Beauty Army July 2013 Review

It's that time on the month again- no, not THAT time...but time for all of my beauty subscriptions to arrive, one by one, as I stalk the tracking numbers like a 1D fan!

I recently received my July Beauty Army box, and would love to share my selections with you!

What's Beauty Army?  Beauty Army is an awesome beauty box program that is $12 a month.  This is the ONLY subscription service that allows you to CHOOSE your samples, so you never end up with something that you don't want to try.  Beauty Army also has the option to skip a month without cancelling, or to have one of their stylists choose the items for you.  You can choose up to SIX items each month.  If you are interested, here is a LINK to their site, and if you use this link, I receive credit towards receiving a free box (and then you can refer people, too!).

Ok, enough about how to subscribe, on to the goodies!

The box

My box was damaged in the mail this month, and that gives me a sad face.  I love repurposing these cute boxes, and this month, it's sadly crushed.  

The insert card

Unlike other months, BA has send a suggested reading list on the insert card.  What a great idea- I'll definitely check out these summer reads!

Addiction NV Cosmetics Gel liner pot in Hell on Heels, full size, retail value $16; available HERE.

First, let me say that I LOVE the name of this color- Hell on Heels.  What a great description!  I've received Addiction NV liners in my last few beauty boxes, and I've enjoyed their creamy consistency and bright colors.  Last month, I noticed that Addiction NV's website seemed to be down, and I THINK I've solved the mystery- they have changed their name, due to trademark issues.  The new company name is Hey Saylor Cosmetics- super cute!  The link above to purchase goes to Hey Saylor's facebook page- their online store is not yet up and running, but they do have all of their original product line available for shipping.  I am assuming the pricing is staying the same, but I do not have a price chart for reference.

Swatch of Hell on Heels

I love this pretty blue- teal has become my trademark eyeliner color, but this pretty blue works well and accents my eyes, I think.
GRADE: 4/5

Mini Kittour 30 mL travel bottle, frosted, retail value $3; set of 2 (one frosted and one clear) is available from BA's site HERE for $6.

I've really enjoyed receiving these travel bottles the last couple of months.  They are the perfect size to store shampoo, lotion or other samples that don't come in resealable packaging- and have helped me get multiple uses out of several products!  As my box was damaged in the mail, my little bottle was bent out of shape, but I was easily able to pop it back into it's original form- these little bottles are super durable!
GRADE: 4/5

Colorsmash Hair Shadow in Rags to Riches (vibrant purple), 0.03 oz sample size; retail value $4.09.  Full size (0.11 oz) is available HERE or on BA's site for $15.

I loved receiving the pink hair chalk last month- it only stands that getting purple this month would be awesome too!  My oldest claimed the pink pretty quick, so I am trying to keep the purple to myself if at all possible.

Swatch of Rags to Riches

Hair chalk is super easy to use- you simply smash the pan against your hair, and then apply hair spray.  It washes out with shampoo; and off your skin with soap and water.  My only suggestion is to wear gloves- this stuff gets all over your hands if you aren't careful!
GRADE: 5/5

Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil in citrus bliss, 0.5 oz sample, retail value $4.33.  Full size kit (shave oil 1 oz, razor saver 0.5 oz) is available HERE or from BA's Site for $12.99.

I chose this sample because I wanted to fill out my box with something that was not a foil pack.  There, I said it.  I did a bit of research on Bikini Soft, and their website looks like one for a "as seen on tv product"- a major turn off for me.  I plowed through and read that this oil can be used to shave your bikini line, underarms or legs, and leaves them feeling soft and silky.  I have not given this a try just yet, but I will let you know what I think of it as soon as I do!  I will say, it smells really good, and the ingredient list is an all natural list of oils- yay for no parabens!
GRADE: 3/5 (neutral)

Remington Anywear Elastics hair bands, 3 pack, retail value $2.50.  Available at your local Walmart or from BA's store (currently out of stock- but I think it's $5 for 3 3 packs).

