March 2015 Beauty Box Five

The March 2015 Beauty Box Five* features products to help us look effortlessly chic for spring. If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!

The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).

Now let’s talk about the March items…

1. Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Cream | Retail: $19 for 8 oz (sample contains 0.5 oz) - This non-greasy lotion contains 70% Certified Organic ingredients. It’s also paraben and cruelty free. As someone who loves and uses body creams daily, I found this first item very exciting.
2. Eslor Introductory Collection - Second Edition - I received an Eslor sample kit in the June 2014 Box. It featured products to calm and soothe skin. The sample kit that was sent this month includes a peeling gel, a lifting mask, a cleanser, and a day cream. Full size versions of these samples range in price from $28-$85.

3. Scandalous by Nanacoco Thickening Mascara | Retail: $4.99 - This mascara has a special brush to reach and magnify all lashes. I received the shade Very Black.
4. Laugh Out Loud by Nanacoco Lip Gloss | Retail: $3.99 -  I received the shade Ballerina which is a neutral pink that would look great with many different skin tones.
5. Styli-Style Line & Seal Twist Mechanical Eye Liner | Retail: $3.99 - This twist-up eyeliner is so convenient that it doesn’t require a sharpener. I received the shade Raisin which I think would pair well with green eyes.
Overall, I think this month’s box includes a nice assortment of products. All three makeup items are full size and the skincare items are from higher end brands. The makeup items are in universally flattering shades that will complement many different skin tones. I’m looking forward to next month’s box and can’t wait to see what Beauty Box Five has in store for April.

February 2015 Beauty Box Five

The February 2015 Beauty Box Five* features products to help celebrate the company's third birthday! If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!

The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).

Now let’s talk about the February items…

1. Avon Big Color Eye Pencil | Retail: $3.49 - This pencil is easy to apply and helps minimize time spent on makeup application. I received the shade Sunkissed which is a beautiful metallic copper colour. I think this would look great on those with blue eyes. 

2. GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment | Retail: $69 for 1.7 oz (sample contains 5ml) - The name of this product is so intriguing that I just have to try it even though I rarely try out new skincare products. This treatment can be used as an anti-aging mask and an exfoliant. 

3. Absolute New York Absolute Love Lip Balm | Retail: $5 - This subtly tinted balm has a delicious scent, cute packaging, and moisturizing ingredients. It’s a very pretty shade of pink (it looks just like the colour on the tin) that will add the perfect glow to lips. 

4. Revlon Colorstay Nail Enamel | Retail: $3.99 - This polish looks opaque on the nails with just one coat, and it’s long lasting. I received the shade Stormy Night which is a pretty greyish purple colour with beige undertones. 

5. Marks Mineral Eyeshadow in Vanilla Frosting | Retail: $22.50 - This soft, shimmery white shadow is prefect for brightening the eyes. It can also be used as a cheek highlighter. 

This month, Beauty Box Five also sent a $20 yourMinerals gift card that can be used towards the purchase of this mineral makeup company’s all-natural shadows, foundations, blushes, and brushes.

Overall, I’m impressed with the February 2015 box from Beauty Box Five. Aside from the skincare sample, all items in the box were full size and, along with the gift card, had a combined value of approximately $55. I enjoyed the selection of colours and will be adding some of these items to my spring makeup bag, especially that pretty lip balm. I’m looking forward to next month’s box and can’t wait to see what Beauty Box Five has in store for March. 

December 2014 Beauty Box Five

The December 2014 Beauty Box Five features products to help us feel relaxed and refreshed during this busy time of year. The products are meant to encourage us to take a few minutes to pamper ourselves and maintain a bright complexion all December long. If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the December items…

1. Lucky Brand Lucky Number 6 | Retail: $15.99-$60.00 – This first sample is a fragrance featuring notes of lotus, tiger lily, cashmere woods, and jasmine. While I normally prefer sweet scents over florals, I really like this scent. It’s not a strong overpowering floral but more of a light, sweeter floral that’s perfect for winter.
2. Absolute! New York Nail Polish Remover Pads | Retail:  $2.99 for 32 Pads – I love these mini nail polish remover pads. They are perfect for travel and have a fresh lemon scent. This is a full size product.
3. Nanacoco Nail Polish | Retail: $3.95 for 0.5 fl oz – The shade that I received of this glitter polish is called Beatbox and it’s from Nanacoco’s Sprinkle of Color line. This is a full size bottle. I will be saving this pretty glitter for an upcoming giveaway that will feature multiple glitter polishes. Look out for that post if you are interested in winning glitter polishes!

4. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Moisturizer | Retail: $65 for $1.7 oz – Although this is my least favourite item in this month’s box, that’s only because I have very sensitive skin and am not usually interested in trying new skincare products. That said, this product does sound wonderful with its organic, antioxidant-rich plant and fruit oils formula that helps reduce wrinkles, combat sun damage, and hydrate skin. I will pass this on to my mom.
5. Jaqua Bath & Body Rose Bouquet Facial Mist | Retail: $16.50 for 15 ml – I think this is my favourite product in this month’s box. I use rose water on my face daily after showering to hydrate and calm redness. I’m looking forward to trying this brand’s version of rose water. As an added bonus, this is a full size product!
Overall, I am very happy with the December 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. In fact, it may be the most impressive box that I have received this year. The three full size products more than pay for the box and I will get a lot of use out of the majority of the items. I’m looking forward to next month’s box and can’t wait to see what Beauty Box Five has in store for 2015!
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

August 2014 Beauty Box Five

The August 2014 Beauty Box Five features products to help us transition from summer to fall. The products are meant to provide beaming skin, dazzling lips, and lustrous locks to keep us glowing through the changing seasons.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the August items…

1. La Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes  |  Retail: $19.99 for 48 packets – I could have used these on my last weekend trip. I forgot to bring makeup wipes so I had to miss out on wearing mascara. My lashes were sad. On a happy note, these wipes are oil free and safe for sensitive skin. The sample package contains 8 wipes and the package is nice and compact for travel purposes.
2. Pur-lisse Pur-protect SPF 30  | Retail: $55 for 1.7 oz – This sounds like my type of moisturizer with its lightweight formula, SPF 30, and gentle ingredients for sensitive skin. The sample contains .5 oz/15 ml.
3. Novex Brazilian Keratin  |  Retail: $19.50 for 2lbs – This conditioning treatment sounds like the perfect solution for summer hair that needs help recovering from chlorine, sun, and wind damage. BB5 recommends applying it on freshly washed hair and leaving it on for 25 minutes. The sample package contains 30 g / 1.05 oz.

4. Style Essentials Nail Polish  |  Retail: $7 for nail polish collection – I couldn’t find much about this product online. I think the retail price is for more than one bottle of polish. The bottle seems small and contains 7 ml of product. The shade is a black with silvery glitter.
5. Nanacoco Lip Gloss  |  Retail $3.99 – I’m surprized by the low price tag on this item. The packaging looks very sleek and expensive. I received a pretty shimmery hot pink shade called Popular. It looks a lot like a Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip gloss that I used to love in the shade Kanani. Aside from containing good ingredients like Vitamin E, this lip gloss adds shine to the lips without stickiness. It sounds like an affordable yet high quality product.
Overall, I think the August 2014 box from Beauty Box Five contained a nice assortment of products although they may not have as high of a value as those in previous boxes.  I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

July 2014 Beauty Box Five

The July 2014 Beauty Box Five features products inspired by the defining moments that make us the amazing people (and women) that we are.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the July items…

1. Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara – Aside from having beautiful packaging, this mascara lifts lashes without a curler, is smudge and flake free, and provides volume and definition. I can’t wait to try out this full sized product ($7.99), especially since it does not cause flaking which can be hard to find in a mascara.
2. Body Drench Candy Licious Lips – These cute lip balms come in a variety of sweet flavours (cotton candy, grape lollipop, lime gumdrop, and more). I received red licorice. It smells delicious and the packaging is very cute. Like the mascara, this is another full size product. It retails for $3.99.
3. Starlooks Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil – This creamy  pencil liner can be used for a dramatic smoky eye look. It also creates precise lines and can even be used as a base for shadows—just smudge with a blending brush. While this product sounds great, I’m not one for eyeliner so I will save this full sized pencil ($12.00) for a future giveaway.

