Pop Sugar Must Have Bag - July Premiere Bag Ships Monday!

Have you signed up for the Pop Sugar Must Have Bag yet? I just received an email that the boxes will ship Monday 7/23. (Once shipped, expect the bag to arrive in 5-10 business days).

There are still a few days to sign up and receive the premiere bag! (I'm really excited about this one since it will be valued at over $150!).

The box: Pop Sugar Must Have Bag

The cost:  $35 a month (free shipping) for over $150 worth of full size products.

The products: Must-have items from fashion, beauty, home decor, fitness, and more.


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Bulu Box Review - July 2012 - Plus Coupon Code

Have you tried Bulu Box? I decided to try it out since they are letting you get your first box free with coupon code: woohoo10

The Box: Bulu Box

The Cost: $10 a month (use coupon code woohoo10 for a free first month)

The Products: Samples including vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, meal replacement, diet, energy, protein, detox, digestion, sexual health, herbs, natural remedies, endurance and more.

Green Tea Hawaii Packets - (4) Value Approx $5 total

From BuluBox: "When stired into water, Green Tea Hawaii gives you the full benefits of 70 regular cups of green tea in 2 packets."

Detour Lower Sugar Whey Protein Bar (Chocolate Chip Caramel) - Value $2.30

From Bulu Box: "With up to 83% less sugar, this bar delivers all of the body-shaping nutrition of the original but with amazingly low levels of sugar."

Ola Loa Energy Multivitamin Drink Mix (2 packets: Tropical and Orange) - Value $1.50 Total

From Bulu Box: "With refreshing effervescent delivery, your body will absorb 98% of the nutrients in Ola Loa. Stir into water or juice!"

This gets good reviews on Amazon so I'm excited to try it.

ANS Performance - HIT (High Intensity Thermogenic) - 7 day supply - Value $7

From Bulu Box: "Promotes weight loss and metabolic fat burning. In a 12-week clinical study, participants taking HIT's key ingredient lost 19 lbs more than those taking placebos."

Coromega Omega 3+D Squeeze - Value $1 Total

From BuluBox: "Omega-3 and Vitamin D help ensure the health of your heart. Eat one yummy packet alone or squeeze it onto your favorite snack."


Verdict: With the coupon woohoo10 I paid $0, but at the usual $10 it still would have been a good deal as these products value at about $17. If you are interested in supplement/fitness subscription boxes make sure to check out the Fitness and Supplements Subscription Box Directory!


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Allure Fall Beauty Box 2012 Sneak Peek - Item List!

(I took this picture straight out of the magazine)

The Allure Beauty Box goes on sale July 24th at noon ET. It typically sells out in the first day or two, so I'll post a reminder when it's closer to the 24th.

Want to see what was in the summer Beauty box? Check out my review here.

Here's a break down of what's in the Fall box:

Aveeno Natural Protection Sunblock Lotion with SPF 30 - Value $8.79

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Dolly - Value $18

Biomega Firm and Fabulous Hairspray - Value $16

Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser - Value $ 4.50

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream - Value $18

Colorescience Primers - Value $42.75

Dr. Lewinn By Kinerase Wrinkle Repair Daily Lotion SPF 30 - Value $28

Eclos Plant Base Beauty Anti-Aging Starter Kit - Value - N/A

GK Hair Serum - Value $18.75

Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash - Value $26

Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturizer - Value $5

John Frieda Clear Shine Luminous Glaze - Value $8

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfecting Spray - Value $4

John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Deep Infusion - Value $5

Lipton Tea and Honey Packets (5) - Value $2

Miss Professional Nail (Rock-A-Guy Blue) - Value N/A

NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust in 14 Karat Rose - Value $3

NYX Stick Blush in Orchid - Value $8

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Texture & Volume Spray - Value $16

Redken Smooth Lock Stay Sleek -  Value $17

Zappos.com $15 coupon

This box values at over $250!(excluding the products I couldn't find a value for and the Zappos coupon). So excited!

Looking for more beauty boxes? Check out the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

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New Subscription Box Alert! Love Club!

I love finding subscription boxes that highlight independent designers, so I was so excited when I came across Love Club!

They just released their first box, but you can get on the wait list for the next box.

