After Christmas Beauty Sales

Hello!  Hope you had a great Christmas! Now that all of the pre-Christmas excitement is over it is time to dive into the post-Christmas sales! I hope you are well rested because there's a lot going on you won't want to miss out on.  Here are just a couple of places that are having some awesome year end sales:

copyright belongs to Sephora

Sephora.com always has an ongoing "sale" on their website so take advantage of checking them out often because they add new items everyday, sometimes several times a day.

Right now they are having a HUGE sale on Eshu products.  Eshu is an Australian company that makes amazing shaving products for your man.  However, I have been known to swipe borrow the Eshu Shave Gel which is an excellent alternative to your white creamy shave cream.

For a limited time you can receive an additional 20% off on their sale items!  Hurry!

copyright belongs to Beauty Bridge

http://www.beautybridge.com/ 

Beauty Bridge is a great online retailer of cosmetics, skin care, hair care, nail polish etc.  BB offers a wide range of products, brands, and they have some great sales!  Right now Peter Thomas Roth, L'Occitane, ModelCo, Sula and Joey New York products (along w/so many more) are on SALE and don't forget to check out all of the new arrivals too.

This web site will make you giddy with all of the good stuff you can purchase at great prices and check out their rewards program!

Do you know of a great online sale? If so share, share, share!

Pantene Expert Collection: Age Defy Shampoo/Conditioner

I received my samples of the Pantene Expert Collection Age Defy Shampoo and Conditioner and I would recommend this to everyone.

After one use I could tell that my hair was much softer and well hydrated.  The shampoo has a nice scent and lathered very well while the conditioner worked magic.  Its weird but I could tell my hair was different when I was rinsing the conditioner out.  My hair felt very clean and soft.  Once my hair (air) dried, it was very manageable and easy to work with.

Now I have always thought that Pantene hair products were very high quality and well worth the price.  But this new collection has moved things up a notch.  I never thought Pantene could get any better but this is certainly proof that they have stepped up their game.  I only wish they named the product differently.  I'm not THAT old but I might feel that way buying an "Age Defy" product (yes I know the cashier really doesn't care) but I do.

Will this stop my from buying it?  No
If you have problems with dry hair, split ends, and breakage then you should give the Pantene Expert Collection a try...regardless of your age.  Let me know what you think.

Beauty Products Galore: what do you have too much of?

I've been participating in several beauty box subscriptions for about a year now and at times I've been up to my eyeballs in sample beauty products!  Which ones do I subscribe to?  It seems just about all of them and they are all a little different and provide a variety of beauty samples.  My biggest gripe in the surprise of a monthly beauty box is that I'm not sure any of the samples are "specially curated just for me" which is fine because most of them do a great job at providing sample products that I have really enjoyed.  Others make me believe that I'm going to receive a great box then I feel like I end up with the leftovers.  I know this by reading the posts of bloggers who

One of my favorite things: Acrona Cranberry Toner

I've never been a big fan of toners.  They always seem to have a overpowering scent, super drying out your skin powers and in the end seem to irritate the skin more than it helps.

Then I received a sample and everything changed. According to the package this is a 3 in 1 toner which cleanses, hydrates and tones.  It removes oil, dirt and make up.  In my opinion this toner is suited for all skin types and should not cause any irritation but be safe and test a small patch of skin first.

The scent is fresh and does not linger, there is a milky swirl mixed in with the light pink color, and as you can see I'm on my 2nd full size purchase.  This is a large bottle with almost 4 ounces and it retails for about $32.00.  I ration mine out in the sample bottle b/c it fits better in my make-up basket.  It fits easily in my purse and is perfect for travel.

Have you tried this yet?  What is your favorite toner?  Let me know what you like and don't like about today's (gentler) toners!

boscia: luminizing black mask

This is one of best facial masks I've tried in a long time.  I must admit it took a few tries to get the hang of it, but once I did: WOW!

