January 2015 Beauty Box 5 Review

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”It’s January and I am back with this month’s Beauty Box 5 Review! This month’s box included 1 product I already use on a regular basis, 1 product I have used in the past, 1 product I have purchased but never used and 2 products/brands that were new to me. You too can have beauty must-haves delivered to your door every month -Subscriptions under $12. Get the Box!

The Garnier Fructis Daily Care Shampoo is the product that I already use. I rotate between two shampoo brands and Garnier Fructis is one of them. It always leaves my hair healthy, strong and shiny. I popped this travel size bottle right into my travel bag so it will be ready for my next trip. I do wish they had sent the conditioner too because well, they go together!

The Softsoap Nutri Serums Body Wash is the product I have used in the past. I prefer thicker body washes over gels like this one but this will work in a pinch. It has also found its way to my travel bag.

The Sally Hansen Salon Effects is the product I have purchased but not used. I picked some up on a clearance sale last year but when I brought them home and read the directions it seemed too complicated to bother. Since they came in my box this month, I decided I should finally try them.

They are not as complicated to put on as I thought they would be. They are definitely easier than the kind that requires heat. That being said I have a few problems with them.

1. They smell. The moment I opened the package I was overwhelmed with the noxious nail polish smell. Unfortunately, even after 24 hours of wear, that smell hasn’t really lessened. Due to the smell, I had trouble sleeping. I sleep curled up on my side with my hands near my face and all I could smell was nail polish. I actually considered trying to sleep with my gloves on.
2. While they are easier to put on, it is still difficult. As you can see from the image above, the wrap on my middle finger ripped during application and others just don’t fit right.
3. They are supposed to last 10 days but after 24 hours the tips of 2 of my nails are already showing wear.

The Coastal Scents Eye Shadow contains nice deep colors that go one well and last a long time. I have never heard of this brand before but it worked well for me.

The Ultraflesh Mascara is the product that actually has me a bit concerned. I am very picky about mascara, but I gave this one a try. I wasn’t excited about how prickly the brush felt during application-it was weird. About 5 hours after application my eyes started getting red, itchy and watery, so I immediately removed the mascara. It was then I discovered that the website listed on the box is no longer available and their Facebook page hasn’t been updated since 2011! After searching out reviews of this month’s box from several other reviewers the conclusion seems to be that this is old product and probably outdated. This makes me very upset with Beauty Box 5 and I have reached out to them via email about my concern.

Over all this month’s box was mediocre at best. The idea of beauty Box 5 is to get to try new beauty products not drugstore items (3 products) and an outdated product. I hope Beauty Box 5 steps up their game or I’ll have to leave their bloggers program. Here’s hoping next month’s box is better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”