QVC Discovery Kit -- only $19 but worth $136.89!!

Hello, Beautiful!

QVC has come out with a few (I believe) Discovery Kits in the past, but none of them really caught my attention until the most recent, which was only $19 and sold out in a matter of minutes (at least during the presentation I watched). For just $19 with free shipping you get 6 items, all being deluxe sample sizes except two are full size (even though the It Cosmetics Brow Power looks mini size, it's really a full size if you compare the ounces to the full sized version). Check out everything in this QVC Discovery Kit, along with my mini reviews, after the pics!

Believe it or not, this kit -- which I paid just $19 for -- is worth $136.89!

QVC Discovery Kit

QVC Discovery Kit Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $19.00 (for this particular discovery kit). Available on the QVC website - although at this particular time, this particular discovery kit is sold out. For reference, this is item # A258156

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Product Info...

Whether you're new to QVC Beauty or already a devotee, this discovery kit is the perfect way to try some of their hottest products. Featuring six sensational samples for skin, hair, and beyond, this set introduces you to advanced formulas from Philosophy, Perricone MD, and other top brands.

Includes:

• Perricone MD Neuropeptide Facial Cream (0.5 fl oz sample size)
• WEN by Chaz Den Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner (2 fl oz sample size)
• Philosophy The Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer (1 fl oz sample size)
• Vita Liberata Tan Mousse in Medium (0.84 fl oz sample size) and a mini mitt
• It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil (0.0056 oz sample size)
• Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick - you either got the shade Baby or Starburst (0.12 oz full size)

My Review...

First, let's just talk a second about the insane value that was this QVC Discovery Kit! I know I mentioned this several times in this post already, but I paid ONLY $19 for this kit and it has a value of $136.89!!! This has got to be one of the best, if not the best, value sample beauty packs (or whatever you want to call it) that I've ever received.

Let's start with the Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick... I received the shade Starburst, but you could have gotten one of two shades - either Starburst or Baby (and I believe it may be called Mally's Baby, to be technical). I already own both those shades, but if you don't already then this kit alone is worth it just for that one item - which retails for $20 on its own! Plus, I love the shade Starburst and I love her High Shine Liquid Lipstick. I could have been a makeup hoarder and kept this myself, especially since it is full size, but I ended up giving it away to a friend who I know will put it to very good use.

The It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil is something I already own two of, and actually maybe three of. I don't reach for it often because I like the finer tip that that Anastasia Brow Wiz offers, but it is a good brow pencil. I thought this was a mini size, just by looks, even though Lisa during the presentation on QVC said it was full size. I just thought she messed up, but it is in fact a full size if you compare the ounces of product to the full size version. That alone is a $24 value - again, worth the entire price of this kit if you just want the brow pencil.

The Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer is a great sample size - you get an entire ounce! That's worth $30 right there! I used to use this moisturizer religiously way back in the day when my son was just an infant (and even before then), but as a beauty blogger I try many products and just never got back to it. I'm happy to have a new jar of it and absolutely will be using this moisturizer!

I'm really excited to try the Perricone MD Neuropeptide Facial Cream. I hear so much about it on QVC, but the full size comes at a luxury price tag of $240! This sample jar, while it may look small at just 0.5 oz, is actually worth $48! You better believe I'm going to use this jar until there isn't a drop left!

The Vita Liberata Tan Mousse in Medium is something I may or may not actually get around to trying. I had gotten a Vita Liberata Tan Lotion in my March Ipsy bag and still haven't gotten around to trying it (and it's June). I like self tanners, but I've been hooked on Tarte's!

The final item in this QVC Discovery Kit is the WEN Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner. It's a 2 oz packet - which is great for travel or even for trial. You can buy 8 of these same size packets for $33 on the QVC website. It's definitely just a single use if you're someone like me with long hair, but if you have short hair you may get 2 uses out of it. I used to be big into using WEN but just didn't have time for that, as it's just unrealistic in my everyday life -- only because when I use WEN, I like to really use it properly and let it sit in my hair for about 20 minutes, and that's after taking a full minute to rinse my hair before using it, then taking another 2 or 3 minutes massaging it in really good and combing it through, plus the time it takes to rinse it out. Let's just say for me, WEN is a 30 minute process. It certainly doesn't have to be -- you could do a quick version and get it done in about 5 to 10 minutes -- but I wasn't going to spend all that money on WEN and not do it right. For what WEN I have left in bottles, and now in this packet, I will use it maybe once a week when I have the time. I really do like WEN though; it gives me shiny, bouncy, soft hair and I can go at least 3 days without needing to wash my hair and at least 2 days, maybe 3 days, without using any dry shampoo!



Final Thoughts...

