Walmart Beauty Subscription Box | Spring 2016

This season's Walmart Beauty box showed up in my mailbox last week, and I have to say, if you've seen any of the reviews of the most recent Target Beauty Box (which always sell out) - this is one to rival that! (but this one is $5 cheaper!)

This seasonal subscription costs just $5 per box and it's automatically shipped to you each season. This box features drug store items in deluxe sample sizes. I like this service because you can try out items before buying, even if the full sizes wouldn't put you out too terribly budget-wise. To sign up, just enter your info here. 

Here's what came in the Spring 2016 box:

• Colgate Optic White Toothpaste - I've used this before and enjoyed it. Happy to receive a deluxe sample of it for future use. 

• Jergens Natural Glow body lotion - Another favorite. This lotion is perfect to give you a tan just a couple shades darker than your normal tone. Perfect for pale girls like me. 

• John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Gentle Lightening Shampoo - I'm not brunette, nor do I wish to lighten my hair, so this will be given away to someone who is. (This is the down side of a box you can't customize...)

• CeraVe Healing Ointment - This is the CeraVe version of Vaseline. It can be used on dry patches or skin that needs a little extra boost of nourishment. 

• Curel Itch Defense Body Wash - This body wash is marketed towards those who suffer from eczema and extremely dry, itchy skin. It's fragrance-free, so it would also be good for those with sensitive skin or those who want to avoid any smells. 

• Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser - Aimed at those with combination skin, this cleanser uses baking soda to cleanse and exfoliate the face. One thing to note, baking soda is listed prettttty far down in the ingredients, so the marketing is a bit misleading. 

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Walmart Beauty Box | Summer 2015

This Summer's Walmart Beauty Box is arriving in mailboxes, and if you haven't signed up for this seasonal subscription yet, what are you waiting for? It costs just $5 a box (4 boxes per year), and you can sign up here. The samples aren't as good as an Ipsy bag or Birchbox, but you do get samples of drugstore items that are nice to try out before spending the $$$ on a full size.

Included in the summer box is a decent sized sample of the Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme, a basic all-over lotion that I've never tried before. Behind that are some lame foil packets of Jergens Natural Glow lotion, which I've used before and enjoyed. On bottom is a nice travel size of Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion with SPF, which is something I'd only use as a sunscreen, not an every day lotion. And the one full-sized product in the box is the NYC Big Bold & Precise Liquid Eyeliner, which I'm excited to try because you know I love me some black eyeliner!

Also included is the John Frieda Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray, which I got a sample of in an Influenster previously. I'm not a huge sea salt spray kind of girl (I don't wash my hair enough for that!) so I can't say I'm too excited about this product. A rather large travel size of Clear Complete Care Nourishing Anti-Dandruff shampoo is in the box, and I happen to enjoy Clear shampoos so that's a plus. There's also a little sample of the One Direction You & I perfume, which is way too young of a scent for me, (I still love you, 1D! I'm lookin' at you, Harry Styles..... mmm...) so I will probably pass it on to my sister who is a 1D fan. It's super-duper fruity, if you like that kind of thing.

Lastly, we've got more annoying foil packets of Ken Paves Volumizing Shampoo + Conditioner, Neutrogena Healthy Volume mascara (never tried!), and Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser, which actually came in the Spring box, too -- lame.

Overall, this was an OK box. For $5 I can't really complain. I am looking forward to trying the NYC eyeliner, which I'd happily pay $5 to try, so the rest of the samples can just be considered a bonus. What do you think -- have you signed up to receive these beauty boxes yet? Will you? Let me know!

Walmart Spring Beauty Box

The Walmart Beauty Box comes seasonally, and if you haven't yet signed up to receive the spring box, now is the time! You can sign up to receive them here. They're shipping this month. Walmart Beauty Boxes cost just $5, which is solely the price of shipping, so all the goodies are technically free! Basically all of the items in the spring box are travel or sample sized, and aside from the foil packets, everything in this box will get you quite a few uses! 

