Lip Monthly November 2015

Lip Monthly is a monthly subscription service that focuses on lip products.   For $12.95 a month you will receive 4-5 full sized products focused on lips (you will occasionally receive one non-lip product.  This month, I received all lip) and a zippered bag, as well as a card outlining the contents. 

This was my bag this month: 

First, let's talk about that zippered bag.  It's cute.  It's a thick vinyl, more substantial that what you expect from say a dollar store bag.   But the smell is AWFUL.   It's a strong chemical smell with a hint of mothballs.   Last month's bag had the smell, too, but this one is worse.  I'll leave it in the sun to see if the smell goes away, but if not this bag will go into the trash.  I got a headache just from opening the package.

Mirabella Lip Pencil in Red Velvet ($25)

This is red.   Very VERY red.   But the formula is wonderfully smooth and super pigmented.   I don't know if the color will work for me, but I love the formula.

Ofra Lipstick in Mina ($19.90)

This is a pretty lipstick in a deep purple-red.  But there's something wrong with this one.   It smells terrible--almost like spoiled food.   I swatched it on my hand but won't even try it on my lips.    I'm emailing customer service about it, but this is going in the trash.   It makes me sad because that color looks great, and is super pigmented (it only took one swipe on my hand for opaque coverage)

Chapstick Hydration Lock Day and Night ($3)

Ok, this was a disappointment.  It's a Chapstick.   Chapstick is not why I subscribe to monthly bags :(   Still, it is useful, though I'll probably pass it on to someone else.   There was also a coupon for $0.50 off another chapstick.  

Beauty for Real See the Light Illuminating Lip Gloss in Kiss Me ($22)

This product, on the other hand, is EXACTLY why I subscribe to beauty boxes.   I've never heard of Beauty for Real, and if I had seen this packaging in store I probably would have scoffed at the gimmicky nature of it.  But there's a LIGHT in the cap that shines down onto the doe foot wand.   There's a mirror on the side of the bottle.   PERFECT for applying the product on the go.  The product is a gorgeous pink gloss with quite a bit of shimmer along with the shine.   And it smells incredible--a sort of minty vanilla.  This is a 'plumping' product, and I assume that's why it tingles/burns a bit.   It's also very sticky, but again that's not unusual with a gloss. 

From top to bottom--Ofra Lipstick in Mina, Mirabella Lip Pencil in Red Velvet, and Beauty for Real Gloss in Kiss Me.

Total value of this bag was just under $70.   However, the Ofra product is going straight into the trash, and the chapstick is . . .well, a chapstick.   The Mirabella Lip pencil just isn't for me.   The lip gloss is a hit, but it's not worth keeping the subscription for.   I'll be cancelling this one. 

Birchbox November 2015

My love affair with Birchbox continues.   Birchbox ties with Ipsy to be my favorite monthly subscription box.   For $10 a month, Birchbox send 5 or more deluxe samples of makeup and skin care products.   The boxes are curated based on your answers to a survey that you can update at any time.  Birchbox is less likely to include full-size products than Ipsy and sends the products in a pretty box rather than a zippered bag.  It does seem like Birchbox includes more high-end brands than Ipsy, but that may not be the case.   One thing is for sure--it doesn't look like I'm unsubscribing any time soon!!!

So, this is my November box:

 

 

 

 

 

Every box comes with a card. On one side is a little blurb about the month's theme, the flipside has a list of the included items and the retail value (of a full sized product).  This month's theme is Feeling Fancy.

 

 

 

 

 

The included products, in no particular order:

AYRES Body Polish in Pampas Sunrise (1 oz, $3.75)

 

I love the packaging.  I think I'd like the formula . .. but I can not stand the scent.   Now, I'm not saying it smells bad.   But it says on the side "with essential oils of lemongrass and patchouli."  I hate both.   I'm more of a jasmine and vanilla or dark currant and cinnamon or peppermint kind of girl :D   I'll pass this one on--probably to my mother, who will love it.  

 

Davines This Is a Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid  (50 mL, $6)

 

I received a Davines product in an earlier box and I hated the scent (noticing a trend?  I'm sensitive to smells).  However, this one smells pretty nice, and I'm looking forward to trying it.  From the Birchbox website:  If only our dates were as modest as this super-effective hair moisturizer. It not only gives us straight, controlled locks—it’s also a total powerhouse. The flake-resistant formula adds major shine, eliminates frizz, moisturizes, humidity-proofs, and even preps hair if you’re wrangling it with hot tools. And since it works by gradually releasing ingredients, you don’t have to worry about it suddenly ghosting (also something we wish for in dates). 



Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask (1 mask, $7.50)

 

 

I've been hoping to get a sheet mask to try.  I'm nervous about this one because it's designed to address redness and dryness.  I've had a bit of redness lately but my skin tends more towards oily than dry.  Still, this will eventually be part of a 'spoil myself' evening.  


leBalm Cosmetics Blush/Shadow in Frat Boy (0.57 g, $1.50)

 

This is my second subscription box sample from leBalm, and just like the last one it is exceptionally small.  Still, it's got some great pigment.  It's a very pinky pink, so I'll have to be super careful not to look like a Raggedy Ann doll when I use it.   The formula is soft, smooth and wears well.   I'll definitely explore leBalm products the next time I'm at one of the department stores. 

LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in On Point (Full size! $10)

 

 

Birchbox has teamed up with Tati Westbrook (who I ADORE) for the inaugural set of their new makeup collection.   I chose this shadow stick for my 'sample choice' this month--three eyeshadow colors and two lip colors were available.  I'm a little disappointed in the color--not extremely, but a tiny bit--because it's a little rosier than I had hoped.    But oh my goodness it's BEAUTIFUL.   Smooth and sparkly and just gorgeous.   It covers like a dream (the swatch below is a single swipe) and you've got about 30 seconds to blend before it sets.  And then it's THERE.  I bruised my hand trying to rub it off (because that's the kind of thing I do) and it stayed right there, even through washing my hands twice!   And yet it came off easily with my eye makeup remover.   I'm sold on this new line.  Great job Tati and Birchbox!  Now I need a few more shadows and a lipstick or three :D  

Update:   I wore this last week when I had a meeting and needed to feel powerful.   I put it on over Prestige Eye Primer on the inner half of my lid and the inner corner.  I then blended it out with some other shadows and found that I needed to go back in and punch up the color (I overblend.  It's what I do).  This second coat left it looking very cakey.  It was still a nice color, just . . . cakey.   It stayed in place ALL day, and I actually had to put some effort into taking it off.   It's still one of my favorites, but I'll be using it more for quick looks than layering.  
 

leBalm Cheek and eye color in FratBoy and LOC one and done pencil in On Point
Swatched onto bare, zombie-pale skin (ok, not really, but I am pretty pale)

  

 

The full value of this month's box is $28.75.   I'm pleased with it.   That eye pencil is incredible,  I'm  impressed with the leBalm blush, and I get to try a sheet mask.  It's not the most amazing Birchbox I've received, but the products are all high quality.    

Dermstore BeautyFix Box, October 2015

The Beauty Fix box is available from Dermstore.  It's a combination of makeup and skincare items, many full size or deluxe samples.   The regular price is around $35 for a single box or $25 if you subscribe, though there are frequently discount coupons for your first box.  For this one, I subscribed and used a coupon code to get my first box for $5 (DEFINITELY a bargain!)  Here's what I got:

Avene Thermal Spring Water (Full Size, 150 mL $12.50)

I've been wanting to try a water spray, so I figured this was as good as any other.   I overcleansed my face after Halloween and it's been irritated ever since.  I've even avoided makeup for a couple of days to give it some time to heal.   This spray seemed to help a bit.   It felt very calming and refreshing to spray it on my bare skin.   I'll update once I've been brave enough to try it to set makeup. 

Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream (8 mL $13)

Ok, I love this stuff.  I use it at least a few times a week.  I can not honestly tell you if it actually makes my eyes look better, but it certainly makes me FEEL less tired.  

Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Treatment (2 packets, about $20)

This is one of those expensive skin treatments I never would have tried without a sample box, but I'm glad I get the opportunity.  According to the included card, you can  'Visibly improves the appearance of dull, tired, and aging skin with this innovative, fast acting, lifting technology." Ten packets of this are $110 on Birchbox.  I'll update when I get to try it--it's currently in my 'try this soon' bin :D

Ahava Dead Sea Water Mineral Hand Cream (20 mL, $5)

This hand cream feels great.   It sinks into my skin quickly but leaves that firm-but-moisturized feeling behind.  It's not greasy and I didn't feel the need to wash my hands afterwards before touching things.   The scent is odd.   It's like a cross between baby lotion and that medicinal-lotion smell . . . and yet somehow it's nice.   When I describe it, it sounds terrible.  And yet I like it.   In any case, this one is now in my handbag :D

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair (deluxe sample, about $15)

"Improve your skin's elasticity and restore firmness with this peptide-packed facial cream wonder."  This one also got added to my 'try this soon' bin.

