OuiPlease Vol. 2.1: La Vie En Rose

April 9, 2016April 9, 2016 Coco

This is my fifth OuiPlease box (I signed up for the yearly subscription) and also, unfortunately, the worst that I have received so far. I am trying to be optimistic about OuiPlease because they really seemed to have turned a corner with the last box, which was pretty great!

I have two issues with Vol 2.1. The first issue is shipping related. Finally they ship the box ON TIME like they promised they would. That in itself is a HUGE step up for them because they started off pretty rocky with shipment delays. I am very impressed with how quick they had Vol. 2.1 out. The issue is that they AGAIN shipped the box to my OLD address. I’ve already contacted them once before because it had not been updated and they claimed it would be fixed but it wasn’t and ended up arriving on the doorstep of my old apartment. Lucky for me, the girl who lives there now returned the box to the office.

My second issue is with the value I have received. This is what I have received in my Vol. 2.1. Box (prices pulled directly from the OuiPlease Magazine):

Les Petites … Paris Scarf – $120
NUXE Gentle Exfoliating Gel (75ml/2.6oz) – $24
Oliv’ Eye and Lips Smoothing Gel (0.5fl.oz) – $50
La Fare 1789 Intense Night Cream (30ml/1.0fl.oz) – $25
Le Chocolat Des Francais Chocolate Bars (30g ea) – $15 (2 bars)
Kusmi Tea The vert a la rose (25g/0.88oz) – about $5 according to kusmitea.com (Not listed in booklet)

And two coupons:

25% off Les Petites … Paris Spring/Summer 2016 Collection (Bloomingdale’s in store only)
20% off NUXE Paris online (www.us.nuxe.com)

This total adds up to just $239 which is $161 under $400 that I was promised when I signed up. I can only hope that this was in error and that I am simply missing item(s). There are numerous different jewelry items listed in the booklet, I was shocked I didn’t receive one of them considering how low my box was. I’ve reached out to OuiPlease to get both issues resolved and I will post an update once I have heard back. Historically they have been pretty quick to send out a replacement item.

Because of this low blow, I have a hard time appreciating the items in this box. I was so excited with the 1.6 box and this one is such a let down.

I do really like the Les Petites scarf, but I am shocked by the $120 price tag. It is very pretty, so I am happy to have it and it is the best item in the box. I also am interested in trying the Chocolate Barss and Kusmi Tea. I have always enjoyed the Parisian food items that they include in the box and I cannot wait to try them both.

This was probably the box that I was most excited to receive because I am a fan of Edith Piaf and loved the movie based on her life, La Vie En Rose. It is unfortunate that this ended up to be my least favorite box from OuiPlease.

Influenster Jingle VoxBox

January 27, 2016January 27, 2016 Coco

The last time I received an Influenster VoxBox was in March of 2014. Life got busy, and I did not have a lot of time to put into this blog at the time, so my participation waned. I was so happy when I received an email that I had been selected for the Jingle VoxBox. Hopefully this can be the beginning of many more VoxBox reviews this year.

When the Jingle VoxBox arrived, I thought it was sooo tiny! But it has just as many goodies inside as the ones in the past did. Here’s what was included:

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream sample (1oz) – $8.99-15.99 full size

Biscoff Cookies (3 two packs, 25g per pack) – $2.99 per 250g

Ore-Ida Tater Tots product FREE coupon ($4)

Hallmark itty bittys (Rapunzel) – start at $6.95

NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner (932 Dark Brown) – $3.99

KISS True Volume Lashes “Natural Plump” – $3.99

KISS Strip Lash Adhesive (Black) – $3.99

Pure Ice Nail Polish (1019 Deja Vu) – $1.97 only at Walmart

As always, here are my first impressions of each item :