Included in my spring box are the following:

• Dove Go Fresh body wash in Mandarin & Tiare Flower
• St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub (A favorite of mine, even if the scrubbies are probably horrible for your skin.)
• Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes
• Jergens BB Body lotion (NOT a favorite because it smells like their tanning lotion to me)
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters White Tea & Vitamin E facial cleanser
• Ken Paves shampoo, conditioner and hair mask foil packets
• Lady Gaga Fame perfume sample

I've seen other season's Walmart beauty boxes and some are a little better than this, and some are worse, but for $5 I don't mind taking the gamble. I've tried the BB Body lotion, the Simple cleansing wipes and the Fame perfume, but all the other products are new to me. Have you tried any of these products? Which ones did you like? Let me know! 

Target Spring 2014 Beauty Box

I feel a bit bad posting about this, as it's no longer available, but as I considered whether or not to share with all of you, I thought - hey, Target does these boxes now and then and you might want to know for the future. So, I apologize this is no longer available, but make sure to keep your eyes open for a new box in the future.

Long story short, I paid just $5 plus shipping for the Target Spring 2014 Beauty Box. ONLY $5!!! That mascara alone is worth ~$8! You can only purchase these boxes online, and you have to act fast as they sell out rather quickly. I think this was a really great value with awesome products to try. I'm really happy with it! 

The contents of the box are as follows (From the Target website):

1) TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray (2.5 fl oz): Want beachy hair without hitting the surf? Spray from root to tip for salty, sultry texture and subtle, windswept waves.
2) L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (.22 fl oz): Stretch and lengthen lashes for a fluttery, winged-out look with this unique mascara formula and revolutionary asymmetrical Butterfly Brush.
3) Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo (1.7 oz): Give hair a rejuvenating boost with this paraben and colorant-free formula made with natural tapioca to instantly absorb excess oil with less residue.
4) COVERGIRL Smoochies Sizzle Gloss (.44 fl oz): Pucker up. Sheer color meets sizzling shimmer in a moisturizing formula that’s always stunning, never sticky.
5) Jergens BB Cream Light (2 fl oz): Finally, a multi-tasking beauty cream in a quick-drying formula that goes on sheer and delivers visible results in just 5 days. 

Have you tried any of these products? Were you lucky enough to score one of the Target Beauty Boxes? Let me know in the comments below! 

Gone, gone, gone | Empties #3

There is something so sickeningly satisfying about finishing products. With a stash that is ridiculous rather large, I try to get through things so that I can move on to something new. Especially since I like to use some of my beauty products the same way that I read books -- that is to say, one at a time. I do this for things like body wash, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners, etc. 

It's been just over 2 months since my last empties post, but yet again I've accumulated some trash and so I've got some things to show you with a quick review on each product as well.  Here goes nothin'... 

• Clean & Clear Mattifying Moisturizer - I got this at Big Lots a few months ago, and I have to confess that I didn't use this up entirely. In fact, it's about 75% full. I hated this stuff. It did a horrible job of moisturizing and it would slough off white gunk that wouldn't melt in to my skin. I can't be bothered to get through this tube, and while I think it's discontinued, I wouldn't repurchase it if I saw it again. 

• Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer - I did use all of this moisturizer, and I enjoyed it. It was very lightweight, but it packed a punch and was very hydrating for my dry skin. It lasted me a good 4-5 months, so the ~$8 price tag was totally worth it. I would repurchase it.

• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes - These are my new favorite makeup removing wipes. They smell really nice like cucumber and they're really gentle while still removing all my makeup. They're also super soft and feel lovely on your face. I will absolutely repurchase these again. 

• Studio Beauty Night Calming Makeup Remover Towelettes - Studio Beauty is Walgreens store brand. These were cheap, and the package says these compare to Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I've actually never tried those, so I can't compare. I thought these were fine. They weren't anything special, but they didn't break me out, they had a nice light scent and they got my makeup off well. I'd probably repurchase these because they're a bit cheaper than a name-brand wipe. 

• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser - This is a no nonsense cleanser that is great for people with sensitive skin. It cleans your skin without any scent or fanciness, it just simply wipes the dirt and makeup away! This big daddy size lasted me a good 3 months or so, which is pretty awesome. This isn't the first bottle I've gotten through, and it won't be the last. 

• Boots No. 7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover - Boots is a UK brand that has somewhat recently been introduced to Target. Awhile ago I found this eye makeup remover in the Target clearance bin and figured I'd give it a shot. It worked really well without burning my eyes, and it got all of my eye makeup, waterproof and not, off like a charm. I'd definitely repurchase this.

• Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shea Enriched Shower Gel - I have been trying to finish this since FOREVER. I know I said I use body wash one at a time, but there were a couple times I took this out of the shower to swap it for a different scent. It's a very sweet, autumnal scent, and I just couldn't bear to use it in the spring or summer. I can't say I love this scent (primarily a strong shea scent), and I definitely didn't love the fact that it's not moisturizing in the least. Since there's always something new at B&BW I'd rather try something else next time. 

• Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - I've talked about this so many times that I won't go in to detail. I like this stuff. It gives this pale redhead some color in the summer, and I can build it up to look pretty convincing. I'll buy this again and again in the summer as I always do.

• L'Oreal Power Moisture Moisture Rush Mask - I use hair masks or deep conditioners once a week to keep my hair healthy, and I like to switch around and use something new. This was one I randomly picked up, and I thought it was just alright. It didn't seem to moisturize my hair any more than a regular conditioner. I don't think I'd buy it again. 

• got2be Oil-licious Golden Shimmer conditioner - I hated the smell of this stuff, but the product itself was okay. It's not thick at all, as if the cream of the conditioner was merely just to hold the oil and transfer it to your hair. The one thing I did like about this was that I could actually SEE the golden shimmer in my hair. It wasn't obnoxious or anything, but in the right light there was a nice sparkle that looked awesome in my auburn hair. I'd maybe buy this again, if I can get over the smell. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation - I won't bore you with ANOTHER review on this. I love it. It's my favorite foundation. Period!

• Maybelline Lash Stilletto Voluptuous mascara in Brownish Black - This made it in my August Favorites and for good reason! I really liked it. It separated, lengthened and most importantly, it volumized. It had a cool, curved brush and it applied well. I'd repurchase! 

• Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer - I used to use this stuff religiously on any spots on my face, not that it ever seemed to really clear them up (as it's supposed to). I found this in my makeup stash and I haven't used it in well over a year and it's nearly gone so it's time to toss it out! I wouldn't buy this stuff again as it doesn't have great coverage and it was far too runny.

• Dove Cleartone deodorant - I bought a three pack of these last holiday season and I'm still working my way through it. I'm not overly particular about my deodorant, so this stuff worked just fine for me. I wish I could make the switch to all-natural deodorant but it just makes me smell bad! I'd repurchase this.

• Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste - I received this in an Influenster VoxBox this past summer, and I have to say I enjoyed it. The toothpaste is a bright electric blue color and it foams like crazy. As for whitening, I didn't really notice much. It tasted nice and cleaned my teeth which is good enough for me. I've only seen this at Walgreens and it's a bit on the pricey end of the toothpaste spectrum, so I probably won't buy it again.

• OPI Shatter polish in Black Shatter - I actually only used this a few times, but was cleaning out my nail polish collection and noticed this one had dried up. That's the thing with these shatter polishes, if there's even a tiny bit of air coming in to the bottle they dry up in a split second. I'm not sad about it because I am completely sick of shatter nails. 

• B&BW PocketBac in Raspberry Pink Peony - If you've seen my other empties posts, you'll have noticed these show up in every one. I use these before applying my makeup to kill any bacteria I have on my hands so I don't transfer it on to my face. This one smelled really nice, and I love the design on the packaging. A+! I have more of these in my stash, so I won't be repurchasing this scent any time soon (and I think it's part of the limited edition summer collection). 

