Goodebox - April 2015

I am so excited to have another beauty box subscription that caters to my preference of natural products!  Goodebox features trial-sized, and occasionally full size, samples of natural and organic beauty and personal care items. You can sign up to receive a box monthly or bi-monthly; I signed up for monthly delivery.  They have one of the most extensive beauty/skin care/hair/etc profile questionnaires I've ever come across with a beauty box before so I'm hoping that means they do a more thoughtful job of matching samples to subscriber's preferences than most other beauty boxes do. Here is what I got in my April box:

Info Cards:

Preserve Razor ($8.50)

Portland Bee Balm - Oregon Mint 0.15 oz ($2.99)

Gressa Renewing Polish 0.25 oz ($5.70 value)

Derma E Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Creme 0.5 oz ($7.49 value)

CV Skinlabs Rescue and Relief Spray 1 oz ($5.67 value)

Cost of Box:  $19 (includes shipping)
Total Box Value:  $30.35
Impressions:  The first thought that went through my mind when I opened this box was, "Yes! No makeup!"  I tried to make my lack of interest in makeup as clear as I could when filling out my questionnaire so I'm glad they didn't include any.  I hope that continues with future boxes.  I like that they include little info cards with information about the product, ingredients, how to use, etc.

I think the razor is pretty neat because it is made of recycled plastic and is sustainable.  A razor is a very practical item that every girl needs and this one will be used.  I cannot stand the feel of dry lips so I  am all about lip balms and will definitely be using the mint Bee Balm.  And I thought the packaging with the wood label is pretty cool.  The renewing polish arrived half melted and leaking but it solidified when I put it in the fridge for a little while.  I normally stay away from using gritty exfoliators on my face and the lavender and rosewood scents are a little strong but I'll give this polish a try anyway because it has honey in it.  I've had good results using honey masks on my face in the past.  I'll probably just apply it more like a mask rather than using it as a scrub.  I've been wanting to try the Derma E brightening creme for a long time so I'm glad I got this sample.  The item I'm most excited about trying is the rescue and relief spray.  I often spend time outdoors in the sun so the aloe juice and cucumber extract in this spray sounds perfect for spritzing on my skin afterwards.  The downside is that it does not smell good in my opinion.  I think the company should really consider adding some kind of fragrance to make it a little more appealing.  This box also included a card with a discount code for a clean energy power company which I thought was a little weird but I get that it goes along with their Earth Day theme.

Overall, I thought this month's box was pretty good.  The value is about $11 more than what I paid and I plan to use all the samples.  Goodebox looks like it may be a good fit for me so I'm looking forward to next month's box.

Rachel Zoe's Box of Style - Spring 2015

Designer and celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe has jumped on the subscription box bandwagon and released the first installment of her Box of Style this month.  A box will be released quarterly (4 times a year).  The box is advertised as featuring fashion, beauty, and lifestyle items with a combined retail value of over $300 in each box.  The seasonal or quarterly subscription rate is $100 for each box but an annual subscription is $350 (receive 4 boxes total).   Each box will contain what Rachel calls a "hero" item which will make up most of the box value.

Here is what was included in the first box:

Miansai Modern Screw Cuff ($200)

Tom’s Traveler Sunglasses ($68)

Zoya Nail Trio (custom curation by Rachel Zoe) ($30)

tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara ($20)

Bristols Six Stylin’ Tape ($10)

Cost of Box:  $100 (quarterly, includes free shipping)
Total Box Value:  $328
Impressions:  This is the first time I've splurged this much money on a subscription box, and since this was the first release of this box, I knew I was taking a pretty big gamble when I signed up.  But with the bracelet as a spoiler, I knew I was guaranteed to get my money's worth which is why I still went through with signing up.  I think the bracelet has a very cool design and I prefer gold jewelry when I do wear jewelry but, being honest with myself, I realize this is something I realistically will not wear often.  With some of the research lab work I do, wearing bracelets and rings is impractical.  And the high polish, modern style of this bracelet would look a little odd considering my simple, casual personal style when I'm not at work.  If it was a simple charm or chain bracelet, I'd probably wear it more often.  I noticed on subscription box community sites that many people mentioned they couldn't wear the bracelet because with an interior circumference of 6.25" it is certainly not a one size fits all kind of bracelet.  It was a snug fit on me:

