Subscription Boxes

Lip Monthly July 2016

By Sheetar 14 July 2016 14 July 2016

I decided to try out Lip Monthly since they had a special running to get four months for just under $40 which meant the first bag was free. I didn’t realize that the first bag would be a duplicate of an old bag – May’s bag, seen here on My Subscription Addiction. I like everything in the bag, and it’s a really great bag, but I felt like it was a little dishonest to say that my first bag would be free, and instead of sending July’s bag, send out May’s instead as the ‘free’ bag. I can’t say this inspires any kind of faith for the remaining three months of the subscription. But anyway, on to the contents..

Jor’el Parker Fango Mud Therapy – 1 oz / $3 – (Product is sample size) I didn’t even realize that this is a Harvey Prince product until I went to look it up. I do like mud masks, but like all of Harvey Prince’s products, this is HEAVILY scented. Also troubling is that there’s no ingredient list on the product nor is there an ingredient list on the website. I did end up finding one elsewhere and while it’s pretty basic, it’s nothing terribly special either. I’ll still give it a whirl one of these days, but the scent is honestly overpowering. Also! The product card lists the value of this as $10, but I found it on the Harvey Prince website for $3 as the sample size.
Dirty Little Secret Lipstick – 3.8 g / $10 – (Product is full size) On the website, this looks like a perfect scarlet red, but even in the tube it looks more berry colored, almost a little violet. Fortunately, it goes on more towards the berry-red spectrum for me and looks surprisingly great on! It’s not too bright either and is probably my absolute new favorite color which I wasn’t expecting when I opened the tube. Honestly pleasantly surprised by this! The formula is somewhat matte, but doesn’t seem to have a lot of staying power. Still, I like the color that much that this is a big win for me.
So Susan Jello Shot – 4.5 mL / $24.95 – (Product is full size) It’s BRIGHT orange in the tube, but the second I put it on my lips, it turned this sweet shade of pink and stuck around forever. I can’t see using this on my cheeks but it makes for a fantastic lip stain, and yet again, was something that I was a little skeptical about, but ended up being probably the best lip stain I’ve ever tried. It seems like the pink color can vary based on you skin chemistry and temperature, but my pink was a pretty steady Hello Kitty pink-pink.
Manna Kadar Lip Locked Priming Gloss Stain – 5 mL / $24 – (Product is full size) At first glance, the color, Lucky, looks a little bit like a dusty rose tone which never works out on my skin, however, once I put it on, it was basically the perfect neutral for my lips. Most neutrals completely wash me out and make me look like a corpse, but this has enough red/pink in it that it almost nearly perfectly matches my natural lip color. So, score again for a product I never ever would’ve thought to pick up that ended up being a total winner. The formula isn’t a gloss or stain like the name implies – it’s definitely more like a liquid lipstick than anything else, but the website says it contains a stain, primer, and pigment all in one.

The total value comes to $61.95 which is pretty fantastic when you consider this bag cost me just under $10. I’m honestly a little torn.. while I’m a little bothered by the lack of transparency on the website about the ‘free’ bag being a previous month’s bag, I’m honestly super happy with the three lip products and will give the mud mask a go because I do love a good mud mask. On their Facebook page, they mentioned that they chose the May bag as the free bag because it had great customer feedback, and I see why, but I am a little disappointed that I’m not getting the actual July bag though I’ve not yet seen anyone post that one online. I feel like I need to repeat myself because I DO like the bag, but the misleading advertising is troubling. I’ve still got three months left, so we’ll see how things go.

Subscription Boxes

Kloverbox June 2016

By Sheetar 5 July 2016 6 July 2016

June’s Kloverbox, and my last from Kloverbox. This one arrived July 2nd, but it’s most definitely the rather late June box. I’m going to admit that I’m not all that impressed with this one, in part due to the company’s lack of presence/activity this month on social media, lack of communication about the lateness, and yet again, no product card in the box. I assume that’s going to be emailed just like last month, which is fine, but I would’ve appreciated a heads up on the delayed delivery and the missing product card before the box shipped. It just all leaves a bad taste in my mouth, so I have no regret over my decision to unsubscribe.

