Category: <span>Subscription Boxes</span>

Category: Subscription Boxes

Subscription Boxes

Kloverbox February 2016

 

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Alright, Kloverbox, you made up for last month!  A very Valentine’s Day themed box, even if it arrived today (Feb 19th), five days after Valentine’s day.  All of these products are things I’ll use, and the box has four full size items which is great.

  • Small Keys Be My Valentine Soap – 1 bar / $5 – (Full size)  It smells amazing, and the ingredient list is really lovely –  oils, clay, and dark chocolate, no artificial colors, fragrances or other non-natural ingredients.  I’m not sure if I should save this for washing my face or use it in the shower!  Also included is a coupon code for 20% off at the Small Keys etsy store.
  • Balanced Guru Hug Me Long-and-Sweet Body Butter – 4 oz / $19.99 – (Full size)  OH WOW.  Okay, not I’m not big on mint, but this smells a lot like chocolate mint  since there’s both cocoa butter and spearmint oil listed in the ingredients and I really like it.  The body butter isn’t smooth and creamy in the tub, it’s more of a harder, solid lotion bar consistency.  It  actually came out of the container in one solid lump when I opened it which I rather prefer!  It makes it easier to apply since you just grab the chunk and rub it on your skin instead of digging into a pot of cream and getting it all under your finger nails.  It’s probably due to the fact that the box came in from the cold and I tore right into it, so the consistency may change when warmer weather comes.  Either way (as a solid or butter type product), I’m loving this.  I believe this was the item that was supposed to be in December 2015’s box but didn’t make it on time.  Really well worth the wait!  This is a company I’m really growing to love – affordable body and beauty products that have simple, organic ingredient lists.  There’s also a coupon code for 25% off at Balanced Guru.
  • QC Naturals Karan’s Cleanser – 4 oz / $16.50 – (Full size)  It smells completely amazing.  I’m a huge fan of musky/ambery type scents, so when I saw frankincense oil on the ingredient list, I knew this was going to be a winner.  For a cleanser, it doesn’t foam (on purpose), the consistency is more like a toner, and it basically uses the Oil Cleansing Method to clean by dissolving/suspending dirt in oils instead of stripping away every last bit of oil and moisture on your skin.  I gave it a try already and while I was surprised at the ick that came off on the cotton ball, I’m not sure I’d use this as  an everyday cleanser.  I can see using it for a quick clean before putting on makeup, but for the pre-bedtime face washing, I still like good ole soap and water.  It may be a mental thing, but it didn’t ‘feel’ like it was cleaning even though I could see that it definitely did.  Old habits can be so hard to change!  Still, it smells delightful and I’ll definitely be using it, maybe in combination with a scrub or before a mask.  There’s also a coupon code for 30% off at QC Naturals.
  • Theo Chocolate Cinnamon Love Crunch – 1 bar / $2.50 – (Full size)  The product card lists the value as $3.99, but on the website for Theo Chocolate, it’s listed as $2.50.  Either way, what a pleasant surprise!  I’m a huge fan of dark chocolate, so this was perfect for me.  I was a little worried that the cinnamon would be that fake red-hot heart cinnamon and be way overpowering, but was happy to find that the cinnamon was rather subtle and complemented the chocolate nicely.  Not a bad price for a really good bar of chocolate too!

Overall value is $43.99.  The box costs between $25 and $22.50 depending on subscription length, so the value still well covers the cost of the box even if the value this month is on the lower end of the spectrum (understandable after last month’s big value box).  It was  nice to see this month’s box arrive mid-month instead of end-of-month, and I am genuinely happy with the contents, delivery time, and, well, everything!  In case you’re interested in subscribing, here’s my referral link for 15% off your subscription.

Subscription Boxes

Goodbeing (formerly Goodebox) February 2016

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Not a real winner of a box this month for me, Goodbeing.  There are a couple of subscription box sins here for me including silly foil packets and pink.  UGH PINK.  I’ll get into it in more detail in the contents, but I honestly feel like for all the preferences and customization available for this box, it’s basically gone out the window for the past two boxes.  Despite having my preferences set for no health products, I keep getting tooth paste and items I specifically set my preferences against.  Also, due to my age, I’m just automatically getting anti-aging and firming products that I don’t want.  Wrinkles are natural!  I have no shame about my age, and really how much can any product stop or slow the inevitable march of time.  I’m much more concerned with the fact that I’m 35 and still have pimples (and dry skin, go figure).  Wrinkles are the LEAST of my skincare woes.  Oh, the theme for the box this month is, “Love Thyself and Others,” which is a wonderful theme, and perfect for February, however I don’t really feel like the theme was a theme outside of the bracelet.  I suppose it gets a little hard to both customize a box and carry out a theme at the same time though.