The Box: Love Club

The Cost: $12 a month including free shipping. ($115 for 12 months)

The Products: A hair accessory and a beauty sample are guaranteed in each box, plus an extra bonus item: jewelry, cosmetics, candles, paper goods, gift voucher, etc.

What do you think of Love Club? Are you signing up? (I am!)


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Lost Crates Housewares Box Review - July 2012 - Plus Coupon Code

Lost Crates is one of my favorite subscription box programs. I'm always discovering amazing products through their boxes. This one I'm reviewing is the Housewares box ($68 plus $5 shipping).


The box: Lost Crates

The cost: varies per themed box ($20-$68 a month plus $5 shipping) or free shipping if you sign up for an annual subscription. (You can skip a box at any time.)

The products: Handpicked design-inspired goods chosen by the Lost Crates team and their contributors. The themed boxes are: Design Milk, Joy The Baker, Eco Salon, Better Living Through Design, Stationary, Petite Stationary, Housewares, Foodie, and Angie's Picks

I really like these products. But I do have 2 issues with the box:

1) This is the housewares box from February.
2) The vase arrived with the glass broken and glass every where in the box.

I'm not sure why they shipped me an old box. I've noticed they are removing some of their previous boxes and introducing new partner boxes (Joy The Baker, Design Milk, etc.) so I'm wondering if they are phasing out housewares as well. I've reached out to them to find out why this happened and I'll update once I hear back.

 

Sjotime Industries Power Plants Bud Vase - Value $35

I love the design of this vase. (One of the glass tubes shattered in shipping). I've reached out to Lost Crates to resolve this issue.

Roughfusion Concrete Tea Light Holders - Value $18

These came with apple cinnamon tea light candles, but I think they'll look better with plain white candles. These are my favorite item in the box. Perfect for our patio.

Chilewich Faux Bois Coasters - Value $18

These are actually fake wood, but they look amazing. They also seem to be pretty heavy duty so I'll be using them outside as well!


Verdict: I paid $73 (including shipping) and received $71 worth of amazing products. I'm confident Lost Crates will resolve the broken vase issue so I'm not worried about it. I totally recommend trying out one (or more) of their subscription boxes. Use this coupon code for additional savings:

TRYIT30 - for 30% off your first subscription box. You can use it multiple times if you want to sign up for multiple boxes. (I just signed up for the Joy The Baker box and the Eco Salon Box).

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Bonus Surprise Package from Birchbox!!

This little bonus gift from Birchbox made my day! They sent me a pink leather keychain that holds your chapstick or lipgloss to thank me for being a loyal customer.

It looks like it's the same material as the Birchbox Baggu Pink Leather Pouches. 

This small gesture meant so much to me. Not many companies go out of their way to thank you for sticking around, and this is one more way Birchbox has proven to me that they rock!

Have you ever gotten a loyalty gift from them? What did you get?


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Indie Gift Box Review - Dainty Subscription Box - July

I was so excited when I saw my first Indie Gift Box arrived today! When I picked it up it felt a little light, but then I remembered I ordered the "dainty" box :) and sure enough it was full of wonderful little things.

The Box: Indie Gift Box

The Cost: $15 a month including free shipping

The Products: Items from independent artists and small businesses. There are four different themed boxes you can subscribe to: Dainty Box, Color Box, Beauty Box, and Boho Box.

Anirtak Shy Owl Necklace - Value $16.50

Adorable necklace with adorable packaging. Couldn't be happier!

Elle Dee Designs hair ties - $6 value

Love the colors and I can never have enough hair ties.

Vegan Mineral Eye Shadow in Peach Ice - Value $3.50

Mary Rebecca Handmade Felt Bow Tie in Moss - Value $5.00

Love the quality of this handmade bow tie, and it's a great color for fall.

Fabric Covered Button Earrings Dots In Wild Cherry - Value $5.75

These are so precious. Unfortunately for me my ears aren't pierced, but I'll pass them along to a lucky friend.

Verdict: I love Indie Gift Box! I paid $15 and received $36.75 worth of items. I can't wait til next month's box and now I'm curious about the Beauty Box, Color Box and Boho Box! Let me know if you tried a different box and if you recommend it.

