September 2012 "Fall Forward" GLOSSYBOX Review

This is my review of the September 2012 Glossybox Box.  It's theme was "Fall Forward".

The "Stats" - 

Frequency:  Subscriptions are available at the following terms - Monthly, 3 Months, 6 Months, 12 Months (discounts are offered for signing up for the longer terms).  I personally am signed up for the Monthly Subscription.

Cost:  $21.00/month (shipping is free) for the Monthly subscription

Products:  5 travel-sized beauty products delivered monthly

Here's what my September 2012 Glossybox looked like:

It comes in a light pink box decorated with cute black and pink crown crests outside and within.  

Here's a look at all the products that were in the box:

First impression - "Wow!  Regal looking (box) with big samples inside!"  

This box included:  (Retail Values are listed for the size actually received in the box, not the full-sized product unless that's what they sent in the box).

The Products:
1.  OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel - 1.6 oz (FULL SIZED) - RV $30.00
2.  Missha M Perfect Cover BB (Blemish Balm) Cream - 50ml (FULL SIZED) - RV $29.99
3.  Kryolan for Glossybox Lipstick in "Glossy Pink" - .14 oz (FULL SIZED) - RV $14.00
4.  GK Hair Balancing Shampoo - approx. 2 fl oz - RV $3.96
5.  GK Hair Balancing Conditioner - approx. 2 fl oz - RV $3.96 

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $81.91
MY COST:  $21.00

A closer look at the Products:
1.  OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel - 1.6 oz (FULL SIZED)- Will update this blog once I test this product out.
2.  Missha M Perfect Cover BB (Blemish Balm) Cream - 50 mL (FULL SIZED) - (4 stars) - I was very excited to test this product out.  I had heard of BB creams before, but this is the first one I've had the chance to sample.  It is very creamy and went on smooth.  I received color #21 - Light Beige - which is perfect for my skin during fall/winter months when my skin tone is at it's lightest.  Unfortunately, this box came the day before I left for Jamaica.  I was able to use it before I left, but now after being in the sun for 6 days, my face is quite darker and the color is now too light for me.  I look forward to using it again though when my skin tone lightens back up.  LOVE the full-sized product size too!  

3.  Kryolan for Glossybox Lipstick in "Glossy Pink" - .14 oz (FULL SIZED) -(4 stars) - The color is a very pretty dusty rose color.  And again, I'm very appreciative of the full-sized sample.  Unfortunately, I have dozens of lipsticks, so I think I might put this one on Listia simply because I don't need anymore of them.  
4.  GK Hair Balancing Shampoo - approx. 2 fl oz - (5 stars) and 
5.  GK Hair Balancing Conditioner - approx. 2 fl oz - (5 stars) - I took this duo with me to Jamaica and used it daily the entire time I was there.  The size (I'm estimating each bottle is 2 fl oz since the bottles don't say how much is in there, but it could be more) was absolutely perfect for my trip!  The scent is jasmine/vanilla-ish and smells FANTASTIC!  For 6 days, my hair was submerged in salt water, chlorine, and ended up with sunblock in it, which is normally very drying and leaves my hair feeling like straw.  However, using this duo daily after being at the beach & pool left my hair feeling soft, shiny, and smelling great!  I will definitely be buying the full-sized versions of these products to use from now on.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these products!!

The final verdict: 4.5 stars!!  I am very happy with the quality of the products received in this box!  The sizes are very generous (3 of them being full-sized) and I found a new shampoo/conditioner duo out of this box to use from now on.  The value and price are nice too ($21 for $81.91 worth of products).  I know this is only my first box, but so far, I'm definitely a fan!!

My Review of the September 2012 BEAUTY ARMY Sample Box

This is my review of the Beauty Army September 2012 Box.

The "Stats" - 

Frequency:  Monthly (though you have the option to skip months if you don't like the available sample options).  

Cost:  $12.00/month (shipping is free)

Products:  Choose up to 6 of the 9 available samples offered based upon your completed profile.  All products are sample sized.

Here's what my September 2012 Beauty Army box looked like:

It comes in a white box decorated inside with cute army print.  Here's a look at all the products that were in the box:

First impression - "Hmmm!  These samples are pretty small!"  The website states the size of the samples, but admittedly, I'm not good at picturing the sizes until I actually see them.  I quickly double-checked to see how much I paid for this box ($12).

This box included:  (Retail Values are listed for the size actually received in the box, not the full-sized product unless that's what they sent in the box)

The Products:
1.  Nailtiques Formula 2 Nail Protein - .25 fl oz - RV $9.50
2.  Fiafini Divine Hydration Moisturizer - .17 oz - RV $3.85
3.  Lipsi Cosmetics Aphrodite Powder - .17 fl oz - RV $4.59
4.  Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream - .1 fl oz - RV $.93
5.  Nume Hydro Punch Shampoo - .67 oz - RV $1.98
6.  Macadamia Hair Heating Oil Treatment - 1 fl oz - RV $9.51 

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $30.36
MY COST:  $12.00

A closer look at the Products:
1.  Nailtiques Formula 2 Nail Protein - .25 fl oz - will update this blog once I have a chance to test out this product.
2.  Fiafini Divine Hydration Moisturizer - .17 oz - I didn't read the description well enough on this sample before selecting it.  It's a face/neck moisturizer for sensitive skin, but has Marula Oil in it.  I have combination skin, so putting a product with oil in it on my face would not be a good idea.  This is going straight to Listia.
3.  Lipsi Cosmetics Aphrodite Powder - .17 fl oz - Will update this blog once I have a chance to test out this product.
4.  Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream - .1 fl oz - (1 star) - This cream is made from olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, and Propolis extract and it is SOOO oily!  I've been pretty vocal about the fact I'm not really a cream/lotion fan.  (Generally, I don't like the heavy feeling of it on my skin).  I put this on my arms and nearly washed it off.  It is the color/texture of mucus (gross yellow color and slimy to the touch).  It seemed like something that might work well on my feet though, so I slathered some on my feet/heels and put socks on over it.  Will let you know how it works.
5.  Nume Hydro Punch Shampoo - .67 oz - (2.5 stars) - The bottle says it's moisturizing, but it didn't seem to have that effect on my hair.  In fact, after blow drying, my hair was full of static and looked really dry/straw-y.  It did smell good though - floral with musky hints.  I wanted to love this product, but unfortunately, it isn't something I'd buy/use.
6.  Macadamia Hair Heating Oil Treatment - 1 fl oz - This is a product I've been wanting to try for some time now.  I will update this blog once I've had a chance to test it out.

The final verdict:  2.5 stars!!  I debated on whether to get this box or not.  The only reason I really did was to try the Macadamia Oil Treatment on my hair.  Plus, the fact you can skip a month if you don't like the offered samples is nice.  However, the size of the samples and the value ($12 for $30.36 worth of product) is not very impressive.  Since I can skip a month, I'll keep this open for another month or two, but I have a feeling this is one I'll cancel soon thereafter.

My Review of the SEPTEMBER 2012 QVC NEW BEAUTY TEST TUBE

This is my review of the QVC New Beauty Test Tube September 2012 Box.  This test tube is different than the regular New Beauty Test Tube (which I also signed up for and reviewed previously), though some of the products will occasionally be duplicates.

The "Stats" - 

Frequency:  Quarterly Box (mails in September, December, March, and June).  The first box they send you will be the most recent one that came out.  When you sign up thru QVC, you can choose to do Auto Renew or to just have 1 box sent to you.  If you choose Auto Renew, you'll then be on the regular shipping cycle after that.

Cost:  $29.96 + $6.72 shipping per quarter + $2.48 tax = ($39.16 total).  

Products:  Deluxe and full-sized samples of beauty products from the hottest brands.  You also get the New Beauty Magazine in the box, which covers "all the latest breakthroughs in beauty, product innovations, celebrity beauty secrets, and more".

Here's what my September 2012 QVC New Beauty Test Tube looked like:

It comes in a cute, pink box with yes, a big tube inside (which holds all the products that will fit in there).  Here's a look at all the products that were in the box total:

First impression - "Bummer!  The regular NBTT had a lot more products in it!"  The QVC website showed I would get 7 products plus the magazine and that's exactly what came.  Since the regular NBTT had a bunch of extras in it, I was expecting that in this one too.  Not to be!  

This box included:  (Retail Values are listed for the size actually received in the box, not the full-sized product unless that's what they sent in the box)

1-fl oz Philosophy "Love Sweet Love" shampoo, bath, and shower gel - RV $1.38

1.7-fl oz Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter - RV $4.19

0.12-oz Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick in "Mally's Look" (FULL SIZE) - RV $20.00

0.074-fl oz Laura Geller Eye Spackle Eye Shadow Primer (FULL SIZE) - RV $23.00

0.5-fl oz Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - RV $18.00

0.17-fl oz Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil - RV $4.08

2-fl oz Ojon Damage Reserve Restorative Conditioner - RV $5.88

0.5-fl oz Algenist Firming Cream - RV $23.50

NewBeauty magazine - Summer/Fall edition - RV $9.95

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $109.98 (the regular NBTT Value was $219.77)
MY COST:  $39.16 (the regular NBTT cost was $38.90)

This test tube also came with an informational booklet that tells you all about each of the "regular" products in the tube.  The information includes a description of the product, the company that makes it, how to use the product, and benefits of using each product.  However, it does not list the price of the full-sized products.  I still love the booklet!  It's very helpful!!

