My Review of the October 2012 QVC NEW BEAUTY TEST TUBE

This is my review of the QVC New Beauty Test Tube October 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

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 October 2012 QVC New Beauty Test Tube looked like:

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

First impression - "Wow!  This one is better than the regular version!"

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)

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss - .15 fl oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $18.00

Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse - 1.9 oz - RV $9.88

Wen Cleansing Conditioner - 6 oz - RV $12.00

Philosophy Full of Promise Dual-Action Restoring Cream for Volume and Lift - .4 fl oz - RV $13.00

Perfect Formula Strong Nail System Daily Moisture - .5 fl oz - RV $14.50

Perricone MD High Potency Eye Lift - .17 fl oz - RV $33.32

Smileactives Tooth Whitening Pen - .11 fl oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $12.50

Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner in "Onyx" - .01 oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $18.00

NewBeauty magazine - Summer/Fall edition - RV $9.95

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received: $141.15  (Last Quarter's was $109.98;  This Quarter's regular NBTT Value was $229.04)
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!!

Here's a closer look at the products:

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss - (5 stars) - This gloss goes on very smoothly and is very creamy.  It also has a lip plumping agent in it, which I like.  Will definitely use this product!

Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse - (DNT) - Did not test yet.  Will update this blog once I do.

Wen Cleansing Conditioner - (4 stars) - I was skeptical about this product.  The consistency when it came out of the pump was very much that of a conditioner.  However, it left my hair feeling clean and shiny.  Not sure if I like the fig smell, but otherwise, I will definitely use this.  (Not enough though to buy it).

Philosophy Full of Promise Dual-Action Restoring Cream for Volume and Lift - (DNT) - Will update this blog once I do.

Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner in "Onyx" - (DNT - yet) - I will definitely update this blog once I test this out!

Perfect Formula Strong Nail System Daily Moisture - (DNT - yet) - Will update this blog once I do!

Perricone MD High Potency Eye Lift - (DNT - yet) - Will update this blog once I do!

Smileactives Tooth Whitening Pen - (DNT - yet) - Will update this blog once I do!

NewBeauty magazine - Fall/Winter edition -(1 star) - I already received this magazine with my regular NBTT subscription.  Don't need a 2nd one.  This is going to Listia.

The final verdict:  4 stars!!  I liked the fact there were 3 full-sized products in here.  This quarter, I liked this NBTT better than the regular one.  I will definitely use the lipgloss, mousse, cleansing conditioner, nail moisturizer, tooth whitening pen, and eyeliner.  I'm not a big fan of the Philosophy lotion and already have the magazine from my other NBTT, so those 2 will definitely go straight to Listia.  Not sure if I'll test out the Perricone eye lift, but will update this blog if I do.  I've decided I'm going to give both NBTT boxes 1 more try and then will cancel one of them.  I know it's only a quarterly box, but when both boxes ship the same month, I'm spending $79 on these two boxes alone.

PJITC and kitty approved (kitty gets excited when beauty boxes come too)!

My Review of my 2nd October 2012 BIRCHBOX

As I mentioned in my October 12, 2012 blog post, I liked my first Birchbox so much (and I found out there were 41 different variations of the box this month), that I signed up for a 2nd one as well.  This is my review of my 2nd October 2012 Birchbox.  As noted in the last blog, this month Birchbox partnered with GOOP, so I was excited to see what they came up with.

The "Stats" -  There were apparently 41 different versions of the Birchbox this month.  I filled out a 2nd profile and answered some questions differently.  This time, I received Box #19.  

Frequency:  Monthly (automatic renewing)

Cost:  $10.00/month (shipping is free)

Products: From their website - "Monthly deliveries of high-end beauty and lifestyle samples from top brands. It's the best way to discover new products and buy with confidence".  This month, my box had 4 regular products and 1 bonus product in it.

Here's what my 2nd October 2012 Birchbox looked like:  

First impression:  "Yay!  There's another beautyblender in here!"