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Sample Society / Beauty Bar Subscription Box Review - July

One of the reasons I love Sample Society is the fact that they consistently ship out the boxes at the very beginning of the month! (I hate waiting :) I've been a subscriber since the first box and they give out very deluxe size samples with the value always exceeding what I paid ($15 a month). I'm a fan!

The Box: Sample Society

The Cost: $15 a month including free shipping plus a subscription to Allure magazine.

The products: Deluxe (and sometimes full-size) high end beauty / skin care / hair samples. (Typically more skin care items).

Here's the break down with values:

Vincent Longo Dup Lip Pencil in Sangria and White Glimmer - FULL SIZE! - Value $26

I can tell this is a high quality item, but unfortunately the Sangria color goes on too dark for my skin tone. Any suggestions on how to use the white glimmer lip liner?

Borghese Tono Body Creme - 1 oz,  approx value $5.00

I love that this moisturizer works really well without being greasy. And it's a large sample size that will last a while - win!

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint - .17 oz, approx value $4.00

I got this in the bronzed shade. It's great if you are looking for a really light alternative to foundation for the summer. And it's oil free.

Vbeaute Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream - 1 ml - approx value $5.00

I've tried this for the past two nights, and like every other eye cream I've ever tried, I think it's nice but can't see any difference in my under eye area.

Sisley Hydra-Global Intense Anti Aging  Hydration - 4 ml - approx value $25.00

Wow, the full size of this is $250! I love the product, but it hasn't transformed my skin in a way that I can justify that price tag just yet. I think there's at least a week or two of uses in this sample, so I'll update if I find out this cream is indeed life-changing.


Verdict: I'm very happy with this box: The value is about $65 and I paid $15. I also will use most of the products and I'm already looking forward to the August box!

Looking for more beauty boxes? Check out the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

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Healthy Surprise Large Subscription Box Review - July

I have been thinking about signing up for Healthy Surprise for a few weeks now, but I was a little hesitant because of the price tag. (I paid $99 for the large box, but smaller sizes are available for $33 and $66). Then one rainy, traffic-y night on my way to Whole Foods, I realized it is totally worth the cost to have gluten free and vegan treats delivered to my door.

We got the box today and starting snacking. Everything we've tried so far (the kale chips, cheesy almonds, apple chips) has been delicious. Even my BF who is not a fan of "health food" was won over. I am sooo excited to have healthy treats on hand all month - this box is literally a lifestyle game changer for me.

I should mention that I am gluten and lactose intolerant, and that's a big part of why I love this box so much. Not having to search for products I can eat, but instead have the best products selected and sent to me is totally worth the cost. If you are like me and constantly reading ingredient labels, I'm sure you understand :)

Here's a break down of what I got in the box with values:

(I haven't tasted everything yet, but I'll update as I do)

Alive and Radiant Foods Kale Krunch (Quite Cheesy) (2) Value $5.99 each

A great alternative to salty chips/pretzels/etc. They sort of have a cheezit taste, but are 100% good for you :)

Bare Fruit 100% Organic Bake-Dried Pears - (2) Value $4.00 each

Rise Energy Bar Blueberry Coconut (2) $2 each


Oskri Coconut Bar Mango - (2) $1 each

Oskri Sesame Bar with Date Syrup and Fennel - (2) Value $1.00 each

SunBiotics Organic Gourmet Probiotic Snacks Cheesy Almonds (2) Value $3.99 each

SunBiotics Organic Gourmet Probiotic Snacks Truffle Almonds (2) Value $3.99 each

These almonds are AMAZING! And I absolutely love that they are probiotic. They may be the perfect salty snack.

That's It Apple Pear Fruit Bar (3) value $2 each

That's It Apricot Apple Fruit Bar (3) value $2 each

Bare Fruit 100% Organic Bake-Dried Cinnamon Apple Chips - (2) Value $2.50 each

Rawmio Organic Sprouted Hazelnut & Fig Raw Chocolate Bar (2) value $8.95

Calif Sanx Curry Nut Falafal (2) - couldn't find online - guessing $4 each

Home Free Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free) (3) Value $1.49 each


The verdict: The value of this box is about $92 and I paid $99. Sometimes for subscription boxes a good value to me means the value of the boxes exceeds what I paid. In this case I think the value is in learning about amazing healthy snacks I've never tried before and getting them delivered to my door.


