Review

Review: Sample Society June 2015

June was the last month that this would be the Sample Society box. I was hoping for a nice ending before they switch to being the Allure Beauty Box solely, and this didn’t disappoint.

St. Tropez Self Tan Express – Full Size $44

I love St. Tropez, and have purchased other products in the line, so I was ecstatic when I saw this in the box.

ESalon Perfect Ending Leave In Conditioner – Full Size $15.00

This smells FANTASTIC! And I really believe it helps my hair feel softer. Total Win.

E.L.F. Studio Small Stipple Brush – $3

I like E.L.F enough, but I always question the quality. I will probably swap this brush.

Lauren B. Beauty Nail Couture in Polo Lounge Punch – $18

Gorgeous color! I can’t wait to try this in an upcoming pedicure.

Completely Bare Wax Strips for Face, Bikini, Body – $12.99

I can’t use wax of any kind because it usually makes me break out. I will be swapping these as well.

Cotz Face Sunscreen SPF 40 in Natural Skin Tone – Full Size $19.99

I haven’t tried this yet, and can’t decide if I will purely because I have so many sunscreens for my face.

Can’t wait to receive this month’s box!

Review: Birchbox June 2015

SO sorry I didn’t post this last month! I’m working on a regular posting schedule. Last month I wasn’t super thrilled with my Birchbox, and ultimately was the reason I forgot to post.

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner – Full Size $11

This came in a gray color. Not my style – to swap it goes!

Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology– Full Size $19-$48

I actually like Supergoop! so I think this will be great for the summer.

Temple Spa Shampoo and Conditioner – Full Size $14 each

This smells ok, and I’m glad I got both the shampoo and conditioner. I figure I can use these deluxe samples for travel.

W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara – Full Size $23.50

I wasn’t really into the brush when I first examined this. Much too small for my liking. This too goes to swap!

L. Erickson Narrow Grab and Go Ponytail Holder – Full Size $12

I can always use another, so this was a good extra!

It would have been much better to have more summery products. I think they were trying here, but it didn’t quite deliver, in my opinion! How were your Birchboxes last month?

Review: Birchbox May 2015

Sorry for the delay of this post – I’m playing catch up with some things!

I was super excited to hear that Emily of the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere would be the guest curator for May. I adore her blog, and typically love most things she recommends. I forgot to pre-select my samples, so I wound up with the regular box. I’m not at all disappointed. While I’ll probably trade some things, I really enjoyed the theme.

*All prices are for the full size products.

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – $21

I LOVE trying new dry shampoos, and I’ve been eyeing the amika brand for a while now. It smells a little fruity for my taste, but I’m excited to give it a shot.

Benefit Cosmetics Total Moisture Facial Cream – $42

Benefit is one of my favorite brands, and I appreciated getting a generous sample. I need to be careful what I put on my face because I don’t want to break out, but the smell is so lovely, I think I’ll give it a try.

Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Eyeshadow Quad – $20

I was most disappointed by this one. I’ve wanted the full palette for a while now, and was quite upset when they cheaped out with the quad. Colors are nice, but total bummer.

Marcelle Clay Mask -$15

I haven’t had a nice clay mask in a while, so I might be willing to try this. But because I have sensitive skin, I’ll have to read some reviews before I give it a shot.

Whish Flawless Swipes – $22

These are designed to banish bumps and prevent in grown hairs. I’d rather have a lotion or creme than a wipe, but thats just me. The brand hasn’t proven effective for me in the past, but I love their ideas and the fragrances of their products. This goes to the swap pile.

How were your boxes this month?

Review: Sample Society April AND May 2015

So it seems I was slacking a bit last month. Things have been crazy and I’m ready to get back to blogging more regularly. I received both of my Sample Society boxes for April and May, and thought this would be a great place to jump back into things.

April 2015

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper in Rio – $25

This is an itty bitty sample. The color isn’t bad though, and I definitely think it would compliment a variety of skin tones.

Benefit The PoreFessional – $30

I absolutely hate this product. I’ve used it more times than I can count, and it does nothing for me. I use it to try and use up the samples, or when I’m in a pinch, but I don’t believe it does a thing. Am I alone in this?

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream – $76 for 1.7 ounces

I’m a huge Marc Jacobs fan, but this isn’t for me.

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil – $39

I LOVE this line. So happy to have another sample. It makes my hair feel AMAZING.

Mt. Sapola Lavender-Chamomile Body Lotion- $24

I love lavender, but this was a bit too strong for me. I had to throw it out because it was giving me a headache. Super bummed.