I wish I would have bought 5 of these kits. Not just to hoard up products for myself because of the amazing value, but to give them to friends. This kit was an insane value and I hope QVC continues to come out with great Discovery Kits like this in the future. I'll be sure to buy them (at least 2 for now on), whenever I see them online or on-air. I'd recommend!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this discovery kit? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

New Beauty Test Tube - QVC Limited Edition - January 2012

Hello, Beautiful!

It seems like forever since the last QVC New Beauty Test Tube shipment (the last shipment was in October 2011). I was excited to open this shipment because there are great items this time around that I've had on my "want-to-try" list; although I've loved all my QVC New Beauty Test Tubes! The value is once again over $100! Two full sized products and the rest are generous sized deluxe samples.

In case you want to buy your own, click here for a link to the test tube on QVC's website (the link will not work once they remove it from their website). The cost is $29.96 plus $6.97 shipping & handling. I get mine on auto-delivery so I never miss a shipment.

Enough talk, let's check out everything included...

New Beauty Test Tube - QVC Limited Edition

January 2012










Shipment Quick Stats:

• Total value of this shipment WITH magazine: $120.96 (value is approximate)
• Total value of this shipment withOUT magazine: $111.01 (value is approximate)
• Total # of items: 9 
• # of makeup items: 2
• # of nail items: 0
• # of skincare items: 2
• # of body care items: 3
• # of hair care items: 2
• # of other items: 0

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

MALLY Volumizing Mascara

• DESCRIPTION: Despite a nonstop schedule filled with red-carpet premiers, music videos and celebrity photo shoots, Mally Roncal always finds time to share her expert makeup tips and positive energy with QVC viewers. In fact, the Q was the first to carry her beloved line of cosmetics. We know you'll adore this volumizing mascara's unique formula infused with natural waxes and carefully chosen powders that creates the look of full, luxurious lashes and has been a QVC Customer Choice Award winner for two consecutive years. The plush brush works with the powders to help thicken lashes without clumping, giving you gorgeous volume that lasts.
• MORE INFO: Combines Mally's favorite Italian mascara, a special powder from the Orient and a French-inspired brush. The plush brush works with the powders in the formula to help thicken lashes without clumping, giving your lashes a boost that lasts. You'll get evenly coated lashes that appear longer but feel lightweight, and it won't flake on your cheeks.
• FUN FACT: Fans of this mascara include celebrities from the film, TV and music industries. 
• TO USE: Apply to lashes from base to tip. For luminous lashes, apply one coat, let dry, and than apply a second coat. Repeat until you've got the lash look you love.
• MY THOUGHTS: This mascara is my go-to mascara of choice! I didn't open this tube for photos because I've already photographed this in the past and I plan to keep this tube as another back-up (currently making it my 3rd un-opened tube of this mascara, which I keep in my mascara makeup drawer). This is almost the only mascara I use (I still like Benefit's They're Real! Mascara and MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara). This works great, although I'll be honest and say I've gotten a bad tube twice (one where the wand scrapper thing didn't work and it came out in huge chunks and another where the formula was very dry). But when it's good, it's really good. I love this mascara!
• FULL SIZED: 0.39 fl oz @ $20.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.39 fl oz (I received a FULL SIZED tube)
• SAMPLE VALUE: $20.00

TARTE Aqua-Gel Eyeliner in Navy

• DESCRIPTION: Infused with ultra-rich pigments by way of hydrous pigmentation technology, this revolutionary vitamin-infused aqua-gel eyeliner makes defining your eyes a cinch. The formula glides on like pure silk and won't move throughout your busy day.
• MORE INFO: A revolutionary way to deliver color. Rich color pigments are suspended in 50% water in this formula to soothe and soften the skin. Pure water, aloe leaf extract and cucumber work together to hydrate and retain moisture balance around the delicate eye area.
• MORE INFO: Define and contour without dragging, pulling, or skipping. The high-pigment concentration and staying power of a gel pot is now available in an effortless pencil. No brush required!
• TO USE: Twist up the wand very slightly, and glide across the entire lash line for richly and precisely defined eyes. Due to the creamy texture of this formula, do not over advance the tip to prevent breakage. A little is all you need to achieve rich color intensity. This liner is not intended for the inner rim.
• MY THOUGHTS: I've always wanted to try one of these liners, so it was nice to receive a full sized version in my Test Tube. There are four shades going around in all the test tubes, all are colors -- there is a green, teal, plum, and navy. I really wanted the navy and I was pleasantly surprised to open my test tube and find the navy blue shade! That's where my excitement ended. I love the color; it's dark enough to wear during the day and the blue really brightens and brings out my brown eyes. But the formula wasn't as creamy as I was hoping for. It was a bit stiff and didn't go on as nice as I was expecting. Still, it's better than others I've tried and it's a nice liner to have. Although I would not buy another.
• FULL SIZED: 0.003 oz @ $18.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.003 oz (I received a FULL SIZED liner)
• SAMPLE VALUE: $18.00

