Sample Society Box Review: January 2014

- Beauty

What I got

I have been LOVING my Ipsy subscription, so I decided to sign up for another beauty box subscription. I only want makeup and skincare samples, so the Sample Society seemed like a good fit for me.

Sample Society is brought together by BeautyBar.com and Allure. It is $15 a month and they send you five luxury samples each month.

My first impression when opening the box wasn’t good. I was suprised by how tiny all the samples seemed (in comparison to some full size products and bigger samples through Ipsy), but it got better the more I looked into and saw what I got.

Hope in a Jar – Retails at $42 for a 2 oz. jar

Sample size 0.4 oz, so about an $8.40 value

I have used Hope in a Jar in the past, it was introduced to me through one of my best girlfriends who swears by it. I really loved it, but was also looking for a moisturizer more specific to acne prone skin. I have used this the past couple nights and let me tell you IT IS HOPE IN A JAR. Great moisturizer, perfect for my skin overnight. I want to use a heavier moisturizer overnight to ensure I get the hydration I need, but wouldn’t want to use it on my oily face during the day. It has made my skin look brighter and healthier than it has in awhile.

StriVectin Present Perfect – Retails at $59 for 1.7 oz.

Sample size 0.26 oz so about a $9.02 value

I have honestly never heard of this brand or product before. It is an antioxidant skin lotion that is meant to:
• Reverse dullness
• Instantly hydrate and prevent dehydration
• Combat the look of fatigue
• Smooth fine lines and prevents wrinkles
• Even skin tone and texture

This lotion seems a little bit lighter than Hope in a Jar and since it is winter I am going to apply this to my skin in the morning, after I put on my regular moisturizer. So far so good! I have worn it the past couple days and it is light on my face, I don’t feel any extra oiliness but I will update you when I run out.

Jane Iredale Forever Pink Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain – Retails at $25 for 0.1 oz

Size not on sample, but I estimated somewhere between a $5.00 – $7.50 value

I swear by Benetint, but this might give it a run for its money. I immediately fell in love with this when I tried it! It has such a good, light smell and almost looks like lip balm, but when applied it gives your lips a nice satiny finish with a slight pink color and when applied to the apples of your cheeks, gives a GORGEOUS light pink color. I will definitely be doing a vlog post to share about this product and show you how it works and I already know I will be buying this product.

Butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil – Full Product Sample! Retails at $15

I have yet to try it, but I definitely need a cuticle oil! I am excited to try Butter London, I am admitting right now that I have never used their products before…

Full size sample $15.00 value

Nicole Richie Fragrance – Retails at $69 for 3.4 oz

Sample size estimated around 0.3 oz so a value of about $6.08

Ugh, disappointed. I HATE getting perfume samples in the really really tiny spray bottles. I enjoyed the roller perfume I got from Ipsy because at least I can test it out for longer and it is easy to apply. I have big fingers so these little tiny spray bottles are not fun for me. Also, I can’t even wear perfume to work because one of my co-workers is extremely allergic to strong scents. I did test it out and the scent seemed nice. It wasn’t too strong, but definitely a feminine scent. I tend to shy away from overly feminine scents, but I would say it is feminine in a good way… flirty and fun.

Overall this month, when comparing the sample sizes to retail price, I got $43.50 worth of product (even on lower estimated ends) for $15. That makes me happy, especially since I am loving four of the five samples. I will definitely continue with the Sample Society Box next month. I love the lip and cheek stain and will definitely be purchasing that!

You can sign up for Sample Society here.

