird texture. I can feel the difference in texture from my non-swatched skin. It made my skin almost rubbery. The color Vicuna leaves the bottle as a golden-champagne, but once you rub it around it looses a lot of its pigmentation and is extremely sheer. The website describes Vicuna as opal, which I don't see. I tried dabbing it on and that worked better to keep some color. The good thing about this is that the shimmer is very fine, so it looks nice. No matter if I liked this product I just read the ingredients and realized that it has Carmine, which is ground up beetles. The box says may contain carmine, but the website says they for sure have it. I'm not taking chances and will be trading this. 

True Natural: Advance Lift & Firm Serum
Give your skin back its naturally youthful glow! True Natural Spa's Advanced Lift & Firm Serum restores suppleness and moisturizes with all-natural ingredients.

Full Size: 0.5oz ($69.00)

Size Received: 0.14oz ($19.32)

At first I was disappointed that I didn't receive the vegan, brown eyeliner as some other gals got, but this vegan serum is fine by me. True Natural's products are free from harmful chemical ingredients and filled with organic ingredients. The serum is an ultra-concentrated anti-aging serum that uses 10% bio-hyaluronic acid, pomengranate, and ferulic acid to reduce fine lines, snap skin back to smooth, and has antioxidant skin protection. It is save for all skin types and is moisturizing as well. I tried this tonight and could really feel it firming, or at least it made my skin taut, and my skin is super soft. It does smell weird though. Like a combination of granola hippy/lavender/dog treats. I can't explain it, but the natural ingredients and lavender smells awful together. I could only smell it while applying, so I'll survive. I'm going to try this out once a day for a week or two and see how it does. Who wouldn't mind more radiant, refreshed?

Pur-lisse: pur-delicate

Give your skin a fresh start every day with pūr~delicate from pūr~lisse. Their special blend of soy milk, soy proteins, white tea and whole oat leaves your skin caressably smooth without removing natural oils.

Full Size: 5.6oz ($36.00)

Size Received: 1.7oz ($10.93)

This cleanser and makeup remover is a blend of soy milk, soy proteins, white tea, and who oat soothes skin while removing dirt and makeup. I only recently heard of milk cleansers. I got to try out the Vichy 3-in-1 milk cleanser and loved that it was water free. I kind of assumed that all milk cleansers would not require water, but the packaging of the pur-delicate says to apply to damp skin and wash off with warm water. Darn. I'm lazy. And at least I admit it. It says that it will even remove mascara, but I did not have any luck getting my eyeliner off. Other than that my skin felt smooth, soft, and felt clean. The website says if you've got stubborn makeup to let it sit for a minute. Plus, you can use this as a mask (10mins) to protect and smooth skin. This is a very generous sample size and I'll definitely use it until it is gone.

Lavera: Mango Milk Hair Repair Treatment

With Mango Milk Hair Repair from Lavera, you'll receive a natural deep conditioning treatment, even with color-treated hair!

Full Size: 4.1oz ($16.00)

Size Received: 0.8oz ($3.12)

Mhmm, mangos. I can just imagine what this smells like! This repair treatment has jojoba, avocado, and soybean oils that protect your hair. Mango and green tea extracts protect hair from damage and oxidants. And cocoa and shea butter lock in moisture. This is technically for color treated hair, but I may still try it out since I love mangos. Either way my hair is guaranteed to be shiny and smooth. Since I have such thin hair this sample would last me a looong time, maybe 8-10 treatments. 

Total Value of my March 2012 Beauty Box 5 Box: $57.71

Even no being able to use the Becca Eye Tint, this is a great valued box. I'm excited about many of the products and already have used some of them! I plan on staying with BB5 for one more month before I make a decision. For now I would say that BB5 is moving forward and up. I wish they would give me a better idea of who they are. I really have no idea who started the company, why, and what their true mission is. I would love to have a more active facebook page, information card on the products, and tracking numbers. If they take care of all the little odds and ends, I think they have a great future.

What did you think of my March Beauty Box 5? What did you get in your box? Have you tried any of these products before? Let me know in the comments below!

