Allure Beauty Box (July 2016)

Allure Beauty Box is one of my favorite subscription services. A little background:

"Allure editors uncover the most noteworthy beauty products on the market, from hair and makeup to skin care, fragrance, and more. Then, they personally try and review each product, hand-selecting the ones they love — and know you'll love, too. And finally, here comes the fun: a glossy red box is delivered directly to your doorstep filled with the expert-approved products that are sure to become your new favorites."

Here's what's included:

• Five to seven deluxe-size beauty samples—so you can use each one more than once
• Curated mix of skin, hair, and makeup products, as well as fragrance
• Allure mini-mag, packed with in-depth beauty sample product reviews written by Allure editors

The mini-mag was quite different this month. It's still very professional and there is so much information on the products! It continues to be the best, most descriptive tool that I've seen in any box.

Each page has a "What It Is," "How It Looks/Feels," "Why We Like It" and the retail price of the full-sized item. Some products have a "What It Does," as well as a "Key Ingredients" list. A lot of people have allergies or find certain ingredients affect their skin in negative ways, so I think this bonus information is great.

This particular issue may be a one-and-done as far as the changes I spoke of. There are several pages of "ads" for Nordstrom and the brands they carry. I actually really like it, but I also like the ads in fashion magazines, sometimes more than the articles and photo shoots... HA! But no, it had info on Estee Lauder gifts with purchase, a GlamGlow mud mask set deal, a calendar of sales, fantastic discounts on Clinique skin care, a luxurious La Mer set worth $436 on sale for only $300 ($136 savings!), a Smashbox makeup set deal, and a special Bobbi Brown foundation exclusive for Allure Beauty Box members. All of which is relative to this month's box because an item from each brand (excluding Bobbi Brown) is IN THE BOX!

Here's what I received:

LA MER The Moisturizing Soft Cream (0.11oz, $18.70) - A facial moisturizer that deeply hydrates skin. Key ingredients include sea kelp, eucalyptus, alfalfa, vitamins C, E and B12 (moisturizes), and lime tea extract (antioxidant). The smooth white cream has a subtle powdery scent.

ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II (0.24oz, $14.88) - A moisturizing anti-aging serum that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, hydrates, and brightens. Key ingredients are hyaluronic acid (moisturizes), algae and yeast extracts (boosts cell activity), and alkyl guanine transferase (brightens). This peach liquid is lightweight but not runny and sinks into the skin quickly without feeling oily.

I had never heard of La Mer, and apparently I am the only person EVER who hadn't. I'm not using this small sample that is so coveted because seems that other people want it a lot more than me. I am also not using the night repair serum because honestly I just prefer my organic k-beauty skin treatments.

GLAMGLOW SuperMud Clearing Treatment (0.3oz, ~$14.79) - An acne-fighting facial mask for oily and combination skin that deeply cleanses pores by drawing out sebum, while clearing and preventing breakouts. Key ingredients are kaolin and charcoal (absorbs sebum), mandelic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid (exfoliates), and salicylic acid (unclogs pores). It has a refreshing eucalyptus scent and clears your nose like Vicks. The dark charcoal treatment feels almost fluid-like out of the jar, but tightens as it dries and leaves a cool, fresh sensation.

I'm passing on this because I have a ton of sheet masks and k-beauty masks. Also, I don't have any, nor get... blemishes. DON'T HATE!

CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Super Strawberry (FULL-SIZE, $17.00) - A sheer, hydrating lip crayon in a neutral rosy-nude shade.

SMASHBOX Photo Finish Foundation Primer (0.25oz, $9.00) - A primer for foundation and concealer that doesn't clog your pores. The thin, clear gel is weightless on skin and has a slightly matte finish.

If you're still mad at me for not having breakouts, you'll be happy to know that my teeth are not white enough to get away with this pink lip balm. There... feel better??? To top it off, I don't use foundation and have no need for primer, so that officially means I will not be using anything from this box. 

I calculate this July 2016 box to have a value of $74.37. Even though nothing is for me, this is still a great value for a box that only costs $15. Unlike prior months, there is very little diversity in products. All of that being said, these products are HIGH-END.

This will be my last Allure Beauty Box for the time being. There are just so many to try. Allure Beauty Box is maybe my favorite because of the value to cost ratio and the quality of the items included. I'll be back, Allure!

