Let's Look at Beauty Samples!

I may have mentioned it only once or twice, but I subscribe to two monthly beauty boxes. I LOVE beauty products and what better way is there to find an awesome product than by getting monthly samples? It’s also sometimes hard as a mom to be able to get somewhere and talk recent beauty with professionals. Another issue I have is the area I live in. When I say Walmart is “high fashion” around here, I’m not making a funny. That’s about as serious as it gets. Oh, how I miss being close to the city, in that aspect! So these beauty boxes have been amazing for these reasons. The first one I subscribe to is Birchbox. For 10 dollars a month, you are sent 4-5 random high-end, up and coming beauty samples. I think it’s the fact that you don’t get to choose what you get that makes it a hit or miss sometimes. I’ve been with them about 8 months and I’ve received 3 boxes that I didn’t really care for. However, I’ve never received a box that I didn’t like something out of.

Since we were on vacation last month, I didn’t get my box until later in the month. March was a special month for Birchbox because you had the opportunity to get a special Teen Vogue box. I opted out of that and went with the regular box and I’m glad I did. Here’s my March box:

The first thing I noticed about the box was how heavy it was. Generally they are pretty lightweight, considering they are samples; however, this month, the box was surprisingly heavy. You can probably see why. These were LARGE samples.

1.  Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm by One Love Organics: This is a two-in-one cleanser and moisturizer that has no fillers in it. You can use it as a cleanser and moisturizer, or if you need to moisturize an area, you can moisturize with it as well. Head-to-toe. I'm actually very impressed with this product and will be reviewing it soon, so stay tuned for that! Sneak peek on a few of the reasons: My face has never been so soft with any other product; it smells light and tropical; there's only 0.5 oz to the sample and I've been using it a week, yet have barely put a dent in it (a little goes a LONG way!). These folks may be on to something! (Full size, 3.5 oz: $68.00; Sample, 0.5 oz: $19.43 Value)

2.  Quick Curls by Miss Jessie's ® Original: It says on the bottle that this is "The Best Darn Curl Cremes Period". We shall see because I'm very particular about them and I'm yet to find one that I like better than Biolage. It's says it's lightweight, light-scented, and anti-frizz. I'll keep you posted. This is a large sample so I'll try it a few times before I let you know. (Full size, 8 oz: $32.00; Sample, 2 oz: $8.00 Value)


3. Invigorating Tibetan Shower Cream with Rhubarb by I  Coloniali:  This is an Italian brand that uses a rare eastern rhubarb that is supposed to have revitalizing properties for your skin. I wouldn't know. I took one smell of it and put the lid back on. It don't stink, but I'm a woman and I like to smell like a woman. What I wash with has to be feminine like and it had a stronger smell than what I like. So I may be missing out on world's softest skin here, but I'm not rubbing it on me, sorry. It's a shame too because the sample is nearly half the size of the full product! (Full size, 250ml: $29.00; Sample, 100ml, $11.60 Value)


4.  Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh by I Coloniali: This was actually the bonus sample for the month. I haven't used it yet, but if it's anything like the previous sample and given it has myrrh, I'll probably be using it on my husband rather than vice versa. (Full size, 200 ml: $68.00; Sample, 10ml: $3.40 Value)


5. Pomegranate Buffing Beads by WEI™: I've yet to use these either, but I think they are a pretty neat concept. They are a preportioned powdered scrub that you mix in with your regular cleanser, turning it into an exfoliant whenever you feel the need. The packets are handy for on-the-go. I'm anxious to see how these will do, especially considering all the wonderful benefits of pomegranate peel! (Full size, 20 packets: $20.00; Sample, 2 packets: $2.00 Value)


6. Nail Lacquer in Jackie Oh! by Color Club®: I absolutely love this poppy pink color! It's so bright and fun! I'll show you what it looks like next week. The real test is how well it stands given my day-to-day activities. (Full size, 0.5 fl oz: $8.00; Sample 0.25 fl oz: $4.00 Value)


So the grand total value for the March Birchbox is....$48.43. Next week, I'll show you what was in my February and March, and yes I mean February (I had a lost box), Beauty Army boxes. 


If you are interested in learning more about these or any other boxes, go visit my friend, Jacinta at My Beauty Boxes. She does nothing but great reviews of not only these two boxes, but many others as well!