November Beauty Box Five 2012

This months Beauty Box Five was not as impressive once again. While I did get two full-sized products they are ones I wasn't too jazzed about getting. So lets see what was in this box.

• Cetaphil / Moisturizing Lotion - One of the most recommended products for sensitive skin. This mild, non-irritating moisturizer is oil-free, non-greasy, fragrance-free and packed with humectants that bind moisture to your delicate skin.
• Swagger / Eyeshadow - Created by quirky and fierce makeup artist. Blake Karamazov, these lovely little pots of glittery goodness are 100% vegan and never tested on animals. Unfortunally there was no listing as to what color this was.
• Model Co / Lip Shine - Tease - This non-sticky, highly reflective, shimmering gloss looks great alone or over your favorite lipstick and leaves your lips looking luscious with long-lasting shine. This does have a cute mirror on the other side to help with application. I've been noticing that lately Model Co has been featured in several sub boxes.
• Envie De Nuef - Eye Mask - Younger-looking eyes are minutes away with this power-packed anti-aging eye mask. It reduces dark circles, relaxes wrinkles, stimulates cell turnover, increases skin's elasticity and oh-so-much more. I was hoping not to get these eye masks. These too I have been seeing in boxes lately. I guess I'll try it don't know how one will let me know if it works.
• Global Goddess / Upgrade Complexion Face Primer - Smooth this primer on alone or before makeup to create a radiant, even canvas. Vitamins A and E nourish, while anti-oxidants create a thin veil of protection for a silky finish while pearlescent pigments create a youthful glow. Okay I'm so tired of the face primers as well. Like how many do I need to try. Well I guess I'll give it a go. It looks like at least several applications in each foil-packet.

If your interested in trying Beauty Box 5 please check out this link. https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f3f58d0b6240

October Beauty Box Five 2012

So this months Beauty Box 5 was themed Tricks of the Trade. This box contained 6 items and one card with a code from NuMe for $100 off. So it was similar to the My Glam one we got months ago.

• Margania/ Pure Argan Oil- With naturally high levels of Vitamin E and skin-supporting fatty acids, this "miracle" oil is perfect for healing skin ailments and protecting against premature aging. Use alone or mix with your moisturizer. (A little goes a long way)
• City Lips/ Lip Plumper- This luscious lip plumper's are packed with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients. Apply alone or over lipstick for fuller, plumper lips in an instant.
• Showstoppers/ Fashion Tape- Lost a button on your shirt? Does your bra strap keep showing? Keep your "fashion fashioned" with these ingenious, purse-sized packets of double stick designer fashion tape. Now while they only sent one small foil-packet they could have sent several more not enough in my opinion.
• Goat Haus Dairy/ Lip Balm- Your lips will lust after this light-weight soft and silky goat's-milk lip balm. This is the second product from them. Last months box contained a bath cube to add to the water. While I think this is much better. I'm not quite fond of goat's milk. So I'm not sure about putting it on my lips. I may try it not sure yet. If anything I will give this to El Hubbs he will like it. He's in need of a new lip balm. This company is based in Bryan, TX so that's great with me being a native Texan. So buying items that are made in state is a plus as well. I'm all for supporting my local businesses.  
• Furlesse/ Elevens- Relax frown lines in a gentle, natural (no needles) way. Simply apply the clear patch while you sleep and a few hours later you'll see fewer fine lines. It's that easy. Okay I'm not sure how I feel on this either, but I just may give it a try. Sounds interesting.
• Lash Card/ Lash Cards- Great for maximizing curl, separating lashes and avoiding those bottom lash mishaps, these discrete little cards are your lashes new best friend. I received two cards with about 4-8 uses from them. While I've seen these before I have never wanted to try them. I also thought that these cards were made from a type of reusable plastic so that you can use them over and over. Oh well, maybe they will make one like that in the future where you can just wash it off and use it till it can be used no more. What a shame.