I was surprised that the cream is unscented, which is nice because it can be used without distracting from any perfumes (which I wear daily). It feels very moisturizing and should be good for these winter months.	~~I can’t recall if I have ever tried these before, but I am excited to try them!~~ I had them on a plane! I remembered! They’re really good!! I love that they included 3 packs, because it will give me a chance to really try them again.
I expected more coupons that I would never use, but this one is awesome because it pays for the entire item! I can’t wait to try these Tater Tots!!	ADORABLE! Is there more to say? These are so cute, I am resisting collecting them all!
I’m not a huge eyeliner fan, so I am not sure if this will get much use for me personally. It looks pretty nice and goes on smooth.	I have only worn false eyelashes… once! It was for my cousin’s wedding and they were gorgeous but hurt horribly when it was time for removal. I have never had the pull to wear falsies, but since then I have wanted to re-create the look.
I am so happy that this was included with the eyelashes because otherwise I wouldn’t have known what to do. This tube will last me FOREVER.	Pretty sparkly blue-purple color, however I am not sure I am their target market – I never shop at Walmart.

Full posts to come soon!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

OuiPlease Vol. 1.5: Along the Loire Valley

October 29, 2015February 2, 2022 Coco

Since the last box shipped at the end of July and this is a bi-monthly box, I had expected the shipment over a month ago. However, I wasn’t

Salome Charly – Trie Bracelet ($50)
Concept Provence – Facial Toner ($20)
Sencha & Bourbon – Cotton or Cashmere Scarf ($120-130)
Historiae – Hameau de la Reine Fragrance ($40)
Historiae – Bouquet du Trianon Soap ($10)
Savor & Sens – Mustard Walnut Flavor ($15)
L’Attelier – Roasted Almonds ($15)
La Route des Comptoirs – Perle d’Amour Organic Black Tea ($30)

The value of my box is either $300 or $310, depending on which scarf I received (which I have a hard time believing is over $100). Regardless, it is again disappointing that the value was $100 lower than the $400 value that they promise. However, at least I didn’t see any huge inflation with the products this time. I emailed OuiPlease and they are sending me another “gift” to make up for the ‘missing items’.

l-attelier-tentations-caramelisees-amandes

The bracelet is slightly different than the one pictured.
Not Pictured: Sencha & Bourbon scarf, Savor & Sens mustard

As for the actual items, surprisingly the scarf is my favorite item in the box. It is super soft and the monogram of my initials is a sweet touch from Sencha & Bourbon. The scarf is not really my style, but I will definitely find a way to incorporate it in my wardrobe.

I am still trying out the other items, but so far I like the facial toner. I definitely did not need more toner but I am still happy to have it. I was glad to not see any more lotion since the last box was overflowing with lotion.

Overall, I was not super excited about Volume 1.5. Even with the over inflation, I feel like the last box was much better but I am trying to stay optimistic about the gift they are sending me.

UPDATE: I received the “gift” item that OuiPlease sent to me. I was super impressed that it came to me within only ONE DAY of them responding to my email. And then I opened the box:

Marina de Bourbon Dynastie Vamp (100ml – no box) – $160

I am so happy that they sent me this item! I am beyond ecstatic that the item was high value and actually made me meet the $400 value and even pass it!

OuiPlease Vol. 1.4: Escape to the French Riviera

July 27, 2015July 29, 2015 Coco

I was intrigued to see how OuiPlease would handle this box considering the backlash from the undervalued boxes in the 1.3 Provence box (you can see my review here) and slightly feeling like I may have been bamboozled. OuiPlease tackled this issue with the following packing slip to indicate that they did indeed meet the “over $400 worth” promise:

Here’s the list of items with the actual brand and product names:

Betchy Sketch – Coasters ($20)
Objets Obscurs – Bracelet Ksena Crochet Rouge (Not Listed in Magazine – $50 in Packing Slip)
Graine De Pastel – Baume De Cocagne ($50)
Graine De Pastel – Hand Cream ($30)
Pier Auge – Body Caresse Agrume ($80)
Doux Me – Rose Mist ($35)
Kingies – Life Is Beautiful T-Shirt ($40)
Little Marcel – Simia Beach Towel ($45)
La Fare 1789 – Lavender Flower Jar ($20)
Lulu en Provence – Cappuccino Clutch ($40)
Confiserie Stanislas – Nougat Lemon ($20)

Total – $430

Looks pretty good, right? Well, some of these items seem VERY overvalued. Let’s break them down one by one and see where we’re at.

