Sample Society Cancelled. Sub Free!

Sample Society was consistently my favorite beauty sub until they started mixing it up with different box variations. Nothing really wowed me. So I had to invoke my three strikes and you're out rule. It was difficult because I've been subbed to Sample Society since they first started. I almost reneged but I am finally subscription box free! I've been subbed to just about every one at some point and oftentimes three or four at a time. Now my bathroom is overrun with samples and I have very few favorite new products to show for it.

I'm going to go ahead and post my last two boxes. I absolutely hate the March box.

March 2013 Sample Society

• Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 Shield and restore environmentally stressed skin with this powerful, antioxidant-rich daytime moisturizer, which contains SPF 30 to block the UVA/UVB rays that cause sun damage and free radical damage. This is probably the one product I'll use the most. Murad always puts out quality products and I still haven't found my HG daily moisturizer.
• LashFood Nano-Peptide Natural Eyelash Conditioner This powerful breakthrough formula is clinically demonstrated to provide the appearance of longer, thicker, lashes and to transform frail and brittle lashes to become healthy and strong. Enjoy visibly different, stunning lashes in 3 to 6 weeks. I'm pretty happy with my natural lashes. I don't feel the need to treat them or get extensions  I may or may not try this. I haven't decided yet.
• Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave In Conditioner Ouidad's Moisture Lock seals in lightweight moisture and keeps the hair shaft hydrated. It creates a moisture foundation by infusing individual strands with conditioning proteins vital to healthy hair and great looking curls. Botanical extracts promote long-lasting hydration and help seal the cuticle layer to prevent frizz and encourage healthier hair and scalp. This sounds like a good conditioner for my naturally wavy hair. It doesn't say if it's safe for color treated hair though so I'm a bit hesitant. The matching shampoo would have been nice.
• Butter London 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Cheeky Chops Butter London makes high quality polishes. But this color? Seriously!?
• Hollywood Fashion Tape This is another WTF sample. I don't really need fashion tape. I have this to make sure my clothing fits properly and stays in place. 

I could possibly use it to keep a costume in place but then again all of my costumes are custom made and fitted to stay in place.


While I didn't hate the February box, it didn't excite me either. There was really only one sample I got any use out of.

February Sample Society 

• Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Mousse Plump up. Hair Lift Mousse instantly gives any hair type a thicker, fuller, more youthful appearance.  Considering I have naturally thick hair that I pay good money to have thinned out and still have more hair than the average person, I have no use for this product.
• Diptyque February Fragrance Sample in Oyedo Oh look another Diptyque sample. I received samples of this brand in my September and November boxes. I've hated all three. When I contacted customer service about my frustration with the multiples and the new boxes in general, they gave me a very generous credit which I think I'll use to buy more L'Occitane products.
• LaRocca Skincare Hibiscus Cream Cleanser with AHA This gentle cleanser helps melt away impurities without risking over drying. Delicate hibiscus flower, rich in AHA, Vitamin A and C, has been shown to help skin structure and sebum production, maintaining skins elasticity. This is one of the smallest samples I've ever received from Sample Society. I'd expect this from Birchbox but not Sample Society. I could barely get enough out to use.
• Immunocologie VenoMax Immunocologie Treatment Crème VenoMax is formulated to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles and is ideal for day and night use. Offering protection against chronic inflammation, this rich, luxurious treatment brightens the complexion as it evens skin tone and helps reverse past sun damage. Very generously sized. I've been using this for nearly a month. It doesn't knock my socks off though and has a weird smell. I'm meh about it.
• Exude Lipstick Creme in Bronze The moisturizing formula of Exude's lip creme is enhanced with a light, minty scent. The creamy gel texture leaves a rich finish that's the result of a combination of vitamins C and E. Yep BRONZE. Ya know because bronze works so well for fair skinned cool toned ladies. It actually doesn't look as awful as I thought but it's more metallic than I like. What's up with companies putting mint in lip products. I just don't get that.

I used to rave about my Sample Society boxes. This has probably been the hardest break up for me. I currently have no plans to subscribe to any of the other boxes. I definitely need to clean some stuff out first. Have you broken up with any of your subs lately?

December Sample Society

I know I know.. the month's almost over and I'm just now getting to reviewing my Sample Society box. I tend to get mine a week later and I like to give the products a good round before I write about them. Better late than never right? 

December 2012 Sample Society

• Philosophy Living Grace Gel Deluxe Sample 1 fl oz. (Full size Retail $22 16 oz) Living grace shampoo, bath & shower gel is a 3-in-1 formula that gently cleanses and conditions skin and hair, while inspiring you to live in the present moment. embrace the beauty of living in the present moment as you lather with living grace shampoo, bath & shower gel. this 3-in-1 multitasking formula gently cleanses, conditions and softens skin and hair, while providing a rich, foaming lather for a luxurious shower or bath experience.  No Shampoo or shower gel has ever inspired me to live in the moment. Who writes this stuff? I couldn't even bring myself to post the full description it's so ridiculous. I've gotten this before in the QVC Test Tube. It's ok but is definitely not inspiring. With sodium laureate sulfate as the second ingredient this stuff isn't going anywhere near my hair.
• Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Lip Gloss in Sultry Full Size (Retail Value $20) A healthy high-performance lip gloss in sheer wearable colors. Enhance your natural lip color with five sheer shades. Never sticky or tacky, Elixir delivers superior body and shine. Your lips will instantly feel moisturized and refreshed. Elixir's pure plant ingredients are vacuum processed, without chemicals, to produce a superior lip gloss. Wear alone or layer over Vapour's Siren lipstick. Elixir is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Elixir contains Vapour's lip specific botanical infusion of hydrating Myrrh, healing Lemon Balm, antioxidant Green Tea and anti-microbial Iceland Moss. Gluten & Cruelty Free.  Sultry is definitely close to my natural lip color but gives a little extra pigment and shine. The formula is smooth and hydrating. I really like the formula. It smells like Now & Laters but other than I really like this.
• Hanskin Premium Perfect Super Magic BB Cream SPF30 PA++ Deluxe Sample .33 oz (Full Size Retail $33 1.5 oz) The Premium Perfect Super Magic BB Cream provides coverage, anti-aging protection, sun protection, and cell renewal, all in one tube. The ultimate must-have one-step makeup solution, espeically for those on the go. Contains vegetable extracts for healthy and long-lasting coverage. Evens skin tone by completely covering skin blemishes, freckles, pores, and fine lines. Promotes cell renewal from hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E. Moisturizes the skin while providing coverage. Protects against sun damage, SPF 30 PA++. Comes in one versatileshade that blends in with the skin and will fit most skin tones between light and fairly light. I tend to be a BB snob. If it's not Korean it's crap kinda snob. I'm a huge fan of Skin79 and Holika Holika. I use my Holika Holika almost every day. So I was interested in trying this out..and it's love. The formula is a little thicker than Holika but it provides slightly better coverage. I also like that it dries to a more matte finish. I usually set my Holika with powder because it's quite dewy. Not much in the way of shade range..light to fairly light. Luckily I fall into that category though. I wore this yesterday to dance rehearsal and one of the ladies commented on how great my skin looked. This sample is definitely large enough to last awhile. I might be tempted to buy the full size.
• Delaney Wellness Rejuvenating Eye Cream Deluxe Sample .33 fl oz (Full Size Retail $135 1.3 fl oz) Delaney Wellness Beauty Reserve Rejuvenating Eye Creme helps to tighten, firm and brighten the skin around and under the eyes while minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.Proprietary extract utilizing grape seeds, skins and stems derived directly from Delaney Vineyards is used as the base in all of Delaney Wellness Skin Care Products. Minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Not tested on animals. I don't have much in the way of lines or puffiness around my eyes, it's all about the dark circles. I think this relies more on the sparkly bits to lighten than to actually treat dark circles. I had to quit testing this because my skin broke out on both my eyes just at the corners. I've never had a weird reaction to an eye cream before.
• Murad Age Reform Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles Deluxe Sample .1 fl oz (Full Size Retail $65 .5 fl oz) Murad's breakthrough Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles features a highly concentrated formula that resurfaces skin, minimizing the length and depth of wrinkles. The luxe multi-action formula also plumps skin to decrease wrinkle volume, while rebuilding damaged collagen to promote a smoother, more refined, younger-looking complexion. I only have some faint lines on my forehead that I'm trying to keep from getting any worse. The packaging on this says that you should see results in six weeks. I've only been using this for about a week. So I don't notice a difference yet. I really like how the applicator is flat so you can really get into your wrinkles. Jury is still out on this one.
• Hanskin Super Plus Perfect BB Cream SPF37 PA++ Bright (30g) SS Foil Packet Extra. I haven't used this yet but if it's like the other Hanskin BB, I'll probably love it.

Sample Society is still my favorite subscription service. I would have preferred the Murad and a hair care product or the Delaney and something else just for a little variety though.

June Sample Society

What is Sample Society? Sample Society is a monthly subscription service that is a partnership between Allure magazine and Beauty Bar. For $15 a month you get five deluxe sized samples and a one year subscription to Allure.  You also receive a $15 gift code towards the purchase of any of the brands in your box. It's nice that you have some flexibility and don't have to buy the exact product. You can also use your gift code multiple times. The booklet also includes some tips on how to use the products.

Alterna Boho Waves, Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream, Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper, Oscar de la Renta Live in Love, Murad Clarifying Cleanser.

• Alterna Boho Waves Texture Mist Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $22 4.2 fl oz) Combines strengthening organic bamboo extract and nourishing blue yucca root in a weightless texturizing spray that instantly gives you natural, tousled, "just-back-from-the-beach" waves. Use on damp or dry hair.  My hair has a natural wave to it. I tend to wash it and let it air dry. I used this after washing and it does make the waves look more deliberate. I'm not sure how well this works on super straight hair.
• Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream Small sample (Full size retail $95 .51 oz) It targets all the visible signs of aging around the eyes: wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dehydration, dark circles, puffiness, dark spots and loss of radiance. Premier Cru The Eye Cream immediately brightens and correct dark circles thanks to silvery, coppery and iridescent pearlizers. I know some people have reported near empty samples of this. This is the smallest sample I've received so far but mine was not empty. I've had enough to use twice a day for a few days. I haven't really noticed any difference though. For $95, there better be some definite results.
• Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $25) Make your lips full and kissable with Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper. Special peptides give moisture and visible plumping that lasts. One single sweep of this tinted cool mint and ginger lip plumper and your lips will be transformed with sheer natural color and a refreshing feeling you can't top. I love tiny lipstick samples. They're so cute. I haven't given this a try yet. Of the colors this comes in, I'm glad they sent out Tokyo. I'm not sure how flattering the other colors would be other than Milan. Lip plumping is not usually a feature I look for in a lip product. 
• Oscar de la Renta Live in Love Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $58 30mL) A classic scent in its richness and beauty, but with an updated more contemporary feeling. A green floral bouquet.  I don't immediately hate this like I did the other Oscar de la Renta perfume in the first box. It is a more approachable floral for me but still not my favorite. I love the tiny little bottle though. 
• Murad Clarifying Cleanser Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $26 6.75 oz) Use Murad Clarifying Cleanser that helps eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria and clears blemishes. This cleanser prepares your skin to allow maximum penetration of ingredients and prevents new breakouts. It is especially designed for those with blemish-prone skin.  I actually like this cleanser. I tend to rest my face in my hand. So there are a few spots prone to breaking out. Not sure if I would buy it though. We seem to get so many different facial cleansers in sample boxes that I don't know if I'll ever have to buy a full size again. 

April Sample Society

What is Sample Society? Sample Society is a monthly subscription service that is a partnership between Allure magazine and BeautyBar. For $15 a month you get five deluxe sized samples and a one year subscription to Allure.  You also receive a $15 gift code towards the purchase of any of the brands in your box. It's nice that you have some flexibility and don't have to buy the exact product. You can also use your gift code multiple times. The booklet also includes some tips on how to use the products.

Murad Skin Perfecting Primer, Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel, Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum. By Terry Creme de Rose, & DDF Amplifying Elixir

• Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $35) Refine your skin tone and minimize the appearance of pores with this acne-fighting primer, which creates a smooth, non-shiny matte finish. It's the secret tool for ensuring a flawless foundation application.   This primer looks pretty dark but it blends into my pale skin easily. I like this primer but wasn't wowed by it. I felt like I needed to use a fair amount to cover my entire face.
• Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $26) Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel is a daily cleaning formula which develops a purifying lather to gently clean your skin pores. It helps to refine the look of pores leaving your skin fresh, comfortable and good to touch. This gel has a complex blend of botanical amino acids and other natural things that help to protect your natural complexion.  I really enjoy this cleanser. It really is a gentle cleanser. The texture is neither too thin or too thick. I would consider buying the full size product.
• Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum  Small Sample (Full Size Retail $35) Smooth unwanted frizz and shine all day with this lightweight, moisturizing hair gloss from stylist to the stars Oscar Blandi. Banishes frizz and flyaways. Hydrates and protects your hair. Provides instant, long-lasting shine. Add definition and light reflection to dull hair with this strengthening and perfecting serum, which can be applied on both wet and dry hair.  This smells FABULOUS. I absolutely love the way it smells. Unfortunately, I'm not wowed by it's effectiveness as a serum.  I'd still pick the Keratase Elixir Ultime over this. 
• By Terry Creme de Rose Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $99) The enhanced new formula of Creme de Rose New Formula - Nutri-Lift Comfort provides soothing nourishment for tired and thirsty skin effortlessly for hours, softening lines and wrinkles for a firmer, more youthful appearance. The luscious scent of roses makes every velvety application a sensuous experience. Nourishes and soothes tired skin. Softens lines and wrinkles. Moisturizes and protects skin.   With a $99 price tag I'm a bit hesitant to try this. I don't want to fall in love with it. However, I don't have a lot of wrinkles.  I don't want to sound immodest but I also don't look my age. The last thing I want to do is appear younger.
• DDF Amplifying Elixir Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $63) Formulated with a potent blend of hand-picked ingredients, DDF's Amplifying Elixir can strengthens the skin's moisture barrier by up to 50%. Banyan leaf, lotus flower and red clover extracts improve hydration and transform the skin's appearance. Hydrates skin. Can strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. Improves and transforms the skin's appearance.  I've never used a serum.  I've just recently gotten into really paying attention to an reevaluating my skincare routine. I've been a bit hesitant to try to this product because I've read some people have quite a reaction to it. I may give it a whirl or it may wind up for trade. 

Overall, there were more products in last month's box that I enjoyed and was excited to try. I hope next month improves. I received my first issue of Allure this month. I haven't had much time to really dig into it. Are you a Sample Society subscriber? What was your favorite sample?