I really need a pair of sunglasses and really like the mission behind the Tom's brand.  Unfortunately I will not be putting these sunnies to use because I have to wear prescription glasses (no contact lenses) and don't want to spend extra money to have prescription lenses put in.  Otherwise, I would use these because I like the simple yet fun design and that they're not obnoxiously big.  Plus the case is so pretty!  I don't wear nail polish or makeup so I wouldn't get any use out of the polish and mascara.  I don't normally wear garments that need styling tape but I can see it being quite handy for keeping bra straps in place when sporting sleeveless tanks during the summer or preventing the embarrassing peek-a-boo gap between buttons on blouses!

Overall, I think the box is very well curated and indicative of Rachel Zoe's style.  You can tell she put some real thought into it; it's not just a bunch of random junk.  All these items serve as the finishing touch to creating a chic look.  The packaging of everything is quite impressive and substantial so you know that the items are quality.  Even the package of styling tape looks fancy!  The retail value is most definitely there for this box (the bracelet alone makes the cost of this box an incredible deal!) but I personally would not get much use out of it's contents.  They don't exactly fit along with my personal style and lifestyle.  I decided to cancel my subscription for that reason only, not because I think it's a poorly curated or low value box.  I'm game to trying Box of Style again in the future if the spoilers are enticing enough.  I will either sell this box or gift the items to my girlfriends who would love and put the items to much better use than I would.  If you are a fan of Rachel Zoe's style, then I would say this box is definitely worth trying.  If this first box is any indication of future boxes, the quality and retail value will definitely be there for the $100 subscription price. 

A note on shipping:  This box ships via UPS and it took 9 days to arrive in South Carolina from California.

Update:  The summer box went on sale April 9th and will ship July 1st.  Here is the spoiler for the "hero" or big-ticket item:

I like the design of the bag, which you can also carry as a clutch by removing the strap, but I know I would never carry a white bag.  If it were brown or black, I would have re-subscribed. 

Subscription Box Trades - March 2015

The upside of subscription box services is that you can score some great items well below the retail value but the downside is that you may end up with some items that leave you feeling like you wasted your money.  Some box services will release a theme or a spoiler for items that will be featured that month, but usually you have no clue what you're getting until you open the box.  Surprise!  So you're just as likely to end up with something you love or as you are to get something you really don't want and will never use.  Of course, you could always gift the items you don't like to friends, family, and co-workers or try selling them on eBay.  I've also found that by being a part of a subscription box community site, I can make fair trades with other friendly, like-minded subscription box lovers.  Both parties walk a way with less stuff they don't want and more of what they will actually use.  It's a win-win!  I trade or "swap" my unwanted items on the My Subscription Addiction swap page.

Here are the swaps I made in March:

• Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment - swapped for ->  Mitchell and Peach English Growers Body Cream and The Body Shop 100% Natural Lip Roll On (Rose Version)
• Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash and Porefessional Minis, The Wet Brush Squirt, and Coastal Scents Revealed Palette Sampler in Latte - swapped for -> Lauren B Nourishing Hand Creme with Orchid and Peony and Essential Elements Rosemary Shower Gel
• Baggu 3D Mint Striped Small Bag, Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion skin exfoliant, and Mirenesse iCurl Secret Weapon 24 Hour Mascara - swapped for -> Burt's Bees Brightening Even Tone Moisturizing Cream 

Fortunately, I was able to get rid of a few of the items from the March PopSugar Must Have box that I really was not impressed with along with a few makeup samples from various beauty boxes I subscribe to.  I'm in a bit of hand cream and lip balm phase right now so I've been on the hunt for these types of items on the swap board.  The Lauren B orchid and peony hand cream smells wonderful.  The shower gel I didn't like so much because it smelled like rosemary and menthol (I guess it would be great if I had a cold!).  The Mitchell and Peach body cream ended up not smelling or moisturizing as nicely as I had hoped but I'll still use it.  I really like that the Body Shop lip balm is all natural, but it is a bit too sticky (somewhat like a lip gloss) for my preference.  I'll use it in a pinch but would never buy it.  I got the Burt's Bees brightening cream to hopefully help lighten a couple of small hyper-pigmented spots on my face caused by acne.  Overall, I'm pleased with the trades/swaps I was able to make this month!