First up, the item that made me seethe the most:

1. Betchy Sketch – Coasters ($20)

When I first saw the item labelled “Coasters” I thought that $20 would be a bargain.. until I realized that the 4 pieces of thin paper (my boyfriend commented, “it’s an insult to call that cardboard”) are actually the ‘coasters’. See below:

These are actually pretty cute… as far as the drawing go, but $20 for 4 little pieces of paper? What? ALSO, they are printed with “oui please” all over them. So, ultimately, I am paying OuiPlease so that I can advertise for OuiPlease. I would totally understand these as a cute little bonus item, but they value these at $20! I could buy SO MUCH MORE for $20. I could buy REAL coasters.. not PAPER coasters.. In fact, I have done that before already. WHAT THE HECK, OUIPLEASE, WHY?! I’d also like to note that this company is based out of Dallas… interpret that however you’d like.

Since this is a custom piece, they can name their price.

2. Objets Obscurs – Bracelet Ksena Crochet Rouge ($50)

Another one of my let down items was the following bracelet, valued at $50. It actually LOOKS quite cute, but the materials used felt very cheap. I did a little research, and it seems to be brass and cotton yarn. Again, for $50, I could get a way higher quality piece pretty much anywhere.

(Click to Enlarge)

And to make matters worse, OuiPlease has again OVERVALUED items. They list this as $50 in my packing slip, and on the website it is only 25 euros, which is roughly $28. Not to mention Objets Obscurs has a 50% off coupon right now. Now that price makes way more sense to me.

3. Graine De Pastel – Baume De Cocagne ($50)

I am excited to try this brand, and was happy to see the product price isn’t too far off from OuiPlease’s apparent guess. Graine De Pastel’s website shows this item as 33 euros, which is about $38. The product smells really good and I like the texture. I can already tell I will like this one.

4. Graine De Pastel – Hand Cream ($30)

And then OuiPlease again proved that they have no idea how to convert euros to dollars, because this is only 12.50 euros, which is is just under $14.. and less than HALF what OuiPlease valued it at. I can’t even anymore. Despite this, it looks like a good product, so I am overall happy with it being added to the box. I am going to leave it at my desk at work and try to use it daily since I have a tendency to get lotion and then never use it.

5. Pier Auge – Body Caresse Agrume ($80)

The highest valued item in the box, is actually 53.20 euros, which is just under $60. Still a pretty high value item, so I am pleased to get a chance to try it. It feels very thick, which I like in a lotion. It smells nice, as well.

6. Doux Me – Rose Mist ($35)

This item is 19 euros according to their website, which is about $21. I have never used a rose mist but I love face mists and I can’t wait to see how it feels. The bottle says that it can help take off make-up so it looks like it is more of an end-of-the-day spray. I use a face spray every morning already, so it will be nice adding something for nighttime.

7. Kingies – Life Is Beautiful T-Shirt ($40)

I couldn’t find anything about this shirt or brand online, but my beef with it isn’t really the price (even though … hello, that’s $40 for a t-shirt!!!) but rather the fact that it has a STAIN. Check it out below:

I’m not sure what happened here, but it’s definitely not beautiful to have a yellow highlighter mark on your shirt, but I understand.. it happens. Even without the mark, this shirt is slightly too small for me to work.

UPDATE: I emailed OuiPlease and they said they will send me another item to make up for it. I actually am impressed by this!

8. Little Marcel – Simia Beach Towel ($45)

I LOVE this towel, honestly this is my favorite item, and they didn’t lie on the price at all! Yay! At 39 euros regularly, this piece is about $43.. which is right on target with OuiPlease’s price! The website had the item on sale, but I honestly do not care because it’s so cute!