• Slatkin & Co. Scented Candle in Autumn Day - Kind of a random empty, but I had to include it! This candle is from B&BW (geez, this is a B&BW heavy post!) and it smelled divine! My whole bag of empties smells amazing because of this candle! It's the perfect autumn smell that will fill up any room you're burning it in. I would definitely purchase this again!

Well, that's it! Another round of used-up products, and I assure you this won't be the last of these posts. Even now I've got a bag started of "new" used things. Stay tuned... and let me know if you've loved or hated any of these same products!

Product Empties!

If I had to pick a favorite type of video on YouTube, I think I'd have to say product empties vids are my favorite. (Click here or here to see what I mean) I love them because by the time you've used an entire product, you darn well know whether or not you like it. If you're unfamiliar with the format, click the links above, or keep reading to dig through my trash with me and get a quick review of each product.

1) Treat It Amazing Leave-In 12-in-one Hair Treatment - I'm pretty sure this is an off brand product that I picked up at Big Lots a long time ago. Despite that, I really liked it. I'd spray it in damp hair and I actually did notice my hair feeling silkier throughout the day. I would most likely repurchase this in the future.

2) Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo - I really liked this dry shampoo. It has a light clean scent and does the job of sucking up any excess oil in my hair. It also adds a nice bit of volume to the roots. Be warned fellow darker haired ladies, it does leave a white cast, but it can be brushed or massaged out sufficiently. I would repurchase this in the future.

3) L'Oreal Everstrong Deep Replenishing Masque - I cycle through deep conditioning masks like no one's business, as I use them typically once a week. I hadn't tried anything from this Everstrong line until this, so I figured, what the heck? I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. I don't really think it was as good as others I've tried, but considering it was something like $5, I wasn't super disappointed. I think this specific product is discontinued, but if you want to try something pretty much the same it is just repackaged differently and can be found in the drugstore. 

1) Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Lotion - As you can tell, I like this stuff. I've gone through two full bottles. Remember when this came on the market years back and the smell was completely unbearable? You don't have to worry about that anymore. I actually like the smell of it now. I use the medium to tan lotion despite being as fair as they come, but it actually builds up, and I don't feel like the fair to medium version makes much of a difference. The glow it gives is subtle yet noticeable and looks natural. I can't say I've noticed any firming action, but I keep thinking it can't hurt to keep using it in case it actually is doing something. This is a tried and true summer favorite of mine. I'll certainly repurchase this again.

2) Nivea Touch of Sparkle Cream Oil Body Wash - When I bought this, I thought it was going to be shimmery because it says "diamond powder." Then I realized, that is the scent. Are you kidding me, what does diamond powder smell like? If it smells like this body wash, it smells really good - kind of fruity and floral. This body wash is really moisturizing and creamy, and I enjoyed it. I'd repurchase it, but what's the point - there's always a new body wash out there to try!

1) Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Ivory Light - This product is so stinkin' old it's discontinued and probably has been for a long time. Don't get me wrong, I don't like to keep and use expired and nasty makeup, but I found this in the depths of my makeup the other day and immediately decided to throw it out. I haven't used it for a long time and I've actually always hated it. The mousse consistency is weird, it didn't cover well or stay in the area you applied it. Big huge fail. Goodbye gross concealer!

2) Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant - On the total flip side, here is an absolute WIN of a Maybelline concealer. I used this down to the last twist, and immediately repurchased it once it was gone. This is the first concealer I've ever used where I can actually tell a noticeable difference when I use it under the eyes. It brightens up areas that need it, and hides any tired dark circles. It's under $10 and you can find it at the drug store. I would highly recommend it.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Foundation in 20 Natural Ivory - This used to be my absolute favorite foundation, hence why I have two used up bottles. My skin is very prone to breakouts and blemishes and because I wear makeup nearly every day I wanted to use something that won't clog my pores. I liked this foundation because it finished matte on the skin and seemed to have decent staying power, but I can't say the acne fighting properties actually worked for me. It retails for around $12 and you can find it at most drugstores. Now that I've found a foundation I love even more, I don't think I'll be repurchasing this any time soon. 