Beauty Fix - April 2015

BeautyFIX is a subscription box from DermStore.com that features skin care, hair care and beauty products.  Each box includes a mix of full size, deluxe, and trial-sized samples worth over $100.  You can purchase the box as a one-time purchase ($34.95) or sign up for a renewing monthly subscription ($24.95 each month).  I signed up for the monthly subscription.  I like that Dermstore was founded by a dermatologist and that the online store offers an extensive selection of natural and organic skincare products.  Skin care items seems to be the primary focus of the subscription box and the online store.   

Here's what was featured in the April box:

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil  ($28, 6.7 oz, Full Size)

Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer  ($45, 2 oz, Full Size)

One Love Organics Healthy Locks Dry Shampoo Powder  ($12, 0.6 oz)

Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum and Treatment  ($7 value, 2 ml sample)

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask  ($16.17 value, 0.5 oz sample)

Dermstore Lip Quench Sheer Tints in Coral  ($12, 0.28 oz, Full Size)

Laura Geller Baked Liquid Radiance Foundation  ($6.08 value, 0.16 oz sample)

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels  ($3.75 value, 1 pair sample)

Random Single Use Samples (Free Extras)

Cost of Box:  $24.95 (Includes free shipping)
Total Box Value:  $130
Impressions:  I tried a mystery grab bag from DermStore a couple of weeks ago and was pleased with the items I received so I was open to trying their BeautyFix box.  Once I saw spoilers that the DHC cleansing oil and Juice Beauty moisturizer were going to be featured this month, I immediately went and signed up!  I've been really curious about how well oil cleansers work.  I use sweet almond and jojoba oils as my skin moisturizer but it seemed an odd concept using oil to cleanse.  A lot of reviews state that this cleanser is great for removing makeup and for general cleansing, without being harsh and drying your skin.  You massage the oil onto your dry face then rinse off.  It turns a creamier white consistency once it's mixed with the water.  It rinsed off cleaner than I expected given that it's an oil but I still followed it with a quick once over with my facial brush and African black soap (I have dry skin and need to exfoliate regularly).  Even with the second cleansing, the olive oil from the DHC cleanser still left my skin feeling moisturized and supple.  The Juice Beauty moisturizer is certified organic, 100% natural, vegan, paraben free, and cruelty free!  I like it but I'm not sure yet if I like it more than my plain old sweet almond oil.  I'm African American with natural hair and maintaining the natural oils at my roots is important to the health of my hair.   Dry shampoos are not good for my hair type and hair regimen, plus it's a light colored powder which I imagine would be difficult to apply to dark hair like mine and have it not be noticeable to others.  I love serums but I'm a little conflicted about using the Sunday Riley because it does include a couple of paraben ingredients.  I may use this sample occasionally but I doubt I'll ever buy it because of the parabens.  I also want to point out that the moisturizer, serum, and renewal mask contain some fruit acids (such as lactic, glycolic, tartaric, citric, and hyaluronic) which could be irritating if you have very sensitive skin.  These types of acids help with skin cell turnover/regeneration which give you that glowing skin look.  My skin is somewhat sensitive so I definitely do not plan to use all these products simultaneously or on a daily basis.  And I'll be especially sure to use something with good SPF sun protection to help protect the new skin cells after using the Ren Glycol Lactic renewal mask which is essentially a facial peel.  I'll save the eye gels for the next time I have to pull an all-nighter and need to de-puff my eyes!  I don't currently wear makeup so the lip tint and foundation will be traded or given away.  I will never ever understand why beauty box services send out something as specific as foundation if they don't allow subscribers the option to select the right shade for them.  Why on earth they would think every woman that subscribes would be able wear the one random shade they decide to send out is beyond me.  That's about as crazy as a clothing/styling service never asking what size you wear because they just send everyone the one size they happened to get a bulk supply of that month!  At least the foundation is only a small portion of the box value.

