Cloud 9 Monthly Subscription Box ~ Taking you away from the everyday

I recently found out about a new monthly subscription service called Cloud 9. I contacted them to see if they would like me to review their service. They generously sent me this box for free, in exchange for my honest feedback.

Each month Cloud 9 sends you a variety of food and/or beauty items to sample. They don't specify how many samples you will receive each month, however, I received 6 samples & 1 full sized product! If you love one of the items featured in that month's box, you can purchase full size items directly from the retailers. The cost of Cloud 9 is $20.95 a month, including shipping. Boxes are sent out around the 15th of each month. Almost everything that was included was all natural too, which is a great plus!

The Cloud 9 box comes is a brightly colored orange box, with their logo on the front.

Welcome to Cloud 9!

Cloud 9 provides an information card with all of the products included in the box, including websites to retailers & promo codes to order full sized products.

Jaxn's Twice~Baked Potato Stix

1 oz. ~ Sample Value $.62

Geraldine's Key Lime Cookies

1 oz. ~ Sample Value $.62

These were delicious, but unfortunately my sample arrived crushed. It was most likely pounded my the 4 oz. jar of body butter included in the box. I contacted Cloud 9 about possibly adding box filler to protect the contents a bit better, and they seemed very receptive to the idea. So, hopefully we'll see that in upcoming boxes.

Vintage Bee Creamed Cinnamon & Lemon Honey

1.2 oz. ~ Sample Value $1.42

This looks like a very unique company, that I'm excited to try. I think I'll try the lemon in a cup of tea, and the cinnamon on buttered toast. Sounds delicious!

Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

0.5 fl oz. ~ Sample Value $1.19

I excited to give this coconut oil a try. I'm late to the bandwagon, and haven't actually tried coconut oil yet. I'll use this to saute some vegetables, since the packet only contains 1 tablespoon.

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Everyday Meals

 .4 fl oz. each ~ Sample Value $.47

Normally, I would be okay with receiving olive oil samples in a subscription box. I mean, it's definitely not the most exciting sample, but at least it is something that I'll use. I'm not sure why this particular brand is showing up in subscription boxes everywhere. You may remember that I received this exact same two pack sample in both The Goodies Co. & Love with Food in recent months, so I wasn't exactly excited to see this same sample reappear for a third time. But, I'll use it none the less.

Char Crust Original Hickory Grilled Dry Rub

0.5 oz. ~ Sample Value $.68

Although I'm excited to try this brand, since it's completely new to me, I'm somewhat concerned about being sent a "free sample." If someone wants a small sample, they can usually contact the company, and be sent one. I hope to see more deluxe sized samples that you could not otherwise get from a retailer, without having to purchase in the future. I guess the bottom line is, I wouldn't want to pay for something I could get for free.

Lisa Ann Skincare Coconut Lime Body Butter

4 oz. ~ Full Size $19.00

This is obviously the shining star of the box. This body butter is made of high quality shea butter & essential oils. The coconut lime fragrance is very light, but it definitely has a shea butter scent. A little goes a long way, and it's best used on rough areas, since it's a bit greasy. I think shea butter is just greasy naturally.

The retail value of my Cloud 9 box is $24.00. It's hard to determine what a subscription is like from one box, but from what I can gather from pictures of previous boxes, the high ticket item looks to be a beauty item. So, if you like to discover new beauty items, as well as sample delicious food items, then give Cloud 9 a try!

Birchbox ~ August 2013 ~ Finishing School

 

If you are new to Birchbox, please see my post here. The cost of each month's box is $10, including shipping.

The theme for this month's Birchbox is Finishing School. Birchbox wanted to focus on the finishing touches that make a look special, like the confidence boosting Stila lipstick that was included in my box this month.

Birchbox also collaborated with Ann Taylor who brought subscribers a guide to the best fall accessories trends.

 Stila - Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, .03 fl oz, $6.60 value

 It's a 10 - Miracle Leave-in Product, 2 oz, $9.99 value

 Whish - Exfoliating Body Wash in Coconut Milk, .75 fl oz, $2.75 value

 Malin+Goetz - Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, .08 fl oz, $0.90 value

Whish - Hair Inhibiting Deodorant Swipe,  $0.73 value

Sorry, for the open package on this item! My mom was in town visiting when my Birchbox arrived, and took this from me as soon as she saw it.