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.  Beautyblender - 1 pink sponge - RV $12.98
2.  Twistband Hair Tie - 1 tie - RV $1.67
3.  Karuna Hydrating Treatment Mask - 1 mask - RV $7.00
4.  SPROUT Lip Balm Flights in Cocoa - .15 oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $4.50
5.  LUNA Lemon Zest - 1 bar - RV $1.25

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $27.40
MY COST:  $10.00

A closer look at the Products:
1.  Beautyblender - (5 stars) - As I noted in my last blog, I LOVE this little pink sponge!  It's soft and when dampened just a bit, makes my liquid foundation go on smoothly.  I was going to buy the 2-pack thru Birchbox, but then the 2nd one came.  SO HAPPY about that!
2.  Twistband Hair Tie - (5 stars) - I LOVE these things!  They hold my hair in place well and don't leave the dents and lines like regular hair bands do.  At some point each day, I have one of these in my hair.
3.  Karuna Hydrating Treatment Mask - (DNT - yet) - I will test this out and update the blog once I do.  I'm waiting for it to be a bit colder outside so my face dries out a bit before applying a moisture mask (I have combination skin).
4.  SPROUT Lip Balm Flights in Cocoa - (DNT) - Not sure if I'll try this out or not.  I love wearing lip balms, but as I noted in a previous blog, I've received so many of them lately in my monthly subscription boxes that I'm not sure if I need another one.  If I do decide to test it out, I'll update this blog accordingly.  
5.  LUNA Lemon Zest - (2 stars) - This was in my other box too and again, I appreciate that it's healthy, but there just wasn't a lot of flavor there.  Not something I'll buy in the future.

The final verdict:  4 stars!!  Overall, this was a nice sample box.  I received 5 products valued at approx. $27.40 for the great price of only $10.  I LOVED the sponge and the hair tie.  The sponge alone paid for the box.  The value of this box was nearly $10 less than my first box, but I'm so happy I received the 2nd sponge, that I don't care.  I look forward to getting my 2 Birchboxes next month as well :).

My Review of the October 2012 GLOSSYBOX

This is my review of the October 2012 Glossybox Box.  It's theme was "Spa Luxe".

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 October 2012 Glossybox looked like:

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

First impression - "The samples aren't as big as last month's!"  Followed by "Hmmm, that bottle says "cookie".  Wonder what's 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.  Modelco Lip Duo Lipstick & Ultra-Shine Lip gloss in "Dusk" and "Striptease" - (FULL SIZED) - RV $39.00
2.  Alessandro Pedix Heel Rescue Balm - 1.01 fl oz - RV $5.40
3.  Carol's Daughter Shea Souffle - 4 oz - RV $10.00
4.  Alterna Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist - .85 fl oz - RV $4.68
5.  Heartland Fragrances Exfoliating Loofa Soap - 6 oz (est.) - RV $8.00

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $67.08
MY COST:  $21.00

A closer look at the Products:

1.  Modelco Lip Duo Lipstick & Ultra-Shine Lip gloss in "Dusk" and "Striptease" - (FULL SIZED) - (4.5 stars) - As always, I LOVE receiving a full-size product.  However, it seems like all the beauty boxes are sending a very neutral, light pink gloss of some sort in their boxes.  I've decided to keep this one though b/c 1.  I like the mirror on the side, and 2.  I like the "Dusk" lipstick color on the end.  This lipstick went on very creamy and has a nice, shimmery brownish/rose hue to it.  With the gloss applied on top, the color is perfect for fall.  This lipstick and a Dior red that I have will likely be my go-to colors for fall/winter this year.