180 Snacks Nutty Quinoa Bites – 1 pack / $1.86 – I received the version with Cranberries and rice. It was good, not sure it was almost $2 per pack good, but they were crunchy with a little bit of sweet which was nice.
Harvey Prince Keravegan Masque – 1 oz / $3 – (Sample size product) This is a big nope. I’m really not into anything Harvey Prince, so to see them two months in a row is a real bummer. Their products are just too heavily perfumed and scented and they never seem to be natural scents that I find pleasing. This is going straight to the trade pile.
Lillian Eve Matte Top Coat – .5 oz / $12 – (Full Size Product) This is the only thing out of the box that I really like! I already gave it a quick try, and it’s a nice matte coat. Dries pretty quick, and it doesn’t feel super thick like some other matte coats. It probably isn’t what I’d call completely matte, maybe more pearl or semi-matte, but I do like it and will definitely use it.
Baggu Tote Pack – 1 tote pack / $14 – (Full Size Product) I honestly don’t like the print or the concept/shape and apparently neither did anyone else since this is on sale on the Baggu website for $14 when other prints are priced at $26. I can’t see myself actually using this in public – it’s SUPER bright and it’s just an awful color.. I might use it for carrying stuff when we’re canoeing? Give it to a hunter for high visibility/safety? It doesn’t make for a good backpack since the straps are the closure on the backpack and there’s no way to adjust the straps after closing the pack, and it doesn’t work as a tote bag either since the shape is tapered at the bottom with gussets to work as a backpack. It’s just not my style at all and for being the big ticket item in the box, it’s a big fail for me.

So, the total comes to $30.86 which is really low again for this box that costs between $25 and $22.50 depending on subscription length.. It’s the lowest value yet and again, it’s making me feel rather settled with my decision to cancel. I’m not sure if the owner has something going on or if there are problems with the company, but I’d really appreciate some transparency instead of delivery of really sub-par boxes. They could skip delivery on a month and take the time to regroup and catch up and get back on schedule (their website says they ship between the 15th and 18th of every month, but I’m not sure that’s ever happened during my whole subscription), but at this point, I’m so disappointed that I have no interest in continuing. Best of luck to them though! I hope they work out whatever is going on and come back better than ever.

Subscription Boxes

Benevolent Beauty Box June 2016

By Sheetar 26 June 2016 25 June 2016

My second Benevolent Beauty Box has arrived! I have to keep reminding myself this is a beauty-only box since I’m used to boxes with a wider mix of products, but it’s actually really nice to focus on just makeup that’s cruelty free and (mostly) vegan. I’m not a vegan myself, but when it comes to beauty products, the ingredients in vegan and cruelty-free products tend to be less irritating and easier on my skin. Anyway! On to the contents..

Mineral Hygienics Mineral Bronzer – 28 g / $20 – (Full Size Product) I received, “Cool Kiss” which is designed for cooler skin tones. I’m probably a warm skin tone, but I’m fair to light in terms of skin color, so this is definitely the one I’d have selected between the Cool and Warm Kiss colors. Not pictured is the fact that it has a lockable sifter top. It comes out a little bit peachy on my skin which actually really looks nice and isn’t too much – most bronzers tend to be far too dark for me, but this one is basically in the goldilocks “just right” zone. There’s a very subtle shimmer too. Also included is a coupon for 70% off a mini starter kit from Mineral Hygienics.
Modern Minerals Eyeshadow – 2 g / $12.50 – (Full Size Product) The color included was, “Surya,” a shimmery bronze/copper sort of color. The eyeshadow comes with a sifter cap (not pictured). This seems to be the “IT” color for this summer, but it’s fine because it’s such a versatile neutral sort of shade and can be paired with lots of different colors or used alone. It’s such a great color, and it’s a brand new color that isn’t available on the MM website yet!
Saturated Colour, Colour Switch – 3.5 g / $12 – (Full Size Product) This was the spoiler product for the month. It’s a creamy white lipstick meant to be used basically like a primer to blend with other lipsticks and give you new options for old colors. It’s really versatile – more white to really lighten the lipstick, less to make a subtle change. Completely brilliant. I can’t wait to try this out on some colors I didn’t really like to see what it can do.
Terre Mere Matte Lipstick – 4 g / $39 – (Full Size Product) I received the color, “Someone Special,” which is a neutral sort of color that edges a bit into dusty rose or raisin territory. More of a fall color than summer, I think, but it’s still a great lipstick. The formula goes on with a matte finish (not shiny/glossy) but is still creamy and not drying, and is super pigmented. Really in love with the formula, so even if the color is a wait-till-fall color, I may spring for one of the other colors (“Backstage” may be calling my name)
Terre Mere Bronzer Brush – 1 brush / $34 – (Full Size Product) Holy wow is this brush soft. I didn’t think a synthetic brush could be this soft, but there it is! It’s meant to go with the bronzer, and I think the shape and texture is just perfect for applying bronzer.

