Unboxing: Beauty Box 5 | July 2014

Happy Monday! 

I was super excited to find my beauty boxes waiting for me in my mailbox over the weekend. It feels like my birthday each and every month! I've only been getting them for the last few months, but I must admit that I'm already hooked! It's such a fun way to discover new brands and products, try items I wouldn't typically purchase on my own, get great discounts on the products I fall in love with, and an awesome way to build my makeup and beauty collection :)

Take a peek at what I got lost month from BB5 and Ipsy!

Beauty Box 5 is a $12- subscription service. Each month you get 5 deluxe/full-size samples delivered right to your door. The value of my products has always exceeded the monthly cost of my box! If this is a type of service that you're curious about, it's definitely worth it in my opinion!

The theme for BB5's July beauty box is "Defining Moments." Although it wasn't as impressive as previous months, I'm still pretty happy about the products I received. The thing I love most about BB5 is how they send me a variety of products ranging from hair, skincare, and makeup. My box never seems too heavy with one specific type of product. I also like how they include organic/natural products every month too!

Here is what I got this month:

Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black

Retail Value: $7.99 for .24 fl oz

I love getting full-size makeup products in my beauty boxes! This is actually the 2nd tube of mascara I've gotten from BB5. I get them so often in my various boxes that I currently have 3 unopened tubes waiting to be tested! Right now I have a favorite mascara that I use on a day-to-day basis, so I'm not sure when I will be trying this one. But since I have so many new tubes, I think I'll start layering them with my favorite one... Maybe I'll come up with the perfect mascara combo!

HASK Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Retail Value: $2.49 for 1.75 oz

I'm not a fan of foil packets because they never provide enough product to give it a good test run. But surprisingly, I actually like this one! It has just enough product for 2-3 uses. I'm really big on hair care products and I've been meaning to try one with Argan oil. My hair could use a deep conditioning right now, so this hair mask is perfect!

Body Drench Candy Licious Lips in Grape Lollipop

Retail Value: $3.99 for .09 oz

Lip products are an all-time favorite. Let it be lipstick, lip gloss, or a balm like this one... I love 'em all! Since my lips tend to be on the dry side, I ALWAYS carry a lip balm with me. And it's really cool when I get them in my beauty boxes! This moisturizing lip balm is infused with beeswax, coconut oil, and vitamin E. It tastes and smells just like a grape lollipop! And I'm not the only one who loves it... so does my little one and the Hubby ;-)

Anna Naturals Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub

$10.99 for 4 fl oz / Sample: $2.75 for 1 oz

I really love natural skincare products and I get really excited when I find one in my beauty box. BB5 has introduced me to some wonderful all-natural brands. This vegan scrub is infused with moisturizing botanicals for safe and gentle exfoliation without parabens, harsh chemicals, or artificial ingredients. I exfoliate twice a week, which does wonders for my skin! So I'm really looking forward to trying out this scrub.

Miss Jessie's Multicultural Curls

$16- for 8.5 oz / Sample: FREE

Like I mentioned earlier, I don't care for foil packets. And this is the product that really disappoints me . Not because it's a foil packet [the size is pretty decent], but because it's a sample that anyone can get for free from Miss Jessie's. I actually received this same exact freebie directly from Miss Jessie's website a couple of months ago. Honestly, I don't think it's fair that we're getting these types of items in a PAID beauty box service. It kind of feels like I was robbed of an item this month...

Anyway, I haven't had the chance to test out this product yet [which I now have two samples of], but it seems like it's right up my alley. I tend to go natural during the summer, limiting my use of heat-styling tools. So I'm ready to try anything that helps enhance my naturally curly hair.

Value of July's Box: $17.22

$12- Monthly Subscription

Although this month's box had a low-value compared to the others I've previously gotten, I really like most of the products I received. Sometimes the items in these beauty boxes may be a hit or miss, but it's all part of the fun! Overall, they really are a great value for your money. And there are so many different subscription services to choose from!

Don't forget to check out June's BB5 and Ipsy unboxing, if you haven't already. And stay tuned, because next I'll be unboxing my July Glam Bag from Ipsy! 

If you're interested in subscribing to Beauty Box 5, please sign up using my link.

Feel free to browse the other Beauty posts on my blog! You can also stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook. So why not head over there now and show some love...

Are you addicted to beauty boxes? Which ones are you subscribed to? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by!

Unboxing: Beauty Box 5 | June 2014

If you're a subscriber to any beauty boxes, you know how addicting they can be! Every month I stalk my postman for my packages ;) Despite both of my subscriptions being later than normal this month, the products inside were worth the wait! Take a peek to see my what I got last month from ipsy and BB5.

Beauty Box 5 is a $12- subscription service. Each month you get 5 deluxe/full-size samples delivered right to your door. In my experience, the value of these items usually exceeds the monthly cost of each box! It's such a fun way to test out new products you wouldn't normally purchase on your own, get great discounts on the products you try and love, and an awesome way to build your makeup collection!

This month's box was full of lots of wonderful goodies! BB5 does a really great job of offering a variety of beauty products from hair, makeup, and skincare. I don't ever feel like I'm getting too much of one specific type of product. So far, I also like how they've included organic/natural cosmetics and beauty care in every box. Not sure if that's normal for BB5...

Here is what my box consisted of:

Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse

$15.99 for 7.5oz / Sample: $3.90 for 1.83oz

I already buy these types of products for my naturally-curly Hawaiian hair, so I'm always happy to test out something new! This mousse doesn't leave your hair feeling "crunchy" like most of them do, and it smells so good. With this, my curls were defined, bouncy and frizz-free. This mousse is also infused with olive oil and Vitamin B which is said to nourish the hair while providing added moisture and shine.

