Beauty Army - March 2012

Hello, Beautiful!

I tried what others were suggesting, of changing your beauty profile to see different sample choices during the selection process, and after 20 to 30 times of changing my profile every which way -- changing my age, my hair type, skin color, etc. -- I still didn't get makeup choices, except for a Cover FX Eye Prep sample, which I picked just because it was the closest item to makeup I could get, yet I already have that sample. Sigh. I'll try again next month.

For more information on Beauty Army, or to sign-up for your own Beauty Army kit each month, CLICK HERE. $12 each month.

Check out everything in my kit... click on the pics to view them larger.

Beauty Army - March 2012

 

Included Info Card:

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's shipment: $77.07 (value is approximate)
• Total # of items I received: 6
• # of makeup items: 1
• # of nail items: 0
• # of skincare items: 4
• # of body care items: 1
• # of hair care items: 0
• # of fragrance items: 0
• # of other items: 0

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...

CELLCEUTICALS Photodefense SPF 55+

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: This hydrating formula provides tons of anti-aging and sun protection, aiding and improving the skin's natural defenses. With all these powerful ingredients, your skin will stay youthful and free of sun damage.
• MY THOUGHTS: I really wasn't too interested in this product, but I honestly didn't find many samples this month that I wanted. This is something I'll toss in my skincare drawers and possibly use at a future date.
• FULL SIZED: 2 fl oz @ $45.00 
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.33 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $7.43

 







SUN FX Body Shimmer

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: Add a little sparkle to your  night out with this hydrating and illuminating body shimmer. This easy-to-use cream keeps your skin nourished and glowing all night long.
• MY THOUGHTS: I thought I would like this, but it was a little too pale of a shimmer for my body. Still pretty, but I would probably give this to a friend.
• FULL SIZED: 200 ml @ $24.95 
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 2.2 oz/65 ml
• SAMPLE VALUE: $8.10

 

 

 

WELEDA Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: This all natural face cream is a light, fast-absorbing cream that regulates your natural moisture balance and provides long-lasting protection against drying out.
• MY THOUGHTS: Again, another product I didn't want, but chose because there wasn't anything else (even after re-taking my beauty profile at least 20 to 30 times, changing my age and preferences each time).
• FULL SIZED: 1 fl oz @ $20.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.17 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $3.40

  

 

 

BEFINE Night Cream

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: A rich, nourishing treatment that helps your skin recover, repair and recharge as your sleep. Bio-available nutrients moisturize and soften skin while natural estrogen work to reduce wrinkles and prevent premature aging.
• MY THOUGHTS: I like the Befine brand, and plan to incorporate this night cream into my routine in the future.
• FULL SIZED: 1.7 fl oz @ $30.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.5 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $8.82

 

 

 

BARBOR Argan Cream

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: 24 hour cream with argan oil- Moroco's liquid gold. The cream will stabilize your skin's natural barrier and maintain collagen fibers. Directions included.
• MY THOUGHTS: I chose this sample because I wanted to try this out, but it wasn't until after I selected it that I realized how high of a value this sample is!
• FULL SIZED: 1.6 fl oz @ $125.00 
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.5 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $39.06

 

 

 

 

 

COVER FX Eye Prep

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: Eye Primer for concealer, foundation and eye shadow application. Instantly smooths fine lines and creases to enhance color blending.
• MY THOUGHTS: This was the only makeup option I could get to show up on my sample choice, so I chose it even though I already have this exact sample that I received from Sephora.
• FULL SIZED: 0.67 oz @ $43.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.16 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $10.26

 

 

 

 

Now let me know what you think...

Did you receive a Beauty Army kit this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your kit? Discuss in the comments below.

February 2012 Sample Box Showdown!

Hello, Beautiful!

This is the February 2012 Sample Box Showdown! In this post I'll show you every box/kit/bag that I received this month from beauty subscription sampling programs. I'll show you what I got in each one, the value, and what I think is best and worst of the month. Enjoy!

Oh, and there are two shipment I didn't show you this month. The first was Beautyfix, which I received a few weeks ago and have been too busy to photograph. It was an amazing value and lots of great products! I'll post the next shipment (they only come four times a year). Then there is The Look Bag. I signed up at the end of January and never received a bag this month. I tried calling them a week ago, and they said I should already have it and to give it a day or two. I gave it a week, called them again, and this time had to leave a message. I gave them both my phone number and email address, letting them know I didn't get a shipment but was charged for one. They haven't gotten back to me yet, so hopefully they're just trying to resolve the issue before they get in touch. But it's making me nervous.

