October 2014 Allure Sample Society Reveal

As of late, Allure's Sample Society box has been my favorite.  Second only to Birchbox.  I got my mom to sign up and several friends and am always raving about the boxes....the brands, the products, the variety.....they even offered a discounted month for new subscribers.  I spread the word like the devout beauty lover I am.  It is $15 a month and each month you get a coupon for $10 off a $50 order to shop online at BeautyBar.com.  The boxes are completely different if you were a subscriber years ago, since Allure Magazine took over.  PS-I am obsessed with Allure.

I couldn't wait for this months box since last month's was such a hit, including an $85 eye cream. Read about it HERE.

And the day finally came.......

Unboxing

And my jaw fell to the floor.............THIS was this months box???  Am I dreaming?? WAKE ME UP!!  Hair ties......shampoo with sulfates......old lady perfume???  Why OH WHY, Sample Society?? Are we in a fight??

How am I supposed to explain to people why I love this box so much?  And I am not alone........Several of the people I talked to are very disappointed and have since cancelled because of this.  With all the beauty boxes out there, no one need stick around to see if it will "get better".

Let's review.......

First up is L'Oreal Paris Extreme Hair Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, Valued at $4.99 ea. (full size).

Deluxe samples

Now, it sounds good for someone who colors their hair and has a lot of damage. But the shampoo has sulfates in it, which I gave up long ago, so I will not be using the sample.  For people that have normal hair, this shampoo is just fine but if it is color treated, this is not the way to go.  And enough companies have jumped on the bandwagon that L'Oreal should offer this option in all of their lines. The conditioner on the other hand, I will try.  I like a thick, restorative conditioner and a good one should deliver results right away.  Also, because it is so thick and I have the fine hair of a three year old, I will only use it on the ends of my hair.

Next is Emi-Jay Hair Ties, Valued at $6.

All colors will vary

In doing my research on the product, I admire the message behind the brand.  Two young girls that set out to live their dream by making hand made hair ties and 20% of all profits go to charity.  The colors are perfect for fall and I always have a hair tie on my wrist which is my adult security blanket. I just didn't expect to get teeny tiny hair ties in my favorite box.

 Next up is Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara in Black, Valued at $28 (full size).

10 day supply

I recently started using Bobbi Brown's corrector and concealer, review to come as it is life changing, so was actually excited to get a Bobbi Brown product.  Also kind of freaked out, are they watching me??  I probably have enough mascara samples to stretch to Texas but it is one of my must have items. Even if I don't put eye shadow on, mascara is a must.  I often wonder if I singed my lashes off one night and don't remember, that is how non-existent they are. So back to the mascara, I haven't tried it yet but I have read great reviews on it.  It claims to give nice soft lashes, that are full and longer in a natural, non dramatic way.

Next up is the second item I am excited about.

Estee Lauder's Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum, Valued at $62/$92 full size.

Tiny bottle that packs a punch

I have one tiny sun spot on my cheek, I started applying this the night I got it and the spot is almost completely gone! Amazing! Now, for the price, I will learn to love my little sun spot but I also just read I can use this on my entire face, not just spots, to reduce redness and to even skin tone.  If anyone is experiencing problems with dark spots, this might be something you want to look into.  It has been less than a week since I started using it, so I can only imagine the long term effects.  And this bottle alone is valued at $15, so it covers the cost of the box.

Lastly, is Brand No. 9 High Line, Valued at $200.00.

1 of 3 scents sent out this month

I was not a fan of this scent and was shocked to see it was $200, for the smaller bottle!  Other people were happier with the scents they received but this could not compare to the perfume they gave out last month, that was beautiful.  Packaging was cute, my hubby thought it was candy :) It says it smells like wildflowers, with bergamot and purple love grass.....no, that is not what it smells like.  It smells like old lady perfume.....in the nicest way possible.

So there ya have it.  If this is your first experience with Sample Society, all I can say is give it another shot.  I love this monthly sub and was pretty let down but not enough to cancel over.  If I were to get another box like this next month, then I will.

What were your thoughts on this months box?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!

Mini Birthday Giveaway

Happy Friday Ya'll!!

