Now that 2013 is officially over, it’s time to sit down and see what wonderful new products I have received in my monthly subscription boxes last year. Some may argue that these boxes aren’t a good deal for what they offer, because you never know in advance what you’re going to get; but I really like surprises so I can’t see myself canceling any of them anytime soon 🙂
I get a lot of boxes, so it was actually really hard to narrow it down to only ten favorites, but all of these picks are products I loved so much, I just have to buy more [preferably in large quantities, too]. Without further ado, here is my Top 10 list of the best things I discovered via subscription services, in no particular order.
#10: Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit, for Face, Brows & Bikini – I received this kit in my Bikini Ready Cravebox back in April and got hooked ever since. I have repurchased this one several times, and will keep purchasing more, because it’s now one of my HG products for facial hair removal. You can read the full review of April Cravebox here.
#9: Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara – One of the best mascaras ever, it transformed my wimpy lashes into long, voluminous, and defined winks. I’ve been using this mascara almost every day, and re-purchased it after the initial tube was empty. I received the full-sized sample in my March POPSUGAR MustHave box, and you can read the full review here.
#8: Gorjana&Griffin Zuma Scarf – This gorgeous scarf came in my June POPSUGAR MustHave box, and immediately earned its place as a summer outfit staple. It fit right in with the rest of my clothes, and I wore it almost every day or kept it folded in my purse in case it gets a little chilly. Read my full review of June POPSUGAR MustHave box here.
#7: The Wet Brush – It’s one of those items that you never knew you needed until you try it. I used it once, not expecting much, and was hooked ever since. I brush my hair with it every day, whether it’s damp or dry, it effortlessly detangles even the most complicated bird’s nests I sometimes wake up with. I loved it so much, I even got one for my SIL for Christmas. I received this brush in my October POPSUGAR MustHave box, and you can find the full review here.
#6: Face Stockholm Concealer Stick – I got this concealer stick very recently in my December Wantable Makeup box, but it already became one of my makeup staples. The formula is just right for my eyelids – it doesn’t crease into wrinkles and stays put all day. I will most likely repurchase once I run out. You can find swatches and read the full review here.
#5: Starlooks Brow Shader [now Brow Compact in BS3] – I received this brow kit in May Starlooks box, and it’s been my daily staple ever since. I use it to line my eyes for a softer look instead of using an eyeliner; and of course to fill my brows. It’s seriously a wonderful kit, and will last me a looong time – after months of daily use I haven’t even begun to put a dent in those pans! Click here for the swatches and full box review.
#4: Le Metier de Beaute Face Kaleidoscope in Cheeky Chic – I received this gorgeous face kaleidoscope in my most recent Beauty Vault VIP box, and I’m seriously in love! The colors are perfect for my complexion, they layer beautifully and complement each other so well! They are also highly pigmented and have good staying power, so I never have to do any touchups throughout the day. Read my full review with swatches here.
#3: Runa Guayusa Tea – A very unexpected discovery from a beauty box. Thanks to Birchbox introducing me to Runa by sending a small sampler box as a lifestyle extra back in May, I have found my perfect hot beverage. I re-purchased it in the form of teabags and loose-leaf pound bags from Amazon, and I have another Subscribe&Save order coming in January. You can find my full review of May Birchbox here.
#2: Eyeko Black Magic Mascara – This tiny sample of mascara I got in my November Birchbox is now my daily lower lash staple. I love the clump-less formula, and the definition it gives my wimpy winks. The formula is fully waterproof and smudge proof, and this is probably one of the very few mascaras that doesn’t give me raccoon eyes by the end of the day because it just stays on so well. Find my full box review here.
#1: Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser – Best. Scrub. Ever. Period. Seriously, I don’t even know how I lived without it before, it’s such an amazing product I just want to shout about it from the rooftops so everyone can hear. At first it seems abrasive, but the grains disappear after a few strokes, so there’s just no chance of over-exfoliating. What remains is a very fresh-smelling cleansing foam, that finishes the process to reveal ultra-soft, ultra-clean pores. It helped me get rid of the blackheads on my nose after a week! Seriously, if you ever have an opportunity to try this one, it’s the product I recomnmend more than any other. You can find the rest of that month’s Birchbox review here.
THE VERDICT
I honestly thought Ipsy was the best subscription service for me, but when I took into consideration how many products actually became my staples [and not just something I had fun playing with for a month or so], Birchbox and POPSUGAR MustHave came out victorious. This proves yet again that perspective is everything!
Do you subscribe to any of these boxes? What were your favorite samples of 2013?