Glossybox (July 2016)

Glossybox is a monthly subscription that delivers beauty products - hair care, skin care, makeup, perfumes, tools, etc. to your door for $21 per month if you buy the monthly plan, but that price goes down if you buy a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription.

Glossybox carries some of the best brands in beauty. Each box contains five or more items from full-sized to deluxe samples. Following are the contents of my July 2016 box:

SABON Body Lotion in Delicate Jasmine (1.7oz, $6.25) & Shower Oil in Delicate Jasmine (1.7oz, ~$2.31) - A much needed remedy for dry summer skin, SABON's hydrating duo features natural oils rich in Omega-3, as well as vitamin A and D that are derived from olives, avocados and jojoba.

TIP: Start your bath with the shower oil as a body cleanser and after toweling off, apply body lotion to lock moisture in.

GLOV Hydro Dema-quillage Quick Treat (FULL-SIZE, $5.00) - 

Toss out your washcloths and sponges and say hello to your new makeup remover. Fitting perfectly on your finger, this innovative addition to your beauty routine is a must-have.

TIP: Moisten with water, remove makeup, hand wash with soap and let it dry for reuse!

EYEKO LONDON Fat Eye Stick in Satin (0.14oz FULL-SIZE, $12.00) - Transform your eye makeup in one swipe with this intense, glossy eye stick. The metallic after-effect provides an on-trend, smudgy iridescence that can be worn day or night.

TIP: After dabbing on your lids, be sure to blend quickly with fingertips before the shadow sets.

LEIGHTON DENNY Miracle Mist Speed Drying Spray (2.53oz FULL-SIZE, $16.00) - We know you're always on-the-go! So to make sure your manicure stays gorgeous - and most importantly intact - we've brought you Leighton Denny's Miracle Mist to speed up the drying process and keep your polish smudge-free for days.

TIP: In a rush to see and be seen? After applying polish, spray directly onto nails around 15 centimeters away for 2-3 seconds and you're good to go!

SINFULCOLORS SinfulShine Top Coat (0.5oz FULL-SIZE, $3.00) - Delivering high-shine and lasting coverage, this formaldehyde-free formula extends the longevity of your chosen color in just a few minutes!

TIP: Always paint the free edge of the nail with a top coat. This area often goes unnoticed but is the first place chipping occurs!

FANGO ESSENZIALI Moisturize Treatment Sheet Mask (FULL-SIZE, $7.00) - Heighten your glow this season with a refreshing face mask that combines a special cocktail of skin soothing ingredients including avocado, kelp and acai berry. This delightful trio joins forces to restore moisture to even the most sensitive skin.

TIP: Notice that residue when you take the mask off? It's meant to be there! Gently rub the serum into your skin and let dry for the best results.

HELLO FRESH Meal Delivery Kit Coupon ($50 off your first 2 boxes) - A special offer for Glossybox customers. To redeem, go to HelloFresh.com within 30 days and enter your gift code. Only one order per household for new customers only. Upon redemption, you will be enrolled in an auto-renewal subscription, and can stop deliveries at any time.

                                                                                                                    

The shower oil and body lotion smell divine. I'm looking forward to my next shower! I don't think I'll be using the makeup remover or the eye makeup stick (although the color is beautiful), so I'll be passing these along. I'm pretty excited to try the quick dry nail spray. I've never used one before. The top coat will just add to my nail product hoarding problem. Someone else will get more use from it. I may never be able to find it again. I'm obsessed with sheet masks so that is all mine!!!

I wouldn't ordinarily include the discount card to Hello Fresh, but $50 is quite a savings... for someone who has never used the service and is therefore a "new" customer. Also, it is pretty easy to get free or discounted boxes for meal delivery kits online. Still, worth mentioning.

This July 2016 box has an approximate value of $51.56. There is a decent variety of products but the value is on the low scale for Glossybox. That's probably why the Hello Fresh card was included. But like I said, 1) you have to be a new customer; and 2) coupon codes for Hello Fresh are all over the web. I cannot include the savings in the value of the box.

I'm excited to see what my August box will bring!

Sun Basket (07-07-16)

At Sun Basket, they believe food should taste good first, and do good always. From their 100% recyclable box to the pristine, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients harvested at the peak of freshness inside it, they create each Sun Basket with exceptional care. Because good food makes life better.

