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

Modere Beauty Box Review

If you love beauty boxes, skincare and healthy hair then today you are in for a treat! Recently I have been trying the luxurious beauty box by Mōdere and unlike other subscriptions that may include a few small samples, Mōdere contains 5 full-sized products and 4 samples that are backed by 25 years of scientific research! With this box you are getting exceptional quality and cruelty free products void of cheap ingredients or harsh chemicals.

This box is not a continuous monthly service and Mōdere has a great policy for customer satisfaction to guarantee that you don't end up with a bunch of products you won't use.

How it Works

1. When you receive your box you can enjoy each sample that also comes with detailed instructions on usage.

2. You have 7 days to try the samples and if you are not completely satisfied you can keep them and the eye gel and return the full-sized products using the pre-paid shipping label.

3. If you keep all of the products you will be charged $79.99 + tax saving you $50. The retail value of all the products is $139.99.

4. If you decide that you only want one or two products you will be charged for what you keep and you can still return the other items at no additional cost!

What’s included:

Exfoliant ($12.99)

I am not a fan of harsh, gritty exfoliants that leave my skin sore which is why I love this product! Using enzymatic action, the ultra-fine exfoliating beads gently removes dead cells leaving skin more receptive to moisture and nourishment.

When I use this exfoliant I notice a difference right away; my skin feels smooth, supple, soft and revived! You don’t need a lot of product to cover the entire face and as you exfoliate the formula works up into a rich cream that distributes well and smells light and fresh.

Key ingredients:

*Prickly pear

*Brush-like bamboo particles

*Jojoba beads

*Silk amino acids

*Vitamin E

The exfoliant is gentle enough to use 2-3 times a week and it resurfaces the top layer of skin to improve texture and appearance.

Anti-aging Serum ($39.99)

The anti-aging serum helps improve skin firmness, radiance and smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful glow. Although I don’t have wrinkles, the creamy formula also helps improve the complexion with natural ingredients that protects, evens and revitalizes. The serum is milky, lightweight, fast absorbing and moisturizing with no greasy residue or stickiness. I like that it helps balance my skin and I have noticed fewer pimples, blemishes and less redness.

Key ingredients:

*Rye seed extract- encourages skin firmness.

*Maca - hydrates, enhances skin tone and luminosity.

*Hydrolyzed Elastin - maintains the appearance of smooth skin, rejuvenates and enhances elasticity and firmness.

*Gotu Kola (used for thousands of years in India, China and Indonesia) - strengthens and heals, increases antioxidant and collagen concentration and has anti-inflammatory properties.

*Banana flower- reduces free radicals and acne, helps diminish dark circles, reduces wrinkles and moisturizes to nourish dry, tired skin.

The serum can be used both morning and night and I like applying it before bed so that it goes to work while I snooze.

Antioxidant Gel ($24.99)

The antioxidant gel can be used with the anti-aging serum and is formulated with an effective yet delicate form of vitamin C designed to balance your complexion. Infused with emollients and vitamins, the waterless gel brightens, moisturizes, improves firmness, reduces wrinkles and strengthens your skin’s natural defenses.

When you apply the gel, the texture evens the surface of your skin helping to minimize pores and create a smooth canvass. I like wearing it under makeup because it works like primer!

Antioxidant Hair Serum ($21.99)

Having long, thick, naturally curly hair requires a lot of care which is why I love this product! The hair serum helps banish frizz and fly-aways for silky, soft, manageable tresses and weightless volume.

I like using the serum after I shampoo and condition and before I blow dry, flat iron or style. Although it contains nourishing, exotic oils it is surprisingly light-weight when used in moderation and it does not build-up or appear slick and oily. It is excellent for dry hair types and I love the scent!

Key Ingredients:

*Kendi oil- penetrates to seal the hair cuticle, strengthens to reduce frizz, breakage and split-ends.

*Argan oil

*Ethyl Macadamiate

*Tamanu Nyamplung Oil

Dual Action Eye Gel ($29.99) – 

yours to keep even if you return the box!

I battle dark circles on a daily basis so the inclusion of an eye product is fantastic! The dual action eye gel works morning and night to brighten the eye area, reduce puffiness and calm dark circles. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with fast absorbing hydrolyzed elastin and protein.

Overall this box is one of the better subscriptions I have tried, the products are all great and I can work them into my skincare routine with ease. 

If you are interested in these products the collection can only be purchased with an exclusive invitation but for all of my fabulous readers you can click HERE to try the box!

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review