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12 Society Subscription Box Review - June

I was really excited when I found out that 12 Society was doing custom boxes for their female subscribers, so I signed up for their first box. I think they did a good job for the first box, but I definitely expect improvements in the upcoming months.

The box: 12 Society

The price: $39 plus free shipping

The products:  4 to 6 hand-picked "best of" products $125 min. value in every box picked by athletes and celebrities.

$20 Uber Ride Credit (new users only) - I love the idea of not having to deal with taxis so I'm really excited to try Uber next time I'm in one of the cities they serve!

$20 Jewelmint Credit (new users only) - Most jewelry usually costs $29 plus free shipping, so I'm pretty pumped to get a necklace for 9 bucks.

Incase Pivot Headphones - Value $59.95 

Comfortable and great sound, definitely the best item in the box!

Tapatio Hot Sauce - Value $5 ...Okay, not super excited about this, but at the same time I'm sure it will get used.

American Crew Shave Precision Shave Gel 5.1 OZ - Value $9.50

American Crew Military Post Shave Cooling Lotion 4.2 OZ - Value $16.50

A little disappointed that I got these...I guess they are still working out the kinks for female subscribers. I will pass them along to someone who will appreciate them though!

Griffin iPhone cases (white and black) Value approx $12 each

Griffin iPhone Anti Glare Screen Protectors - Value approx $15

These are great. I have an iPhone so I was excited about this. (I think all boxes got these though, so they were only good news for iPhone users)

Verdict: They are definitely still working out the kinks (shipping statuses were a nightmare for a lot of users), and I guess I should have known since they are primarily geared toward men I might not love everything I get. I'm going to stick around though and see how things improve with the July box. 12 Society definitely provides a good value. For $39, I received about $170 worth of merchandise.

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New Beauty Test Tube Box Review - Summer 2012

One of my absolute favorite subscription boxes is the New Beauty Test Tube program. This program is sent quarterly, there are typically several full size products and it comes with New Beauty magazine. In fact, I love it so much I get two boxes, and I also subscribe to the QVC New Beauty Test Tube (coming out later this summer).

Cost: 38.90 including shipping

Here's what was featured in the packet that comes with the samples:

Hydroxatone Instant Effect 90 Second Wrinkle Reducer - 15 .02 fl oz packets approx value $30

This product actually reminded me of the Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx formula: it did instantly reduce wrinkles - almost earning miracle product status, but it turns white - maybe I used too much - and I'm not sure it would work well under make up. (UPDATE - does work with mineral makeup, but not liquid makeup!)

Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick - FULL SIZE Value: $20

I'm a big fan of Mally products. I love the eye shadow sticks from last quarter's test tube, and this lip gloss is great as well. Not too sticky, good shine, nice wearable color.

It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin - 2 fl oz (4 fl oz full size) Value $10

Excited to try this. It gets crazy good reviews. I'll update once I give it a go! UPDATE - this is my new favorite hair product. It's made my hair so soft and I don't have to worry about using too much and getting greasy hair like I often do with other products.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum - FULL SIZE Value $20

The reviews on this product seem to be mixed. I'm not super pumped about this drugstore item, but I'll add it to the serum pile and maybe get to it someday :)

Olay Pro-X Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion - .24 fl ox approx value $3.25

I think I'll give this a try. It's supposed to fade the look of spots and redness for an overall renewed appearance.

Neutrogena Brightening Eye Perfector - FULL SIZE $13.99

I like that this has SPF built in, and also is made to be used to cover dark circles and on the brow bone and inner corners of the eye for more brightening. Excited to try!

Lumene Time Freeze Firming Night Cream .5 fl ox (1.7 fl oz full size) approx value $5

This cream is supposed to boost collagen production and help prevent signs of aging. I'll probably try it.

In addition to the products shown on New Beauty's Test Tube site, there were 4 bonus samples I was very surprised and excited to see!

Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer .51 fl oz  (full size 1.7 oz) approx $11.85 value

Ahava makes quality moisturizers, so I'm happy to have this on hand.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer .25 oz (full size 1 oz)  approx $9.00 value

One great thing about subscription beauty boxes? Never having to buy primer :)

Lashfood Eyelash Conditioner .05 oz (full size .17 oz) approx $23.52 value

I've read good things about Lashfood. I think I have a few other Lashfood samples lying around so it's I should have the equivalent of a full size to try!

Jane Iredale Tantasia (approx .25 oz) (full size 4.2 oz) approx $2.14 value

I've seen this self tanner around a lot lately, and I'm glad I can try it without buying a full size. I'm currently a Xen-Tan girl, but I'll let you know if this changes my mind!

Total Value: Approx $149

Verdict: Lots of products I'm excited to try, and some good staples to add to my collection. Very pleased!


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New Subscription Alert! Mantry

It seems like a lot of subscription services have been geared to guys lately, and here's what appears to be the food version of that trend! Mantry - the modern man's pantry - is in waiting list mode right now, but I'll let you know when it's live. I love food subscription boxes, so I'm excited to try this one even though I'm not in their intended demographic.

The Box: Mantry

The Cost: TBD

The products: "Every month, we send a curated selection of items to fit the modern man’s lifestyle, from the rare and exotic to the downright functional."

Allure Summer Beauty Box Review

I love the Allure Beauty Box! There's always sunscreen which is a win for me, and plenty of other full size products I like. I buy two boxes and pay $100 total with shipping for over $500 worth of product. I'll post about the upcoming fall box when I learn more so you don't miss it!

The Box: Allure Beauty Box (not a typical subscription, usually just one available in the summer and one in the fall).

The Cost: $39.99 plus $10 shipping for over $250 worth of product

The Products: Full size drugstore products and some full size higher end products.

 

What's in the box:

ALOXXI COLOURCARE Leave-In Conditioner $14.99

BIORE Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser $5.99

BURT'S BEES Lip Shimmer $5.00

CERAVE SA Renewing Lotion $15.99

CETAPHIL DERMACONTROL Oil Control Foam Wash 11.99

CETAPHIL DERMACONTROL Oil Control moisturizer SPF 30 16.99

CLEAN & CLEAR MORNING BURST Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser $5.49

DR. LEWINN BY KINERASE Instant Dermal Wrinkle Filler 25.00

FEKKAI GLOSSING Cream $9

GILLETTE VENUS & OLAY RAZOR $8.99

JERGENS NATURAL GLOW & PROTECT Daily Moisturizer with SPF 20 $9.99

JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ-EASE Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control for fine to med. Hair $11.25

JOHN FRIEDA FULL REPAIR Style Revival Heat-Activated Styling Spray $9.99

JOHN FRIEDA Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray $9.99

MISS Nail Lacquer

NEUTROGENA Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen SPF 70 $13.99

NEUTROGENA MoistureShine Lip Soother with SPF 20 in Gleam $6.99

ORLY Nail Lacquer $8

OSCAR BLANDI Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray $23

PANTENE Normal-Thick Anti-Breakage Shampoo

PANTENE Normal-Thick Anti-Breakage Conditioner

PUREOLOGY PERFECT 4 PLATINUM Miracle Filler Treatment 24.00

REDKEN POWDER REFRESH 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo $21

TANTOWEL LOOK GOOD NAKED Self-Tan Towelette $7             




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How to earn free full sized products from Birchbox Feedback

 

Do you give feedback on all the Birchbox products you receive? If not - you're missing out on an extra $5.00 to spend at Birchbox each month.

Here's how to give feedback: 

1) Click on the "Box" link at the top left to see the items you can give feedback on.

 

2) Click on an item!

 

3) Once you are on the product page, click on the "Give Feedback" button.

4) Give feedback! The survey should take 1 min and you'll earn 10 points = 1 dollar.

Also good to know: You can save up points - no need to spend them that month. That's an extra $60 to spend on full size products in a year!

New Subscription Box Alert! Pop Sugar Must Have Bag

 

The box/bag: Pop Sugar Must Have Bag

The cost:  $35 a month (free shipping) for over $150 worth of full size products.

The products: Must-have items from fashion, beauty, home decor, fitness, and more.

More details: The first bag (July) is the summer must have bag.

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