Overall, I got a great deal with this month's box!  The retail value of this box is over 5 times what I paid and I plan to use everything except the two makeup items and dry-shampoo.  I am really happy that the DHC cleansing oil and Juice Beauty moisturizers were full size.  It's not too often that I get a full size item in a beauty box, very rare to get more than one.  The full size cleansing oil alone is valued at more than the subscription cost of this box!  This box has a high "use" value for me because I plan to use most of the items, and the full size cleansing oil and moisturizer will probably last for months for me personally.  I like to point this out because just because a box has a high retail value does not mean each subscriber will get a lot or the same amount of use out of it as others.  I liked that this box consisted primarily of skincare items but if you prefer sampling mostly makeup items in your beauty boxes, the BeautyFix box will probably be disappointing to you and not worth the cost.  I'm looking forward to future boxes because skincare is my primary focus right now.

I would also like to mention that this box, and orders from DermStore in general, are processed and shipped quickly.  They ship via USPS and I received this box within 4 days of ordering; it would have been quicker than that if not for the weekend.  Most subscription box services typically take several days to over a week to reach me, even those that use FedEx or UPS for delivery, so I'm impressed with the relatively quick delivery of BeautyFix. 

What I'm Reading - Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekback

I love to read but lately I've noticed myself slipping into watching a lot more television than I used to watch.  Not sure why, I find most of television to be mindless "reality" show dribble that I forget about as soon as I turn off the TV.  There are not too many shows or movies with an actual story line anymore.  So back to books I go!  I bought a Kindle about a year ago for the purpose of reading more on the go and to save a little money by purchasing the kindle version versus the hard-copy of books but ended up not using it very much.  I found that I actually missed the feel of a paper book in my hand.  And reading a book digitally somehow made the story seem less tangible or real.  I guess I'm an old school book lover but I'm not ashamed of it! 

What I'm currently reading:  Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekback
Amazon pricing: $19.71 for hardcover, $9.10 for Kindle version.  I was able to purchase and ship a hard-copy on eBay for $11.  I discovered this book through the Indiespensable subscription book club, which I recently joined.  It was featured in their #51 installment but my membership starts with the #52 installment (currently sold out).

Synopsis from Amazon:

‘Wolf winter,’ she said, her voice small. ‘I wanted to ask about it. You know, what it is.’  He was silent for a long time. ‘It’s the kind of winter that will remind us we are mortal,’ he said. ‘Mortal and alone.’

Swedish Lapland, 1717. Maija, her husband Paavo and her daughters Frederika and Dorotea arrive from their native Finland, hoping to forget the traumas of their past and put down new roots in this harsh but beautiful land. Above them looms Blackåsen, a mountain whose foreboding presence looms over the valley and whose dark history seems to haunt the lives of those who live in its shadow.

While herding the family’s goats on the mountain, Frederika happens upon the mutilated body of one of their neighbors, Eriksson. The death is dismissed as a wolf attack, but Maija feels certain that the wounds could only have been inflicted by another man. Compelled to investigate despite her neighbors’ strange disinterest in the death and the fate of Eriksson’s widow, Maija is drawn into the dark history of tragedies and betrayals that have taken place on Blackåsen. Young Frederika finds herself pulled towards the mountain as well, feeling something none of the adults around her seem to notice.

As the seasons change, and the “wolf winter,” the harshest winter in memory, descends upon the settlers, Paavo travels to find work, and Maija finds herself struggling for her family’s survival in this land of winter-long darkness. As the snow gathers, the settlers’ secrets are increasingly laid bare. Scarce resources and the never-ending darkness force them to come together, but Maija, not knowing who to trust and who may betray her, is determined to find the answers for herself. Soon, Maija discovers the true cost of survival under the mountain, and what it will take to make it to spring.