This black mask is a peel off that is suitable for all skin types.  However, if you have a hairy face or get the product into your hair, the pulling off part is a little painful. Luckily you can wash your face with warm water to remove the mask if needed.

It takes about 20 minutes or so to fully dry and allow you to peel the mask off.  The product is great at removing make up, dirt, grim and clears out those ever-so-clogged pores.  The instructions indicate that it should only be use one or twice a week and I fully agree with that.  If you skin is sensitive try this out in small doses.  My skin is rather oily and I only use it once a week and only in the places where I need it which is usually my chin and forehead. I would not recommend using this every day, but if your skin is up to the task I'd like to hear about your experience.

You can find this product on their web site http://www.bosciaskincare.com and at several other online beauty stores for about $34.00 at 2.8 ounces.  It is a good size for the money and a little can go along way.  I have found that I am using this more in the cooler months that I did during the summer.

I would recommend this product.  If you have been using this product or others in the boscia product line, let me know what your favorite is!

Discover Great Steals & Deals: Hautelook.com

http://www.hautelook.com

If you are looking for that special item, the unique gift at an insanely affordable price then you've got to check out Hautelook.com.  You've got to sign up, but once you do (and yes sign up for their daily emails) you'll be the first to know about awesome brands and fabulous sales.  They have high end shoes, purses, clothing, jewelry, furniture, make-up, skin care and more all with huge discounts but limited quantities.  The merchandise is always changing so first come, first serve here.

Richer Poorer Socks: not just a name for your cat

Introducing Richer Poorer Socks for men and (now) women! 

http://www.richer-poorer.com

Who gets giddy over a pair of socks?  Well I do and here's why.  I grew up wearing either all white or all black socks depending on where I was working or sport I was playing.  Then I discovered truly comfortable and stylish footwear with a wide array assortment of colors and patterns.  It's like stealing borrowing a piece of your significant other (like his comfy t-shirt, sweater, or even jeans) and adding a touch of whimsical color to your day.  At least that's the way I feel when wearing a funky pattern with my uber conservative office clothes!

Check these guys out, sign up for email for very special offers, and you just may have found the perfect stocking stuffers for your Dad, brother, cousin, uncle, grandpa, hubby or yourself!

What's Hot: Stila all over shimmer luminizer!

I have a sample size of this in bronze and when I screwed off the cap, looked at the golden bronze color I said nope this isn't for me. It comes in shimmering pink, rose and bronze.  I haven't been able to find it on Stila's web site but it doesn't mean you get it. At first glance I thought it was lip gloss.  It does have a very pretty shimmer to it.  If I was 20 and going out on a hot date or out with the girls I would use lots of it, but I haven't been 20 for a long time.

Now if you are in love with this product, I've seen in in several online retailers for about $20.00 and Sephora had it for $10.00 but the last time I looked they were out of stock :(  I really think this would be great as an eye shadow for those Christmas parties! And the closer to Christmas the scarcer it will become.

You may have to look under clearance sections so let me know if you do find it and how you like it.  In the meantime, guess what's going into my teenager's stocking stuffer.

Shopping Tip of the Day: Bring your Own Bag (BYOB)

Great news Ladies and Gents!  I was shopping at Target last night and the cashier told me that Target will give you FIVE CENTS OFF for every one of the recycle shopping bags you bring in and use!  She said it didn't even matter if the bag was from another store!  How cool is that! Most of my recycle shopping bags are strong canvas or insulated and normally I leave them in the car! Ugh!  But even the slightest incentive is a great one!  Plastic bags don't hold a lot (well the ones from Target do!) and they are terrible for the environment!

Do you have an inside secret with a particular department store?
 If so, share share share!

Happy Thanksgiving! Now do something nice for your furry friends!

If you have pets you know how much you love them and vice versa.   Many pets go hungry or are homeless.  The tragic stories are endless but this is how you can help.  Go to www.wag.com for more information and make a donation. This site also makes it so easy to donate to the pets/people affected by hurricane sandy or look into the best friends program.