If your interested in trying Beauty Box 5 please check out this link. https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f3f58d0b6240

September Beauty Box Five 2012

So sorry for the late posting of my September boxes. A lot has been going on in life. So without further ado here it is. My latest BB5 box as okay. I did like the selection and variety available. I could have done without another loose powdered eyeshadow. I'm not a fan of those I tend to like pressed shadows more.

Here was what was in this months box:

• Nume/Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo- All I can say is that I already have this sample except that it was the conditioner not a shampoo from MyGlam in July's bag. This shampoo is for dry or coloured hair. It contains Seratin-K, Sage extract, Bamboo extract and Argan oil from Morocco. It has no parabens or parafins. Now as for me I didn't like the scent it is too overpowering. It gave me an instant headache just like the conditioner did.
• Goat Haus Dairy/ Bath Melts 1 bath melt- Taking a bath never left your skin feeling this good. Drop one of these handmade goat's milk bath-melts into your tub and relax...your skin will thank you.
• Silk Naturals/Eyeshadow- This lovely loose mineral shadows are no exception. Gluten Free and predominantly vegan, they're perfect for sensitive skin and a great addition to your collection.
• Naabassja Skin/Enzyme Facial Peel- Great for any skin type, this revolutionary facial peel is packed with free-radical fighting antioxidants and uses papaya enzyme to gently eliminate dead, dry skin cells.
• H. Wood Beauty/Lip Shine- The perfect addition to any makeup bag. This hydrating, sheer-color lip shine is packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, and mango, avocado and Shea butter. I was not to jazzed about the color and that it was sheer. Oh, well what can I say it was a full-sized and the packaging was cute.

If your interested in trying Beauty Box 5 please check out this link. https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f3f58d0b6240

August Beauty Box Five 2012

• Blum Naturals/Make-up Remover Towelettes- Remove oil, dirt and makeup with these pro age deep cleaning towelettes that leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth.

• H2O Plus/Marine Calm Restoring Eye Cream- Use this marine, botanical-infused eye cream to deeply nourish and reduce the look of fine lines and dark circles.

• Ferro Cosmetics/Sheer Crystal Veil- This multi-purpose powder is the answer to illuminated skin. Dust over or under foundation or mix with moisturizer for a dewy soft finish without the shimmer or glitter. This is a silk infused mineral highlighter that subtly illuminates for glowing dewy skin. Sweep onto cheek & brow bones to highlight and illuminate or anywhere on the body.

• Ellis Faas/Creamy, Milky, Glazed Lips- Just twist the bottom of this gorgeous silver pen and you'll be wearing the new lip product that everyone is talking about. This was a nice perk since it was a full-sized and retailed $35. I got the color L109 in the creamy version which is the color Pale Coffee. A liquid lipstick for classic definition and long-wearing coverage.The gorgeous texture of this highly pigmented lipstick gives great definition to your lips, both as a full-coverage lipstick as well as a stain. All shades are that of human colors, meaning that they are inspired by the colors that by nature already exist in the human body and are therefore suitable for all skin tones. Doesn't contain Parabens and is unscented and unflavored. This particular lip pen comes in three formulas Creamy, Milky and Glazed. The creamy lip has a doe-foot type applicator that when you twist the bottom the product comes out through the tiny holes at the top of the pen. The other two formulas come in a brush style pen. It applies soft and creamy. Very nice and looks pretty in your makeup bag.

• Dermaesthetics USA/Vitamin C 20 Serum- Helps prevent the premature signs of aging with this double-duty Vitamin C that promotes collagen production and brightens lackluster skin. Well I will see if this works any I need brightening of my skin. If this does then I'm in trouble a 1oz costs $144 wow so pricey.

If your interested in trying Beauty Box 5 please check out this link. https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f3f58d0b6240

July Beauty Box Five 2012

This will be short and sweet. I just received my Beauty Box Five. It too was late like my MyGlam bag. This usually ships on the 15th give or take depending on what day it falls on. Well they didn't go out till the 20th then I finally got in on the 25th. So sorry this post is late I've had a lot going on as of late. So I'll just jump right in.

