Beauty Box Five June 2016 Review

Summer has officially begun and June is almost over! The months seem to be flying by so I’ve been making the most of the nice weather and having fun playing with all the fabulous new beauty products. This month’s Beauty Box Five includes a mix of skincare and makeup plus an interesting tool most beauty junkies are drying to try!

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-4 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

Pur-Lisse Blue Lotus Treatment Sheet (full size included - $8.00 value)

If you ask me a girl can never have too many face masks and the sheet variety are great for vacation! Pur-Lisse is a brand that has been included in the box numerous times but this mask is loaded with Asian botanicals, antioxidants, nourishing oils + fruit and plant extracts to soothe and brighten.

Manna Kadar Radiant Bronzer & Highlighter (full size included - $24.00 value)

When I first saw this duo I thought they were shadows and it turns out that you can use them on your eyes as the pigmentation is fabulous and the colors build and blend well. This is another brand that has been in the box several times but the quality has been consistently good and I love how shimmery, smooth and silky these shades are! The highlight is a frosty silver tone and the bronzer has a pretty gold tinge with fantastic coverage and high-impact luminosity that makes skin glowy and gorgeous. I love the combination of light and cool with warm and dewy for versatility.

Sweep Oval Contour & Highlight Brush (full size included - $15.00 value)

These round brushes have become quite popular among makeup lovers and many brands have been releasing their own collections in both high-end and mid range price points. Beauty Box Five decided to include one due to the high volume of requests and I’ve been interested to see what all the hype is about as well. The design reminds me of an old fashion hair brush and although I’m not very familiar with this type of applicator, so far I really like it! The dense, circular surface and handle makes buffing-in product quite simple and the bristles are soft against the skin yet firm. Although it looks a bit like the top of a kabuki it feels different and even though this one is small and made for blush and highlight, I use it for blending concealer and foundation as well. I like that the bristles don’t absorb or soak-up much makeup and it is very easy to wipe clean after each use. It provides a smooth, flawless finish that makes my skin look awesome!

Prestige Cosmetics Brow & lash Brush (full size - $3.25) and Versaspa Gradual Tanning Face Moisturizer (sample included)

We all need a decent brush for keeping our brows neat and although this one gets the job done relatively well, the quality isn’t great. It reminds me of a generic salon brand which is fine but I don’t really need another.

The face moisturizer/gradual tanner may be good for those looking to avoid harmful UV while still rocking a sunkissed glow. The sample is small and I’m not sure how “gradual” the results are but I don’t use tanning products. In the summer I actually avoid all types of tanning so that my foundations continue to match my natural skin tone.

Overall this month’s box was pretty good! I love the face mask, oval brush and highlight/bronzer duo but I’m ready to see a few different brands.

Beauty Box Five April

April’s Beauty Box 5 is all about embarking on a hydration vacation and taking your skin from blah to beautiful by revitalizing the complexion. From great skincare to bright, juicy color, I’m really digging this month’s collection of goodies!

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

Jelly Pong Pong Paradise Pigment in the shade Fig Jam (full size included ~ $19.00)

This pretty pink pigment retails for more than the cost of the box! It also happens to be my favorite product and with a fun name like Jelly Pong Pong who can blame me!? As soon as I saw the vibrant shade of pink I knew it was a match made in lippy heaven and it doubles as a cheek tint! Simply layer on the lips from sheer to medium coverage or lightly dab and blend onto the face for a flush of color. The texture is pleasantly creamy, the pigmentation is great and it smells like candy! You may need a lip brush as finger application can be a tad messy on-the-go but the color is perfect for the season.

Soapbox Sea Minerals Body Wash (sample size included)

I don’t mind receiving sample size body washes because they are great for short getaways and this formula evokes a day at the beach with a soothing blend of aloe, shea butter, sea minerals and deep sea water! I absolutely love the scent, it smells as fresh and invigorating as a summer breeze and each bottle purchased gives soap to someone in need.