You'll feel good about it and someone on the other end will be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving with a side of Random Notes & Thoughts:

Happy Thanksgiving!  Even with recent events including natural disasters, countries with people who can't get along, the dismal economy, conspiracy theories, and other human drama- I'm hoping you either are thankful or can find something to be thankful about.  If you are still pouty faced then just be glad you are not a starving kid in some 3rd world country that has never seen a modern convenance (ahem: hot water, food, roof over your head, etc).

I've been out of the blogosphere for a while b/c I needed to take a break.  I was a bit overwhelmed with Internet information, cosmetic samples, web sites, still searching for my perfect foundation for flawless skin, and the time changed, it gets darks way too early and my psyche goes a little nuts for this former beach babe who is used living in the tropics and now isn't...yeah bummer.

I was going to shut the blog down until I discovered that I think people are actually reading it: WOW THX!  I became a bit cynical when it appeared that every beauty blogger goes orgasmic over every beauty sample received and here I am the black balled blogger who dares to go against the grain and blog about what I really think.  If I like something: great, if its just not for me: I admit it, if I think a company can do better: I provide creative criticism (to many this means complainer/hater).  I often hear "if you don't like the samples/products why don't you just quit the service".  Well that would be too easy and doesn't help the company to improve if it thinks everything it does is fabulous.  I decided that I can't compete in a popularity contest and I already know I do not play well with others then the only option I have is to do what I do best and that is having the guts to tell it like it is from my humble opinion.

Starting in December (maybe a little sooner) I will be back in the blogosphere with cut throat reviews, tell you about products and web sites before they hit the mainstream, and find you the best deals and steals out there, and introduce you to amazing cosmetics from other countries that will blow your mind.  Yes you have been warned!

So I am a bit more optimistic to con't to write and fuel my beauty junkie addiction.  But watch out...it may not always be pretty!  Come back if you dare!

Tootles!

The New Look Bag: October 2012

I was thrilled to find out that the Look Bag was back!  It was a very nice surprise to find that the samples were just as good if not better.  The packaging was much the same but it was stuffed with goodies.  I could not wait to see what was inside!

First up is the Freeman Bare Foot scrub.  After a long, hot summer we could all use to have our feet soaking making them soft plus the smell of peppermint just can't be beat!  Have your significant other give you a relaxing foot scrub while your sip your favorite wine! The sample was huge, worked very well and I can see myself buying more in the near future.

Next is the POP Nail Glam polish.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with this at first (my nails rarely get long enough for polish) but this is different, it crackles and its really neat!!  There is no shortage of crackle nail designs and designers on the Internet.  A quick search and you will find many very talented ladies out there who know a thing or two about Nail Art. (I feel so talentless) :(

Next, is a Stila eyeshadow that took a little getting used to and at first I couldn't decide: is it blue or is it black or maybe a very dark green?  Anyway I had to try it out and it was very dark against my skin, not very flattering, but with Halloween coming up I began to have a few creative ideas of how to use it ;)

This tiny, sleek, unassuming product is the GREATEST chapstick/balm I have tried in a long time.  I take with me everywhere!  It makes your lips incredibly soft with a nice nutty scent.  It won't be long before this is your favorite and you'll find yourself hoarding it and contemplating putting it in ice cream.

This Full size product is another favorite!  (How did the Look Bag know I needed this?) Pixi is a product I've seen and wanted to try so I was super happy it was one of my samples! One end is used as a base lip balm and the other is used to outline your lips.  Then you apply your favorite color lipstick! You will notice the color lasts longer without any bleeding and can easily be reapplied if needed.

Look Bag, I am so glad you're back. I was very happy with the products especially the Freeman foot scrub, York Balm, and the Pixi lip liner. I wait patiently for what next month will bring!

Goop/Birchbox October 2012

Ok, so after all of the hype my BB finally arrived in the mail.  There were so many possibilities of what could be inside that I just couldn't wait to tear the box open.

I got the Goop box!  This is a little different from the pink tissue paper but its still cool.

Here is the first look:

Ohhh a Luna fiber bar and is that a chocolate bar too?

