Sephora Stash and "Insider" Information: Part Three

Sephora Stash- and Beauty Booty-themed posts showcase future reviews, like different product lines from one brand (e.g., Urban Decay for makeup, Origins for skincare, Living Proof for hair care) or various brands comparing similar types of product (e.g., foundations, mascaras, k-beauty, leave-in conditioners). I typically see a 40% increase in viewership for these posts. I don’t know why, but I like writing them, so if I get more readers, and said readers enjoy the content, I’m happy to oblige.

I nabbed this KORRES Lip Butter in wild rose so I could take advantage of a special "5 samples per order" deal. I received the Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Deliciously Shiny Lipstick, Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne, and Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc EDT samples I requested. I didn't get the Dior Rouge Dior Liquid or Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser samples, but they did send IGK Hot Girls Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer samples.

Still on a lip treatment kick, I got this Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm AND spoiled myself with the Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Brush. For my promo, I stuck with Farmacy and ordered their Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer. They were still giving out 5 samples with purchase. I received the Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer, Giorgio Armani Beauty Ecstasy Shine Lipstick, Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Deliciously Shiny Lipstick, and Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask samples I requested. They didn't send the Dior Rouge Dior Liquid sample, but sent the Hourglass Immacculate Liquid Powder Foundation sample instead.

I went a little crazy with Too Faced products! I picked up the Melted Gold Liquified Lip Gloss and Melted Latex Liquified High Shine Lipsticks in Bite Me and Unicorn Tears. There was a great Urban Decay promo that included travel sizes of the the All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, Troublemaker Mascara, and Vice Lipstick in Bad Blood. None of my three sample choices arrived (bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation, Chanel Bleu de Chanel EDP, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camoflage Concealer). They sent Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer, it Tightline 3-in-1 Black Primer/Eyeliner/Mascara, and Versace Dylan Blue EDT samples in their places.

Wanting to pamper my skin, I next ordered the Origins Super Stars Kit (containing Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash, Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, and High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream) and the Peter Thomas Roth Facial On The Go Kit (containing Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Cucumber De-Tox Bouncy Hydrating Gel, Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator, and FIRMx Peeling Gel). I wanted the foundation sample set promo, which included samples from: bareMinerals, BECCA, Fenty Beauty, Laura Mercier, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Marc Jacobs Beauty, Sephora Collection, Too Faced, and Urban Decay. I received two of the samples I chose: Hermes Twilly d'Hermes EDT and Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer, but instead of the Commodity Gold EDP, I got the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue Glitter Bonding Eye Shadow Primer.

I got a little bit of everything with this order! I chose the BECCA Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss in Champagne Dream x Bellini, Clinique Take the Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes, GLAMGLOW BUBBLESHEET Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask, Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Dying For Shoes, and Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Spellbound. The only sample I received that I ordered was the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. I didn't get the Kevin Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation or Sephora Collection 10 HR Wear Perfection Foundation samples. Rather, they sent Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder samples.

The last order I placed this time around was using the points I acquired as a birthday gift from Sephora. It was for the tarte Love from tarte Discover Set reward, and included samples of some of their most popular products: lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara, Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation, Rainforest of the Sea Collection Quench Hydrating Primer, Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Feisty, Sex Kitten Liquid Liner, and tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Delish, all inside a gorgeous flamingo-sequined makeup bag!

                                                                                                                    

Sephora Beauty Insiders:

By signing up to become a Beauty Insider, you open up a whole new world of Sephora awesomeness. Becoming a member is easy and free. You can do it in-store or online. When you sign up, you'll be assigned a card number that will automatically be applied to your purchases online and can be scanned from your smart phone in-store. Pre-tax and pre-shipping, you'll receive one point for every dollar spent, excluding gift cards. However, if you use a gift card to pay, you will still receive points.

There's also a great app you can use to shop. Some of the perks of using the app are instant notifications that you will receive to notify you of exciting new opportunities. You'll also get app-only previews and promotions, be able to use the virtual artist program to try on various cosmetics and be able to save all of your LOVES for future purchases.

Some of the other benefits of being a Beauty Insider are:

• Birthday Gifts each year that you are a member. Usually you can select from several options of minis worth $10-$20. There is no purchase necessary in-store and only a small minimum purchase required online. These can be redeemed anytime during your birthday month in-store, and two weeks before and after your birthday AND during your birthday month online.