Total Value comes to $117.50 for a 5 item box! The box costs $29.95 for a month-to-month subscription, so the value is pretty damn incredible, even at full price. I’m really loving this box so far and this month was great! I think the only brand I’d heard of and used before was Modern Minerals, so not only am I getting awesome products, but these are new brands for me too which is exactly what I want from a subscription box. As always, looking forward to next month!

Subscription Boxes

Espionage Cosmetics BOOM!Box June 2016

By Sheetar 16 June 2016 14 August 2016

This one arrived last week, but in the craziness that was husband’s last week home before heading out to sea for something like 4 months, it waited patiently for its day in front of the lens! BEHOLD the glory of the June BOOM!Box from Espionage Cosmetics! This month’s theme was, “Naturally Awesome.” Now I had to wonder what sort of things they’d fit into the theme.. Dinosaurs? Carnivorous plants? I’m pleased to say I was right on both accounts and was then was surprised by a few extra additions I hadn’t even considered! On to the contents..

On the left is a candle from Boonzy Arts in honor of that famous man-eating plant. The candle is a wicked green color, made from soy wax, and smells like fresh cut grass with just a wee twist of citrus. It’s a lovely scent and just what I’d imagine to work perfectly with the theme. They also included a card for 10% off a future purchase. I KNOW I’m going to use that since I see a bunch of candles that would make great gifts.

On the right is a set of Treestar Hair Pins. This is a fantastic way to include the dinosaur bit of the theme by a reference to Land Before Time, a movie I know and love from my childhood. In fact, I live near a school district called the Great Valley School District, not on purpose though, honest! A friend, whenever she comes to visit and we drive by the school, shouts out, “IT’S THE GREAT VALLEYYYYY!” Endless source of amusement. Back to the pins! I have long curly hair and use pins like this ALL the time, so these are going straight into regular rotation for hair-wrangling purposes.

Next up are TWO nail wraps this month. I honestly can’t pick a favorite – they’re both SO neat and perfect for the theme. The left is the Turquoise nail wrap with silver and gold foil accents. One half of the nail wrap set has silver foil and the other half has gold foil. I’m torn between making one hand gold and one silver, or mixing them together on both hands. They’re just stunningly lovely. The right nail wrap is Pretty Poison and features foil accents on the leaves and a clear background with poison ivy vines and a venus fly trap design. Carnivorous plants are probably one of nature’s neatest creations, and I absolutely cannot wait to wear these. Also included, as usual, is a EC branded nail file.

No box themed, “Naturally Awesome,” would be complete without a nod to CAPTAIN PLANET! Oh man, this box is hitting all the nostalgia for me. They included a sweet set of double-sided colored pencils and three coloring pages. The pages are the Espionage Cosmetics Crest, a cute woodlands fairy scene, and that sweet Captain Planet logo that’s been Espionage-Cosmeticized. All the coloring pages were designed by the ever talented Sam Skyler. I really should work on one today since it’s a dreary rainy day and I could use a little coloring-therapy.

WHOA! Okay, so this is really neat. It’s a contouring set featuring three pigments. There are two highlighters: Cryosphere is a cool toned highlighter and Thermosphere is a warm toned highlighter. Terrafirma completes the set as the darker color to create depth. Now, I’ll admit that I’ve never done any sort of contouring before, so this is all new to me, but thankfully there’s a fantastic tutorial in the package with the pigments that gives you an idea of how they work, what to highlight and what to darken and how it all comes together for a final look. I haven’t yet had a chance to try these, but I’m amped to see how it works out! This is a BOOM!Box debut exclusive, so subscribers get to try this set first before they’re released on the website.

