Sample Size Me: Beauty Sampling Programs

There is just something about a surprise that’s so intriguing. The thrill of getting something unexpected is one of life’s little pleasures. And that’s exactly why I was excited to learn about beauty sampling programs.

What is a beauty sampling program? It’s a beauty program that delivers 5-6 deluxe sized samples (sometimes even full-size products) of high-end beauty brands in different varieties of makeup, hair care, skin care, fragrance and nail products right to your door each month. Beauty sampling companies work with leading beauty brands to provide a monthly box of deluxe samples to those who become members, all for a fraction of what it would cost to buy in a beauty store such as Sephora or Ulta. There is an online profile to complete which helps to best match products to your personal beauty requirements.

Sounds amazing, right? Well, there is a catch…there is a small fee to start sampling. Generally this fee ranges from $10-$21 a month, but the samples you receive are usually worth much, much more.

A few popular beauty sampling programs I researched online:
Birchbox
Glossybox
Beauty Army
Total Beauty Collection
Sample Society With Allure
IPSY
Beauty Box 5

You’re probably wondering which beauty sampling company I decided to try. Well, I signed myself up for a three-month beauty trial to the program I liked the most which is Glossybox. Glossybox was the most expensive program I researched ($21 per month), but personally I found their high-end beauty brands the best and I couldn’t resist the cute pink and black box the products will arrive in along with a special card. Unfortunately my beauty box will not arrive until the end of April (about 3-weeks). But I am sure this surprise will be worth my wait!


I also plan on signing up for Birchbox after my three-month trial with Glossybox. Birchbox actually has a waiting period to try their beauty sample boxes and I am currently on a waiting list.

As soon as I receive my beauty box, I will write a full review on my beauty blog. I am one excited girl…can’t wait for my surprise beauty box to arrive!

Have you tried a beauty sampling program?

XO

Trisha

The Perfect Blush

Hello Gorgeous!

My favorite cosmetic is blush…  A makeup bag must have!

Blush is a very important factor of your makeup routine. Why…? Not only is blush a great way to add a little dimension to your finished look, but it also enhances the natural glow of your cheekbones. Blush helps brighten your expression, complete your overall look and helps to make your beautiful face glow and look alive. Never skip this important step in your makeup routine!

I have tried almost every brand of blush and in a large range of colors, but finally I have found my favorite two (I couldn’t narrow it down to just one because they are both equally amazing).

My favorite blushes are Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed (nude) and LORAC Baked Matte Satin Blush in Velvet Rope (plum rose). Both blushes look great on almost every skintone and are absolutely gorgeous colors. I recommend both colors, but if you wanted to try a different color, there are many others to choose from as well.

Each blush gives beautiful color that lasts all day and they are extremely pigmented, but do not feel heavy or look powdery. You can apply a little bit for a natural look or both blushes are buildable for a more dramatic look. These blushes do not emphasis pores and they blend nicely on cheeks. A little bit goes a long way for both of these beauties so you only need a little touch of color to look fabulous.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed (nude)

You can buy this at Sephora or Ulta for $26

Discover a natural healthy glow with 12 hours of gorgeous fade-free color with Tarte’s breakthrough blush!

What it is:
A long-wearing, solar-baked blush that lasts up to 12 hours.

What it does:
Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish for an amazing 12 hours. Inspired by Tarte’s bestselling shades of cheek stains and lip tints, the colors range from soft to vivid to suit a wide variety of skintones. For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay’s nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin’s moisture. Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony. The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer!

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Petrochemicals
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

LORAC Baked Matte Satin Blush in Velvet Rope (plum rose)

LORAC’s Matte Satin Baked Blushes are silky-smooth, long-wearing, highly pigmented and blend easily and evenly for natural, Red Carpet Radiance.

You can buy this at Sephora or Ulta for $24

What it is:
A baked matte satin blush.

What it does:
LORAC Baked Matte Satin Blush contains a silky-smooth, highly pigmented formula that blends easily and evenly for natural, long-lasting glow.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Petrochemicals
– Phthalates

Look fresh and fabulous all day in one of these blushes. Both blushes are gorgeous and I can’t recommend them enough.

XOXO

Trisha