Walmart Winter 2015 Beauty Box

Last fall, I signed up for the Walmart Beauty Box.
And then I super failed and never posted about it!

Now, I don't know why I signed up for this. I'm not a person that shops at Walmart, for many reasons, but this just seemed like a good bet. It would be all drug store stuff, and the opportunity to try new things.
And it comes quarterly, automatically, unlike the Target one which is like hit and miss (mostly miss) on getting.






The box contains the following items: L'oreal Oleo Therapy Oil Infused Shampoo and Conditioner, Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Maple Kiss, Jergens BB Body in Light, Nivea Cocoa Butter & Vitamin E Lotion, and Olay Fresh Effects Make-Up Removal Cloths.




Here's a better pic of the lipstick. It's a really pretty color, and I might try it out. Though my lips have been super dry (more so than normal).


I'm a little sick of that Jergens BB Cream (I've received it three separate times, all of which you can view by going to my Jergens tag.), but I'll definitey use everthing else, so it was worth the $5.00!


Do any of you get the Walmart Beauty Box??



FTC: I purchased this subscription with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

New Beauty Test Tube May 2014

Another disappointing test tube...



Sorry about some of the dark pictures- I realized too late that taking pictures lengthwise makes my lighting a little wonky.




TanTowel Classic Self-Tan Towelettes Half Body Application for Face & Body
Foolproof application is a cinch with these unique towelettes that help deliver the perfect sun-kissed glow each and every time.
How To Use: Unfold towelette and apply to clean, dry skin in a circular motion starting with your body. Leave the face, elbows, and knees for last. Wash hands immediately.
Benefits Include: Multitasking Tanner: The easy-to-apply towelettes work three ways on your skin- exfoliating, tanning, and moisturizing- to leave it soft, smooth, and beautifully golden; and Foolproof Formula: These easy-to-use towelettes contain the perfect amount of concentrated self-tan formula to give skin a radiant, natural-looking glow in about two to four hours.
Will I Use It?: No, I won't use this. I don't use tanning products, but if I did, it wouldn't be a towel. My sister-in-law expressed interest in trying this out, so I'll probably pass them off to her the next time I see her.




Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner
The ultimate multitasking, cleansing conditioner features a no-suds formula that leaves hair revitalized and shiny, thus restoring texture back to its optimal condition.
How To Use: Use in place of your shampoo and conditioner. Lightly emulsify one to two pumps between hands. Apply to the scalp area and gently massage through to the ends, spreading throughout hair. Leave in wet hair for up to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. 
Benefits Include: Experience Perfection: This cleansing conditioner reinvents the art of shampooing and creates the perfect salon blow-dry at home; and Versatile Formula: In one product, this conditioner cleanses, conditions, reduces blow-drying time, detangles, enhances volume, and eliminates frizz. 
Will I Use It?: I'll give it a shot- I'm one that's kind of into my shampoo/conditioner/leave in type routine, but I might try this out on a weekend day when I know I'm not doing anything, or that I can jump in the shower again right away if this doesn't work quite the way I was hoping. I'll definitely do a review on it in the future.

Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Topaz
A creamy, glide-on shadow, Evercolor Shadow Stick won't crease or wear away, leaving you with gorgeous  color all day- right where you put it. The innovative silicone system seals color in place while the creamy formula helps smooth away fine lines. 
How To Use: Run along lashes to use an an eyeliner or smooth on lids and blend to use as an eye shadow. 
Benefits Include: Four-In-One: This easy-to-use stick acts as an eye shadow, eyeliner, and primer, and even replaces your makeup brushes. Use a little to create a simple day look, or layer color for a sexy, smoky, nighttime effect; and Playtime: After applying, you have 30 seconds to blend, smooth, and play with the color to get the look you want before it sets beautifully in place.
Will I Use It?: I received the Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Saddle Shimmer in a QVC New Beauty Test Tube, and I feel the same way about these then as I do now- cool concept, but not better than the Maybelline color tattoos. And this color is pretty similar to that color, only has more red tones. I'll use it, but I think the claim that it stays put and doesn't crease is pretty bogus, especially for those of us with oily lids.