• Rewards! Use your points in the Rewards Bazaar to get really cool deluxe samples of some of Sephora's favorite products. Use any amount from 100 points and up to access these great bonuses. Obviously, the more points, the more incredible the items. New rewards are constantly being added and some are even for trips, like to New York Fashion Week or to visit various spas and boutiques belonging to brands like Caudalie, Make Up For Ever, benefit Cosmetics, and more. Some even including travel!

• Access the Beauty Insider Community. You can join groups, participate in the forum discussions, and chat with other insiders to get info and recommendations. Complete your beauty profile to receive personalized makeup color matches.

• Free Beauty Classes where you can learn from an instructor the basics like skin care routines, all the way up to creating new makeup looks based on today's trends.

Once you've spent $350 in one calendar year you'll become a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider), and if you spend $1,000 you'll attain Rouge status. Both of these add to the special privileges you can receive as a Beauty Insider. For example, as a VIB you'll also get to have one Free Makeover a year in Sephora stores and a Monthly Gift, which turns out to be basically another promo code especially for VIB's. A VIP Rouge member gets unlimited free makeovers, Free 2-day Shipping, and invitations to Private Events.

What's great about shopping online is you'll get to choose two Free Samples of sweet products from a list of 12, free shipping when you spend over $50 (or for any amount if you purchase Flash Shipping for $10 per year), AND PROMOS! Do not forget to enter a promo code for orders $25 and up. Some require a higher minimum purchase, but all the free goodies are fabulous - deluxe samples, fantastic extras with select fragrance purchases, and occasionally makeup baggies full of perfume, skincare and makeup samples. There are even coupon codes for $10 off from time-to-time. You can find these promos on the site under Beauty Offers, by the promo entry space, or at coupon code sites such as Groupon or RetailMeNot. You supposedly cannot enter codes once they've been taken off the site, but I've found I can sometimes still enter a code in the first couple of days afterwards. Don't take my word for it! If you want something badly enough, place that order as soon as possible. Usually items are only added or removed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All samples, promotions, and rewards are first-come, first-serve, so if you see something you really want, make sure to grab it while you can. But don't worry. Even if you miss one, there are new items being added all the time.

I've found that purchases in-store can be hit-or-miss when it comes to getting samples and other freebies. Sometimes they have nothing in the original packaging. Other times you might get something unbelievable like a deluxe sample of a really expensive face cream, etc. One thing is true for almost all stores is that a beauty expert will pack you up a sample of almost anything you want from their product selection.

One last thing... Sephora has a beauty subscription service call PLAY! PLAY is $10 per month (with free shipping) and you will be sent five to six samples and/or minis, in an adorable pouch, straight to your door. Included is a PLAY Pass that you can redeem in-store for 50 Beauty Insider points with a full-size purchase, AND a one-on-one consultation to learn how to use your products for that month. Look through some of my PLAY reviews to get an idea of what kind of goodies you can expect to receive with your subscription.

Sisley Paris Beauty Subscription (April 2018)

Sisley’s strong values are built on its family culture, its place in the grand tradition of French cosmetics, and its international ambitions. Skincare, makeup, and perfume… By bringing together its expertise, its consultation know-how, and its creativity, they have created a specific approach for each of its product lines.

Phyto-cosmetology is the concept at the center of Sisley’s creations and relates to using the best plant-based extracts in order to create the best cosmetics. Their success is built on its laboratories’ innovative strength. Products are only put on the market once it has been satisfactorily proven at the term of a long research process that a product is both safe and effective.

With Sisley Paris’s Beauty Subscription, you’ll receive five samples each month, delivered straight to your door, to help consumers discover the whole Sisley product range, based on a theme which changes from month to month.

A six-month subscription costs $60 and a one-year subscription is only $100. Gold and Platinum members of My Sisley Club receive the subscription complimentary as a special thank-you for their loyalty.

The box arrives innocuously enough in an unassuming, black box. Inside is a card describing the month’s theme and product selection and an ivory satin drawstring pouch that carries the items.

April’s theme is “French Beauty Tips.” Here are the products:

Eau Efficace (300ml full-size: $125, 30ml deluxe sample: $12.50)

A micellar water that removes makeup from the face and eyes, cleanses, and tones skin. Formulated with plant-based saponins with strong cleansing powers, it removes impurities and traces of pollution accumulated over the course of the day along with even the most stubborn makeup from the face and eyes. Its soothing and softening ingredients create a pleasant sensation of well-being and freshness.

MY THOUGHTS: I have super-sensitive skin, so believe me when I tell you this is for everyone. It took off the most stubborn mascara and left behind no fragrance or irritation.

Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream (50ml full-size: $195, 4ml deluxe sample: $15.60)

Alkekengi calyx extract and Padina pavonica combine to visibly plump skin creating a more youthful appearance. Black Rose aqueous extract helps the complexion’s texture appear smoother to improve reflection of light. Hibiscus flower extract and Alpine Rose extract boost radiance and combat dulling of the complexion. The silky texture transforms into micro-droplets of water and permeates the skin. Hydrated, the skin is infused with moisture. The combination of oil Black Rose extract, May Rose water and Shea and Camelina oils leaves the skin soft, bringing an instant sensation of freshness and long-lasting comfort.

MY THOUGHTS: This cream is incredibly hydrating and leaves behind a nice, light rose fragrance.

All Day All Year (50ml full-size: $410, 10ml deluxe sample: $82)

Acts as a dual-purpose protective shield, protecting skin from external aggressions. The anti-UVA/UVB shield’s encapsulated filters protect skin to limit oxidative stress. A powerful synergy of plant extracts with anti-free radical properties protect the skin from harmful external factors. Kept inside this protective bubble till night, the skin appears more radiant, toned and dense. Wrinkles are visibly diminished over time.

MY THOUGHTS: My skin felt moisturized and refreshed. The scent is like fresh-cut pine trees.

Instant Eclat (30ml full-size: $90, 1.5ml sample: $4.50)

An illuminating primer with radiance-boosting skin care benefits. The unique formula allows you to easily achieve a luminous complexion without the help of a professional makeup artist. It instantly creates a radiant appearance, minimizes shadowy areas, and reduces signs of tiredness. A complex of skin care ingredients (Kiwi extract, Butcher’s Broom extract, and Padina pavonica extract) moisturize, energize, tone, and give a plumped-up appearance. It’s formulated to be applied immediately before or after makeup without any wait time between.

MY THOUGHTS: Nice thin, creamy texture and beautiful color that makes skin glowy. Leaves a smooth, matte finish so that makeup application is simple. It also has a delightful, fresh fragrance.

Izia Eau de Parfum (50ml full-size: $150, 1.4ml sample: $4.20)

A fragrance built around a rose with a unique scent. This rose, like a rendezvous, only blooms for a short time, only once a year. The heart of a modern and multi-faceted fragrance. Top notes: White Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Aldehydes. Middle notes: Rose d’Ornano accord, Jasmine, Peony, Lily of the Valley, Angelica. Base notes: Cedar, Amber accord, Musks.

MY THOUGHTS: I love this perfume. It is crazy seductive. You can really distinguish the rose and it’s so sexy against the woodiness and musk. This may be my new favorite date-night fragrance.

                                                                                                                    

Value? Based on quantity, these five samples have a value of $118.80. This subscription only costs $10 a month, and shipping is free. That’s unbelievable!

Quality-wise, I can certainly understand Sisley’s prices. I have nice skin for my age, but I watched some fine lines on my face disappear in a week using the L’Integral Anti-Age cream so I know their stuff works in ways others only claim. I want more and am willing to pay for the results I see.

This may be the best subscription out there. If you care about your skin as much as I do, this is well worth a measly $10 a month. The only downside is… you will want to pay full-price for these products once you’ve used them, and that’s sorta the point, right?

Birchbox (April 2018) + Beauty Booty

Every month, Birchbox will send 5+ beauty samples from a variety of makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, and fragrance categories - personalized to you based on your Beauty Profile. Plus, you'll get tips and tricks on how to use them.

A Birch-box sub-scription  costs just $10 per month with no shipping fees or long-term commitments. Any subscription comes with a free gift. 6- and 12-month subscriptions come with higher-value gifts and savings for you.

Customize your box by choosing a specific sample or adding full-size products to ship alongside your box. Earn Loyalty Points (1 point per $1 spent) by purchasing any subscription or buying from Birchbox's online store. Points can be redeemed for any full-size product in the store. Ten points equals $1 to shop!

The April 2018 theme is "Feed Your..." Following are the items I received:

BRIOGEO Rosarco Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème (0.75oz deluxe sample, $4.50) - Blowouts just go easier thanks to this lightweight styling cream. It protects against heat damage and hydrates hair with rosehip, argan, and coconut oils.

COOLA SPF30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray (0.34oz deluxe sample, $8.16) - This light mist soothes skin with a cocktail of cucumber and aloe vera extract and boosts hydration with hyaluronic acid. Plus, it also blocks UV rays.

