Hello again!
So, it’s been awhile since we’ve chatted, but I’m coming back! I had a baby in March, a little guy named Abe, and am just now getting back in the swing of things. But, I’ve got some reviews in the works and I can’t wait to tell you about them.
Until then, here’s the guy I’ve been spending all my time with.
So, the folks at Phone Case of the Month contacted me a while back about doing a review, and let me tell you… I got full use out of my subscription sample! And, I’ve gotta say I was super pleased with everything this new subscription box service had to offer from start to finish.
It works like this: Each month, Phone Case of the Month sends its subscribers one phone case for $10. There’s free shipping in the U.S., but it costs $5.00 if you’re ordering from abroad. Each phone case is a limited edition, because there are only 200 prints of each design. And, you aren’t going to see these guys walking down the street with just anyone. All designs are exclusive to Phone Case of the Month. So, you’re never going to find them at that local corner store. Another bonus: you can cancel any time.
Right now Phone Case of the Month is making cases for the:
So, what did I get? A SUPER cute white case with a coffee ring and Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas printed on it. (You can read the full poem here.) Now, let me tell you why I think these guys are just so smart. I mean come on! If you were going to send a cell phone case to a blogger, of course you would send one that had coffee stains and a poem written on it! I thought it was just brilliant.
I got SO many compliments on it at work. Now, I work at an ad agency, so you know my fellow copywriters were all about the design too. But, I think one of the best things about the case was the feel. I don’t know how to explain it, but it had this super soft texture. It’s not a normal hard plastic. I used this case for much longer than a month, and while it did start cracking after some extreme wear and tear (I really feel bad for any cell phone case I use), I think it was totally worth the $10 subscription price. ESPECIALLY if you’re one who likes to spice it up.
What do you think? Would you give Phone Case of the Month a go? Share your thoughts below!
Disclosure: This product was received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
So, I hate to say it, but this is likely my last review of Birchbox. Need to move on to another genre of boxes for a while. I’m going to stick with my Ipsy glam bag, because a girl has to have a monthly makeup fix, but I think it’s time we try something new! What do you think?
I was really excited when I saw the beautiful gold box in the mail. It was perfect for the holiday season! In addition to a handy little cell phone screen cleaner, I found the following inside my December Birchbox:
Number 4 | Non-Aerosol Hairspray
Sample Value: $4.50 (30 ml)
Full Size Cost: $30.00 (200 ml)
Buy at Birchbox
The first thing I noticed about this hairspray is the smell. It’s got that strong, classic hair spray smell that brings be back to the 80s or our community theater’s dressing room before a show. It’s not my favorite, but for real holding strength, I’m willing to compromise. I was kind of surprised it had such a strong odor, because it is a non-aerosol mist that’s supposed to be good for the environment. It’s full of natural botanicals that nourish strands, and I think you can see that right away. When sprayed on, hair looks super shiny afterward. Just don’t spray too much or else you’ll be left in greasy town.
Chuao Chocolatier | Chocolate Bars
Sample Value: $0.84 (0.39 oz)
Full Size Cost: $6.00 (2.8 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
I’m not one to pass up chocolate, and with it being the holidays, seemed appropriate in this month’s box! The packaging said the chocolate was intended to taste like popcorn, and it sure did! To a point that I found it kind of odd, like something out of Willy Wonka’s factory. They have a bunch of flavors to choose from on Birchbox’s website, so maybe if popcorn isn’t your cup of tea, there’s something else you might enjoy more!
Camille Beckman | Glycerine Hand Therapy™
Sample Value: $0.58 (0.25 oz)
Full Size Cost: $14.00 (6 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
Wild Honey Apothecary | Buttermilk Sandalwood Honey Mud
Sample Value: $3.50 (0.35 oz)
Full Size Cost: $20.00 (2 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
Jouer | Moisturizing Lip Gloss
Sample Value: $9.41 (0.08 oz)
Full Size Cost: $20.00 (0.17 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
This is probably my favorite product in this month’s box. I may cash in on my Birchbox points and buy the full size, I am THAT in love. And, that’s saying a lot from a girl with a purse full of lip glosses. It just has a beautiful shimmery finish, and it turns dry lips into something beautiful in one swoop!