2.  Alessandro Pedix Heel Rescue Balm - (DNT - Did Not Test) - I'm debating on whether to keep/test this product or not.  I've said it dozens of times on this blog - I'm just not a huge lotion fan.  The only time I put it on my feet is before bed with socks over the top.  However, I'm trying to get my feet used to wearing shoes (versus flip-flops and sandals) right now, so I need them to toughen up a bit.  Will update this blog if I decide to sample this product.
3.  Carol's Daughter Shea Souffle - (DNT) - Again, not a huge lotion fan.  However, it does say it's for dry to extra dry skin and with winter approaching here in the Midwest, I may need this during the cold weather that has arrived.  Will update this blog accordingly if I decide to test it out.
4.  Alterna Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist - (DNT) - I just received this same product as a 500-point reward kit from Sephora last month.  I like that it's free of Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, Synthetic Color, Mineral Oil, and Petrolatum.  However, since I still haven't touched the first one I received, I doubt I'll use this bottle.  This is going straight to Listia.
5.  Heartland Fragrances Exfoliating Loofa Soap - (DNT - yet) - I am intrigued by this product.  I'm typically not a fan of glycerin soap (it leaves my skin very dry and odd-feeling), but in this case, I like that it has the exfoliating loofa within.  I think this would be good to use on my legs before I shave.  I'll update this blog once I test it out.


The final verdict: 3.5 stars!!  OK, so this month's box wasn't as big of a hit as last month's.  The only thing I really love so far is the lipstick (and even that, I wish came in red).  However, I will use it.  The value of the lipstick/gloss alone ($39) pays for the box.  There were 2 full-sized products this month, which was nice, but the overall value was $14 less than last month.  I'm still a fan though.  Will definitely keep getting this box thru the end of the year at least.

PJITC and Kitty approved!

My Review of the BEAUTY ARMY October 2012 Box

This is my review of the Beauty Army October 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 October 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 - "That lip gloss looks pretty pink!"  

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.  Bath & Body Works "Sweet Pea" Shower Gel - 3 fl oz - RV $5.00
2.  Skinn Twin Set Collagen Boost Lipstick and Wet Lips Gloss in "Pink Tulip" - (FULL SIZE) - RV $18.50
3.  Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels - 1 pair - RV $3.75
4.  Emani Minerals Foundation Primer & Serum - .17 oz - RV $5.67
5.  Fiafini Delicate Cleansing Emulsion - .17 oz - RV $1.19
6.  Youdabalm Grapefruit Natural Lip Balm - .15 oz - RV $2.99 

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $37.10
MY COST:  $12.00

A closer look at the Products:

1.  Bath & Body Works "Sweet Pea" Shower Gel - (5 stars) - I wasn't sure I'd like this fragrance b/c I'm not a big fan of flowery smells.  However, it smells really nice.  I will definitely use this product!  

2.  Skinn Twin Set Collagen Boost Lipstick and Wet Lips Gloss in "Pink Tulip" - (DNT - Did Not Test) - I love that this is a full-sized product and that it has lipstick AND gloss.  There's even a mirror on the side for easy application.  However, I'm debating if this color is quite right for me right now.  It's very pink (and very springy feeling).  I'm going to ponder keeping this one (versus putting it on Listia) and update this blog once I decide.
3.  Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels - (DNT) - I LOVE Skyn Iceland products!!  I will definitely test this product out and update this blog once I do.
4.  Youdabalm Grapefruit Natural Lip Balm - (DNT) - I have received NUMEROUS lip balms in the beauty boxes I've received lately.  I decided not to test this one simply because I don't need anymore of them right now.  This is going straight to Listia for auction.

5.  Emani Minerals Foundation Primer & Serum - (DNT) - Honestly, I didn't want this primer, but I had to pick a 6th choice, so I selected this one.  This is going straight to Listia too!
6.  Fiafini Delicate Cleansing Emulsion - (DNT) - I didn't really want this sample either.  Just like last month's Fiafini product, this too has Marula oil in it.  However, I needed a match for last month's Fiafini product that was listed, so I ordered this   one.  The set is going straight to Listia.


The final verdict:  2.5 stars!!  I definitely wanted to try this box again this month.  However, when I looked at my selection options, there were only 3 things I really wanted (the Sweet Pea, the lipstick/gloss combo, and the Skyn Iceland product).  I think I'm going to re-do my profile so my selection options change a bit.  The value was a bit better this month and it contained the full-size lipstick/gloss.  I still like the fact you can skip a month if you don't like the offered samples is nice.  I may end up skipping next month if there aren't 6 samples that I really want instead of getting 3 I want and 3 I don't want (and end up putting on Listia).

