June 2013 - Beauty Box 5

Happy Sunday!!

Yesterday I received my first ever Beauty Box 5 box. I was excited to see that little teal box in my mailbox! I had seen a couple spoilers online, but I was unsure as to how many different box variations they usually have. With ipsy and Birchbox, there are often dozens or more variations. After a little bit of digging, I found that there were only two variations with BB5.

Here is my first ever Beauty Box 5!

My box contained:

• Coolway Shampoo & Conditioner
• Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer (2 packets)
• Minxxette Brush Hanger
• Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Facial Soap

Coolway Cool Cleanse Shampoo and Cool Hydrate Conditioner - 1oz each

I know a lot of people are not very excited to get shampoo and conditioner in a beauty box, but I feel that these samples are a good size. I also like that they gave everyone both the shampoo and conditioner to try together. I haven't used these yet, but I smelled the shampoo and it smells really good! It has a subtle yet fruity scent to it. I should be able to get get 3-4 uses out of the bottles, so I am looking forward to trying this.

Cost of full size product: $25.00 for 8.6oz bottle

Value of sample: $2.91 each ($5.82 total)

Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer - 8mL packets (2)

Ehh. I wasn't very excited about this product. At least they included two foil packets so that there will be enough product to try out...hopefully! From what I read on the package, I am assuming this product is very similar to St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body lotion. I own this product and I actually really love it. The Just Being Sexy claims that it won't rub off, and that it is safe for face and body. It's also made in the USA and not tested on animals! I will be looking to try this product out soon.

Cost of full size product: $49.00 for 6 fl oz

Value of sample: $2.37 each ($4.74)

   Minxxette Brush Hanger - small size

I don't really have too much to say about this product. I might use it, but having just one isn't very convenient when I have so many brushes! For those of you that have NO IDEA what on earth this product is - it's a plastic little brush holder that you hang your brush on so it can dry after you clean it. I don't really see any need for this product.

Cost of product: $4.69

Shea Terra Organics - Rose Hips Black Facial Soap - 1oz

I was SO EXCITED to get this item! This is a highly coveted product over at the Makeup Talk forums. (Shout out to my MuT ladies!!) Since I struggle with acne, this product sounds like the perfect product for me. It's supposed to lift away dead skin cells, even skin tone, firm skin, and fight acne. Sounds pretty miraculous, huh? I cannot wait to try this lovely little product!

Cost of full size product: $18.00 for 4oz

Value of sample: $4.50

Total value of box: $19.75

Overall, I was very pleased with my first box. I paid $10 for this box, so it paid for itself. I will definitely be using all of the products that came in my box this month.

What subs have you guys received recently?! I'd love to see what you're getting!!

 

Mini TJ Maxx Haul!

Today I FINALLY got my butt to TJ Maxx! I have been wanting to go for weeks, but my schedule has been crazy hectic! But today was free and clear and I made sure I got over there. My main reason for stopping there...MUST FIND PACIFICA!

Some very pretty little birdies over at Makeup Talk had mentioned seeing Pacifica items at their local TJ Maxx stores. I was skeptical because I live in Michigan, nowhere fancy, and I doubted that I would be able to find it here. But I had to try!

Here is what I came home with!

 A! Absolute Make-up Cleansing Tissues, 60 Count - $4.99

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Butter - $3.99

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Luminizing Body Butter - $3.99

NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette from The Runway Collection, Jazz Night - $3.99

Let's start with the NYX Eyeshadow Palette. Let me tell you, I've been on a NYX kick for quite some time now, and I still haven't gotten enough! I was very happy to see this palette. They had another color palette with darker shades and pinks. I almost bought that one too - but I stopped myself. My train case is so overloaded! 

I took a look at Google to find out how much these are going for...and they are retailing for about $10 across the internet. I paid $3.99! 60% off is a great deal in my book!

NYX 10 Color Palette in Jazz Night

Top row of shadows - 

L: indoors with flash

R: indoors with natural light

Bottom row of shadows

Top: indoors with flash

Bottom: indoors with natural lighting

Overall I feel the color payoff is GREAT! I am exciting to begin using this palette and I feel like I got a really great deal.

Next, I have what I went to TJ Maxx to look for...PACIFICA! I was really hoping to get one of these two products in my May ipsy bag, but I didn't. But that's OK! Because I have them now! If you have never heard of Pacifica, I highly recommend them! You can find a small sampling of their products in Target stores. Or you can just check your local TJ Maxx.

 On the left is the bronzing butter, the right is the luminizing butter.

Indoors with flash. I rubbed some on my arm - you can see the slight shimmer it gives.

I think for me, I am going to like the bronzing butter the best. It has gold flecks in it and gives your skin a tiny bit of color. The luminizing butter has silver shimmer in it. It is also gorgeous, and can I tell you they smell divine!

These very same butters retail on Pacifica's website for $7.00 each. I paid $3.99 each, which is a 40% savings!

I picked up the Absolute Makeup Removing Tissues on a whim. I recognized the brand from May's Glossybox (check out my review HERE) and decided to buy them, even though I was not a fan of the perfume stick I received. I still wanted to try the brand! Plus there are 60 towelettes, and for $4.99 that is a great price. I tried them out and I really like them! They are soft and very moist so they take makeup off easily. They also smell great, very citrusy! 

Looking online, these retail for about $6.99 online. Not a huge savings but still a good price in my book!

Make sure you check your local TJ Maxx for great buys on your favorite products!

What deals have you found lately??