The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Value: $18.83
Birchbox knows their stuff when it comes to putting together samples that are worth the $10.00/month subscription fee. I always appreciate their beautiful packaging and high-end selection, I just wish the sample sizes were bigger. What can I say, I wan MORE!
What did you guys think of December’s products? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
Alright, here we go folks. If you didn’t check out today’s Makeup Sunday Part 1 post on Birchbox, you won’t want to miss it! Now we’re going to dive into Ipsy. New to this subscription box? You can find out everything you need to know on my Ipsy page.
To start off, the Ipsy’s glam bag was super cute in November. It’s a gold little clutch, that I had a friend actually use as a purse when we went out for her birthday. These little Glam Bags are great and often go unnoticed when reviewing all the different products inside. I even forget to mention them myself!
Let me start off my saying used most of November’s products every day since getting them, and I couldn’t be happier!
em michelle | phan pillow plush cushiony lip balm (bubble gum)
Full Size Sample Value: $15
Buy at em cosmetics
This lip gloss is super cute and the bubble gum color is light enough that you can wear it with almost everything. It’s not over powering, so you don’t feel like you’re wearing something that’s super noticeable. And, that’s right up my alley! The lip-smoothing balm is also great for cold wintry days and leaves your lips looking super juicy! Love love love!
Be a Bombshell | Lip Crayon (Shameless)
Full Size Sample Value: $14
Buy at Be A Bombshell Cosmetics (Save 40% with coupon code IPSY40)
Now, while I haven’t been wearing this one every day, the color is appropriate for my complexion. It’s a subtle burgundy that I’d normally purchase for myself. It’s not over bearing, so I feel comfortable wearing it and its smooth texture is great for travel and touch-ups on the go. This color builds as you apply it, so if you want something darker, you can put on a couple of coats for a more dramatic look!
Nailtini | Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer (Caviar Cocktail)
Full Size Sample Value: $13.00
Buy at tini beauty lounge (Receive 50% off and a FREE eyeliner with $25 purchase with coupon code IPSY4GLAM)
I thought it was kind of funny that both Birchbox and Ipsy offered up silver/metallic nail polishes this month. The Nailtini polish in the Ipsy Glam Bag was of a slightly better quality than the one in the Birchbox, and I only preferred this color too. It’s darker and less shiny than the one in Birchbox, which suited me.
Pixi Beauty | Bronzer
Full Size Sample Value: $13.00 (estimate)
Buy similar product at Pixie Beauty (Receive 25% off with coupon code BRONZEPIXI)
I recently went to one of those Mary Kay makeup parties, and I got a lesson regarding bronzer. Basically, it’s the idea that when applying, you want to make the shape of a three on both sides of your face to highlight the forehead, cheeks and jaw line. After that lesson and finding this bronzer in my Glam Bag, I’m pretty much hooked on bronzer. I’ve added this guy to my daily makeup routine and am happy that the color I received is subtle enough that I can wear it everyday without someone thinking I look like Snooki.
Starlooks | Gem Eye Pencil (Amethyst)
Full Size Sample Value: $14.00
Buy at Star Looks (Save 40% off any purchase with coupon code IPSY)
This was probably my least favorite item in November’s Glam Bag. I guess I’m pretty traditional when it comes to eyeliner, because I rarely venture outside my normal black and brown. But, for those with adventurous hearts, this metallic finish seems pretty fun! The pencil is highly pigmented and leaves a very holiday-appropriate micro-glitter finish.
Cailyn | Built-In Sponge Tip Mineral Eye Shadow (Champagne)
Full Size Sample Value: $15.00
Buy at Cailyn Cosmetics (Save 30% off any purchase with coupon code IPSY30)
Now, this mineral eye shadow is right up my ally! I’ve been wearing it every day, because it’s so versatile and goes with pretty much everything! I don’t think it lasts long enough though. It pretty much disappears by the end of the day, but that hasn’t really stopped me from using it. The other down side is the built-in sponge tip. It’s just really hard to use and I would have preferred a container I could use a brush with. I find myself pouring some of the eye shadow out and then using a brush, but I know I’m wasting a ton when I do that!
