Why I Am No Longer Subscribed to Sample Society

Today's subscription service that I am no longer subscribed to is: 

Beauty Bar Sample Society by Allure

Favorite item: 

Deborah Lippmann 'Private Dancer' Mirrored Chrome Nail Lacquer. (Sample Society August 2012) 

The gloves I knit were the focus of this picture, but it was the only one of me wearing this polish.

At first look it is a rich, royal purple....

...but just look at that duochrome! Glorious!

The label

I love this nail polish so much! I would never spend the money ($19!!!) to buy this myself, but I'm so grateful that it was sent out during one of the months I was subscribed! 

Least Favorite Item:

CellCeuticals Extremely Gentle Cleanser (SS September 2012) 

The most boring facial cleanser EVER

This is ok as a cleanser.  It doesn't really do much for me and it kinda smells bad.  However, I did end up using it to wash my newest tattoo as it was healing.  I needed something very gentle, and this fit the bill.  It's really not that bad as far as the samples I received go, it was just my least favorite out of the 15 items I was sent over the 3 months I was subscribed.  I think I would have liked it more if I had super sensitive skin.  I don't, but if you are reading this and have been looking for the face-wash equivalent of a baby's bottom, this is your product.  It's about as innocuous as you can get! 

What I liked

SS sent out high quality items from luxury brands that other services do not seem to sample.  All of the samples were a great size, and if they were not full-sized, they were certainly big enough to use for a while to get a feel for the product.  A nice variety of products were sent out each month, from hair to skin to makeup, with none of the goofy lifestyle items like pens and laundry detergent.

What I didn't like

The price.  $15 is a little steep to add onto my $20 for BB and Ipsy.  I'm not giving either one of them up, so SS had to go.  I really enjoyed most of the items I received, but I didn't ever buy a full size of them due to the cost, mostly.  $15 off of $50 is nice, but I would still end up paying more than I would want for a full-sized item.  I got 3 months from them and it was worth way more than the $45 I spent, but for now I'm more interested in trendy makeup items than a nice toner or eye cream.  Ipsy and BB stay, SS goes.  If I were 10 years older, I think this would be my favorite box of them all. 

If you would like to try out SS, use code J.C.9102 and $5 will be donated to various charities chosen by Sample Society. (RI residents, among a few other states, can not get the $5 referral credited to their account, so it goes to charity instead.)

This post contains products that were purchased by me through Sample Society.  All opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral code that will result in $5 being donated to charity whenever anyone uses it to subscribe to SS.

My All-Subscription Box Vacation, Part 1

I'm going on vacation! It's a "surprise," but I'm pretty sure we are heading to somewhere on Cape Cod for two nights and most of three days. Vacations are great. Not only do I get to stuff my face with delicious foods with the excuse that, "I'm on vacation," I get the chance to use up some of the sample products I've received from subscription boxes. Sub boxes are great; I haven't had to buy a travel size of anything in over a year! I killed so many foil packets in Europe last summer; it was fantastic. Here is what I am packing for my weekend away:

Hello, hair products!

 Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo (Birchbox December 2012). I love this stuff, it smells great and is sulfate free! I only plan on shampooing once while I am there, so it's fine that this is clarifying.

(MALIN + GOETZ) Cilantro Hair Conditioner (Birchbox October 2012). This is ok. It's not my favorite conditioner, it's not quite strong enough for my hair, but it's fine for travel. I'm almost out, I have 1 use left in the bottle.

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle (Birchbox April 2013). I've already expressed my love for this product *um yeah, let me actually upload that entry*. The travel-sized bottle makes me happy. I might just sleep with it under my pillow in the hopes that some magical hair fairy grants all my wishes.

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper (Birchbox November 2012/ July 2013). This will do just fine for the beach.

Davines Oi/Oil (Birchbox June 2013). This is part of their 3-step system. I already used the conditioner packet, and the shampoo contains sulfates so I try to use it only every now and then (it smells sooo good though!), so this is all I have left to try out of the three. I plan on straightening my hair if we go out to a fancy dinner and this will be my finishing product. There are also some twistbands hiding under there. I like them a lot and have a ton everywhere; my car, my desk at work, upstairs, downstairs, in the side table by the couch, in the bathroom...