As for this month's box I was disappointed I was hoping for better. Anyways I should have known seeing that this month there was no crinkle paper inside like usual. Just the empty box with the items in the usual drawstring bag. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Maybe they were in a hurry to get the boxes out and forgot it.

So Inside my bag were the following items. From Blinc a tiny sample sized mascara. Which is okay seeing that this is my 3 one. I received an almost full-sized sample from Birchbox and one from my Total Beauty box. Both which I haven't even tried yet. If its anything like the liner I will pass. Sample Value $4.75

Eyelashes from Hollyren these are nice if I wore lashes. I still have the pair MyGlam gave us and I still haven't tried them yet. I know I said I would. I really don't go anywhere special so oh well. Sample Value $7.00

From Spongables a Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer now this I have tried in the past and loved it. It does do the job and keeps my feet looking nice and smooth. One side exfoliates and the other cleanses and moisturizes. Sample Value $2.99

The last item was from Bodyography a Makeup Primer. I have never heard of this company so I'm guessing that they are new. This primer claims to erase the look of fine lines, prolong the wear of your favorite foundation and help prevent collagen breakdown. This primer is anti-aging and oil-free as well. Sample Value is $15.00

So the only great things about this box was the primer because of the great value. It is half of a full-sized tube which is valued at $30. So that is a plus and if it claims half of what it does then that's great. The only other item I liked and did need another was the foot buffer sponge. So I guess the box paid for itself with the primer and my sponge. I will give them another month to see what pans out. I have given them several chances and then the next month will Wow me. So then I stay. We will see. This box was valued at $29.74

If your interested in trying Beauty Box 5 please check out this link. https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f3f58d0b6240

June Beautybox Five 2012

I got my Beautybox Five in the mail yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. This time around there is a difference less crinkle paper which is great and a card similar to other monthly services listing what's in the box. Now that I like because I would like to know something about the product I receiving. So now for whats in this months box.

Blinc Eyeliner 0.2oz. Summer got a little easier with this water resistant, no-smudge, easy-to-remove eyeliner that won't run or flake. Sample Value $7.98

 The All Natural Face a Vegan Mineral eyeshadow 0.07 oz. Use this versatile, not-irritating, vegan, mineral eye shadows wet or dry to accent your beautiful eyes. Sample Value $ 3.50

Blum Naturals Oil Absorbing Facial Tissues 50 Sheets. Keep shiny summer skin at bay and leave your make-up intact with these powder-free, oil-absorbing facial tissues. Sample Value $2.99

Everyday Minerals Girl Friday Blush 0.17oz. These mineral-based blushes add the perfect natural kiss of color for that fresh-faced, feminine summer look. Sample Value $10.99

Comodynes Easy Peeling. Eliminate dead cells, deep clean pores and leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and renewed with these double-duty exfoliating towelettes. Sample Value $1.62

I gather that this is a how to keep you makeup on during the summer box. All the items in here are made to keep you face looking great in these hot summer months. As you all well know that powders are a lot better a keeping your face looking fresh longer. So usually when it tends to get hotter more people are geared to using powder based products and mineral based ones as well.

Overall I was a little happier with this months box than that of last months one. The added bonus of the product information card was a plus. The boxes value was $27.08 which isn't bad at all. So for now I will say with Beautybox 5. I want to see what they are going to come up with next month. If your interested in joining Beautybox 5 it is $12 monthly. You can use this link https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f3f58d0b6240.

Beauty Box Five May 2012

I have been subscribing to this box for the last 3 months. So of course the first month I was with them was great then every box after this has been ehhhh. I may not be staying with this service for very much longer. This months box was not any better than last months.

For starters I got my box really fast this time. Which is a plus. I guess.