CLEAN RESERVE Citron Fig EDP (0.05oz sample, ~$1.43) - This sustainably sourced scent's fresh, zesty notes of fig, ginger, and lemon are balanced by musk and sandalwood.

EYEKO Skinny Liquid Eyeliner (0.04oz deluxe sample, ~$12.57) - From a subtle, precise line to a bolder look, accentuate eyes with this pen-style, ultra-black liquid liner. It goes on velvety smooth and stays all day long without budging.

BENEFIT COSMETICS BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara (0.1oz deluxe sample, ~$8.33) - This gravity-defying mascara creates major volume without weighing lashes down thanks to the formula's lightweight aero-particules.
                                                                                                                    

The Verdicts:

The Briogeo hair cream is my favorite of all of the heat protectants I've tried. The texture isn't too thick or thin. It's not sticky at all, and it smells fantastic. I don't often blow my hair dry, but when I do, this will be my go-to blowout cream.

To be fair, I've never used a setting spray before. This one from COOLA smelled a bit like hairspray. Which honestly makes sense. I wondered how spraying something on top of makeup would work, and having it act like a hairspray answers that question. It didn't make my face feel strange... something I would totally expect from this brand because COOLA products are always fantastic.

I love CLEAN Reserve fragrances! This 'Citron Fig' eau de parfum smells exactly like you would expect. It's pretty self-explanatory really. It is was it says it is. And CLEAN seems to always keep things simple, so if you like fig and citrus scents, you'll really like it. It's a great everyday kind of fragrance.

The Eyeko eyeliner is great. I don't know that I've used one before that was so easy to use. It had no problem hugging the lash base and didn't tug at all. It'll be my go-to from now on.

Benefit's mascaras are infamous. No company does with eyelashes what they can do. BADGal is no exception. There was zero clumping. The brush separated my lashes and the formula kept in place while still be easy to remove. I tried on SO MANY mascaras in one day that my eye area took a beating, so if the pictures to the right aren't fantastic, that's my fault alone. The top are my bare eyes, the next is one-eye done. And the last two show the finished product.

This April 2018 box has a total value of $34.99. That's over three times the cost of the box - an amazing value - and includes some of the top-selling beauty products. If this month is any indication of things to come, May should be fantastic!
                                                                                                                    

Beauty Booty!

PŪRLISSE Green Tea + Vitamin C Brightening Sheet Mask ($8.00) - When long days and stress have dulled your complexion, nothing outshines the illuminating power of this sheet mask. The natural fiber material is pre-soaked in a blend of vitamin C, the MVP of brightening, plus green tea to soothe and improve elasticity, grapefruit to fight off free radicals, and lemon for extra radiance.

Oh. My. God. I have been DYING to try this mask ever since it was introduced, so when I saw it in the online store, I knew exactly what I buying with my Loyalty Points.

It lived up to the hype. There was almost no smell, only a very light citrus scent. It was intensely hydrating and my skin glowed after using. I've adored everything Pūrlisse since I first discovered them. Now I have to try the rest.

MUGLER Addict (Spring 2018)

MUGLER Addict is one of my all-time favorite subscription boxes, and the fact that it only comes four times a year means it always pops up when I'm not expecting it. I get very excited to see that this box come in the mail. The black box is beautiful and well-made and is wonderful for storing all the goodies Mugler sends.

MUGLER Addict includes an informative card providing descriptions of each item. In this Spring 2018 box, the featured fragrance is Alien Flora Futura.

"Let this be a season of revelation. Discover ALIEN FLORA FUTURA, a NEW signature in the MUGLER fragrance collection. And tempt your senses with ANGEL MUSE. In the MUGLER universe, all dreams become reality."

Alien Flora Futura Eau de Toilette (1oz full-size: $65, 0.04oz spray sample: ~$2.60)
Celebrate the beauty of otherness: the beauty of being yourself, being different, being original. But also the beauty of hope. A hope and a uniqueness that are embodied in a desert flower. A flower of the future that blooms in a world of light. With notes of Orange, Jasmine, and White Amber.

Angel Muse Eau de Parfum (1.7oz full-size: $95, 0.06oz rollerball sample: ~$3.35)
Tantalizing. Delicious. Supremely feminine... the new addictive fragrance you will #HateToLove. Cosmic explosions collide with magnetic attraction to create an irresistible eau de parfum never experienced before. Get ready to lose your mind! With notes of Grapefruit, Pink Peppercorn, Hazelnut Cream, Vetiver, and Patchouli.