4. HASK Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment – This deep conditioner restores, nourishes, and repairs damaged hair with results that last for two weeks. This package retails for $2.49 and is good for at least two uses. Since I have fine hair that is not very dry during the summer months, I will use a bit less than half the package per treatment. I’m really looking forward to trying this product as I’m always looking for something to add a bit of extra smoothness and shine to my hair.
5. Anna Naturals Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub – During the summer months, I love using body scrubs to keep my skin looking smooth and youthful. I can’t wait to try this vegan scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes without parabens, artificial fragrances, or harsh chemicals. I could not figure out how much product the sample jar contains, but the full size retails for $10.99 and contains 4 fl oz.
Overall, I am very impressed with the July 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. The three full size products more than pay for the box, and the smaller samples are perfect for summer. I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

June 2014 Beauty Box Five

The June 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that are ideal for looking effortlessly summer chic.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the June items…

1. Nicka K New York Nail Color – This juicy red colour in the shade Ripe Apple provides chip-free long wearing coverage. Plus, the polish is free of formaldehyde. I think that this colour is beautiful and vibrant for summer months and it will really compliment a nautical-themed outfit. In fact, I like the colour so much that I already have similar shades in my collection, so I will save this bottle for a giveaway. This is a full size item (0.5 fl oz) that retails for $4.99.
2. Glam Natural Mascara – This next item is perfect for mascara lovers like me who have very sensitive eyes. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan, and paraben and gluten free. I can’t wait to try this! The full size version of this sample contains 0.25 oz and retails for $28.

3. Organix Coconut Water Shampoo & Conditioner – On a hot summer day, there’s nothing that I enjoy more than a cold glass of coconut water. It’s so hydrating and refreshing! No wonder I can’t wait to try this hair care duo that’s sulfate-free to protect hair colour. The full size (13 oz) retails for $7.99.
4. Vita Bath Body Wash – This deliciously scented Wild Red Cherry body wash contains antioxidants and is free of silicone, mineral oils, and propylene glycol.  The sample contains 2 oz, and the full size contains 12 oz and retails for $7.95.

5. Eslor Introductory Collection Calming Kit – This skincare kit includes a soothing refiner & cleanser, a replenishing scrub, a comforting mask, and a soothing cream. All items are paraben-free. I’m most looking forward to trying the scrub and mask. Full size versions retail between $28 and $65.
Overall, I am very impressed with the June 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. I really enjoyed the assortment of skincare, hair care, body care, nail polish, and makeup products that were sent this month. This box makes me think of summer and its iconic beauty trends (red lips, long black lashes, shiny hair, and smooth skin). I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

April 2014 Beauty Box Five

The April 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that are ideal for creating a breezy spring look.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the April items…

1. Blum Naturals All Purpose Cleansing Wipes – These aloe-vera infused mini wipes are hypo-allergenic, cruelty free and paraben free. While these wipes are perfect for correcting makeup mistakes on the go, I think I would use them most for wiping my hands before eating at a restaurant. This incredibly cute container of wipes is full size and retails for $2.49 (30 wipes).
2. Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer – This self tanning lotion gives a streak-free subtle tan. I’m always willing to try the latest in UV free tan products, so I’m looking forward to trying this product. The three sample packages each come with 0.28 oz of product and the full size contains 4 oz and retails for $9.99.

3. BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Palette – This cute little palette contains a gold, a copper, and a purple shadow—a perfect combination for creating a bronzy spring/summer eye look with a pretty pop of colour. The full size palette comes with 16 eyeshadows and 4 face powders and retails for $18.95.
4. Nicka K New York Hydro Lipstick – This long lasting lipstick delivers pigmented colour that’s hydrating and paraben free. I received the shade Begonia which is a red with pink undertones. Since I don’t wear lipstick, I will save this pretty shade for my next giveaway. This full size lipstick contains 0.12 oz and retails for $4.99.
4. Bonne Bell Lip Definer – Apple Cider is a reddish pink shade of lip liner that complements the lipstick that came in this month’s box. This is also a full size product and it retails for $3.95.
Overall, I enjoyed the April 2014 box from Beauty Box Five and was very impressed that three of the five items were full size. My favourite item was the All Purpose cleansing wipes and I’m looking forward to trying out the self-tanner. To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

March 2014 Beauty Box Five

The March 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that will help inspire us to break bad beauty habits and achieve beautiful skin.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the March items…

1. Jane’s Pick All Natural Soap – This handmade soap is all natural and is infused with herbs and flowers. BB5 also recommends using this soap as a shaving cream. I love to try different shower/body products so I look forward to trying this soap. The full size bar contains 5 oz of product and retails for $8.00. The sample is a bit smaller.
2. Tree Hut Shea Body Butter – Since one of my priorities is taking the best possible care of my skin, I moisturize all my skin every day. As a result, I go through body lotions very quickly, and I love trying out new ones. This paraben-free lotion is anti-aging and uses cocoa and organic shea butter to deep condition the skin. It is thick and moisturizing and has a fresh scent that’s very appropriate for the season. This sample contains 2 oz of product. The full size contains 7 oz and retails for $7.49.
3. H2O Plus Hand & Nail Cream – Every night before bed, I apply a hand cream so that I can wake up with soft, moisturized hands. I prefer to apply hand cream at night because I don’t like the palms of my hands to feel greasy during the day. This cream from H2O is non-greasy so I can moisturize my hands during the day now too. It adds moisture to the skin with silk proteins, marine botanicals, and Vitamin E. This sample contains 1 oz. The full size contains 6 oz and retails for $15.

4. Swissco Dual-sided Facial Pad – This product is my favourite item from the March box. I have been using it for a few days now and my skin feels so much smoother. For my skin, it works much better than an exfoliating gel and I’m able to use it with my regular facial cleanser. This facial pad (which is reusable) is also a lot more affordable than most exfoliating gels since it retails for only $2.
5. Bellapierre Cosmetics Makeup Base – This last item can be used as a concealer, an illuminator, and an eyeshadow primer. Since I’m always on the search for a good undereye concealer and eyeshadow primer, I’m looking forward to trying out this product. In the pan, it does look a bit dark for my skin so I will pass it on to my mom if it doesn’t work for me. This is also a full size product and it retails for $18.99 for 0.29 oz.
Overall, I am very impressed with the March 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. Normally I do not enjoy beauty boxes that feature skincare items because most items are for the face and I cannot use them due to my sensitive skin. However, I love trying out different bodycare items so I know that I will get use out of every product in the March box.
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

Beauty Box Five Review (December 2013)

For months I have been looking for a new beauty sample subscription box to try. I cancelled the ones that I was subscribed to because they started only sending skincare samples and no makeup or nail polish. Thankfully, Beauty Box Five came to my rescue in December by sending a box filled with samples from many categories (skincare, bodycare, makeup, and more).
Beauty Box Five sends its members five samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
When my box arrived in the mail, the first thing that I noticed was the packaging. The little teal coloured cardboard box is so cute and compact. I imagine that it is more environmentally friendly than the larger boxes and envelopes that some subscription services use.
I was also very impressed by the large number of brands that Beauty Box Five works with (see them all HERE). Some of my favourites include Becca, Aveeno, Blinc, Makeup Geek, and NU.Me.
Now let’s talk about the December items…

1. NYX Cosmetics Love in Rio Eyeshadow Palette – This first item is a full size eyeshadow palette that retails for $6. The beautiful, jewel-toned colours are perfect for winter. The light, shimmery shade on the far right is my favourite.

2. Body Drench Daily Moisturizing Lotion – This Hemp lotion is perfect for rehydrating skin during the dry winter months. The product is very light, yet moisturizing and it has a refreshing cucumber-like scent. The sample contains 2 fl oz (full size is 16.9 fl oz for $8.99).