Illume Tonka Noir Candle – $20

This candle couldn’t smell better if it tried. I can’t stop smelling it, and want to use it constantly. Major love for this one.

Overall I think this wasn’t a bad box, but I know I’ve seen better from Sample Society.

May 2015

I lost my card indicating amounts and info about the products in the box, but I found the necessary information:

John Frieda Luxurious Volume In-Shower Treatment– I don’t really need this since I have gigantic hair. Definitely swapping this one.

Alterna Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray– I’m excited to try this. I always need something to protect my hair from my insanely hot flat iron, and I’m willing to give this a shot.

Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray – I wasn’t sure what to make of this. Anyone out there a fan? Right now it is in my swap pile!

Julep Lip Gloss in Graceful – Love Julep lip glosses! The color is super sheer, but I can use it.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask– I’m always up to try new face masks!

Versace Eros Pour Femme Perfume– This bottle is ADORABLE. Super tiny, and I definitely want to give the perfume a try too…

Verdict: Not bad! This box had some fun products for me to try, and a nice box for spring!

Review: Birchbox April 2015

This month I selected the pre-curated box from Birchbox. I already liked some of the brands in the California box, so I decided to choose that one.

I absolutely love the brand 12 Benefits and their Instant Healthy Hair Treatment is something I wanted to try. Its a healthy sample! (reg $21)

When I opened the box I immediately smelled something that smelled like soap. It was the perfume called “Clean” and it was disgusting. I threw it out. (reg $69)

I love Cynthia Rowley, so I was thrilled to receive a sample of her illuminator. (reg $28)

Laqa & Co. is a company I’ve encountered before, but never tried. In the box was their Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Honeypot and its gorgeous. Perfect for an easy, breezy type of day. (reg $20)

I’ve never heard of Not Soap, Radio. I got their Body Wash in Bathing with Sharks and am excited to try it this summer on vacation! (The nod to sharks just makes me want to save it for my beach vacay!) (reg $16)

Review: Birchbox March 2015

So this month Birchbox first upset me, then totally surprised me. I had logged in and selected my item for March box in plenty of time, only to receive a notice that something was wrong with my payment info. I can’t figure out why that would be, because nothing changed from the month before. So I fixed it, and was disappointed when the item I pre-selected wasn’t in my box. (VERY disappointed because it was a product I was itching to try, but I digress…) However, I wound up with seven items in my box instead of five, and it was quite the pleasant surprise!

Harvey Prince Singular Scentsations Imperial Gardenia: $29

I haven’t even smelled this yet because I couldn’t believe I received ANOTHER Harvey Prince sample. Since I first joined BB I now have something like 8 or 9 different ones. Enough is enough…. (I also don’t like anything floral)

Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: $34

I’m really into face products lately, and this is supposed to mimic microdermabrasion. Can’t wait to give this a shot!

Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Body Balm: $29

I think I’ll be swapping this one. The scent is super strong, and I so badly want to like it, but I just can’t. The aromatherapy scent just isn’t for me.

Jelly Pong Pong GLOW GETTER Highlighter: $14

I’ve heard great things about this brand – can’t wait to try it out! It looks like a tiny bottle of nail polish and is a gorgeous color.

Davines Ol/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion: $41

This is a FULL SIZE product. I love hair oils, and hope this is really nourishing.

Somehow I wound up with both the shampoo and matching conditioner! It is so rare to receive both, let alone THREE products from the same line. I received shampoo from the same brand last month though, so I’m hoping I don’t get a three-pete. But for now, I’m excited to actually try the line!

Review: Sample Society March 2015

I decided to keep trying Sample Society, at least for another month, because I was so excited that Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara was going to be included. I’m familiar with all of the brands this month, so I’d say that from the start, this box is a win.

Juicy Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer: $45

I’ve been on the fence about Juice products. I’m so excited to try them, but usually I can’t get past the smell. I now have several tubes and jars from the line, so perhaps I’ll give it a shot, and work past the smell. Anyone out there a Juice Beauty fan? Let me know what products you like!

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara: $24

I was SO excited to get this because of all the hype surrounding this product. I should admit I haven’t used it yet, since I have so many tubes that I’m trying to work through and finish up. Can’t wait to try it!

Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray: $24

I do like their dry shampoo, so I was thrilled to give this a try. I’m interested to see how it compares to the Oribe version.

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm: $12

I’m not a huge lip balm gal, but the write up in the pamphlet in the book makes me want to give this a shot. Especially if it isn’t greasy. I’m weird and LOVE sticky glosses, but I can’t stand greasy balms.