Sun Basket keeps it clean by using humanely raised, antibiotic and hormone-free meat, and seafood aligned with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Watch List. Their fishermen use low-impact fishing methods and they partner with ranches that treat animals with respect. Their farmers are pioneers in sustainable crop rotation and water efficiency. Plus, their paleo, lean & clean, gluten-free and vegan recipes are nutritionist approved.

As the executive chef of Sun Basket, every week Justine Kelly crafts deceptively simple and delicious reccipes and sources the best ingredients for each week's meal baskets. Known for her longstanding role as the corporate chef de cuisine at San Francisco's famous Slanted Door restaurant, Chef Justine's many accolades include mentions in Gourmet Magazine and an appearance on Iron Chef. Throughout her career, she has become a champion of delicious, wholesome cooking featuring the best produce, seafood and meat, all of which are brightened with unique ingredients and spices from around the world.

My husband and I love to cook our own homemade meals throughout the week, usually repeats... chili, spaghetti, soups, grilled meats and veggies. But this enables us to take it a step further and make delicious dinners that we wouldn't think to just make on the fly. With Sun Basket, you can incorporate gourmet meals into your diet with minimal effort.

The first meal I chose to create was the Almond-Crusted Cod with Chermoula & Cucumber-Olive Salad. In Chef Justine's contemporary riff on the French classic truite amandine, she swaps in meatier cod for trout and gives it a brilliant crust by dredging it in almond meal and sliced almonds instead of flour. The almonds prove a natural match for chermoula, a lively Moroccan herb sauce.

Aside from the olive oil, salt and pepper that you have at home, Sun Basket provided fresh parsley and cilantro, garlic cloves, a lemon, a Chermoula spice blend (coriander and cumin mixture), Persian cucumbers, Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives, Pacific cod fillets, a pasture-raised organic egg, almond meal and slivered almonds.

I made the chermoula by combining chopped parsley, cilantro and garlic with zest and juice of the lemon, followed by the spice blend and olive oil. For the cucumber and olive salad, I chose to not peel the cucumbers and rather than lengthwise, I just cut them into 1/4-inch slices. After that, I coarsely chopped the olive, and added those, lemon zest, oil, and salt and pepper to the cucumber in a bowl.

To prepare the cod, I dredged the fillets in the seasoned almond meal, followed by the beaten egg, and finally the almond slivers, on both sides. I cooked it over medium heat in a smidgen of olive oil in a pan, all the way through for about five minutes on each side. Then I plated the fish with the chermoula drizzled over it and the salad to the side.

This was such a delicious, and more importantly, low-maintenance dish. Oh... the protein and its side complimented one another perfectly! Each bite was a flavor explosion! This may be my favorite recipe of any meal preparation kit that I've received. It gets top honors on my fridge!
                                                                                                                                                  

The second meal I made was Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Tomato Panzanella. Ricotta makes chicken breasts even when it's slipped beneath their skins before roasting. As a counterweight to the richness, Chef Justine serves the chicken with a refreshing panzanella, or Tuscan bread salad, of toasted ciabatta, cherry tomatoes and basil.

Sun Basket provided all ingredients, except for oil, salt and pepper, including a ciabatta roll, a lemon, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary and basil, ricotta, chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, shallots and sherry vinegar.  

I began the dish by making the ricotta filling. I zested and the lemon, finely chopped the garlic, and coarsely chopped the rosemary. I combined those items in a small bowl with the ricotta, salt and pepper.

Once that was prepared I stuffed the ricotta under the chicken breast skins. I roasted the chicken at 425, skin-side up on the sheet pan until the skin was browned and it was cooked through, about 15-18 minutes.

While that was cooking, I tossed the ciabatta in oil and seasoned, and then toasted it in the oven for 5-6 minutes. As it was cooling, I put the panzanella together by cutting the cherry tomatoes in half, slicing the shallots crosswise to create rings, and stripping the basil off the stems and tearing it into rough pieces. In a small bowl I mixed the lemon juice, vinegar, oil and salt and pepper. Then I topped the ciabatta mixture and tossed. I let it rest so that the bread soaked up some of the juices, and served.