For anyone interested in testing out or purchasing any of these products, BeautyBar.com has a coupon code for $15 off of $50 if you buy one of the above items:

Beauty Bar coupon

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38 Comments

  • Reply
    Rachel
    January 15, 2014 at 4:07 PM

    If I subscribe to all these sample companies, I’d be broke. BUT I want to- that’s the problem! I’m still deciding which ones to keep and which ones to sign up for, so I love reading reviews

    • Reply
      Rachel
      January 15, 2014 at 4:11 PM

      You have no idea HOW MANY reviews I’ve been through online and watching YouTube videos LOL. I absolutely LOVE IPSY and it is $10 a month, so that’s good. I was choosing between Sample Society and Beauty Army. Beauty Army is $15 as well, but you get to select the samples (so you don’t end up with tiny perfume bottles haha) but at the same time, it also takes the fun out of getting a surprise. So we shall see if I still like this the next couple months. As long as I feel I am getting my money’s worth and finding products I actually love and want to buy, it is worth it to me! Hope you can find something you love too!

  • Reply
    Beatrice Balaj
    January 15, 2014 at 8:42 PM

    WOW! Thanks for the tip. I loved her outfit, the lace is so beautiful.

    P.S. I’m having a giveaway on my blog. Giving away 2 YSL items. Come and join if you’d like! 🙂

    Xx,
    http://www.sacosha.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Lady à la Mode
    January 16, 2014 at 9:57 AM

    glad you were overall happy with what was in it…. maybe next month there will be even better items!

    xxx
    Lady à la Mode

  • Reply
    Cate @ Wild Ruffle
    January 16, 2014 at 11:48 AM

    I’m addicted to my monthly boxes! I should start breaking it down by cost the way you’ve done, and see what value I’m actually getting. It would be interesting to see…

    • Reply
      Rachel
      January 16, 2014 at 12:46 PM

      YES! At first I looked at the little overview they gave us about each product, it seems weird to me that places wouldn’t do this for you except that they want you to see how much the products cost at the full amount to base the quality? But still, it makes more sense to show people that they are getting more value than what they paid, right?! But that along with what I actually got and if I liked it, helps me realize if it is worth it!

  • Reply
    Jacy
    January 16, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    I wish I had the budget for that Hope in a Jar, because I could really use it!! I keep waiting to stop getting acne and it’s not happening…
    I’ve really been wanting to subscribe to Ipsy! I’d never heard of Sample Society but it sounds pretty great too 🙂

    ~Jacy

    • Reply
      Rachel
      January 16, 2014 at 12:59 PM

      Yeah unfortunately my acne still isn’t completely under control, but it is better than its been in months! I just love how completely nourishing the Hope in a Jar moisturizer is, sometimes super heavy moisturizers make me break out, this one does not!

    • Reply
      Rachel
      January 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM

      Oh also! I would totally try Ipsy. I have been very happy with products I’ve discovered through it and even for the few products I don’t love, it is worth the other ones I get. I usually end up getting anywhere from $50 to $80 worth of product for $10!

  • Reply
    Ashley
    January 16, 2014 at 1:52 PM

    Great review, babe!

    I swear by the Butter London cuticle oil- goooood stuff. 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

  • Reply
    amy
    January 16, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    My best friend loves all the hope products

  • Reply
    Ginny Mossman
    January 16, 2014 at 11:23 PM

    Thanks for the intro to this subscription, glad you like 4 of them.

  • Reply
    Kacie's Kloset
    January 16, 2014 at 7:37 PM

    Great items!

    http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Ash
    January 16, 2014 at 7:46 PM

    I think I’m the only person who doesn’t belong to some sort of sample company! The fragrance sounds nice!

  • Reply
    KizzyDoll
    January 17, 2014 at 4:56 AM

    These sound really great, Butter is a great company!! I love getting sample boxes, it’s so much fun xx

  • Reply
    Valerie @ The Style Files
    January 17, 2014 at 9:58 AM

    I need to try the Hope in a Jar. I have acne prone skin but it gets dry in various spots in the winter so I need something that won’t clog pores and get the job done moisturizing. These samples sound so much nicer than the ones I get in my Birchbox too!
    Valerie
    http://www.the-style-files.com

  • Reply
    Maya
    January 17, 2014 at 1:22 PM

    Woah! These are awesome samples! I think I’ll need to check this beauty box out (seems way better than Birchbox!)