Cargo Essential Lip Gloss: $16

Mine is in the color Madrid, which is a dark plum color. Since we’re going into spring I would have preferred a lighter pink or coral, but I do enjoy a vampy lip.

Verdict: This box (as I mentioned above) is a win for me. Brands I have heard of, coupled with products I actually wanted to try. Way to go Sample Society.

Hair Care Review: Aveda and Kardashian Products

Recently I was flipping through a magazine and saw that Aveda has a new product out called “Naturally Straight.” Over time it is designed to smooth out curls and reduce frizz. The ad in the magazine said that samples can be picked up at your local Aveda salon. I’m SO glad I went and picked one up – I love this product. It is a two component system – first you apply the smooth infusion – naturally straight cream while hair is wet. After you style you apply a few drops of the dry remedy daily moisturizing oil. Go pick up your free sample! Highly recommended!!

I also picked up a new flat iron recently. I went to Ulta and found that the Kardashian’s are now making a line of hair tools. I generally don’t like celebrity products like this, but this iron is produced by CHI, and my old iron (Babyliss) wasn’t ceramic and was ruining the ends of my hair. This iron gets SO hot, and is apparently infused with some kind of oil product promoted by the Kardashian line. Unlike the CHI there are various heat settings, and the more I use it, the less time I find it takes me to tame my hair. And you can use coupons on it at Ulta, making the $90 price tag more affordable. Another item I’m definitely recommending (and I’m so surprised I like it!)

Review: Glossybox February 2015

Last month I didn’t cancel my plan before the monthly deadline, so I wound up receiving the February box. I have to say, as annoyed as I was at myself for not remembering to cancel earlier, the theme of the February box was adorable.

Julep Color Treat in Heartleigh – Full Size $14

This is so cute for February, but I don’t find Julep nail polishes to be all that great. There is a tip included on the card regarding how to best use it, but I don’t think I’ll be giving this a shot.

Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner – Full Size $36

This is supposed to replace shampoo and conditioner. I’m always skeptical of these types of products, but considering I have crazy hair I’m always willing to try new products.

Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butter in Pink – Full Size $14

This is the cutest little tin of lip balm. I prefer lip gloss to these little pots, but it would look cute just sitting on a dresser as a decorative item.

Scalisi Skincare Cleanser and Exfoliator – $25

This promises to be a “mini facial” and I’m SO excited to try it. I’m testing cleansers and I can’t wait to add this one to the list.

Rituals Cosmetics Foaming Shower Gel Sensation in Yogi Flow – $15

I wanted so badly to love this product. The packaging is adorable. However, when I tried it out the Indian rose scent was so incredibly overwhelming, there is no way I could use this. Total bummer.

I thought the presentation and products in the box are adorable. They all have a romantic vibe and would be perfect for date nights.

Review: Birchbox February 2015

Last year I suspended my subscription to Birchbox because I became unhappy with the selection of samples in the box. Over the past few months I’ve been closely following what changes Birchbox has made, and I decided to give it another shot. I must say – this box was a great way to begin!

theBalm cosmetics – Read My Lips Lip Gloss – BAM! Full size $15

I am a huge fan of theBalm since discovering their products from Birchbox ages ago. This color is ok – definitely more of a summer color, but I love the formula. I may be purchasing some other colors.

Paula’s Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths – Full size $22.40

I also discovered Paula’s Choice through BB, and it is another brand that I absolutely adore. I have yet to use these, and while I don’t have keratosis pilaris, I still want to see how they are on my skin.

Laura Geller Beauty – GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara – Full size $24

This is another mainstay brand, and I was thrilled to receive an LG mascara. I LOVE this mascara, which is surprising, because the brush is so itty bitty. Usually I layer on a few mascaras for the effect I like, but I love how this looks!

Harvey Prince – Ageless – Full size $55

I have yet to try this, and to be honest, I used to hate receiving perfume samples. I recently looked through my pile of them, and I have received over 4 different samples from Harvey Prince, so I wasn’t that excited. However, I want to test all of the perfumes for my blog, so this makes a great addition to the pile.

Davines MINU Shampoo & Hair Serum – Shampoo Full size $25 – Serum Full size $23.50

I haven’t tried the shampoo yet, and I’m curious to see how it works. I have however tried the serum (hence the open package in the photos) and I’m not thrilled with the smell. But I have crazy hair, and am always looking to try new photos.

GabGoesGlam

Beauty. Lifestyle. Fashion.