Maskeraide All Eyes On Me Hydrating Eye Gels (sample included 1 pair)

I am no stranger to Maskeraide, in fact I have reviewed many of their adorable masks in the past and they were all awesome! The gel eye patches brighten, firm, hydrate and reduce the fine lines and puffiness caused by annoying spring allergies. They make a great addition to weekly facials and can help you recoup after a long trip, sleepless night or a grueling day at work.

Chella Passionate Pink Moisturizing Lip Pencil (full size included ~ $18.00)

I’m not quite sure why this lip pencil retails for $18.00 because it’s mini (half a pencil really) and it doesn’t twist-up. It is also made of that plasticky feeling wood so it isn’t easy to sharpen. The color is nice but it’s more orangey red than pink and it glides on effortlessly with a comfortable formula and good color pay-off. I’m not familiar with this brand (the packaging says made in Germany) but a little more pencil would have been nice.

Global Beauty Care Green Tea Makeup Remover Wipes (full size included ~ $1.99)

When I saw that these wipes were only $2 for 30 I thought it was too good to be true and I expected dollar store quality. Thankfully I was wrong, they are moist enough to remove foundation, lip color and even most eye makeup which puts them on-par with common drugstore brands. The sheets are also infused with vitamins A, C and E to help tone and firm which is an unexpected bonus.

This month’s box was a definite hit! For more information or to sign up for the next box click HERE

Beauty Box 5 February 2016: 4th Anniversary!

This month Beauty Box 5 turns four and what a fabulous four years it’s been! The subscription service continues to gain popularity while introducing its loyal beauty addicts to new brands that keep us trendy and glam. This month’s theme is all about puckering-up and getting our sparkle on with a few makeup goodies and products infused with natural ingredients.

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

Manna Kadar 3 in 1 Shadow, Highlight & Blush in the shade Fantasy (full size: $19)

I have never heard of this brand before but when I saw the shimmery rose gold shadow I was hooked! The color is beautiful and the pigmentation is even better! I was very impressed with the amazing color pay-off even without a base and the texture is soft, smooth and creamy so it glides on effortlessly. This flattering hue does work as a highlight but not as a blush. It was definitely my favorite product in the box!

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer (sample size included)

Kudos to Beauty Box 5 this month for introducing me to yet another brand I had not previously tried! As many of you know I am a loyal fan of Urban Decay’s Primer Potion but I am always open to finding another that works just as well. This base makes skin feel very silky which improves application and I am impressed with how little product it took to cover my lids. A small dab applies very creamy and spreads evenly so although this sample is small it could last for months! The primer did seem to help my shadows stand-out a tad more but the results weren’t drastic. In terms of longevity, it did pretty well but I may have to test it out a bit more to draw my final conclusion.

Epic Blend Lip Balm in Blueberry (full size: $3.49)

I am very familiar with Epic Blend; in fact I have most of the collection! The all natural, organic formula alleviates dry lips, smells delicious and soothes chapped, rough, peeling skin as soon as you swipe it on. It is also gluten-free and contains nourishing ingredients like hemp, coconut oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E and rosemary.

Hemp Nation Kiwi-Mango Body Wash (full size included: $7.99)

I like hemp products but always question whether or not they are okay to travel with! Regardless I like to take these small bottles on short trips and this cleansing formula foams away oil, sweat and dirt leaving you refreshed and smelling great! This bottle is supposedly full-size (59 ml / 2 oz) but it seems more sample-size to me.

Starlooks Lip Liner in the shade Sultry Sangrita (full size: $16)

Admittedly I have a ton of lipsticks but not many liners so I always welcome a new one. This shade is quite neutral and glides on well for easy application. It does tend to smudge a bit as your lip color wears away but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Overall I found the formula quite basic but I like the color.