Alien Radiant Shower Gel (6.8oz full-size: $50, 1.7oz deluxe sample: ~$12.50)
Awaken your skin and your senses with the light of Alien - half-woman, half goddess.

Alien Radiant Body Lotion (6.8oz full-size: $56, 1.7oz deluxe sample: ~$14.00)
Indulge in the luxurious scent of Alien in the form of a silky, moisturizing body lotion.

Exclusive Gift: Trendy Purse Mirror – Slip it in your purse for quick beauty touch-ups wherever you may go.

                                                                                                                                                   

Alien Flora Futura is a sweet floral. You can definitely pick out all three of the notes. Angel Muse reminds me of cotton candy (but not quite so sticky sweet). Both are very youthful fragrances that take me back to Spring church picnics.

My skin is a little sensitive, so I'll be passing along the classic Alien-scented shower gel and body lotion to my mother. But through the sticker, they smell divine.

A MUGLER Addict subscription is $50 per year and you get four boxes a year, which comes out to $12.50 a box. If I cannot find the same product size on the site for sale, I figure the value of the fragrance samples and minis based on the 1.7oz size or what's available, and the standard size for all other products. Not including the value of the MUGLER purse mirror, which I am unable to determine, the total value was $32.45. That's huge!

I cannot find the purse mirror anywhere online. That’s pretty typical for the exclusive gifts you’ll receive in your MUGLER Addict quarterly box. They really are exclusive. These types of purse mirrors can go from as low as $5, all the way up to $30. This one is heavy, great quality, and engraved with the MUGLER logo.

In all honesty, I think of the gifts as the true value of the box, and everything else is just happy bonuses.

Mugler Addicts also receive a code for $15 off and free shipping on any purchase.

I'm really glad that I decided to become a MUGLER Addict. Cannot wait to see what they have in store for me come Summer!

FabFitFun (Spring 2018)

FabFitFun is, in my opinion, the best subscription box… period. You get a much wider selection of products than you do with beauty subscriptions, including health and wellness products, personal aides, decorative items, etc.

For $49.99 per quarter, you get 8-10 full-sized items from premium brands with a total value of over $200. You can customize some things and add on from a wide variety of products at superior FFF discounts. You can also access FABFITFUNTV, with lots of fun workout activities, and Members-only sales on items you’ll love. Lastly, you’ll be able to communicate with other members in the Community and get unparalleled customer service.

FabFitFun includes a great magazine detailing everything you may receive. The items included in my Spring 2018 box include:

RACHEL PALLY Reversable Clutch ($60)

From designer Rachel Pally, these patterned picks are the perfect complement to any outfit. And the best part? They’re reversible. Two clutches in one! Made with vegan leather and canvas lined with polyester.

MY THOUGHTS: I really love the design I received (out of three). This one reminds me of summer and will look great next to a pair of jeans.

MAYA BRENNER DESIGNS "Love" Bracelet ($65)

This simple design is perfect for everyday wear. Mini letters spelling “LOVE” soldered onto a delicate cable chain. Bracelet is 7” brass with .20 IP Plating and E-coating. White Gold tone IP plating.

MY THOUGHTS: I could have chosen this or the ETTIKA Day Dream Tassel Earrings ($58). I picked the bracelet because of how pretty and simple it is.

ANDERSON LILLEY Sunset Collection Candle ($45) in No. 15 Fresh Linen

Made with a hand poured coconut wax blend and a cotton, lead-free wick, the candle delivers a clean, even-burning fragrance. Housed in a lovely copper colored vessel, these candles will add as much style as they do fragrance in any room.

MY THOUGHTS: This candle smells amazing and burns forever. In addition to the fresh linen, you could sense a sweetness, probably from the coconut wax. Copper tumblers seem to be trendy this year, so it looks lovely along with our decor.

ISH Lip Statement Palette ($42)

This palette features 11 intensely pigmented shades and one balm that will give your lips a beautiful pop of color. Enriched with rose extract, shea butter, jojoba oil, olive oil, and aloe vera, you can mix and match for endless color combinations.

MY THOUGHTS: The formula is rich and creamy and leaves a little hint of a stain after removal, showcasing the staying power of the pigments.

Pictured as seen in the compact,
left to right, top to bottom.

FREE PEOPLE X UNDERSTATED LEATHER Starry Eyed Travel Eye Mask ($40)

This vegan leather eye mask features a removable, non-toxic cooling insert to keep you feeling and looking refreshed. The adjustable elastic strap offers a perfect fit every time and a charming metallic patchwork keeps you dreaming amongst the stars.