February 2012 Sample Box Showdown!


Here are the sample boxes I received this month:
 

 




Larger pics of each box:












Value Breakdown:
You can click on each box name to view that blog post.

• Birchbox #1: $18.58 ($10 a month; I received 6 items)
• Birchbox #2: $19.16 ($10 a month; I received 6 items)
• Beauty Army: $72.50 ($12 a month; I received 6 items)
• MyGlam: $17.81 ($10 a month; I received 6 items)
• Green Grab Bag: $58.34 ($15 a month; I received 7 items)

How I'd rate each one:

BIRCHBOX #1:

• This was my Birchbox shipment and I wasn't all that impressed with it. I was happy to receive the Eye Rock, although I still haven't used them. They're thicker than I had thought and I just didn't have time to play around with them yet.
• Best Product: Kiehl's Dark Spot Corrector -- I have dark spots, and like the Kiehl's brand, so I was happy to get this product.
• Worst Product: Supersmile Powdered Mouthrinse -- As much as I love Supersmile toothpaste, I just can't get into the powdered mouthrinse.
• Net Value: Products worth $18.58, minus the monthly fee ($10) = $8.58

BIRCHBOX #2:

• This was the shipment I get my husband (we share shipments, mostly so I can try more products). I liked his box better than mine, but they were pretty equal on value.
• Best Product: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - Looking forward to using a powder exfoliant!
• Worst Product: heart shaped nail file -- I mean, it's cute and all, but poor quality
• Net Value: Products worth $19.16, minus the monthly fee ($10) = $9.16

BEAUTY ARMY:

• I'm really liking Beauty Army! I like selecting my samples and knowing what I'm going to get for my money. Beauty Army hands down wins this month for best value!
• Best Product: Pssssst Dry Shampoo -- this went on clear and really worked!
• Worst Product: n/a
• Net Value: Products worth $72.50, minus the monthly fee ($12) = $60.50

MYGLAM BAG:

• I was excited to receive a bag this month, especially after not getting one last month, but I wasn't overly impressed. I like it, don't get me wrong, but it's not something I'm jumping out of my seat for. I will say that the actual bag was super, super cute! I'm curious to see what my March bag will have.
• Best Product: NYX Roll-On Glitter -- I love glitter and shimmer, so this was perfect!
• Worst Product: X Out Shine Control -- Even though I have shine, I'm nervous to use this since it's from the makers of Proactive. I worry it will cause a skin reaction, like Proactive did on me. I'll have to try it at some point.
• Net Value: Products worth $17.81, minus the monthly fee ($10) = $7.81

GREEN GRAB BAG:

• This grab bag really impressed me with how much more it felt like I was receiving, when really I only had one more item than all the other shipments this month. I liked that they give a coupon for each product in case you want to go and buy it. The value was nice too, although I've heard the one product in there (the Vapour blush) was something for new subscribers, which would take $28 off the value if this was not a new subscriber bag. I'd have to try this service out more to really get a feel for how much value you get for the price, as it is the most expensive option.
• Best Product: Vapour Aura Multi-Use Blush -- I don't use blush all that often, especially cream blush, but the value of this product was great and I think the color is really beautiful too.
• Worst Product: Soapylane Relaxing Herbal Bath Tea -- I don't take many baths, and I'm not a tea person, so this product just didn't interest me at all.
• Net Value: Products worth $58.34, minus the monthly fee ($15) = $43.34.. then if you minus out the full sized Vapour Blush ($28) = $15.34

And the winner is...

BEAUTY ARMY!

I was most impressed and most happy with my Beauty Army kit, plus, it has the best value out of them all! 

Now let me know what you think...

What shipment was your favorite this month? Which was your least favorite? Did you sign up for any new subscriptions or did you cancel any subscriptions this month? Discuss in the comments below.

Beauty Army - February 2012

Hello, Beautiful!

My Beauty Army kit has arrived! This month my kit was worth over $70! I'm happy with my selections, but I kind of wish there was at least one makeup choice for me this month; it was all skin and hair products. I know other people see different samples; I'd be curious to hear what others were able to choose from. I re-adjusted my beauty profile, so we'll see what happens with next month's selections.

Check out this month's shipment...

