Beauty Bar Sample Society Unboxing and Review: November 2013

This was my first Sample Society box after a long break, and it didn’t disappoint. I already knew two products that would be included in all November boxes, so I kind of knew what to expect. I’m especially excited about finally getting to try one of the most coveted fragrances – Eau d’ Hadrien by Annick Goutal.

HOW IT WORKS
For $15/month Sample Society will send its members 5 deluxe-sized samples from beauty brands like Murad, Sisley, Alterna, and Borghese and a $15 off $50 discount code. As a bonus all new members receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Allure magazine (a $12.00 value).
Click here to join Sample Society.

Borghese Splendore Brightening Makeup – Holy Batman shimmerfest, this thing is shiny! Basically, as far as I understand, this is a multi-functional shimmery liquid that can be used as a makeup primer, highlighter, eyeshadow, or even added on top of your lipstick. Not only is this a very generously-sized sample (it contains as much product as the retail pump bottle!), I don’t even know how many years it’s going to take me to use up this thing, because a tiny bit goes a long way as you can see from the swatches. I think I will be using it mostly as a highlighter base over my cheekbones.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture – I used to like Murad, and then I kind of grew bored of it, pursuing lesser-known brands instead. I believe I tried this product before – it came as part of a 3-step system kit or something, and I remember liking it back then. Since that time, however, I have been introduced to over a hundred different moisturizers, and I learned that Murad is not the best thing that happened to my skin. Right now I would say it’s “okay” but I wouldn’t buy it for myself.

Illume Balsam & Cedar Travel Tin Candle – This adorable candle in a festive green and gold tin was the main reason why I re-subscribed – I just can’t resist Illume products. Not only it’s perfectly portable, it also has a very powerful throw that makes your whole room smell like Christmas. It’s burning all the way across the room as I’m writing this, and I can still smell it very clearly 🙂

Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip Balm – I already sampled this lip balm in one of my past Yuzen boxes, but I’m happy to have another stick of it. Lip Drink is most certainly not a colorless product because it gives the lips a slight white/blueish hue, and I would only ever wear it under other lip products. I love that it’s free of petroleum by-products, has a nice citrusy smell/flavor, and makes my lips feel soft and protected from the sun.

Annick Goutal Eau d’ Hadrien – I’ve ben dying to try this highly-coveted perfume, and at last my wish finally came true. Eau d’Hadrien to me appeared to be a female version of the classic Eau de Cologne, and I love that. It’s fresh and at the same time very feminine, and I feel that this fragrance feels “just right” on me.

THE VERDICT
Am I happy with this box? Yes, I am, and I wish I resubscribed sooner, because it looks like I missed out on some great boxes. I plan to keep Sample Society in my rotation for now, because I enjoy the brands they feature. I’m kind of hoping to see more from Sisley, and some more fancy fragrances in the future.

Are you a Sample Society subscriber? What do you think of this month’s box?