Revision Skincare Intellishade Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
A three-in-one anti-aging tinted moisturizer with sunscreen that conceals, corrects, and protects.
How To Use: Apply evenly to face as part of the last step in your morning skin-care routine. Can be worn alone or with makeup. Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Benefits Include: Brighten and Even Skin Tone: A clinical study showed 94 percent of participants experienced smoother, brighter, more even-tone skin with intellishade; and Fight Aging: Formulated with a blend of three peptides, the moisturizer-meets-sunscreen reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing broad-spectrum UV protection.
Will I Use It?: I've actually been using it on and off since receiving the tube, and my only complaint is that sometimes I feel like the intellishade technology works, and sometimes it doesn't. It's pretty orangy for my skin tone, so when it doesn't work... well, I just look odd. Overall, the concept of this is pretty cool, but it's a little pricey. I'm not sure that I'll ever buy this again, but I can definitely say I've been enjoying it and maybe if I go into a local spa that has it and I have some extra cash, I'll keep it available in my collection.




Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!
This deep conditioning mask helps resuscitate dry, damaged, or chemically-treated hair.
How To Use: After shampooing, massage into hair, ensuring the conditioner is evenly applied. Leave in for three to five minutes before rinsing. For even deeper conditioning, cover hair in a plastic cap to retain moisture while sitting under the dryer for 10 minutes, then rinse. 
Benefits Include: Naturally-Based: This conditioning treatment is fortified with ultrahydrating avocado, sweet almond and argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, rosehip oil, and soothing aloe; and Vitamin-Infused: Designed with biotin and hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, and E, this mask works to quench dry and damaged hair.
Will I Use It?: I haven't used this yet, but it's sitting in my shower waiting to be used! From looking online a bit, it seems like it gets pretty good reviews. However, my issue is that the sample included in my box is SO TINY. It's a 1oz sample, which isn't very big considering the price of this box and how big some of the other samples are. I'll probably be able to get three to four good uses (since I have such long hair) out of this sample.




Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream
This BB Cream for the body visibly improves the look of your skin after one day and provides you five visible benefits after five days.
How To Use: For best results, use daily as your body lotion. Massage the sheer formula all over your body, allowing time for it to dry prior to dressing.
Benefits Include: Five-In-One Formula: This cream works on multiple levels to hydrate, illuminate, visibly firm, and even skin tine and reduce the appearance of imperfections; and A Perfect Match: This quick-drying moisturizer goes on sheer before adjusting to your natural skin tone.
Will I Use It: So... here's where I got really, really pissed at this box. (Tell us how you really feel, right?!) This is a drug store product, and New Beauty touts itself on being a higher-end brand box. Not just that, but this is the exact same size I received in my Birchbox from March. Of which it was my "life style extra", so it wasn't even technically a part of the normal products I receive for $10.00. I got a bigger sample of this in my Target Beauty Box that only cost me $5.00! Since receiving this so many freaking times, I have decided it does actually help the appearance of skin tone issues on my legs, however, the scent is completely overwhelming to me. I get migraines really bad and this product seems to be a huge trigger, and I didn't discover it until I noticed a girl at work wears it as well and it was just crazy overwhelming to me. So I can't even use this at all. Which is not New Beauty's fault, but it is their fault for including such a tiny sample of a drug store product.




Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
This concentrated glycerin moisturizing cream delivers serious hydration to heal superdry skin from head to toe.
How To Use: Apply evenly on dry skin or lips as often as desired. For best results, use immediately after bathing.
Benefits Include: Heal-All Formula: This cream replenishes lost moisture in all types of dry skin. From water damaged hands and brittle cuticles from frequent hand washing to painful chapped lips and cracked heels. Yu-Be helps heal and moisturize all of your dry skin issues from head to toe; and Long-Lasting: Yu-Be is safe and effective for the whole family. The nongreasy formula absorbs quickly and stays locked in for hours.
Will I Use It?: The sample that came in my box was 3 grams. 3 GRAMS. The full size of this is only 1oz for 16 dollars, and they send me a sample worth like $4.00. WHAT. I felt so ripped off when I realized this was actually part of the box, and not just a beauty-to-go extra. I haven't used it yet, because I was seriously so mad I almost threw it away. Instead I just stuck it in my lotion drawer. There is probably not enough to cover one arm, let alone try it out for my whole body. Which is another reason for the immense disappointment. 