Once everything is unwrapped you can see this is a fairly well thought out box of samples!

Let me tell you- if you are not a fan of the sticky super glue uber thick hyper color pigment lip glosses then you have found your savor in Naked Princess products!  Here's there web site: http://www.nakedprincess.com which is a sexy yet informative site full of naughty/nice products including a wide selection of their lip glosses!  These are lightly scented, creamy, long lasting, sheer lip glosses that last for hours!  Your lips will not want anything less once you try this!  I've used this product for a couple of years now and I always speak very highly of NP. Yes its $$ but you are worth it! And there is an article on their site explaining how much nasty chemical women ingest from their lipstick/lip glosses- its a MUST read.

Kiehl's aromatic blends are intoxicating!  Luckily they come in several scents so you surely will be able to find the one you like best or like them all!  As usual your skin is clean without over drying.  I received Orange Flower & Lychee which is a orange-floral scent (I love it) .  I highly recommend this-so far I've had no skin reactions and the scent lingers for a while but not too long; however you'll feel refreshed all day!

Well, who doesn't like Essie?  Probably one of the most respected and highest quality nail polish that's also very affordable.  My disappoint was the color :(  I mean its October - Breast Cancer Awareness month- and they couldn't give everyone at least one shade of Essie pink polish?  Yes yes I know I can buy my own, but this gray slate color was just a waste. And the collection is out of stock on the BB web site.

Sing it with me Ladies:
Luna, Luna, Luna, get your protein here!
Luna, Luna, Luna, get your protein here!
However, BB is out of stock and the ingredients (a little too much sugar).
Ok so that doesn't make any sense, just like this fiber bar being in my sample box and BB being out of stock too. (no complaints against Luna tho')

This....is a daily serum that looks like an airplane.  Its small, not quite sure what it does, and its $85 for full size bottle!  Wow that's expensive!  It has a nice smell but is a bit runny, but I'm sure it works really well for someone.






This was another BB with so much potential but fizzled in the end.  The NP product line is fab!  Kielh's, Essie, Luna and even Joanna Vargus are great brands but this box just wasn't as fantastic as BB was leading me to believe.  No, I don't hate BB, but I am truthful about their samples b/c of my level of cosmetic expertise is more than s/one just rolling out of college.  I believe BB will be great someday, especially with the acquisition of Jolie Box!

Ponds Luminous Clean Facial Cleanser

This is not your mother's (or grandmother's) cold cream.  This is the one of the best facial cleansers I have ever used: Ponds Luminous Clean Cream Cleanser.  It is a thick, silky white cleanser with white kaolin clay that gently removes make-up and leaves your skin feeling fabulous!

I've been using this for over a month now and I have had no problems with it over drying, irritating, or under performing.  My face feels soft, clean and refreshed.  It does have a slight fragrance to it but isn't noticeable once you are finished washing and drying your skin.


I occasionally wear water proof/water resistance mascara and this does a really good job of removing mascara and/or eye make up without having to "scrub" your eyes.   It can be used daily and each time feels like a nice "treat" due to the lavish consistency of the cleanser.  The best part is that you can find it at your local retail stores (probably drug stores too) for about $5-$6 which is much cheaper than most facial cleansers.

Ponds Luminous Exfoliating Cleanser (which I haven't used yet) has also been featured in Allure's Best of Beauty.  And there are also Ponds cleansing towelettes!

This is a top notch product line! The packaging is great and it is very affordable.  The next time you are in the skin care aisle pick some up and treat yourself to some affordable luxury!

Your New Little Helper: ELF (eyes, lips, face).

Quality, affordable, translucent powder: you're going to love this!

If you are like me and already spent a fortune or two on make-up then I have a great tip for you:  I recently stumbled upon a remarkable, AFFORDABLE product I found at a department store: ELF which stands for Eyes, Lips, and Face.  They have a loose translucent powder that will give the high end cosmetic companies a true run for the money and they have a huge assortment of affordable cosmetics and brushes. 