My Review of the October 2012 Vegan CONSCIOUS BOX

This is my review of the October 2012 Vegan Conscious Box.  

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 October VEGAN Conscious Box looked like:

Here's a look at everything spread out (yes, there's a cat stalking the box from above):

Here's what the Vegan box included:

1.  V-Dog Vegan Dog Food - RV $ .50 (estimated)
2.  Tea Forte - 3 pack of teas - Cucumber Mint, Honey Yuzu, & Cherry Marzipan flavors - RV $3.00 (estimated)
3.  Green Tara Kale Chips - RV $6.99
4.  Pure Matters Protein - Single Serve Packet - RV $1.33
5.  Dark Angell Organic Candy Bar - Dark Chocolate Flavor - FULL SIZE - RV $2.25
6.  Barre Black Swan Chocolate Berry Bar - FULL SIZE - RV $2.50
7.  Sun Tegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer - RV $1.85
8.  Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Itch Relief Shampoo - 1 oz - $1.29
9.  Eco-Dent Baking Soda Toothpowder & Dental Gum - 2 pieces - RV $.53
10.  Bambooee Reusable Bamboo Towel - 1 sheet - RV $1.16
11.  Earthbath Grooming Wipes - 1 towel - RV $ .25
12.  Bodycare Cafe Maple Brown Sugar Scrub - unknown

My Cost:  $13.28
RETAIL VALUE:  $21.65 + the Brown Sugar Scrub

~The box also included various post cards and coupons for items included in the box.

A closer look at food/ingestable items:

A closer look at the health/beauty items:

Here's a look at the household items:

~The box also included various post cards and coupons for items included in the box, which is nice.

The "Final Verdict" - 4 stars!!  The value is OK, but I really like trying out healthier products.  I received approximately 12 products worth $21.65 for $13.28.  I've found a few things I love so far - the Brown Sugar Scrub, the Chocolate Bars, and the Reusable Bamboo Towel.  My cat LOVED the dog food (he thinks he's a dog - see photo below).  There are still some things I need to try out (the kale chips, the protein, and the shampoo).  The only things I don't like are the teas (simply because I don't drink them), the Eco-Dent products (the gum is disgusting and looses flavor after about a minute and the powder just sounds gross), and the moisturizing sunscreen.  I have one more Conscious Box left before my 3-month subscription expires.  I will probably sign up again, but plan on doing the Eco-Friendly Box rather than the Vegan Box.  

PJITC and Kitty approved!

My Review of the October 2012 NEW BEAUTY TEST TUBE

This is my review of the "New Beauty Test Tube" October 2012 Box.

The "Stats" - 

Frequency:  Quarterly Box 

Cost:  $29.95 + $8.95 shipping per quarter ($38.90 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 October 2012 Beauty Test Tube looked like:

First impression - "Moroccan Oil!  Sweet!!"  

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:

1.  It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - .11 fl oz - RV $9.43
2.  Cell Ceuticals Cell Genesis Eye Serum - .5 fl oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $65
3.  Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away - .085 oz - RV $9.35
4.  Yonka Anti-Age Masque N'1 - 1.8 oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $61.41
5.  Philosophy Hope in a Jar - .4 oz - RV $7.80 
6.  Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment - 1 fl oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $43.99
7.  Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask - 2.53 fl oz - RV $9.76
8.  Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt - 2.1 oz - RV $12.35
9.  New Beauty Magazine - Fall/Winter 2012 edition - RV $9.95
10.  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)

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $229.04
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.  It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - (DNT - Did Not Test) - The color they sent was "Neutral Medium".  My complexion is fair.  This is going straight to Listia.  
2.  CellCeuticals Cell Genesis Eye Serum - (3 stars) - I sampled a tiny bit of this and to be honest, it did reduce the bags under my eyes, but enough that I'd pay $65 for it.  The texture is definitely very cellular (it reminds me of small curds).  
3.  Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away Collagen Eye Serum - (DNT) - I am blessed enough to not have dark circles under my eyes, so this isn't a product I'd use.  Off to Listia this goes too!