I can’t even begin to calculate a value, but with just the two nail wraps and the contouring set, we’re already well over the cost of the box which is between $25 and $30 depending on the length of the subscription. The box this month was SO full of fun things and well exceeded what I expected with the subtle nods to my childhood – clearly, these are my people, and they are awesome, naturally! In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my referral link!

Subscription Boxes

Beautycon Summer 2016

By Sheetar 15 June 2016 14 June 2016

I decided to spring for the Summer Beautycon Box since there was a coupon code and the total came to $21.49 with shipping and it’s one I haven’t heard much about before. It’s a box that is delivered four times a year, once every 3 months, so, March, June, September, and December. I plan on doing this box as a one-off and waiting to see who is curating the next box before jumping on again. Unfortunately, Beautycon makes it pretty difficult to unsubscribe. Their policy is that when you purchase a box, you automatically sign up for the month-to-month payment system for all boxes. In order to unsubscribe from the next delivery, you have to email within 7 days of receiving the current box. It seems a little silly that you can’t just hit a button on their website to unsubscribe or opt in or out of the next box and that the unsubscription window is so short. I much prefer being able to know the curator before making a decision about the next box, and being forced to make that decision before knowing anything about the next box is really troublesome.

Anyway! Inside the box, smiling up at you, is a portrait of Kandee Johnson, the curator of th summer box. I had honestly never heard of Kandee before, but she’s apparently a famous beauty expert on YouTube. On the back of this card is the rundown of the contents of the box along with social media links. It might sound silly, but I really like how the box is put together with the packaging, product card on top, and a little message on the inside that says, “Oh Hey, Beauty!” There’s also a cardboard insert on top of the contents that reminds you about social media links and tells you to make sure the lighting is just right for your unboxing video. Cute.

SO! All of that in one box! When I brought it in from the mailbox, I thought, Hey wow, that’s heavy, and there’s why! Four full size products that were over an ounce with the Redken Spray at 8.5 oz. Really pretty impressive! I had seen previous boxes and there were some items that weren’t makeup, skincare, etc inside, but this one is ALL makeup and skincare. From Kandee’s video on YouTube, it looks like they were all selected for being great for summer, and it definitely shows. On to the details!