For more info on this subscription box you can visit the website by clicking HERE

Beauty Box Five January 2016 Review

The First Beauty Box Five of the year is dedicated to hair and nails! It came stocked with some handy travel size items that are perfect for my upcoming trips!

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

Not Your Mother’s Hair Care Plump for Joy (sample includes) & Salon Grafix Hair Spray (sample)

I am all for voluminous hair that is full of bounce and body so the Plump for Joy Thickening Hair Lift Spray is a great addition to the box and one I haven’t tried before. The formula is made to strengthen and add life to limp strands and I like that it can be used on both damp and dry hair. I can see this coming in handy between wash days when hair is a tad greasy and flat or when you crave luscious beach waves. It also has a delicious fruity scent that is great for spring.

The mini hair spray is not very interesting but when you need mega hold it works! I have a few upcoming trips planned and this maximum hold, humidity resistant formula enriched with antioxidants and vitamins is definitely coming with me to help keep stray hairs in place as I soak up some sun.

Novex Bamboo Sprout Deep Conditioning Treatment (sample pack/one treatment)

The first time I received a Novex sample in my BB5 I was overjoyed with how well it worked to fortify and soften my long hair so I was happy to sample another formula! This treatment is rich and nourishing to help silken dry, brittle hair for serious winter rescue! 

Bodipure Keratin Gloves (full size included: $5.00) & Nails Inc. Polish (full size included: $9.99)

Along with the deep conditioner this was also one of my favorite items in the box. With frequent hand washing and the drying winter air my hands have taken a beating! My moisturizer application has nearly tripled and when all else fails a revitalizing treatment that strengthens nails and heals cuticles is always a fabulous option.

The Nails Inc Polish I received this month in the shade Hyde Park Place was disappointing. Some of you may appreciate the grey-green stone-like hue but I for one am not feeling it. It is just too boring, plain and totally blah for my taste which is unfortunate since the last few polishes I got were also shades that didn’t really stand out.

Scratch Custom Accent Nail Wraps (full size/ comes with four: $6.00)

The nail wraps in this month’s box kind of made up for the mundane polish but it didn't come with very many. The gold and white patterns are stylish, pretty and delicate which make great accent nails and compliments many shades of polish.

This month’s box was decent but if I’m going to get any more nail polish I’d like some brighter hues. I’d also like to see some high quality makeup!

For more information on this beauty subscription you can visit the website by clicking HERE

Beauty Box Five December

I am a little behind on my Beauty Boxy Five updates but with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the devastation of a recent street fire things have been a bit hectic! December’s box was mostly dedicated to enhancing the eyes and getting your glam-on but before we delve into each product let’s take a moment to review how the service works.

BeautyBox Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 2-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

OFRA Shimmer Eye Shadow ($13.50)

This product alone is worth more than what you pay for the entire box which is pretty darn nice! OFRA Cosmetics has been a reoccurring brand in this subscription but their products continue to impress. This single shadow doesn’t come in a palette of its own so I will have to find a spot for it in my NARS refillable but the texture is smooth and velvety and the pigmentation is rich and intense. The shimmery grey is trendy for the season and one of my favorite hues for creating smokey eyes. I also like that it applies full-coverage with little to no fall-out.

Blender Brush ($10.00) and Prestige Cosmetics Total Intensity Eyeliner ($5.95)

Although eyeliners are useful and this one is creamy and highly pigmented I wasn’t very excited about getting another one. I was however happy about the Blender Brush which is actually made by Beauty Box 5! The pointed shape is idea for getting deep into the crease to define the eyes and the tip is sturdy yet flexible enough to blend well which makes it a fabulous addition to my collection!

The Beauty Crop Glamazon Stick ($22.00)

I never tire of beautiful highlight and this one contains nourishing cocoa butter and jojoba. The stick is a twist-up which I like and the color is sheer and silvery with a light dusting of micro-glitter to enhance your glow for holiday parties and New Years Eve. You can use it on your cheeks, brow bone, waterline or lids and the formula is quite blendable.