The final verdict:  2 stars!!  I liked the fact there were 2 full-sized products in here, but was really disappointed with the QVC NBTT compared to the regular one.  I know they're 2 different products, so it may not be fair to compare the two, but they are both from the same company.  I will definitely use the "Love Sweet Love" sample (it smells really good), the Laura Geller Eye Spackle Shadow Primer (works great!!), the Josie Maran Argan Oil (which I've been wanting to try for some time now), and the Ojon Restorative Conditioner (smells like brown sugar and leaves your hair feeling really soft).  I'm not a big fan of body butter and already have the magazine from my other NBTT, so those 2 will definitely go straight to Listia.  If the next tube isn't better, I will be cancelling the QVC version of this since the retail value is only half that of the regular NBTT.  

My Review of the September 2012 Vegan CONSCIOUS BOX

I'm always interested in trying out healthier products, so when I found Conscious Box, I was so excited!  It's the perfect way to test out products, without committing to the often higher costs of them before I know if I like it or not.  

The "Stats" - $12.95/mo plus $7.95/mo Shipping & Handling for the Monthly Plan (they also have 3 month and 6 month subscriptions for which you receive a $3 and $8 discount respectively)

You get (per their website):

• a variety of pure and natural products each month
• organic food to vegan beauty products
• daily living tips, monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box
• a choice of 2 types of subscriptions - vegan or eco-friendly (I selected the Vegan one just to test items out since I'm not vegan, but am interested in living a healthier lifestyle)

Here's what my September VEGAN Conscious Box looked like:

This little box was packed full of products (which is good, since it costs almost $20/mo).  I did find an online coupon thru Plum District though, so I was able to get a 3-month subscription for $13.28/mo.

Here's what the Vegan box included:

1.  C3 (for stress) all natural sugar free drink mix - .21 oz

2.  Teeccino Maya herbal coffee - 1.05 oz (enough for 6 cups)

3.  Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil - .5 fl oz

4.  Vega Pre-Workout Energizer - .6 oz

5.  Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil - 1 fl oz

6.  Vaska All Natural Laundry Detergent - .75 oz (enough for 1 load)

7.  Hurraw! Coconut Lip Balm - .15 oz

8.  Clean Well Disinfectant Wipes - 1 wipe

9.  Coco Orange Mango Coconut Milk - 3.5 oz
10.  2 pieces of Madecasse Chocolate - 10 grams total
11.  Cabernet Grape Nourishing Body Cream - .066 fl oz
12.  Artisana Goji & Milk Thistle Nut Butter - .5 oz
13.  Teeccino Vanilla Nut Herbal Coffee - 1 tee-bag

14.  Teeccino Hazelnut Herbal Coffee - 1 tee-bag
15.  Funky Monkey Freeze-Dried Banana with Acai Fruit Crunches - 1 oz
~The box also included various post cards and coupons for items included in the box.

A closer look at the food/edible items:

1.  C3 (for stress) all natural sugar free drink mix - .21 oz - (3 stars) - I liked the effervescent quality of this drink.  I used it on a high-stress day at work and it did seem to calm me down a bit.  It says it's lemon-lime flavor and, I admit, I'm picky when it comes to tastes/aromas.  Personally, I wasn't a fan of the flavor.  

2.  Teeccino Maya herbal coffee - 1.05 oz (enough for 6 cups) - I'm not a coffee/tea drinker, so this product isn't one I'll try.  

3.  Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil - .5 fl oz - I'm excited to try this and will update the blog to let you know how it was once I do.

4.  Vega Pre-Workout Energizer - .6 oz - I'm intrigued by this.  Again, I'll update the blog once I try this out.
5.  Coco Orange Mango Coconut Milk - 3.5 oz - (5 stars) - This is absolutely DELICIOUS!!  It says it contains 2/3 cup of fruit.  I will definitely be buying some of this to take to work on days when I don't have time to eat breakfast!  I didn't taste the coconut milk as much as I did the mango.  Regardless, it  was yummy!!

6.  2 pieces of Madecasse Chocolate - 10 grams total - (2 stars) - I admit, I can't go vegan on my chocolate.  I tried it and even gave a piece to my husband.  We both agreed the dry flavor, followed by immense tartness, wasn't for us.  I wanted to go suck on a packet of sugar after I ate this!
7.  Artisana Goji & Milk Thistle Nut Butter - .5 oz  - I haven't tried this yet, but will update the blog once I do.
8.  Teeccino Vanilla Nut Herbal Coffee - 1 tee-bag - Once again, not a tea drinker, so I'll be passing this along to my family/co-workers.