The next item in my box is what turned out to be my favorite- Remington's Anywear Elastics hair bands.  I wear my hair up almost all summer, hair bands are an essential to my daily routine.  What- it's hot here, and sweaty hair on my neck is just...ew.  I gave these a try, and I seriously love them!  These wide elastics don't pull or tug my hair, are comfortable to wear, and super cute on a wrist!  I love the colors I received- they are all perfect for every day wear: purple, pink and yellow.  I would definitely repurchase these!
GRADE: 5/5

Skiin Soothing & Smoothing Eye Cream, 3mL sample, retail value $9.99.  Full size available HERE, or from BA's store, 15mL for $49.95.

Because I have hooded eyes, I love trying out eye creams to see if they help make my eyes appear less hooded.  This eye cream probably won't help with that, but it DOES advertise lessening dark circles and stimulate collagen production and thus reducing fine lines.  I love this little sample tube- it is resealable and easy to use.  The product doesn't have much of a scent, which is good, and it tingles when you put it on.  I'm not sure I will repurchase this one, as it does have a higher price point, but I will use this sample as long as I can- this is a win for me!
GRADE: 5/5

And that just about wraps up my July Beauty Army choices.  

Beauty Army July 2013 box

Here's my financial breakdown, based on the retail value of my box:
Addiction NV Cosmetics Hey Saylor Cosmetics Gel liner (full size!): $16
Mini Kittour travel bottle: $3
Colorsmash Hair Shadow (sample size): $4.09
Bikini Soft smooth shave oil (half size): $4.33
Remington Anywear Elastic bands (full size!): $2.50
Skiin Soothing & Smoothing Eye Cream (sample size): $9.99
Total retail value: $39.91
Total out of pocket: $12, shipping included
I'm really happy with everything that I selected, and thrilled that the retail value of my box is nearly $40!  

So tell me, my Only Average friends- what did you select this month?  Have you tried any of these products?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Until next time, my lovelies- stay average!


 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product that I paid for our of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts and review on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 3 people.  Here is a link that just goes to Beauty Army, without my referral code.  Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

Beauty Army June 2013 Review

As crazy as this summer has been, I am getting some seriously awesome things in the mail!  I can't wait to share them all with you!

My Beauty Army box for June 2013 just arrived, and it is just chock full of exciting things!

What's Beauty Army?  Beauty Army is an awesome beauty box program that is $12 a month.  This is the ONLY subscription service that allows you to CHOOSE your samples, so you never end up with something that you don't want to try.  Beauty Army also has the option to skip a month without cancelling, or to have one of their stylists choose the items for you.  You can choose up to SIX items each month.  If you are interested, here is a LINK to their site, and if you use this link, I receive credit towards receiving a free box (and then you can refer people, too!).

Ok, enough about this awesome service- let's get on to the good stuff!

Beautiful packaging!

Every box that I have received from Beauty Army has been a pretty pink box.  I am using four of them to sort my badges for Scouts; and any more after that I will have my husband turn into a storage center.  Reduce, reuse, recycle- that's the way to do it!

The insert card.

Each month, Beauty Army includes an insert card, with beauty tips and hints that are relevant to the current season.  I love getting these cards, plus- who doesn't love to be called gorgeous?

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Shampoo, 1 oz deluze sample size; retail value $2.25. Available HERE, 1 8 oz bottle for $22, or on BA's website HERE, 2 8 oz bottles for $36.

The first item in my box is a repeat for me, but a great product all the same.  I was excited to see this in my selection window- this non-foaming shampoo did a great job cleansing my hair and helping to repair the damage that I have done to it!  Seriously, Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 shampoo is the best!  The shampoo leaves my hair feeling silky and soft, and combing it out afterwards is a cinch! I just can't justify spending the $36 for a two pack, not when I can get samples now and then and use it as a supplemental product. 
GRADE: 5/5

GG Gatsby Raise Volume Shampoo; .5 fl oz sample, retail value $0.59.  Available HERE, or at BA's store, $9.99 for 8.4 oz.