So Fresh So Clean Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes ($2.99)

These hypoallergenic wipes are great for travel and they help remove dirt, oil and makeup to cleanse pores, remove impurities and balance pH. Since I always need more makeup wipes these were a great addition.

This month’s box was fabulous and all of the items were full size which was a nice surprise! For more info about this subscription click HERE.

Beauty Box Five October 2015 Review

It's that time of the month again! My little blue box has arrived at the door bursting with pink goodies! This month’s girly theme included a couple items I have wanted to try for a while and I am quite happy with what I received.

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 2-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

Nubar Mini Polish ($4.99)

I like mini bottles of nail polish because they take up less space and are idea for travel. At first I wasn’t sure about this baby pink Barbie hue called Pinktober as I usually stay away from milky shades but it actually looks good on my skin tone and works for manis and pedis. The thin brush isn’t too mini which allows for decent control and although it takes 2-3 coats to achieve opaqueness the finish is nice.

Styli-Style Perfect Pout Long-Lasting Balm Stick (full size included $4.99)

I have reviewed Styli-Style before, in fact I may already have this cute purple hue in my collection but I do like the creamy, hydrating texture and the light comfortable formula. These balm sticks provide nice pigmentation and smooth coverage that anyone with lips will appreciate. They are also affordable and make great stocking stuffers for women of all ages.

HappyFace Makeup Cleansing Cloth ($3.99)

I have seen a variety of these cloths on Instagram and as someone who likes to play with makeup and layer on the shadow I adore anything that can remove it quickly at the end of the day. The texture is super soft against the skin, like something you would use on a baby and they are machine washable so you can use them again and again! The directions state that cleanser is not required as the cloth is made to remove makeup with water alone although the oil in most foundations creates a smeared mess and only some of it comes off. I think the cloths are a good first step to cleansing and they are very gentle but I do need to follow up with a foaming cleanser afterwards and it is a bit difficult to remove mascara and waterproof liner with just water.

Ferro Cosmetics Pink Rhinestone Kabuki Brush ($25.00)

I never turn down more makeup brushes and this soft, plush kabuki feels fantastic and buffs on mineral foundation, powders, blush and bronzer. I love the texture, size, shape and pink tinged bristles but there is quite a bit of shedding when you start using it which I wouldn’t expect from a twenty five dollar brush. Like most brushes that shed it does taper off over time.

Knotty Hair Ties ($4.00)

A few weeks ago when I went to the L’Oreal Professionnel hair salon my stylist actually recommended these hair ties when she saw how much of my hair was getting wrapped around and caught in the ones I use. I was a bit concerned with the knot coming undone as it holds the tie together but you can move it up and down to adjust the size and it actually holds my long, thick hair quite securely. These hair ties are designed to prevent snags, breakage and the dreaded ponytail dent and they don’t look unstylish on your wrist when you need to keep them handy for hair emergencies.

Overall this month’s box was great and if you’d like more info you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured

Beauty Box Five September

Fall is in the air and this month’s Beauty Box Five theme is all about being adventurous while soldering out of summer hues. 

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Pencil in the shade Amazon (full size included- retail value $14.00)

This teal-blue crayon is my favorite color in this month's box, the shade is beautiful and it twists up for easy access requiring no sharpening. It is designed to be used on the lash lines for a pop of trendy color but the smooth, creamy texture is highly prone to smudging and fading. The pencil is also a bit large so it may work better as eye shadow although a primer is required to help keep it in place. A waterproof, longer lasting formula would have probably been a better idea.

Beautiful Nutrition Lemon Rinse (sample size included)

I’ve never used a hair rinse prior to trying this one and I was surprised by how soft it made my hair feel! As someone who uses a lot of leave-in conditioner, serum and oil anything that helps remove build-up, restore shine, seal cuticles and maintain a healthy scalp is welcome into my beauty routine. This rinse also prevents frizz, seals in moisture and revives dull, lifeless hair to boost volume, promote growth smooth cuticles, and cleanse. The scent smells exactly like fresh lemons or homemade lemonade and should be used after shampoo and conditioner.

