Spring NewBeauty TestTube

My Spring NewBeauty Testtube arrived last week, and while it was not bad by any means, it wasn't really one that I got excited about.  For those not familiar with the subscription Testtubes, there are 2 versions available - the one I have that comes directly from NewBeauty, and a version that comes from QVC.  This quarterly subscription service costs $29.99 plus $8.95 shipping and are supposed to contain a variety of full and deluxe size products worth $150.  NewBeauty recently made changes to the program, however, and their version of the tubes will now be sent every 2 months. 

Half of the items in this quarter's tube were hair related, and none of the items were full sized.  I can't help but feel that the quality and size of this month's items are a bit sub par compared to the 2 previous tubes I've received. 

The John Frieda Blow Out Spray is supposed to add volume and sample value is $1.49.  The Phyto Phytomist is a  conditioning spray and is valued at $8.66.  the other two hair related items are the Clear Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner, and are items that I've tried before.  I like them okay, but they are loaded with silicones so I don't use the ones I have very often.  The value of both are $1.47.  There are some items I'm excited about trying, however, and you never know what will end up blowing your socks off :-)

The Suki Face Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser is really nice and may be an item I'll end up purchasing.  I love a good exfoliate and this one leaves my face feeling soft and smooth.  I appreciate the lemongrass scent and how it foams to a consistency that reminds me of shaving cream.  It doesn't feel harsh and  I like the natural based formula.  Thumbs up!  Sample value = $8.24.

The Avocado & E face Wraps also look interesting.  I like the concept of sheet facial masks but have only tried one from DHC previously, so it will be nice to sample another.  The value of the 2 packets are $10.I'

I'm also excited about the June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme mask.  This is both an exfoliator and treatment mask, and the ingredient list looks like quality to me.  The value of this is $26.81. 

The one makeup item was the Paula Dorf Baby Eyes Enhancer.  This flesh colored liner is meant for the waterline and helps eyes look refreshed by masking redness.  It is indeed very natural looking and I like the effect it gives - eyes that are a bit wider and less tired looking.  Sample value is $10.

Also included in tubes is the NewBeauty magazine that is valued at $9.95, bringing the total value of the Spring tube to $81.35.  Definitely more than I paid, but far below the advertised value of $150.  I decided to cancel my subscription as I don't want to receive a tube every other month, especially if the value and quality of the tubes is declining.   I also did not like that I was never informed of the change in frequency of the tubes being sent out.  However, I'm hopeful that this was just an off tube and if the quality does look good going forward, I may resubscribe at some point once I've used up the surplus of items I'm currently swimming in!

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.  

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New Beauty TestTube: Winter 2013

My New Beauty TestTube arrived last week!  For those not familiar with this subscription sampling service, for $38.90 per quarter ($29.99 plus shipping), you receive deluxe and full-sized beauty products to try out as well as the New Beauty magazine.  There are no foil packets here, and sizes are usually quite generous.  They quality of the brands included has been consistently high, and I've been introduced to several great brands I was previously unfamiliar with.  

Tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in Flush (value $26). 

This vibrant berry pink not a color I would have gravitated to on my own, but it's actually something I really like.  Sometimes I need the nudge of receiving something out of my comfort zone to expand my horizon. 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser (value $35).  According to the Dr. Brandt web site, this is "a  non-drying, pore refining cleanser that uses the power of tea tree oil, willow bark and salicylic acid to dissolve impurities and decongest pores, leaving skin with a fresh, ultra-clean sensation."  Perfect for my skin type, really excited to try this out.

The Liftactive Serum 10 (value $5.25) was an Allure 2012 Best of Beauty winner and is an anti-aging treatment formulated with Rhamnose, a naturally derived plant sugar, which is clinically proven to improve skin rejuvenation.  Supposedly, after one drop, wrinkles and pores are visibly reduced, skin is lifted, smoothed and more radiant.  Here's hoping!

Liftactive Eyes (value $4.50) also contains Rhamnose, as well as caffeine to reduce the appearance of dark circles and Escine to help flush out toxins and retained water to reduce puffiness.