Replenix Neckletage (0.35 oz, $15)

"Boost collagen and elastin while lightening uneven skin tone:  designed for your neck and décolletage which can often reveal your age."  I for one have not been worrying about how much my décolletage will reveal my age, but I'm still happy about this sample.  I've not seen a product designed specifically for my cleavage before.  I'll probably try it on date night :P  

Follimedica, Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women (Full size,  $35)

"Stimulate hair follicles and promote healthier strand growth for fuller, thicker-looking locks with this low-dosage, minoxidil-based treatment."   I haven't had any problems with hair loss so I'll probably pass this one on.  Too bad--this is a full 30-day supply.


CoTZ Flawless Complexion: The Healthier Sunscreen SPF 50 (1 g, about $0.25)

This wasn't officially part of the box, just an included sample.  I'm interested in trying it, but I'll wait until full winter.   I tend to hibernate in the fall and don't get much sun until we play in the snow :D  

Cargo Eyeshadow -- Moreton Bay (Full Size, $16)
Osmosis Colour Eye Pencil in Charcoal (Full size, $14)

These two products are the reason I actually ordered this box, and they did not disappoint.  The eyeliner is GORGEOUS--it's a beautiful charcoal grey color with silver sparkle.   It's very soft and creamy, especially for a pencil.  My only complaint is that it didn't wear well when I swatched it on my hand and didn't seem to set.   I'll try it on my eyes and set it with powder.  

I'm also going to try to the cargo eyeshadow on my eyes before passing judgement.  As of now, I'm disappointed.  It took quite a bit of work to build up the pigment on my hand--not what I was expecting (I've never tried Cargo before and I was expecting . . . better)   It's a lovely matte color, though, much more burgundy-purply-brown than I was expecting from looking at the color pot, but honestly that makes it a bit more wearable.  

Update:  The Cargo eyeshadow wore pretty well.   It did take some work to build it up--the color was more sheer than I wanted.   But it's a good quality product.  I'll be looking for different colors. 

I'm in love with this liner.   I did set it with some black shadow, but you could still see the silver sparkle.   I love it :D 

I got this box on special for only $5.  The total value is $145.75  It was WELL worth it, and honestly would have been worth the regular price of $25.   I have temporarily canceled this subscription, but I'll definitely be watching for more sales, and I'll consider resubscribing in the spring (after the holidays!)

One note:  I couldn't figure out how to unsubscribe online, and I hate calling to cancel subscriptions.  So I changed the credit card info saved on their site (which I frequently do when I cancel or pause a subscription, anyway, because I'm not a trusting person :P)  

Birchbox October 2015

 

(I'm looking over my past posts and it seems like I've lost a Birchbox review, for September.  I remember writing it, but I can't find it :P   I'll try to back up and do it again)

So, the first month I subscribed to Birchbox, I thought it would be my last.  But then I forgot to unsubscribe, and my next box was better.   Then I placed an order for a few specialty boxes, and those were GREAT.   Now I'm considering the yearly subscription to save a little money, since it doesn't look like I'm canceling anytime soon :P  

In October Birchbox partnered with Estee Lauder to create Breast Cancer Awareness themed boxes.   I missed the opportunity to choose a specialty box (one box was available for purchase separately, but sold out within hours), so while I got a pretty pink marbled box, the products inside were not from the awareness samples.   It's ok--I probably enjoyed them about as much as I would have enjoyed the specialty boxes :D   Here's what I got:

 

 

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream (5 mL, $3)

This one confused me, and I honestly haven't tried it yet.   It seems like it's designed for super dry skin, and I have combination/oily skin.   Looks like a good product, just not really a product for me. 

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo (0.75 oz, $3)

This one is really difficult for me.   It dulls my hair.   But other than that, it's AWESOME.   Smells good, leaves my hair volumized and removes oils.   Klorane tinted was my favorite before this one.  If I could combine Klorane and Amika, I'd have the absolute perfect dry shampoo.  

W3ll People Mascara (deluxe sample, $10?)

