Target Beauty Box - May 2016

I’m usually a big fan of the Target Beauty Boxes, but this one is rather repetitive in that I’ve gotten several of these products in previous boxes from them before.  Yes, there are some new ones here, and some new products from familiar brands, but I really like trying new products and am getting tired of the repeats.

On another note, I like how Target has been changing the color of the tissue paper used in their boxes every month.  I realize this is a very little thing, but it’s a nice surprise every time I open the box.

Let’s get into the products themselves:

• L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body – I don’t really do self-tanning (in fact, I think I tried it all of twice before a trip to Hawaii a few months ago), so I need to check out how difficult this is to use.  If it’s too complicated or the chance for streaking or rubbing off on clothing, etc., is large, I don’t think I’ll use it.  Do you fake tan?  What are your favorite products?
• Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream – I’m not a huge fan of rippy packets, but I’ll add this to my pile of moisturizers to use.

• Clairol Hair Food Dry Shampoo Infused with Kiwi Fragrance (Target) – I actually just started a can of this that I got in a previous Target Beauty Box.  It is really strong and acts like a texturizing spray in addition to dry shampoo.  Do you use your dry shampoo for styling too, or just to absorb the oil?  It definitely feels like there is something in my hair when I use it, and the feeling stays all day, which is a feeling I don’t always get with other dry shampoos.  However, it can also feel somewhat sticky, and I definitely can’t get a brush through my hair after using it.  I’m still undecided on this one. 
• Andalou Naturals Night Repair Cream – I’m swimming in moisturizers for both face and body right now, so this won’t get used for a while.

• Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream – Again, my moisturizer bins are overflowing right now.  However, this is a repeat offender sample.  I know that Laneige is a Target exclusive brand, but it seems like every box has at least one product from them.  Are you getting tired of this brand too, or should Target keep sending samples from them?
• Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer – Another moisturizer?  I do like Derma E, but why does the box need so many moisturizer samples?

• Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser – I don’t think I’ve ever gotten this specific product as a sample before, but Target does send a lot of Cerave samples so I may have.  At least I know I like their face soaps.
• Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil – So I never jumped on the cleansing oil bandwagon, and hesitated to buy a full size in case I didn’t like the way it worked.  I’m looking forward trying out this sample and, if I like it, maybe exploring the product type more.  Do you use cleansing oils?  What works best for you?
• L’Oreal Le Matte Velvety Full Coverage Lip Colour – I’m a huge fan of lipstick, and lip crayons especially.  I’ve been wearing matte lipstick fairly consistently since the 90’s, so it never really went out of style (for me at least).  I’ve also heard great reviews on this product.  Unfortunately, the color I received isn’t the best for me.  I also find it a little annoying that there is no shade name on the tube.  Grrrrr…

So, lots of products this month, but not a great variety and several that have been sent in the past.  Do they figure that people don’t get these boxes every month?  I don’t know; the people online that I run across that discuss it tend to stalk Target so they can try to grab it as soon as each new one comes out, especially now that they seem to be coming out monthly.

What did you think of your Target Beauty Box this month?

Target Beauty Box - April 2016

Note: I know how late this is, especially since I just got my May Target Beauty Box today.  But here's a summary of the April 2016 Target Beauty Box for your enjoyment.

In April, Target put out a jam-packed beauty box perfect for Spring and Summer.  There is the requisite sunscreen and lots of skincare to help transition our dry winter skin to being beach-worthy.  As always, included in the box is a $3 coupon for beauty products at Target, so you can pick up any products you might be missing to help you get ready for warmer weather.

I’m usually a big fan of the Target boxes, I just wish there was a subscription service.  What are your thoughts?

This month included:

• Laneige Water Bank Soothing Gel Mask (Target)– I’m a big fan of sheet masks, and this seems to be one with maybe a bit more of a gel-like consistency.
• Maybelline Dream Velvet Gel-Whipped Foundation in Classic Ivory (rippy packet) – This has been all over the internet, and I’ve been interested in trying it, but I’m always hesitant because of how pale I am.  This sample will almost definitely be too dark, so I may just pass it on.  But at least by getting this, I’ve done the research now to know that this line does seem to go very pale.
• Pantene AirSpray Alcohol Free Hairspray – I don’t use hairspray, so this will be passed on.
• Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Ultra Light High Performance Sunscreen – I don’t use a lot of cream sunscreen, but I like having some as backups.