MyGlam: February 2012

I was  expecting my MyGlam bag this Saturday but it was already at my doorstep Thursday afternoon. A nice surprise since Im home from work feeling crummy. MyGlam listened to customer complaints and this month switched over to UPS Innovations and sent East Coast bags first. I love that they actually listen to our feedback. It gives me hope that every month will be an improvement.

Don't know what MyGlam is? MyGlam is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers premium beauty samples to your door. The creator of MyGlam, Michelle Phan, is a YouTube beauty expert that wants to share her favorite items with the world. The bags are delivered in the cutest reusable beauty bags. Once you join you will take a beauty/preference quiz that will help the girls choose the best products for you. The products range from beauty, skincare, hair, body, nails, and more. Every month you should also expect to receive full-sized products. MyGlam costs $10 a month, and your bag will always be valued above! Click here to join MyGlam.

February 2012, Valentine's Day Bag

The February theme was loosely based on Valentine's Day and special moments. Adding extra sparkle for a big date or a girl's night and unleashing your inner bombshell. Im in love with this month's makeup bag. I know I wont be able to keep all of them, but they will make perfect bags for gift giving. Although, I wasn't as excited about what I found inside the bag. Lots of paper and a few too many small, teensy samples. Plus, chocolates I can't eat. I'm giving MyGlam one more month to see if they can knock it out of the park like the December bag.

Information Card:

This month no pricing information was printed on the info card, wonder if it was because of the goofs last month.


Products:
Freeman: Facial Hydration Mask in Goji Berry
Turn your date night prep-time into a soothing spa experience with easy-to-use skin-perfecting masks. 
Full Size:6 oz ($3.99)
Size Received:0.5 oz ($0.33)
This is my third Freeman product in two months. I received two now from MyGlam and one from Beauty Army. After using my Freeman Cucumber Peel Mask a few times I haven't been too impressed. I love the feeling of peeling it off, but barely does anything for my skin. This month I received the Goji Berry hydrating mask which helps to restore healthy skin tone and improves moisture retention. Soothes and hydrates creating supple, soft skin. This will be a good mask to try out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. My skin is beat from the constant weather changes of DC. So we shall see.

X Out: Shine Control
Stay flawless and shine free with this oil-free moisturizer with a mattifying complex.
Full Size:? oz ($?)
Size Received:0.75 oz ($~5.00)
Oh boy, another Guthy-Renker product. That makes 3 in the last two months from MyGlam. This product is made by Proactive. Shine Control keeps skin hydrated, healthy-looking, and shine-free. I'm actually intrigued by this product. It would have been great to get in a summer bag when my forehead and nose are glistening like a mirror. It has a translucent, creamy texture that really does dry matte. And it absorbed quickly, which I loved. The skin I tried it out on is silky smooth. What Im not too excited about is that this is one of those proactive free gifts you get when you sign up for a month of their acne treatment. So the only way to get this is to buy the X Out Wash-In Acne Treatment. The website doesn't specify what the full-size is or its monetary value alone. Only that the 30-day supply for both products is 19.95. Im just assuming it has a lower value than the acne treatment itself.

NYX: Roll On Shimmer in Onyx
NYX's brand new, intensely rich, shimmering powder that can be applied to the eyes, face, and body.
Full Size: 0.052 oz ($4.50)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.052 oz ($4.50)
The container has a roller ball tip that rolls out the loose powder pigment and glitter. It feels like it applies moist, but who knows. The color I received is Onyx, a charcoal black with silver colored glitter. Im not too excited about this color because I dont see how this product is versatile. Yes, maybe I can wear this on my eyes. But my face and body? Maybe halloween? But speaking generally about the product, although there is great pigmentation and sparkle, it wears off easily. No matter how long you wait for the product to 'set in' the glitter gets everywhere and I easily rubbed off the pigmentation too. I can only see it creasing terribly and getting black glitter all over my face. No bueno.
Included 30% NYX Roll on Shimmer coupon code (GLAMMENYX)

