PopSugar Must Have February 2015

PopSugar Must Have is a monthly lifestyle box that includes fashion, beauty, home decor, fitness, accessories, food, and other items that Lisa Sugar of POPSUGAR and the editorial staff hand select. Items are full size and premium items that are classics, celebrity favorites, and new brands. They may include a few sample items for fun. Items are said to be valued at over $100 per box. Most boxes are identical but they do personalize some, as they ask you to answer a 13 question "preference" quiz. Oddly they ask your shoe size? But also ask if you prefer yellow or white gold and skin tone, hair color, eye color, skin type, fragrance "type" preference, if you like cool or warm colors, if you prefer necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, and if your ears are pierced, shirt size and what you describe your personal style as (urban cool, trendsetter, bohemian, classic, sporty, or feminine).

PopSugar Must Have is $39.95/month, $109.85/3 months, or $214.70/6 months. Once a long term subscription runs out it will auto-renew at the monthly rate. Bills of the 25th of the month. Cancel anytime before the 23rd of the month. They send a tracking number via email, when it ships by the 20th of each month. If you fail to receive a box you do have to notify them in writing within 4 weeks.  You have a user login for their website where you can access your account. 

The items you receive  are usually full size but the included pamphlet tells you about them and where to buy them since they aren't available for purchase from the PopSugar website. PopSugar also often has specialty boxes, such as the Resort Box that will ship March 31st and is available to buy now for $100. The Resort Box is a special edition box that is valued over $400. (The Resort Box is SOLD OUT as of this posting, don't worry though, I ordered one!)

Their referral program is for free boxes. If you get 2 people to sign up ("influencer" status) you get one free box. If you get 5 friends ("Insider" status) you get two free boxes. Ten friends ("VIP" status) and you get 3 free boxes. 

Item #1: U.S. Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath-Full Size Value: $30

This smells amazing. I have really sensitive kidneys, so I don't take baths or use bubble bath, but I fixed a bath for my boyfriend last night and used this and its awesome. The water felt and smelled nice, but it wasn't overwhelming and the bubbles weren't little kid style crazy everywhere. 

Item #2: Figs and Rouge Wild Cherry Multi-Tasking 100% Natural Lip Balm Full Size Value: $8

I love all lip balms of all kinds. I actually gave this one to Liz, but in general, I feel I can never have enough. Liz said that this is great. It left her lips feeling conditioned but not greasy or like they had a waxy overlay. She said it also didn't have too strong of a taste. 

Item #3: ACME Party Box Company Bamboo Heart Cutting Board and Cheese Knife in a Burlap Bag Value: $32

OMG OMG...I was so excited about this! I had considered buying a cheese board like three days before this box got here because the one I had from my grandmother with the old fashioned guillotine style slicer had finally died. So This was so exciting! Its really nice quality and we've probably already used it 15 times. 

Item #4: Chuao Chocolatier Ravishing Rocky Road Bar Full Size Value: $6

This was so good! I love rocky road in general. I really love marshmallows in chocolate and the almonds made it perfect. I would actually pay $6 for this candy bar, especially since its a lot larger than a standard candy bar. It took me all day to eat it. SO GOOD though.

Item #5: Baublebar Mini Arrow Pendant Necklace Value: $32

This is a really cute little necklace and I really liked the packaging too. I sell fine jewelry for a living so I am extremely picky about the necklaces I wear and I really like how dainty this one is. It also looks really nice and not cheap. I do wish I had gotten the yellow gold tone one thats in the picture in the pamphlet though. 

Item #6: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush Full Size Value: $26

I really liked this item too. I love getting makeup that isn't eyeliner or mascara and this was perfect. I actually liked it enough to buy another color by this brand!

Item #7: Sally Beauty FingerPaints Nail Color Full Size Value: $5.50

This was considered an "extra" item. I again only use gel nail polish, but this will go in the pile of stuff to give away as its still a great product. 