I'm not a big meat eater. I like chicken but not with the skin on. However, I tried it and the skin was crispy and the cheese was very flavorful, so I believe it was a success. Thanks to meal delivery kits such as this I have become a big fan of shallots. I won't use a regular onion anymore. And unlike a regular onion, I love shallots raw. Maybe even more than cooked! Plus I also really dig oil and vinegar dressings. The panzanella was positively dreamy. That alone deserves a place on the fridge!
                                                                                                                                                                

Finally, Grilled Naan Panini with Summer Squash & Arugula Pesto... not your grandmother's grilled cheese sandwiches, these ooze with melted fresh mozzarella, sauteed spinach, basil and lightly salted sun-dried tomatoes, all held together in sturdy yet pliable naan flatbreads. A nourishing, casual supper, perfect for enjoying in the backyard with a chilled rose.

Once again, I only needed to have the most basic of ingredients (olive oil, salt and pepper), while Sun Basket provided me with everything else, including sun-dried tomatoes, summer squash, fresh mozzarella (mmm...), garlic cloves, fresh basil, pine nuts, baby spinach, naan, and arugula pesto (a mixture of arugula, parsley, pine nuts, canola/olive oil blend and salt).

As I was soaking the sun-dried tomatoes, I began preparing the squash by cutting it lengthwise, adding salt and pepper, and cooking in a pan coated in olive oil, 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and beginning to soften. While the squash was cooking I cut the mozzarella into thin slices, coarsely chopped the garlic and the basil leaves. After removing the squash from the pan, I roasted the pine nuts for about five minutes. Once that was done, I again used the same pan to sautee the garlic, adding the spinach, salt and pepper, and a little water until the leaves wilted.

I cut the naan in half and tried to "open to form pockets," but that didn't really work out for me. So I layered the bread with the mozzarella slices, sun-dried tomatoes, drained spinach, basil, and cheese again. Making good use of that pan for the fourth time, I toasted the sandwiches until the naan was browned and the cheese was melty. I chose to lay the pesto and pine nuts on top of the squash rather than tossing together, and served to the side of the panini.

This was another refrigerator magnet-worthy dish. Wow! The sandwich was so... GOOD! I can't think of another word. It was just good, good, good, good, good, good, GOOD! And the squash, pesto and pine nuts... such a nice, light but tasty combination that I would have never in a million years thought to cook together.

Sun Basket usually costs around $12 per meal per person. I received my first box for half off, which is fairly common among these programs, so look for the deal. All of Sun Basket's recipes are available to the public HERE.

Sun Basket pulled out all of the stops. I mean, I can't believe the taste quality of all three of these dishes. I hate to say it, but I think Sun Basket may be my favorite meal delivery plan just based off of this one kit. I'm sure the others stack up. This one just happened to knock it out of the ball park. There wasn't a single thing I would change. I highly recommend it and will definitely order from them again, if for no other reason but to see if they can continue to dazzle me. That and the flavors.

Bon appetit!

Martha & Marley Spoon (06-28-16)

At Marley Spoon, they believe cooking should be a pleasure, and they know that with full lives and busy schedules, it can be a challenge. To help make weeknights easier and dinners more delicious, they take the thousands of dishes they’ve created and deliver them right to your door.

Cooking with Marley Spoon means eating sustainably, supporting small food businesses, and saving time to make time for everything else you want to do. They offer the best of the best in their boxes, including grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, American-caught shrimp, artisanal cheeses and much more.

They want you to cook what excites you, which is why they offer ten recipes to choose from every week. You’ll always find something for everyone at your table, including kid-friendly dishes, healthy eats, gluten-free recipes and more.

What sets Marley Spoon apart from other quality meal prep delivery kits is their partnership with Martha Stewart. Along with her recipes comes her unsurpassed culinary knowledge to help you cook a delicious meal in the least amount of time. Every dish embodies Martha's love for seasonal ingredients, tried-and-true smart cooking techniques and delicious flavors.

My husband and I love to cook our own homemade meals throughout the week, usually repeats... chili, spaghetti, soups, grilled meats and veggies. But this enables us to take it a step further and make delicious dinners that we wouldn't think to just make on the fly. With Martha & Marley Spoon, you can incorporate gourmet meals into your diet with minimal effort.

I should note that this order was not delivered properly. When I received the notification that my box had arrived, and it was not... HERE... I immediately got on the horn to Marley Spoon. Come to find out it had been delivered to a house down the street. Several hours earlier. In June. Meat. Now that's not their fault. That honor goes to the shipper. But Marley Spoon was super awesome and gave me a free box (see July) for free. I hope they got their money back.