These are my extras. I think I've received the Cotz Face lotion at least two or three times before. I stuck the body cloth in my purse. I haven't used the face wrap yet, and the lotion is a hand cream that smells pretty good and works okay.



I'm not super happy with this box, especially compared to the one from March. And I'm in the majority- there were a lot of people that were very disappointed in this box. I received so many tiny samples that even though I received more than I paid for, the value of it is basically meaningless because I feel kind of ripped off.
It seems like the boxes are very give and take- one month is good, the next not so great. I'm going to be getting the Ipsy box soon (I'm on the waitlist), so I've decided to cancel this box. I can always renew if I see July's and September's, and if they are good, I might go ahead and get this box once more. But, for now, this is my last New Beauty Test Tube. 


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the New Beauty Test Tube catalog included with the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Target Beauty Box, March 2014

This is a little bit of a late post, but I got the Target Beauty Box!
This isn't a monthly box or anything, but every once in awhile Target puts these out for $5.00. I recommend following the blog My Subscription Addiction because it's her blog that alerted me to this being on sale. The only reason I got it is because it had a couple of products I wanted to try anyway!

On to the box!




It came like this! So cute!



And here are all the products. They're all what I would consider "deluxe" samples, but the smoochies and the mascara are full sizes!



The first product is a full size of the L'oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara. I've been using this on and off, and the formula is a little on the wet side, but I enjoy it! It really separates my lashes. I'm not sure it really does that butterfly thing where the lashes are longer on the ends, but as far as mascaras go, it's pretty good! And considering it costs more than this entire box? A definite win!




The second product is the Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo. I was going to be buying this the next time I needed dry shampoo, and now I don't think I will. So far, not impressed! 



The third product is the Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray. I've never used a Sea Salt Spray before, and I can't decide how I feel about it. I'll definitely do a review when I figure out how I feel.



And more of this Jergens BB Body! I received a sample of this in my March 2014 Birchbox, but this is actually a bigger sample than what I received. I actually am enjoying this lotion on my legs, but I'm not using it consistently enough to see if it actually does make a difference over time. I need to start doing that.




The last product is this smoochies gloss by Covergirl. It's not actually as glittery coming out as it appears in the package, and I'm surprised also by the fact that it's not an absolutely sticky mess like some of the other Covergirl glosses.



Overall, I'm glad I spent the $5.00 on this! I am repeating everyone when I say I wish Target would make these a regular thing- seriously an amazing deal with some great products!



FTC: I purchased this box with my own money, and I am in no way affiliated with Target. All thought and opinions are my own.

Birchbox March 2014

It's time for my March Birchbox!

I looked at the spoilers for my box, because I just had to know! I like to research.
So here's what I am getting, and how I feel about it (I am writing this portion before receiving the box and trying anything in it):

- Agave Healing Oil Treatment - Another hair oil to try! So far, I've had really good look with every one I've tried, so I'm not complaining about getting another!
- Air Repair Rescue Balm All-Purpose Skin Salve and Lip Balm - This is probably the thing I'm least excited about- I use Rosebud Salve as an "all purpose", but I guess it would be nice to try something new!
- Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet - This says it's gentle, hydrates skin, and reduces redness. I've heard good things about the Caudalie brand, and this will be my first time trying anything by them, so I'm really excited!
- COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face - I'm always interested in trying new tinted SPF, whether it's a tinted moisturizer, a BB, a CC, etc, so this should be fun to try! It's also mattifying, so I'm interesting in testing out those claims on my oily skin!
- Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream - This sounds like an interesting concept - it goes on clear, but adjusts to your skin tone, and helps reduce imperfections. I'm actually kind of looking forward to trying this.


And now, the box!



(I love the reminder on the inside to review the products for points- I think too many people don't take advantage of this!)