9.  Teeccino Hazelnut Herbal Coffee - 1 tee-bag - (Same with this one)
10.  Funky Monkey Freeze-Dried Banana with Acai Fruit Crunches - 1 oz - (5 stars) - VERY tasty!  It has the consistency of a malted milk ball when you put it in your mouth, but tastes quite good.  I'd buy these for a road trip or for my office drawer.

A closer look at the household/beauty items:

11.  Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil - 1 fl oz - From the website, "Magnesium’s benefits can include reduced symptoms from conditions such as chronic pain, fatigue and insomnia. Magnesium may also provide protection from a number of chronic diseases, especially those associated with aging and stress".  I'm giving this sample to my mom so she can test it out.  I'll let you know what she says about it.

12.  Vaska All Natural Laundry Detergent - .75 oz (enough for 1 load) - My laundry is washing in this product as we speak.  It's a clear detergent.  The scent was very soapy though (not floral or "pretty" like most of the mainstream detergents).  Will update more once I see how well it cleaned the laundry.

13.  Hurraw! Coconut Lip Balm - .15 oz - (5 stars) - I LOVE this product!!  It's very moisturizing to the lips and has a wonderful coconut smell to it.  It's not flavored though, so try not to lick your lips :).

14.  Clean Well Disinfectant Wipes - 1 wipe - I threw this in my purse when I went to a college football game and LOVED it!  The wipe was substantial and had plenty of product on it and left my hands feeling clean (even after using a port-a-potty - gross!!!) while tailgating.  It saved the day!!

15.  Cabernet Grape Nourishing Body Cream - .066 fl oz - (4 stars) - This cream has the texture of shea butter cream.  It's a natural, cream color and smells really great - like fresh-squeezed grape juice.  It's moisturizing, but not overly oily.  I'm not a big cream person, but I would definitely buy this product!
~The box also included various post cards and coupons for items included in the box, which is nice.

The "Final Verdict" - 4.5 stars!!  I didn't break the samples down by price this time simply because I haven't had the time yet to do so.  The fact that I received 15 products for $13.28 (discounted price thru Plum District) though makes me a happy camper!  I've found a few things I love so far - the Coconut Milk, Hurraw Lip Balm, Funky Monkey snacks, and Grape Body Cream.  The de-stress drink mix was interesting and there's still 5 products I need to try out.  The only things I don't like are the teas/coffees (simply because I don't drink them), but I will definitely gift them to my family who will enjoy them.  I look forward to receiving my next Conscious box!!   

My Review of the SEPTEMBER 2012 NEW BEAUTY TEST TUBE

As I mentioned in my last post, I've recently discovered beauty boxes/subscription services.  This is my review of one of them I mentioned I signed up for:  "New Beauty Test Tube" September 2012 Box.

The "Stats" - 

Frequency:  Quarterly Box (mails in September, December, March, and June).  The first box they send you will be the most recent one that came out.  You'll then be on the regular shipping cycle after that.

Cost:  $29.95 + $8.95 shipping per quarter ($38.90 total).  This may sound like a lot for shipping, but it's really not.  They send the box via UPS and this one weighed 4 pounds!!

Products:  Deluxe and full-sized samples of beauty products from the hottest brands.  You also get the New Beauty Magazine in the box, which covers "all the latest breakthroughs in beauty, product innovations, celebrity beauty secrets, and more".

Here's what my September 2012 Beauty Test Tube looked like:

It comes in a cute, pink box with yes, a big tube inside (which holds all the products that will fit in there).  Here's a look at all the products that were in the box total:

First impression - "Wow!  That's a lot of product stuffed into that little tube!"  The website showed I would get 8 products plus the magazine, so that's what I was expecting.  However, as you can see, the tube also included extras, which I LOVE!!!