I received TWO shampoo samples this month, and I selected this one just because I didn't see anything else in my selection window that I wanted to try (death to all foil packs!).  This cute little sample is another non-lather shampoo, that says that it will increase the volume of my hair.  I have super thin and crazy curly hair, so I am always on the lookout for something to help tame and volumize my locks.  It is hard to tell if you like a product from a foil pack, one time use sample, but it is easy to tell if you hate it.  I gave this a try, and was really surprised.  After just one wash, my hair was MUCH less frizzy, and although I didn't notice extra volume, I DID notice an BIG improvement in my hair!
GRADE: 4/5

Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment, 0.1 fl oz foil packet; retail value $4.00. Available HERE, or from BA's store; $19.99 for 0.5 fl oz.

I say it all the time- I hate foil packets.  This sample was another selection made just to try something new, and because of my Mini Kittour jar from last month, I can get more than one use out of this one.  Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment is to be used twice daily to help combat the fine lines around the eye area.  Because of my very hooded eyes, firming and lifting the skin around my eyes is a concern- my hooded eyes will only become more hooded as I age.  I tried this treatment out, and the first thing I noticed was the smell- VERY floral.  I have major fragrance allergies, so I definitely won't repurchase this, but it does feel very good on my skin.  This little foil pack lasts quite a while- you only need a dab.  All you need is a little container to put the leftover in!
GRADE: 3/5 (feels good, triggers my allergies)

Addiction NV Gel Liner Pot in Starstruck (silver), full size, retail value $16.00.  Available HERE (currently offering 70% off everything on their site, making this liner $4.80; use coupon code NV70).

I love me some gel eyeliner, let me tell you!  I was excited to receive the Addiction NV gel liner in Chaos last month, but was disappointed in how it went on my eyes as a liner.  I use it now as an eye shadow.  When this popped up in my selection window again (no matter how hard I tried, I could NOT get purple to pop up!), I thought I would give it a try again, and maybe it's just the Chaos shade that didn't work well for me.  

Swatch of Starstruck (indoors with flash- it's seriously bucketing out!)

This beautiful silver/grey shade is super creamy.  I tried this on, and I like this one a LOT better than the blue one I received last month.  It doesn't seem to be quite as creamy, and glides on really well, and has some serious staying power!  I love me some gel liner!

Let me add that this company MAY be going out of business- I went to find their site today and had a farewell message posted on the home page, but I could still get into the store.  Shop at your own risk!
GRADE:4/5

Mini Kittour 30mL Travel Bottle in clear, retail value $3. Sets of 2 (one PET and one HDPE plastic) are available from BA's site for $6.

I seriously loved the little Mini Kittour container that I received last month, and I was excited to receive this one too- I love to have ways to save samples for multiple uses, and cute ways to travel (if I actually ever go anywhere!).  I plan to put my GG Gatsby shampoo in this, to hopefully squeeze a second application out of the packet.  What a great idea- to have little sample sized jars, to save the excess from a foil packet!
GRADE:4/5 (nice to have but the smaller pots are more handy IMHO

Colorsmash Hair Shadow in Je Ne Sai Quoi (bright pink), 0.03 oz sample size, retail value $4.09.  Available HERE, or on BA's website, $15 for .11 oz.

I have a tween-aged daughter.  This probably isn't news to you.  When I told her that one of my samples this month was pink hair chalk, she screamed and jumped up and down.  That's tween-language for good, by the way.  Colorsmash Hair Shadow is easy to apply- just smash on, spray with hair spray to seal it, and go.  Ready to shed your color?  Simply wash your hair!  The sample is a decent size, too, although the weight doesn't sound like it.  It's a decent sized pan of shadow, about the size of a MAC or Ulta shadow, but not as full.

Swatch of Je Ne Sai Quoi Side note- do you know how hard it is to take a picture of your own hair?  I don't care that it's sideways, the pink looks cool, although it is more hot pink than this picture shows. (flash- it's seriously bucketing out so no sunlight!)

My hair is pretty dark, so I was curious as to whether or not the hair chalk would even show up, but I should not have worried.  This is seriously cool stuff, and my favorite item in this month's box!  I have to see if I can find a more inexpensive alternative to the hair shadow, though- If I find one, do you want to see a tutorial?  Let me know!  Just one little suggestion, though- wear gloves when applying, because this stuff got ALL over my hands, but it DID wash off with soap and water.
GRADE: 5/5

My Beauty Army June 2013 Box

And finally, here is my June 2013 Beauty Army box collection.  I think I got some neat things this month, what do you think?