• Marlowe Body Butter – For being body butter, this is pretty light and nice for spring.  It definitely has a scent, but it’s not a bad one, just one I can’t quite place.
• CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Temptress Rose – This seems like a nice formula, I just don't know about the color yet.  Did you get the same color or something different?
• Cerave Healing Ointment – When I first looked at this, I thought it was going to feel like Vaseline or Aquaphor, but it’s actually more like a solid potted lip balm.  I don’t know how great this will be on other body parts (it says it can be used on dry, cracked skin), but it should be great on lips.
• Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – I’m a big fan of face wipes, and I’ve liked most things from Simple.  These aren’t my favorite wipes, but they’re not the worst I’ve used in the past, so they’ll definitely be used.

So, while I won’t use all of these products, I do know some will come in very handy.  I will definitely use the mask and wipes, and I’ll see if the foundation is the right color (though I’m not hopeful).  The body butter, healing ointment, and sunscreen will be added to my stock and will get used eventually, but I won’t likely be reaching for them right away.

What did you think of the April Target box?

Refresh and Renewal Target Beauty Boxes (January 2016)

Target has been on their game recently with their Beauty Boxes.  Even though they don’t have a subscription service, they have been putting them out on a more regular basis.  Each box is usually less than $10 and has around 7 products, often including one or two full-size ones.

In January, Target released 2 boxes, focused on the New Year: the Refresh box and the Renewal box.  Each was $7, and each contained at least one full-size product of $5-$6, making the box completely worth purchasing.  Additionally, shipping is free, and you get your 5% discount with your red card if you have one.  (Even though the boxes are no longer available, I linked to each of the pages below because they list each of the products and have links to their individual Target pages)

Here’s what was in each box:

Refresh:

• Acure Day Cream (travel/sample size)
• John Frieda Frizz Ease Keraflex Hair Spray (travel size)
• Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion in Almond Oil (travel size)
• Clear Scalp Therapy 2 in 1 Complete Care Anti-Dandruff Daily Shampoo and Conditioner (travel size)
• Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Nourishing Daily Conditioner (travel size)
• Simple Micellar Wipes (full-size)
• Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Lotion (sample size)
• Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads (sample size)
• Scunci Braided Elastic Bands (full size bands, sample size pack)

Renewal:

• Caress Love Forever Body Wash (travel size)
• Attitude 2-in-1 Shampoo (rippy packet)
• Laneige BB Cream (sample with 3 colors)
• Scunci No Slip Grip Braided Headwrap (full size)
• Degree Women Fresh Energy Dry Spray (full size)
• Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer (travel size)
• Attitude Volume & Shine Shampoo (rippy packet)
• Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara (full size)
• Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Facial Mask (full size mask, single packet)

Based on the number of full-size products included, the Renewal box is a better value.  I’ll definitely be trying out the mascara, and have liked everything I’ve tried so far from Hada Labo.  The kiddo will be trying out the Wet Skin Moisturizer since we’re in the depths of swim season.

However, I LOVE Acure Day Cream and was on the verge of purchasing this for myself before the box arrived.  Also, I have been interested in the micellar wipes since I am a huge fan of the Simple Micellar Water and use wipes every night.  I’ll also definitely use the hair ties included in the Refresh box, whereas, I’m not as sure I’ll use the headwrap.

Either way, these are both great boxes.

Were you able to grab these?  Did you get the same products or did they substitute something?  I think they wound up changing my Clear shampoos for others in the brand since they don’t match exactly what was listed on the enclosed card.  Which do you think is the better value?  Which has more products you would use?

Because this isn't a subscription service, it can sometimes be hard to know when these go on sale.  You can try stalking the Target Beauty Box page, but the most helpful thing I've found has been following the blog Nouveau Cheap.  G. gives great advice and tips about drugstore beauty finds, and I've found some great things through her!

Target Beauty Box - Spring 2015

Target recently released another beauty box (currently out of stock), this one for $5 with free shipping.  While they don’t release on a regular schedule, I’ve made the executive decision to call it the spring box since all the other spring collections are out now.  I haven't seen many people talk about this one yet, so I'm glad I'm able to share it with you.