   

 

KATE SOMERVILLE ExfoliKate

• DESCRIPTION: Get Kate's signature facial at home! ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment clarifies and polishes skin to reveal a glowing, healthy-looking complexion after just one treatment.
• MORE INFO: Scrubbing microbeads and three powerful P's -- Papaya, Pineapple and Pumpkin Enzymes -- are designed to effectively clean pores. Salicylic acid is designed to balance hydration, without over-drying. Aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E smooth and soften skin. Rosewood and cinnamon extracts are combined in an effort to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
• DID YOU KNOW: Clinical results show that 75% of users reported a reduction in skin roughness and dullness and 88% said they had smoother skin and improved texture.
• TO USE: Use once or twice each week, morning or evening, to keep skin radiant. Apply a thin, even layer to a clean, wet face, massaging in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Leave on for up to two minutes. Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry. This product may cause the skint o flush slightly for a short time. For sensitive skin, leave on for less than one minute.
• MY THOUGHTS: I've had small sample packets of this in the past, and I've used and sort of liked it. I didn't get a good enough test drive of the formula, so it's nice to have a larger sample size to test out. Although I did just get the Kate Somerville Blemish Banisher Kit from Sephora, which has the same deluxe sample size of the ExfoliKate Acne Clearing Exfoliating Treatment, which is basically the same thing but for acne prone skin. I plan to alternate between both sample tubes, using the original version when my skin is behaving and using the acne version when my skin is breaking out. I've used the original version (the one in this test tube) and this time around I LOVED it. My skin was baby butt soft in minutes!
• FULL SIZED: 0.5 fl oz @ $19.00 (a full sized tube is actually 2 oz @ $85, but Sephora sells a 0.5 fl oz size)
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.5 fl oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $19.00

FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream Intense Therapy

• DESCRIPTION: FAB Ultra Repair Cream provides temporary relief and visible improvement for severely dry or distressed skin. The luxuriously rich, non-greasy cream has a whipped texture that is packed with ingredients to hydrate, heal and protect the skin. It absorbs with exceptional penetration, leaving behind a smooth, soft finish.
• MORE INFO: This formula with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin and ceramides hydrates, calms and soothes skin and temporarily relieves minor skin irritation and itching due to eczema and other conditions. It can be used on the face and all over the body.
• MORE INFO: The regular application of antioxidants helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of the environment. FAB Antioxidant Booster is a blend of powerful antioxidants known to botanical science, including licorice root, feverfew and white tea extracts, to combat free radical damage.
• MORE INFO: At FAB, the packaging says what the products do, and the products do what they say. FAB keeps the packaging simple, assuring customers that resources are spent on what goes into, and not onto, the bottle.
• DID YOU KNOW: Colloidal oatmeal is FDA-approved for the treatment of eczema.
• TO USE: Apply to skin as needed (face and/or body).
• MY THOUGHTS: The First Aid Beauty brand is a brand I've always wanted to try out, but for some reason never have. I don't plan to use this on my face, because I have so many moisturizers I'm currently trying to rotate between, but I've used this on my body. It melts into your skin very quickly, which was impressive, but I didn't think it had the moisture level I was expecting. It's good, don't get me wrong, but I think I was expecting something more. In all fairness, my skin is super dry at the moment; recovering from surgery has dried out my skin like you wouldn't believe, plus the cold winter air doesn't help. Nothing seems to do a perfect job at the moment, but this did a good job. My husband, however, has taken this tube and uses it on his face. He has some mild eczema and sensitive skin; this cream is a near perfect match for him!
• FULL SIZED: 2 fl oz @ $12.00 (a full sized jar is 6 oz @ $28, but Sephora sells a 2 of tube)
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 2 fl oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $12.00

 

PHILOSOPHY Field Of Flowers Perfumed Body Lotion and Perfume Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

• DESCRIPTION: Philosophy has captured the essence of a field of flowers and infused it into its 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath formula and into it's ultra-rich, hydrating body lotion.
• MORE INFO: Infused with the fresh floral scent of peony. The "philosophy" behind this product is "stop and smell the flowers". A flower is the embodiment of everything that is right and beautiful in this world. The luxurious body lotion contains shea butter, and olive fruit and macadamia seed oils to moisten, soothe and soften dry skin so it feels silky smooth and extremely touchable.
• FUN FACT: In Chinese medicine, the peony was often used for its soothing properties, but the flower could only be picked at night because of superstition.
• TO USE: Shower Gel: Apply to wet body or scalp, lather, rinse, repeat. If using as a bubble bath, drizzle a generous amount under running water and enjoy. Lotion: Apply a generous amount to skin with fingertips and massage in gently with circular motion.
• MY THOUGHTS: I am not a floral scent type of person, so these are not my cup of tea at all. But I have to admit the scent isn't too strong or over powering. It's light and fresh, and certainly does remind me of a field of flowers, but it's not for me. These are going to my grandmom.
• FULL SIZED: 16 fl oz @ $16.00 (shower gel); 16 fl oz @ $24.00 (lotion)
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 fl oz each bottle
• SAMPLE VALUE: $1.00 (shower gel); $1.50 (lotion)