1)  L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black - I talked about this mascara in my June favorites, so check there for a full review. I liked this mascara a lot, it added volume and definition to my lashes without being clumpy. I'm not sure I can buy this exact kind of the Telescopic mascara any more, but I'd definitely purchase a Telescopic mascara again in the future.

2) ModelCo Fibre LashXtend Extreme Black Lengthening Mascara - I received this mascara in one of my previous Birchboxes and I was super excited to try it out, given that it's a full-size product. Much to my dismay, I absolutely hated it. I'm not sure if it was dried out by the time I received it or if that's just the formula, but it is awful. The fibery formula wouldn't stick and my lashes looked horribly spidery. It costs a whopping $28, which is kind of crazy for a brand without much recognition (correct me if I'm wrong, but I haven't seen much of anything from them.) I will not be purchasing this in the future.

3) Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara in Glam Black - Truth be told, I bought this mascara because I liked the packaging, but fortunately I also liked the product. I don't think it gave me "cat eyes" (whatever that means), but it applied easily and didn't clump. I also think it smells kind of good? I don't know, I'm weird. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I don't know if I'd repurchase this because it didn't really thrill me, but it wasn't a bad product- some of you might love it!

4) Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara - I got a little sample size of this mascara and holy COW, I fell in love. This might be my favorite mascara of all time. It was brilliant - it held a curl like no other, it separated my lashes and added volume and it did all of this without clumping. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I was very sad to use this sample up. If I can get over the $20 price tag, I will most definitely purchase a full-size of this in the future.

1) Wet n Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner in Black - I talked about this eyeliner in my May Favorites, so check that out for a more thorough review. This is a long time favorite of mine, and probably the 50th time I've used up a bottle because I use it every single day, and I have for the last 8 or 9 years. I will continually repurchase this product until I find something that tops this (which I doubt is possible). 

2) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - This is another long time favorite of mine that I've repurchased time and time again. I use it to set my foundation, and I haven't found anything that compares. There are plenty of pricier powders that don't do half as good of a job. For under $5, you've got yourself one heck of a powder. It isn't transparent, as the name suggests, but it isn't cakey or overly powdery on the face. I've already purchased another of these, and will do so until I find some other better replacement.

1) Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes - I love a good makeup removing wipe, but unfortunately I didn't love these. I wanted to use something for sensitive skin, but I don't think they did much for me. Beware of the"simple" marketing, which often makes the mind think "natural" (a mistake I made myself), but there are parabens in these face wipes if you browse the ingredients. I won't be repurchasing these.

2) Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes - I loved these. The wipes are quilted which helps scrub off makeup without being rough on the skin, and they smell absolutely amazing (I love chamomile scented products). These are so gentle and soothing on the skin. I will definitely repurchase these in the future. 

1) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in Cucumber Melon - I love keeping these mini antibacterial gels in my makeup bag so I can use them before I start doing my makeup, that way I don't spread bacteria on my blemish-prone skin. I especially love these PocketBacs because they're small and don't take up a ton of room while traveling, and they come in a variety of scents. This cucumber melon scent smells just like you would imagine it to - nice and refreshing. 

2) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in White Citrus - You know I love these already. White Citrus smells really sharp and fresh. It isn't my most favorite scent, but it's not repulsive or anything. I've already replenished my stash of these (in other scents) so I can keep on using them every time I do my makeup. 

3) O.P.I. AvoJuice lotion in Crisp Apple Juicie - OPI's AvoJuice is my most favorite lotion. It's lightweight but it is insanely moisturizing. It is seriously awesome. I have a bunch of full size bottles, and I also have some of these minis which I always keep in my purse for use on the go. This smells just like macintosh apples, and makes me think of fall. I would definitely repurchase this in the future. 

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That's all for now, folks. If you like these kinds of posts, let me know in the comments below. Also let me know if you've tried any of these products and and what you thought of them. Have a great rest of your weekend!