Finally catching up on my beauty box reviews. This month I wasn’t too happy with Sample Society, but I think that’s because I got spoiled with amazing August and September boxes with Deborah Lippmann, Stila and Borghese. This month pales in comparison, and we didn’t get a makeup item unless they consider the self-tanner as one. I still love that I got to sample all of these high end products and Sample Society is still my favorite monthly subscription.
About Beauty Bar Sample Society:
Each month Sample Society will send its members 5 deluxe-sized samples from beauty brands like Murad, Sisley and Borghese along with a $15 gift code to redeem on a $50 purchase – when any product from the brands you’ve sampled is included in your order. As a bonus they will also send the member a one-year subscription to Allure magazine (a $12 value). This subscription costs $15/month and the value of your box will always be way above. Click here to join Sample Society.
1. Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Conditioner (1.7oz)
Great conditioner! I love that it’s Sulfate and Paraben-free which makes it perfect for colored hair. Despite being very moisturizing, this conditioner gave me some nice volume and my hair smelled fresh and lemony. I wish I got to try it paired with a matching shampoo, but it’s probably just as good based on the conditioner’s performance. I saw these sold at Tj Maxx for $5.99 so next time I stop by I might pick up this duo 🙂
2. Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Balm (0.1oz)
I wasn’t sure what this balm was supposed to be used for so I actually had to google it. This appears to be a very expensive version of plain old Vaseline or Aquaphor, since its main ingredient is petrolatum. So I guess this balm is supposed to be used on super dry or irritated skin to soothe and moisturize it without irritating it further. I recently overexfoliated my face so I applied this balm instead of my usual moisturizer in fear that the former will break me out. It performed well and calmed down my skin, reducing redness and irritation overnight. But I can’t say that this is something my Aquaphor couldn’t do. So, all in all it’s a nice product but not worth all that money.
3. Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner (0.3oz)
I always have problems with self tanners due to my super pale skin. Any minimal streaks will be extremely noticeable so I pretty much have to do a perfect job or it will look bad. I gave this tanner a try on my neck and face and it did a great job! It has a pleasant scent and the cream looks a bit shimmery which adds a subtle glow to the skin. I loved that it blended well with my skin and didn’t make me look orange. So far I think it’s the only tanner that managed to do that.
4. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (0.25oz)
Very interesting exfoliator! It’s dark green and smells like some sort of herbal tea and I think it did a great job exfoliating my skin. It’s like a double scrub – first you massage your wet skin with it to physically remove the dead cells and dirt, then leave it on for a couple minutes to the enzymes could break down the rest. My skin felt very clean and I felt like all of my pores are breathing again.
5. Aromachology Clean & Fresh Eau De Parfum (5ml)
I usually love clean and fresh scents but this one just wasn’t my cup of tea. To me it smelled like dryer sheets or bathroom spray which is not how I want my skin to smell when I go out. I will use this as a spray for the sheets.
6. [Extra] Herban Essentials Lavender Towelette (1pc)
This was thrown in as an extra, it’s a cute little towelette soaked in lavender essential oil. On the little bag it says to use for wiping the hands, but when I went on their site I discovered many other ways to use it! I’ll be using mine in the dryer 🙂 Here is the list of uses, in case you want to be creative too.
Uses for lavender towelettes:
- Inhale aroma to calm and relax
- Smooth over burns or scrapes to disinfect, ease pain, promote quick healing, and prevent scarring
- Massage temples and back of neck to relieve headaches and/or stress
- Inhale aroma and tuck in pillow case to aid in a goodnight’s sleep
- Toss in the dryer to infuse clothes and linens with lavender aroma
- Rub all over skin to repel bugs and relieve itching due to previous bug bites
- Dot on blemishes to clear breakouts
- Remove makeup on the face
- Place in the tub to infuse bath with relaxing lavender oil and aroma
- Clean baby’s bottom and prevent diaper rash
| Product | Retail Value |
|---|---|
| Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Conditioner (1.7oz) | $4.80 |
| Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Balm (0.1oz) | $9.80 |
| Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner (0.3oz) | $2.57 |
| Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (0.25oz) | $10.62 |
| Aromachology Clean & Fresh Eau De Parfum (5ml) | $5.00 |
| Herban Essentials Lavender Towelette (1pc) | $0.80 |
| Box Retail Value | $33.59 |