CALISTA TOOLS Achieve 10 Styling Cream

• DESCRIPTION: Calista founder Maria McCool's clients wanted a hair product that addressed their Top 10 hair needs. Her solution to scoring perfect hair: Achieve 10, a lightweight styling cream formulated with nourishing argan oil.
• MORE INFO: Achieve 10 controls frizz and adds shine, for smooth, silky hair. It increases hair body and fullness without being sticky. The cream restores damaged hair, plus detangles, reducing breakage. Blocks the effects of humidity, guards against heat styling and protects hair.
• FUN FACT: In 1989, Maria McCool opened the doors to her salon, Calista, which means "most beautiful". More than 1,000 clients visit the salon each week. All product ideas go through grassroots testing on actual clients.
• TO USE: Apply to towel-dried and/or dry hair. Rub dime-sized amount into the palms of your hands, apply directly to hair and style as usual.
• MY THOUGHTS: This is the first Calista Tools product I've ever owned. I've been curious about this brand, always seeing them on QVC and being interested in what they have to offer. I haven't tried this out yet, but I'm looking forward to.
• FULL SIZED: 4 fl oz @ $21.25
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 2 fl oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $10.63

 

TRADITIONS BY NICK CHAVEZ Yucca Root Shampooing Cream

• DESCRIPTION: Traditions Yucca Root Shampooing Cream is formulated to cleanse, restore and provide ultimate hydration and moisture to your hair. This rich and luxurious cream is highly effective on hair that is chemically treated or has a tendency to be dry or brittle. Leaves your hair feeling and looking balanced, healthy, shiny and beautiful.
• MORE INFO: Yucca root is used by Native Americans and to make hair shiny and beautiful. Yucca root and wild yam are home remedies for healthier hair and a cleaner scalp. Rich, luxurious, creamy formula hydrates hair. Effective for dry, brittle and chemically treated hair.
• FUN FACT: Traditions by Nick Chavez is based on the ancient traditions and home remedies used in Nick's Latino and American Indian culture, mixed with modern technology. Each product contains ingredients from Nick's upbringing in the American Southwest.
• TO USE: Wet hair thoroughly with water, apply a small amount of shampoo on hand and massage into root area of hair. Rinse with cool water. Follow with Nick Chavez's Traditions Conditioning Cream.
• MY THOUGHTS: I'm curious about this, but not that curious. I will likely try it, but I will be honest and say it will be awhile before I give this a try. I'm in a routine with my hair, especially since I dye parts of my hair navy blue, so I'm really picky right now. I'm not as open to testing other shampoos at the moment. I know my hair won't have blue in it forever (at some point I plan to go back to my natural color all over), so I'll give this a try at that time.
• FULL SIZED: 8 fl oz @ $39.00 for BOTH the shampoo & conditioner, making it $19.50
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 2 fl oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $4.88

 

OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Serum Collagen Booster

• DESCRIPTION: Olehenriksen Truth Serum Booster is loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to keep skin nourished and protected.
• MORE INFO: Packed with vitamin C -- a protective antioxidant that calms, heals, brightens and evens skin tone. Powerful antioxidants fight free-radical damage. The aromatic, oil-free formula penetrates the skin to hydrate and smooth. Perfect for all ages and skin types.
• FUN FACT: Truth Serum was recently awarded "Miracle Worker" of the year by Natural Health magazine.
• TO USE: Apply daily, in the morning, to face and neck as your first step before moisturizing. May be used under the eyes.
• MY THOUGHTS: I've heard so many great things about this product, and I have sample packets of it that I haven't used yet. This deluxe sample is enough to last me a long time (it's half the full sized version!) and I fully plan to incorporate this into my skincare routine. I'm actually very excited to begin using it!
• FULL SIZED: 1 fl oz @ $48.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.5 fl oz
• SAMPLE VALUE: $24.00

 

NEW BEAUTY Magazine

• DESCRIPTION: This magazine is sold by itself for $9.95. It's a larger magazine that covers a wide range of beauty topics; from makeup to skincare to plastic surgery. To me, it's a fun read and I always learn something new.

Now let me know what you think...

Did you receive a New Beauty QVC Test Tube this month? If so, what did you think of this shipment? If not, is this something you'd be interested in receiving? Discuss in the comments below.