The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Value: $84.00
Ipsy really out did itself in terms of value this month. Seriously, $84.00 worth of product for only ten bucks? Not only that, I was super happy with the products I received this month. Nearly everything inside the Glam Bag could be used every day, and the Glam Bag itself is cute enough to use as a clutch! Double bonus! What did you think of November’s glam bag? Share your thoughts below!
Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
So, the holidays got me all thrown off! So, I’m super late on my November 2013 Birchbox and Ipsy reviews. So, I thought I’d make a day of it with two posts about two of everyone’s favorite cosmetic subscription boxes.
Since I got Birchbox first, I think it’s only fair we start with them. Want to know how Birchbox works? Check out my page here. November was all about “MORE GOOD.” With Thanksgiving being the major holiday, Birchbox wanted to help you live a life of abundance with more thanks, more giving, more thoughtfulness, and ofcourse, more samples.
So, what did we find in November’s box?
Ghirardelli® | Chocolate Bar
Full Size Value: $3.00 (estimate)
Buy in store at Walgreens
Now, what girl can resist some chocolate! And when you combine toffee crunch with chocolate, you’ve got one very happy girl here! This is one of Birchbox’s “Finds.” That’s their word for the little extra non-cosmetic related items they throw into their boxes every month. You can find this treat at any Walgreens or grocery store. Ghiradelli always uses the best cocoa beans and has their own way of doing things so evert bite is full of velvety smoothness and intense taste. With the holidays around the corner, I always thing Ghiradelli makes a nice addition to any holiday present. Go ahead and throw one into your next gift bag!
Dr. Jart+ | Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+
Sample Value: $3.2
Full Size Cost: $32.00 (1.7 fl oz)
Buy at Birchbox
This tinted moisturizer is great if you’re on the go and don’t want to put a ton of makeup on. Not only does it give you just enough color to get you through running errands, but it’s also a sunscreen and treatment serum. There’s a combination of glacier water, deep ocean water, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to deeply hydrate skin. There’s also some extra ingredients in there to stop your complexion from becoming overly greasy.
Now, I’m usually not one for tinted moisturizers. Mainly because, if I’m going to put makeup on, I’m going all out. But, this guy seemed to do the trick in a pinch, even though it’s not a product I’d normally purchase.
Beauty Protector | Protect & Shampoo
Sample Value: $2.75
Full Size Cost: $21.95 (8 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
Beauty Protector | Protect & Condition
Sample Value: $2.75
Full Size Cost: $21.95 (8 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
Now, one of my all-time favorite samples from Birchbox was the Beauty Protector | Protect & Detangle, so when I saw this shampoo and conditioner combo from the same brand, I was super excited! But, let me tell you… this product was kind of a let down for me. I just wasn’t impressed! Not only did I find that the amount of product in these sample bottles to be underwhelming, I didn’t think the shampoo and conditioner was anything special either.
Color Club® | Cocktail Hour Collection (Dark and Stormy)
Full Size Value: $8.00 (.5 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
I’m always up for a good nail polish, but unfortunately, the ones I find from Birchbox’s Color Club® are always a major letdown. The quality just isn’t that great, and I’d much rather have a sample of something else than one of these guys. I did get a compliment on the color though by the mechanics who do my oil change. While being blatantly hit on… they commented on my “diamond” nails and “million dollar smile.” So, I guess the color is eye-catching! Ha! The color does look gold in this picture, but it’s actually a shiny silver.
Juicy Couture | Viva La Juicy Noir – 3.4 oz.
Sample Value: $1.32 (0.05 oz)
Full Size Cost: $90.00 (3.4 oz)
Buy at Birchbox
This perfume has a great glamorous scent, and I used it up pretty quickly. If you know me, you know I’m not really good at picking up all those different scents, but Birchbox’s website has this to add about that one.
Ripe berries pair with a touch of honeysuckle and undertones of sultry sandalwood.
For me, the only down side was the sample bottle! Usually I love this kind of perfume sample bottle, because it actually lets you spray it on. But, mine didn’t really work. I had a terrible time getting the perfume out, so that was kind of frustrating.