MY THOUGHTS: This is my first adulting experience with a sleeping mask. While I liked the pressure around my head and the cooling sensation from the inserts, I couldn’t get used to the weight on my actual eyeballs – HA! It was strange. I’m disappointed with my brain’s lack of participation because the mask blocked all incoming light. I was looking forward to waking up after first light without knowing it was after first light.

MURAD Skin Perfecting Lotion (1.7oz: $40)

This ultra-light, oil-free moisturizer helps blemish-prone skin stay smooth and healthy while also providing hydration. It also minimizes the appearance of pores, refines texture, and soothes redness and irritation.

MY THOUGHTS: This face and neck lotion smells SO MUCH like Bacardi Coco (coconut rum)! It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly. I really like it as a day cream to start everything off right.

KNC BEAUTY All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask (5-pack: $24.99)

This lip mask works to plump and hydrate your delicate lips. Infused with collagen, rose flower oil, cherry extract, and vitamin E, this gel-textured treatment leaves you with the perfect pout.

MY THOUGHTS: I could have picked this or KORRES Guava Body Butter ($24.00). I feel so stupid because I CHOSE these lip masks (and was excited to try them), forgetting that collagen products tend to cause a strange burning sensation to my ultra-sensitive skin. Yep. That happened. I want to assure you, this is something that happens to ME, and not most people. These are probably great. Wish I could tell you for sure. Why didn’t I pick the body butter? I’ve been wanting to try more KORRES products!!! I’m stupid.

PHYSIQUE 57 Massage Roller ($20.00)

This massage roller does wonders for sore, achy muscles. Improve flexibility, break up scar tissue, and keep tender muscles at bay.

MY THOUGHTS: My husband plays a lot of sports. Me? Not so much. So, he got this, and he loves it. Says it really helps relax his leg muscles after playing soccer with the other old men in his 40-and over league.

DERMELECT COSMECEUTICALS Makeover Concealing Ridge Filler (0.4oz: $18.00)

Keep your nails healthy, smooth, and glossy with this filler. It multitasks by concealing nail imperfections with a natural pink hue while treating them with protein, vitamins, and moisture.

MY THOUGHTS: My nails are in great shape so I couldn’t see any difference after using this product for a time. I didn’t see a pink hue either. It dried a shiny matte and worked fabulously as a base AND top coat.

Extra!

DOVE Exfoliating Body Wash (1oz sample, 22oz full-size is $5.99) BONUS!

Polish your way to smooth, soft skin with something different. Created with ¼ moisturizing cream that nourishes, this body polish cares for your skin as it exfoliates. Removes dull-dry skin from the surface and leaves your skin feeling silky and smooth.

MY THOUGHTS: I loved this little extra. The texture was creamy, and it felt great going on. The grains were perfect for the right exfoliation. The scent was heavenly, like a freshly baked sugar cookie. This is something I probably would never have tried for myself, but I’m buying the full-sized version now!

Mystery Bundle!

For being a new member, I was eligible for a mystery bundle. Included were:

SPONGELLE Honey Blossom Boxed Flower Body Wash-Infused Buffer (3oz: $16.00)

This exfoliator-meets-body-wash will totally transform your shower experience. It has a time-released lather and buffs away dry skin while cleansing and conditioning. Extracts of Yuzu, Edelweiss, and Vetiver. Dermatologist tested, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free.

MY THOUGHTS: I’ve been wanting to try these for some time. It was a little like loofahing with a pumice stone, but my skin is nice and smooth! The smell was magnificent.

MARRAKESH Argan & Hemp Oil Therapy Hair Styling Elixir (2oz: $22.99)

A powerful blend of nutrient-rich argan oil from Morocco and ultra-fortifying hemp seed oil significantly improves hair condition and texture. Leaves hair feeling silky smooth with a healthy, frizz-free, glossy shine. Cuts drying time in half. Ingredients include cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, phenyltrimethicone, argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, parfum. Cruelty-free.

MY THOUGHTS: My own hair has a tendency to look greasy when I use oils, but my husband (who grows his out for Locks for Love) really likes the shine and softness this brings to his hair. It's has a nice, light cotton candy-like scent.

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream with Deadsea Water (5.1oz: $33.00)

Formulated with Dead Sea minerals, witch hazel, and allantoin, this mineral-rich hand cream protects and safeguards hands from environmental and household damage, instantly improving skin’s moisture level, smoothing rough, dry skin and restoring suppleness. Paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan, allergy tested and approved for sensitive skin.