  • Shea Radiance Advanced Firming Cream – 6 oz / $55 – (Product is approx .5 oz, value of $4.50)  It smells REALLY good – warm and ambery.  The full-size product is super expensive though and I don’t think this is something I’d buy on my own.  I just don’t buy the firming claims, even if it is a nice cream.
  • Shea Radiance Intense Body Balm – 5 oz / $50 –  (Product is approx .5 oz, value of $5)  This is a thicker formula than the previous, almost a mousse, and smells a little like cake batter.  It’s a little greasy, but definitely thick and will be great for dry winter skin.  Again, because of the cost, this isn’t something I’d buy, but the sample is nice to try.
  • Shea Radiance Unscented Body Cream – 6 oz / $40 –  (Product is approx .5 oz, value of $3.50)  Another body cream.  THREE in the box.  I’d probably have rather had one larger sample instead of three tiny ones since they’re all variations on the same thing anyway.  Another nice but expensive cream that I’ll no doubt use up, but wouldn’t buy again.
  • Vapour Plumping Lip Gloss – .13 oz / $24 – (Product is full size)  LIP GLOSS!  I’m never disappointed with lip gloss since it’s one of the few makeup items I actually wear on a regular basis.  I don’t really feel like this plumps my lips at all (and I mean really at all, not even a bit), but the formula is nice, not heavily scented/flavored, not sticky, enough color without being too much.  The color I received was Mischief, a deep plum color.  If this is the only item I like out of the box, it still covers the cost!
  • Kahina Brightening Facial Serum – 30 mL / $72 – (3 packets at about 3  mL each, approx value of $24)  Another REALLY expensive product that I probably wouldn’t buy again.  I’m always dubious about claims like this, and with three tiny foil packets, I won’t really be able to tell if it works or not on discoloration from acne.  It’s a nice thing to try, but yet again, not something I’d buy because the price point is just too high for me, personally.
  • Bedrook & Bloom Smart Ash Teeth Whitener and Detoxifier – 32 g / $30 – (Product is 1 gram, value of $3)  I received this in the Kloverbox for August 2015 and didn’t like it AT ALL.  My teeth didn’t feel clean after using it, and there was charcoal mess EVERYWHERE.  In the sink, powder that poofed out when the little container was opened, dribbles on my clothes, gross gross gross.  It’s just completely impractical in this powder format to use.  I actually felt less clean and ‘detoxified’ after using this.  SUPER disappointed to see this in this box since this isn’t something I wanted or needed as indicated with my preferences.
  • Rafiki Health Bracelet – 1 bracelet / $10 – (Product is full size)  Okay, it’s a great cause – the bracelets are made in Kenya and one bracelet provides healthcare for one month to a child in a community overseas.  However, the bracelet color for Healthcare support is pink.  If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, you already know I hate pink.  LOATHE pink.  This is a complete waste for me, though I’m sure I can find someone who will like it.  The cause is worthy and I do like that, but  it’s just absolutely not me and I know I checked off “None” for pink on my survey.

The overall value is $74 which is on the higher end for this box.  In spite of the good value, I’m not really into it this month because the only thing I’m interested in is the lip gloss.  The other items are great (except for the ughpink bracelet and the Smart Ash), but not items I’d ever want to spend that kind of money on.  There are other products that cost less and are just as great, so I’m disappointed that all of these are all such high ticket items and there’s not better cost-variety if that makes sense.  When you take out the two items I have absolutely no interest in, the value only drops $13, so it’s still a great deal, but I’m just.. underwhelmed this time.  Last months box was, IMHO, far better!

