Sample Society November 2012 Box

Okay so I got my Sample Society box a few days ago but I have been super busy and this is the first time I have actually had a chance to sit down and write about it.

I know that I gave a sneak peak into the box this month, but here is my actual box.  I pay $15 a month for my Sample Society box but I seem to *usually* get bigger samples with this box.  I also get a coupon every month for $15 off on a $50 purchase.  All I have to do is include any product from one of the BRANDS that was sampled to me.

Sample Society has one of the best customer services that I have ever seen.  Last month my conditioner had leaked in my box, not ruining anything though.  I emailed them and told them about it, hoping that they would send me a new conditioner.  They sent me A WHOLE NEW BOX!  Yes, thats right, they sent me another box with all the items in it, so last month I got two boxes!  They are amazing! 

So here it is!

This month there were 5 Samples, along with a little extra in the dermalogica box.  

• Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist

"Is a weightless, nutrient rich mist that combines strengthening, pure Organic Bamboo with smoothing, Organic Kendi Oil to eliminate frizz, protect hair from heat styling tools, enhance shine and protect color while boosting your hair's health."  

Okay, so this says that it can be used as both a treatment and a style primer.  It infuses hair with nutrients and antioxidants, strengthens hair, protects color with color hold® technology, prevents frizz and extends the life of your smooth blowout with built in humidity resistance, and it enhances shine.  

Well, I have tried Alterna products in the past and I have liked them.  I was excited to see that we were getting another Alterna product and I am excited to use this!  Im going to try it out today and I will give a full review on it.  I think that it does smell good though!

Full Size: 4.2 fl oz $24.00

Sample Size: 1 fl oz, worth $5.71

• diego dalla palma Classic Lipstick

"Combining a maximum expression of long-lasting color and treatment, Diego Dalla Palma's Classic Lipstick provides exceptional softness and ensures an intense supply of nourishing and anti-aging factors.  This fragrance-free lipstick is rich and creamy, sliding right on for easy application."

So Im a little bit confused, the color that I got is #29 but they don't even sale it on beautybar.com.  I felt like the color was a bit umm, 12 year oldish and I don't think it is something that I would ever wear out in public.  It felt really dry going on and I felt like it made any dry spots on my lips more pronounced.  I don't think this is something that I would buy.  After having the lipstick on for awhile, my lips do feel soft and moisturized which is nice from a lipstick.

Full Size: $34.00

Sample Size: Not sure, worth around $4.00

• diptyque Volutes Eau De Toilette

"The voyage of your dreams, on board a liner from Marseille to Saigon.  A long haul crossing, stopping off at a number of places with magical names, all redolent of adventure and spice.  The charm of life on board ship, where time does not exist.  The labyrinth of polished passageways and the paneled walls of the lounges, the enigmatic elegant women leaning on the rail on the top deck, indulging in the pleasure of Khedive cigarettes.  A smell forever imprinted on the memory: Volutes."

I was super excited to be getting another diptyque perfume, I seriously am in love with the last one that we got.  But this one smells so manly to me, I sprayed it on and wished that I hadn't.  I really think that I will be putting this in my husbands cologne box.  Not for me, no, no, no.  But their Philosykos Eau de Toilette is AMAZING other than the $120 price tag!!!!

Okay so this one has notes of Iris, honey, tobacco, spices, wax, dried fruit, pink pepper, black pepper, saffron, hay, immortelle, myrrh, storax, opopanax and benzoin.  It says it is a curl of smoke. 

Full Size: 3.4 oz $120.00

Sample Size: 0.06 fl oz $2.11

• Dermalogica Precleance Oil

"Make your cleansing routine even easier with a product that works twice as hard for you.  a double cleansing regimen that begins with PreCleanse, is a plant-based cleanser that thoroughly melts layers of excess sebum, sunscreen, makeup, environmental pollutants and residual skin products that build up during the day.  Then, when water is added, this hydrophilic formula transforms into a milky emulsion that easily rinses away oil-based debris from the skin's surface.  This gentle blend can also be used around the eye area to remove even the most stubborn waterproof mascara."

I have heard of this but I have never used it.  I am really excited to use it!!  I will definitely be trying this today!

Full Size: 5.1 fl oz $35.00

Sample Size: 1 fl oz, worth $6.86

I also got a bonus I item in the box 

• dermalogical special cleaning gel

"Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe your skin and gently foam away toxins and deep clean debris which can help to bring a sparkling glow to your face."