MY THOUGHTS: For such a thick cream, this surprisingly leaves no residue and absorbs quickly. My hands felt silky soft. I couldn’t quite make out the scent, but it reminded me of a cherry almond-scented lotion I used growing up – fresh and sweet. This is my new go-to lotion.
                                                                                                                    

The Verdict:

Everything in this box is something that I'll get use from. If me or my husband can't use it, I can gift it to a friend or my mother. All in all, I received over $424 worth of product! That's unbelievable.

I can't wait to see what FabFitFun has in store for me next quarter!

Sisley Paris Beauty Subscription (March 2018)

Sisley’s strong values are built on its family culture, its place in the grand tradition of French cosmetics, and its international ambitions. Skincare, makeup, and perfume… By bringing together its expertise, its consultation know-how, and its creativity, they have created a specific approach for each of its product lines.

Phyto-cosmetology is the concept at the center of Sisley’s creations and relates to using the best plant-based extracts in order to create the best cosmetics. Their success is built on its laboratories’ innovative strength. Products are only put on the market once it has been satisfactorily proven at the term of a long research process that a product is both safe and effective.

With Sisley Paris’s Beauty Subscription, you’ll receive five samples each month, delivered straight to your door, to help consumers discover the whole Sisley product range, based on a theme which changes from month to month.

A six-month subscription costs $60 and a one-year subscription is only $100. Gold and Platinum members of My Sisley Club receive the subscription complimentary as a special thank-you for their loyalty.

The box arrives innocuously enough in an unassuming, black box. Inside is a card describing the month’s theme and product selection and an ivory satin drawstring pouch that carries the items. 

March’s theme is “All Eyes On You.” Here are the products:

Eye Contour Mask (30ml full-size: $145, 3ml sample: $14.50)

An express smoothing mask used to reduce under-eye puffiness. Specifically formulated for the fragile skin of the eye contour. Works within 10 minutes to hydrate and reduce signs of fatigue. Fine lines around the eye are visibly smoothed, and puffiness and dark circles appear reduced. 

Key ingredients: Ginkgo biloba tones and protects. Arnica tones and soothes. Horse chestnut reduces puffiness. Linden blossom softens and soothes. Rose freshens and softens. Provitamin B5 and Vitamin E acetate softens and maintains the skin’s moisture. Malachite and Chlorella (oligo-elements) heals and slows aging. Plant-origin glycerin hydrates.

MY THOUGHTS: This smells so nice. It left my under-eye area crazy soft and smooth.

Sisleÿa L’Integral Eye & Lip Contour Cream (15ml full-size: $210, 2ml sample: $28)

Addresses the visible signs associated with the three types of aging: genetic and environmental aging, and now, those linked to personal lifestyle. Persian Acacia and Lindera extracts, combined with Yeast and Soy Protein Complex, help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful look. Enriched with Soy peptide extract, the formula visibly firms the upper eyelids. The combination of Atlas Cedar extract and Pomegranate fermented extract helps to lighten the appearance of blue and brown dark circles: the eyes look visibly brighter. Finally, Passion Fruit extract works to reduce the look of under eye puffiness. Tolerance tested under dermatological and ophthalmological conditions. Formulated without essential oils. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

MY THOUGHTS: This left my skin feeling incredibly hydrated. It’s thicker than most eye creams I use, but it is a higher quality moisturizer and has a light scent.

Phyto-Cernes Eclat Eye Concealer in shade 2 (15ml full-size: $107, 0.5ml sample: ~$3.57)

Masks dark circles and shadowy areas (ultra-pure pigments) and targets puffiness and signs of fatigue. It visibly smooths the look of wrinkles and fine lines while enhancing the beauty of the area around the eye. The metal massage tip creates an immediate cooling effect and the included brush allows for a customized application. Helps to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags. The supple, creamy formula ensures an easy application, natural finish, and a long wear.

MY THOUGHTS: The sample I was provided doesn’t have the applicator brush so I can’t speak to that. The color wasn’t a great match for me. I make pale insecure about its tan. But the formula was a fabulous silky, creamy consistency and provided good coverage.

Phyto-Eye Twist Eye Pencil in topaze (full-size: $50, trial-size: ~$25)

All-in-one eye makeup solution: eyeshadow + eyeliner. The “jumbo” tip blends and glides to color the eyelids, easily applying graphic makeup or drawing an XXL line. The skincare formula is enriched with plant-based ingredients (green tea, white lily, camellia) and protects the delicate eyelids. The gliding, waterproof texture allows for an ultra-easy application and a flawless hold all day. No need to sharpen.

