Sample Society March 2015

When I decided to get rid of my ipsy subscription this month, I also decided I wanted to try the Allure Sample Society box. They were sampling the new Benefit mascara, Roller Lash, and I found a code to get $5.00 off your first box (making it $10.00 instead of $15.00), so I decided to pull the trigger.

Along with the subscription, you also get a code for $10.00 off a $50.00 purchase at BeautyBar.com. I think that's a pretty cool perk. Granted, I might not use it every month, but I've been going through the site and seeing what's there. It also might really come in handy on the month I need to buy birthday gifts for my girlfriends, or even around Christmas time!


As with all my first boxes, I'm going to do a complete unboxing. 



It came in a pretty non-descript box- I only knew what it was because of the return address. You would have thought it was a box of sex toys or something!



Inside that box was this box. It's extremely well-constructed. I can see keeping these around for gifts and such. 



All the stuff in the box- it came packed with paper to keep all the products from getting messed up, as well as a little booklet detailing everything inside.



Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer
An anti-aging moisturizer loaded with organic ingredients. 
What It Does: Brightens and smooths skin
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely be trying this out! As I've said before, I'm trying to stay away from putting a lot of different things on my skin right now, but I'm definitely hanging on to it and was excited to see it in my box.




Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
A mascara that lengthens, curls, and volumizes.
Will I Use It?: I have used it, and honestly? I don't get the raves it's been getting. I have super straight lashes, and have seen so many reviews from girls with similar lashes to mine going on and on about how great it is, but I did not see it doing anything at all to my lashes. It didn't curl them at all, and I watched many tutorials and mimicked exactly what the other girls were doing.
With that said, I did enjoy the formula and the wand, and will continue using it. But I'll be curling my lashes pre-use.



Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray
A dry texturizing spray.
What It Does: Adds volume, makes dirty roots appear clean, and boosts waves (if you've got them).
Will I Use It?: I get really nervous when I see the phrase "texturizing" because on my hair, that usually means it will seem sticky and make my fine hair hard to manage. But it does say it makes dirty roots appear clean, so once I'm done with the dry shampoo I'm trying to get through currently, I'll use this and give a full review later.



Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm
A clear lip balm.
What it does: While it doesn't offer any SPF, it does hydrate well enough to treat chapped lips.
Will I Use It: I've received this before in a box (my January 2015 ipsy), and I really, really love it. It isn't sticky or goopy, but really moisturizes. My lips have been super crazy dry with this pregnancy (fortunately one of the only weird skin things I'm dealing with), and this has really brought them back to life. I'm so excited to have a back up! This might become my HG lip balm!



Cargo Essential Lip Gloss in Umbria
A sheer, moisturizing lip gloss that comes in 15 shades.
Will I Use It: I liked the way it applied, but I've already passed this off to a friend. The color really wasn't for me. However, I already put this on a wishlist I have going on the BeautyBar website to check out another color when I make a purchase.

Overall, I'm really pleased with my first box! It had a product I really wanted to try, and got to without spending a bunch of money, it had one of my HG products, and all the others were ones I will either try or was able to gift to a friend. It was definitely worth the money and I'll be keeping this through April.
If any of you are interested in signing up for Sample Society, please click there!

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Sample Society booklet included in the box.

No affiliate links have been used in those post. Any links used are for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Birchbox February 2015

This month, we again got the choice of three different samples, or a guest editor box. I chose Marcelle's Gentle Make-up Remover for sensitive eyes. This was also the Rent the Runway month, and all subscribers received $30.00 off a Rent the Runway rental of $75.00+! (Which I thought about using for my baby shower- they don't have maternity wear, but there are things that could work, but I didn't want to risk it and everything is also just a bit too fancy.)
I've changed the birchbox reviews up a bit, as well, like I did with ipsy.



Again, we get 60 points for this box- 10 points for every sample we review, and an additional 10 for sharing on twitter or facebook! This seems like a regular thing now, and like I said last month, this essentially makes Birchbox a $4/month box. I can't get over what an amazing deal that is!


And, I know... vertical pictures! I've made myself a note for next month to not take them vertical anymore. It's a learning process!
On to the box!




I really love this box, again! We were advised to keep our boxes all year, and I've already decided to repurpose mine to hold my samples in. I'll have to do an updated product organization blog soon to show you guys what I mean!




BeeKind Body Lotion
Made with honey and organic chamomile, this yummy UK fave sinks in to restore skin.
How To Use: Massage generously into skin.
Will I Use It?: I've been kind of obsessive about lotion lately- my skin has been pretty dry (a combo of pregnancy and winter), so I could always use another one! I haven't tried this yet, but it smells nice, and it's currently in line for me to try!




Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner in Black
From the go-to UK eye makeup line, this user-friendly liquid liner goes on velvety smooth.
How To Use: Trace our upper lash line, or try your hand at a cat-eye.
Will I Use It?: I was so excited to see this in my box! I've heard nothing but good things about the Eyeko liners, and that they're fairly easy to use if you're a beginner with liquid liner, which I definitely am! 




Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser
Made with organic botanicals, this hydrating wash declogs pores and brightens skin.
How To Use: Twice daily, massage onto damp skin. Rinse well and follow with moisturizer.
Will I Use It?: I have added it to my growing sample stock of cleansers that I can't currently use (I'm sticking to mostly natural products or low-ingredient products), but I'm excited about this, too! 




Juice Couture Hollywood Royal
A floral scent with notes of candied apple, white petals, and cashmere wood.
How To Use: Spritz onto pulse points to feel walk-the-red-carpet glamorous.
Will I Use It?: I really, really like this scent. As a matter of fact, I think I have enjoyed every Juicy Couture fragrance I've ever smelled, and if you know me, you know I'm not much for perfumes. I plan on giving this a try on my days off (office policy is no strong scents, and I'm also a sensitive person myself to scents to I try to abide), and figure out if I should purchase it.




Marcelle Gentle Make-up Remover for Sensitive Eyes
Hypoallergenic formula that's tough on even long-lasting makeup, but gentle on the eyes.
How To Use It: Dispense onto cotton ball and wipe eyes to remove liner, shadow, and mascara.
Will I Use It?: This is the product I picked as my sample choice this month, and I am so happy I did! I've heard this was a really good product, but this was one-swipe good. And the day I tested this, I was wearing quite a bit of eye makeup, including waterproof mascara. And it didn't irritate my eyes at all. So far, I am super impressed and I already want to buy the full size. But I'll keep trying it first!


I am seriously so happy with this box! I like every product and can see myself using them all, and that hardly ever happens. Great job, Birchbox!


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.

The only affiliate link used is the Birchbox affiliate link directly above. Any other links to the birchbox shop are just for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.