May Beauty Army Review

My April Beauty Army box was a total dud, but my final box for May was much better.  I bought a three month subscription from Rue La La and decided not to re-subscribe because I wasn't really that impressed with the service.

Beauty Army normally costs $12 a month, and for that price you get to choose six of nine samples from your selection window.  You can fill out a little questionnaire that supposedly tailors samples to your needs, but I found that regardless of what I entered, I was still getting the same samples over and over, and none of them were really that appealing.  All three months I ended up choosing the best of a bunch of less-than-stellar choices, and I didn't get a product I was really excited about in any of the boxes.  It's disappointing because I figured that the ability to choose your samples would lead to some really great boxes, but I've gotten better boxes from Birchbox, where I don't get to choose what I receive.

• English Laundry No. 7 - I normally don't like fragrance samples, but this was actually my favorite sample in the box.  It's sweet and musky, two of my favorite scent profiles, and I just absolutely love it.  I won't be purchasing a full-sized bottle, though, because it costs $90 and that's just way more than I ever want to spend on a perfume.
• Hask Keratin Protein Mask - I reviewed Hask's products a little while ago and I liked them a lot, so since this was available in my sample window I decided to pick it because I knew it would work.
• TheraBreath Oral Rinse and Lozenges - This probably seems like a really weird sample to choose for most people, but I'm a little bit obsessed with having clean teeth and fresh breath, so I figured these would be good for on-the-go.  The rinse has a really light flavor and is alcohol-free, so there's no burn.  I haven't tried the lozenges yet.
• Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7-in-1 Non-Foaming Shampoo - Shampoo samples are another thing I have a lot of, but I picked this because there really wasn't anything else that caught my eye.  I haven't tried it yet.
• BH Cosmetics California Collection Palette - I've seen this little palette sample all over the beauty box world (from Ipsy to LBB and probably beyond), and I picked it because I do enjoy eyeshadows, and again, there wasn't much else to choose from.
• Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer - I really like Juice Beauty's products, so I knew that I would like this moisturizer.  I use it at night and it's got a light, silky formula.

Bottom Line: Would I recommend Beauty Army?  Based on this experience, clearly not.  I think that if you see some brands in your sample window that you really like then you should definitely give it a try, but I just wasn't ever that impressed by what they had to offer.  I wish they would get some more high-end brands to sample; maybe then I would be interested in subscribing again.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Influenster Spring Fling Voxbox Review

I've participated in a few Influenster programs before, and it's always fun to get an email saying that you've been selected to receive one of their Voxboxes!  The most recent Voxbox I was selected for was the Spring Fling Voxbox.

The box itself was a pretty seafoam green color, perfectly matching the "Spring Fling" theme.  I was a little underwhelmed with the products inside, to be completely honest, but I know that Voxboxes are completely free so I won't complain too much.

One thing I've noticed with Influenster is that they often feature the same brands in each box, and most of them are not cruelty-free.  So why do I keep participating?  Curiosity, mostly.  They used to do boxes that were themed more toward a specific interest, e.g. a "Green" Voxbox, and I'm still holding out for one of those.  The Spring Fling Voxbox had a good assortment of items, but I unfortunately won't use most of them.

• Rimmel London ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara - I have so many mascaras that I have lost count.  I still haven't opened this one because it would just end up going to waste.  I will probably give it away to a friend.  I don't purchase this brand, but I've used mascaras with similar wands and they give really good coverage.
• Kiss Everlasting French Nails - I do not like press-on nails.  I hate the way they feel.  I received a set of imPRESS nails (which I think are an offshoot of the Kiss brand) and I likened them to wearing kitten mittens.  Plus, my nails are actually pretty strong (I have to trim them with toenail clippers) and I change my polish up at least three times a week, so I have no need for these.

• Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion - Travel-sized body lotions are always good to have.  I keep one in my purse, one at my desk at work, and various others scattered around my apartment because having dry skin is one of my biggest peeves.
• Playtex Sport Fresh Balance - Another product I won't use--I don't wear tampons.

• Peach Pie Car Freshener from the Labor Day movie - Influenster posted some teasers saying there would be a "special product" from the Labor Day movie, and I guess this is it.  It's not very exciting, but I suppose it's a nice little extra.  I have a pumpkin spice freshener in my car now, so once that wears out I'll replace it with this one.

Bottom Line: This Voxbox was a miss for me.  It's not the fault of Influenster and I'm thankful for the free box, it just so happened that most of the products were not relevant to my lifestyle.  I'm sure they are working out really well for those who do use these types of products, though!

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Influenster.

May Color Me Monthly Review

I signed up for Color Me Monthly in April after they ran a deal to get your first polish for only a dollar and I decided to stay subscribed another month to see what color they would send.  I was really impressed by their formula and am a little bit obsessed with nail polish, and May's shipment didn't disappoint.

May's color was Sirens, a beautiful turquoise shade with a hint of shimmer.  I thought it was a perfect color for the summer and loved it as soon as I opened the box!  I enjoy Color Me Monthly's polishes because they're 100% cruelty-free, non-toxic, vegan, and eco-friendly.  I decided to cancel my subscription after May, but not because I didn't love the service.  The problem is that I love nail polish too much and my better judgment kicked in and I decided to hold off on purchasing any more bottles for a while.

 

Above are my swatches of Sirens--the photo on the left is in the shade, and the one on the right is in direct sunlight (both are without flash).  The polish was opaque after two coats and applied very smoothly.  If you're interested in Color Me Monthly, it's only $7 a month, shipping included.  They also have six month and yearly plans.  You can view all of their subscription options at their website.

Bottom Line: I plan on re-subscribing to Color Me Monthly at some point in the future because the two polishes I received from them were wonderful.  May's color was beautiful and their product as a whole is great!

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Soap Diamond Review

I'm a little bit addicted to buying soaps.  I love collecting anything that smells nice, which is also why I have two full drawers of scented candles (I have a problem!).  When I learned about Soap Diamond, I was really excited to give it a try because not only does the soap smell lovely, it also has a nice surprise inside!

Jewelry inside of things has become quite the trend, and a very fun one at that.  Soap Diamond is a cute, heart-shaped antibacterial soap that houses a ring inside that can be worth up to $500!  I love items that have surprises inside, it brings out the kid in me (because who doesn't love a surprise?).  The anticipation of what the ring might look like is enough to keep me using the soap, but even if it didn't have jewelry inside I would still enjoy using it because it smells great--very light and floral.

• Visit Soap Diamond's website to learn more and purchase your own ($14.99)
• Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: I've been using my Soap Diamond for about a week and it lathers up very well.  It looks so cute sitting next to my sink!  This is a really great and affordable gift, it's really two gifts in one, for anyone who wants to spoil themselves or someone they love.

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Soap Diamond.

Introducing Escape Mini from Escape Monthly!

Escape Monthly is one of my favorite subscription services, but I haven't been able to stay a loyal subscriber due to the price of the full-sized box.  But now they are offering Escape Mini for only $24.95!

Each month, Escape Monthly sends their subscribers a box full of locally-made products from a different vacation destination.  I tried their Colorado box from January and loved it!  Escape Mini will still feature great locations, and you'll receive four to five luxury items!  I think this is a steal at only $24.95 (shipping included) and will definitely be signing up.  Click here to check it out for yourself!

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Post contains affiliate links.