Beauty Army - February 2012












Included Info Card:

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's shipment: $72.50 (value is approximate)
• Total # of items I received: 6
• # of makeup items: 0
• # of nail items: 0
• # of skincare items: 4
• # of body care items: 0
• # of hair care items: 2
• # of fragrance items: 0
• # of other items: 0

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...


JOICO K-Pak Revitaluxe

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: A luxury hair treatment clinically proven to  instantly correct years of damage. Hair becomes automatically stronger, softer, and more moisturized.
• MY THOUGHTS: I am always interested in products that say they will repair my hair. Because I dye parts of my hair blue, my hair can be very dry in those areas (which are are the underside of my hair). The texture always needs help, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this product will help. Just be careful when using this sample; it comes out of the tube really quickly!
• FULL SIZED: 5.1 oz @ $22.95
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1.7 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $7.65

  








M.A.D. Skincare Age Corrective Serum

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: This multi-stem cell and multi-peptide technology infused serum will be a great choice in your anti-aging regimen to have the best possible looking skin. Skin will feel hydrated, moist, plump, nourished and recharged.
• MY THOUGHTS: I'm actually going to be showing everyone a lot of M.A.D. Skincare products on my blog, as they sent me some products for consideration, but I still decided to add another M.A.D. Skincare sample to my Beauty Army kit this month. What I didn't realize, at the time I selected this sample, is that I already have this product in full sized. That's okay though; this will make a nice back-up or a gift to a friend/family member. I really like the M.A.D. Skincare line, especially with the way they break down their products (into 5 main categories depending on skin type and need).
• FULL SIZED: 0.5 oz @ $54.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.13 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $14.03

 








STRIVECTIN SD Eye Concentrate

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: New to the StriVectin family, this eye cream targets signs of aging. Get rid of crow's feet, dark circles, and puffiness all with this powerful product.
• MY THOUGHTS: I'm always curious about StriVectin products, and I will likely always choose a StriVectin sample if it's available to choose from. I'll work this into my skin care routine eventually because I'd like to prevent signs of aging around my eyes; I already have some fine lines developing.
• FULL SIZED: 1 fl oz @ $59.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.25
• SAMPLE VALUE: $14.75

  

 

LAROCCA SKINCARE 24K Exfoliating Cream Facial Cleanser

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: A silky cream with a gentle exfoliant that dissolves makeup quickly while it moisturizes and stimulates collagen growth.
• MY THOUGHTS: This is the second product in my February Beauty Army kit where I ordered a product that I already have in the full sized version. I must be a dummy this month, lol. Oh well; at least it's a cleanser I like! I love the LaRocca brand and the 24K products are fantastic -- including this cleanser. I'll save this sample for a friend/family or even for a giveaway on my blog (maybe I'll give it away after I review the full sized cleanser, and that review will be coming up soon).
• FULL SIZED: 4 fl oz @ $45.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 fl oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $11.25

MAMA MIO Boob Tube

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: Aim North, not South! What women really love about Boob Tube is that the quality of their skin changes so quickly. Within a week, you will notice that the skin on your neck, your chest and your boobs looks firmer, fitter, glowing, more dewy and youthful.
• MY THOUGHTS: Seeing as how I have fake boobies, I obviously care about how my chest looks. This is a product I was really interested in, even though I don't have any problems with sagging or signs of aging yet. I want to keep my chest looking nice for as long as I can and I feel I can always do things to help prevent signs of aging if I act ahead of time. This is a VERY generous sample; it's half of the full sized! I can't wait to see what results it may give me.
• FULL SIZED: 3.4 oz @ $45.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1.7 fl oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $22.50

 

FREEMAN BEAUTY Psssst Instant Dry Shampoo

• DESCRIPTION ON MY ONLINE SAMPLES PAGE: The original dry shampoo to refresh and rejuvenate hair by soaking up excess oil, removing product build-up and boosting volume. Hair looks, feels and smells freshly shampooed. Cleans, deodorizes and conditions hair -- without water!
• MY THOUGHTS: Sometimes my schedule is so busy that my days blend together and I need a dry shampoo to help me get through till my next shower. Since I have darker brown hair, dry shampoos can show up white or gray on me. I have one that sprays on clear, and that's the only one that has been unnoticeable on my hair. I haven't tried the Freeman Beauty Pssssst Instant Dry Shampoo yet, so I'm not sure if it sprays on clear or not, but I do hope it works for me.
• FULL SIZED: 5.3 oz @ $6.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1.76 oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $2.32

 

Now let me know what you think...

Did you receive a Beauty Army kit this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your kit? Discuss in the comments below.