I really loved the PopSugar Must Have Box. This might be my current favorite subscription box! For $39.95 I received a box with a total value of  $139.50. I would say a nearly $100 increase over what I paid for the box is definitely awesome! I'm keeping this subscription and hoping the next month is just as awesome!!! 5/5 rating

To Subscribe Click HERE
Discount Code: MUSTHAVE5 for $5 off

Love and Boxes, 

Rachel

GlossyBox January 2015

Glossybox is a monthly subscription that sends 5 deluxe or full sized beauty products each month wrapped in a pretty box with a ribbon. They tailor your items based on a 15 question beauty profile that you fill out when you sign up. Brands are described on their website as high end, niche, and trendy beauty products. They do have a page on their website where you can see the brands they partner with. It is $21/month, $60/3 months, $115/6 months, or $220/year. You can cancel the monthly subscription at any time before the 14th of the month. Longer term subscriptions can only be cancelled the 14th of the last month they are active, then they auto renew. 1st billing occurs when you sign up. Afterwards, billing occurs between the 1st and 10th of the month. They send an email with tracking information when the box ships. Shipping in the United States is free ($5 to Canada). They do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or APO/FPO addresses. 

Items cannot be purchased from Glossybox directly, but the card that comes with the box explaining each product lists where they can be purchased. They mention in their FAQs that if you accidentally get the same item twice (I've not had this happen in my two boxes), then you can email them and they will send something in its place. I did work with their customer service when my box was showing as having been "delivered" but was no where to be found. It took about 24 hours to get an email response and then I had to file a case with the post office and give Glossybox the case number and wait for them to respond again. It took a few days to sort out, but once it was sorted out they sent me a replacement box within a week. 

They have a referral program called "glossydots." For every 1000 glossydots you earn, you get a free box. You get 20 glossydots for every review you complete each month (five total=100 a month). You earn between 250-1,000 for a friend signing up with your recommendation, depending on the subscription option that they choose. (Monthly=250, 6 months=750, a year=1,000). Monthly subscribers can redeem their free box online but "applying" it before the billing date. Longer term subscribers must contact Glossybox and let them know which month they'd like to use their free box in. 

Item #1: Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser 1 fl oz Value: $2.91

I've seen this brand advertised at Walgreens and received it in another box as well. I'm usually not a drugstore brand shopper. Will probably give this one away. Also the bottle was pretty small.

Item #2: Skin and Co Roma Sicilian Light Serum 0.27 FL oz value: $12.69

I've never heard of this brand or tried it. However, if it does what it says (brightens, tightens skin, with collagen-boosting ingredients) then I will probably like it. Small Size again though. 

Teeez Trendy Cosmetics Beautiful Flat Brush Stiff Full Size Value: $23.50

I really like getting makeup brushes because I can always use more. I like having them in various places like my regular makeup area, makeup bag, work, etc. This one says stiff in the title and its definitely that. I'm not used to that, but it works really well and it actually fits in my makeup bag, where some brushes are too long. 

Item #4: Lollipops Eye Pencil in Goodbye Moon full size Value: $17.70

I'm sure this a great eyeliner. I like the price. I like the size. I did not try it because I'm going to use it for a gift, since I'm starting to drown in black eyeliner. I would have loved it if this had been any color but black, which I never even wear.

Kueshi Revitalizing Face Toner Full Size Value: $13.30

I've never heard of this brand and I honestly didn't use it, but gave it to a friend who seems happy with it. 

My overall first impression of Glossybox was disappointing. I liked some of the items, but I wasn't blown away like I thought I would be paying double the price of Birchbox. However, I did get a replacement box not the one I was originally intended, so I am giving a benefit of a doubt here. Overall value: $70. So I guess it was a pretty good value over the initial price. Curious to see whats in my next two as I have a three month subscription. 3/5 rating.

To Subscribe Click HERE

Love and Boxes, 

Rachel

Blush Mystery Beauty Box February 2015

Blush Mystery Beauty Box is a monthly subscription service that is $24.95/month for a subscription or $34.95 for a one time trial. Shipping is free. They guarantee multiple full size and travel size beauty products totaling at least $100. I will say website reviews say there are more sample sizes than in the past. Cancel anytime. Values are not given on the card they include, so I guessed at a few. Products can be bought online at their store. There is also a $20 off $100 coupon in the bag. They don't ship internationally. Also, they are changing the name to Beautyfix by Dermstore (per email I got today).They  curate the box and do not make them tailored to the person. 

Item #1: Juliette Has A Gun: Not a Perfume Sample 

Its a pefrume sample....I never really care to receive these. Value: $4?

item #2: samples of DHC skin products

Two small samples of these products, they aren't actually mentioned on the card included with the subscription value: $2?

item #3: Alterna Bambo Kendi Smooth Hair Treatment Deluxe Sample Value: $10

This is a product I already use daily and love and was so happy to find in this box!

item #4: 100% pure creamy nail polish in kiss Value: $12

Im not a nail polish person unless its gel, so this isn't my thing...I really can't say much on this

item # 5: Murad Acne Clearing Solution Sample packs Value: $3?