The first meal I chose to create was the Steak Kebabs & Corn Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette. I went out and bought the same 12oz sirloin that came with the box but was destroyed by the sun. I started by soaking the skewers in water and cutting the steak, bell pepper and onion into 1-1/2 inch pieces. After tossing with olive oil, salt and pepper, I threaded the skewers.

I preheated the oven broiler, brushed some oil in the corn and grilled the kebabs and corn under the broiler for 8-10 minutes.

While that was occurring, I made the dressing by picking parsley and cilantro leaves from the stems and finely chopping. In a bowl I combined those with vinegar, Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.

I coated the finished kebabs with the dressing and served the dish over the roasted corn.

These turned out really good. I'm not much of a steak eater so I was glad that the meat was tender, probably overdone for most people but still tender. The veggies still had some crispness to them and the dressing was sweet and tangy.

The second meal I made was Barbecue Chicken with Dill Pickle Potato Salad. Of course, first thing I had to do was stock up on two boneless, skinless chicken breasts that hadn't already been baked by the sun on my neighbor's porch.

I cut the potatoes into smaller pieces and boiled until cooked but not completely smooshy. Meanwhile I peeled and finely chopped the shallot and pickle. Then I removed and chopped the dill fronds, and sliced the sugar snap peas on a diagonal. In a large bowl, I combined the shallot, pickle, dill, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of mustard. I tossed in the potatoes, sugar snap peas, salt and pepper, and placed in the refrigerator to set.

After simmering a mixture of the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, remaining vinegar and mustard, effectively making my own barbecue sauce, I set about preparing the chicken.

I seasoned it on both sides and grilled on one side until golden. I flipped and brushed with barbecue sauce, repeating three more times until the chicken was cooked all the way through.

Okay, seriously though... the potato salad was out of this world! I must've done something wrong with the sugar snap peas though because they were difficult to eat. So I ate around them. The chicken and barbecue sauce were delicious as well. This recipe was worthy of a kitchen magnet! Up on the fridge you go!

Finally, Roasted Fish & Kimchi Potatoes with Arugula. Staying true to the recipe as Martha and Marley Spoon meant it for me, I bought pollock filets. Frozen pollock filets but pollock filets all the same.

Something else was ruined along with the fish. Kimchi. I did not know what kimchi was, but I wanted it, so I spent better part of the day searching every nook and cranny at the supermarket. Unfortunately I could not find any. I decided maybe I could look up a recipe and make it myself. Otherwise my four-ingredient meal was to become a three-ingredient meal. And that's when I discovered that kimchi was some evil, foul thing made mostly of fish carcasses, and I realized that God may have plotted for my box to be ruined just so I wouldn't have to eat kimchi. And I finally understood why the box stank so much!

Well, this was certainly going to be an easy recipe to prepare. I tossed the fingerling potatoes in oil with salt and pepper, and roasted for 20 minutes until golden and tender. This is where I would be making the dressing. I smashed the potatoes and placed back in the oven with the pollock until it was cooked through and opaque. I was happy to discover that the frozen fish took the same amount of time to cook that the fresh fish would have.

I mixed the arugula and cooked potatoes in a bowl with oil and seasoned before serving with the pollock.

I wasn't expecting much from this dish because of the small number of ingredients, but it was really good. I added some sriracha for the heat that the kimchi would have provided, but honestly, this simple dish stood proudly on its own. 

Martha & Marley Spoon usually costs around $10 per meal per person. I received my first box for half off, which is fairly common among these programs, so look for the deal.

What set this box apart from other meal delivery kits is the groundedness of the recipes (so simple yet so delicious), the overly accommodating and friendly customer service experience I had, and... that potato salad! Oh, that potato salad! I will definitely be using Martha & Marley Spoon again.

Happy cooking!

Allure Beauty Box (June 2016)

Allure Beauty Box is one of my favorite subscription services. A little background:

"Allure editors uncover the most noteworthy beauty products on the market, from hair and makeup to skin care, fragrance, and more. Then, they personally try and review each product, hand-selecting the ones they love — and know you'll love, too. And finally, here comes the fun: a glossy red box is delivered directly to your doorstep filled with the expert-approved products that are sure to become your new favorites."