Benzac Blemish Clearing Hydrator – 1 oz / $8.99 – (Full Size Product) Being the natural sort of nut that I am, the first thing I noticed was that this contains parabens. Salicylic acid has really never done anything for my acne either, but this might be something to try during the uh, more acne-challenging week of the month, if you catch my drift. I like the idea of combining an acne fighting ingredient with a moisturizer to keep your skin from drying out though.
Garnier Clearly Brighter Moisturizer – 2.5 oz / $14.99 – (Full Size Product) It’s a moisturizer with a chemical sublock at SPF 15 which I know is something I should be doing more often. Granted, I’m not out in the sun that often to begin with, but I really ought to be using a SPF15 on my face every day. I guess now I have no excuse!
Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil – 4 oz / $8.99 – (Full Size Product) Another product that contains parabens. I’m no stranger to cleansing oils, but the ones I use have far fewer ingredients! (Is my organic/natural nerd snobbery showing? I think it might be…) It’s a huge product to include, and a far better way to clean your face than a soap or cleanser that strips away oils, not to mention that cleansing oils remove makeup really well.
Redken Fashion Waves Sea Salt Spray – 8.5 oz / $15.25 – (Full Size Product) I was really excited about this until I read that the second ingredient is Magnesium Sulfate. I have crazy curly hair and I’m super picky about what products I use in my hair and sulfates tend to be no-nos. Tightly Curly lists that ingredient as an avoid. I’m probably still going to try it to see how it treats my second-day curls since I have it.
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil – .18 oz / $4.50 – (Full Size Product) The color included is, “Cashmere,” and it’s a warm gold color that’s just perfect for some summer shine.
NYX Ombre Lip Duo – .004 oz / $12 – (Full Size Product) The color included is, “Peaches & Cream,” which is a light yellow-orange on one end and a darker bright orange on the other. The lighter end is a thicker tip and the darker orange is a thinner tip almost like an eyeliner. Oranges really don’t work for me as lip colors.. I gave it a try just because an ombre lip color seemed like fun, and the effect is really neat and really bright! I could see using this on a day at the beach, but, I’m not a beach person and have no plans to go to the beach this summer anyway. I may stash it away for some future caribbean vacation or repurpose it as an eyeliner/eyeshadow since the formula is pretty matte and would work well as an eyeshadow color set.
Smashbox Brow Tech Shaping Powder – .03 oz / $25 – (Full Size Product) This is the item I’m most excited about in the box, and the color includes was “Taupe.” I have pretty thin eyebrows – not thin in width, but very sparsely populated, if that makes sense. I’m already a huge fan of Benefit’s Gimme Brow, and this looks like it fills in the gaps in my eyebrows maybe even a little bit better since it’s a powder with fibers instead of basically an eyebrow mascara with fibers. It doesn’t take much, and that little pot will last a long while.
Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara – .27 oz / $23 – (Sample is .17 oz, value of $14.48) I’ve heard a lot about this mascara, but unfortunately cyclopentasiloxane is on the list, an ingredient I know irritates my eyes. Anything with this ingredient sends me straight to having the worst puffy itchy eyes, but you know I’m probably going to try it anyway, just on the off chance that this is the magic formula that doesn’t bother me.
VersaSpa Gradual Tanning Face Moisturizer – 2 oz / $35 – (Sample is .25 oz, value of $4.38) I’m just not into chemical tanning products. Pale is a naturally beautiful color and I really have no use for something like this. PLUS, there’s no ingredient list on the product, and even the website doesn’t have the full ingredient list. That always makes me think they have something to hide.
LA Fresh Wipes – 4 wipe sample pack / $2.99 – (Sample is two wipes, value of $1.50) Included were the wipes, “Instant Cooling Body Soother” and “Oil-Free Face Cleanser.” Okay, first off, these are NOT compostable or biodegradeable because of the ingredients in the wipes, one of which is my arch nemesis again, cylopentasiloxane, which studies have shown can bioaccumulate in fish. This isn’t something you want to stick in your compost bin and later mix into your garden to grow tomatoes, so it really bothers me that LA Fresh markets these wipes as compostable and biodegradable when it’s not at all safe to do either with these. Anyway, I’ll probably still use them, but unfortunately, they have to go in the trash, NOT the compost bin.
Cover FX Contour Brush – 1 brush / $38 – (Full Size Product) This is actually a really nice surprise! I just got a contouring set in another box, so now I have the right brush to go with it! This is the most expensive item in the box and easily covers the cost of the box.

Also included (not added into the box value) is a promo card for 15% off Seventeen’s The Edit shop when it opens later this summer. Let’s face it, I haven’t been 17 for over 17 years at this point and even the curator is older than I am, so this feels a bit misplaced. Either that, or I’m not really the target age group for this box.

When you add everything up, the total value comes out to $148.08 depending on how you calculate the value of some of the sample sizes, just shy of $150 which is really amazing for a box that only cost me $21.49. On the other side of that, there’s really nothing new and super exciting in this box. The big items are basic drugstore brands which isn’t terribly exciting, all the colors are standard, nothing special or unique that only comes in this box and can’t be purchased elsewhere. I’m left feeling like I should love this box more than I do when all is said and done. Really, what I’m coming to realize, is that I need to stick with vegan or cruelty-free boxes because this kind of box just isn’t me, especially as I’ve become more conscious of the ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products. There are wonderful options out there that don’t contain two dozen ingredients, half of which are unpronouncable, and do the same thing just as well if not better. So, I guess, mixed feelings on this! Like I said, the value is really incredible, but personally, I’m left feeling like this just wasn’t the box for me.

Subscription Boxes

Espionage Cosmetics Nexus – June 2016

By Sheetar 13 June 2016 12 June 2016

Welcome to Espionage Cosmetics’ Nexus, first of its name. This offshoot of the BOOM!Box features a monthly delivery of two nail wraps in a slick black bubble mailer. The cost is $15 per month with discounts for longer subscriptions, and you receive two brand new designs before they’ve been released to the public as well as a chance to vote for which will go on to permanent sale on the Espionage Cosmetics website. This month’s theme was “Formulaic” and I think both wraps fit the theme perfectly.