The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Full Size Cost: $21.02
As always, Birchbox provided a great value for their $10.00/month subscription fee, but overall I was kind of let down by the box. The chocolate made a great first impression, but the products didn’t really stack up. I’m actually starting to think about canceling my Birchbox subscription and trying something new. It might be time to cash in on those Birchbox points… What do you guys think? Should I stick it out or move on? Leave your thoughts below and wait for part 2 of my Makeup Sunday!
Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
We’ve got another Vox Box folks! This time it’s Rimmel’s brand spanking new foundation, the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation.
Not sure what Influenster is or how it works? I’ve got more info on the Influenster page, but it’s a great little online community that puts those of us with opinions in contact with free products!
Let me start off by saying this is my kind of foundation. I always think of foundation as that base for creating a beautiful masterpiece. I like a strong matte finish that I can build on top of, and when I put this on in the morning, I really feel like I’m getting that smooth, full-coverage look I’m going for. What I really like about is that it doesn’t feel or look heavy and greasy. It’s actually really lightweight and super soft. It also blends flawlessly and does its part to prevent shine all day long.
This is a foundation I would absolutely buy again. I can’t give it a more glowing recommendation, I really loved it that much. I’ve been wearing it every day, and will continue to do so until it’s gone!
Has anyone else tried this product? I think it’s pretty new, but I’d be curious to see what else you guys think!
Disclosure: This product was received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
Now, I don’t have a section on my blog devoted to subscription boxes for men, but maybe I should. Perhaps a plan for the future? Anyway, I was excited to have the opportunity to review the “Sockscription” available through BLACKSOCKS. These guys have actually been around for a while and got their start back in 1999, way before this whole subscription box thing blew up.
BLACKSOCKS has a bunch of helpful videos on their website that walk you through what they’re all about, which I always love. But, it works like this. You start out by selecting which socks you want and how often you want them delivered. Each delivery includes three pairs of socks, and depending on how many deliveries you want, the year-long subscription can cost between $89.00-175.00. A year after your initial order, you can decide if you want to renew your sockscription.
So, what else should you know?
So, since this service is all for the boys, I promptly handed them over to the hubby when they came in the mail. They seemed like pretty nice dress socks to me, but I’m not the one wearing them! After about a week or so, I checked in with him to get his thoughts.
While he liked the concept, and certainly understands the benefit of have a family of socks that always match, he didn’t think there was anything over-the-top fantastic about them. And, it was kind of hard for him to judge properly, because the socks were just too big. Now, I have to own up to that one, because it might have been my fault. I told the folks at BLACKSOCKS to send him a size 10.5. But, here’s the thing. His shoe size always depends on the shoe. It just always varies.
So! If you decide to give these a go, I think this is a good example of why you should start with the $12.00 trial pair. That way, you can make sure you’re happy with the size and fit before signing up for a year-long subscription.
So, what do you think? Want to give BLACKSOCKS a go? Have you already tried them? Would love to hear your thoughts below!
Disclosure: This product was received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
Alright, here we go folks. I am once again diving into a review for the Sexy & Sultry subscription box section of my blog. If you caught my review of the Fantasy Box, you know that this is generally a topic I avoid in proper conversation. But alas, I am committed to you my readers, and when Spicy Subscriptions reached out to me and offered to send me a free box to review, I couldn’t resist! I know my mother holds her breath every time I write one of these reviews, but this is all for science people!
I had definitely heard of Spicy Subscriptions prior to them reaching out to me. I’ve read other bloggers’ reviews, and had often thought that if I was ever going to buy a box from this category, they would be a good one to try because they’re so affordable. For $24.95-34.95/month, Spicy Subscriptions will send you a personal toy and a curated collection of romance, intimacy and health and wellness products. They offer two variations: the Spice Box and the Toy of the Month. I received the Spice Box, so we’ll focus on that one.
Each month is different from the last and each Spice Box comes with romantic content and tips from experts on how to improve your love life. The Spice Box specifically includes a deluxe toy, a deluxe accessory, 1-2 personal products and 3-6 trial products. So, what did I get?
