Subscription Addiction: Is There Another Word I Can Use Besides 'Meh'?

So the beginning of my subscription box addiction came with the arrival of my BeautyBox5. I got my first box for free, which was the August box. Here, I will tell you about it!

Subscription Box: BeautyBox5

Description: Every month we'll send you a mix of makeup, beauty accessories, hair, skincare, fragrance, body, and nail products that we can't get enough of. Our secret? We share products that really work, so you'll receive luxury, drugstore, niche, eco-conscious, and even vegan brands. Whether you're a cosmetic newbie or a beauty guru, identify yourself as adventurous and playful or classy and mature, like to splurge on high-end items or be a savvy spender, we have everything you're looking for.

Pricing: $12/month and free shipping to the US.

Referral Link: Here

I signed up toward the end of the month. So, it's quite possible that I received some of the "leftovers", so to speak. However, because of that, I feel like some of the products I got were... underwhelming to say the least. I already unboxed many of the products, so there won't be as many pictures as there should be. But, I will be sure to link my YouTube video unboxing here for you to watch.

Product #1: Pur-Lisse Sunscreen/Moisturizer (SPF 30)

So for a fair, Irish redhead like me, one would think that this would be making me jump with joy. However, I was kind of under the impression that it would be a moisturizer with some SPF. It smelled just like sunscreen. If I want to use moisturizer as a part of my daily routine, it probably shouldn't smell like sunscreen. I mean, it probably works just fine as a sunscreen, but with summer ending and me living so far from any sort of beach or anything, I just don't see myself using it. But that's not anyone's fault, it was just a miss for me. It was a nice sample size, and I'm sure some people loved it.

Product #2: Nanacoco Lip Gloss (Shade: Popular)

The packaging on this was really nice. It didn't look cheap. It's a relatively inexpensive, accessible brand, but it definitely didn't present itself like that. However, it was so bright pink, it was almost Barbie pink. I love subtle pinks, and even some bright pinks, but that bright hot pink Barbie lip gloss wouldn't work for me. It was also really sticky when I swatched it. I probably couldn't stand having that on my lips for longer than about an hour. Just another miss.

Product #3: LaFresh Oil Free Makeup Remover Wipes (8 wipes)

I've used about half of these so far. They do a good job at getting the surface level makeup off. I still have to go in and use an eye makeup remover to get the rest of my eyeliner/mascara, but I can see a ton of eyeshadow/foundation/whatever on it when I toss the wipe. I've been using it before I go work out in the evenings, and then hopping in the shower to remove the rest of my makeup/get un-sweaty. I would probably repurchase these! This is one I'm happy with, for sure.

Product #4: Style Essentials Nail Polish

Black and sparkly just isn't my thing. On Halloween, sure. But on 364 other days of the year, I don't think I can pull it off. Sparkly nail polish is a beeyotch to get off, and most of the time, I would just rather not wear it than use something sparkly. If it were a different color, I would probably give it a shot, at least, but the black nail polish just wasn't going to be my jam.

Product #5: Novex Brazilian Keratin Hair Mask

So, this product was from another country/in another language? I'm not sure if it was Portuguese, or something similar. But the language that was primarily used on the package was not English. I'm okay with not 100% made in the USA products, but I'm not sure I would even have been able to repurchase the product if I loved it. On top of that, you have to leave it in for 25 minutes with a shower cap, and let's be real: ain't nobody got time for that. Not really interested in trying it.

So, for a free box, I'll take the wipes and be happy. My next month's box should be here soon, and I'm hoping it will redeem itself. I really want to like BeautyBox5, because it's affordable and I've heard good reviews. But if my future boxes are like this one, I may invest my money elsewhere. Sometimes I worry I'm being too picky with what's in my boxes, but if I can use and like 4/5 Birchbox products (post to come later), and use only 1/5 BeautyBox5 products, there's a clear winner there, and for $2 less per month. That being said, I see tons of reviews raving about this box and in general, people seem to really enjoy the contents as a general rule. I'm guessing this was just an "off" month, especially since they're still running the free August box promotion well into September. I'm willing to give it another shot or two, and I hope I won't be disappointed!