Square Hue Nail Polish Subscription Box Review, September 2014 + FREE Surprise Box Code!

In keeping with their travel theme (The Passport Collection) this year, the inspiration for Square Hue's September nail polish subscription box comes from Sydney, Australia. When I first opened this box, I was a bit dismayed by the colors, thinking that none of them would work for me. Square Hue has a stated goal of providing the latest trends in polish colors and encouraging subscribers to try shades they would never choose for themselves.  For me, that was certainly the case with this group.  But I'm happy to admit that my initial impression was wrong and that my nail polish horizons are being expanded thanks to the efforts of Square Hue!

September's box included the three Sydney themed polishes and an introductory card in a small white custom fitted box.  

Here are color swatches from the three bottles.  Unfortunately, they don't come across in the photo as beautifully as they actually look.

My absolute favorite in this collection is "Crown Drive" which is a stunning reddish orange color with a micro shimmer that really takes it beyond the ordinary.  This is demonstrated in the first swatch on the left above. On the card, this color is called "Crown Street" but the bottle is actually labeled "Crown Drive".  I have photographed the back sides of the actual bottles since the front is pretty much obscured with the Square Hue label.

The second color (in the middle above) is "Oxford Street", another micro shimmer in an orangey gold shade.  This one really doesn't suit my coloring but it is a surprisingly sophisticated color that is much prettier than it looks in the bottle.

The third polish is "King Street" which is a combination of brick red and purple....again, quite different than it looks in the bottle.  This one is a matte high gloss creme formulation.

The appearance of all three of these polishes was a surprise when applied.  I liked them much better than upon first impression in the bottle.  All three are on trend fall colors in shades I don't already own.  As I mentioned in my previous review, I really like Square Hue's block shaped bottles because there is far less chance of tipping one over than with most other nail polish bottles!

Milan is the destination theme for Square Hue's October box.  If you want to hop on board, the cost is $14.99 per box plus $5.00 for shipping.  Square Hue has offered my readers a FREE surprise box along with the first box in your order.  Use code surprise52 to get your free box. If you sign up before the end of September, you should get the surprise box and the Milan box at about the same time.  If you sign up after the first of October, you'll get the surprise box when you sign up, then your first box will ship around the first of November.

I haven't seen the surprise box myself so am hoping one of my readers will let us know what it contains. (I'm guessing it's one of the prior month's destination boxes which would be a terrific freebie!)

Happy Fall and polish on!

Cheryl

P.S.  If any reader would like to forward a photo of a full manicure using a Square Hue shade, I'll be glad to include that in next month's review.

Lip Monthly September 2014 Review + Coupon Codes, First Box for $5.00!

You may notice something vaguely familiar about this review.  If not, check my Lip Monthly post for August and see if anything jumps out at you!  Lip Monthly repeated an August item in September's box, a trend I hope they do not plan to continue.

To start with, I've had an awful time straightening out a billing issue with Lip Monthly. Wouldn't you think their credit card charges would appear under their own name? Well, they don't. To make a very long story short, their charges appear with the description "SPICY SUB" on credit card statements. Spicy Subscriptions is an adult subscription box to which I don't subscribe.  Fearing that my identity may have been stolen, I spent a week making phone calls and sending e-mails to both Spicy Subscriptions and Lip Monthly, both of whom denied any knowledge of the problem. Finally, a customer service person at Lip Monthly told me that the company that designs their site also designs the site for Spicy Subscriptions.  Somehow that connection results in an incorrect billing description for Lip Monthly subscribers.  

I'm putting that information right up top so that you will be aware of the billing issue if you decide to subscribe to Lip Monthly.  Hopefully, they will straighten it out soon but it was quite alarming that they didn't seem to be aware of (or at least were not admitting to) what is obviously a huge problem. How they could NOT know about this problem after five months of being in business is beyond me. Even worse would be if they DID know about it and were doing nothing to proactively communicate the issue and its solution to their subscribers.

Now that that unpleasantness is out of the way, let's see what is in September's Lip Monthly box. See anything familiar?

Yep, it's exactly the same cosmetic bag that we received in August.  It's an o.k. bag but I sure hope it's not their intention to send the same bag every month.

Their very brief information card lists all the products and their retail prices but really doesn't give any information about them.  All of these products can be purchased in their on-line store.