MY THOUGHTS: I love giant eyeshadow crayons! The formula in this one is creamy and moisturizing and blends easily. The color I received is classic and will look good on anyone. This is a big win for me.

So Intense Mascara in black (2.7ml full-size: $67, 1.5ml trial-size: $37.22)

Provides the look of instant visible volumizing. The unique formula (enriched with vitamin-rich peptide) helps lashes appear longer and thicker. Its ultra-pure, double-coated pigments provide long wear and intense color. The innovative comb-brush applicator perfectly distributes the product. It covers and separates lashes for an extra-voluminous effect.

MY THOUGHTS: This may be my new favorite mascara, honestly. The formula did not clump and the brush brilliantly separated my lashes for a dramatic look.

                                                                                            

BONUS:

Hair Rituel Discovery Kit

Included with this month’s skincare samples is a Discovery Kit containing five samples of Sisley’s new hair care line products.

Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo with Camellia Oil (200ml full-size: $75.00, 8ml sample: $3.00)

Gently cleanses while providing the necessary vitamins and minerals for the vitality of the scalp and the hair. Its formula benefits from a combination of effective key ingredients (Hazelnut oil, Camellia oil, Shea oil, zinc, copper, magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E acetate, Pro-vitamin B5, arginine, Alpha-Bisabolol, and cotton proteins) targeting the scalp and hair. The fluid texture transforms into a fine and rich foam upon contact with water. Hair looks more voluminous and has more body.

Revitalizing Smoothing Shampoo with Macadamia Oil (200ml full-size: $75.00, 8ml sample: $3.00)

Gently cleanses while providing the necessary vitamins and minerals for the vitality of the scalp and the hair. Its formula benefits from a combination of effective key ingredients (Moringa oil, Macadamia oil, Shea oil, zinc, copper, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E acetate, Pro-vitamin B5, arginine, Alpha-Bisabolol, and cotton proteins) targeting the scalp and the hair. The fluid texture transforms into a fine and rich foam upon contact with water. Hair is nourished and visibly smoothed.

Restructuring Conditioner with Cotton Proteins (200ml full-size: $75.00, 8ml sample: $3.00)

Provides instant conditioning for the hair. Highly concentrated in key ingredients (Pro-vitamin B5, Shea oil, Hazelnut oil, and cotton proteins), its detangling formula smooths the cuticle and increases shine. The core fragrance contains essential oils that provide both an appealing scent, as well as energize and support hair vitality. Instantly detangled and sheathed, hair feels silkier and is easier to style.

Regenerating Hair Care Mask with Four Botanical Oils (200ml full-size: $95.00, 8ml sample: $3.80)

Allows overall nourishment of the scalp and hair. The formula is highly concentrated in key plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins and minerals that energize the scalp to address damaged hair. Shea, Macadamia, Camellia and Hazelnut oils envelope and intensely nourish the hair fiber. The core fragrance contains essential oils that provide both an appealing scent, as well as support hair vitality. The light and creamy texture is ideal for massage and can be easily distributed from roots to ends. Hair immediately feels softer and looks shiner.

Precious Hair Care Oil (100ml full-size: $100.00, 1ml sample: $1.00)

Provides nutrition, radiance, and softness to the hair. A blend of Passion Fruit oil, Shea oil, Cotton oil and Moringa oil smooth and envelope the hair to bounce light across the fiber and to create shine. The light texture does not weight hair down. Smoothed and nourished, hair is immediately enhanced.

MY THOUGHTS: Each of these products has a gentle, clean, classic shampoo scent. I don’t know which one was the miracle product, but my hair is softer and silkier than it has ever been! My husband even said (before he touched it) that it looked softer. And usually, when I insert oils into my post-wash routine, they give my hair a greasy appearance. Not this stuff. Only downside… my hair is so soft, I can hardly manage it!

                                                                                                                    

Value? Based on quantity, these ten samples have an approximate value of $122.09. This subscription only costs $10 a month, and shipping is free. That's unbelievable!

Quality-wise, I can certainly understand Sisley’s prices. I have nice skin for my age, but those tiny lines that have plagued me are gone after only five days. I want more and am willing to pay for results I see.

This may be the best subscription out there. If you care about your skin as much as I do, this is well worth a measly $10 a month. The only downside is… you will want to pay full-price for these products once you’ve used them, and that’s sorta the point, right?