Subscription Boxes

BOOM!Box February 2016

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I don’t even know what to say.  I thought hey, that first official BOOM!Box was incredible, there’s just no way to top that.  I WAS WRONG.  First off, I’m not Jane Austen’s biggest fan, so when they announced the theme was, “Most Ardently,” featuring a Jane Austen theme, I was pretty much indifferent.  I’ve read her books, seen some movies, it’s good stuff, but I’m a horror and dystopian fiction sort of gal.  Needless to say, when I opened this box and saw Zombie Jane Austen, I was BLOWN AWAY.  I didn’t even know this was a thing (hello, welcome to the rock I live under, it’s cozy here), but HOW PERFECT?!  I’m amazed at how well they work a theme out across so many  different products.

  • Attic Journals Notepad – $7 –  As the product card states, the front and back covers are taken from a Jane Austen inspired deck of bridge cards.  I love little notebooks like this to keep stashed in my bag for taking on-the-spot genealogy notes when I don’t happen to have my tablet, so this is super handy and will fit perfectly in the front pocket of my everyday bag.  Attic Journals Link
  • Geeky Hostess Darcy’s Delight Tea – .6 oz / $10 – TEA!  I received the flavor, Darcy’s Delight, which is a blend of Oolong, orange peel, osmanthus, and green sparkling sugar.  Of course I brewed a cup right away.  It’s a great black tea with hints of orange and sweetness which may be the perfect tea for a snowy day.  Geeky Hostess Link
  • Optimystical Pendant – $25  – Normally something like this wouldn’t fall into my style range, but I actually really dig this and can’t wait for an opportunity to wear it!  The chain is gold tone with a gold fountain pen tip charm and a wee corked glass bottle  that contains a bit of moss, a teensy scroll containing a page of Pride & Prejudice, and a glittery glass pebble.  It’s basically the perfect Jane Austen necklace ever.  Optimystical Studios Link
  • Kiru Pin – $2 – Okay, I’m not a big fan of pink and flowery things, but I like the quote, “Know Your Own Happiness.”  It’s another pin to add to the knitting bag, so I’ll take it!  Kiru Link
  • Mystery Nail Wrap  – $10 – I was super thrilled to open the package and see an old favorite, Unicorn Blood (non glitter) inside.  Perfect!
  • Gothique Lace Nail Wrap – $10 – DUDE.  Where has this been all my life?  A beautiful lace design with skulls grinning through, and it glows in the dark.  I’m super happy that I got these and not the Most Ardently nail wraps I’ve seen other people post because skulls and lace are totally my jam – pink and flowers not so much.  As usual, there’s a nail file included.
  • Glitter & Shadow Duo – $15? – The colors included are Sensibility, a golden cosmetic glitter, and Tea & Crumpets, a chocolate sparkly eye shadow.  I’m still trying to embrace the glitter (lash glue tends to really irritate my eyes, so I’m not sure how else to use this), but the lovely brown shadow is absolutely spot on perfect for me.  It’s not so sparkly that it can’t be used every day which is great!
  • Sam Skyler Art Print and Bookmark – ??? – GLORIOUS.  Sam Skyler knocks it out of the park again with a beautiful print done again using Espionage Cosmetics products.  I really need to find proper frames and get this print and the one from the last box up on the wall somewhere because I love her style.  The bonus bookmark is printed on some lovely pearlescent paper, and I know I’m going to put that to use right away with the next item.  Sam Skyler Art Link
  • Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Book – 1 book / $14.95 – This is the item that  really set up the whole box.  When I grabbed the box out of the mailbox, I wondered why it was so heavy, and this is why!  A paperback copy of Pride  & Prejudice & Zombies courtesy of Quirk Books to go along perfectly with the release of the movie this month.  I’ll dig into this probably next week, although I’d have preferred a coupon for a digital copy rather than a physical paperback book.  The majority of my reading happens on a tablet or phone lately, but the idea of sitting down with the tea from above and this book on a chilly day is rather appealing.

Overall value this month is probably somewhere around or above $100 which is incredible!  The box costs between $25 and $30 per month depending on subscription length, and I’m happy to say that this is quickly becoming my favorite box of the three boxes I subscribe to.  Espionage Cosmetics has wowed me with both boxes so far, and I’m really digging the variety and the fact that they’re introducing us to new artists and products.  In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my  referral link!