I love getting beach towels in a box, so this definitely helped to soften the blow of the other item’s lackluster. It’s a colorful design, and I am happy to have it.

9. La Fare 1789 – Lavender Flower Jar ($20)

I couldn’t find this item on their website, but considering their creams range from 8-17 euros, I have a hard time believing this jar of flowers is actually $20. I’m not sure what I would actually use it for but the bottle says that it was traditionally placed in cabinets to repel moths. Another item I will leave at my desk at work so that it actually gets some use.

10. Lulu en Provence – Cappuccino Clutch ($40)

I couldn’t find the exact one I had, but the Ecru colored is listed as 22 euros, which is less than $25. Again, inflation on OuiPlease’s price. I think the quality of the bag is not that great either and the design isn’t anything special to me. Reveuse means dreamer, but I don’t really consider burlap to correlate with the term. However, part of me likes it, and I think I will use it to *ehem* carry tampons in my bag. TMI but whatever.

11. Confiserie Stanislas – Nougat Lemon ($20)

To access their store, you have to create an account.. so I am not entirely sure how much this bar actually retails for. I am okay with the $20 price since it is fancy French Candy, even though I wouldn’t be surprised if it is inflated as well. However, I am actually excited to try it! My boyfriend and I each had a bite, and it’s okay. Definitely better than the hard candy that was included in the last box. But definitely not worth $20.

Now that I’ve gone through each item, it’s time to calculate the adjusted MUCH MORE realistic total:

$330!

Of course, I did not adjust the items which I couldn’t find a price for, so I would not be surprised if this is even lower (paid a huge premium on $20 pieces of paper, a $40 t-shirt, and $20 flower pieces). If you’re like me, I have about $100 in each box since I got the annual subscription with a coupon, so the burn isn’t TOO bad. If you consider each item at least $10, then this box at the very least is $110 which is more than what I paid per box AND a good majority of the products were worth more than that (mainly the lotions). What burns is that this company flat out lies. If they want to attribute extra cost to the curation, shipping, or something else.. LABEL it. Do not attribute these costs to the individual item because it makes your look like liars.

I am pleased with the brands they chose for the beauty products, and I am excited to try them out. I was a little annoyed that they included two body balms and a hand lotion, because it just seems like lotion overload… but I can deal with that. As I said before, I LOVE the towel. Plus I adore the box they package the items in – they could add that in as a $20 item and I would be less mad about it than I was with the paper coasters!

Overall, OuiPlease would be a fun subscription, except they put such a huge focus on these fake product prices that it makes it hard to not feel gypped.

Rachel Zoe’s Summer 2015 Box Of Style Review

July 10, 2015October 29, 2015 Coco

Introducing Box Of Style. Over $300 worth of glamorous finds, curated by Rachel Zoe and delivered to you for only $100.

One of the most sought over boxes so far this year, Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style was sold out within a few hours of launching and I was one of the lucky ones to get on board from the beginning! This time I decided to sign up for an annual subscription.

Here’s what was included in the Summer box:

Cambridge Satchel Company Large Push Lock Cross Body Bag – Value $150
Mara Hoffman Sarong – Value $98
O.R.G. Skincare Mineral Peel Face – Value $44
Too Faced Color Drenched Lip Cream in Spice Spice Baby – Value $22
Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer – Value $34
Bristols Six Nippies Skin Covers – Value $26

At a $374 value, the box more than met the $300 minimum they promise. This is HUGE.

I love the Mara Hoffman Sarong and have already used it a few times this summer. It is absolutely gorgeous and looks very trendy by the pool.

Even though I didn’t particularly love the rest of the items in the box, I was very impressed with the quality of the curation and love that the box is worth its price.

This box is already one of the most consistent and timely which is impressive for subscription boxes. I can’t wait to see what Rachel has in store for us in the next box!

POPSUGAR Must Have Subscription Box – June 2015 Review

June 29, 2015October 29, 2015 Coco

It’s summertime, and we’re planning to spend as much time outside as we can! In June, we brought you some stylish shades from Quay Australia, the perfect Summer read from Judy Blume, and other treats to beat June gloom and keep you active and happy for months to come.