Here's what's included:

• Five to seven deluxe-size beauty samples—so you can use each one more than once
• Curated mix of skin, hair, and makeup products, as well as fragrance
• Allure mini-mag, packed with in-depth beauty sample product reviews written by Allure editors

I really dig the mini-mag. Very professional and so much information on the products! Definitely the best, most descriptive tool I've seen in any box. Each page has a "What It Is," "How It Looks/Feels," "Why We Like It" and the retail price of the full-sized item. Some products have a "What It Does," as well as a "Key Ingredients" list. A lot of people have allergies or find certain ingredients affect their skin in negative ways, so I think this bonus information is great.

Here's what I received:

LEADERS Sheet Mask, Orange SuperFood Coconut Gel Mask (FULL-SIZE, $6.00) - Sheet mask that drenches skin in moisture while also tackling a range of skincare concerns.

KLORANE Shampoo with Mango Butter (3.38oz, ~$5.01) - A hydrating shampoo that cleanses and nourishes hair. Key ingredients are sodium laureth sulfate (cleanses) and mango butter (conditions). The papaya-colored formula sudses up to a rich lather that smells like a fresh fruit smoothie.

I cannot have enough sheet masks. I became completely obsessed several years ago when I discovered k-beauty. I could have received any of four: 7 Wonders Himalayan Camellia Pore Minimizing Mask, Tomato SuperFood Coconut Gel Mask, 7 Wonders Tundra Cranberry Anti-Aging Mask, or the one I received, Orange SuperFood Coconut Gel Mask. Honestly I would have loved either of the 7 Wonders masks because I've never tried those ingredients before, but I'm not complaining. I would've been happy if I'd just gotten a box full of sheet masks. The shampoo smells heavenly! Oh, I cannot wait to try it!

PUR-LISSE Blue Lotus SPF30 Essential Daily Moisturizer (0.5oz, ~$16.18) - A lightweight lotion with broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores or leaving  your skin slick. Key ingredients are avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate and oxybenzone (sunscreens), and algae, white tea and blue lotus extracts (antioxidants).

PUR-LISSE Blue Lotus Eye Adore Serum (0.24oz, $31.20) - A non-irritating eye treatment that softens crepey undereye skin almost immediately and smooths out fine lines over time. Key ingredients are peptides (firms and decreases fine lines), algae, white tea and blue lotus extracts (antioxidants), and haloxyl (depuffs).

I love Pur-lisse. Once upon a time you couldn't open a subscription box without finding them, but it hasn't been so bad lately. This Blue Lotus line is new to me. I can never have enough moisturizers. This one does have a strong sunscreen smell. I had considered passing on the eye serum as I am pretty pleased with my Origins GinZing, but I'm intrigued. I'm going to try it out.

JULEP Nail Color in Katie (0.27oz FULL-SIZE, $14.00) - A nail polish that's free of toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP.

KARDASHIAN BEAUTY Cabana Bronze (0.07oz FULL-SIZE, $14.99) - A skin-illuminating powder. The rose gold compact holds three bars of silky powder that can be mixed according to how dark you want your bronze.

I could have gotten the nail color shade I received (Katie, an orchid purple), April, a vibrant coral, or Cassidy, a rich teal. I actually HAVE Katie. It's lovely. I would have liked to get one of the other colors that I don't have, so I'll be passing this along. I'll also be handing off the bronzer. I am just far too pale to even attempt bronzers, but it does have nice packaging and I'm sure coming from the Kardashian brand it must be good quality.

There was also a 25% off coupon for a company called Iluminage, citing clinically proven results to see younger-looking skin in just four weeks. New anti-aging textiles??? The photo on the card shows what looks like compression gloves and socks often used by diabetics, but I'm sure that's not what these are since they "turn back time." There were no products from this brand in the box so I am somewhat confused why the coupon is included, or why the card doesn't explain what I'm looking at, or now, why I'm not looking it up. I just am not that interested. But coupons are never a bad thing. 

I calculate this June 2016 box to have a value of $87.38. That's incredible value for a box that only costs $15. There was also a LOT of diversity in the product selection. I've noticed in the last few boxes that Allure has really upped their game in the beauty subscription category. Can't wait to see what's next!

Glossybox (June 2016)

Glossybox is a monthly subscription that delivers beauty products - hair care, skin care, makeup, perfumes, tools, etc. to your door for $21 per month if you buy the monthly plan, but that price goes down if you buy a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription.