 The retail value of my Birchbox for August 2013 is  $20.97.

You can use the promo code Birchbox for the same discounts at Ann Taylor dot com.

Glossy Box ~ The Grand Bleu ~ July 2013

 Hello Everyone!

I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting this past week! I had my mother, father & brother come into town, and I found it virtually impossible to blog while they were here. They stayed late into the evening, and by the time they left, I was pooped from running around town & entertaining them!  They left yesterday morning, so I'm trying to get back into my blogging routine. 

I'm sure this Glossy Box is old news & nobody cares about it this late in the game, but I thought I would still post, since I had already taken the pictures!

If you are new to Glossy Box, please see my post here.

The theme for July's Glossy Box was The Grand Bleu. The products we received were suppose to be great accompaniments for a glorious day at the beach!

Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque  ~ 1 oz. ~ Sample Value $5.00

The Acai Deep Conditioning Masque is a creamy, rich, intense masque that hydrates hair by coating each strand with exclusive, nutritive proteins to eliminates frizz, promotes shine, and guarantee longest-lasting smoothing results.

Bulgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Shampoo & Shower Gel ~ 1 oz. ~ Sample Value $6.18

Eau Parfumee au the Blanc is a generous and elegant expression of personal indulgence. Relaxing and calming, this shampoo and shower gel reflects the precious nature of white tea, offering an intimate and luxurious expression of sensory pleasure.

Evologie Intensive Blemish Treatment ~ 5ml ~ $11.66

This serum with a patent pending formulation delivers blemish fighting natural ingredients deep below the skin's surface to prevent and remove unsightly spots caused by acne.

 Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Lip Balm ~ 12.5 ml ~ Sample Value $9.00

Made with 100% natural ingredients and featuring a light cherry blossom scent, this organic tinted lip balm provides a tinge of color while keeping lips moisturized. 

Nails Inc.  Baker Street Nail Polish ~ 4 ml ~ Sample Value $3.80

Nails Inc. polishes are professionally formulated for a long lasting, super glossy, flawless finish. This traffic stopping, vibrant cobalt blue nail polish is one of Nails Inc.'s best selling nail polish shades.

Nicka K New York Absolute! Make-Up Cleansing Tissues ~ 10 ct. ~ Sample Value $1.16

Water based with natural extracts, Absolute! Make-Up Cleansing Tissues gently and effectively removes all make up - even the most stubborn of waterproof mascara and eyeliners - while moisturizing and refreshing your skin.

The retail value of the July Glossy Box is $36.80. Not bad at all. These are all products that I wouldn't mind trying. However, I did trade the Bulgari Shampoo & Shower Gel for the Fekkai Glossing Creme that came in the Target Beauty Box.
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Spoilers for the August 2013 Glossy Box Include:

Full-sized lip crayon from Jelly Pong Pong ($18 value) and a full sized Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Pressed Powder ($28).

There is also a limited edition "Best of Britain" Glossy Box, available for purchase now! The cost of this box is $40.00. To order this limited edition box, please click here. 

This box is rumored to contain the following products.....

• Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Topcoat :  High-gloss shine will be yours with this incredible 45-second dry-time top coat formula.
• Steamcream All-In-One Natural Moisturizer For Face Body & Hands : The award-winning “oh-so-British” all-in-one moisturizer instantly hydrates and nourishes your face.
• Nailgirls London White #1 : Inspired by models on the catwalk, Nailgirls London developed a nail lacquer in this season’s hottest color: white.
• HD Brows Grow Baby Grow : This wonderful serum speeds up your eyebrow growth and nourishes them with essential nutrients.
• MeMeMe Cosmetics Beat the Blues Skin Illuminator : This iridescent skin illuminator enhances your natural radiance and accentuates your cheekbones with a subtle all-over shimmer.
• Helen É Cosmetics Lasting Lip Color : Whether cream or pearlized, in a neutral or bright hue, you will definitely find one that suits your complexion best.
• Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream : Originating from the Mitchell family farm in England, this best-selling hand cream contains carefully selected ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter and English honey to soften, nourish and protect your skin.
• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush : This iconic dry shampoo is what savvy British festival-goers use to keep their hair glossy and fabulous between washes.