Full Size: 8.4 oz $31.50

Sample Size: Small foil sample, probably worth $1.00

•L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

"This beauty must have is a skin softening blend of Shea butter, honey and sweet almond extract that quenches and replenishes dehydrated skin. 20% Shea Butter base, absorbs into skin quickly for lasting hydration and antioxidant vitamin E helps to protect and nourish skin."

I love Shea butter lotions, I have put this on a few times and it does absorb super fast!  It doesn't really have a smell to it, but this will be super nice to have in the car and especially this time of year.  It also says that one is sold every 5 SECONDS!!!  Crazy!!

Full Size: 5.2 oz $28.00

Sample Size: 0.3 oz, worth $1.61

This Box is worth approx. $21.29.  Interested?  You can sign up and receive your own box every month for $15!  

use code: Makeup

Excludes existing customers of BeautyBar.com, Diapers.com, Soap.com or other Quidsi sites. Restrictions apply.

What did you think of the box this month?  What items are you most excited to hear about?

XOXO Tiffany

Sample Society November 2012 Sneak Peak

The five samples that we are getting in our November Sample Society box are:

1. Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendri Dry Oil Mist
2. diego dalla palma Classic Lipstick, (Im getting Pink Satin)
3. Diptyque Volutes Eau de Toilette 
4. Dermalogica Precleanse
5. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Full size shown

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendri Dry Oil Mist is a mist that combines strengthening bamboo with smoothing Kendi oil.  It is supposed to eliminate frizz, be a heat protector and enhance shine and color. It says that it is best used on fine to medium hair.  Full size is $24.00  We are getting a 1 oz size sample, Full size is 4.2 oz

Full Size Shown

diego dalla palma Classic Lipstick.  I don't know if these are all going out in the same color or if they are different for everyone like the Vincent Longo pencils a few months ago.  The color shown above is Pink Satin which it says is the color I am getting.  This Lipstick is fragrance free, long lasting and nourishing, offers anti-aging effects.  For all skin types, including sensitive!  Full Size $34.00 24m.  Our sample looks like a quarter of the size.

Full Size Shown

Diptyque Volutes Eau de Toilette.  Notes of honeyed Egyption tobacco, styrax, leather.

I really liked the last Diptyque perfume we got, Im actually wearing it today!  This one sounds hmmm, interesting.  Full sizes $88 - $120 1.7 oz -3.4 oz.  We are getting 0.06 fl oz sample.

Full Size Shown

Dermalogica Precleanse is a plant-based cleanser.  This is part of a double cleaning regimen and this is the first part of it.  For all skin types, even the most oily.  Fortified with Olive and Kukui Oils.  Formulated with conditioning Rice Bran and Vitamin E.  Free of Artificial color and fragrance.  Full size $35.00 5.1 oz.  We are gettin 1 oz.

Full Size Shown

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream.   20% Shea butter base, Absorbs quickly for lasting hydration, Antioxidant vitamin E helps to protect and nourish skin.  All skin types, especially dry.  Full Size $28 150 ml.  We are getting 10ml

Are you excited for these samples?  I think it has something for everyone this month and I am looking forward to the Shea butter hand cream especially this time of year!

XOXO Tiffany

Sample Society October 2012 Box

I knew that my Sample Society box was coming today and as soon as I heard the doorbell ring, I was at the door super fast!

I can't help it but I always peak to see what I am getting in my subscription boxes every month, so while I'm not surprised I am always excited!!!

Here is my box!

I received a total of 6 samples this month.  

•Jane Iredale, Tantasia Self Tanner

Self Tanner has many virtues: It evens out skin tone, counteracts dullness, and disguises cellulite.

There isn't much in this little tube.  I had to press pretty hard and then it came flying out but I think it might be empty now, oops!  I can't remember the last time that I have used a self tanner, I remember looking like a oompa loompa and promised myself I would never do that again!!

But this does have a really good smell to it, it smells a lot like oranges!!!  It says to apply it anywhere on face or body.  No moisturizer is required.  Build color daily until a golden tan has been achieved.  Use frequently to maintain color.  

Honestly, I'm not that bummed that there isn't much to try in this little tube because again, I don't want to turn out like the picture above ever, ever again!  I do love Jane Iredale though!!!

Sample Size: They didn't list the amount that is in this sample but they are selling on eBay for around $6.  I would guess maybe 0.50 oz so that would make it around $4.28

Full Size: 4.2 oz $36.00

• Kate Somerville, ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Her trusted hands scour the pores and peel away the fine lines of some of the most famous faces in Hollywood (Olivia Wilde and Kim Kardashian, to name a couple).

