Because this was my very first box, I had a mixture of expectations. I was excited for my box to come, but had no idea it would be so tiny. It is a box of samples, so I'm not sure why the size was surprising, but nonetheless, it was. This is what it looks like; I should've put it next to something so you can see how truly small it is. It's about the size of my hand.
Let's break it down one item at a time.
1. Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash (that's a mouthful)
Card description: Treat yourself to a luxurious and calming clean! This creamy lavender-scented body wash will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, while relaxing your senses.Cost: $6.99 for 16 fl oz. (This sample was 2 fl oz., making it worth $.87)
Review: Many people hate on Beauty box 5 because they often include drugstore brands like Aveeno (and Secret below), but personally, I really love getting brands I know I can afford. I have used Aveeno products for a long time, but I had not ever tried this body wash. I used it today and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not a big fan of lavender (weird, I know), but it wasn't overwhelming. It did leave my skin feeling soft and not dried out, which is tough to do in November. I will definitely use the rest of this wash (probably on my trip to VA in December) and may even considering buying this product in the future. If it was a different scent, I would be all in.
2. Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant & Deodorant
Card description: Horray, a clinical strength antiperspirant that actually goes on dry (no sticky feeling) and works to battle three types of sweat: stress, activity, and heat!Cost: $7.99 for 1.6 oz. (full size sample)
Review: My honest initial reaction was, "deodorant? really?" After further thought, the idea grew on me. I have never tried clinical strength deodorant mainly because I'm not a big underarm sweat-er (leave it to stomach sweat for me...TMI, I know). But getting the opportunity to try it for free (not really since I paid for the box) is kind of fun. Plus, it's hard to tell in the picture (clearly I'm not a professional here), but they also included a coupon for another free full size deodorant. Hard to be mad when you get an extra item!
I tried this product the other day; I like the smell and it does go on smooth like the description promised. It is hard for me to judge the strength of it since I don't sweat in my pits much. Maybe I'll try it on my stomach and get back to you. (gross?) Update: I used this again before going to the gym and found it to be pretty strong. Throughout my hour long Zumba class, I kept getting whiffs of "completely clean." I think that's a good indicator that it was doing it's job. In other news, the box very specifically states that this is only to be used on the underarm -- so much for trying it on my stomach.
3. Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Cooling Face Mask
Card description: Cleanse pores and strengthen your skin's natural barriers with this mud-infused fabric mask. Just open, unfold and place on cleansed skin for 10-15 minutes.
Cost: $2.49 for one mask (full size sample)
Review: I've never used a fabric type mask before, so I was excited to try this. It isn't the most beautiful experience (see picture), but it did leave my skin soft. I appreciated the lack of mess and easy clean up of the fabric mask versus a substance you rub on your face. I doubt I will purchase this, but it was a fun adventure...and I got to scare my husband by showing up around the corner looking like this:  |
| don't judge me |
4. Body Drench Lip Drench (in Raspberry)
Card description: Drench your lips in 8 hours of vitamin-packed, free radical-fighting hydration with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm.Cost: $4.99 for .15 oz. (full size sample)
Review: I have a minor addiction to chapstick, so this was a nice surprise in my box. I'm pretty loyal to Burts Bees, but this does have a very smooth feel and smells DELICIOUS! I highly doubt I will ever spend $4.99 to get this, but it's certainly a nice addition to my current stash.
5. Bellapierre Cosmetics Shimmer Powder
Card description: Back by popular demand, here are more shimmer shadows in gorgeous shades. Expand your collection of makeup must-haves with these luminous, long-wear shadows that are perfect for even the most sensitive eyes!Cost: $14.99 (full size)
Review: This is the item Beauty Box 5 revealed early that we would be receiving. There were two potential items from this company, one being the eye shimmer that I got and the other being body glitters. I was nervous to receive the latter as I would have zero use for that (it said it could be used for eyes, hair, nails, etc.). Anyway, I was very pleased to receive the eye shimmer and in a gorgeous color called "Tin Man". It's a silvery color as you can see in my swatch below. I really loved this color until I put it on my eyes. I much prefer to appear as if I don't have makeup on (even though I often do in fact have it on). Because I didn't leave it on long, I can't attest to its ability to last throughout the day.
Overall, I was very pleased with my first box. I very much enjoy practical items, and I have no doubt that four of the five items will be used in their entirety. Plus, if we total up the costs, all of these items combined are worth $31.33 (plus the additional deodorant coupon, so $39.32 if you count that). My box cost $10 (I paid for three months upfront), so this box more than paid for that -- actually the value is over what I paid for for all three months. Pretty good deal if you ask me.
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!