The Screaming O Studio Collection | O Balm Warming Sensations
Full Size Value: $6.98
Buy at Spencers.com
The Screaming O Studio Collection O Balm Warming Sensation is designed to be a chic and discreet way of spicing up any romantic rendezvous, where ever you may be. The packaging suggests tossing it in your purse and swiping it on as you would any other lip balm right before a romantic encounter.
The Screaming O’s website says you can use their product in a variety of ways, including as a:
- All-natural, kissable ingredients featuring an herbal extract blend
- Sensual warming and tingling experience
- Paraben-free, petroleum-free, phthalate-free, non-toxic lip balm
Body Boudoir™ | Naughty Secrets™ Pheromone Body Fragrance
Full Size Value: $13.95
Buy at Amazon.com
This fragrance combines sweet pea, blue violet and powdery white cedar. It smells pretty good, and is very girly. This product is paraben-free, was not tested on animals, and was made right here in the good ol’ USA.
The whole catch about this product is that it’s supposed to be a pheromone attractant to enhance sex appeal. The bottle literally says it’s meant to help you “spray on sex power.”
So, I’m not going to lie. This product had my husband and I laughing. When I opened the box and saw this inside, I immediately sprayed some on and asked him if I had instantly become more attractive. We both shared a nice laugh.
Body Boudoir™ | Love in Luxury™ Naked Pheromone Moisture Meringue
Full Size Value: $5.05
Buy at Amazon.com
Like its spray-on counterpart, this body meringue is also meant to bring all the boys to the yard. It’s a pheromone attractant and features a medley of exotic mangosteen, acai berry and sweet musk, combined with crisp coconut and red currant. Really, all I smell is orange. But, this stuff goes on really nice and is a great body lotion. Not sure I buy into the whole pheromone thing, but, who am I to judge?
California Fantasies | Razzels Three-in-One Warming Flavors
Full Size Value: $4.88
Buy at Amazon.com
If you weren’t sure by the title, this is a lubricant people. A strawberry flavored, warming lubricant.
The bottle says it can be used to “apply, rub, blow and dazzle” your partner. Well, alright then.
Frolic® | Specialty Toy Lubricant for Women
Sample Value: $0.90
Full Size Cost: $8.99
Buy at Walgreens.com
JO Volt | 6v Arousing Tingling Serum
Sample Value: $0.06
Full Size Cost: $8.99
Buy at Walgreens.com
But the lubes don’t end there people! This Deluxe Spice Box also came with two lubricant samples, and they’re both available at your local Walgreens, if you’re so inclined.
The sample from Frolic is specifically designed for use with toys. I’m not sure what would make a lube specific for toys, but whatever the case, this one is! Frolic is highly concentrated and claims that a little dab goes a long way.
The sample from JO Volt is an arousing and tingling serum for women. The 6v pack is a light strength serum and like the sample from Frolic, it also claims that you only need a few drops to experience its tingling effect. It also doesn’t contain parabens or L-Arginine.
Triple Action Vibrating Ring
Full Size Value: $9.88 (similar product)
Buy similar product at Amazon.com
Well, I knew the Deluxe Spice Box contained some kind of deluxe toy, and well… here it is! I couldn’t find this exact product anywhere online, so my full size value is kind of an estimate. But, let me tell you, when you search “vibrating penis ring” in Google, all kinds of things come up in the search results. However, I somehow managed to find a product somewhat similar on Amazon if you are looking for something like this for yourself.
The Verdict
Cost: $34.95/month
Value: $41.70
If you’re looking for an adult themed subscription box, there is plenty of value and variety in Spicy Subscriptions, and it certainly lives up to its promise of introducing couples to products that will keep things interesting in the bedroom. So, tell me… have you ever tried a Spice Box? What did you find inside? Would love to hear about what people found in past boxes or whether or not this is something you’d like to try in the future! Come on, don’t be shy!
Disclosure: This product was received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
This month’s Tasters Box from Goodies Co. was probably one of my favorites! There were just so many yummy treats inside and I was immediately impressed with the quantity and variety!