I wasn't really happy to be receiving sample packets again with not more than probably two uses. I was thrilled to see a decent sized body butter and deluxe sample of a face mask by evie evan whom I've never heard of. Then 3 small packets of Moonlight Radiance Night cream from a company named Merlot. Which makes natural grape seed skin care. They claim this cream promotes thicker skin and better skin tone. Helps to reduce and reverse deep lines and wrinkles. It is made in the USA and doesn't test on animals. So I guess I should be happy to get three packets instead of one to try.

Then I received from It's a 10 a sample one time use of their Miracle hair mask. Which claims to do ten things. Detangle, restore moisture balance, restores elasticity, softens, smoothes, imparts luminous shine, enhances natural body, nourishes, de frizzes, and finally improves color vibrancy. So after shampooing work in to hair and leave on for 1-3 minutes. For a deep conditioner use for up to 5-15 minutes, then rinse. Their Miracle styling serum which is alcohol free claims to do ten things as well. I won't get in to that again. The ten things are somewhat different than that of the hair mask. As for the serum you just apply after washing and before styling.

The last packaged item was from Comodynes it a Beauty Flash Lifting effect- Instant Beauty Spray. This spray claims that a concentrate of plant extracts will tighten skin and reduce wrinkles and pore size. In one minute the skin will be smoother, brighter, and toned. 8-Hour lifting effect. Apply on clean, dry skin prior to make-up. For all skin types. 1 spray=2 applications in sample. So OK a spray that makes those claims seems crazy. I'll try this out later then let you know what happens if anything.

In this really weighty glass jar was a Mini Purity Masque. This masque had the traditional spa smell. It wasn't overpowering or harsh. Just a nice clean scent. It says on the card to Apply masque to a clean, dry face. Let sit for 10-20 mins. Rinse with warm water. I too will try this and give a report later.

The next item was a Shea body butter in Hawaiian Kukui by Tree Hut. I too have never heard of this brand as well. It says it's certified organic Shea butter. Not tested on animals. This was a 2 oz size which will be enough to tell if I will like it. It does have a heavy coconut smell which I'm not a fan of. The cream is very thick and smooth and makes the skin feel soft. It does absorb quickly which is a plus. This does make you feel like your in the tropics just from the scent alone. So that's great for scent to suddenly whisk you away to an island paradise. All while still sitting at your desk.

I'm still on the fence about this box. I'm not sure on overall value of this box. I do know it was not worth the $12 it costs. Have you tried this box before? Or have you thought about it? If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

Smith's Rosebud Salve Review

In my April's Beauty Box Five I received a tin of Smith's Rosebud Salve. This salve supposedly does many things. A one stop cure all. On the front part of the package it says, A trade secret blend of essential oils (Aromol), cottonseed oil, in a special petrolatum base. Made in the USA. On the back it says, This is the original and only Rosebud Salve. Rosebud salve may be used as an all purpose skin preparation. Rosebud salve may help to relieve chapped lips and skin, diaper rash, blemishes, detergent burns, and rough cuticles and may soften rough hands.

So this I find interesting. I love how it says it may help. Not that it would help ( with a particular aliment). That it may help. Well for starters I've been trying this for my chapped lips and rough cuticles for over a week now. I wouldn't think to dare try it on diaper rash. I would think you would need a separate tin for that. I rarely get blemishes but, if I did I'm not sure how a heavily scented petrolatum base would help. It's like putting Vaseline on a pimple. I'm not sure it would help for that at all. As for detergent burns I don't think I've every had one so I can't say it will or will not work for that.

I will say that it will temporally help with chapped lips and I feel it works better on my cuticles more than anything else. This product does have a sticky feel and a very strong rose scent not to mention a rose tint as well. So if your not a fan of roses or the scent of roses. This will not be for you. When placed on your lips you do get overwhelmed a bit then it goes away. There is a tiny taste of rose if you happen to get in your mouth somehow. I still feel that for a lip product there are others out there that do a lot better. I'm so glad that I got this as a trial. I was going to purchase this at Sephora a while back but, changed my mind. I'm glad I did I would have been upset having spent $6.00 on this.