Started:  March 18, 2015
Finished:  April 14, 2015
Thoughts:  The first third of the book is a little slow and somewhat confusing getting all the characters organized in your mind.  It took me a long time to figure out who Jutta was and whether or not Maija and Frederika were talking to an actual living person, a ghost or spirit, or just their memory of Jutta.  I didn't like how choppy the sentences read; like random incomplete thoughts that the writer expected you to piece together and make sense of.  Often times, it's difficult to differentiate who was speaking.  Don't get me wrong, I like when a writer makes the reader more engaged with the story by allowing them to figure some things out on their own but in this book, the amount of random, incomplete thoughts/sentences is a bit much at times.  Overall, I like the story Ekback is trying to tell, just not the choppy and confusing writing style.  
I rarely read mysteries but I liked the storyline and the "who done it" twist at the end of this book.  But the sometimes difficult to follow writing style prevents me from highly recommending this book.  I'm doubtful I'll read any future works Ekback.

Petit Vour - March 2015

I received my first Petit Vour box today.  Petit Vour is a beauty box and online store that features luxury vegan and cruelty free beauty products.  Since their subscription box and store offers a lot of natural skincare products, I decided to give them a try.

Here's what was featured in the March box:

Juice Beauty Cellular CC Cream in Warm Glow, 0.5 oz ($11.47 value)

The Little Alchemist Cacao & Banana Face Glow, 30 grams  ($32)

Vert Mont Perfumery Eros perfume, 1.5 mL ($5.25 value)

Metropolis Soap Co. Lavender & Spearmint Lip Cream, 0.15 oz ($7)

Cost of Box:  $15 per month (free shipping to US)
Total Box Value:  $55.72
Impressions:  I will not be using the Juice Beauty CC cream because I don't wear makeup of any kind.  I've read some reviews of others who tried it that said it didn't provide very much coverage and was too orange/dark for those with pale skin. I haven't had a chance to try the Cacao & Banana face glow mask yet but I'm very intrigued by it.  It looks just like mineral powder foundation and feels velvety smooth when you rub it between your fingers so I seriously doubt there would be any problems with it being to abrasive.  The info card lists the cost at $32 but the online store lists this size at $28.  The Eros perfume is a little too rich and earthy for my preference.  I think it's the juniper smell that may be ruining it for me.  The lip cream is the item I'm most excited about.  I've been on the hunt for a natural lip balm to replace my Blistex with so this came right on time!   Since I'm switching to more natural skincare products, I've been paying closer attention to ingredient lists.  I recently learned that Blistex Medicated lip balm contains two parabens (preservatives) and I've decided to try and avoid using skincare items with paraben preservatives if I can help it.  I was a little concerned about the this lip cream being scented with lavender because I find most lavender scented things to be overwhelming.  The spearmint is the dominant fragrance but neither fragrance is overwhelming to me.  Surprisingly, I like the mint and lavender combo.  And I love how creamy and moisturizing this lip cream is.  I hope Petit Vour features more lip products from this brand!

Overall I am pleased with the variety and size of the products featured.  For the price, I'm getting more products that I find useful than I usually get in my $10 a month Birchbox (which usually leans more heavily on the makeup side).   I plan to use 2 out of the 4 products featured in this box and they should last me for weeks so I would say the $15 price isn't too bad.  I'm looking forward to the April box!

Updates:  I tried the Cacao & Banana face glow mask and it did leave my skin feeling a little smoother.  My face didn't feel tight and dry after using it.  I assume that the "glowing" effects  become more noticeable with regular use.  A complaint that I have about this product is that it didn't rinse away as cleanly as I would like.  But I guess residue is to be expected when you're essentially smearing chocolate on your face!  Also, some ingredient in the mask turned the bristles of my facial brush a yellowish color.  I also noticed this yellowish color on the cotton face pad when I swabbed my face with toner.  I had to go over my face a couple of times before most of the yellowish color went away.  I believe the yellowish color might be caused by the yellow clay and/or turmeric root ingredients.  I plan to continue using the mask but I know now that I will have to be mindful of the potential to stain my facial brush and maybe even my pillowcase if I don't go over my face with toner to remove the cacao and yellow-staining residues.

PopSugar Must Have - March 2015

I signed up for PopSugar Must Have box in early March when the March box was originally sold out so my first box was suppose to be the upcoming April box (which is also currently sold out).  When I started seeing reviews for the March box, I was glad I wasn't going to be getting it because I wasn't impressed but unfortunately I got an email saying extra March boxes were available and that my subscription would be starting with this box.  Disappointed but it's my fault because I forgot to go back and uncheck the "waitlist" option on my account when I signed up.  The theme of the March box was: renewal, citrus, fresh, and traveling.