All the face gunk I'm bringing

LA Fresh Makeup Remover Wipes (Ipsy March 2013) These are perfectly adequate for wiping the day off of my face at night. They will do just fine for this weekend away. \

(MALIN + GOETZ) Grapefruit Face Cleaner (Birchbox October 2012) I haven't tried this, but everything else by this company has been decent. I love the smell of grapefruit, so I'll probably like this. I'm assuming this will be enough for 1 night.

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser  (Birchbox June 2013) I'm bringing my last little bit of this with me for the second night. I loved this product! I think it's too expensive to buy the full price, but maybe if I save up my BB points for a while I will splurge on it. It smells delicious! I may or may not have tasted a little bit and we will just say that it smells better than it tastes.

Coola Mineral Sunscreen- Unscented (Ipsy July 2013) Sunscreen is a must-have. I'm also bringing SPF100000000000 for my body and face if we go to the beach or spend any amount of time outside. This is just for every-day anyway use under my makeup.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentré (Birchbox January 2013) This is supposed to be good. We shall see. This is for at night, I didn't feel like packing my big full-sized Juice Beauty moisturizer that was in the June Popsugar.

Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste (Birchbox May 2013) I like this toothpaste, but not enough to buy it. The sample is nice and I don't have another travel size at the moment. I'm going to the dentist a few days after we get back and will get one then ;) All of this fits into the little silver makeup bag that Ipsy sent in December 2012. Excellent.

This post contains items that were received in Birchbox and Ipsy, both of which are purchased with my own funds.  All opinions are my own.

My All-Subscription Box Vacation, Part 2

I'm getting excited for my vacation this weekend! Here is what is in my makeup bag- almost everything is from subscription boxes! 

The non-subscription box products

NYC Browser Brush-On Brow Kit because nothing finishes your look like filled-in brows! This may be all I end up using. Who knows. 

Bare Minerals Original Foundation in case I need some extra coverage 

Various brushes and an eyelash curler. Some of these are from sub boxes (like the SoHo brush in my Ipsy top 5), and some are not. Either way, they are not anything special. 

These will make me feel pretty

Blinc Mascara (Birchbox July 2012) I love this tubing mascara. It doesn't wash off unless you want it to- perfect for going for a swim! 

Chella Ivory Lace Eyebrow Pencil (Ipsy June 2013) I've already written about this in my top 5 Ipsy list. 

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush (Ipsy July 2013) Same with this! It's the perfect summer day lip color. 

Vincent Longo Lipstain SPF 15 Lipstick in Cherry (Glossybox January 2013) For a nice dinner out, no other lipstick can beat this one, especially in a classic red. The stain lasts all night, through dinner and drinks, and doesn't come off on anyone else's cheeks or lips. 

Mai Couture Highlighter Papier (Ipsy December 2012). For when I feel fancy. I tried using this over the winter to a formal event, but I was just too darn pale for it to look good. Maybe now that I'm 0.005 shades darker, it will look better. 

Mirabella Perfecting Powder (Ipsy May 2013). See my other list linked above for a proclamation of my love for this product. It will not leave my sight until it is used up. I will then hold a funeral for it. 

Ada Cosmetics Bronzer in Peach (Birchbox July 2012). For some contouring if I feel like it, and in place of a blush if I want to get crazy with the beachy look. This isn't too dark for my skin tone, which is amazing. 

theBalm Hot Mama Shadow/Blush (Birchbox December 2012). One of my favorite blushes of all time! I was told it made me all glowy, and who doesn't want that? This barely missed out on being on my top 5 Birchbox list. It is awesome and super-flattering. 

Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Quads (Ipsy October 2012, February 2013) Boy am I bringing <em>all</em> of my entire top 5 Ipsy products? I think so... 

