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!

Beauty Box 5: February 2012

I first heard about Beauty Box 5 from www.geniabeme.com, a blog that I absolutely love reading. Eugenia had posted a code for buy one get one month free and I could not resist! I know, I know I have absolute no willpower.
This is Beauty Box 5's first month. They've kept their box pretty mysterious with very few photos or details on what brands they will host. What I do love is that they stated that there will always be one full-sized product in each box. I guess only time will tell.

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

February 2012, Inaugural Box
There was a cute little thank you note in the box, but no description of products or any note from the company. I never really realized how much I appreciate the information card. Beauty Army doesn't provide a product card either, but I hand selected my samples so I know what Im getting. They do have product blurbs listed online under the 'Brands' page.

Included Card:

Products:
Comodynes: Self-Tanning Towelette in natural and uniform color
Practice safe sun and get a natural healthy looking tan with Comodynes Self Tanning Towelettes. For best results, exfoliate the day before application to remove dead skin cells to ensure an even luxurious glow.
Full Size: 8 towelettes ($14.99)
Size Received: 1 towelette ($1.88)
I received this sample in my December GogoGirlfriend box. I didn't use it when I got it since there seemed to be no point since I was in cold Chicago and was covered head-to-toe. Once I can start wearing dresses this spring I'm going to try this one out. The company claims that the towel provides a natural and uniform tan in 3 hours. Plus it is non-streaking and is moisturizing. And the tan tone adapts to your skin tone (apparently). I've never used a self-tanner before. But this towelette seems foolproof that I may actually try it. Plus it has really good reviews online. 

PRITI NYC: Soy Nail Polish Remover Wipe
With on-the-go busy lifestyles, keeping up with beautiful nails can be challenging. This nail polish remover wipe saves time, space, and energy allowing you to keep up with the occasional nail polish chip. For emergency situations be sure to leave wipes handy in you car, purse, office and anywhere in between.
Full Size: 10 wipes ($10.00)
Size Received: 1 wipe ($1.00)
These nail polish remover wipes are 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, non-carcinogen, and contain no petroleum. I like the idea of these wipes, since acetone is so hard on my nails and cuticles. I'm going to save this for my purse as Beauty Box 5 suggests. It will be perfect to use when Im at work and realize my nails look like a chipmunk attached my nail polish. But I know I couldn't afford to buy these, I mean a bottle of acetone lasts for months and months.
eta: I used it on Zoya and theBalm painted nails. It took some rubbing, but my nails are clean and free of nail polish. The wipe is greasy, but it obviously was moisturizing my hands in the promise of removing the polish. My nails are nice and shiny!

Smith's: Rosebud Salve
Fix a hairy situation by applying a smidge of salve to unruly eyebrows or slater on lips to relieve chapped, irritated skin. Dry cuticles can also be remedied with a touch of Smith's Rosebud Salve. It's a must have multi-purpose gem!

Full Size: 0.8 oz ($7.00)

Size Received: Full-sized! 0.8 oz ($7.00)

The history of this company is really cute. And by cute, I mean heartwarming. The company, originally named The Rosebud Perfume Company, a small drug store has been around since 1895. The company is still in the family and is now owned by the great-grandchild of the original owner. Products are still made in the USA and are mixed and poured in Maryland. It is nice to see a business keep going and going! This salve aids in the relief chapped and dry lips/skin, blemishes, diaper rash, and rough cuticles. At first, the smell was quite strong to me, but once you rub it into your skin, it smells like fresh roses! My cuticles already look and feel softer since applying the salve and what I really love is that it isn't sticky. I can just rub in the extra into my hands and move on. It feels like heaven on my lips. With only need a little dab per application, this baby will last years. I love it already!

Weleda: Hydrating Day Cream in Iris
Quench dry to very dry skin after your A.M. cleanse with this antioxidant packed, natural face cream. Use along with the Weleda Iris Hydrating Night Cream for 24 hour hydration. Let this cream do it's thing and bring your inner beauty out to face the day
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($20.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($3.40)
I've heard of Weleda since they are being featured in multiple box companies lately. They really are getting their name out! And now that I think about it I have seen their products when I go to health food stores. The company has been around since 1921 and has been practicing organic farming since day one. All Weleda products do not contain synthetics or chemicals and all ingredients are certified natural and cruelty-free. The product does have beeswax in it but that is the one thing I still do use it as a vegan (vegans are not all perfect! this article helps the back and forth debate on bee byproducts). Anyways, the lotion is runnier than I expected, but dries up almost instantly and isn't greasy at all. Plus, the iris smell is divine.

Weleda: Hydrating Night Cream in Iris
Use after your P.M. cleansing and sleep soundly, knowing that the Iris Hydrating Night Cream is soothing, repairing and hydrating your skin while you dream. Wake up to supple and strong skin thanks to nutrient rich ingredients
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($21.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($3.57)
The night cream is a much thicker and creamy than the day cream. You can just feel that it is a heavy-duty version of the day. It also is not greasy and quickly absorbs into your skin. The smell is still the same distinct iris, but it seems a bit more subdued. These samples are the perfect size to have for vacation. And I cannot get over how good they smell!

Total Value of my February 2012 box: $16.85
Im excited to try some of these products but was hoping for a better value. If I had paid full price ($12) for this box I would be a little disappointed, but I technically only spent $6 since next month's is free. But the more I use the products that I got, the more I actually LOVE my box. These are practical products and I absolutely enjoyed every single one of the picks. I'll be keeping this subscription if March has just as great products and brands.

What did you think of the first box? Any product featured in the box that you've tried before? If you don't get Beauty Box 5, click here to join! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Another subscription service! (Beauty Box 5) + BOGO Promo Code

Although Im trying to save money, I couldn't help myself. Beauty Box 5 is a new subscription service that I just signed up for. They ship to both the US and Canada. The boxes are $12 a month and promise a mixture of 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.

I used code: BOGO5 and got one month free! I figured if Im only paying $6 for the first two months, doesnt hurt to try it out. Plus, they already have a referral system set up. For every 5 friends, you get 1 month free! Use my referral link to sign up for your first box. (Reported as of 3/1 the BOGO5 no longer is valid)

Sign up by Tuesday February 14th and you'll get the February box which ships out on the 15th!

Im excited to review this new company, I love their website, and they have a very active facebook page, so we shall see!