3. Ofra Cosmetics Sultry Lipgloss Plumper – This lipgloss is another pretty colour for the season and it will complement the NYX  eyeshadow trio that came in the box.The tube does not indicate how much product it contains, but it is a generous size. The full size features 0.34 oz of product and retails for $12.95.

4. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer – This cleanser is the only product in the box that I will likely not use and that is only because my skin is very sensitive so I do not like trying new skincare lines. This product has a light, citrusy scent and a gel-like consistency that is said to moisturize without clogging pores. The sample contains 0.5 oz. The full size contains 3 oz and retails for $6.99.

5. Every Beauty Flexible Foot Smoother – The last product is an exfoliating scrubber for feet, elbows, and knees. This product is also perfect for the season since the harsh, cold air can leave skin flaky and rough. I often do my own pedicures at home so this product will really come in handy. This item is full size and retails for $4.99.
Overall, I am very impressed with the December box from Beauty Box Five. The two full size products pay for the box, and the assortment of unique items made this box exciting to open. I’m looking forward to trying everything.
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

July 2013 Ipsy Bag

Last month, I received my first Ipsy bag (see my post HERE). While the bag included five full size makeup products, none of the items impressed me and I was not able to use any of them. Unfortunately, the exact same thing happened with this month’s July bag. I have been debating whether I should cancel my Ipsy subscription right away or give it another month or two.

Despite the fact that I will not be using any items from July’s Ipsy bag, I will admit that the items were much better and more age appropriate (for me) than last month.

First, let’s talk about the bag…

As a former subscriber of Glymm, I have accumulated many of these mini makeup bags over the past few years. Therefore, I will only keep new ones if I love the pattern. Sadly, much like last month, I really dislike the design of this month’s Ipsy bag.  It’s a sticky pink see-through plastic that feels cheap and very 90s in my opinion. However, I know that a lot of people love this shade of pink so I will send the prizes from one of my giveaways in this bag.

Now onto the makeup items…

1. POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon: This product is one of the better items that came in this month’s bag. It is also the only full size item that was sent this month.  I really do like lip crayons and this one is meant to be very hydrating and long lasting. My issue with this product is the shade (I received Rose Romance). While the name sounds pretty, the product has a brown base so I will not be trying it since colours of this nature often turn orange on me. I would have preferred one of the other shades sent in Ipsy bags this month.

2. BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample: The colours in this palette (purple, bronze, gold) are inspired by San Francisco, California. I decided not to remove the packaging from this product because the colours do not interest me so I thought I would save it to give away. I also do not wear a lot of colourful eyeshadow so I thought it would be a better idea to pass it along to someone who does.

3. Benefit Benetint: Almost everyone has encountered one of these little Benetint samples at some point, either from Sephora, Ulta, a Benefit kit, or one of the other sample subscription services. Since I love Benetint and use it often, I have a full size bottle that I bought two years ago. It’s still over 90% full so I can’t see myself ever needing to open this little sample. I will save it to give away as well.

4. Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray: I’ve said many times before that I really do not enjoy receiving skincare or haircare samples. I like my fine hair to look very fresh and clean so a texturizing spray is not something that I will ever use. I know that a lot of people really love that beachy look in the summer though so I’m sure that this sample will be welcomed by a lot of Ipsy subscribers.

5. Coola Mineral Sunscreen SPF 20: I have heard nice things about this brand but I’m pretty happy with the La Roche Posay sunscreens that I use and I know that they won’t irritate my very sensitive skin. I don’t like skincare samples because I’m not interested in straying from the products that I currently use. Hopefully Ipsy will personalize my future bags now that I have filled out reviews for products from the past two months.

Overall, I cannot really see myself using any of these samples. They are just not a good fit for me and it makes me wonder if Ipsy  actually took my beauty profile/survey into consideration when selecting my items. I have not decided if I will subscribe to Ipsy for much longer. I will wait until next month to see how I feel. I think that the price is right at $10 but I don’t like paying $4.95 for shipping. This additional fee makes the bag more expensive than Topbox which sends items that are more appropriate for my preferences.

What are your thoughts on Ipsy?