  • Reply
    Lisa - respect the shoes
    January 17, 2014 at 8:48 PM

    I haven’t delved into the monthly beauty subs yet but this sounds cool – who doesn’t love great samples?

  • Reply
    Brittney
    January 19, 2014 at 12:06 AM

    I tried Glossybox for a while and I loved getting new “presents” every week, but my wallet couldn’t handle it. Ipsy would be my next pick, although I love the samples that you got here. Hope in a Jar=always worth it in a sample box.

    Brittney

    anotherbeautifulthing.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Always Maylee
    January 20, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    I’m really intrigued by the lip and cheek tint!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

  • Reply
    Cammila
    January 20, 2014 at 12:50 PM

    This seems like a pretty fun service! The novelty of getting a “goodie box” on a regular basis alone would be fun, but these products also seem like great selections for if you’re curious but not sure you wanna commit to a full size. Thanks for creating such a useful post! 🙂

    http://dresseduplikealady.com

  • Reply
    elle sees
    January 20, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    love it when (most) of the products end up being winners!

  • Reply
    Megan Stylish + Scatterbrained
    January 20, 2014 at 1:27 PM

    I have never heard of this subscription, but am definitely interested now! I have only ever subscribed to Birchbox and I would prefer just makeup and skincare as well. Thanks for the great reviews too! I’ve been wanting to try that Hope in a Jar for a while now.

    • Reply
      Rachel
      February 3, 2014 at 9:43 AM

      Yeah I never signed up for Birchbox for that reason. I did a ton of research before signing up for either and read countless reviews. It just seemed like Birchbox was sending too many non-beauty or skin-related products! I do like this one, but would definitely recommend Ipsy for makeup!

  • Reply
    Tracy
    January 20, 2014 at 2:10 PM

    I have that cuticle oil and I love it.

    Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

  • Reply
    Alissa
    January 20, 2014 at 6:18 PM

    I have a friend who switched from Birchbox to them and she loves it too!

  • Reply
    Niki
    January 21, 2014 at 11:25 AM

    I love Hope in a Jar! It’s so good!

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  • Reply
    Jenny
    January 27, 2014 at 9:28 PM

    I used to subscribe to Sample Society and was actually quite impressed with their sample sizes. The one thing I hated though was the perfume sample that seemed to be in every box, and the scents were awful! January’s box seems pretty solid though, almost makes me regret canceling the subscription. Almost 😉

    • Reply
      Rachel
      January 29, 2014 at 8:34 AM

      Oh drats! I’m just going to say right now though if they keep up with the perfume samples, I am going to have to unsubscribe. I HATE perfume samples haha. I mean, if you don’t like the scent, there is nothing you can even do with it!

  • Reply
    Andrea Ramírez
    January 31, 2014 at 10:03 PM

    I love tht oil! I just updated my blog with some pics of a Safari I went, please check it out, it will totally make my day. Also,Could you please consider following each other on GFC or bloglovin? Thank you 🙂 http://www.shineonbyandrea.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    amy
    February 3, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    i tried out sample society because i got a free introductory box. i liked it but didn’t LOVE it so i decided not to sign up for a subscription. but i had no idea nicole richie came out with a perfume – i love her and i need to go smell it now! haha!

    • Reply
      Rachel
      February 3, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      Haha she did! It is pretty good, I just get upset that I can’t wear perfumes on a regular basis 🙁 But sad! I am sticking it out this month and if I’m happy again I’ll continue, if not I might try BeautyBox 5!

  • Reply
    Nicoleta Buru
    February 12, 2014 at 7:42 AM

    Great review, Rachel *_*

    Kisses,

    Nicole

    Today on RY – touchscreen gloves.

    http://www.nicoleta.me

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    Pamela Foester
    January 21, 2021 at 1:15 AM

    Hey, thanks for sharing this. Loved your blog.

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