The Goodies Co. Taster’s Box is all about finding new snacks to enjoy. If you’re tired of eating the same thing, but don’t want to splurge on buying something new you’re scared you won’t like, this subscription is right up your alley. The flat $7/month rate includes taxes and shipping and each box features 5-8 hand-picked snacks to expand your palate.
In this month’s box I received:
Nueva Cocoa | Latte Coffee Thins
Sample Value: $0.83 (2 pieces)
Full Size Cost: $4.99 (12 pieces)
Buy at coffeethins.com
So, I hate to start things off on a bad note (especially since overall, I really liked this box), but I was really not in to these little Latte Coffee Thins. Maybe it’s because my brain couldn’t convince itself that these things are not meant to be chocolate! I kept hoping they were, but the definitely were not! While they are supposed to have that same silky texture, I found them to be dry and chalky. I only tried a bite, since I’m trying to watch my caffeine and each square packs as much as a real cup of joe.
Enjoy Life | Chocolate Sunbutter
Sample Value: $1.06 (1 bar)
Full Size Cost: $5.29 (5 bars)
Buy at shop.enjoylifefoods.com
Now this guy was super tasty and very chocolaty! I didn’t expect it to be quite so sweet, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it! Not only is this bar delicious, it’s also gluten and nut free! It’s made completely from chocolate (go figure!) and sunflower seed butter. It’s 100% natural and free from the top 8 allergens!
Caffe D’Vita | Spiced Tea Latte
Sample Value: $2.08 (1 pouch)
Full Size Cost: $24.95 (12 pouches)
Buy at secure.caffedvita.com
Now, when I do want some caffeine, I’ve been really into Chai Tea Lattes lately, so this was right up my ally! The pouch says you can make it hot, cold or blended! I wish they had included three pouches so I could have tried it each way! But, this time I opted for it hot and enjoyed it immensely! I never thought of buying Chai Tea to make at home… may need to add that to my next shopping list!
Guylian | Original Praline Chocolate
Full Size Value: $1.09
Buy at guylianbelgianchocolate.com
These guys were everything I wanted those Latte Coffee Thins to be! Well, hello… they’re truffles, so I guess they should be! Anyway, these things were INCREDIBLE. Super tasty and delicious and each luxurious truffle is crafted from silky smooth Belgian chocolates made from 100% pure cocoa butter. What’s there to complain about there?
Happy Family | Greek Yogurt
Sample Value: $2.00 (estimate)
Buy at Walmart (in stores only)
Okay, so when I saw this, I wasn’t entirely sure it was not baby food. After checking with some very knowledgeable moms at work, they assured me that as an adult, I could also enjoy this treat. So I popped it open and gave it a go. I have to say I haven’t tried greek yogurt in this way before, and I was a little unnerved by the fact that it didn’t have to be refrigerated. I did end up cooling it before I actually ate it, and while the texture was grainier than other yogurt, I still found it pretty enjoyable. I had no problem eating the whole thing, and I felt pretty good knowing that it was made with all organic ingredients and no sugar. Plus, all that calcium and Vitamin D is good for you too!
Special K Nourish | Hot Cereal
Sample Size Value: $1.39 (1 serving)
Full Size Cost: $2.78 (2 servings)
Buy at amazon.com
What’s the difference between hot cereal and oatmeal? I have no clue. Really, I couldn’t tell the difference when I tried this guy out. This multi-grain blend hot cereal is pretty new from Special K, and while I was fine with this Cranberry and Almond variety, I probably wouldn’t pick it again. I much prefer Special K’s traditional cereals. I just found this option to be kind of bland and lacking in flavor.
At The Table Together | Easy Make Pizza Dough
Full Size Value: $6.00
Buy at amazon.com
Orion Choco Pie | Fluffy Biscuit
Sample Size Value: $0.08 (1)
Full Size Value: $0.99 (12)
Buy at amazon.com
Now this treat just seems shady to me. I couldn’t find hardly any information on it, and I think they may be made overseas. It just seems like something really strange and unusual for Goodies Co. to include. It wasn’t listed on their website either, which makes me think its addition was an afterthought and the decision to include it was kind of haphazard.