Wow, I was super shocked to see a Kate Somerville product in my box, I love Kate Somerville products!  I have heard nothing but good things about this.  I am an exfoliator addict so this is right up my alley!!  

It says that it combats acne and blackheads, reduces discoloration and polishes skin.  It smells like cinnamon to me, it smells really good.

Sample Size: .25 fl oz worth $10.62

Full Size: 2 fl oz $85.00

• Aromachology, Clean & Fresh Eau De Parfum

The most appropriate perfumes for day are clean and uplifting.  Citrus fragrances can feel energizing, while lavender and green ones take the edge off stress.

I love when I get perfumes as long as they have the spray top!  Every perfume that I have received from Sample Society has had that.  THANK YOU SAMPLE SOCIETY!!!

This perfume smells like Dial soap to me.  I don't ever see myself wearing this.  I like fruity scents, I don't really care for the "clean" smell but I know that a lot of people do.  If you like the clean smell, then yes this does smell good (if you like dial soap!) 

Notes: White Tea, Bergamot, Green Tea, Cardamom, Lemon Balm, Precious Woods.

Sample Size: 5ml $5.00

Full Size: 100ml $100.00

• Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Conditoner

So what if you weren't born with a head of naturally thick hair?  With the right techniques, tools, and styling products, yours too can have killer curves.

This is a pretty good sample size, I love that it is an actual "deluxe" sample and not a foil sample claiming to be "deluxe", I also have been wanting to try Oscar Blandi!  Unfortunately, the lid was unscrewed during shipping and spilt everywhere but at least my box smelt good!!  I contacted BeautyBar.com and they emailed me right away saying that a replacement was on its way, talk about amazing customer service!!!!

This smells like lemon verbena, it smells sooooo good.  The only thing that I hate about getting shampoo or conditioner samples is that you only usually get one, not both.  I like to try these things together!!!  

I am excited to try this line of products though.  These are made to be used every other day, with a dry shampoo being used in between.  

Sample Size:  1.7 fl oz $4.86

Full Size: 8.4 fl oz $24.00

• Erno Laszlo, Phormula 3-9 Balm

Most cold-weather skin problems can be attributed to one thing: barrier function.

This is a repair moisturizer, it smooths scars, wounds, burns, and dry skin.  Dryness, redness and puffiness are treated while skin is strengthened.  

I have never heard of this brand.  It is a pretty pricey brand though, so I'm sure that a lot of people have heard of it and use it.  

It says it is to be used after toning or after moisturizing.  I will try this out tonight.  I can't explain the smell of it because it is a lighter scent.  

Sample Size: 0.10 fl oz $14.41

Full Size: 1.7 fl oz $245.00

Sample Society Extra

• Herban Essentials, Lavender Towelette

This is an antibacterial wipe that smells like lavender.  It says that it is made from the highest quality pure essential oil, which makes them smell amazing but makes them naturally antibacterial and antiseptic as well.

Lavender towelettes can be used for more then just killing germs, the oil in then is supposed to be a great aroma, help with burns and scrapes, put in the dryer for a great smell, remove makeup, clean a babies bum!  Okay well then......

Sample Size: 1 towelette $0.80

Full Size: 20 towelettes $16.00

So theres my October 2012 Sample Society box!!  The box total is approx. $39.97

Are you interested in getting your own Sample Society box?  You can sign up with my special code, I don't get anything but they do donate to charities!

use code: Makeup

A curated collection of the world's finest beauty brands

Excludes existing customers of BeautyBar.com, Casa.com, YoYo.com or other Quidsi sites. Restrictions apply.

What do you think of these subscription boxes?

 XOXO Tiffany

September 2012 Sample Society Box

I just received my September 2012 Sample Society box.  I love Sample Society.  They are a sample  subscription box that is through Allure Magazine, I pay $15 a month for these boxes and that does include shipping.  My subscription also includes a year subscription to Allure magazine and I also get a $15 off code each month to use on any of the BRANDS that were sampled to me that month.

So, Heres the box!!

*The first item I received is Cellceuticals - Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser 

Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser is an ultra gentle, one-step cleanser that effectively removes daily impurities and eye makeup without irritating eyes or stripping skin of essential moisture.  Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.  Leaves skin feeling clean, hydrated and supple.  

The smell reminds me of glue.  Crazy right?