Chemistry Nail Wrap – Super nerdy nail wrap featuring the periodic table in white on an atomic orange background. They even have a neat glow in the dark design! There’s a little bit of reverse chemistry at play if you look closely.
Euler’s Formula – I’m not a math nerd, but I can appreciate that complexity of such a concept. Another glow in the dark nail wrap, this one looks like Euler’s Formula written in chalk on a chalkboard and I love how this came out.
Nail File – Obligatory. So nice to get a fresh nail file in every subscription delivery.

The nail wraps usually go for $10 each on the Espionage Cosmetics website, so the value already exceeds the cost of even the month-to-month subscription. Getting access to new nail wraps first? PRICELESS. I’m so in love with all of their nail wraps, and it’s super fun to get all the new ones before they’re released to the public and decide which one of the two makes the cut to regular production. July’s theme has already been released, “Passport to Nihon,” and I can’t wait to see what they come up with for next month! In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my referral link!

Subscription Boxes

Benevolent Beauty Box May 2016

By Sheetar 1 June 2016 31 May 2016

This is a new subscription for me, the Benevolent Beauty Box! The first ever box from this company went out last month, so this is their second ever box. I’m pretty impressed with the value and products they included! My box arrived Tuesday, May 31st, right at the end of the month as specified. The box arrived un-taped – there was a shipping label on the bottom, but the top wasn’t taped closed. Fortunately, nothing escaped from the box! Inside was a large product sheet with product information and retail values as well as where to find the companies online (websites, twitter, instagram, facebook, etc). On to the contents!

Bellapierre HD Makeup Primer – 30 mL / $75 – (Full size product, caveat on value is that it sells for around $30 on amazon) The ingredients are mostly silicones, and unfortunately, I noticed that it has an ingredient I know irritates my eyes, cyclopentasiloxane. I think as long as I keep it away from my eyes, it’ll be fine, and I’ll basically not have to buy any sort of primer for the near future since this is HUGE! It goes on like silk and feels nice and matte to create a good base for makeup.
Cailyn Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint – 3.5 g / $19 – (Full size product) The color I received is, “Hospitable,” a pale dusty rose sort of color. This absolutely isn’t my sort of thing at all between the color and formula. I gave it a quick try and once it dried, it dried REALLY durable, so durable that I had a hard time removing it between using an oil based makeup remover and finally giving in to a sugar scrub to basically exfoliate it off. The color is absolutely terrible on me – it ends up fairly closely matching my summer skin color and nearly completely erases the line between my lips and my skin. On top of that, the formula sinks into every crack and line in my lips and it looks weird to me. So, this is just not a product I like from the color to the formula. In a way, I’m glad I got to try it because now I know for sure, but oh man it’s just not me at all.
Gourmet Body Treats Agrimony Eye Cream – .25 oz / $18 – (Full size product) Okay, so the size on the website says it’s .25 oz, but the size on the container says .5 oz. I calculated out the volume (hi, I’m a nerd) and it comes out to .25 oz. The container may be a .5 oz container, but it’s only half full (which is normal for this type of container), so I’m leaning towards this being .25 oz despite the information on the sticker. The ingredient list is nice and simple, and even if I’m skeptical that it will have an effect on my dark circles and lines, it’s not something that can do any harm, so I’m okay giving it a try! There’s no discernible scent, though it is a little greasy and is probably best for using overnight rather than during the day.
Trust Fund Beauty Lipgasm Lipstick – 3.6 g / $22 (Full size product, value given in product card is $10) I received the color, “Try to be Nice,” in my box which is a cool lilac purple color. I couldn’t find these on the Trust Fund website at all! The color might be a little too purple and pastel for me – just a little bit back to red and this would’ve been a nice rich berry, perfectly up my alley. But purple? I think that might be a little outside of my color spectrum comfort zone when it comes to lipstick shades. I think maybe it clashes with my skin tone since I’ve got pretty rosy cheeks and the cool tone of the lipstick just doesn’t look right next to that. The verdict is out as of yet – I can still use this over lipsticks that are more red or bring it up with a red tinted gloss, so it’s not a total loss I think. I do like the creamy formula, and it does have a nice scent, smelling sort of fruity and sweet.
Vapour Organic Mesmerize Eyeliner – .8 g / $20 – (Full size product) I received the color, “Truffle,” a medium brown. One end is a pencil that glides on easily and smoothly, and the other end is a smudger tip. The ingredient list is a perfect, super simple list of oils and waxes which means this won’t irritate my sensitive eyes and is easy to remove.