Premier: Dead Sea Cinderella Mask
Luxury skincare rich in life-enhancing minerals from the Dead Sea waters.
Full Size: 2.04 oz ($149)($20.73 on amazon)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($5.11)($0.71)
The mask which is also called the Instant Stretching & Revitalizing (Lifting) Mask is packed full of essential oils and other natural ingredients, plus mud from the Dead Sea. It has a lifting or reviving effect within the 5-10 minutes you wear it. The mask stimulates the metabolism of skin refreshing tired skin and reducing wrinkles. It says it will last 3 days. It is called the Cinderella Mask because it works miracles. Use on clean skin and massage mask into face and neck, wait 5-10 minutes and rinse off. I'm actually excited about this. Especially since it is a reasonable price on amazon. My life is hectic and generally sleep and relaxation are the last thing on my list of things to do. This may be my miracle worker!

Premier: Concentrated Facial Serum w/vitamin E and C
Luxury skincare rich in life-enhancing minerals from the Dead Sea waters
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($149)($28.18 on amazon)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($6.14)($1.16)
I also received a second sample from Premier not listed on the information card. The serum is suposed to provide an invisible veil of support for skin. It lifts, tightens, and nourishes skin improving texture and appearance of fine lines. It promises a lot. But Im intrigued to try it. It says to apply to a clean face, and massage into skin with upward strokes, and moisturizer should be applied after the serum has been absorbed. The product has many positive reviews on amazon. Who knows maybe this will help with the few fine lines I have.
Included is a information card letting you know if you like Premier on facebook you can enter to win $100 shopping spree.  And a coupon code for 50% your entire purchase on their website (MYGLAM).
WORD OF CAUTION! I found both Premier products on amazon for less than $25. That is a huge difference from what the website is charging. If you like this product buy from amazon!

NuMe: $100 Gift Card
Enjoy $100 towards NuMe's products. Hair tools that will revolutionize your everyday look.
Although a generous coupon code, Im not rushing to order. NuMe products are extremely expensive, think a straightener for $300. And the coupon is only for styling tools not hair care or accessories. I dont straighten my hair often and am happy with my Conair blow dryer. Plus, there is currently (as of 2/16/12) a NuMe Haute Look event where some straighteners and blow dryers are under $100. But I have until August 31st, 2012 to decide if I do want to use it or give it to a friend. Who knows, maybe I'll want a mini straightener for travel? Either way it is generous.

Ghiradelli: 2 Chocolate SQUARES
Dear Glammies, Here's a sweet surprise with love from San Francisco! Enjoy these decadent delights!
Full Size: 12 squares ($3.75)
Size Received: 2 squares ($0.63)
Two Ghiradelli squares, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate. A cute extra, although I can't eat either. It always sucks getting dark chocolate that has milk fat in it. I swear it would taste just as good if you didn't add the milk fat. What about vanilla? I gave the chocolate's to my roommate who could enjoy them.

Total Value of my February 2012 MyGlam bag: ~$12.33 (without including $100 coupon code)
Not entirely impressed. Again little samples. Skin care and masks galore. Liked last month's better.

What did you think of my bag? What was your favorite product this month? If you dont get Myglam, click here to join! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Beauty Army: February 2012

The second month for the new beauty subscription service Beauty Army. I got notified on Feb 1st that I was able to make my next sample selection, exactly one month from the date I signed up. I rushed and looked at what was chosen for me. At first I was a little disappointed, there were so many skin products and a few repeat brands from the month before. I remembered that I could retake the quiz to get a different selection. I ended up taking it a good number of times until I was happier with my selection. I hope in the future months there will be more varied product types and companies. (hint, hint!) Plus, I saw other kits from later in january that had many of the 'new' products that I picked for february. So I guess I feel like I got leftovers instead of new and exciting things.

Don't know what Beauty Army is? Beauty Army is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers a GORGEOUS kit of premium beauty samples to your door. So how is it different from any of the other services out there? Well you get to CHOOSE your samples. Each month based on your preferences (long, thoughtful style quiz that can be changed at any time) you will receive 9 products to choose from. From those you get to pick 6. The products this month ranged from beauty, skincare, hair, body, and more. Some of the products you can choose from are full-size items. Beauty Army costs $12 a month, and your kit will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Beauty Army.