This product doesn't have the size listed, so it's hard to estimate value.  I haven't used this one yet--I have three mascaras open, and I refuse to open a new one until I either empty one or the three months is up :P   I love that it's a natural product, and I did look at the wand and it seems really interesting.  

EXO Supply Co. Pure Remover Wipes (2, $2.40)

When I saw this in the preview, I thought it was a makeup remover wipe.   When it arrived, I was kind of shocked--I didn't believe a natural nail polish remover could get the job done.  I was SO WRONG.  This took off my polish like a dream.  The only drawback wasn't really a drawback--the wipe left an oily residue on my nails and cuticles.  It felt very nourishing, so I just left it for about an hour before washing it off.  But I don't think it would have been possible to do my nails right away (and let's be honest--I usually take off my polish because I'm putting on new polish.  In fact, I have yet to put on new polish because I haven't had the opportunity!)  This isn't something I'd use every time, but I'll probably pick up a few to use this winter when my cuticles need a little extra babying.

Acure Organics Cell Stimulating Face Mask.   (1 fl oz, $7.50)

I received Acure Brightening Facial Scrub in my September Ipsy Bag.  I liked it so much that I spent Ipsy points to order another, so I was looking forward to trying this one.  It did not disappoint.   The directions say "Apply evenly over the face until you look like a green sea-monster.  Allow to set for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse Thoroughly to a refreshed and renewed you!"   It went on easily, but my son did ask me if I was ok when he saw the green cast to my skin.   I noticed it tingled a little while it was on, but nothing too annoying.   When I rinsed the mask, I was surprised that it was sudsy, like a cleanser.   Afterwards, my face burned.   Not so much that I felt uncomfortable, but enough that I FELT it.   I'm not sure why, but the mild burn lasted for hours (this did not happen two days later when I used it again, so it's possible there was some weird reaction to a different product I had on or something else).  Notice I just said 'the second time I used it'.  This stuff is AWESOME.  My face was as soft as baby skin after rinsing the mask off!  And my face glowed in a way I haven't seen since I was pregnant eight years ago.   This will be a frequently used product for me, and even if the tingling/burning returns.  The results are totally worth it.  


My Birchbox this month is valued at about $26 (Birchbox costs $10 a month, shipping included).   The best part to me is that I keep getting 1-2 products a month that become staples.    Birchbox's rewards program is amazing, and their customer service so far has been top-notch.   If I was pressed to choose, Ipsy is a more fun monthly box, with more color and fun products to try, but Birchbox feels more luxurious and high-end.  

(This post contains referral and affiliate links.  All opinions are my own and I have not been paid for them.)
 

Ipsy October 2015

IPSY TIME!!!!  It's no secret that I love my subscription bags/boxes, and Ipsy is one of my favorites.   I look forward to it every month!

The October theme for the bag is Alter Ego.   I don't really feel like any of my products would hint at the drastic change of an Alter Ego, but ok.   In fact, this is probably my least exciting Ipsy bag so far.   Let's get into it. 

This is the bag:

 

I like the bag.  It's a sort of gold lame' on the front and a shiny black on the back.  It's a little smaller than their usual bag and shaped differently (more square than rectangle).  This bag will get some use.   I enjoy the added value of a monthly bag that Ipsy provides.


 Delectable Hand Cream (2 oz, $12 cakebeauty.com)

Delectable Hand Cream is a 'coconut & cream ultra nourishing hand cream'.  We could all use a good hand cream this time of year, but some of us can't possibly use THIS hand cream.  I am allergic to coconut.   This is a drawback of every subscription box I've seen--if you have an allergy, especially an unusual allergy like coconut, you will occasionally receive a product you can't even try without risk.  I'll happily pass this one on to someone else.  It's a really good size.  I might even toss it in a Christmas gift basket.   It contains shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.  It does not contain parabens, sodium chloride, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, GMOs, Mineral oil, petrolatum, gluten, or triclosan.  (I REALLY wish I felt comfortable trying this :( ).  This product is from cakebeauty, but it looks like they're trying to rebrand as 'natural' rather than 'cake inspired'.   Worth watching, especially if you enjoy the brand.

MicaBeauty Ipsy Exclusive Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze ($15?)