The value comes out to a whopping $154 for this 5-item box!! The box costs $29.95 for a single month with discounts for longer subscriptions which means this is an incredible value even at full price. I probably would’ve liked to have seen something else for variety’s sake instead of getting two lip products in the same box, especially since the one just doesn’t work for me at all. The rest of it is pretty awesome though, and even if I’m not 100% sold on the Trust Fund color, I do like the formula and may spring for one in a color that better suits me (however, I can’t find them on the Trust Fund website). Looking forward to see what next month brings!

Subscription Boxes

Kloverbox May 2016

By Sheetar 31 May 2016 1 June 2016

May’s Kloverbox just came in today, Tuesday May 31st, the very last day of the month. I’m SUPER underwhelmed. Out of four products, I’ll keep and use one, and the box had no product card, so I guess there are no discount codes this month. Kloverbox seems to run hot or cold with little inbetween and this is definitely a “cold” box for me, which given the cycle and since last month’s box was pretty awesome, I guess this is to be expected? I’m just not pleased this month, at all.

eSCENTials Aroma Don’t Bug Me Insect Repellent – 4 oz / $15 – (Full size product) I gave my clothes a quick spritz to see what it smells like. It mostly smells like citronella which is one of 6 oils in the spray along with lemongrass, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, clove, and peppermint. I’m a HUGE mosquito magnet – when I’m around, no one else gets bitten since I’m the one attracting all the bugs. I don’t have super high hopes of this working that effectively given how strong my natural mosquito attractant is, but if it fends off even a few potential biters, I’m okay with that. Plus, it’s all natural, so it’s not like it can do any harm!
Zoe Organics Breathe Balm – .6 oz / $14 – (Full size product) I have absolutely no use for this. I’d rather not be able to breathe than smell like eucalyptus – I can’t even stomach those eucalyptus cough drops, my hatred of eucalyptus runs that deep. When I’m sick, there’s no way I want to be around a smell that makes me feel worse, so this is going to the trade/share pile.
Harvey Prince Hello Shampoo – 15 mL / $3 – (Sample size, sample price) Sixth ingredient in is Acrylates, so this is a nope for me. Oh, sure, it doesn’t contain sulfates or parabens, but acrylates are arguably worse since they’re a plasticizing polymer that will build up in your hair and get sticky. There’s no way at all I’m putting that into my hair. This is going straight to the trade/share pile.
Harvey Prince Hello Conditioner – 15 mL / $3 – (Sample size, sample price) This is not as bad as the shampoo, but at this point, I’m not trusting Harvey Prince to use good ingredients. Plus, I already have a conditioner I use and love and have no reason to change. Also, the scent is really overpoweringly perfumed, and it’s just too much for me.

So, that’s that! The value of the products comes out to $35 which is SUPER low for a box that costs between $25 and $22.50 depending on subscription length. It just BARELY covered the cost of the box, and for me personally with the one item I’ll keep and use, didn’t even do that. SUPER disappointed this month. I think my current round of my 3 month subscription is due to rebill at the beginning of June for July’s box, and I have to say that I’m seriously considering cancelling after this delivery. When the boxes are hits, they’re big hits and are amazing boxes, but the misses are also really big misses like this and January’s box.

UPDATE, 1 June 2016: I just got an email with a digital version of what should’ve been the product card in the box. The theme was, “Let’s go on an Adventure,” and it lists the Harvey Prince shampoo and conditioner as a “set” which then would make this a three item box? I’ll admit that I like getting this in email instead of wasting paper, but maybe for the first time out, we could’ve had some notice that there would be something new with this box.