February 2012
Last month I had commented that many of my products were unwrapped and rolling around the box when I got it. Well, this mont they were all neatly and tightly package, so it looks like they do listen! I was also concerned about the boxes, but they are such good quality and so easy to flip open that I've already repurposed both of mine. Yes, even the one I just got. One holds my favorite nail polishes and the new box will be for my growing eyeshadow collection. 

Information Card:

Products:
LIFTLAB: Lift & Firm Eye Cream
This intensive eye cream is designed to specifically target crow's feet, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, and sagginess of the delicate skin around your eyes. With active ingredients proven to fight aging, this serum will protect and drastically improve skin.

Full Size: .50 oz ($95)

Size Received: 0.17 oz ($32.30)

A teensy bit of this product leaked out of the packaging. The container is oily and left a stain on my white paper when I was taking it's photo. But it was so neatly wrapped that it didn't get on anything else in the box. I'm familiar with the LIFTLAB brand, I received a sample from a Bircbox months ago. It was a wrinkle serum, but I'm not sure if it worked or not. I have so few wrinkles since Im so young. The only wrinkles I have are scowl wrinkles from concentrating. And it didn't really work on those. But what I do have is dark circles like nobody's business. I cannot wait to try this product! The LIFTLAB website says to apply morning and at night after moisturizing by gently patting the product. We shall see. I've been using this pretty regularly for the past few weeks and not sure if I like this. The sample is very generous, but the formula does not absorb on my skin. Just sits there and then balls up when I touch my skin. It does cool my skin down, but Im not sure if I see any improvement on my dark circles or wrinkles. Ill keep using it though and hope that it just takes awhile to see results.

myface cosmetics: Blingtone Eyeshadow in purple haze
Create a wicked wash of colour and dramatic, wet-looking shine. Blingtone eyeshadows glide on smoothly and wont drop or flake.

Full Size: 0.09 oz ($20.00)

Size Received: Full-size! 0.09 oz ($20.00)

Recognize this product? This is an exact repeat from last month, just a different color. I liked my Sp'ice'y brown eyeshadow, so I figured why not a purple. It has a lot of pink undertones that I really like. The glitter/sparkle is again out of control. With this shade, a little too much. I currently am rocking sparkles on my cardigan, jeans, camera case, keyboard, mouse pad, anything I've touched in the last hour! Im going to only ever apply this one wet with thick primer to hopes to avoid the sparkle attack. But either way the color is gorgeous and once I get it on my eyes I'll love how the sparkle lights up my eyes. I get so many compliments when I wear the brown shade.

Control Corrective: Botanical Soothing Cream
This soothing, calming, and hydrating moisturizer really does it all! With vitamin E, A, and aloe vera hard at work to control redness and SPF to protect from the sun, your skin will look redness free today and tomorrow.

Full Size: 2.5 oz ($48)

Size Received: 0.1 oz ($1.92)

Well this is a very small sample. Probably only enough for a use or two. Im actually really excited about this cream. Normally Im all oh Cetaphil moisturizing cream lovey dovey but I have a major issue with spot redness on my face that make-up never fully covers up. I blame it all on accutane, my skin never fully recovered from the intense medication. I hope that this cream does what it says and I see a miracle happen with the little bit of sample I have. If it works I'm buying the full size. Again, I'll let you all know.
eta: no luck with the two day sample I had. But even if it did I hated the smell! It smelled like candy cigarettes...

StriVectin: StriVectin-SD Concentrate
This leading wrinkle and stretch mark fighter has a new and improved formula to reduce those pesky skin imperfections while improving the look and feel of skin overall. Try it out to see clinically-proven results quickly.