MicaBeauty eyeshadows run about $15 on their site, but it doesn't look like they have creams.   Maybe this is the introduction of a new line?   Anyway, I just tried my first MicaBeauty product (a lip color) a few weeks ago, from my LipMonthly box.   I enjoyed the formula but the color was just slightly off for me.  I honestly feel the same about this eyeshadow.  The formula makes me want to try other colors, the color had me reaching for other shadows to layer over it to give it some punch.   It seemed to wear well.  I did have some creasing/crumbling, but only in the center where I had tapped some cream glitter over it, so I think it was the second product that caused the problem.   The shadow is well pigmented and very smooth.  I just wish the color were a little more . .. something.  If it were lighter, darker, more metallic or less metallic it would work for me :P 

Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion (0.25 oz, $10)

I'm loving the Acure mask I got from birchbox this month, so I haven't tried this product yet.  I'm looking forward to it though.  It smells sort of like Lemon pledge, so hopefully it won't be too bad.

Update:  I enjoyed this product.   I personally like Acure products better than Dr Brandt, but this is not a bad product.  It also seems to exfoliate a little differently than my Acure scrub, so I'll keep this one in the rotation.  My skin was soft and smooth and only a tiny bit tight after using it. 


Emite Makeup Professional Slant Tweezer ($25, EmiteMakeup.com)

These are decent tweezers.   They come in a nice plastic tube for storage and have a little rubber cap to go over the tips, which should help keep them sharp (and OMG they're SHARP--I scratched myself with them!).   But let's be real here--they might be slightly better than my $4 Revlon slant tipped tweezers, but there is no way on this earth I would pay $25 for a pair of tweezers unless I was having some sort of life-or-death tweezer emergency.   Not for ordinary tweezers, anyway, and these are just . . . ordinary tweezers.   I can not imagine these tweezers being life changing for anyone.   And honestly, I prefer the less-sharp tips on my Revlon tweezers--I'm less likely to hurt myself with them. 



leBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in shade Committed (1.2 mL $3)

Ok.   Let's talk about this lipstick.  First off, it smells DIVINE.   They describe is as 'vanilla mint' but I swear there are hints of chocolate.  SO good.   It is richly pigmented--one swipe covered my lips.   The color isn't terrible, but it's not the one I would have chosen for myself.   And that's about all the good I have to say about it. 

The first time I tried this, I just swatched it on quickly while I was getting ready for bed, then washed it off.   The pigment was good, but it was sticky.   It washed off pretty easily, but I didn't give it a chance to set.  The next time I tried it, I put it on just before I went out the door.   It was terrible.  It felt so . . . goopy on my lips.   Like every piece of pollen or stray piece of lint in the air was sticking to my lips.   I let it set for about fifteen minutes, then I couldn't stand it anymore.   A cup of coffee helped--it seemed to 'melt' the product a little bit.   There wasn't any transfer to the cup, which is great, but my lips felt terrible.   I had stupidly not brought another lipstick with me, so I forced myself to leave it alone while I did pickups and therapy.  Thankfully it was a short day--I wore this about three hours.   The color held up, but I can not explain how terrible the texture was.   Worst of all, the entire time I was wearing this lipstick, I could feel it on my lips.  Not for one second did I forget I had this stuff on.  And when I finally took it off, I had to use a lip scrub.  I don't know if I was scrubbing off product (and all the crap that stuck in the product while it was setting) or if it dried my lips out so badly that they needed exfoliating.   On the plus side, my lips were a beautiful berry-red and very plump after I took this product off.   On the down side, they looked like that because they were irritated :(   I wanted to love this product, and I'm really disappointed that I didn't.   Usually when I get a new product, I use it with q-tips until I'm sure I love it, that way I can pass it on to someone else if I don't like it (I hate to be wasteful).   But with this one I used it straight from the tube, and I don't feel like I can pass it on.   SO . . . I made my husband try it :D  I wanted to know if it was just a reaction I had or even a bad day, and let's be honest--he ends up wearing at least a little of my lipstick anyway.   He let me swipe this on his lip, and then he just glared at me until I gave him something to wash it off.  He complained of a tingling-numbness from the product.   This one is clearly a HUGE miss in our house, and I'm incredibly disappointed.  I wanted to love it :( 

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

I also received another sample of the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub that I reviewed here.   I traded points for this one.   Acure is quickly becoming a favorite brand in my house.  