Full Size: 6.7 fl oz $35.00
Sample Size: 2 fl oz $10.44

*The Second item: Borghese B Gloss
Borghese B Gloss Lip Gloss is a lush, glossy color that accentuates lips and provides high-shine looks. Moisturizers deliver a soothing treat while high style pigments add luminosity.  

I received  the color Fiore.  I really like the color, it is probably the color that I would have picked for a lip gloss.  I do really like this lip gloss, it goes on super easy and you don't need to apply much.  The only thing that I don't like is that it feels a little sticky on my lips, which is common in lip glosses.

Full Size: 0.21 oz $18.50
Sample Size: 0.16 oz $14.09

*The Third Item: Diptyque Fragrance
Made for both women and men, the Diptyque Eaux de Toilette use the finest raw materials to relate a childhood memory and poetically reinvent and enhance nature or a journey, real or dreamed of.  Philosykos, which in Greek means "friend of the fig tree," is an ode to the entire tree: the green, pungent freshness of the leaves, the wood warmed in the sun and the milky flavor of the fruit.

This smells sooooooo good!  This is a perfume I would DEFINITELY buy.  It says that it is for men and women but honestly, I could never see my husband wearing this because it has a vanilla scent to me.  I would definitely wear it though.

Full Size: 3.4 oz $120 (holy smokes!)

Sample Size: 0.06 fl oz $2.11

*The Fourth Item: stila Cosmetics Smudge Crayon Waterproof Primer + Shadow + Liner

a 3-in-1 gel-based product that glides on with ease and stays in place until you say when.  This Creamy, multi-pearl formula is infused with emollients for a smooth, comfortable application.  Also provides rich, bold, color for more than 6 hours of continuous wear that won't crease over time.  The best part: There's a pull out sharpener conveniently hidden in the base so your product can be on point no matter where you are.

 I am so excited that I received a stila product.  I LOVE stila!! I have never used a smudge stick so yay for this!!

Full Size: $22
Sample Size: Not listed Im going to say half size so $11

 * The last item that I received is Ahava Purifying Mud Mask
Apply this unique mineral mud mask once or twice a week.  It contains purifying and softening qualities, clears skin of excess oils, roots out the grime and blackheads, and prevents the formation of blemishes.  

I am not a big fan of mud masks, I don't like how they make my face feel so tight, like I just got a face lift of something.  But I will still try this out to let you all know what I think about it.

Full Size: 4.4 oz $30
Sample Size: 0.9 oz $6.13

So theres my box for September.  I actually am sooo happy with this box!  I love that I received 2 makeup items and I love the perfume.  My Box total is $43.77!  I only paid $15 for this box so I think I got an amazing deal!  If you want to try Sample Society you can sign up here.  If you the code MAKEUP They will donate $30 to The American Red Cross Charity.  

What did you all think of my box this month?  

XOXO Tiffany

Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara

I received the Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara in my August 2012, Sample Society box.  I loved that I got a mascara to try because I am super picky about mascaras and I haven't found one that I am in love with yet.

The first thing that I noticed is the shape of the mascara.  It is so cute and its in a squeezable tube!  It looks more like a lip gloss container.

Isn't it cute?!?

I was really excited to see that this sample was from Jane Iredale.  I really have liked ALL of her products that I have ever tried.  This product didn't let me down!

Like I said before, I love the shape of the mascara - I think it is so much easier to hold onto.  I didn't really that it put more product on the wand when I squeezed the container though.  

I really like the wand.  It has thick bristles that are closer together, they seem to cover a lot of your lashes at once without clumping.  

I applied American Beauty Eyelash Primer and only one coat of Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara.  I liked that it defined my eyelashes and I didn't have ANY clumping, none at all.  Usually my eyelashes get stuck together from Mascara and I have to comb them apart but that didn't happen at all.  LOVE THAT!

Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara on me

I do think that it lengthened my eyelashes somewhat.  I think that when people think of lengthening mascara they think they are going to end up with eyes like this: 

I freaking wish!!!

But that's not what is going to happen!!  I have pretty short lashes, and it did a good job on making them appear to be longer.

I did notice that my eyelashes are super smooth.  This mascara has a conditioning formula with sea minerals that really does work!!  Im sure my eyelashes need it from all the heating I do to them from my curler!

INGREDIENTS:

Water, Algae Extract, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Cellulose, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Algae Extract, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Sweet Almond Seed Extract, Tribehenin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Oleic Acid. (May Contain: Iron Oxides, Carmine, Titanium Dioxide) 

It comes in Dark Blonde, Dark Auburn, Ripe Plum, Slate Grey, Espresso and Black Ice

FULL SIZE: .42 oz $33.00

Overall, I do like this mascara but I don't know if I LOVE it enough to pay $33 for.  