Upon opening the box (which is a nice sturdy black one this time instead of the white one I’ve seen in the past), you are greeted with a card calling you beautiful.  Nice touch Target!  The back of this card has the explanations of the products and a $3 off a $15 beauty purchase coupon.  Also included is a coupon for 20% off and a complementary gift at DermStore.com.

I was SO EXCITED when I opened up the tissue paper and saw what was inside!  I already knew I liked one of the items, and I had wanted to try 2 others.

• Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational Lip Color (Full Size) - I already have another shade of Color Elixir that I purchased on my own, and I find that it’s one of the best lip gloss/lipstick/lip stain combos on the market today.  I received Rose Redefined this time, which I probably wouldn’t have picked out on my own since it is a lighter pink than I would typically choose.  It swatches rather sheer, but I haven’t had a chance to actually wear it yet.  Do you prefer to wear glosses, or are you a lipstick fan?  Or something else?

• L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set - I am so happy to see this!  I have been wanting to try this, but have been put off by the price.  It gets rave reviews all over the interwebs, and most say it is just as good or better than high-end setting sprays.  This is a 3.4 oz bottle, so I’d call it a travel size.  How do you set your makeup?  Have you jumped on the setting spray bandwagon?

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream - I am a Neutrogena skincare fan in general, so was excited to see this sample as well.  I just ran out of my nighttime face cream and was looking forward to starting this one.  As it says in the name, it has a gel-like cream texture, is wonderfully moisturizing, and a you only need a little to cover your face.  This truly is a sample size at 0.25 oz.

• TRESemme TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray - If you’ve read some of my previous box posts, you know that I don’t typically use hairspray.  This one seems to smell nice, and at 1.5 oz is a good size for travel.

• SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Shampoo - This is a lovely smelling shampoo and a really good size sample/travel size at 3.2 oz.  I look forward to using it, though I do wish it had come with a matching conditioner.

I am so glad I picked up this box!  The Color Elixir alone is worth more than the cost of this box.  Add in the cost of the L’Oreal setting spray (based on the full size price of $14), and this was totally worth it.

Were you able to get your hands on Target's spring box?  What was your favorite product?

Target Celebrate Beauty Box for Her

As mentioned in the Target Naturals Beauty Box post, Target was having a Black Friday-only special on 3 different beauty boxes. That post was about the Naturals box, while this one is about the Women's Beauty Box.

The Women's box was available for $10 (online only) and came with the free shipping promotion Target has been running all holiday season. Considering this box had 5 full-sized products, that was an amazing price! Here's a quick unboxing.

• Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black Noir (sample) – I really enjoy Pixi products and have read great reviews on this eyeliner. But a few things: I tend to prefer mechanical eyeliners, the ones that don't have to be sharpened. I sometimes have a lot of trouble sharpening eyeliners, and softer ones are even worse. I wind up wasting more of the pencil than I do using it. Also, why does everyone always include black eyeliner in kits? I wear every color EXCEPT black, which makes this useless to me.

• Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in HD Citrine (full size) – I was excited to see this as I had seen/read some great reviews. While it's not a color I would normally wear, I look forward to trying it.

• Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask Infused with Honey Apricot Fragrance (full size) – I don't know how much I'm going to use this. I have a lot of hair mask samples at home already and just don't get through them because of my current hair routine. I do appreciate that it doesn't have an overwhelming aroma since I'm not overly fond of apricot.

• L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza Mascara in Black (full size) – I love getting mascara samples, and this one is full size! I actually just tried the original formula of this mascara this week. While not overly impressed, I'll be able to make that one work, so I'm sure I can do the same here.

• Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Smoky Nudes (full size) – This is a gorgeous quartet, and I know I'll get use out of it.

• ChapStick Total Hydration 3 in 1 Lip Care in Sweet Peach (full size) – I appreciate the idea of this, since I do enjoy a good lip balm. While I'm not overly fond of Chapstick, I have found some of their newer products are less waxy, which I prefer. I'm not a fan of peach, though, so I'll be passing this one along to either the hubby or kiddo.

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (sample)

• Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum (sample)

• Coupons to Dermstore.com and Target

Overall, I'm really pleased with this box and will definitely be using the majority of these items. It was totally worth the $10, even just for the mascara and eye shadow. Throw in the lip gloss and that's at least a $15 value right there for just those 3 products.

Do you find beauty boxes worth the money?