Here's what was included in the box:

Bliss Micromagic Microdermabrasion Treatment ($48 for 3oz)

 

Greenmarket Purveying Co. The Archivist Diffuser Kit ($20)

Samudra Pink Piña Zip Pouch ($40, exclusively made for PopSugar)

Wet Brush The Squirt ($5)

Knock Knock What to Pack Pad ($7)

Halfpops Halfpopped Popcorn ($1.69)

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara and Porefessional (Free Bonus)

Cost of Box:  $34.95 (with $5 discount, Regular price $39.95 per month)
Total Box Value:  $121.69 + Free Bonus
Impressions:  The highest value item in the box, the Bliss microdermabrasion treatment, is one I can't use because it will be to abrasive on my skin and it contains 5 different parabens (preservatives).  Some researchers believe parabens are linked to tumors and cancers.  I haven't come across any articles that have been able to definitively associate the two, but I think I'll still pass on knowingly rubbing that many preservatives into my face.  I do like the smell of the cucumber and lemon diffuser, so I will be using that.  I find the $40 value they placed on the plastic hot pink pineapple pouch that looks like something out of the dollar bins in Target to be quite humorous!  And I have a hard time imagining any adult woman wanting to use this pouch for travel or otherwise so trading or selling it will likely be difficult.  I may just give it to my little niece to use as a pencil/crayon case for school.  As someone with very thick, naturally curly hair, the mini wet brush just isn't going to cut it.  The brush is too small and the bristles too soft for me.  Even the larger, stiffer bristled paddle brushes do nothing but pull out and break my hair because they get tangled in my coily wet hair or they cause a lot of frizzy volume when my hair is dry.  The "what to pack" pad is something I have no use for.  I travel a little but I'm never so scatter-brained or overwhelmed in preparing for an upcoming trip that I need a checklist as basic as this to help me pack.  I ate the popcorn to make me feel better about my disappointment in this box!  And only ended up disappointed with it too.  It was a little too buttery for me and I don't get the concept of half popping popcorn.  Why would you want to eat a bag of hard half popped popcorn kernels?  Since I don't wear makeup, the Benefit mini set is lost on me.  A lot of people on the subscription box community boards I check out have mentioned that these samples are given out for free at places like Sephora so I'm glad they didn't try to add a monetary "value" to this set.

Overall, I am not impressed with this month's box.  I do think the featured items go along with the theme of the box but for the most part it just looks like they ran to Walgreen's or Target and bought a bunch of ordinary and cheap looking stuff.  there was nothing that wowed me.  The diffuser is the only thing I liked out of this box.   Everything else I will be trading or selling because I don't like it, can't use it, or have no use for it.  This is why mystery subscription boxes can be one of those "you win some, you lose some" type things.  This month's box was a loss for me, because the value I paid far outweighs the use I'll actually get out of it.  Although, I've read some other subscriber's reviews that raved about how much they loved the entire box and plan to use everything.  Everyone's taste is different and most subscription box services don't have enough personnel or have way too many members to be able to effectively and efficiently cater to everyone's likes and dislikes each month.

On another note, the FedEx shipping PopSugar uses for this box is probably the slowest and most nonsensical delivery I've ever experienced with any box service.  I don't recall a box service ever taking more than 5 to 7 days to reach me.  This PopSugar box took 10 days.  It went from California to Georgia in 3 days then sat idle for 3 days before being transferred past South Carolina, where I live, to North Carolina to sit idle for another 2 days.  Then, for some odd reason, it took another 2 days to ship only a few hours drive from North Carolina back down to South Carolina where FedEx decided to transfer the package for USPS to deliver instead!  The amount of days that FedEx allowed this package to sit idle just didn't seem reasonable or excusable in my opinion, especially since they were not weekend or holidays. 

Although I was disappointed with the contents of this box and the frustrating delays in shipping, I'm not turned off enough to cancel yet.  I like to give a box a few tries before calling it quits.  I'm hoping April will be a better experience!