Personally,  I will never pay more than $6.00 ever again for a large (8 grams-which is HUGE for loose powder), silky, shine controlling translucent powder!  Yes it is a bit messy (they all are) but the large container allows more control over the contents.  You try getting a larger powder brush in an opening the size of a quarter.  This powder is far superior to the more expensive brands and if you need convincing just try to tell the difference between whatever you're using now and this incredible high definition powder.   If you've never heard of this company (your teenager has I bet) then here's a link to their site which indicates this powder also comes in yellow corrector and a light beige shimmer! http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/face/powder/high_definition_powder  

It is sleek, a little bulky for your purse and may not fit in your cosmetic bag but the sifter is large enough to contain any over-powder spillage that occurs in the jar.  I like to put loose powder in a smaller, round container that fits in my purse.

You must try this and for $6.00? Hello? You cannot go wrong with the price even if you hate it. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Beauty Tip of the Day: Eat, Drink, Sleep

Sounds like a no brainer, but a few of the most important things you can do for your body (hair, skin, nails etc) is to eat nutritious food, drink lots of water (kick that soda habit), and get plenty of sleep (which seems impossible but that's what Saturday's are for).

If you have a healthy diet with small, simple splurges (just a spoonful of Ben & Jerry's not the whole pint!) your body will reward you with better hair, nails and skin.  Remember there are basically 3 food groups: salt, fat, and sugar.  Most processed foods (frozen dinners, chips, box meals, cereals etc) have either too much salt, fat or sugar.

I know many women who diet and drink a ton of diet soda all day.  They wonder why their complexion is terrible and why the weight isn't dropping.  Cut out the soda!  If you hate the plain taste of water add lemons or limes.  It sounds silly but it works!

Most of us are in a cycle of fast forward and always stressed out...overloaded!  You could benefit from real rest/sleep.  Turn off the electronics, turn on the radio.  Go outside. Step away from the TV and computer.  Give yourself some real time to unwind by taking a hot bath or shower.  Start out with just 15 minutes of quiet time and move up a little each week and you'll see improvement.  Drive with the radio off and the windows down. Or my favorite...go into the bathroom, lock the door and read your favorite magazine.  If you need a beauty or food magazine just let me know I have plenty!

Tuesday Surprise: Demeter Fragrance thanks to MyGlamBag n/k/a Ispy

Nothing like coming home from work to discover a package just for you!  In this case my fragrances from Demeter arrived which instantly brightened my day!  I received a sample of Clean Skin Roll On perfume oil in my August 2012 MyGam Bag and I really liked it. So I became a fan of Demeter and spent a lot of time going through their amazing selection of fragrances to try and decide what I wanted to try along with the Clean Skin. I finally made my choices and today I came home to a box full of wonderful scents!

 

I chose Amber and Sandlewood because they are they are two of my favorite scents.  At first sniff they appear to be softer than I imagined and didn't make me sneeze like some perfumes.

My free sample was a huge 1.0 oz bottle of Chryanthemum that is very very pleasing to my nose and it may end up being one of my favorites!

I chose Clean Skin and Snow in this great size for keeping in my purse.  The Clean Skin smells fantastic and I having a feeling I'll be ordering more of this soon!

I took a chance on Snow because it sounds cool and reminds me of snowflakes.  I'm not quite sure what to make of this yet...it has a crisp smell to it but reminds me more of rain than snow.  But hey they both are made of water!

All in all I am very happy with my purchase!  I would like to thank MyGlam Bag for providing me with such a unique and wonderful sample.  I'm giving Demeter props for their packaging skills as my purchase was safe and tightly snug in a box of bubble wrap. (who doesn't love bubble wrap?!?)

Never heard of Demeter?  Check out their website at http://www.demeterfragrance.com/http://www.demeterfragrance.com/

Also check out MyGlam Bag now known as Ipsy at www.ipsy.com 

Are you a fan of Demeter?  And if so what are your favorite scents?