This box included:  (Retail Values are listed for the size actually received in the box, not the full-sized product unless that's what they sent in the box)

The "Regular" Products:
Lumene Time Freeze Firming Night Cream - .5 fl oz - RV $6.47
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum - 1 fl oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $19.99
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In (Conditioner) Plus Keratin - 2 fl oz - RV $10.00
Olay Pro-X Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion - .24 fl oz - RV $1.34
Neutrogena Brightening Eye Perfector - .17 oz (FULL SIZE) - RV 13.99
Hydroxatone Instant Effect 90-second Wrinkle Reducer - .3 fl oz total (15 packets of .02 product) - RV $54.55
Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick - .12 oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $20.00
SpaLook Special Offers - $10 off $60, $25 off $125, and $50 off $200 purchase (I'm not assessing these a retail value unless I actually end up using them to buy anything off the website)
New Beauty Magazine - Summer/Fall edition - RV $9.95

The "Extras":
Babor HSR High Skin Refiner - (size not noted on product, but I'm estimating it's .17 fl oz) - RV $24.66 (no, that's not a typo)
AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer - .51 fl oz - RV $11.85
Kerstin Florian Oil-Free Daily Defense SPF 50 - RV 22.64
Lash Food Eyelash Conditioner - .05 fl oz - RV $24.00

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $219.77
MY COST:  $38.90

A fabulous feature of the test tube - it includes an informational booklet that tells you all about each of the "regular" products in the tube.  The information includes a description of the product, the company that makes it, how to use the product, how much the full-sized version costs, and benefits of using each product.  I love the booklet!  It's very helpful!!

A closer look at the "Regular" Products:

1.  Lumene Time Freeze Firming Night Cream - (Stars - TBD) -  Bottle states it "delivers a firming effect to the skin to help prevent fine lines and other signs of aging".  I haven't tried this yet, but I'll update this post when I do.  I quickly got hung up on the Neutrogena product listed next :).
2.  Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum - (5 stars) - I was very excited to try this product!  I used Neutrogena products years ago, and was a fan of their line.  The booklet says "Delivering wrinkle-minimizing and skin-brightening retinol.  This lightweight, fast-acting serum absorbs into skin to leave it feeling instantly smoother".  This was the first product from the tube that I went for to apply!  It has a wonderful scent to it, a lightweight texture (as advertised), and it definitely absorbed quickly.  And yes, it does make my skin feel smoother. I will DEFINITELY continue to use this product!  It came in a full-sized tube too, so it should last me quite a while (considering you only have to apply a pearl-sized amount on your entire face).
3.  It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In (Conditioner) Plus Keratin - (5 stars) - I've been wanting to try a leave-in conditioner, but was afraid to fearing it would make my hair look/feel oily.  I applied this product on my freshly washed hair this morning and then proceeded to blow-dry.  I must admit, I'm very impressed with the results!!
    Normally my hair (which is highlighted) looks dry and out of control (wierd kinks, fluffy, unruly) once I'm done blow-drying it.  That was not the case at all with this product in my hair!  With one brush thru my hair, it looked shiny, felt soft, and was (remarkably) under control.  No more crazy morning work hair for me!!  (I might even wear it down some now).  The only thing I didn't like about it was the smell - musty and cosmetic-y.  Fortunately, I spritz a spray of perfume in my hair in the morning, so that will cover that.  I'm hooked on this product!!
4.  Olay Pro-X Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion - (4 stars) - The tube says it will help with the appearance of acne, enlarged pores (which I definitely have on my nose), and uneven texture.  I was pleasantly surprised by this product!  It really did reduce the size of the pores on my nose.  It made the skin around my nose break out a bit though, so I haven't applied it all over my face.  
5.  Neutrogena Brightening Eye Perfector - (DNT - Did Not Test) -  I appreciate this full-sized product being sent.  The packaging states it will "instantly brighten, smooth, and enhance the entire area for an even-toned, well-rested look.  Silky formula evens skin tone and conceals dark circles".  Unfortunately, I have 2 fine lines under my eyes that won't let concealer penetrate them.  (Literally, I end up with stripes under my eyes - ones with the concealer color and ones with my natural skin color).  Thankfully, I don't have dark circles (just those pesky lines).  Therefore, this product is going straight to Listia for someone who can use it :).   
6.  Hydroxatone Instant Effect 90-second Wrinkle Reducer - (1 star) - This product is proof that more expensive (nearly $55 for the sample they sent) doesn't necessarily equal higher quality!  The box says it's a "Fast-working firming serum that temporarily reduces the appearance of crow's feet, fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye bags".  So I'm thinking "Cool!  Maybe it will take away those fine lines noted in the product #5 review".  I read the directions though and it said to "keep face completely still and avoid making facial expressions as the serum dries".  Hmmm!  Kind of scary.  
    So, I opened the package and began this little experiment...  First of all, there's way too much product in the .02 fl oz packet for one use.  Which means you either waste it, or you try to fold it up and use it again (which is a pain).  The texture of the product is globby.  It feels like you have one of those skin masks on.  (You know how your face gets hard and you can feel the product on your face)?  Within 2 minutes, it dried my cheeks and chin area out (I have combination, sensitive skin) and my skin began to flake.  It did make my forehead appear smoother and reduced the appearance of the wrinkles up there, but the fine lines under my eyes still showed and, well, the lower part of my face was flaking off.  Not worth keeping this product on!  I quickly washed it off and tried to solve the cheek/chin issue.  Off to Listia this goes too!  
7.  Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick - (4 stars) - I raised the star rating on this one after using it for a few weeks.  Again, I appreciate the full-sized product!  The color they sent me is called "Just Heaven".  It's a really light salmon-pink color.  Overall, I like this product and will definitely use it.  The texture is lightweight overall.  It definitely makes my lips shine (which supports it's name), but provides little/no color.  Since I haven't been big into the "lipstick" look lately (I'm in a gloss mood right now), I like this.  I wouldn't necessarily go buy it, but I'll definitely use up this tube!      
8.  SpaLook Special Offers - (3 stars) - I'm neutral on these.  Since you can only use them if you spend at least $60, I doubt I'll use them.  They have to be used by 9/30/12 and since I just placed an order thru Sephora yesterday so I could get my 500-point perk, I don't plan on spending another $60 on make-up by then.
9.  New Beauty Magazine - Summer/Fall edition - (3 stars) - Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE magazines!  So, I was excited to read a new one.  I'm about half-way thru (it's Vogue-thick).  There are some nice articles, but also A LOT of advertising.  This issue focused a lot on anti-aging products/procedures, so now I'm absolutely convinced I need an eyelid and eyebrow lift, a chin lift, and those pesky under-eye lines eradicated somehow!  (Hubby got pissed at the notion I would alter what God gave me, but I'm dead-set on the eyelid and eyebrow lift.  I'll start saving my $ now and maybe in 10 years I'll be able to afford it).