So, the total value of my October 2015 Ipsy bag is approximately $65 , plus the value of the bag (which I'd put at $3-$5) and the Acure scrub.   Even with the HUGE miss of the leBalm liquid lipstick and the insanely inflated price of the tweezers, I still feel like this month was a great value.  If I bought a pair of ordinary tweezers ($4), some cheap metallic cream eyeshadow ($5),  and any microdermabrasion product at the drug store, I'd easily spend more than the $10 cost of this bag, and I wouldn't have the great bag and a giftable hand cream.   I'm very pleased with my Ipsy subscription. 

This post contains affiliate and referral links.   All opinions expressed are my own based on my own personal use or my family's use of a product, as described.  

Walmart Beauty Box Fall 2015

I've been a subscriber to the Walmart Beauty Box for a couple of seasons now, and this season I somehow subscribed twice .   Because that's the kind of thing I do.   After reading some other blogs online, I decided to keep my second subscription, but I changed the birthdate on it to an 18 year old.   Apparently the products sent are based on your age, and while I enjoyed most of the products I received I wanted to compare the boxes.  So, for the winter box I'll be able to tell you about the differences.  

In the meantime, I received the Fall 2015 box for a thirty*cough* year old.  I'm kidding.  I'm 38, and proud of every year.   :D   This is what I received:


Products

Dove go fresh body wash in mandarin & tiare flower scent (1.8 fl oz) $2

This is ok.   It's Dove body wash, and I always love to have the small ones on hand for travel, small gifts, or donation.  It smells nice.  Nothing to write home about.
 
Amlactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion (2 oz) $3

Haven't tried this one yet.   I'll update when I do

Act Advanced Care Clean Mint Mouthwash (1 fl oz)   $1

Much like the body wash--it's mouthwash :D  It's a great size for travel or donation.

Neutrogrena Healthy Volume Mascara Black (0.16 oz)  $3

I've got a mascara or two that will hit their three-months-open date in late November/Early December, so I'll be checking this one out then.  It's got good reviews online and I LOVE this size (because I can never, ever get through a full size mascara in the three months before you're supposed to throw them out.  But that could be because I usually have 3-5 open at a time :P).   

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 0.3 oz  $2

This seems like a good moisturizer.  A tiny bit greasy, but you can expect that from something with SPF.   I've recently discovered that the milia I've developed can probably be attributed to my sudden increase in moisturizer and sunscreen usage, so I'm trying to pare back.   I wore this on it's own, so I can't speak to how it does under makeup.

Foil Packets

Alright, I usually hate foil packets, but I was pleasantly surprised by a few of these. 

Crest 3D White Brilliance Deep Cleansing Toothpaste
Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening Finisher

I actually really loved this product.  I was hesitant at first, because I have so MUCH toothpaste, and none of it in foil packets.  But I wanted the whitening affects so I tried it.   It did seem to whiten my teeth a little.   I use TINY amounts of toothpaste, and this sample lasted me for 4 brushings, which I thought was pretty good for a packet sample.   However, I already have gum issues and this did seem to irritate my gums, so when I use my second sample (from the second box I mentioned) I'll only use it at night and use my regular toothpaste in the morning. 

Loreal Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil
This smelled ok and had a light texture.  I used it after taking off my Halloween makeup, because my skin was super irritated (I may have overcleansed.  Ok, I DID overcleanse).   But I have oily skin so this is not something I'll buy.   I'll probably pass the second sample to my mom. 
Loreal Revitalift Miracle Blur

This stuff is pretty awesome.  It may be the best primer I've ever used.   It's SUPER thick out of the package, though.   I've only used it once, so I'm not sure whether it clogs pores, but I'll definitely be using both samples and probably getting a larger size to try it out fully. 

ETA:  It does not seem to clog my pores or cause any other problems.  I've even worn it once or twice without makeup over it, and I loved the effect.  It fills in/blurs fine lines and mattifies a bit.  I enjoy this product and plan to pick some up soon. 

Jennifer Aniston the fragrance

Truth:  I accidentally gave this away before I smelled it.   Oops :P 

Coupons

$3 off any Jennifer Aniston frangrance purchase $22 or more excluding gift sets (exp Feb 29, 2016)
$3 off any Roc Anti-aging product exp 6-30-16
$2 off Crest 3D White 2-step tooth paste exp 12-31-15

So, overall I liked this box.   There are a few things I won't use, but it was well worth the $5 price tag, and I'll stay subscribed.  I'm really looking forward to the winter box, so that I can compare the boxes for different ages!