Full Size: 5 oz ($135)

Size Received: 0.75 oz ($20.25)

This product was apparently discovered in skin cancer prevention research to help rebuild skin layers. It is also backed with clinical research, ooh ahh. The sample is a 3 week sample, pretty awesome. Im glad they gave you so much, because sometimes it does take a few weeks to see improvements. It says to apply twice a day, AM and PM on clean skin. I've heard some amazing things about this product. Every girl has a few stretch marks or wrinkles. I'm going to take this for a spin.
eta: I kind of think it is working making my stretch marks less noticeable. But after a few weeks they are still there, just semi-faded. I'm almost out, but I wouldn't rebuy this unless I found it massively marked down. I have seen the full-size at Marshalls and TJ Maxx for ~$40-50, but still don't think I would buy it for that price.

CellCeuticals: CellGenesis Regenerative Skin Treatment

With a new breakthrough formula, CellGenesis encourages the regeneration of new skin, encouraging a more visibly youthful and glowing complexion. This treatment reduces wrinkles, firms AND tones, showing off more radiant skin.

Full Size: 1 oz ($85)

Size Received: 0.33 oz ($28.05)

See a trend? Wrinkle and firming products were all the rage this month. At least this one also makes your skin glow. I've heard some people buzzing about this product. Apparently it was created by the doctor that fixed Bruce Jenner's hack job. Apparently they guarantee results within two weeks. Im always so skeptical of these types of products. I'll let you know what I think.

Freeman Beauty: Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo
The original dry shampoo to refresh and rejuvinate hair by soaking up excess oil, removing product build-up and boosting volume. Hair looks, feels and smells freshly shampooed. Cleans, deodorizes and conditions hair-without water!

Full Size: 5.3 oz ($6.99)

Size Received: 1.76 oz ($2.32)

Is it silly that this is the product I am most excited about? I love when products are cheap enough that I can afford to buy if I love it. As a graduate student, I have many late nights or days where taking a shower eats too much time. I used to use baby powder on my hair in undergraduate, but my hair was much lighter than it is now. You shake it up real good, spray at the roots and scalp (shake every so often between sprays), wait a few minutes, and brush through. I think it works really well. My hair feels lighter and softer than before and it looks brighter and lighter. Plus, I do think it volumized my roots a bit. It has a nice smell to it, a little like Baby's Soft Perfume if I remember correctly.

Total Value of my February 2012 kit:$104.84

Another insanely valued box!

What did you think of my kit? What did you choose in your own? If you dont get Beauty Army, click here to join! Let me know in the comments below!

MyGlam: January 2012

MyGlam in its second month has many 'Glammies' around the country excited for round two. I missed out on December's, but heard amazing things. Here we gooo.


Don't know what MyGlam is? MyGlam is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers premium beauty samples to your door. The creator of MyGlam, Michelle Phan, is a YouTube beauty expert that wants to share her favorite items with the world. The bags are delivered in the cutest reusable beauty bags. Once you join you will take a beauty/preference quiz that will help the girls choose the best products for you. The products range from beauty, skincare, hair, body, nails, and more. Every month you should also expect to receive full-sized products. MyGlam costs $10 a month, and your bag will always be valued above!
Click here to join MyGlam.

January 2012, MyGlam Back To Nature Bag

The January bag is all about brands that are cruelty-free, organic, all-natural, and earthy. Even the bag is part of the theme! I wouldn't have figured out the theme if it wasn't stated on the card and bag because none of the products have any certifications or even organic products listed. I also noticed that two of the products are made my infommercial queen Guthy Renker (Wen and Sheer Cover). I was expecting more make-up products because the December bag was ALL make-up and amazing brands, which is why I was so excited for my bag. Hopefully the quality won't trickle away but get better with customer reviews. I did not like that none of the products were wrapped. I read someone's nail polish broke in-route and ruined all her products! MyGlam has some kinks to work out, but for a start out, they are on the right track.

Information Card:

Products:

Freeman: Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask in Cucumber

Nourish, hydrate, and replenish with these peel-off masks that leave skin with a gorgeous glow.