Birchbox Sneak Peek: August 2013: Finishing School

I'm excited to offer all of you a sneek peek of the products, that will be appearing in the August 2013 Birchbox! The theme this month is Finishing School! Which products are you most looking forward to this month? I'm exciting to try the Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery Treatment and Whish Exfoliating Body Wash!

If you would like to subscribe to Birchbox, you must do so by August 14th to receive the August box. To subscribe, please click here!

Possible Products in August BB:

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash

Whish Correcting Gel

Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery Treatment

Juice Beauty Oil Free Moisturizer

Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes

Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof eyeliner

 Model Co. Party Proof Lipsticks

Sample Society's Customer Service is AMAZING! July 2013

If you are new to Sample Society, please see my post here.

I'm really liking Sample Society, after receiving my sample box this month (my second month.) From what I can tell, Sample Society seems to be less popular than Birchbox and IPSY, because they tend to send out more "toned down" cosmetics. I think this is exactly why I love them! Last month, I received a Stila Lip Glaze & this month I received a Jane Iredale Mascara. These are both items that I'll use. I've been loving my Stila Lip Glaze!

I'm so happy to not receive wild, bold "out there" products that I'll never wear...cough...June IPSY.

I feel that Sample Society is designed for the more "mature" woman. I'm only 34, but tend to gravitate more toward skin care, hair care and bath & body products, so I think this subscription is prefect for me!

Another reason why I love Sample Society, is their AMAZING customer service. I'll explain what I mean by this below.

1.69 fl. oz. Red Flower Ocean Cleansing Hair Wash ~ Sample Value $5.37

I love sampling high end shampoos. This appears to be a dandruff shampoo,but I'm still excited to try this. It smells like Peppermint.

 

.06 fl. oz. Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien Eau de Toilette ~ Sample Value $3.24

This has a lovely citrus-y scent.

.1 oz. Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice ~ Sample Value $8.25

I'm looking forward to trying this!

.33 fl oz. Tres Pure Face Tonic ~ Sample Value $5.50

I didn't really know I needed a product like this, before I tried it, but it's fun to use!  I'm so glad the sample I received came with a spray top. Some subscribers received samples with only a cap.

Dr. T's Supergoop Advaced SPF 37 Eye Cream ~ Sample Value $0

I'm not sure what Sample Society was trying to pull with this one. This sample was basically empty! There was a teeny tiny bit of product in the tip of the tube. A follower on Make Up Talk called customer service, and was told it was intended for a one use sample??!? Huh? If this sample were full, it would be worth $6, but since it's empty it's worth nothing!!

I decided to e-mail customer service about my empty sample. Mind you, I e-mailed after 11pm, and got a response no more than 15 minutes later! Beauty Bar has customer service representatives available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! AMAZING! Wait, It get's even better. 

A very nice woman named Jessica M. responded to my cry for help about the empty sample. She apologized about the sample being empty, and even joked about how could I form an opinion on the product, when there was no product to try! 

All I really wanted was for Sample Society to send me a full sample, but guess what Jessica decided to do......Send me a full size bottle of Dr. T's Supergoop SPF Eye Cream (a $45 retail value) for free! Is this not the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE you have ever heard of?

I was shocked to see a "Thank you for your order" e-mail from Beauty Bar containing my order details for the full size bottle of Supergoop. 

Jessica M. included a very funny & personalized statement about how she loved my name, and how when she was little, she liked to name he dolls Kira. Isn't that so nice? I thought so!

I swear, 99% of the time when interacting with customer service (especially by e-mail,) you feel like a robot is sitting on the other end of the computer, but not at Beauty Bar! Their customer service representatives are amazing people who are incredibly personable & accommodating. Thanks to Jessica M., Beauty Bar has totally won me over. I highly recommend signing up for Sample Society's Monthly Subscription boxes. If ever there is a problem with a sample in your box, they've got your back.

Yay! This is what Jessica sent me :-)

Thank You Again Jessica M.!

The retail value of this month's box is $22.36, excluding the Supergoop sample, and the full sized Supergoop. Why Sample Society didn't send out more product in the Supergoop sample, we'll never know!