Yesterday was my birthday so I wanted to have a mini giveaway to give something to you since I will be celebrating all weekend long (starting with Sephora right after work)!!  Monday is also a holiday and when I was younger I remember always having it off at school.....ah, I wish I still had it off but being an adult sucks.

Some High End Goodies

Your prize will include:

• Too Faced Candlelight eye shadow primer
• Lorac POREfection mattifying face primer
• Jane Iredale Mascara
• Laura Geller Color Drenched Lip Gloss 

This is all stuff that you can wear together for a "no makeup" makeup look :)

All you have to do is enter below! This is open to US residents only and starts NOW and the winner will be announced Friday 10/16/14.

Please remember all entries are verified :)

Good Luck to everyone and Happy Friday!  

Have a great day!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Great and Powerful Tea Tree Oil & Giveaway

My most recent brand campaign is 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil from Apothecary Extracts.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to use this, too.  One of my bestest (that is a word) friends uses this for everything and swears by its healing properties.  I have always wanted to not only try it but become more educated about its uses and benefits.

So, now that I have this bottle of magic, I can share with you, too!  I will also be having a contest at the end of this post to give one lucky reader a chance to get their very own free 4 ounce bottle!

First, let's talk about what the heck tea tree oil is.  Is it really oil from a tree that makes tea?? Just a reminder a blonde is writing this :)  The tree is actually called a Melaleuca tree and the larger ones (more than 20 ft tall) are referred to as "tea trees" because of the dark coloration of the water from the shedding tree leaves.  The tree is naturally sustainable (chop this baby down and he is coming back!) making it an ideal source for all natural healing, cleaning and beautifying.

They also include a recipe book for 50+ uses for tea tree oil.....who knew??  Well, probably my friend Rachel, that's who!

I honestly had no idea that there were so many uses for this product and how natural and good it was! I am so happy that I received this bottle from Apothecary Extracts and was given the chance to review it :) And that's why I want to share a bottle with ya'll!  The bottle is massive and will last well over a year.  I am quite the Suzy Homemaker and love to make a lot of my own products so this will be quite beneficial in our home.  This could be, dare I say, a miracle oil.....

A few of my favorites are:

• Spot Blemish Remover 
• Face Mask
• Facial Toner
• Body Scrub
• Anti Bacterial Hand Scrub
• Leave In Conditioner
• Hair Mask
• Healing Ointment
• All Purpose Cleanser

I have already started making some of these "potions" and all of the recipes for these are included in with each purchase of a bottle!  :) The spot blemish remover is an overnight miracle! I truly can't believe it.

To win your own bottle, LIKE my Facebook page and comment on the Facebook link for this post letting me know what your favorite use for the tea tree oil would be! 

Optional:Click HERE to share this amazing product with your friends and family.

I will choose a winner by this same time (4:30 pm CT) tomorrow!  This is for US residents only.

If you don't win, don't fret! Click on this link HERE so you can get one yourself!

Are you already using tea tree oil and love it??

What are your favorite uses for it?

I would love more ideas for this so let us know in the comments below!

Have a great day!


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GlossyBox September 2014 Reveal

September 2014 GlossyBox

Another wonderful month from GlossyBox.  GlossyBox is $21 a month and everyone gets the same box.  They do have a points system, similar to BirchBox and Ipsy, and when you review your items received, you end up getting a free box.  What I love about GlossyBox is it is a great mix of makeup, skincare and haircare.  And luxury brands and deluxe items.  Most of them always include at least one full size product.  Click HERE if you would like to subscribe!

Also, this month's collaboration is with Harpers Bazaar, the magazine, so everything was hand picked to create a minimalistic, chic fall 2014 look :)

First Look

On to the awesome items.......

First up is the product I am most excited about this month! What's nice about these monthly boxes is they introduce you to things you might otherwise not have purchased for yourself.  And then you end up loving them. (and then going broke buying everything J/K)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Black Dahlia. $18.00 product :)

The Perfect Matte Lip

I have always wanted to try this brand since they are 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free.  I have also heard wonderful things about them.  I can't say I have ever said I have wanted to try matte lip tar. Boy, am I glad I did.  The tiniest amount covers my whole mouth. And I absolutely LOVE the color. It is the perfect fall color and can go to a deep, deep dark burgundy the more you apply.  So PERFECT Halloween color, too!