The Verdict
Cost: $7.00/month
Value: $14.53
Even though I got some items I wasn’t 100% happy with after trying, I am still very happy with this months box. There was just a ton of stuff to try and trying new products is my favorite part of Goodies Co.’s Tasters Box! So, to me… even if I didn’t like everything, the box still did it’s job!
Did you get this month’s Taster’s Box? Did you get any items you didn’t expect? Would love to hear your thoughts below!
Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.
Every month, the team at ipsy puts together some stellar full size and deluxe sample size products for its subscribers. For only $10.00/month, you can try out some exciting hair and beauty products that you may not have encountered before. I’m a girl who loves makeup, so this is one of my favorites out there.
This month’s ipsy glambag had some great variety, and like its sister beauty product box, Birchbox, it also packed some heavy weight this month. Inside I found:
Zoya | Nail Polish (Neve)
Full Size Value: $8.00
Buy at Zoya (Buy 2 nail polishes, get 1 free and free Zoya Remove+ with coupon code IPSYZ3)
This is a nice little nail polish! The color is actually much brighter than the photo, but it’s still very pretty! I haven’t tried this brand before, but I liked it fine. It went on very smooth and pretty, but I found it chipped kind of quickly. I really need to invest in a top coat polish to see if that helps out my manicures.
Neve is a part of Zoya’s Fall 2013 Cashmere’s & Satins Collection and are designed to complement the season. They’re also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
H2O Plus | Face Oasis™ Hydrating Treatment
Sample Value: $7.20 (10 ml)
Full Size Cost: $36.00 (1.7 oz / 50mL)
Buy at H2O Plus (25% off any purchase with coupon code IPSY13)
I love this hydrating treatment! It feels so smooth and luxurious when you put it on and it has this cooling quality that really makes you feel like you’re putting some real moisture back into your skin. What I really like about this product is that when it says it’s oil free, it’s really oil free. Sometimes these deep moisturizers feel really heavy and greasy, even when they’re supposed to be oil free. But, this gel is so light and airy. It even features marine botanicals to fill surface lines and Vitamins A and E to keep skin looking great all day.
Nourish Organic | Deeply Nourishing Coconut & Argan Body Lotion
Sample Value: $1.25 (1 oz)
Full Size Cost: $9.99 (8 oz)
Buy at Target (20% off any Nourish Organic product with coupon code Nourish20)
Now, I knew I had seen this product somewhere before! So, I was not surprised when I realized it was sold exclusively at Target. This organic body lotion sample is great for your purse, especially as it starts to get cold outside and hands start to feel dry. I’ve been using it primarily on my elbows, which I’m enjoying immensely. This product is highly concentrated to replenish, hydrate and soften skin.
Ofra | Sultry Lipgloss and Plumper
Full Size Value: $12.95 (10 ml)
Buy at Ofra Cosmetics (30% off any purchase with coupon code ipsy30 )
I really like the color of this lip gloss. It’s pretty subtle, but adds just enough color for everyday use. I wouldn’t say its primary benefit is lip plumping though. I noticed a slight improvement and some tingling, but I’ve tried some serious lip plumpers, and I think if that’s what you’re really after, this product isn’t for you. But, if you need a pretty, subtle lip gloss, this guy definitely does the trick!
Sexy Hair | Spray Clay Texturizing Spray Clay
Sample Value: $6.03 (1.4 oz)
Full Size Cost: $18.95 (4.4 oz)
Buy at Ulta ($5.00 off $25.00 purchase with coupon code 105339)
I really was confused by this product initially. I just didn’t know how to use it! I did some googling and decided to go forward as if it was a texturizing/volumizing spray. And, it seriously got the job done. It made my hair so thick! I think if you were trying to do an up do, this guy would be really handy. I used it for some Halloween styles, and it was great!
The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Value: $35.43
ipsy always does a stellar job in the value department, and I love that I get some serious deluxe and full size sample sizes for only $10.00. My favorite item this month has to be the H2O Plus | Face Oasis™ Hydrating Treatment. Can’t really say there was a product I didn’t like this time around. I’m using everything regularly, and I’m glad I got to try these guys out!
What did you get in your ipsy Glam Bag? See anything different? Would love to hear what you guys received!
just louise please 