(Edited 18 Feb 2016 to add missing product values)

Subscription Boxes

Kloverbox January 2016

 

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First Kloverbox of the new year!  It was late, arriving the first day of February, so the calendar included in the box was already 1/12th gone by the time it was received which was a little disappointing.  They might as well have started the calendar in February instead of January if it’s not going to arrive in January, or planned this for the December box instead.  Also there were only three items this month, mostly because the one item was worth $64.  I’m not sure I like the idea of throwing the majority of the budget for a single box into one product because if the big money item isn’t something you like, the other products won’t make up for it.  So, mixed feelings on this box, but I’ll go through the contents individually.

  • Saylorwolf’s Watercolors 2016 Calendar – 1 set with easel / $10 – (Full size product)  It’s cute, small and desk sized, but let’s face it, the only calendar I actually use and look at daily is the one that syncs between me and the spousal unit on our cellphones.  I honestly don’t know where to put this (you should see the state of my computer desk), and while the watercolors are really beautiful, I’d probably have preferred a single print instead of a calendar set.
  • Snapz Organic Apple Cheese Crisps – 1 pouch / $1 – (Full size product)  They’re.. okay?  Nothing to write home about and not  something  I’d actually purchase.  I like the crunch, and the ingredient list is phenomenally simple, but they taste SUPER bland.  Almonds cost less and are lots tastier, even the raw  ones, and contain more protein than this little snack bag.  The product made for a nice filler addition to the box, but it just didn’t wow me.
  • Palmetto Derma Rejuvenating Antioxidant Mask – 1.75 oz / $64 – (Full size product)  It does smell nice – warm and sweet but not floral, hard to explain!  It’s a thick, white, cream which is very unlike most clay masks.  Almost immediately upon application, it feels cooling and tingly.  After 15 minutes, I rinsed it off easily with warm water.  It didn’t completely dry on my skin like a typical clay mask which was nice, and the cooling tingle stayed around after the mask was washed off.  Most clay masks make your skin feel hot from the increased blood circulation, but this was quite the opposite.  It also didn’t make my skin feel tight and dry like a typical clay mask.  Not bad!  Still not something I’d spend $64 on  though since while it’s nice, I’m not sure it’s sixty-four-dollars-nice.

Overall the total comes out to $75 which is pretty huge for this box!  It was kind of a meh sort of box for me, I guess.  I wasn’t incredibly interested in any of the products this month – they’re all okay, but nothing really knocked my socks off, and I’ll admit that I was a little disappointed to see only three products which is a little bit silly when the overall value is high.  I guess having more products in a box means I’m more likely to find one that really makes the month worth it which is where this one kind of left me hanging a little.  Don’t get me wrong, the mask is nice, but it’s not something I’d ever buy on my own because of the price.  It’s still nice to have the product since it isn’t something I’d buy on my own, but I do sort of use these boxes as a way to explore samples of products that may be better than ones I’m already using and that’s where this box  left me hanging.  In case you’re interested in subscribing, here’s my referral link for 15% off your subscription.

Subscription Boxes

Goodbeing (formerly Goodebox) January 2016

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First Goodbeing box of the new year!  This arrived a few weeks ago, and I’m just getting around to blogging about it now (see?  Still behind, oops).  Goodbeing was formerly Goodebox and is going through a little rebranding, so for now I’ll include both names in my review posts for continuity’s sake.  Overall a pretty decent box!  There’s one product I had no interest in (the cold and sinus oil), but the rest are definitely things I’ll use.