Pantene Silky Moisture Whip: WOW!

I have been hoping for a product like this for a long time.  I've always been a big fan of mousse but couldn't really find one that worked well with my hair.  Most products made may hair too stiff and unmanageable whether I let my hair air dry or if I used a blow dryer.

Now this isn't your typical mousse!  This is a rich lather of silky goodness that soaks into my hair leaving it soft and shiny.  It works great with my natural wavy hair and the curls/waves really stand out.  I love it!

On days when I do need to straighten my hair, it works great!  My hair is protected from the heat of the curling iron and still remains soft and shiny.  I don't use hardly any hairspray except for a really light formula.

It took me while to locate this product once I read about it in a magazine.  This was definitely flying off the shelves and finally (about three weeks later) I found the last one on a shelf and snatched it up right away.  I have not been disappointed since.  After all of the styling mousse, leave in conditioners, and hair oils I have found a great product that my hair loves!

A little does go a long way but I usually add a little more since my hair is dry and the curls/waves just can't get enough of it.  Its thick yet light and does not weigh my hair down.  I'm not sure how this product would work if you had oily hair, but I'm sure with enough creativity you could make it work for you too!

Have you tried this product yet?  And if so what type of hair do you have (thick, thin, straight, curly, normal, oily, dry, color treated etc) and how do you like it?

Thanks Pantene! Please do not ever stop making this! I promise to keep you in business!

Borghese Crema Saponetta Cleansing Bar

The full name is: Borghese Crema Saponetta Cleansing Bar for Face and Body.

Whew!

I've been using this cleansing bar (it is so much more than soap) for over a month now and I have been very pleased with the results.  

Number 1: first of all it is actually a very LARGE cleansing bar.

Number 2: it is perfectly balanced not to be too moisturizing or too drying.

Number 3: it is great for washing my face without irritation and works just as well as some leading foaming/gel cleansers.

Number 4: it has a very subtle scent, almost none at all which I really like and so the smell does not linger on the skin. For those who are very sensitive to fragrances will love this cleansing bar. 

Number 5: I even shaved my legs with it one night and its did not leave my legs feeling tight or dry.

Although I think this is a little on the expensive side ($$)-for me it is absolutely worth it and I would recommend it for everyone.  Due to the high price you might want to get a small sample first just to make sure you like it.  This is more of an investment than an impulse buy!

I am really starting to fall in love with this cosmetics line due to how skin friendly their products are but the price tends to keep me from purchasing full size.  Its one reason why I really like samples and have the opportunity to try it first.  I guess you would call this a nice splurge.

What products do you "splurge" on?

Birchbox Man: September 2012 : The Basics

The box for September was all about the basics and/or fundamentals.  This is actually a very important skill that once mastered can lead you directly to STYLE!  You already understand the importance of grooming: shower, shave, smelling good and looking great.  Now lets focus on what is noticed but not necessarily seen.

Inside the jammed packed box is a step in the right direction which includes comfort, conditioner, softness, and dryness.  Doesn't sound so appealing? Well then, let's look a little deeper and you may want to take some notes!

Step 1: comfortable underwear.  Sounds like a no-brainer (insert your pun here) ha ha. But you and the "boys" must be comfortable as not to worry, wobble, scratch or shake while trying to look cool! You never want to seem like you've got ants in your pants!

Step 2: dryness. Men sweat a LOT from just about every pore in the body and the Bala Powder is your secret weapon.  It can be applied everywhere or just in certain areas leaving you perfectly dry and odor free which will certainly boost the confidence factor!

Step 3: (If you are a strikingly handsome Bruce Willis or smooth Sam Jackson (ahem: bald) then you can skip this portion of the lesson).  For everyone else your hair is important whether you keep it long, short, curly, straight or whatever! Oribe allows you to condition your hair to achieve the look that gets the girl and girls love to run their fingers through your hair (without feeling sticky, oily or grimy).



