Beauty Box 5 -- January 2014 Review

This is my third box, and since I paid for three up front, this is the last one of the prepaid boxes. This one will determine if I re-up my subscription or call it quits.

Here's the box when I opened it:

1. H2O Plus Spa Sea Lotus Body Wash

Description: Unisex has never been, well, sexier. Made with mineral-rich red alga, aloe extract, and Vitamin E, this refreshing body wash boasts crisp notes of aquatic florals and sea grass that will make you feel like a new woman.
Cost: $17.00 for 12.5 oz. (Sample is 1 oz., so worth $1.36)
Review: I've heard great things about this brand, so I was excited to receive one of their items. At first opening, the scent of this wash is very overwhelming, and honestly, not very appealing to me. I wanted to give it a chance regardless. It wasn't nearly as overwhelming while in the shower, but I'm still not in love like with the scent. While this product currently has been a bit of a disappointment, maybe multiple uses (yes, I will continue to use the product even though I'm not a big fan because I'm a cheap-skate and not using it seems like a huge waste) will provide results of hydrated or super soft skin. Only time will tell.

2. Nubar Cuticle & Nail Oil

Description:  It's time to get handsy! Make 2014 the year of perfect at-home manicures with this healthy jojoba oil elixir that comes in cute candy colors! Sooth inflamed skin and psoriasis by gently massaging a small amount around your nails.
Cost: $10.00 for .5 oz. (Sample is .25 oz, so worth $5.00)
Review: I was super excited when I saw this item. I was just recently looking for my cuticle oil and could not find it, so it is great timing for a new one. The one I received smells like cucumber, which is very pleasant. I'm a hater of hang-nails, so hopefully this will prevent those during this "dry" season (Florida is never very dry.) Also, every winter (can I even call it winter when it's in the 70's?), my eczema flares on my big toe (weird, I know), so I applied it on that (after doing my cuticles) to see if it helps. (Update: It did help a little on my eczema. I think I'll keep this product nearby.)

3. Swissco Bath & Shower Exfoliating Gloves

Description: Perfect for lovers of faux tans, these gloves let you easily rub away dead skin in hard to reach places to leave you soft and smooth all over. Just slip them on in the shower, pour your favorite body wash, and gently buff! Afterward, rinse and hang dry.
Cost: $5.00 One Pair (full size)
Review: I haven't owned bath gloves since probably middle school. I have nothing against them; just haven't seen a huge need for them in my regular routine. Regardless, I found this to be a nice item. These specific gloves don't seem any more special than any bath/shower glove, but they did exfoliate as promised and I will probably use them once or twice a week.

4. Jergens Daily Moisturizer

Description: Celebrate your skin! Fight rough spots and ashy knees with this silky everyday moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated (and stay seriously touchable) all day long.
Cost: $6.99 for 21 oz. (Sample is 1 oz., so worth $.33)
Review: So many subscription box lovers hate when they get drugstore brands, but I do not feel that way. The lotion itself is pretty nice, but I tend to like either specific scents or unscented (Aveeno or Eucerin are my current unscented favorites for the summer when I attract mosquitoes from miles away). I'll use this entire Jergens sample, but I am not likely to purchase this product.

5. Epic Blend Hemp Coconut Lip Balm 

Description: Smell the sunshine! Keep this organic balm in your purse for kissable lips and motivation for future beach bunny time. Did we mention that it's gluten and petroleum free, non-GMO, and not tested on animals. We're in lip love.
Cost: $3.39 One size (full size)
Review: As I've stated before, I have a minor addiction to chapstick/lip balm. This coconut one smells devine and goes on so smoothly, I didn't want to stop applying it. My lips are never chapped since I apply regularly, so I cannot attest to its helpfulness for that, but personally, I love this product. (I won't likely buy it, but as a sample, it's perfect!)

Bonus Item: That Awkward Moment Mirror Compact

Description: Embrace the awkward and check out the movie trailer at thatawkwardmomentmovie.tumblr.com
Cost: Not included
Review: I guess this is advertising for the new movie coming out, but that's irrelevant to me. I currently do not have a compact mirror in my purse, so this will likely make its way in there. I especially like that it can stand on its own (as I showed in the picture). Beauty box 5 sends out five products each month (hence the name Beauty box FIVE), so who can complain when you receive an extra product? Not me!

Total Value: $15.08 + mirror. This is the worst product value by far that I've received, but I actually will use each product, so that makes it still worth it for me. Looks like I'll be sticking around at least another three months.