Harvey Prince Sincerely Mini Roller Perfume (mini size includes- retail value $21.00)

I am all for small fragrances because they slip in your purse for use on the go and travel. This scent is very familiar with a sweet yet musky aroma that is okay but not fabulous. You can roll it directly onto the skin for a potent floral blend of freesia, orange flower and cedarwood.

Elizabeth Mott, Tints & Sass Lip + Cheek Stain (samples size included)

I’ve tried a stain similar to this in the past without much luck and this sweet, fruity formula isn’t much better. I prefer something more buildable and pigmented and this shade is very light, sheer and subtle. It applies as a translucent pinky-red and blends to leave behind a faint stain. If you want barely-there color and a natural rosy flush then you may like this but I need a bit more intensity.

Bellapierre Shimmer Powder in Snowflake (full size included- retail price $19.99)

I love the Bellapierre eye shadows! The loose formulas are highly pigmented, vivid and shocking with an amazing finish. This ultra shimmery silver is gorgeous on the lids and pairs beautifully with deeper crease shades for smouldering smokey looks.

Eye shadow swatches: Bellapierre Snowflake & Be a Bombshell Amazon Pencil

This month’s box wasn’t as exciting as last month and I’d love to see some higher-end brands in October. You can check out the subscription by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured

Beauty Box Five August 2015

This month’s Beauty Box Five theme is all about adding new shades, tools and hydration to your getting-ready routine and there are four full-size products included! 

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. You receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands!

Jerome Alexander Hot Stuff Go Pop Compact (price: $10.99- full size included)

I am always happy when I open my box and see a cute compact and this one looks like a little change purse with 3 shadows, 3 lip glosses and 2 brushes. The pink and purple pigments are girly and fun and the large mirror is great for application. Although I love the adorable packaging it reminds me of the toy compacts I played with as a kid so I didn't have high expectations for the quality. Thankfully I was totally wrong! The shadows are soft, smooth and slightly creamy with great pigmentation and a pretty shimmer finish. The colors apply well with or without primer and they don`t crease or fade. The gloss comes in deep orange, light pink and light orange but the finish is very sheer, shiny and creamy with little pigmentation and a light moisturizing formula.

Donna Max Printed Nail File with case (price: 4.99- fill size included)

Nail files are essential for your mani kit but when they are as cute and cheeky as this one you will definitely want to keep it in your purse! The handy carrying case also prevents it from dulling.

Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen in the shade Plum (price: $19.99- full size included)

Recently I`ve been accumulating quite a few liners and although I didn`t really see the need to include another in this month's box I do like that they incorporated a plum pigment which is super trendy for fall! The point is medium size and the color glides on quite well allowing some versatility with regards to shape and width. I also like that it dries quickly and since the formula is waterproof it tends not to smudge.

Hask Beauty Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment (price: $2.39- full size included)

I am no stranger to Hask conditioner; in fact I have used them several times before with good results! The formula gives my hair a little pick-me-up when I need a boost of moisture and it leaves my strands softer and more resilient. Since I tend to have mishaps with hair products seeping out while I travel these are great for vacation especially when you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, pool or ocean.

Pur~lisse Pure Moist Hydra-Balance Moisturizer (sample size included)

These sample tubes are also great for travel, especially short weekend getaways. Pur~lisse is a brand that has popped up in this box before and I do like the anti-aging benefits enriched with plant extracts and vitamin E. This formula is also safe for sensitive skin and provides a good dose of moisture to quench parched skin without the greasy residue. 

Overall this month’s box was a hit! I like all the products I received and I’m looking forward to seeing what goodies I get in September! For more information on this subscription you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured