July Birchbox

So I didn't blog about my May or June Birchboxes because they just were kind of "meh." I was actually thinking of cancelling my Birchbox. I was really worried for this month's box as well because there were many samples that I've already gotten from Sample Society that I wasn't really interested in. Thankfully, I got box #12 and there is only one Sample Society repeat.

• Color Club Summer Pastels in Blue Ming Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $8) I'm just not that into nail polish or nail art. Don't get me wrong. I admire those of you that have the patience and steady hands to do amazing nail art but I just don't go crazy for nail polish. This color is not one that I'd ever really consider wearing unfortunately. I have it up for trade.
• Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black Full Size (Full Size Retail $15) The precision pen tip allows you to control the thickness of the line you create and vary the intensity of your look. Plus, the fade-proof formula will hold up all day and night. I'm so thankful I got this color in black. The olive does not appeal to me at all. I never thought that I'd be good at applying winged eyeliner or that it would look good on me. The Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner has prove me wrong on both counts. I loved this! It applied easily and was long lasting. I have a performance coming up in September where we are performing a piece from the 1940s. This will definitely help me get that 40's look down. I'd be interested in getting my hands on the purple version of this that a few people received.
• Harvey Prince Hello Perfume vial (Full Size Retail $55 50ml) Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer. I really like Harvey Prince perfumes. I wound up purchasing the full size Yogini from my first Birchbox. Hello reminds me faintly of Flowerbomb but isn't quite as floral which to me is a good thing. I like Hello and will use up this sample but I don't know that I will purchase.
• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl (Full Size Retail $38 1.7 oz) The formula has light-diffusing minerals, which give skin a soft glow and also smooth over any fine lines. Antioxidants like ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract help improve skin, and SPF 20 wards off UVA and UVB rays.  I also received this in my Sample Society box this month. The Sample Society was twice as big but in a color too dark for me. Pearl is the lightest color they carry. There was something about the color that still doesn't suit me. I think it is still too yellow. I thought it was a bit too shiny for my liking as well. I may be spoiled by BBs but I wanted more coverage from this.
• Larabar uber Bananas Foster (Full size retail $12.69 qty 5). I love Larabars! I have an Apple Pie bar nearly every day. I also really love Blueberry Muffin and Ginger Snap. Larabars are made from actual food ingredients. All are gluten free. Most are also soy and dairy free. I received Bananas Foster and I have to say it wasn't my favorite flavor but I'm still a big fan of the brand overall.
• Birchbox Earbuds Lifestyle Extra not for sale.   I haven't used these yet but I'm glad to have a spare pair of earbuds. This was an unexpected addition and I think these lifestyle extras really set Birchbox apart from other subscription services.
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July 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.

• Borghese Tono Body Lotion (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $36.50 8.4oz) An extra-rich treatment creme that locks in hydration with moisture intensifying molecules. The body is veiled in invisible moisture, which becomes obvious in both the appearance and texture of the skin. Firms and smoothes skin tone.  I've been using this for a few days. It has a definite fragrance to it that I don't dislike but I don't care for either. I'd say it's what you expect for a lotion.
• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint  in Golden (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $38 1.7 oz) Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 evens out imperfections and fades the appearance of fine lines with its light-diffusing multi-mineral formula. This lightweight, water-resistant, hypoallergenic tint features SPF 20 to protect from UVA and UVB rays while ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract deliver antioxidants to the skin, promoting a healthy complexion. Water-resistant, hypoallergenic and oil-free.  This was also in my Birchbox this month. I got my Sample Society box first. There's quite a disparity between the two. The Sample Society  size is much more generous. Unfortunately, Golden is too yellow for me. I've arranged to trade this over on MUT for a sample in Pearl. My tiny sample from Birchbox is also in Pearl. YAY. Jouer is also sending me some samples. I've definitely been favoring my Holika Holika BB lately but I'll give this moisture tint a try. Here's a picture showing the difference in the two sizes. 

• vbeaute Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $85) VBeaute Eye Never is an age-defining, line concealing eye cream that immediately smooths and silkens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizing the appearance of puffiness, lines and wrinkles. Formulated with the brand's powerful age-defying complexes, this eye cream boosts collagen production while protecting against free radical damage. At the same time, it helps increase moisture and relax muscle contractions to help prevent future signs of aging.  I've heard some people complain about the small size of this sample. Hello, it's an eye cream! How big are your eyes? I've gotten at least three days of morning and night time usage of this. I haven't really noticed any difference though.
• Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil  in Lavender Lite and Grape (Full size. Retail value $26) This smudge-resistant pencil is easy to apply and long-lasting. The soft texture and rich pigment allow for precise definition and shaping. Full sized makeup product. YAY! But I really only use lip liner when I wear red lips. So I'll probably be putting this up for trade.
• Sisley-Paris Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $250 1.4 oz) This formula uses botanical, mineral and aromatic extracts to replenish skin’s thirsty moisture cushion in the epidermis, dermis and stratum corneum layers of the skin. Skin is left intensely moisturized and revitalized, so that wrinkles and line lines are minimized and elasticity and youthful appearance are restored. Anti-aging aside, I live in the desert. So I'm all about products that are super hydrating. This has a slight fragrance to it that I don't really mind too much. I've been using at night since I use a BB during the day. I like it but I don't love it enough to go for the full size.

Even though there are a couple of products I'm not terribly jazzed about this month, Sample Society is definitely my favorite of my subscription boxes. I've definitely been introduced to products I never would have tried and the sizes are ample enough to really try a product out before making a purchase.  I don't mind investing in an expensive product if I know beforehand that it's going to work for me.