4.  Yonka Anti-Age Masque N'1 - (DNT) - I appreciate the full-sized product, but the labeling and the directions to this are confusing.  In the end, I deciphered this is a moisturizing mask for your face.  I may use this in the future, but so far have not.  If I do end up testing it, I will update this blog accordingly.
5.  Philosophy Hope in a Jar - (3 stars) - It says it is for all skin types, which was kind of concerning to me.  However, I tried this moisturizer out anyway.  For me, it was a bit watery.  Not something I'll buy in the future, but it was nice to test out.
6.  Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment - (DNT) - Again, I love the full-sized product.  This is something I'll probably test out in the future.  I will update this blog once I do.
7.  Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask - (DNT) - Again, I'm VERY excited to test out this product!  I've been wanting to try Moroccan Oil for a while now, but haven't had the chance to do so yet.  Will update this blog once I test it out.
8.  Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt - (DNT) - I have very sensitive skin, so I can't use salt-based products.  This one is going straight to Listia as well.
9.  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 1/31/13. 
10.  New Beauty Magazine - Fall/Winter edition - (3 stars) - Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE magazines!  So, I was excited to read a new one.  Again, there are some nice articles, but also A LOT of advertising. 

The final verdict:  2 stars!!  I LOVED the fact there were 3 full-sized products in here!  However, the only product I'm really excited about is the Moroccan Oil.  So, basically, I paid $38.90 for $9.76 worth of product.  Last time, I loved this box and wasn't a fan of the QVC NBTT.  However, this month it's the complete opposite.  Stay tuned for my review of the QVC NBTT.  I'm giving this box one more time of testing, and then will likely cancel one or both of these due to their higher cost.

My Review of the October 2012 IPSY (formerly MY GLAM) Glam Bag

This is my review of the October 2012 IPSY (formerly My Glam) Glam bag.  This is my first Ipsy/My Glam bag, so I was excited to see what it contained.

The "Stats" -    

Frequency:  Monthly (automatic renewing)

Cost:  $10.00/month (shipping is free)

Products: From their website - "Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag, with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products."  (Based off the beauty quiz you complete).

Here's what my October 2012 IPSY Glam Bag looked like:

The Outside - My new favorite packaging :)  

First impression:  "Wow!  Much better than I anticipated!!"

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

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.  The Balm Cosmetics - "What's Your Type?" - "The Body Builder" Mascara - .11 fl oz - RV $ 5.23
2.  IPSY Make-Up Bag - estimated RV $5.00
3.  Pequi Oil Treatment - .5 fl oz - RV $12.00
4.  Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain in "Mirror Me" - .11 oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $39.00
5.  Be A.... Bombshell Eye Liner in "Onyx" - .1 fl oz (FULL SIZE) - $14.00
6.  Coastal Scents Eye Shadow Set - .07 oz - RV $2.31 (estimated)

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $77.54 (estimated)
MY COST:  $10.00

A closer look at the products:

1.  The Balm Cosmetics - "What's Your Type?" - "The Body Builder" Mascara - (5 stars) - I don't know about you, but personally, I am always needing more mascara due to it's short shelf-life!  The brush is great - lots of medium-length bristles, which catch your lashes wonderfully!  Would definitely recommend this mascara!
2.  Make-Up Bag - (5 stars) - I LOVE this little bag!  It measures approx. 7 1/2" x 4 3/4" and is perfect to throw in my purse or gym bag!  This month's theme is "Hello, Bombshell!" and this fits right in with that!  Definitely a keeper! 

3.  Pequi Oil Treatment - (Not Yet Tested) - I will update this blog once I do (test it).  I'm very excited to do so though!  This is perfect for the colder weather we're experiencing here in the Midwest!  
4.  Coastal Scents Eye Shadow Set - (5 stars) - These colors are PERFECT for my hazel eyes!  Will try these out tomorrow and update my blog once I do.  