The first item I noticed was this very pretty shell pink nail polish from a company called Julie. This is smaller than the normal half ounce size but since I never finish full size bottles anyway, that's not a problem for me.  I like to see Lip Monthly including one or two non-lip products in each box.  Retail $3.99

Then we have a lip balm by Eco Lips in the odd scent combination of Vanilla and Hemp.  Hemp seems to be invading every corner of the beauty business right now and I'm not really sure why it's needed in a lip balm.  (Never underestimate a really good weed salesman!)  I'd describe the scent of this as "grassy vanilla".  Retail $3.49

There is a chubby light coral retractable lip crayon from Cherimoya.  This is a matte color with moisturizing properties.  It's a good match to the nail polish.  Retail $3.99

And of course, OF COURSE, there is a Pur-Lisse moisturizer sample.  As I've said before, I think it must be a law to include one of these in every beauty subscription box.  It's a good product but come on beauty box companies....a little more originality please! Estimated retail value $1.00

The last product is an eyeliner by Cherimoya in the shade Latte 24.  This is waterproof and can also be used as a lip liner.  It has a built-in sharpener, a feature I always appreciate. Retail $3.99

The retail prices I've shown may be slightly off because I'm not sure if the nail polish is full size or not and I just guessed at the value of the Pur-Lisse sample. Still, it looks like there is about $16.46 in value here....more than the price paid but definitely not impressive.  

If you want to try Lip Monthly, the cost is $10 per month.  For a monthly subscription, the code FALL5 will get your first box for $5.00.  If you sign up for four months, use code FALL299 to get your first box for just $2.99.  Coupon code FALL12 will get you two months for free on a twelve month subscription. Plans automatically renew and you can cancel at any time.

Lip Monthly is providing a pretty good mix of products each month and at $10, it is certainly inexpensive.  So far, they are primarily sending drug store quality (or lower) products.  You get your money's worth and then some.  I sense that this company is having some learning curve problems so my plan is to ride out my current four month subscription then cancel and keep an eye on them for a while.  I am hoping they will get their billing issues resolved and improve the caliber of products they are able to send.  They have a good concept but the lack of billing transparency is a deal breaker for me.

If you've received a Lip Monthly box, what do you think?  Please share your thoughts below.

Thanks for reading,

Cheryl    

Disclaimer:  Views and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly my own.  Product discussed in this post was purchased with my own money. Post may contain referral or affiliate links.

The Style Box by Socialbliss August 2014 Review + $8, $10 & $18 Discount Codes!

This is a WAY late review of The Style Box from Socialbliss for August.  I would have just skipped it but there are some very cool end of summer accessories in this box that deserve a mention!  If you missed my first Style Box review which contains all the subscription details, please click here.

The Style Box comes in a big black and white branded box.  The information card gives a full description of each item, how-to's, tips and the retail price.

  

August's box included a really fun group of products that coordinate nicely with each other.

The good, no GREAT, news for ladies with giant heads (like me) is the wide brim adjustable visor from Papillon.  I usually don't like receiving hats in subscription boxes because they are always too small but this rattan visor has a wide Velcro strip under one side of the bow so it can be adjusted to fit any size head....even mine!  The brim is almost 5" wide, so it provides maximum sun protection.  This visor folds or rolls tightly so it is also quite packable.  Retail $18

The item that received the most social media buzz is this trendy bag from Totes Galore with a laser cut floral design. Mine is a lovely aqua color but I've also seen them in purple and hot pink. I'm not sure what the fabric is, but this tote has a buttery soft leather-like feel. It came with a dust bag that can be used inside the tote as a liner or to store the tote when not in use.  Retail $48

Sort of an odd item in the box is this little temporary gold metallic hex tattoo strip by the Pi Collection.  This can be a whimsical ring, bracelet or anklet.  Retail $4 (really?)

Next comes a very nice silver double bar cuff bracelet in a white organza bag.  This is quite comfortable and with its minimalist boho style will complement any outfit.  I noticed that some subscribers got this in gold.  Very pretty!  Retail $12

There is a compact retractable lip brush from Bare Escentuals.  When you pull the cap off and put it on the bottom, a very finely bristled brush is locked into place.  The brush can also be used as an eyeliner.  At less than 3" in length when the cap is on, its tiny size makes it perfect for your purse. Retail $7

And finally, there is an absolutely beautiful turquoise necklace by Influence.  The pendant is a small acorn-shaped piece of turquoise and it is suspended from a fine gold chain.  Both simple and elegant, it would make a great layering piece!  Retail $18

  

That's it for the August Style Box.  The total retail value is $107, which is a little more than double the price paid.  In case you're interested, here are the savings available on longer term subscriptions:

Monthly - $39.95

Three Months - $37 per month

Six Months - $36 per month

Twelve Months - $35 per month

Unfortunately, they do charge $9.95 per month for shipping regardless of term length.