  • Green Apple Age Defying Hand Cream – 2 oz / $12 – (Product is full size)  I never really buy into all those anti-aging claims products like this make.  Age is going to happen whether we like it or not, so throwing that out of the equation, this is still a great hand cream.  It’s thick and rich and sinks in immediately so it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky.  The scent is nothing to write home about since there’s not much of a scent at all, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing!  What’s best is that a teeny little bit goes a long way and works for a while, so the value is really rather incredible.
  • Curandera Remedies Kapalabati Cold and Sinus Oil – 1 oz / $25 – (Product is .5 oz, value of $12.50)  I didn’t like Vicks VapoRub growing up as a kid and this is basically the same idea, albeit all natural.  The scent, IMHO, is absolutely horrendous (FWIW, I didn’t like Vicks either).  I use neem oil to control aphids on my outdoor plants and the idea of rubbing it under my nose is just a HUGE turn off.  I’m all for natural remedies, but when I’m sick and need to breathe, I’m going to head for traditional medicine that works instead of a bunch of oils that smell bad and do nothing to actually unclog my sinuses and reduce the swelling and pressure.  It’s one of the few places I have to turn in my all-natural-hippie card, but I’m a HUGE baby when I’m sick and traditional medicine works.
  • Balanced Guru Face It Smoothly – 4 oz / $38 – (Travel size 1 oz is $10)  It’s an aloe based cleanser, so no foam.  It dispenses from the pump as a creamy liquid and smells a bit like mint and herbs though not in any sort of overpowering way.  A quick scrub over my face didn’t dry it out, but it almost didn’t feel like it was cleaning either since it doesn’t foam (that’s all in my head though, I’m sure).  It’s really pricey for 4 oz though and while it’s fun to try, especially as the trio of products in the box, it’s not something I love enough to buy again.
  • Balanced Guru Tone It Smoothly – 4 oz / $34 – (Travel size 1 oz is $9)  I’m not a huge fan of toners to begin with since they’re mostly alcohol based and dry out my already dry skin.  This one is Aloe and Alcohol based which, eh.  Not my thing.  It smells much the same as the Face It cleanser, but this product does feel drying though not AS drying as other alcohol based toners.  Again, just not my thing – I don’t get oily, so I really have no use for this kind of product, but again, it was nice to try as a matched set.
  • Balanced Guru Nourish Me Serum – 1 oz / $22.99 – (Product is full size)  This is right up my alley!  Younger me would’ve completely cringed at putting oil on my face, but older me with dry skin is LOVING this serum.  Again, it doesn’t have a really overpowering scent and just smells herbal and natural.  Two wee little drops covered my whole face without leaving it greasy.  The Argan and Jojoba oil base seems to be just what my dry face needs and even if it doesn’t slowdown and reduce the appearance of age, it’s still just about the perfect moisturizing serum for me.

The total value of the box comes to $66.49 which is on the upper end of average for this box.  Even if I’m not thrilled with the two Balanced Guru products, it’s really awesome to try them, and the serum covers the cost of the box anyway.  I’m a little bummed at the lack of variety in this one – it’s all body/face products and a health product I didn’t want  or  need since my preferences are set to “None” for the “Natural Medicines” category.  Even with that obvious mistake, I’m still rather pleased with the box and it’s mostly because of the serum.  As always, looking forward to next month!

Subscription Boxes

Kloverbox December 2015

 

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So, I’m pretty late in getting this post up since the December Kloverbox arrived on December 24th!  Overall, I’m pretty pleased, though I’m not a big fan of traditional perfume and I’m still not sure I like the scent either.  However, two of the producs are HUGE and the value of the box overall is really rather amazing.

  • Balanced Guru Soothe Me – 4 oz / $19.99 – (Product is full size)  An amazing blend of oils perfect for winter dry skin!  The scent isn’t too strong, just natural and maybe even a little bit  citrusy.  It sinks in to my skin so quickly and is perfect to rub into dry legs just before bedtime.  It’s really just all oils, so you can’t go wrong.  The bottle also came with a pump top to screw on.
  • Dermadeli Calm Chamomile Exfoliating Scrub – 160 g / $20.99 – (Product is full size)  My first thought was WOW, huge container, that’s amazing.  My second thought upon opening the container was WOW, smells amazing!  So, two wows in a row.  It’s got just enough coarseness to it that it scrubs well yet doesn’t feel like it’s stripping my face dry.  I used it for the first time today, so we’ll see if there are any longer-term effects!
  • Harvey Prince Hello Eau de Parfum Spray – 8.8 mL / $28 – (Product is full size)  I’m not super huge on fancypants perfumes like this – my go-to’s are usually essential oil type fragrances and not alcohol based perfumes.  Just personal preference!  That out of the way, the scent is .. I’m really not sure.  I get the warm vanilla on top and really light hints of citrus and a wee bit of a floral character which isn’t bad, but it still smells fake in comparison to essential oil based fragrances.  I also don’t like floral fragrances, and this has enough floral to be disappointing.  The florals seem to come out more as time goes on too with the vanilla fading out.  Although this is the product with the highest value in the box, it’s also not my favorite by a long shot.
  • Kiss Me Honey Lip Balm – 1 tube / $4.99 – (Product is full size)  ARGH MINT.  I love lip balm, but hate mint scented/flavored products.  I tried it anyway, and the mint is really only in the scent, so once it’s on, you can’t taste the mint.  There’s just a little tingle from the mint, that’s all, so it’s tolerable.  I saw on the company’s website that they also have a  coconut and strawberry flavored one, so I may have to give those a try since I do like the formula and go through lip balm like water in the winter!