Also if you don't like roses they do have a Strawberry Lip Balm that's not a salve this is just for lips and it's $7. They also have Rosebud Salve in a tube for $6 if your not into putting your fingers in a tin. Lastly they have a Minted Rose Lip Balm that is in a tin as well for $7. So They have two other products for lips only. I may try the Strawberry one when I go to Sephora again. If I do I'll be sure to let you know how that works out. Have you tired this? If you did. Did you like it?

Beautybox Five April 2012

On Friday I received my second box from Beautybox Five. Well I can say this month I was not impressed. I was hoping for a sample of Makeup Geek's new eyeshadow that she debuted. Well other than that the box was full with only one time samples and one full-sized item.


 Having that many one time samples in the box was a huge disappointment. I'm not expecting every box to have a full-sized product inside but, maybe a deluxe sized one to try more than once or twice.

The items in this months box were Smiths Rosebud Salve full-sized $6 which personally I have never used. This was the one item I did like. The next item was a Freeman sample to which I've been getting a lot lately in other boxes. This particular one was a facial exfoliating scrub in pink grapefruit sample-sized is $1.99. Then other item was from Pur-lisse pur-protect essential daily moisturizer for normal- to dry sensitive-anti-aging skin. Well I already received one of these in my MyGlam bag already. So no big whoop there. This sample was $.66. The last two samples were from La Fresh A waterproof makeup remover wipe. I got the nail remover wipe last month from another box. This wipe is for eyes and lips and is alcohol-free. The sample is $.56. Now for the last item it was from Dr T's Supergoop! sunscreen swipe in SPF 30 it's a water resistant UV protection with green tea for sensitive skin. This sample pack is $1.62.

So this months box was a bust as the items were worth only $10.83. I pay $12 a month for this box. So I personally feel I'm due another two or three samples or a deluxe sample from them. This is just my opinion but, I do think that for $12 I should be getting at least that in value. I will continue to say with them since this is only their third box and my second one. So with that I will say please stop putting such tiny or many one time samples in your boxes and concentrate on what the consumer may really want. I know this may sound harsh but, it is after all my money were talking about here. I don't have lots to spend so I want to do it wisely.

Beautybox Five 2012~ My First impressions

On Tuesday I was delighted when checking my mail.  I received my newest monthly box subscription. Which is based in Greenville, Texas which is nice.  This is a homegrown beauty box company that goes by Beautybox Five.  This is a monthly sample service where for $12 a month you can receive 4-5 deluxe beauty items from different companies to try at home.  This was my first box ever from them as they launched last month for the first time.  You can subscribe to them monthly, quarterly or yearly.   

This is how the box comes it is a tad smaller than a Birchbox and MyGlam Bag mailer.  It is a beautiful turquoise color with brown and white accents on the front side.  The inside is filled with a dark brown confetti like filler.  Which is nice because this protects what's inside.

In the box were 6 samples.  One was a full-sized kajal eyeliner from a company named Lavera Naturkosmetik from Europe.  They have a North American website that ships within the US & Canada.  This liner is vegan and made with organic beeswax & organic palm oil.  I got this in color No. 2 which is a dark brown.  It retails for $15 and Eva Mendes apparently loves their line.  The other two items were a Day & Night Hydrating cream from Weleda in the scent Iris.  These were deluxe samples.  Also in the box was a deluxe sample of Pur-lisse pur-delicate gentle soy milk cleanser and makeup remover.  It says its for all skin types.  The last two items were in foil packets.  From Comodynes a self-tanner natural & uniform color tanning towelette.  Which is nice but, I'm not big on tanning I love being pale year round.  Then a soy nail polish remover wipe from Priti NYC infused with organic lemongrass essential oil.

Overall I really like all the items in my box. Can't wait to try these soon.  I will have to try some of these at a later date because I have tons of other samples to try and review.  Then I can come back with an honest review on these items.  The value of the box was a good one.  Its valued at around give or take $32.70.