I've been receiving these beauty sample boxes for quite a while now, I think it's been about a year actually. I was originally subscribed to Glymm Box and I loved my boxes at first but was never quite happy with the contents. For some reason I always felt like I would have preferred ANY of the other versions of boxes that were sent out that month over my own. I felt as if I always received the worst one. So my Topbox subscription finally started in May I believe, and I cancelled Glymm after they started bringing out the reusable bags. Don't get me wrong they are very cute and I wish I could have gotten more! But I wasn't happy with their samples anymore, they weren't right for my skin type. I have very sensitive skin and the samples just weren't working for me.
However, it seems like all of the sample companies are taking that into consideration now, including Glymm, and sending out safer, more natural products!
Ok so to get to the point, I took these with my iPhone with major excitement so they aren't the greatest. :p I hope to review the products later on and repost with better photos, but here is a preview of what I got in my October 2012 Topbox!
Aveda Invati - Shampoo & Conditioner
Thicker fuller hair is yours with 97% naturally derived (from plants and non-petroleum minerals) Invati solutions for thinning hair.
Received: Sample Size, 1 time use @ $1.35 x 2 = $2.70
Full Size: 200 ml @ $27
Aveda claims this product will reduce hair loss by 33% due to breakage, based on a 12-week clinical test!
I am really happy to have received this sample. It honestly seems like Topbox read my mind. I've been having hair loss and major thinning for a year now. Even though I have totally stopped dying or damaging my hair it seems like the hair loss has just gotten worse so I'm super excited to try this. I don't fancy the smell (it smells like henna hair dye, which I don't want to be reminded of :p) but if what they claim is true then I am definitely interested!
UPDATE: I tried this out and there was really only enough product for a one time use which was upsetting. I couldn't tell whether it actually improved my hair thinning and because it is quite expensive at $27 a bottle I will probably not be purchasing this. It also had a smell that reminded me of henna hair dye (which I had quite a bad experience with) which lingered for quite a few days.
There is a coupon for this exact sample available on Aveda's website! If anyone is interested click here! They have a ton of other amazing offers as well.
MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask - All Nighter
MaskerAide is a unique line of super hydrating facial sheet masks created for fabulous lifestyles!
Received: Full Size! 1 time use @ $5 (1 mask/23g)
Never heard of this brand, but it looks really cute and seems quite interesting to try. I have very sensitive skin so I will probably wait for other reviews to pop up before trying this product on my skin. It is said to "awaken, replenish & refresh".
Stila Eyeshadow Palette
A beautiful collection of Stila's award-winning eye shadows.
Received: Deluxe Sample Size @ $0.50?
Full Size $50 (14g)
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Sephora.
I have never seen this before! When I took it out of the box I literally thought it was just a card, but open it up and it's a sample palette! I am super excited to try this as I was actually thinking of buying a Stila palette (again, Topbox reading my mind or something haha).
UPDATE: I tried this out a few times, there isn't much product, but I like the eyeshadows. They are not as pigmented as UD but I quite like it. The colours are lighter and more matte.
Stila Lip Glaze - in Rasberry
Turn on the shine and you'll be turning heads with Stila's most popular lip gloss.
Received: Deluxe Sample Size 1.48 ml @ $17.88
Full Size 2.4 ml @ $29
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Sephora.
I'm not sure if this is full or sample size? I believe it's sample? It is a very generous sample, I believe it is quite comparable to the full sized product. But it looks a little too dark for me based on the swatches I have looked up (I have really pigmented lips, I wonder if this could be from my bad habit of picking them too much when they are dry...). I am still thinking about trying it out or putting it up for trade!
Overall I am quite happy with what I received this month because I can try out everything. At first glance I thought "ugh" but then realized I can actually make use of these. I was happy a make-up sample was included (well 2 if you include the lip glaze), and like I said before I'm actually very interested in the Aveda shampoo & conditioner sample so thank you Topbox!
Total Topbox October Value: Approx. $26.08