If you have damaged lashes and are looking for a way to repair them, this will definitely help!  I can't believe how soft my lashes are!!  

If you are looking for a thick lash, this isn't for you.  It is more of a natural soft look.

What is your favorite Mascara?  

XOXO Tiffany

Sample Society August 2012 Box

I just received my August Sample Society box.  Since I live towards the west coast, I am one of the last to get my box :(

I am really excited about this box, I think it is one of the best ones that they have had.  I have been really happy with my Sample Society box, I like it better than I like my Birchbox even!

For those of you who don't know.  Sample Society is a monthly beauty subscription box that you pay $15 per month for.  You receive 5 deluxe size samples from great beauty brands.  You also get a $15 code with your box each month, to use toward a $50 purchase on any of the BRANDS that were sampled to you that month.  I like that it is towards the brand and not just the product!   You also get a little booklet filled with advice about the items you received and a one year subscription to Allure Magazine.  You can sign up or look at Sample Society here.



This month I received:

• PHYTO - Phytonectar Treatment Oil - Ultra Nourishing Oil Treatment

Sample size 0.33 fl oz $5.82

Full Size 1.7 fl oz $30

I have never heard of this brand and I have never tried a hot oil treatment on my hair, so I am pretty excited to try this out.  Theres not a lot in here, MAYBE for two uses.  This is a pre-shampoo treatment and it is for ultra dry hair.  The smell reminds me of cloves.

• DEBORAH LIPPMANN - Nail Lacquer - Private Dancer

Received full size 0.50 oz $18

Again, I had never heard of this brand.  I haven't tried the polish on yet but it looks so pretty, I definietly will be trying it soon.  I think $18 is a bit pricey for polish, so we will see how good it is!  I love purples though, so I am excited I got this!

• JANE IREDALE - Longest Lash Mascara - Black Ice

Sample Size 0.1 oz $7.85

Full Size 0.42 oz $33

I love Jane Iredale line of products.  I received a lip plumping lipstick a few months ago from Sample Society, I use it all the time.  I think her line of products are different and amazing!  I have never seen a mascara in a tube, but seriously its genius!!  I love that YOU control the look of your mascara with this, you control how much mascara gets on the wand.  I already have my mascara on today but I will be trying this out tomorrow!!!

• ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY - Skin Care - Facial Detox, Purifying Facial Mask

Sample Size 0.5 fl oz $9.20

Full Size  2.5 fl oz $46

I have heard of this brand but I have never tried it.  I am super excited to try this out, I love masks so this will be fun!  This is the one item from Sample Society that everyone received that was different, some people got cleansers and other skin care items from this company. It has a clean smell to it.  

ARCONA - Cranberry Toner 

Sample Size 1 oz $8.60

Full Size 3.72 oz $32

I have never heard of this brand.  It says it is a toner but it does more than regular toners do.  It says it cleanses and removes makeup, tones and protects against free-radical damage.  Toners are my new love so I am really happy to receive this in my box.  You can read about how important toners are here.  This toner smells so yummy, It really does smell like cranberries!  I could eat it up!!  (probably not the best idea though).

•MALIN - Goetz's Vitamin E Face Moisturizer 

Sample Size .04 fl oz $0.45

Full Size 4 oz $45

This is new to Sample Society, they threw in a bonus item.  This is a sample size item, instead of the "deluxe" items that we get.  Its nice to get this to try though.  I have never heard of this brand, but I love moisturizers!  

I seriously LOVE everything in my box this month.  I will use every single thing in this box!!!  Thank You so much Sample Society!!!

My box this month is worth $49.92

Let me know what you think of my Sample Society Box or let me know what you think of yours!!!  

XOXO Tiffany

August 2012 Sample Society Beautybar.com

This month there were a lot of mess ups with the Sample Society.  Most people got charged twice, but Beautybar did refund the money almost as fast as it was taken out.  There have been some problems with shipping issues, mine was supposed to ship today but they said it hasn't it.  My dashboard said it should arrive on the 7th but when I talked to them today, they said not until the 10th.

BUT...Their customer service is amazing and I honestly love my Sample Society boxes.

It looks like this month we are getting:

• Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer, Color is private dancer

• Elemental Herbology Skin Care 

• Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara, color is Black Ice

• Phyto Phytonectar Oil

• Arcona Cranberry Toner

What are your thoughts on this box?