The discount codes that I was able to find as of the date of this post are:

NSBEFREE10 for $10 off any length subscription

8OFF1 for $8 off a one month subscription

18OFF3 for $18 off a three month subscription

18OFF6 for $18 off a six month subscription

18OFF12 for $18 off a twelve month subscription

I'm not sure if it's an error but 18OFF3, 18OFF6 and 18OFF12 also gave $18 off a one month subscription on the day I tried it.  If that continues to work, it's definitely the best discount available.

Check out The Style Box...I'm sure it will appeal to your inner fashionista!

Cheryl

Walmart Beauty Box Subscription Review, Fall 2014, FREE + $5 S/H!!

When you think about beauty subscription boxes, I bet the name Walmart doesn't leap to mind!  But maybe it should.  They have a new seasonal beauty box subscription that sends you a box every three months.  The box is free; you just pay $5.00 for shipping and handling.  As someone who ships on a daily basis, I can tell you that $5.00 doesn't even cover the postage on this box much less the handling costs. This is a true sampling program where you actually do get something for nothing.

I received the Fall box about two weeks after signing up.  I wasn't expecting much so was really surprised at what it contained.  The products arrived in a good sized branded white box.    

 

No explanatory card in this one, just a small ad card:

Inside this almost free box are two full size products, two luxury samples and two small samples.

First is a full size Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid antiperspirant/deodorant.  I believe this is a brand new product so it's nice that Walmart is giving us the opportunity to try things out before buying.  Retail $7.92

Next is an anti-aging product from Olay Regenerist.  This is a micro-sculpting cream moisturizer that promises visible results on day one.  Again, I believe this is a new product and I'm happy to give it a try.  I thought this was full size but at .5 oz., I believe it's actually a generous sample size. The full size is 1.7 oz and retails for $21.49.  So the retail value on this sample is about $6.32.

I'm not crazy about perfume samples but hey....free is free.  This one is "Couture" by Juicy Couture. This casual wear perfume is a blend of pink grape, orange flower, mandarin, plum, honeysuckle and sandalwood.  I somehow broke the pump spray top and sprayed this all over myself so am qualified to tell you that it has a light clean fruity scent....and it's not too strong! I was surprised to find this brand at Walmart; of course, that's the whole point of this box.

The other sample is a duo pack of shampoo and conditioner from Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy.  These are formulated for damaged and/or colored hair.

There is a full size Continuous Color lipstick from Covergirl in shade 420, Iced Mauve. This is a really wearable dark plum color that I think will look good on most women. Retail $4.94

My favorite product in this box is the Revitalift Triple Power deep-acting moisturizer from L'Oreal. This contains hyaluronic acid, a proven wrinkle fighter.  It hydrates, smooths skin and boosts radiance. At .5 oz., this is what I'd call a luxury sample size. The full size is 1.7 oz. and retails for $19.97 so this is worth about $5.87.

Not counting the two small samples, the total retail value of the products in this box is $25.05. Not bad at all for the measly five bucks I paid!  The items in a Walmart Beauty Box may not have the prestige appeal of some of the luxury brands found in other subscription boxes but these are all completely usable and useful products.  As anyone who receives multiple beauty sub boxes knows, that is valuable in itself!   

If you're interested in trying Walmart's Beauty Box, click here.  I'm not sure what their cut-off date for the Fall box is but I'm guessing you'll get the current one if you sign up now. The Winter box should come in December.  

At just $5.00, this is probably the least expensive subscription box around.  I was pleased that there were no weird filler products and especially that they included a couple of new products from well known brands.  I have no reservations in recommending Walmart's Beauty Box...it is a terrific deal!

Cheryl

French Box Review, September 2014, first box just $14!

How does this sound for a subscription box concept:  "The latest in fashion, beauty secrets and gourmet recipes from France"?  All I can say is it worked on me!  Of course, the fact that I've been watching French travelogues on YouTube lately may have had a wee bit of influence as well.  At any rate, my first French Box just arrived and let's just say je suis tres heureux!

The packaging for this box (their very first one!) is beautiful. Here's a little pictorial of the trail to reach the goods...elegance all the way:

And finally, we are there!  The beautiful pink and white box is a real keeper, both sturdy enough and beautiful enough for storing your treasures.  Inside is a trove of carefully curated items that will delight any lady Francophile.

The information card shows a photo of each product, tells about it and gives the full size retail price. There is a large "I am like a fine wine...." post card and another card containing a recipe for Red Wine Poached Pears.  That one doesn't appeal to me at all but I do like the idea of getting French recipes.

There is a very ladylike canvas wine bag that says "Yes Way Rose" in pink on both sides and has a beautiful Whispering Angel logo on the bottom of each side.  Quite an elegant way to transport a bottle of wine!  