Nicka K New York Nail Polish in Ripe Apple

$4.99 for .5oz / Sample: Full Size!

I'm such a nail polish junkie! I love getting bottles of it in my beauty boxes. It gives me the chance to try out new brands and trendy colors that I've never seen or heard of. BB5 sent me my very first Nicka K product [a lipstick] last month. And I'm so happy to try this polish too!

Sedona Lace Blender Brush

Retail Value: $8.95

This is the first "tool" I've received in a beauty box and my very first Sedona Lace makeup brush. I have to say that I'm impressed with BB5! I've heard about this brand before and was super excited to see this eyeshadow brush in my box! It's very high-quality and definitely my favorite item to date from Beauty Box 5.

Glam Natural Mascara

$28- for .25oz / Sample: Full Size!

For me, mascara is a must-have beauty product! I'm currently working on a tube of my favorite, and have a new one to test out after that one's gone. So this will have to wait a bit before I can try it out. Heck, I may even end up layering the different ones I have to see if can come up with a winning combination! The thing I love most about this mascara is that it's natural.

Eslor Skincare Foil Packets

$42- for 1oz / Sample: Free!

This is probably the most disappointing item I've ever gotten in a beauty box. I don't care for foil packets. They never provide you with enough product to really give it a good test run. Plus, these were on Eslor's website as a free sample that anyone can order. Why would someone want something in a paid subscription box that they can get for free on their own? They shouldn't have included this as one of my 5 items. It could have been a bonus or something!

Total Value of June's Box: $45.84

$12- Monthly Subscription

As you can see, this month was a high-value box even though it had some foil packets. I really shouldn't complain because I did get two full-size products + a makeup brush! Overall I think these types of beauty box subscription services are a really great value. And there are so many different ones out there! 

Don't forget to check out May's ipsy and BB5 unboxing, if you haven't already! And stay tuned because I'll be getting July's boxes very soon. I can't wait! It's such a lovely surprise each and every month. 

You can stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook. So why not head over there now and show some love...

Are you addicted to beauty boxes? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by!

First Impression: Beauty Box 5 | May 2014

This year I've decided to expand my blog to include more of my many passions. My love for beauty, makeup, and skincare has been a longtime affair, but I thought it would be fun to start sharing my new adventures here with you all. 

The month of May was my first experience with beauty box subscription services, and I have to say that I am hooked! It's such a fun way to discover new products that I wouldn't typically purchase on my own, get great discounts on the products I try and love, and an awesome way to build your makeup collection.

Beauty Box 5 is a $12- subscription service, but I received my very first box FREE of charge. Each month you get 5 deluxe/full-size samples delivered right to your door. The value of your products usually exceeds the monthly cost of each box. So if this type of service is something you want to try, it's definitely worth it in my opinion! 

You'll find something special at the end of this post...

I was pleasantly surprised at the products I received this month. From what I've seen across different social media sites, most beauty box services mainly send either skincare or makeup. My Beauty Box 5 had a variety of different products ranging from hair care, skincare, and makeup. Everything you would expect from a beauty subscription service!

Here is what my box included:

Coolway Shampoo & Conditioner

$19.99 each for 8.6oz / Sample: $2.32 each for 1oz.

Although shampoo and conditioner isn't my favorite thing to get in a beauty box, I'm happy to give this set a try. I would've been bummed if I got just the shampoo or just the conditioner, so it is really nice to have both [even though this set counts as 2 of my 5 products]. And the 1 oz. sample size is a good amount to really give it a good test run.

LA Fresh Wipes

$19.99 for 48ct / Sample: 3@ $.42 each

This is one of those products that I wouldn't typically buy on my own. But I do have to say they are pretty handy to have! If you're a busy mom like me, there have been times that you forgot to put on deodorant. Yikes! These little wipe packets easily fit in your purse. Or stash some in your gym bag!

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap

$18- for 4oz / Sample: $4.50 for 1oz.

I love anything organic, especially when it comes to skincare! So this bottle of 100% natural facial cleanser is definitely something that I would purchase if I was out shopping. Micro-dermabrasion in a bottle... Yes, please! I haven't had the chance to try it yet, but I will be sure to update this post with a review when I do.

Nicka K Lipstick in Concerto

$4.99 for .12oz - Full Size Sample

Lippies are one of my favorite makeup products, so I was extremely happy to get this in my Beauty Box 5. I've never tried the Nicka K brand before and I'm glad to have it in my collection. The formula is nice and this color looks great on my olive/tan skin tone.

Total Value of May's Box: $15.39

$12- Monthly Subscription Box

Overall, Beauty Box 5 is a really good beauty box subscription service. They ship boxes out on the 8th of every month, and I got mine super fast! Their customer service department is really friendly and they answer your questions in a timely manner. Although it's great, I've been wanting to try out other beauty boxes without breaking the bank. I'm not completely sure if this one will stay on my list. 

I also got my June BB5 box already! I'll be sure to post it this week...

If you're interested in subscribing to Beauty Box 5, please sign up using my link.

SPECIAL COUPON CODE

Enter FREE614 at checkout to:

- get a free introduction box

- or save $12 off a quarterly subscription

- or save $12 off a yearly subscription

*Code expires 6/30/14.

Have you checked out my First Impression: Ipsy? Feel free to browse the other Beauty posts on my blog. You can also stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook.

Are you BB5 subscriber? How do you like it? Hooked on beauty boxes? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by!