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes (value $1.67) contain no alcohol, dyes, perfumes, or harsh irritants and are supposed to be non-drying and non-greasy.  I like cleansing cloths and use them when swatching or on the occasional evening when I'm too tired to do a full cleansing routine.  I've seen this brand advertised but this will be my first time trying one of their products. 

Stila Face the Day multi-use gel cream (value $11.40) contains Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant-rich stabilized Vitamins A, C & E.  It utilizes something called Alpine Rose Stem Cell Technology to rejuvenate skin cells and provides antioxidant protection while improving skin elasticity and texture.  Sounds intriguing!

In addition to the core tube items that everyone received,there were a few extras included.  I received a Mally Everolor Starlight waterproof eye liner in Midnight (value $15) and a Phyto Phytodefrisant botanical hair relaxing balm (value $5.50).  I've been curious out the Mally eyeliners, although I wish I had received a color other than black as I'm swimming in black eye liners.  The Phyto hair balm is silicone free, so I'm excited to see how it works. 

Total value of the Winter TestTube is $104.36, not bad! 

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

Fall New Beauty Test Tube

Of all the beauty sampling subscription services I'm currently receiving, I'd have to say New Beauty's Test Tube gives the most value.  With shipping, it's $38.90 a quarter, and you receive a nice variety of deluxe sample and full sized products.  I'm pretty excited about this quarter's offerings, let's take a look!

First up are some of the full sized items.  The Olay Professional ProX is a deep wrinkle treatment that is supposed to help with collagen production, and is valued at $43.99.  I'm probably going to gift this to my mom for Christmas.

Next is PhotoDefense Color Radiance SPF 55+  by CellCeuticals.  This line was founded by a plastic surgeon and is supposed to tackle skin aging at the cellular level.  The PhotoDefense is a tinted sunscreen that is supposed to be lightweight and hydrating while protecting against sun exposure and oxidative damage.  I've gotten much better about wearing sunscreen but am still looking for one that isn't heavy or shiny, so maybe this will be it!  It retails for $47.50. 

Next is Vital Defense by Yon-Ka.  This new to me line was founded in 1967 and is a natural skin-care brand that focus on aromatherapeutic treatments.  Cool!  Vital Defense is a moisturizing cream rich in anti-oxidant and anti-pollution plant extracts to help prevent aging.  Eighty percent of the ingredients are natural and the ingredient list is pretty impressive.  Retail value for this is $72. 

I've used Moroccanoil products for a while now and have tried the Intense Hydrating Mask before.  I can't say I remember it doing much to improve the quality of my hair, but I'll try it again.  This is a deluxe sized sample whose value is $9.76.

I also received a travel sized Bye Bye Under Eye concealer by IT Cosmetics.  I did a quick swatch and this is very pigmented and smooth!  The value of this sample is about $7.

For some reason, I just do not get excited about philosophy products.  I've got multiple samples of hope in a jar laying around that never get used.  I'll be passing this one on to my mother, who will give it proper love.  The value of this is about $6.50.

I am excited about the Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away eye serum, however.  I love eye products, as that's the area where I do have fine lines and some crepeyness.  This serum is supposed to stimulate microcirculation and improve hydration, helping to fade darkness and boost luminosity.  We shall see, but I'm not sure the sample size will give me enough use to really test it out.  Even though the tube looks big, it only contains .085 fl oz and is maybe only 1/5 full.  It's value is about $9.

Last up is Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt in red poppy and hemp by Kneipp.  I don't take baths but will try it when I give myself a pedicure, as I like soaking my feet.  The value of this is about $2. 

Overall, I'm really pleased with my New Beauty Test Tube!  You can't beat the value (this quarter's box is worth about $200), there are some interesting brands represented, and the products are high quality.  Plenty of information regarding the products are provided, as well has a thick magazine which keeps me occupied for days.  Skin care products as opposed to cosmetics are heavily emphasized, which I know is not everyone's cup of tea.  No complaints from me, though!

Disclosure:  I purchased this.