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Matt Batali (Ipsy November 2012). It seems like theBalm is only selling the nude matte palette now, not the original one. Oh well, I still like this shadow, especially in a smokey eye. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (Birchbox September 2012). I don't plan on wearing foundation, just this. I'm bringing the Bare Minerals for night if we go out, but this will be just fine for the day. I really like this product but not as much as I like my Dr. Jart BB. Maybe if I feel the need to buy an every-day matte product I will get this one. For vacation, it will be great. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil (Ipsy December 2012) Yup. I've got my whole top 5. I also have almost every color ever made of this pencil and there is not a better eyeliner that I have been able to find. It's not up for discussion. These are the best, and they come in the best colors. 

Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil (Allure Sample Society July 2012). For under my lipsticks, or by itself with some chapstick or gloss over it. This is a really nice pencil, and it is great to have two slightly different shades in one. Travel is all about multi-use products, right? Streamline your packing!

Look at those packing skills!

Not all of this fit in the July Ipsy bag... Everything in the first picture was left out. So, I put it all into the January bag instead. That is the biggest one they have sent out, and all of my brushes fit (diagonally). I can't wait!

This post contains items that were received in Sample Society, Birchbox and Ipsy, both of which are purchased with my own funds.  All opinions are my own.

Influenster Lifeway Kefir Program

Influenster Lifeway Kefir Program 

woohoo!

This is the second invitation I've gotten from Influenster! I received a VoxBox a few months ago. This time it is a stand-alone product. I'm excited! I actually really like kefir, but don't buy it often because it is a little pricey. Keep an eye out for my review. 

From the Lifeway website:

What is kefir? Kefir is a cultured probiotic beverage similar in taste and texture to drinkable yogurt, and made from milk fermented with kefir cultures. Originating over 2000 years ago in the Caucasus Mountains-where many people live well over 100 years-kefir has been associated with a long list of health benefits.

What is Influenster? 

This is a program that lets you share your reviews and opinions on products with the companies that provide them, as well as others. Learn more at their website. I have some invitations left if you would like to join!

Beautyfix is now Blush Mystery Beauty Box

I got this e-mail today.  I don't subscribe to Beautyfix, but I'm on their mailing list.

Not a bad deal!

Are you going to sign up?

Spoilers July Glossybox and August Popsugar

Here are some current spoilers:

August Popsugar Must Have: Gorjana and Griffin Open Circle Necklace

July Glossybox: Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque

July Glossybox: Figs and Rouge Lip Balm

Use code BABOR when you sign up for Glossybox through July 19 and you will receive a Babor Eye Liner with your first box!

Golden Tote June 2013 Review

Golden Tote June 2013
Every month there are two tote options. With the $49 tote, you pick 1 item and receive 1-2 more surprise items. With the $149 option, you pick 2 items and receive 3-5 more. All the items I have ever been sent have all fit perfectly and have been really well made. My coworkers often comment on how well- made things look when I wear tote items. This month I picked a black and white striped slim mini dress and in addition to the branded tote bag (thinner material than in the past), I got a scarf/wrap/sarong thing and a shirt.

June's $49 Golden Tote....check out the handwritten note!

The shirt is a high-low rayon blouse with crochet-esque detailing. It is light and breezy, perfect for the dog days of summer and exactly what I would gravitate toward in a store.

As always, a perfect fit!

The big piece of fabric is blue and green leopard on a tan background, with big coral hearts over everything. It is light enough to tie as a scarf, but wide and long enough to use as a lightweight wrap or beach sarong. I have quite a few things like this and get a lot of use out of them in the summer. This can go from the sunny beach to a cool evening out in no time!

I can do fancy things with scarves!

The dress is fully lined and quite slim, but has a bit of a stretch to it. I'm going for a weekend on the Cape in a couple days, this will be excellent for a nice dinner out!

don't mind the nap hair...

hate to see you go...

As always, I'm impressed with the quality and value of Golden Tote. I just wish they shipped everything out faster! The hand-written note on the packing slip was a nice touch, I definitely appreciate the work that they put into making sure you like your tote!