Now onto the "Extra's":

10.  Babor HSR High Skin Refiner - (2 stars) - Again, expensive, but not really effective!  This is a German product.  The box claims "this anti-wrinkle cream...improves elasticity with long-lasting effect and helps to preserve collagen fibers.  Skin elasticity is demonstrably improved and the depth of the fine lines and wrinkles is visibly reduced".   When I took the lid off to smell it, a little bit squirted out.  I applied that portion under my eyes.  Those lines still look exactly the same.  The product does smell good though.  Regardless, off to Listia you go!
11.  AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer - (DNT) - The kind they sent me says it's for "normal to dry skin".  Since mine is combination, this is going straight to Listia.  I can tell you it smells good though - like baby lotion.
12.  Kerstin Florian Oil-Free Daily Defense - (3.5 stars) - The size of this bottle is great!  There's plenty of product in here to test!  Unfortunately, I'm not much of a sunscreen person (my foundation and moisturizer contain it already and unless I'm out in the sun, I'm not going to apply more of it).  For the sake of this blog though, I tried it.  It has a nice smell, but it still felt like sunscreen (heavy) on my face.  I left it on for a few hours, but then washed it off.  This is is headed to Listia too!
13.  Lash Food Eyelash Conditioner - (4 stars) - I'll be honest, when I first opened this, I thought it was empty.  The application brush is so thin, you can barely tell there's product on it (picture me swiping it over my hand about a dozen times to feel for moisture).  Finally, I decided to smell it and affirmed there was product in the bottle :).
     I applied it along my lash line (there were no directions, so I hope that was what I was supposed to do).  I felt the moisturizing effect and it was nice.  According to their website, it will "provide the appearance of longer, thicker lashes and transform frail and brittle lashes to become healthy and strong.  Enjoy visibly different, stunning lashes in 3-6 weeks".  I wouldn't say my eyelashes are "brittle", but I would like them to be longer and thicker, so I'll try it.


The final verdict:  4 stars!!  I LOVED the fact there were 3 full-sized products in here!!  The two alone that I'm keeping pay for this box!  There were some hits and misses, but I thoroughly enjoyed trying EVERYTHING out!  Considering I received $219.77 worth of product and only paid $38.90, I'm a happy camper!!  I look forward to receiving my next NBTT box in December!  PJITC and Kitty approved!

Side note -  I was so happy with this NBTT that I ordered the QVC version too (that was advertised in the New Beauty Magazine of course).  Check back for a future review of that one.

My Review of the AUGUST 2012 POPSUGAR Must Have Box

I recently discovered beauty/subscription boxes of all sorts.  Literally - I've signed up for 11 of them (oops!).  Here is my review of the August 2012 POPSUGAR Must Have Box.

The stats:  $35/mo with free shipping
You get (per their website):  
• Hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food

• Full-size products and premium items worth over $100

Here's what my August POPSUGAR Box looked like:

1st impression - "Ooooh, pink paper and wrapped up all pretty!  It's like opening a fabulous present!"