Adding up a total value, we come to $73.97 which is a phenomenal value for this box!  Four full sized products made it a really incredible box for this month and even if I’m not entirely sold on the perfume, the rest of it is really great!  In case you’re interested in subscribing, here’s my referral link for 15% off your subscription.

Subscription Boxes

BOOM!Box December 2015

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Welcome to Espionage Cosmetics’ BOOM!Box, first of its name.  Earlier this year, they had a Kickstarter campaign and the rewards included beta testing for their new subscription box.  I originally had one month of beta testing but expanded to three additional months towards the end of summer (Check out the older posts under the Espionage Costmetics tag).  The beta testing boxes were mostly nail wraps, four per month, so I wasn’t sure what to expect for the first official EC BOOM Box, but I know they have a habit of going above and beyond, so I was hoping for something epic.  EPIC was definitely what they delivered here!  I couldn’t  even begin to expect that they’d add in items from other vendors, but am super pleased with the selection of products that go from glitter to art prints, nail wraps to perfume.  Below is the run down of the contents, but Espionage Cosmetics?  You rocked my world this month.

  • Wyvern Scales Nail Wrap – 1 wrap / $10 – A take on their popular Mermaid Scales line in green and glitter to match the limited edition Bombsheller leggings released this winter!  The Mermaid Scales design was already a favorite, so this is a fun color to have in addition to the blue and orange.  Plus, this nail wrap set the theme for the whole box.  Also included with the wrap is a nail file because you can never have too many.
  • Cosmetic Glitter in E.L.F.S. – 1 pot / $7.50 – ALL the holiday colors in one crazy pot of red, green, and gold glitter.  I’ve already seen this used on a nail polish base and LOVED how that looked, so I may have to try that sometime soon!
  • Wyvern Headband w/ Self Rescuing Princess Pin – 1 set / $25 – HOW AWESOME IS THIS?!  Again on the Wyvern Scales theme, this is the same fabric used in the Bombsheller leggings, but made into a headband (I have SO MUCH HAIR so this is perfect!) and adorned with a Self Rescuing Princess pin.  The pin is probably going to go hang out on my knitting bag and the headband will be put to use right away.  The button is by Kiru and the headband was sewn up by the geniuses at the EC HQ.
  • Wyvern Scale Pendant – 1 pendant / $15 – The pendant, from Optimystical Studios, reads, “Never laugh at live dragons, you fool.”  The background is the same Wyvern Scale pattern as the nail wraps and the quote is from The Hobbit.  Cute geeky pendant and a fun way to extend the theme into something beyond the nail wrap.
  • Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab Imp’s Ear – 1 vial / $4 – I received the Edith Cushing scent which is  described as, “pearlescent vanilla musk with white sandalwood, grey amber, white patchouli, ambrette seed, and oudh.”  It’s a really wonderful earthy, musky scent which suits me perfectly.  Sandalwood is probably my favorite scent of all time, and I couldn’t quite pick it out of the blend at first because the scents all work together as a unique entity.  Edith Cushing is a character from the Crimson Peak movie, and while I didn’t get a chance to see the movie yet, it’s on my to-watch list should I get the chance!  Oh and BPAL is already on my list of favorite companies, so I was happy to see them involved in this box too.
  • Sam Skyler Artwork & Coloring Page –  ??? – A, “We Are Not Things,” print of Furiosa from Mad Max Fury Road and coloring page both of which are awesome.  What’s more awesome is that Sam Skyler created the painting of Furiosa using a sharpie and Espionage Cosmetics products.  Brilliant!  I need to find a nice frame and appropriate spot on the wall for the print since I LOVED the movie.
  • Cupcake Bath Bomb – 1 bath bomb / $7 – In the scent, “Peppermint Forest,” this bomb is 1/2 bath bomb and 1/2 sugar scrub.  I’m not a big bath person since we have a teeny tiny tub and it’s just not good for taking baths.  I’m going to save this for a future vacation that includes a big  jacuzzi tub since that’s the only way to do it justice.  Peppermint isn’t my favorite scent either, but this one isn’t overwhelmingly candy-cane scented, more sugary than anything else, so I’ll have to report back once I’ve had a chance to try it.  Oddly, this item wasn’t listed on the product card, but it’s a great inclusion in the box!

