Cravebox Limited Edition Box

Earlier in the year I signed up to receive notifications for Cravebox. However, there was a waiting list but I also signed up for the newsletter. After reading thru an email received from them, I realized I had not signed up for the waiting list, but only the newsletter. But I was in luck, they just announced that one of their limited edition boxes was available and the theme was Summer BBQ. I was interested in getting the box and went to sign up on their website.

Cravebox is a monthly subscription box for $10.  Samples are varied and they promise the samples will equal the box price. There is still a wait list for the monthly box. They are also offering a "lottery" for their Limited Edition boxes. You are notified by email that a box is available, you then have three days to go to the Cravebox website and enter a drawing to receive the box. You have to wait to be notified if you were "picked" to receive the box.

I just received my email that I won a spot in the lottery drawing and will be receiving the Summer BBQ limited edition box. Boxes are being mailed out this Thursday.

One of the reasons I signed up for this box is the mix of products that can be received. I am also excited they have the limited edition boxes with a more focused theme that you can opt in for a chance to get. Since I already receive a makeup oriented box I don't need another entirely focused on beauty, I want the variety.

June 2012 Birch Box

I really liked the contents of my birch box this month, so much so I made my first purchase from the website! The months theme was travel and included items that you could use to Jet Set off.
What did I get?

• theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac - this is a hint of color for lips and cheeks. I tried this and really liked it. I am extremely fair skinned and a little went a long way to provide a natural glowy tint. It was very blendable and the consistency is a little like a watered down gel.
• Tili Bag - a heavy duty zipper bag that the Birch Box team says can be used thru airport security. I have my doubts, I was under the impression the bag for liquids had to be clear so TSA could see in the bag. However, I think this is perfect to store in my purse to keep up with all the receipts stuffed in there.
• Eyeko Fat eye Stick - I received the color petrol blue, I think this is a full size item, and the jury is still out. I have very oily eyelids and most things smudge,when I tested the product it was extremely blendable as a shadow, easy to apply, and it smeared up to my eyebrows, out past the corner of my eyes, etc. I am going to try this with a better eyelid primer and maybe under a powder shadow.
• by Terry expert perfecting foundation - I received an apricot color and was a little scared, surprisingly it blended well although the color was a little too dark. The consistency was good and gave a light wash of cover. If this were sold in Sephora and I could test drive the other colors I might consider picking this up.
• by Terry comfort cream - when I opened my box, I had no idea what this was or how to use it, it looked like a random face cream. However, it is supposed to soften the signs of aging with moisturizing shea butter. I have not had a chance to try this yet, but may take it on a trip as a night cream.
• Joya Ames Soeurs parfum - my favorite item in the box! I cannot repeat that enough times. It is almost a rich manly scent that makes me want to sniff it all day. It rolls on strong but fades into a nice rich robust smell that wafts up to you, I find the smell almost intoxicating. This is my first order from the website, I had to have it. The full size comes in a roller ball and easy to carry around to reapply as needed. The orange, frankincense and myrrh really appeal to me. I am normally a warm sweet fragrance wearer, but this smell is becoming my new favorite.

Overall this box was wonderful and I really liked the items in it. My only company is the delivery time. I always feel like I am one of the last people to receive their boxes and I wish it came quicker!

Monthly Subscription Box - Love with Food

Decided to sign up for Love with Food, I did a little searching and found a coupon code for $5 off, valid until May 31st,  making my first month only $7. With a chance to cancel the subscription at anytime it seems like a bargin.

For each box sold they donate a meal to a hungry child. The samples will include five to six tasty bites.

Love with Food
coupon code: FRIENDLOVE (valid till May 31) to save $5

Monthly Subscription Services

I am on the search for new monthly subscription boxes. I have been receiving Birch Box for more then a year and sometimes it is hit or miss. My last two boxes have been somewhat disappointing but I don't want to cancel my service, the Gossip Girl box contained a gold nail polish and brush cleaner. The face cream received would have been awesome to stick in my purse but I was not able to get any product from the sample. However, occasionally I am surprised by the samples included and have been introduced to a few great new products, which is what it is all about.

So the search has started to see what else is available.

Top Contenders:
Glossy Box - currently wait listed

Eco Emi - $15/5-10 samples that are eco-friendly. The reviews for this have been consistently good and it has been on my list for a while. I was wait listed many months back and when I received the "It is now available"email I procrastinated

Love with Food - $12/5-6 samples and they donate a meal to a hungry child for each box purchased.

Umba - $26/ handmade products ranging from  home goods to bath products. I think this would be a great way to get introduced to people who create goods and I am very partial to handmade crafts.

Conscious Box - $19/ unknown sample amounts. Handpicked pure and sustainable products.

Green Grab Bag - $15/6 samples are natural, organic and vegan

Goodebox - $16/6-7 trial sized beauty and personal care products

The Look Bag - $10/5 samples - personal profile helps select your samples.

Dream Sample Box $12.50 - will look at the theme of the month and decide if I would like to get the box

Cravebox - $10 - you sign up to get notified when the box is available and then enter to be selected in a drawing to get the box, if you are selected you get the box in two weeks. Samples are focused on a theme. (complicated much?)

The Little Black Boxes - two options: a Bag for $10/8-9 samples and a Box $20/13-14 samples each filled with homemade treasures and treats.

Foodzie - 29.95 you pick the box you want from three tasting themes or get their signature box.

What I have said no to:
Blissmo
Sample Socity Beauty Bar
Whimsey Box - not sure I am this arts and crafty although the creators youtube video was adorable and made me want to get the box

May Birch Box

photo from birchbox website

One of the many things I really like about Birch Box is the ability to review past boxes. If I really liked something in the box it is easy to go to the website and click to get more information and purchase the item. The site keeps track of everything shipped to you. Now if I would only become better at reviewing the items on the website.

In May's Box
Beauty Blender Cleaner: I loved the beauty blender cleaning solution. This size is great for travel as well. I tested the cleaner this weekend and it worked great.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm: The Beauty Balm was a bit of a dude, I couldn't get very much product out of the sample and not enough to give it a real try. The bit I did get had a nice consistency and a nice color.

Arquiste L'Etrog: Normally the perfume samples get put in a box and pulled out when I am in the search for something new, however, I took this sample on a recent trip with me and really liked the smell, it was citrusy and warm just like the description said. This was probably one of my favorite scents received from Birch Box.

Color Club Nail Polish: gold nail polish....it definitely made me step out of my comfort zone, but I did like it.