Jacinta from My Beauty Boxes is over today!

Hey ya’ll! I have someone special over today to share some fun stuff with you. So you know those fabulous little beauty boxes that I get and talk about and just rave over? Well, my friend Jacinta is over from mybeautyboxes.com to tell you more about not only the ones I get (Birchbox and Beauty Army), but a ton of others. If you’ve looked into the new craze of beauty sample boxes, you probably have noticed that within the last six months, there have been a ton of companies spring up to get in on the honey pot. So who’s worth it?! Well, thankfully Jacinta subscribes to all of them and breaks them down in a chart that lines them up and can help you better decide…or you just may spend more money, but hey, never too many beauty products! 

Hello lovely Southern Belle as an Army Wife readers! Isn't Erika fabulous?! My name is Jacinta and I am so excited to write a guest post to let you know a little about what I blog about at My Beauty Boxes. Basically, I am addicted to beauty subscription services. I am currently subscribed to 8 monthly services and a few quarterly services as well. What exactly is a beauty subscription service you ask? Well, they are companies that you sign up with to receive a box of beauty samples each month for a nominal fee. Many of them offer perks to win over consumers. You can take a look at past boxes from various companies at My Beauty Boxes. Here is a chart to help you decide on a monthly service that best fits your needs and budget!

You can check out a few of my favorite boxes by clicking on the pictures below.

New Beauty Test Tube

Birchbox May

Sample Society April

Beauty Army Box-May

I’ve already given the spill about the beauty products in my neck of the woods. Or lack there-of.  Making my beauty box subscriptions completely necessary (husband, I'm talking to you). I’ve talked about my Birchbox subscription, which you can find one of my boxes here and even a review on one of my favorite products from one of the boxes here. I also get another box every month that I’ve mentioned in passing. The one I want to introduce you to today is Beauty Army. It is a beauty sample subscription service, like Birchbox, where you pay a monthly fee for some more high-end beauty samples that are new or maybe hard to find. Beauty Army is a few bucks more than Birchbox, sitting at 12 dollars currently, but what I especially like about them is that you get to pick your samples. Once you sign up, you can take a beauty profile survey that best matches your answers with the samples they currently have. However, if you just want a surprise box, like Birchbox, then don’t pick your samples and the Beauty Army team will put together a kit for you. One of the bonuses is that if you decide you don’t like what they have to offer that month, or don’t want a box that month, you can opt out and skip. Pretty easy, peasy, right? J

So, without further ado, here’s what I choose for my May box!

First off, every month your samples come in a sleek, black, sturdy box like this. Inside is a super cute, pink camo print.

This was one of my favorite items in the box this month. This is a FULL SIZE product that sells for 20 dollars. It's called the clickR Skincare Acne Spot Serum. It works wonders! When it says results in 24 hours, it's not joking. I love the size of it too. It's about the size of a sharpie, so it fits in your purse or makeup bag without taking up any room. PLUS it's makeup friendly! Sample Value: $20.00

This is the Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion. I've not had the opportunity to use this yet, but I've used this brand before and loved it; so I'm looking forward to trying it. This is supposed to be good for sensitive skin and is a "natural" face wash.

Product size: 2.5 fl oz, $19.00; Sample size: 0.34 oz, Value: $2.58

Next is the MAD Skincare Eye Defense Shielding Serum. This is also another product that I have yet to use, but I know the brand, know it's reliable, so I'm excited to try it. This is supposed to be light weight and is supposed to be designed to "protect, hydrate, and nourish critical areas around the eyes", according to the Beauty Army website.
Product size: 0.5 oz, $54.00; Sample size: 0.13 oz, Value: $14.04

The Aquolina Pink Sugar Body Mousse is everything you expect in a mousse. Light, whipped, and silky. It has a light, sweet scent, which I like. 
I only used this on my hands and arms, so I don't feel like I've gotten a great feel for it just yet.
Product Size: 8.45 fl oz, $30.00; Sample size: 0.68 oz, Value: $2.41

 LaRocca Skincare Lip Shield in Rose is also a full size product! At first this is kind of sticky, which I'm not a fan of, but it absorbs nicely into your lips. I love that it has an SPF in it. 
Full size product: $16.00

 This is the Kellet Clarifying Acne Treatment. I've yet to use it, but it's another one where I have used the brand and I love it, so I'm confident that this will work just as well as the rest. This is made to treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria. It's also free of parabens and synthetics, which I LOVE.
Product Size: 1.7 fl oz, $75.00; Sample Size 0.1 oz, Value: $4.41

The total cost I paid for my Beauty Army box was $12.00, which includes shipping. This month's box value was $59.44! Yes! If you are interested in checking them out, you can do so here.