My serious face

I am in love.  They have a TON of other colors, so make sure you click on the link above to check them all out.  They recommend priming your lip with a clear lip tar. I primed my lips with e.l.f.'s exfoliating lip balm.

Perfect for chapped winter lips

It is $3.00 and is the best I have found so far for chapped lips, so is perfect to prep for a matte color.

Okay, back to the box :)

Next up is Essie nail polish in She's Pampered. $8.50 product.

Great red for Fall

This is described as an indulgent red.  I think the more coats you apply the redder it will become as with two coats for me I still thought it was quite bright.  It is a very flattering color, especially for my pale white skin.  I cut back on tanning and am still upset about it.  This will be going on my toes next :)

Just a reminder, we have already exceeded the cost of the box with these two products that I love.

Next up is one of the staples in my beauty bag.

They're Real Mascara by Benefit. $10.00 product.

I am obsessed with the wand

The best thing about this mascara is the wand.  It truly brings out lashes I  didn't know I had.  Also, the SECRET to really getting the most out of this mascara is to apply both up and down with the entire wand and then turn it to use the tip to go over the lashes again to really extend the length.

Next is BVLGARI Eau Parfumme au the vert Conditioner. $16.00 product.

Fancy Pants Conditioner

To be honest, I will never buy this product.  In fact, I can't even find it online to buy it if I wanted to. Of course, I wanted to be fancy and try it (it is sulfate free after all), which I did, but sadly, I only smelled the fragrance in my hair when applying.  It didn't last the day which was very disappointing for such a pricey product. Besides that, I don't think there was any benefit to my hair.......

Lastly, is VICHY LiftActiv Night Cream. $13 product.

Thick Night Cream

This is described as a 24 hour moisturizer that fights the signs of aging and wrinkles.  It also is skin firming. I am a sucker for a thick, hydrating cream but I have not made up my mind if I am going to use this or give it to my wonderful mother :)

And there ya have it!  The breakdown of the September 2014 GlossyBox.

This was a great box for the value and I fell in love with another product for fall :)

Do you already subscribe to GlossyBox?  Want to? Click HERE.

What did you think of this month's box?

Let us know in the comments below!

Have a great day!

Wal-Mart Beauty Box Subscription-Fall Edition

***UPDATE-For some reason the pictures and items on this blog and corresponding links have been removed.  Please go to Walmart's site directly to view them or click on the link to get the beauty box subscription below.  Thank you***

First Glance

The other day I came across a post about Wal-Mart having a seasonal beauty box (it will come every three months).  Wal-Mart!! I was thinking it was going come with groceries in it or something like that!  Boy, was I wrong!

Look at all this stuff I got for $5!!! YES, I said $5, which is ONLY for shipping.

Not only do they have a beauty box but they have a baby box!!  You just fill out your profile with your information about yourself and voila! A few weeks later you get the box!  Click HERE for the beauty box.  This comes seasonally (spring, summer, fall, winter) so you are always up to date for the changing products.  Click HERE for the baby box.  This comes based on the stages your baby is in and about every three months.

Let's review the items in my seasonal box as remember each box will be different based on your unique self :)

First is Clinical Strength Secret Deodorant.Valued at $7.92.

I have been using clinical strength for years and go back and forth between this brand and Dove so this made my day :)

Next, CoverGirl Glowing Nights Glosstini in Laser Light.  Valued at $2.97.

This is a navy color that is perfect for this fall season! I am a sucker for a good navy color. Can't wait to try this color.

Next is a trio of Dove products, shampoo, conditioner and dry oil.  This is where my math skills fail me but we have already doubled the cost of the box with the first two products.

I have actually gotten tons of the shampoo and conditioner samples so these will be going into my next giveaway but I am excited to try the oil.

Next is L'Oreal Glossy Balm in Innocent Coral. Valued at $6.97.

I loves corals! I think they are more than for just summer as you can mix with a deeper shade for a unique look.