5.  Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain in "Mirror Me" - (4.5 stars) - This is a great, full-sized gloss.  It goes on creamy and feels nice on.  This color is a bit light for my fair complexion, so I will probably put it on Listia.  However, there are a lot of other colors on their website (specifically the red one) that I would like to try.  And, the packaging is just cool!  
6.  Be A.... Bombshell Eye Liner in "Onyx" - (5 stars) - This goes on like a pen/marker.  It is perfect for drawing your liner out into the "cat eye" look.  Very happy with this product!

The final verdict:  5 stars!!  This is my favorite of all the subscription boxes I've received so far!  I loved everything in it (including the lip stain that isn't quite the right color for me)!  The value is fantastic!!  I received 6 products (including 2 FULL SIZED products) valued at approx. $77.54 for the great price of only $10.  (It was an even better value than this month's Birchbox).  I can't wait to receive my next Glam Bag!!  

My Review of the October 2012 JULEP MAVEN "It Girl" Box

This is my first regular Julep Maven that I've received.  (Last month, I received their Introductory box and reviewed it).  This month's box had a Halloween theme to it.

The stats:  
~  Their polishes are "4-free” and do not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP (a plasticizer that's used in adhesives and printing inks). 
~  For $19.99/mo (shipping is free), Julep Maven sends you $40+ worth of product.  You do have the option to skip a month if you don't want/need any polish for the following month.  This month, Julep also offered Mavens a free add-on as well.  I selected an additional polish as my free add-on.
~  Once you subscribe, you will complete a profile.  However, Julep allows you to change your polish selection style if you don't like what they've selected for you (which is nice).  This month, I changed mine from "Classic with a Twist" to "It Girl" because I liked the "It Girl" polishes that were offered better.
~  You can check the Julep Maven website out by clicking on the following link:   http://www.julep.com/?r=23718117.

Here's what my October 2012 "It Girl" box looked like:

First Impression:  "Oooh!  There's extra goodies in here this month!"

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.  Julep "Glenda" Crackle Polish - .27 fl oz - RV $14

2.  Julep "Leslie" Polish - .27 fl oz - RV $14

3.  Julep "Caroline" Polish - .27 fl oz - RV $14

4.  Orange Glitter Pot - RV $3 (estimated)

5.  Black Glitter Pot - RV $3 (estimated)

6.  Candy Corn - RV $1 (estimated)

7.  FREE ADD ON - Julep "Boris & Nicole" Polish - .27 fl oz - RV $14

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $63.00 (estimated)
MY COST:  $19.99

Now a closer look at what you really want to see - the polishes!!

Once again - something that's VERY important to me - everything was SEALED!! 

Left to Right:  

1.  Julep "Boris & Nicole" Polish - (5 stars) - This was my free add-on for the month.  I must admit, I love it!  It's a rich, shimmery dark copper color - unlike anything else I own.  I'm typically not into wearing brown polishes, but this is one I think I'll wear this fall.  The polish went on smoothly and was so beautiful (see photo below).  

2.  Julep "Glenda" Crackle Polish - (5 stars) - I have purchased several OPI crackle polishes in the past and haven't liked them.  So, I almost didn't even try this one.  I'm glad I did though.  This polish also went on smoothly and then separated into a nice design that let just enough of the darker "Caroline" polish thru.  I can't wait to put a vivid red under it for the Holidays (see photo below).

3.  Julep "Leslie" Polish - (Not yet tested) - This is a lovely black polish with silver shimmery particles within.  I've heard it's absolutely lovely on, but I have a similar polish I recently purchased in another brand.  Not sure if I'll keep this one or put it onto Listia. 