Stuffed full of goodies!!

This box included:

Givino Wine Glasses - 4 pack tote - RV $12.95

Alora Diffuser - 8oz - RV $60.00

Baggu Bag - RV $9.00

Tatcha Blotting Papers - 30 ct - RV $12.00

Pop Physique DVD - RV $10.98 (normally sold in a set of 3 DVD's for $29.95)

SPROUT 1 oz. Cleanser - RV $6.00 (normally $24 for a 4 oz bottle)

SPROUT 1 oz. Exfoliant - RV $7.00 (normally $28 for a 4 oz bottle)

Pretzel Crisps - 7.2 oz - RV $3.49

Bear Naked Granola - 1.35 oz - RV $3.34

PostAGram Prints - 10 of them - RV $10.00

Benziger Family Winery Coupon for 15% off - RV $4.35-$9.90 (depending on the price of the wine you choose)

2 pink and white cardboard POPSUGAR Wine Coasters - RV - $1 million dollars (just joking - they're cardboard - you determine)

TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE:  $139.02 - $144.57 (plus the million dollar coasters)

MY COST: $17.50 (I found a 1/2 off coupon online)

A closer look at these items.....

Food and Home items:

1.  Govino Wine Glass - 4 pack tote - (1.5 stars) - The pamphlet (and the online promo info) said "They're shatterproof, but still look like crystal....".  I was really looking forward to these.  What they forgot to mention is that they're plastic.  Not to sound like a snob, but they don't look like crystal and, well, THEY'RE PLASTIC (and not the hard kind either)!!  I decided to try out the shatterproof claim and promptly chucked one onto the floor.  It bounced.  At least that claim is correct.  The side finger indentation is nice, but I still wouldn't pay $12.95 for them regularly.  

    In fairness, I did show these to my husband though and he LOVES them!  I told him they were shatterproof and he too quickly dropped one on the floor and smiled like a kid.  He thinks they're great.  OK, fine - they get 2 stars.....

2.  Pretzel Crisps - 7.2 oz bag - (5 stars) - A great sized bag.  And very tasty too!  I went and bought these at Kroger!  LOVE!!

3.  Bear Naked Granola (fruit and nut kind) - 1.35 oz bag - (5 stars) - A nice sample size.  All natural ingredients with 17g of whole grain.  SO GOOD!!  This is the perfect snack to eat when I'm craving something sweet.  It has honey and maple syrup in it (along with healthy things like whole grain oats, almonds, raisins, flax seeds, and sesame seeds).  I ended up buying these at the grocery too (in the fruit and nut flavor, banana flavor, and chocolate flavor).  They're so yummy!!

4.  Benziger Family Winery Coupon for 15% off - value varies based on price of wine selected - must be used by September 30, 2012 - (1 star at best) - I logged onto their website and found prices anywhere from $29/bottle to $66/bottle.  This = a savings of $4.35 - $9.90.  I may order a bottle for my hubby and I's anniversary (which is this month), but I doubt it.  I like to drink my $12 bottles of wine in my crystal Mikasa wine glasses.      

5.  POPSUGAR Pink and White Coasters - (2 stars b/c they're cute and pink) -  I'll use these the next time I need a coaster, but they're cardboard, which means get them wet once and they're going into the recycling! 

Health & Beauty Items:

6.  Alora Diffuser - Isola Fragrance - 8 oz set - (4.5 stars) - This is a nice set!  The bottle is huge, the diffuser reeds are sturdy, and the wooden bottle cap and topper are a nice touch!  The fragrance is a mixture of gardenia, tuberose, & fig.  It's a strong, floral fragrance (which I'm typically not so much a fan of).  However, I'm going to try this out.

7.  PopPhysique "Original Butt" DVD - (5 stars - If I could give it 10, I would).  This DVD is no joke!  And it doesn't just focus on your butt.  It works your entire body and is HARD (for an overall out-of-shape person anyway)!!!!!  It's a 55-minute workout that claims to burn 500 calories or more (I was sweating like crazy no more than 10 minutes in).  It claims it will make me "feel long and lean like a dancer.  Strengthening and stretching your way thru each muscle group.  You will enjoy the quick results:  lifted, rounded butt, sleek arms, flat abdominals, and slimmed legs.  Do this DVD 3x a week and make your physique popular".  I need a workout DVD and was going to buy a yoga one since I just stopped going to my personal trainer, but I'll try this one for a while.