Agave Healing Oil Treatment
Created by a veteran hairstylist, this lightweight oil uses agave to hydrate and protect.
How To Use: Warm a dime-sized dab of oil between your palms and distribute it throughout damp hair evenly, from roots to ends. Air dry for a natural look, or blow dry for a sleeker style. And don't stop there- this also doubles as a hydrating body oil!
How It Works: The amino sugars in agave soothe damaged hair and infuse it with moisture. This fragrant healing oil treatment is also packed with plenty of other natural conditioning ingredients to keep hair soft and sleek: vanilla, coconut, and baobab seed oil, to name a few. And it’s free of the stuff that’s not so good for your locks: parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Will I Use It?: As I said above, I do love a good hair oil. The way this sample comes, it might be a little difficult to use, but I'm definitely going to try it out!



Air Repair Rescue Balm
Balms away! This all-natural salve repairs dry, cracked skin anywhere on the body. 
How To Use: Apply whenever, wherever to soothe dry, flaky skin and seal in long-lasting moisture.
How It Works: This ultrarestorative salve works its magic by preventing transepidermal water loss, a primary cause of dry skin. Sweet almond oil, fatty-acid rich lanolin, and vitamin E hydrate and nourish skin upon contact. Anti-inflammatory lavender helps quell irritation, while geranium promotes circulation and rejuvenates skin.
Will I Use It?: I actually did use this, and the results feel typical to a vaseline. Also, the sample was really weird to open, and I just ended up cutting the tip off because I had no clue how to get the product out. That might have been user-error, but really, it should be obvious how to use a sample. I'll keep using this, but I don't think it's something that will leave too big of an impression on me.



Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet
A refreshing, gel-like formula that floods skin with hydration and reduces redness.
How To Use: Morning and evening, spread evenly onto both hands, and apply to face in even, outward-moving strokes.
How It Works: The patented blend of organic grape water (key to reactivating your skin’s hydration mechanisms), soothing chamomile, and grape-derived polyphenols (which are rich in antioxidants) deliver a triple threat of hydration and redness reduction. The formula is gentle enough for hyper-sensitive skin.
Will I Use It?: I plan on using this at night, in case I do have a reaction to it, and I'll report back when I feel like I've been able to form a good impression.



Coola Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face
Organic tinted moisturizer with lasting sun protection that evens tone and masks flaws.
How To Use: Smooth a thin layer onto clean skin.
How It Works: This is no ordinary SPF. COOLA suspended two skin-safe mineral sunblocks—titanium and zinc dioxide—in a moisturizing base to ensure a smooth, even application. Shea butter naturally softens skin. Age-reversing antioxidants like evening primrose extract and borage seed oil deflect free radicals, while naturally water-resistant plankton makes the formula extra-durable.
Will I Use It?: I'll give any tinted moisturizer a try once. Again, this will be a product I'll check out and have to get back with you guys on.


And my birchbox find (an "extra" product that is mass market that they think is awesome, and not a part of my usual samples) this month is 
 
Jergen's BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream
This skin-perfecting formula will brighten your skin—just in time for the arrival of spring.
How To Use: Use this cream daily for best results. Once a day, smooth generously over skin and let dry completely before getting dressed.
How It Works: This fast-drying moisturizer goes on sheer before adjusting to your natural skin tone. With shea butter, the cream provides moisture while light-reflecting pigments immediately brighten skin and minimize the appearance of imperfections. Not only that, but the proprietary formula works to improve your complexion over time, firming skin while also calming redness and visibly reducing discoloration.
Will I Use It?: I actually used this as my leg moisturizer before a wedding, but I didn't notice a difference from a standard lotion. I didn't notice it "adjusting" or making a difference in redness, but it did feel moisturizing. Maybe with a more continued use, I'll see a difference, and there is enough in my sample for at least a full week's worth of use, if not more. I'll do a follow up blog about this product as well.


Overall, after receiving my box, I am reasonably okay with it. I'm still on the fence about birchbox in general, and may end up either getting an ipsy bag to replace or in addition to, and then deciding which one is better.

If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.