Saturday, June 15, 2013

Target Beauty Box

Today when I got home I was so happy to see my Target Beauty Box had arrived!  Via Facebook, at various times, Target allows anyone to sign up to receive a Target Beauty Box.  They used to be seasonal, but it appears they are moving to a monthly format.  I have received several of these and they were send to me for free or for $5 to cover shipping. 

The Box:


The contents:







Early thoughts on the products:
  • Venus Razor - this is the current razor that I am using and I love it.  I am glad to have a back-up of this!
  • Effaclar Duo - I have heard good things about the version of this product in the UK, but the USA version is different.  I am excited to try this product.
  • L'OREAL BB Cream - I have not tried this before and look forward to see how it performs.
  • Fekkai Glossing Cream - I currently own this product and love using it in the summer to fight humidity.
  • Sally Hansen - I get my nails professionally done with gel so more than likely I will give these to a friend who will use them or will include them in a future giveaway.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

It's that Time of the Month......for more Samples!


I came home today and found this little gem in my mailbox!


So I of course ripped it open.....


There is always a card on top....



Then the goods!


First up hair products:



Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo - Full Size $24. Value of the sample: $7.50

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner - Full Size $27.50. Value of sample: $1.41

Davines OI/OIL Absolute Beautifying Potion - Full Size $40. Value of sample: $0.50

Then the rest of the box:


Color Club Wanderlust Collection - Full Size of collection: $8. Value of sample: $2

Oscar de la Renta Something Blue - Full Size $85. Value of sample: $1.50

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick - Full Size $26.55 Value of sample: $26.55


TOTAL VALUE OF THE BOX: $39.46
TOTAL PAID FOR THE BOX:  $10.00

First impression.....not my favorite box, but I am very excited to try the hair products and I know some little girls who will love the nail polish!



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

How Do I Get All These Samples?!


Outside of following the companies I like I Facebook where they offer free samples a lot and asking for samples at one of my favorite places, Sephora, I subscribe to 3 "sample" services.

There has not been a month where the value of the box or bag was not greater than the price I paid.  A lot of times, I receive at least 1 full sized product each month that is greater in value than what I paid for the month.

Birchbox

All of my Birchboxes can be found here: http://pinterest.com/beautyloverinmd/birchbox/

This service is $10/month and you get anywhere from 4-6+ samples.  They usually also add in an extra item that is not always beauty related. 

Then you have until the next month's box ships to review the products you received.  When you do this you get 10 Birchbox points.  When you reach 100 points, you get $10 in credit to use when you make a purchase from the site.

ipsy

Here is what the May bag included:


This service is also $10/month.  Last month I received several full sized products that was way more than the $10 I paid.  Also, each month you receive a makeup bag with a different pattern/material.  This service also sends a card with a specific savings for each company or specific product if you choose to purchase an item.

GLOSSYBOX

All of my GLOSSYBOXES can be seen here: http://pinterest.com/beautyloverinmd/glossybox-usa/

This is by far my favorite one for a few reasons....the value of the boxes are always way over the price per month and I have received A LOT of full sized products.  At $21/month this is the most expensive but the brands I get to sample are high end and I could not be happier.  While it will be very unlikely that I will ever purchase a full sized product is slim due to the cost, I love that I have the opportunity to sample them. This service also features a lot of brands from Europe.

Sample Day #3


Better late than never but here is the sample I used yesterday!  It also comes with a first impression and a full review....that cannot be good and it is not.....

Sample #5: WASH WITH JOE Invigorating Coffeemint Body Wash




Review:
I will review this now.  I hated this product.  First off the sample bottle they use is such a hard plastic that I could not squeeze it to get any product out (the sample size did not have a pump like the full size bottle pictured above).  Then the lather was crap and the smell was not something I care to ever smell again.  Trying to use all of this product will be difficult. My son loves mint....maybe he will not mind the gross other smells that are with the mint.


Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sample Day #2


Sample Summer is on to day #2!  Hopefully I can keep this up and get some of these samples in an "empties" post! But have no fear samples arrive in my mailbox around the 2nd week of every month! More details will follow on what services I utilize to be able to try new samples every month.

Sample #3: AHAVA Dermud Intensive Foot Cream



Sample #4: 



Stay tuned for first impressions tomorrow!


First Impressions of Sample Day #1

Sample #1: KORRES GREEK YOGHURT ADVANCED NOURISHING SLEEPING FACIAL
First Impressions:
  • Lightweight - did not feel very heavy
  • Woke up with extra soft skin
Once the sample is gone I will provide a more in depth review.

Sample #2: CAUDALIE PREMIER CRU THE EYE CREAM

First Impressions:
  • Not too greasy
  • Under eye area was hydrated
Once the sample is gone I will provide a more in depth review.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Samples, Samples and MORE Samples!

I was out shopping with a good friend and her 2 girls today and beauty was quite the topic!  I kept referencing all of the samples I had at home.  Well tonight, as I cleaned the bathroom and investigated I came across at least 100  (probably closer to 200 but who is counting?!) sized products.  So this week I am on a mission to use and review these samples to kick off by blog!

KORRES GREEK YOGHURT ADVANCED NOURISHING SLEEPING FACIAL




CAUDALIE PREMIER CRU THE EYE CREAM




Stay tuned to find out what other samples I work in to my daily routine.  Reviews will be provided after I complete the sample.