Glossybox carries some of the best brands in beauty. Each box contains five or more items from full-sized to deluxe samples. Following are the contents of my June 2016 box:

SEBASTIAN PROFES-SIONAL Shaper Fierce (1.5oz, ~$2.69) - We all need time to be reminded just how fierce we are from time to time. Sebastian Professional's Shaper Fierce holds any hairstyle with a lasting, extra-strength grip.

SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL Dark Oil (0.06oz, $1.44) - Evanescent oil with sandalwood, cedarwood, and argan oil for smoothness and body.

TIP: Beauty insiders mix their Dark Oil with a moisturizing conditioner and let it sit as a hair mask for 5-10 minutes.

CAOLION  O2 Pore Blackhead Sparkling Soap (0.8oz, ~$3.66) - Makeup needs a pristine canvas in order to deliver a flawless application. Quickly remove built-up oil and impurities with CAOLION's sparkling soap that contains charcoal and cocoa to double-cleanse and exfoliate in one go.

TIP: To get your face red-carpet ready, start your beauty ritual the night before. To add to your pre-glam routine, light a candle and relax!

LUE BY JEAN SEO Clear Spot Control (0.25oz FULL-SIZE, $15.00) - You know those super painful blemishes that appear out of nowhere and seem to have their own zip code? We feel your pain. This powerful spot control liquid fights cystic acne before it breaks the surface of the skin with 12 potent herbs.

TIP: To get ready for your close-up, dip the applicator or a cotton swab into Clear as soon as you feel the pimple hurting and apply to the spot. Hold for thirty seconds and repeat up to three times.

TAN-TOWEL Half Body Classic (2, $5.40) - A healthy glow is absolutely necessary for your strut down the catwalk. Exfoliate, tan and moisturize with these all-in-one self-tanning towelettes for the face and body.

TIP: Unfold towelette and apply to dry, clean skin in circular motions over your body. Color will appear within 2-4 hours, and lasts up to seven days. Wash hands immediately after application.

LA SPLASH Lip Lacquer High Pigment Collection in Red Carpet (0.2oz FULL-SIZE, $18.00) - Drawing attention to your lips is always a good idea! Made just for GlossyBox, LA Splash's Lip Lacquer takes it to the next level with highly-pigmented hues and a cream to matte finish. Colors will vary. 

TIP: Before you hit the stage to perform your solo, exfoliate your lips to slough off any dead skin. This ensures a smooth application of your favorite lip color.

ICONA MILANO Mascara in Emotion Allowed (0.34oz FULL-SIZE, $19.00) - Want to  have a night out under the bright lights without worrying about your mascara running down your face? icona Milano's long-lasting waterproof mascara is the answer to all your woes!

TIP: To extend the life of your mascara, add 3-4 drops of saline eye drops into the tube, stir brush, and voila!

                                                                                                                    

Something tells me this box may be about the Tony's??? Well, it is on the box, and alluded to in the product descriptions, although there is no formal explanation. I don't like the smell of the hairspray... a little too AquaNet for me, so I'm sure it does have great hold. I will however give the hair oil a try. I don't have a problem with blemishes but I haven't decided whether I'm keeping the soap or not. I've never used anything like it before. For the same reason, I will definitely be passing along the spot corrector. I have no use for that. I'm excited to give the tanning towels a go because I've seen them advertised. Looks like they're popular. Must work well. I'm also going to give the lip gloss and mascara to someone. I just have such an abundance of both.

This June 2016 box has an approximate value of $65.19. That's not quite as high as a typical Glossybox, but I'm not complaining. Not only will I use most of the items included, there is an outstanding variety of products, and all of samples are good-sized so I'll get several uses to find out if they suit me.

I'm excited to see what my July box will bring!

Allure Beauty Box (May 2016)

Allure Beauty Box is one of my favorite subscription services. A little background:

"Allure editors uncover the most noteworthy beauty products on the market, from hair and makeup to skin care, fragrance, and more. Then, they personally try and review each product, hand-selecting the ones they love — and know you'll love, too. And finally, here comes the fun: a glossy red box is delivered directly to your doorstep filled with the expert-approved products that are sure to become your new favorites."