Here is this month's financial breakdown, but remember- an item only has value if you love it, or found out that you hate it- something that you would never use, and never wanted has NO value at all in my opinion!

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Shampoo: $2.25
GG Gatsby Raise Volume Shampoo: $0.59
Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment: $4.00
Addiction NV Gel Liner Pot$ 16.00 (or $4.80 if you include the current sale)
Mini Kittour bottle: $3.00
Colorsmash Hair Shadow: $4.09
Total Retail Value: $18.73, if you cound the sale price, $29.93 if you don't.
Total Out of Pocket: $12.00, shipping included.
Not the best valued box, but still more than I paid, and I received some really cool stuff that I really like.  I'm a satisfied customer (but Ipsy is still my favorite!)

I hope you enjoyed this review of my Beauty Army box, and feel free to check them out if you like what you see!  Tell me- what did YOU receive this month?

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Only Average!

PS- Have you heard of Hand-Picked Words?  Enter HERE to win a 3 month FREE subscription!

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product that I paid for our of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts and review on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 3 people.  Here is a link that just goes to Beauty Army, without my referral code.  Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

Beauty Army May 2013 Review

This has to be the craziest spring ever.  Seriously.  We have been SO busy, I don't even know where to start!  Nevertheless, I did receive my Beauty Army box in the mail (after skipping April), and I would LOVE to share it with you!

What's Beauty Army?  Beauty Army is an awesome beauty box program that is $12 a month. This is the ONLY subscription service that allows you to CHOOSE your samples, so you never end up with something that you don't want to try. They also offer the option to skip a month without cancelling (Ipsy, if you are listening, you could do that too, you know!), or to have one of their stylist choose the items for you.  Plus- you get SIX samples each month, unless you choose to receive less.  Interested, here is a LINK to their site, if you sign up with this link, I receive credit towards received a free box (and you can refer people too!).

Alright, on to the goodies.  You ready?

The box.

I was curious as to what color box I would get this month- because I already have THREE pink ones, I really wanted a fourth- and I lucked out!  I'm either going to keep these to store Scout badges in them, or I will talk my husband into making me a storage unit that these can sit in.  I love these little boxes!

Tips for a skin-healthier summer

I love the insert cards in the beauty boxes- each one is unique!  Beauty Army's included tips for keeping your skin healthy for the summer.

Cotz Face for natural skin tone SPF 40 sunscreen, 3.0g, retail value $1.41.  Full size available HERE (or on BA's Site); $19.99 for 1.5 oz.

I'm a pale girl, who loves the sun.  I also don't particularly care for wrinkles.  How do I rectify this?  Sunscreen!  I wear SPF daily, and make sure that my kids do also.  Cotz Face sunscreen is lightly tinted, and blends in very well.

Swatch of Cotz Face for Natural Skin

I will totally get my use out of this tiny little tube- it's FINALLY nice out here and I will be hitting the beach a LOT this summer!  I'm really happy it has a higher SPF factor than most face creams- I burn really easily and need a higher SPF.  Awesome!
GRADE: 4/5 (tiny sample!)

Own Skin Health Lifting Eye Cream, .75 mL, retail value $1.20.  Full size available HERE (or on BA's site); $23.99 for 15 mL.

I, along with pretty much everyone, really hate foil pack samples.  I am, however, excited to try this one out!  I currently have an obsession with eye creams, and love the Mary Kay timewise collection.  I really like trying new ones out, though, so I ordered this sample packet.

I love it when companies give us all of the trial information, right on the sample!

I have hooded eyes, so anything that can help prevent my droopyness from getting worse is a good thing!  This cream is white and silky, and has a pleasant scent.  I'll let you all know how it works!
GRADE: 4/5

Mini Kittour Mini Refillable Jar, holds 5g, retail value $3. Set of 2 available  on BA's site for $6.