If you're interested in starting a Beauty Box 5 subscription, please use my referral link: http://www.beautybox5.com/?u=861 It will help me earn points that I can use toward full size products. Thanks!

Beauty Box 5 -- December 2013 Review

If you're not yet familiar with Beauty Box 5, it is a beauty subscription that brings 5 samples (sometimes full size products) right to your door mailbox each month. My subscription cost $10/month because I paid for three up front. If you do it month to month, it is $12/box; if you do a full year ($99), it's only $8.25/box. This is only my second box and since my first box turned out pretty great, I had some high expectations this month.

Open Box

1. NYX Cosmetics Love in Rio Eyeshadow Palette 

Description: Seriously pretty, this trio can be as sexy or subtle as you want. Perfect for for fans of matte shadows and the slightest shimmers, it's easy to dress your eyes up or down. Bonus: One side of the dual applicator is more narrow for fun line work and precision.
Cost: $6.00 One Size (full size)
Review: I still have not used this as the colors aren't very appealing to me. As you can see in the swatch below, they're actually pretty light (and that was with several coats), but the only one I will even consider using is the brown.

2. Body Drench Daily Moisturizing Lotion 

Description: Moisturizer and aroma therapy in one? We'll take it! With a silky emollient rich formula, this fast-absorbing lotion is the perfect way to end your night, or the first step to seize the day. 
Cost: $8.99 for 16.9oz (Sample is 2oz, so worth $1.06)
Review: I got lip drench from this brand last month and thought it was pretty quality, so I was pleased to see this brand again. (Many people get irritated by repeat brands, but if it's a good one, why get mad?) I got the "Original" scent, and when I first smelled this from the bottle, I was super disappointed. It reminded me of old lady lotion. I tried it after my shower today and was pleasantly surprised. The lotion made my skin super soft and smooth and it smelled more like baby powder than the old lady smell I was anticipating. Many other reviewers say they got Sugar Cane and Mango scents, and while I would much rather have one of those two than baby powder, it is still better than my first whiff. I doubt this sample will last long.

3. Ofra Cosmetics Sultry Lipgloss Plumper 

Description: Winter is the perfect time for vampy, dark lips, so why not let out your inner vixen? This perfectly pigmented gloss is sure to add a little romance to the holidays and fullness to your pucker with a slightly minty flavor and touch of plumper. 
Cost: $12.95 for .34oz (full size)
Review: I was nervous about this from the start. It's super dark and lip color is the last item to make it in my make up routine. (In other words, it's a rare occurrence.) First, it comes out very thick, not like typical lip gloss. It was very dark and made my lips sting. I'm guessing that's the plumper, but not worth it for me. Anyone want this? NOT for me!

4. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer 

Description: Let us introduce you to one of the best moisturizers on the market! This product is water-based and great for all skin types, so it feels light, but keeps you from getting oily or drying out. Gentle and refreshing, it also contains cucumber and green mango extract. 
Cost: $6.99 for 3oz (sample is .5oz, so $1.17)
Review: I am already a user of Clean & Clear face cleansers, so I was very interested to try this. I currently use another drugstore moisturizer that is a bit more expensive than this one, so I'm also up for finding a cheaper, just as great or better, product. When I first put it on, I was a bit surprised that it was scented. Guess I should've read the description that said "contains cucumber and green mango extract." It smells just like that. Not a bad smell, just used to my current one that is unscented. It is very lightweight, actually to the point where I needed to add a bit more after the first application. That was probably user error though. I'm going to continue to use the rest of the sample before deciding if this will be my official moisturizer or if I'll stick with what I have.

5. Every Beauty Flexible Foot Smoother 

Description: Treat yourself to smooth and supple feet by using this pliable scrubber. use dry to briskly rub away rough spots, or go spa-style and soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes beforehand. Don't forget to slather on thick lotion afterward! 
Cost: $4.99 One Size (full size)
Review: I still haven't gotten around to using this yet. Since it's been cold, it's not appealing to remove my socks unless I absolutely have to. This product will have to wait.

Total Value: $26.28! I paid $10, so I'm pleased with this value. Even though I don't love all the products this month, it still was a fun box to receive!

If you're interested in starting a Beauty Box 5 subscription, please use my referral link: http://www.beautybox5.com/?u=861 It will help me earn points that I can use toward full size products. Thanks!