Here's what's included:

• Five to seven deluxe-size beauty samples—so you can use each one more than once
• Curated mix of skin, hair, and makeup products, as well as fragrance
• Allure mini-mag, packed with in-depth beauty sample product reviews written by Allure editors

I really dig the mini-mag. Very professional and so much information on the products! Definitely the best, most descriptive tool I've seen in any box. Each page has a "What It Is," "How It Looks/Feels," "Why We Like It" and the retail price of the full-sized item. Some products have a "What It Does," as well as a "Key Ingredients" list. A lot of people have allergies or find certain ingredients affect their skin in negative ways, so I think this bonus information is great.

Here's what I received:

FOREO Day Cleanser (0.5oz, ~$7.49) - A gentle face wash that cleanses without leaving skin tight and dry. Key ingredients are mandarin and bergamot extracts (antioxidants) and apricot seed oil (moisturizes). The citrus-scented cream transforms to an airy foam when you massage it onto damp skin.

FOREO Night Cleanser (0.5oz, ~$8.99) - A deep-cleaning face wash that cleanses and removed makeup. Key ingredients include sweet almond oil and coco-caprylate/carpate, a derivative of coconut oil to moisturize. Once wet, the gel turns to lotion and rinses away every last bit of makeup, leaving skin fresh and soft.

I don't plan to use these because of my k-beauty obsession, but I did smell them. They both have a sunscreen-type scent to them. These products seem to be full of wonderful, and lacking badness, so someone I know will love them.

COTZ Flawless Complexion SPF50 (0.18oz, ~$1.44) - A noncomedogenic that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores. You could mistake this sunscreen for a makeup primer. It has the same silky texture that makes it easy to spread on skin.

EQUITANCE Brightening Serum + Spot Corrector (0.2oz, $25.00) - A dark-spot-brightening serum that minimizes the appearance of spots caused by acne, hormonal changes, and sun exposure. Key ingredients include linoleic acid and vitamin C (brightens), and olive oil and glycerin (moisturizes).

I really have no use for these. I have tons of SPF lotions, but I will say, CoTZ is one of the greats. I love the light tinge of color and the way my face feels after applying. Again, I have a lot of serums and spot correctors from my k-beauty collection, so although the price is right, I won't be trying this serum. A note, Equitance is no longer in business, so snagging a high quality skin product like this is a win for somebody.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Extravagant Mascara (0.13oz, ~$13.57) - A volumizing, lengthening, and curling mascara in an ultra black shade. Packed with 580 bristles, the brush is shaped like a cone. The idea is that the fine tip targets small inner-corner lashes, while the fat center loads up your lashes with the inky pigment to volumize and lift with one swipe.

PIXI BY PETRA Mattelustre Lipstick in Rose Naturelle (0.04oz, ~$3.69) - A semi-matte tawny-pink lipstick. The creamy bullet applies with no drag or dryness and it delivers rich coverage. Also includes a $2 off $10 purchase of Pixi by Petra product at Target.

I have a s**t ton of these mascaras. I think they're in every beauty subscription box. In fact, I think they just toss them around like confetti at Sephora! But really, it is a great product. I'm probably not keeping this lipstick either. If it looked more the shade in the mini mag, I would, but it's a little too pink for me. My teeth are not white enough for pinks. My bad.

LAUREN B. Nail Polish in Santa Barbara Surf (0.5oz FULL-SIZE, $18.00) - A glossy green-blue polish that's free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin and camphor.

FOREO Luna Play ($39.00) - A golf ball sized facial cleansing brush that removes gunk with gentle vibrations. This brush - a pint-size version of the original - is gentle enough to use on even sensitive skin. It easily maneuvers around your nose, where bigger brushes tend to struggle, leaving skin smooth. It comes pre-juiced with 100 uses' worth of battery power. The silicone inhibits bacterial growth.

Oh, oh, oh... the nail polish is the seventh item in this amazing box that I won't use. I have polishes falling out of every crevasse of my house. However, GOOD GOLLY, MISS MOLLY... I am super duper excited about the Luna Play!!! I have been so jealous of everybody having this when I can't throw around $39 for a cleansing brush. And despite the already high value, this item alone far out-weighs the cost for the month.

I calculate this May 2016 box to have a value of $117.18. WOW! That's a massively incredible value for a box that only costs $15. There was also a LOT of diversity in the product selection. There is nothing in this box that I cannot say is great. 

Also included was a subscription offer for Allure magazine, $1 a month. And it comes with a free gift, which looks to be a set of makeup pouches. Altogether this is a fantastic month for Allure Beauty Box. I can't wait to see what's next!