And then there are a bunch of samples and coupons.  Neutrogena foundation, Nicki Minaj perfume and L'Oreal Pore Vanisher.

So there ya go lovelys! This is such an amazing deal and I have to say hats off to you Wal-Mart for making more affordable options with great prices for all walks of life! Keep up the good work!

Did you get the beauty box yet? What came in yours? 

I'd love to know so please let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!

Perfectly Posh Reviews

The other day I was contacted by a Perfectly Posh rep about sending me samples to review on my kick ass blog (I said that but I know that's why she contacted me since my blog is kick ass).....Her name is Crystal Mcginnis and she was super sweet!  Of course, I said yes because I am always looking for alternatives to the more expensive brands that I use.After all, I do have champagne taste on a beer budget.

As you can see, I received a darling little bag along with my samples.  That right there was impressive in itself as Crystal really took the time to put all of this stuff together for me.  I know I myself can be guilty of throwing stuff in an envelope when sending it out despite my good intentions. So it was noticed and appreciated!

Here are all the goodies that I got to play with!

First I tried Lil Snarky Big Fat Yummy Hand Creme.

My cuticles are constantly drying out on me and I rubbed this in them before I did my mani and my fingers soaked it right up!  Best part was I was still able to open my nail polish up after using it so it didn't get my hands all greasy!

Next is Dragon Mojo Skindelicious Body Butter.

I put this on my freshly shaven legs after my shower.  What intrigued me is this not only has loads of good stuff, like cocoa butter and shea, it also has caffeine and wasabi in it!  No, I did not eat it but caffeine is known for it's tightening properties so this is a great go to for those legs :)

Next is Mint for Each Other Body Scrub.

Look at those chunks of sea salt!!  This smelled so incredible and felt so good on my skin. PERFECT to slough off that dead skin in the winter!  I let the hubs try it and I did not tell him there was rosemary in it (his arch nemesis) but we both could smell the peppermint! I could smell it all day. Another perfect thing for the colder months (think gifts, too!). And seriously this company should go into the food business with all these incredible smells :)

Last up is the Gender Bender Chunk Big Bath Bar.

I have been a huge fan of charcoal and sulfur skin care products lately and here is another one to add to the list.  This soap packs a punch with ingredients like charcoal and shea butter.  It actually smelled like a man with the pine fragrance :)

Clicking HERE is where Crystal and her products can be reached or contact her HERE on FaceBook! All of these products are UNDER $25!

Have you tried Perfectly Posh before?

What are some of your favorite products?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!!

September 2014 Product Favs

September 2014 Product Favs

I knooooooow, I am a day late as I truly meant to post this yesterday so please forgive me.  Since I am a self proclaimed product junkie (okay who am I kidding, it is common knowledge), I thought each month I would tell you the stand out products that I have come across.  Both high end and drug store, for all walks of life.

From left to right, CoverGirl Cheekers, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, LA Splash eye shadow primer, Coastal Scents eye shadow quad and Oscar Blandi Texture & Volume Spray.

I love the blush because it is a powder color that lasts all day and still gives me that summery glow.

I just wrote my love letter about Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer (click on any of the links above for more information and prices).  It gives me great coverage but that "no makeup", airbrushed finish and chock full of good ingredients.  Plus it's affordable and lasts forever.  Well, until it's time to pitch it :)

LA Splash's primer is made for glittery shadows so that proves that it can withstand my normal day to day shadows.  My eye shadow lasts all day and never creases. It also helps intensify the color. Win Win.

The quad of shadows from Coastal Scents is from their Revealed palette.  The colors are highly pigmented and last all day, even without primer.  Getting them wet gives me four completely different shadow looks. These colors are perfect for this fall, too!

And lastly, the texture and volume spray from Oscar Blandi is great for freshly washed hair, but even on second day hair after my dry shampoo it looks I just had a blowout.  No sulfates and added keratin for strength.  Plus the texture my hair has makes me look like I should be going out and not to work.

So there ya have it!  My favorite products for September.  I think this is the shortest post I have written so far :)  Honestly I had to spend a few days narrowing them down because there are so many and for the October post, it is going to be even harder!

Have you tried any of these before? Are they already in your makeup bag?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!