Also not listed on the card, so a bonus I guess

item #6: Wrap Up bun creator Value: $10?

I love these. I had one similar already but I use them for work all the time because its an easy way to throw your hair up nicely in a hurry. I saw complaints on the website about it being black and blondes  not being able to use it but I have red hair and if you use it right, you don't see the black...

item # 7: This picture may be upside down. This is another unmentioned item on the card but is a lavender lotion sample. Value: $3?

Item #8: Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 value: $2

Can buy at drugstore and a one time use sample...meh

item #9: NeoStrata Skin Active Antioxidant Defense Serum Value: $5?

I really don't know the value. Its a decent size sample though

Item #10 Vichy Idelia Life Serum Deluxe Sample Value: $5

Its still a drugstore brand, not to say its not a good brand. I just think if they promise $100 worth...

Item #11: Tocca Beauty Perfume Value: $5

Another perfume sample

Item #12: Cargo Full Size Liquid Eyeliner in black Value: $20

This seems like a great product and worked really well. I didnt need it so I gave it to Liz, who really likes it. I had not heard of this brand but I got a lip gloss from the same brand in another subscription box

Item #13: Tocca Full Size Body Cream Value: $20

I really liked this item. This is a sephora brand, which since Sephora is pretty much my heaven, makes me feel good about the brand. I also like the texture and the smell, because its light. The website said members did not all get the same scent though. They would get one of three. The packaging of this is a little funny. Like diaper ointment, but thats not the fault of blush. 

I really liked this box. I think it had a lot of great stuff in it. I cancelled several beauty boxes in order to add other boxes, and I decided to keep this one for one more month at least since the items where actually really nice. I give it 4/5

Visit http://www.blush.com to subscribe

Love and Boxes, 

Rachel

Allure Beautybar.com Sample Society February 2015

Allure Beautybar.com Sample Society Box offers 5 deluxe size beauty samples and a mini allure magazine monthly for $15 a month and ships free. They do not currently ship to Hawaii, Alaska, APO, US Territories, and internationally. Items can be purchased through their online store. Each box includes a $10 beauty bar.com gift card off a $50 purchase. You have a membership log in and dashboard that allows you to see when your box will be shipped. You can cancel at any time, but it is recommended that you cancel before the 24th of the month to avoid be charged for the next months box. You will fill out a 6 question beauty profile to let them know your skin type and needs. 

Allure Mini Mag

Item 1: Chloe Love Story Perfume Sample Size Value: $1.76

Perfumes are very subjective and depend on the person. I like this perfume, but like I said, not every perfume is for everybody and I will most likely make that my basic perfume review in all cases.

Item 2: Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush Value: $1.75

I always love dry shampoos. They are great to have around, especially for when you are traveling, so I really liked this item. As far as buying it in the future, I prefer Alterna Bamboo Dry Shampoo.

Item 3: StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum 0.25oz Sample Value: $22.25

This serum is meant to even out skin tone and boost radiance as well as target excess melanin that causes discoloration. I have always heard good things about this company and I really like the value of the size of the sample. I'm pretty Caudalie committed, but I will see how I like after a few more goes. 

Item 4: NUGG Deep Cleansing, Hydrating, and Revitalizing Face Masks Single Use Gel Masks Value: $8.97 

I have recently gotten into using face masks at least one or twice a week so I was excited to find this. I haven't used them yet, but I am glad they're gel and not a mud mask, as I find the gel masks less irritating and less difficult to remove. 

Item 5: Nails Inc Nail Polish in Princes Palace (bluish color) Full Size Value: $9

I use gel nail polish so this is an item I am unlikely to really get much use out of, however, I tested it on my toes and the color is a nice light purplish-blue and would be appropriate for just about any setting. It also went on easily and dried quickly. I would say this is a great product if you use regular nail polish.

For my first Allure Sample Society Box I was pretty impressed. The overall value came to $43.73 for the $15 price (I had a $5 coupon so it was even less). I will at least give this box one more month to see what it has to offer and its consistency. 4/5

To Subscribe: CLICK HERE Use the Code "5FORYOU" for $5 off

Love and Boxes, Rachel