4.  Julep "Caroline" Polish - (4 stars) -  I am a HUGE fan of red nail polish of all shades.  When looking at the bottle, this polish looked to me like it would be a deep, fire-y red color.  However, when you apply it, it is a very, very dark mahogany color.  It's so dark, you barely see the red in it (and it looks more brownish).  I will still wear this color for fall (probably on my toes), but it's not what I was expecting. 

5. & 6.  The glitter pots - (3 stars) - I had to log onto the Julep blog to figure out how to use them.  Per the blog:  

1. Prep your nails and apply two coats of your favorite Julep nail color

2. Sprinkle glitter over wet nail

3. Let dry completely and apply clear top coat.

It's a cute concept, I just don't know if at 35 years old, I need to be wearing glitter on my nails.  Plus, glitter gets everywhere.  Not sure if I'm in the mood for that.  I may try this out on Halloween, but I doubt I'll use it for anything more than a craft project someday.

7.  The bag of Candy Corn - (5 stars) - LOVE candy corn and it was a nice way to tie in this month's theme!  Gobbled it up in 2 seconds :).

My overall impression of Julep Maven so far - I like it.  This month's box was a really great value ($19.99 for approx. $63 worth of products - AND I got 4 new nail polishes).  This brings their average price to less than $5 each.  GREAT DEAL!!  I will definitely continue this program for the foreseeable future (until I decide I have enough polishes). 

Review of the October 2012 BIRCHBOX

This is my review of the October 2012 Birchbox.  This is my first Birchbox I've gotten (after being on a wait list for about a month).  This month, Birchbox partnered with GOOP, so I was excited to see what they came up with.

The "Stats" -  There were apparently 39 different versions of the Birchbox this month.  I received Box #6.  

Frequency:  Monthly (automatic renewing)

Cost:  $10.00/month (shipping is free)

Products: From their website - "Monthly deliveries of high-end beauty and lifestyle samples from top brands. It's the best way to discover new products and buy with confidence".  This month, my box had 4 regular products and 1 bonus product in it.

Here's what my October 2012 Birchbox looked like:

First impression:  "Yay!  You're finally here!"

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

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.  Beautyblender - 1 pink sponge - RV $12.98
2.  Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss - approx .1 fl oz - RV $3.30
3.  DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer - .23 fl oz - RV $11.50
4.  Marie Veronique Organics Anti-Aging Oil - approx. .1 oz - RV $8.00
5.  LUNA Lemon Zest - 1 bar - RV $1.25

TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $37.03 (estimated)
MY COST:  $10.00

A closer look at the Products:
1.  Beautyblender - (5 stars) - I LOVE this little pink sponge!  It's soft and when dampened just a bit, makes my liquid foundation go on smoothly.  Though it's a bit pricey, it's still something I'd buy in the future!  
2.  Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss - (5 stars) - This is a great gloss!  It's so silky and creamy.  It says it delivers a subtle plumping effect.  I didn't really notice that part, but still, the gloss is great.  The color I received is called "Charm".  It's a lovely salmon pink color that shimmers.  Looks great to wear casually or with a smokey eye.
3.  DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer - (3 stars) - I've used this once so far.  I'll be honest, I didn't notice a huge difference after one try.  I will use it for the next week or so though daily to see if it does after a few uses.  I will update this blog once I do.
4.  Marie Veronique Organics Anti-Aging Oil - (Not Sampled) - I have combination skin, so I'm not sure that I want to apply oil to my face even if it's for anti-aging.  I'll ponder and update this blog accordingly.
5.  LUNA Lemon Zest - 1 bar - (2 stars) - I appreciate that it's healthy, but there just wasn't a lot of flavor there.  I am a fan of lemon bars and all things lemon-flavored, so I would've liked some more flavor to this bar.  Not something I'll buy in the future.

The final verdict:  4 stars!!  Overall, this was a nice sample box.  I received 5 products valued at approx. $37.03 for the great price of only $10.  I LOVED the sponge and the lip gloss.  The sponge alone paid for the box.  When I found out there were so many different versions of the box, I signed up for a 2nd subscription as well.  I will post again when the 2nd box comes (and hopefully it's a different version).