Step 4: Maybe you don't want to think about your lips being soft, but I can tell you she does.  No one wants to be kissed or nibbled on with chapped/scratchy lips and CO Bigelow not only has you covered for that (and it slips nicely into a pocket) but the smell of mint is irresistible.



Now you have all the basic elements and it's your turn to use them to your advantage.  Birchbox Man has included additional handy information just in case you need a review. And Gentlemen, please don't hesitate to ask a girl for an additional lesson (wink wink) to help you achieve your own personal style!



PS: my hubby really like this month's BB! However, if  he wrote this review it would have been a lot shorter (Yea, its all good stuff says my hubby) and not nearly as entertaining.  Overall I think the undies and Balla powder were the big winners!

Monday: Busy Week Ahead!!

Good morning Ladies! Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.  This is gearing up to be a busy week! Here are a few things to look forward to:

1. Almost done with the latest review of Birchbox Man products;
2. Beauty Army's box should be in today;
3. I'm getting a boat load of product samples either today or tomorrow (more on that later);
4. Another GlossyBox is being shipped; and
5. Another BirchBox is being shipped!

I'm taking many of the unsued samples and beginning to do my Christmas shopping that way none of the products will expire or go bad.  With everyone's attention on Fashion Week I feel like I can take a little breather. Ahh warm days and cooler nights signal that fall is approaching.

Does your routine change with the seasons or is it rather the same all year?

What are some thing you are looking forward to this fall?

GLOSSYBOX: FRANCE

GlossyBox France.  

I was one of two winners of the French GlossyBox during the Olympics.  This box is white with a people cartoon design around the outside.  The packaging was much like like you'd expect except with less shredded paper.

I was very excited to be selected as a winner (Thank you Glossybox USA) and to see what products I would receive.  As you can imaging they are fabulous and most have instructions in English as well as other languages. I included the products web sites in as well in my reviews.

Ohh la la! Everything about the box says I'm from France! There were 5 different products: 1 for hair, 3 for skin, and 1 make up.  I decided to take a little extra time trying out each product and researching the companies. Most of the information I found was in French (duh) but pictures from the web sites do a lot of self explaining.

All of the products were what I consider full size samples! (Super Yeah!) No packets, no one time use only, no mini uber small containers.  This was a sample set done RIGHT! It would be great to be able to get a box like this from the other countries (Germany, China, England etc) just to see what is available to women around the world.  So here we go:

http://www.schwarzkopf.com/sk/en/home.html
BC Hair Therapy After Sun Treatment
The USA portion of this company was unavailable so I used the link above which has a lot of hair care/hair color information.  I could not find this particular product on their web site.  This product is a conditioner that you spray into your hair, wait about 10 minutes and wash out. It is suppose to protect hair from UV rays. I really like this product (so does my teenager) and would buy it if available Stateside.

La Sultane de Saba http://www.lasultanedesaba.com
The website is in both French and English with a HUGE selection of lotions, candles, exfoliants, body oils and much more.  The lotion I received is difficult to get out of the bottle but once you do it absorbs quickly leaving the skin soft but it does have a strong scent that lingers so I use it sparingly.

http://www.arnaud-institut.com/ This site is in French but from what I can tell they have skin care products for men, women and children. I received the "masque gommant fondant" which is a melt in exfoliation mask. I really like this product and it jsut a great job of exfoliating the skin without over drying or leaving any irritation.  It leaves your face feeling clean and refreshed! I would buy this if it was available in the States.

http://www.sampar.com/en
Sampar Skin Quenching Mist. The spray nozzle cannot be removed so I use it as a toner with a cotton ball instead of spraying my face with it.  It is also moisturizing and a barely there scent.  The company web site is in English and provides a lot of information about their skin care products. I like this but I prefer a cream to a mist-just a personal preference.

http://www.3fees.com/ 3 Fees is a mineral based cosmetic company with a large assortment of products.  I received a mineral blush called Gourmandise. I think that is French for Pinkish Orange with lots of Glitter. It goes onto the skin easily but the light really reflects the glitter so this appears to be better suited for going out at night than wearing it during the day.