What did YOU get in your Beauty Army box this month? Or do you have any other boxes you subscribe to? I'm really thinking about Beauty Tube! 

Come chat with me about it on Twitter: @SBasanAW

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One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm (Birchbox Sample Review!)

Last month I received a sample in my Birchbox from One Love Organics. It was their Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm. I love the idea of a free-of-fillers, chemicals, synthetics, parabens, dyes, fragrances; and natural/organic beauty products. However, they can be iffy at times and I’m pretty peculiar about what I put on my body, especially my face, considering that’s what people see all the time and my skin is also temperamental. It tends to be very dry in the winter and very oily during the summer and I'm very prone to breakouts two weeks out of the month. 

Birchbox describes this as a “makeup remover, cleanser, and head-to-toe moisturizer” all rolled into one. Okay, tracking. One Love Organics describes being able to use it as “…head-to-toe cleansing, moisturizing, conditioning, smoothing and massaging.” Even better! But that’s where I got skeptical. It’s been my experience that with these alleged all-in-one products, there is always something missing, making them not so much “all-in-one”. Kind of like the one size does NOT fit all. I’ll take you through my whole experience.

As you can see on the outside of their container, two of the things stated are the fact that they handcraft all products in small batches and they are cruelty free! Now, I know it has a pic of the cute little bunny, but I can imagine it goes for all furry critters too J Both of these facts are important to me. Small batches at a time cut down on excessiveness and wasting. As for the cruelty-free aspect, I find it contradictory for an “organic” line to test on animals. It makes me wonder what else they are contradictory about, if that makes sense.

 One of the things One LoveOrganics talked about was how a little goes a long way. My thought was "I sure hope so!", considering it’s only half an ounce in the sample container. However, these pics were taken today and I’ve been using this product almost every day for the last 2 weeks and you can see how much I’ve used. I haven’t even touched the bottom yet! The full-size product retails for 68.00 USD for 3.5 ounces, however, with the very small amount needed when using this balm, I think it is well worth the money.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the jar was the smell. It smells ah-mazing! It has a light, tropical-like scent to it that I love. Secondly, when I ran the tip of my finger across the top, I found it was in fact, quite “balmy” and rather stiff. I was skeptical once more. This could have went wrong. Very wrong. First of all, I’m a fan of my cleanser creating a good lather. You can just see the little bubbles getting into your pores, so I was stand-offish for that reason. Second of all, considering the fact that it is “balmy”, I was concerned about the possibility of greasiness.  Come to find out, I didn’t have to be concerned for too long.  One Love Organics nailed it! You can see below where I was able to “whip” it up slightly. By adding just a little more pressure into the balm, the heat and friction will break it down to a very spreadable consistency. Which is why you don't have to use much. 

 Now Birchbox and OLO both recommended using the product as a cleanser with the OLO My BFF Shammy, which is their microfiber cleansing cloth that is effective up to 200 washes and reduces the amount of cleanser you have to use (which, seriously, if I have to use any less balm, I’m buying stock!). However, seeing as how Birchbox did not send me one of these (come on, Birchbox!) then I had to make due with a regular ol’ washcloth L To use this product as a cleanser, you take a little of the balm and massage it into your face. Seeing as how you can’t exactly splash water to rinse it off, you have to use a warm washcloth (or the BFF shammy) to wipe your face clean. I used a white washcloth so I could really see what it was pulling away. I was very surprised. I wear moderate makeup with heavier eye makeup and it took it all right off with no problems. It leaves your face feeling very moisturized afterwards as well. So unless you have very dry skin, I doubt you’d have to follow up with a moisturizer. And if you do, here’s the beauty of it: just add a little more balm to your face because it’s a moisturizer as well! This time of year, my face isn't either too dry or too oily, but I have been having some dryness between my eyebrows. So I did go back and spot moisturize with it a few times. Not greasy at all! It actually can be used head-to-toe as a moisturizer, conditioner, or to massage with!  On the One Love Organics website it even tells you how you can use it with your favorite mineral powder to create a custom treatment foundation or as a hair pomade.  Very cool, if you ask me.