I know what you are thinking: WHY would ANYONE want an EMPTY jar from a sample club?  Well, I will tell you what: I really was excited to see this in my window for selection!  I love little jars to put foil pack samples in, so that i don't have to use them all at once!  This is a super cool idea, and my Mini Kittour jar is currently housing my Own eye cream sample.  I love that I can use every last drop of a sample now.  Great idea- but not sure I would purchase them at $3 each- I am sure I can find something similar at my local Dollar Tree.
GRADE: 4/5 (neat idea, not so neat price point)

Amlactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion, 2 oz, retail value $3.04.  Full size (7.9 oz, smaller size) available HERE for $14.99 (or on BA's site for $11.99.

We go through a lot of lotion in this house.  Like, a LOT.  Then again, with 3 females in a house, it's bound to happen!  Because of my fragrance allergies, I'm pretty particular about lotion: the current favorite here is the Spray & Go lotion by Vaseline from my Influenster box a while back.  I was thrilled to see this in my selection window, and it did not disappoint!  This lotion is not greasy at all and does a great job moisturizing my sun-dried skin.  The bottle also reads that it is dermatologist tested and clinically proven AHA: both good things!
GRADE: 5/5  LOVE it!

Nailuv Gel Polish in Berry Sweetie, .2 oz, retail value $5.98.  Full size is available HERE (or on BA's site), $14.95 for .5 oz.  MUST USE UV LAMP WITH PRODUCT.

My BFF loves polish, so, naturally, I am beginning to get into polish again.  I have NEVER tried gel polish, but I am excited to change that! When I saw this pretty berry colored gel polish in my selection window, I was excited, until I read the line that says that I must use a UV or LED lamp to cure the polish.  Google showed me several options, and they run anywhere from $20 and up.  Honestly, I don't want to spend that on a lamp for a type of polish I've never even tried before, so I'm currently checking out how to MAKE a UV lamp at home to cure my nails with (and don't understand why a half hour out in the sun won't do it- that's UV light, too, right??). I don't have a swatch for you because I can't use it yet, but once I figure out how to cure them at home for less (or find a friend who has a UV light I can borrow!).  I will keep you posted!
GRADE: 3/5 (neutral, for now!)

Addiction NV Cosmetics gel liner in Chaos, full size (no clue the actual size!!), retail value $16.00.  Full size available HERE, $16.00; coupon code NV70 will get you 70% your purchase (at the time I wrote this post!).

I love gel liner.  Seriously. Love. It.  I was SO excited to see this liner in my selection box- it make the box worthwhile to me!  I wear teal eyeliner every day, so this was a no brainer for me to try.  I dipped my brush in the liner and was surprised- this is the CREAMIEST liner EVER.  I personally have better luck with gel-ier formulas (hooded eyes mean creasing and transfer!), so this was a bit of a miss for me as a liner, but the color payoff is SO gorgeous, I will use this more for eye shadow, or blend it out for a smoky blue look.  

Swatch of Addiction NV gel liner in Chaos

This will definitely get used, but I will probably not repurchase. If you like a super creamy gel liner, then this is the product for you, and that 70% off code definitely makes it a no-brainer to try it out!
GRADE: 2/5 as a liner; 4/5 as a shadow!

May 2013 Beauty Army Box

All in all, I am pretty happy with my selections this month, but it's not my FAVORITE box of all.  Do I have so much makeup now that nothing will get me excited?  I SURE HOPE NOT!

Here's the financial breakdown of my May box:
Cotz sunscreen: $1.41
Own Skin Health eye cream: $1.20
Mini Kittour jar: $3.00
Amlactin lotion: $3.04
Nailuv Gel polish: $5.98
Addiction NV gel liner: $16.00 ($4.80 if you account for the 70% discount on their site)
Total value: $30.63 ($19.43 if you count the NV discount code)
Out of pocket: $12, shipping included

Not too terrible, but definitely not the best one yet.  Here's to hoping I have some awesome products in my selection window for June!

Tell me, have you tried any of these products out yet?  What do you think?

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for out of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 3 people. Here is a link that just goes to Beauty Army, without my referral code. Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)