Next is a 1 oz. bottle of make-up remover from Caudalie.  Caudalie is a fairly new French cosmetics manufacturer that only came to be in 1995.  They quickly developed a reputation for quality beauty and anti-aging products, many made with resveratrol extracted from grapevines.  This brand has developed quite a following and I am thrilled to get anything from them.  But...it would have been nice to get something a little less mundane than a small bottle of make-up remover.  Maybe a lipstick next time?

Oddly, this beautiful lip pencil from Sothys is not listed on the information card. Maybe it was a last minute addition?  The shade is "brun veloute" which means "velvety brown" but I'd say it's more of a light pinkish brown color, very close to natural lip color.  One end is the lip liner and the other end has a very finely molded and pointed brush.  I assume this is for lipstick or lip gloss application but it's so fine that I'm not sure how practical it would be for that purpose.  Perhaps it's for making lip liner corrections?  

A purely Parisian addition to this box is a hot pink embroidered Eiffel Tower bracelet from Missiu.  I can't see wearing this by itself but it might make a fun addition to an arm party. French for sure but not too practical.  (Francais pour vous, mais pas trop pratique!)

I wondered what the next product, Pure Fruit Bites by BuddyFruits, had to do with France. The only connection I can find is that the company was started by a French family that was traveling through the U.S. and couldn't find healthy snacks for their kids.  I believe this brand is widely distributed in the U.S. now although I am not familiar with it.  These are basically banana flavored gummies.

I've been saving the BEST for last!  The piece de resistance in this box is this gorgeous lipstick from Sothys Paris.  This one is in an absolutely beautiful color called "Brun Chaud" which is a strong brownish red color packaged in an elegant brushed gold case. Just lovely! 

So that was the collection in my first French Box.  Overall it was a nice mix of items representing several top brands from France.  The lipstick and lip liner alone were easily worth the entire price of the box!  I'm really intrigued that they've dipped their toe in the Caudalie brand and really hope to see that expanded with more exciting products in future boxes.

The monthly subscription cost for French Box is $24 or a year is $228 (a substantial $60 savings). I'm not aware of any discount codes at the moment.  However, the first month is only $14, which is a more than fair price to try out this subscription box. There is no commitment and you can cancel at any time.

If you enjoyed this review and want more delivered to your e-mail box, please subscribe in the box on the upper right side.

Au revoir pour l'instant!

Cheryl

SporkPack Kitchen Gadgets & Treats Subscription Review, August 2014 + 20% Discount Code!

 

My August SporkPack arrived during the first week in September.  O.K., so they were a little late...stuff happens!  Unlike last month's "Taste of Japan" theme (see my first review here), there doesn't seem to be a theme for the August box. This SporkPack included three kitchen utensils, one gourmet food item and a package of candy.  

A "Menu" type card announced the five items and their retail prices.

Three of the items in this box come from Island Bamboo's "Hue" line.  These are high end utensils with silicone heads and bamboo handles. These are a bit higher maintenance than regular utensils since the handles can't go in the dishwasher.  The heads are removable which is a little difficult since they are tightly attached. First is a "Spoonula", a tool that had not yet existed in my over-stocked kitchen! (Retail $12.33)

Next is an Angled Spatula.  By the way, these are safe for all types of cookware and are heat resistant up to 450 degrees.  (Retail $14.50)

Third is a Basting Brush.  This one has a longer handle than the two I already have. Since basting brushes are generally used with butter or oil, I might actually go to the trouble to remove the head from this one to put it in the dishwasher.  I'd just wash the other two in the sink. (Retail $14.30)

A product I haven't seen before is a 4.5 oz. jar of Chocolate Crumble from Jem Sweets. It looks like crumbled up chocolate cookies and that's exactly what it tastes like.  These are made with cookies, cocoa, chocolate "pearls" and toffee and aren't too sweet.  The label suggests using them on ice cream, yogurt, sliced bananas, berries and cream, oatmeal or right out of the jar. These are quite good and won't last long around here!  (Retail $8.00)

The last item is a package of Chimes Ginger Chews, a chewy ginger candy in peanut butter flavor.  I'm not crazy about ginger flavored candy and this seems like a really odd flavor combination.  (Retail $1.75)

The total retail value for this box is $50.88, not bad for the $22.34 (plus S&H of $6.00) paid. Although not terribly exciting, the utensils are very nice quality and of course are quite useful.  I expect to use the angled spatula the most and think the spoonula will also make a great addition to my kitchen arsenal.  I'm going to try my best not to eat the entire jar of Cookie Crumble before using it in some of the suggested ways!

If you're interested in trying SporkPack, click here and use coupon code LONESTAR at checkout to get 20% off your order.  This code is good until September 30, 2014.  

Cheryl 

Disclaimer:  Views and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly my own.  Product discussed in this post was purchased with my own money. Post may contain referral or affiliate links.