8.  Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers - 30 sheets - (3 stars) - Pretty, but not functional for me.  I have tried other types of blotting papers before.  These are definitely the largest size (3.74" x 3.74") and prettiest (they have gold flecks within the papers).  Unfortunately, my skin is just too oily for these.  I could easily go thru 3 or 4 of these a day and at $12 for 30 of them, that could get expensive!  For now, I'll stick to my pressed powder.  I thought about using them to wrap jewelry in when I give it as a gift, but decided instead to put them up for auction on Listia (see 9/3/12 post).

9.  SPROUT All-Natural Exfoliant - approx. 1 oz - (2 stars) - Oh, how I wanted to LOVE this product!  It's made of all-natural ingredients - organic almonds, organic oats, and Maine sea salt.  I have sensitive skin and normally can't use salt-based scrubs (I have to use the sugar ones), but I gave this a try.  Here's an "action shot" of the texture:

The granules of almonds, oats, and salt were just too big - and they didn't want to come off!  And yes, the salt did irritate my skin.  Off to Listia this goes too!

10.  SPROUT All-Natural Cleanser - approx. 1 oz - (2 stars) - So, I struck out with the exfoliator.  I was excited to try this all-natural, non-foaming cleanser.  It's made of organic rosewater, organic vegetable glycerin, and organic tea tree oil.  Only problem was - I failed to think this thru and give stock to the fact it contains "glycerin" and "oil", which for someone who has combination skin, is like skin cryptonite.  When I put it on my skin, I was instantly taken aback by the strong, floral fragrance.  Wow!  Potent!  I then "washed" my face with it, only to find my skin feeling very oily - worse than before I washed it.  Enter my normal cleanser to save the day and get this off my face:

(**Disclaimer:  Clean & Clear was NOT part of the August 2012 POPSUGAR Must Have Box**).  Maybe the organic cleanser would work great for someone with dry skin.  Unfortunately, that's just not me.  Off to Lista it goes!

11.  POSTAGRAM - 10 free - (5 stars b/c it's a cool concept) - Postagram allows you to send postcards with detachable photos (which you upload from your phone) using the Postagram app.  I like it!  It's something I've never seen before.  I just don't think I'll ever use it.  Up on Lista this goes too!

12.  Last but not least - the Baggu Bag: (5 stars)

This reusable shopping bag tucks away into the tiny pouch seen above (which you can throw in your regular purse).  It's washable and can hold up to 50 lbs.  It's affordable (at $9.00 retail) and comes in a variety of colors on the website.  I love reusable bags!  (I'm just debating if I need another one).  Here it is open (and holding all the items that came in this box):

The final verdict:  4 stars!!  I LOVED it when I came home to find this package had arrived!  I tore into it like a kid at Christmas!  There were some definite "hits" - the diffuser, workout DVD, Baggu Bag, Postagrams, pretzel crisps, granola, and blotting papers (they're a "hit" b/c they're so pretty).  And there were some misses - the wine glasses, wine discount code, cardboard coasters, exfoliator, and facial cleanser.  Still, I LOVED trying all these products that I normally would never have purchased out (12 items/products in all)!  It was worth the money - $140 worth of products for $17.50 (with the coupon code I found online), and it was fun!  I will definitely continue this program to see what future months hold!!

My newest find - Listia!

My newest find - Listia. It's an online website to give away things you don't want and to get FREE STUFF that you do :). 

They give you 500 "points" just for signing up.  You can also earn points for doing things like logging in to the site, linking your Facebook or Twitter account, verifying your phone number and Paypal info, winning an auction, listing an auction, taking online surveys, etc.  You can then use your points to get samples/products that you want.  You can also buy points if you want (basically $1.00 = 300 points).  The site offers discounts the more "points" you buy.  However, my goal is not to buy many points and just earn them from giving away products in auctions.  (You can choose to pay for shipping or have the winner pay for it).

So far, I've listed 5 things I found laying around my house on the website (lotion, nail polish, beauty samples, this wardrobe planning note pad I bought at Pier One, and an unused gift card).  All I had to do was take a photo with my iPhone and fill out a simple (not like eBay) online form.  It literally takes less than 5 minutes total to list something on the site.  

The best part - I've won the following so far with my 500 points I got for signing up:

Mary Kay eye shadow samples (18 of them) - 111 credits, 

A pretty new belly button ring - 250 credits, 

And, a red glass candle holder (a collectible that my mom had in our house growing up that I always wanted) - 100 credits.

I did pay a total of $5.74 in shipping for all 3, but that was well worth it to me!  And I still have 39 credits to spare.  :)

I've always heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure".  With this website, it's true!  Go to https://www.listia.com/signup/1948257 to check it out.