Full Size: 6 oz (they list for $8, found online for $3.99)

Size Received: Full-size! 6 oz ($3.99)

This product was given away on the Myglam facebook page a few weeks ago. Many people were upset that it was a product that you can buy at Walmart or CVS. I dont mind since I do buy a lot of my beauty and skin products at CVS. But what I don't like is that it is listed being worth $8, when even on the Freeman website is listed as $3.99. Not cool. But the value aside, the product is a full-size product which is awesome.  The product has a nice, pleasant smell. It is pretty much a gel that sets up onto your face. I've never tried a peel-off mask, so Im excited to try it. It would be cool if you can see the impurities trapped onto the gel. There is also a 16% off coupon for a kit of 3 different Freeman masks. 

Wen: Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner

A single-step hair cleansing conditioner made with natural ingredients. It won't strip hair and scalp of natural oils and leaves hair thick and hydrated.

Full Size: 16 oz ($36.00)

Size Received: 2 oz ($4.50)

Since I just received a leave-in conditioning treatment in my January Beauty Army box that Im already obsessed with, I may not try this one right away. It says it is a sweet almond smell, but all I smell is the leaf extract, which is like minty grass. On the back of the bottle it says that a little dab can be added after the treatment is washed away as a leave-in treatment. Which is nice since my hair tangles often. But I do have very thin hair and an oily scalp, so we shall see how it works with my hair type. Ill add my thoughts on it once I try it. There is also a $20 off coupon for the Wen Healthy Hair Care System included in the bag.

theBalm Cosmetics: Hot Ticket Nail Polish in Orange You Glad You're Not Blue

Long lasting, eye-popping shades to flatter and transform your fingers and toes.

Full Size: 0.5 oz ($10.00)

Size Received: Full-size! 0.5 oz ($10.00)

Although some websites sell this for $8-9 dollars, theBalm website sells for $10, so I'll leave the value at what was written on the card. The color I received is so bright! It is really fun. Great color for summer and just brightening my day in winter. And orange is my favorite color. How did you know MyGlam? I never actually wear orange nail polish, so now is the time to try it out. Working in retail means that nail polish does not last a day without chipping. I wonder how long this will last for me. We shall see and I'll report back. Im terrible at doing my nails and highly impatient. I already messed up my tester nail before I got my top coat on.

Sheer Cover: Duo Concealer in Light/Medium

A unique pigment and mineral complex that provides full coverage with a sheer, flawless finish.

Full Size: 0.10 oz ($29.00)

Size Received: Full-size! 0.10 oz ($29.00)

A bit confused with the weight. My info card says that the full-size product is 0.05 oz at $29, but it looks like that size is sold for ~$15 and the 0.10 oz that I received is sold for the ~$30 price. A mistake? Not sure. This was the product that I was most excited for since I wanted to try out contouring and highlighting my face. At first I thought the product seemed oily, but I blended it in with a little powder and it set in well. Looking at my left eye with my eye make-up taken off and my right with the added concealer, it does a really nice job. Im impressed! The light color was perfect for under my eyes and looks natural not orange-y. The darker color will probably work well for me once I get my summer tan on. Well zombie white to white. There is also a coupon for a $19.95 + s/h Sheer Cover Makeup Kit, which is sold on their website for $29.95. Who knows I may go for that offer since it includes: foundation, bronzer, duo concealer, primer, mascara, eyeshadow/lip gloss/blush kit, and 2 brushes. 

Total Value of my January 2012 bag:$47.49

Not bad, not bad. I'd be ecstatic at the value if MyGlam's FB and info card didn't lead you a bit off.

What did you think of my bag? What was your favorite product this month? If you dont get Myglam, click here to join! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Side note: I got a brand new camera. A Nikon S9100. I took photos for this review twice: one set with the new and one with my 5 year old Sony Cybershot DSC-W80. And over half the best photos used in this review were with my old camera! Even the photo of my face was blurry when I cropped into it with the Nikon, and it was double the MBs. How awful is that. A 5 year old camera out performs the new? New camera is being returned tomorrow morning. Back to the drawing boards. After another few hours of researching I ended up spending a major bit more and getting the Canon s95. I get it Monday and will use it once I get my GogoGirlfriend box. The last beauty kit for January.