Overall value is somewhere around $90 if I count the print and coloring page as a $20 value.  Considering the box costs between $25 and $30 depending on the subscription length, that’s a HUGE value!  On top of the box, there are all kinds of coupon codes and offers plus possible “Golden Tickets” in random boxes worth $10-75 in shop credit.  You really can’t go wrong with this box – so much thought and time went into the whole thing and I’m positively blown away.  If you’re interested in signing up for February’s box, do it now!  And if you want to give a little love back to me, use my referral link   🙂

Subscription Boxes

Goodbeing (formerly GoodeBox) December 2015

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December’s Goodbeing Box is here!  Note the name change – Goodebox is now Goodbeing, and the name change reflects an upcoming change in their structure which will include dedicated beauty, wellness, and lifestyle boxes.  Pretty excited to see what’s coming, but if the boxes continue to be this good, I’m sticking around!  I have to say that December’s box pretty much knocked my socks off.  The only item I’ll pass on is the nail polish which is way too hot pink for me, but the rest of it is absolutely spot on.

  • Red Flower Ocean Purifying Body Wash – 8 oz / $22 – (Product is 50mL, value of $4.65)  I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure about the scent having read the description.  Eucalyptus is one of those scents that’s totally off-putting for me – reminds me too much of those gross cough drops.  However, the other scents really come out on top of the eucalyptus in the end and make for an invigorating scent that’s great for a morning shower.  It doesn’t foam a whole lot, but all those oils make my skin feel really well moisturized at the end of a shower, so it’s a keeper!
  • Kumari Aroma Mist – 2 oz / $24 – (Product is 1 oz, value of $12)  WOW.  For the record, I really like musky, earthy sort of scents, and the scent label on this?  Earth.  Right up my alley.  It’s an interesting blend of cinnamon, jasmine, and citrus that I would’ve never thought worked well together, but my does it ever!  They all work together to make this warm, spicy  scent that is just pure magic on my skin.  I like that it’s light and not overpowering either, perfect for everyday use.
  • Graydon Superfood Mask + Scrub – 20 capsules / $39 – (Sample is 5 capsules, value of $9.75 – price is in CAD, so it comes out to $28.41 USD at the moment for 20 capsules or a value of $7.10 USD for the sample)  This is a really interesting way to deliver a mask.  Each ‘dose’ is placed inside a clear capsule.  The contents of the capsule are then added to water (or oil, honey, or yogurt) and used as a scrub or mask or both!  The capsule is supposed to help keep the ingredients fresh and I’d imagine it keeps them together better so you’re getting an even mixture every time.  It sounds great, in theory, until you find out the capsules aren’t incredibly willing to open, and you end up trying to cut one open while you have a tablespoon of honey in your palm.  After I got the capsule open and combined with the honey, it worked in a creamy mixture that was just enough to cover my face.  I left it on for about 5 minutes while it tingled on my face  and then washed it off.  It really did tingle while on my face and while I can’t say it did anything super spectacular, it did feel nice, and the results are less drying than a clay mask, so I like it as a nice treatment that isn’t too harsh.  There are apparently some tips and tricks on how to open the capsule on their blog here  that I wish I had found earlier!
  • Board and Batten Sugar Scrub – 4 oz / $36 – (Sample is 2 oz, value of $18)  This smells absolutely delightful.  It’s a thick paste sort of sugar scrub and the addition of Shea and Jojoba makes it moisturize as it scrubs.  I LOVE a good sugar scrub like this, and with the scent being so wonderful, it’s going to be a quick favorite.
  • Aila Nail Polish – .5 oz / $17 – (Product is full size)  I already love Aila nail polish, but I’m not a fan of the color provided here, Dr. Rosenbeaver.  I have a huge hatred of anything pink, and this is billed as a fuchsia polish with red glitter.  It’s a world of nope for me, but I’m sure I can find someone who will love it.  It’s a shame because I really do love Aila, but not pink.

The total value of the box is $58.75 which is about average for this box.  I don’t know why this one is sticking in my mind as being more amazing than some of the others.. it might be that the products all feel very luxury and suit me rather well.  Even without the polish, the box is still a great value and they’re products and brands I haven’t tried before which is always fun.