So all of this is great, but what is in it is what makes it incredible. Because let’s face it, there are awesome products out there, but at the end of the day, if you are smearing chemicals all over yourself, then what’s it really worth to you then? This balm is made with cold-pressed plant oils (like pure virgin coconut and sweet soy) to break down and remove dirt and makeup, while the other plant-based oils, (like mango butter seeds) boost the formula’s hydrating power. If it looks like I’m sold, it’s because I am. J It's not just because it's been an incredible product, it's left my skin unbelievably soft, and it's so simple it looks hard; But also, after looking over this company and reading their manifesto (Seriously, check this out!), they just may be my new beauty crush!! I highly recommend checking this one out. If I end up trying more of their products, I’ll definitely let you in on those as well!

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If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, which is a monthly beauty subscription of samples delivered to your door for 10 dollars, then check them out here------->>>Birchbox.com

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! 

Make-up, Books, Fire, and Jewelry, Oh My!

I mentioned last week that I had a pretty busy week. I accomplished a lot of things that I wanted to get done while fighting through some sickness and really having to focus on my WOTY J Anywho, it was my birthday last week and on top of that, I got a lot of cool stuff in I want to share!  First off, I entered a giveaway over at Babblings and More for a set of their earrings for Valentine’s Day and on my birthday, they emailed me and told me I had won! I was so excited! I never win anything! Wait—I lie. A couple years ago, I did win some tickets to a comedy show and a home & garden show on my birthday. My husband and I got ready to go, dropped the kids off at the sitter, and headed out only to discover that we never picked up the tickets L My kind of luck. Back on subject, I received my earrings a couple days ago and they even sent me the ring that I mentioned  I liked on their  page as well! Are these not the cutest?!

You should check them out because they have some really cute things! They had also sent me a sample of a natural candy that one of them makes that was delicious. You can find out all the details on their blog.

Next up is something that I showed a couple weeks ago that I wanted. A culinary torch, which I’m super excited about. I’ll try not to go completely pyro and burn down the house, but I can’t promise anything! My aunt sent it to me with the stipulation that I make an awesome Crème Brulee when they get to come out. Works for me!

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Well, I’m not really sure what the way to a woman’s heart is, but if you ask me, I’d tell you it’s through books. Of course, diamonds are always nice, too However, you can’t escape from reality with diamonds.  My amazing husband got me six (one is sitting on my ottoman) new books for my birthday. Yes, he’s pretty perfect. Along with several other little goodies, I think I made out pretty good!

Something I’m super excited about is the fact that my Baker’s Creek Heirloom Seeds catalog came in! I can’t wait to go to the store/farm that’s here and get all my seeds for our garden. Yes, we WILL have a garden this year! No excuses this year!

 Check them out here!

Lastly, my Birchbox came in yesterday. If you’ve never heard of it, it is a monthly subscription that costs 10 dollars for a box of “high-end” beauty samples. They send 4-5 samples each month and normally they are pretty good. Here’s a little walkthrough:

Here is the outside of the box it comes in every month...

Then on the inside is a card introducing you to the samples...

Silver and gold wrapping this month!

So my contents this month are as follows: LaFresh Eco-Beauty Acetone -Free Nail Polish Remover pads, Eye Rock eyeliner strips, BLK DNM perfume, Lifestyle Extra Nailfile, Six free downloads from Green River Ordinance (yes!), and Exude lip creme

I haven't been able to try everything yet to review, but I can already tell you my absolute favorite and what made this month worth it is the Exude lip creme. Amazing! It has a crystal applicator that dispenses how much you want. They have several cute shades. They also have lip glosses as well. The formula doesn't feel heavy on my lips (which is a big deal for my lipsticks) and I love the shimmer in them! Will definitely be purchasing this one!

I also receive another box every month called Beauty Army. The thing I like about that box is that you can pick the samples. The samples from them tend to be of more substantial size too. I'll probably periodically go over my boxes and review, but a friend of mine has a blog not only about these two boxes, but also other boxes as well. You can find her over at My Beauty Boxes. She goes over every box every month, so check her out!! We've also planned for her to come over here to review some of the products occasionally. So if you are into this kind of thing, stay tuned! It's great for us Moms that don't get to get out  to try different beauty products as much thanks to hectic schedules! Or if you are stuck in the middle of no where like I happen to be, it's great for that too! ;)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!