The box is $40/month, but I typically get $5 off with coupon: MUSTHAVE5

Here’s what was included this month:

Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses – Value $45
Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette – Value $14
Yogitoes Peacock hBand – Value $4
Judy Blume In the Unlikely Event – Value $28
SPONGELLÉ Boxed Flowers-Fleur en Boîte – Value $16
SNAP Infusion SUPERCANDY – Value $4
Special Extra! Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card

Again, this value is over $100 which I think is great! I am most excited to wear the Quay Sunglasses. They seem to be very high quality!

BirchBox June 2015 – The Tig

June 25, 2015October 29, 2015 Coco

THE TIG: GUEST EDITOR BOX – Curated by actress Meghan Markle, founder of The Tig lifestyle blog, this box is brimming with A-list must-haves for all your summer escapades.

My box included:

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel
Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream
Davines SŪ Hair & Body Wash
Oribe Cote d’Azur Fragrance
Marcelle BB Cream Golden

I am most excited to try the BB Cream!

BirchBox Man June 2015

June 10, 2015October 29, 2015 Coco

WRITE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE – Pack your bags with multitasking washes, rugged gear, and a solid SPF—the journey’s about to begin.

My box included:

Supergoop!® Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology, 2.4 oz.
Happy Socks Men’s Socks
Davines MOMO Conditioner
Davines MOMO Shampoo
Hanz de Fuko Claymation

I signed up for BirchBox Man for my boyfriend, mainly for hair gel samples. We have been lucky to get a different on in every box. He doesn’t care much for the one included in this box, unfortunately. The rest of the items are not something he would typically use and it has been difficult to get him to use them. I really like that they included the socks though! They don’t seem very masculine, but I like them!

Acure Organics Glamorganic Goddess Beauty Kit

June 10, 2015October 29, 2015 Coco

One of my friends introduced me to Acure Organics and recommended trying their Toner because it is in a spray bottle. Acure offers this great charitable bundle that includes the toner:

Please help us raise funds for our friend Danielle Messina, The Glamorganic Goddess, whose mission is to find clean beauty products, inspire others, and promote education about the importance of prevention through a truly healthy lifestyle. At just 37 years old her doctor’s have discovered a secondary recurrence of Breast Cancer. We are donating 100% of the proceeds of this kit to help Danielle with her Glamorganic Goddess GoFundme Campaign.

For only $20, the box includes:

Facial Cleansing Gel (sample)
Facial Scrub (sample)
Facial Toner (full size)
Argan Oil (full size)
Day Cream (sample)
Lip Balm
Argan Oil Facial Towelettes

Click here for more information or to purchase the kit!

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals May Mystery Box Review

May 22, 2015October 29, 2015 Coco

It’s an 11-piece Beauty Surprise collection brimming with mystery goodies. These go fast. We’re talking a few hours. Tops. You’ve been warned…

The BareMinerals Mystery Box costs $45 with an estimated $195 value. Here’s what I received in my May box:

Buff & Conceal Brush
READY Luminizer Duo The Love Affair & The Shining Moment (pink nectar glow/golden champagne
Big & Bright Eyeliner in Espresso
5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance SPF 20 Mineral Veil
Blush in Sweet Romance (Candlelight Glow)
Marvelous Moxie Lipstick (Dim the Lights)
Natural Light Face Lifting Duo
bareVitamins – Skin Rev-er Upper
Mini READY Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum Spf 15
Whipped Velvet Eye Color – Deep Sky
Whipped Velvet Eye Color- Rich Olive

The only product I’ve used is the Lipstick. Everything else was kind of a miss for me, but I do appreciate the value of the box. I will probably wait a little while before buying another one.

BirchBox May 2015 Cupcakes and Cashmere

May 20, 2015October 29, 2015 Coco

ELEVATE EVERYDAY – Curated by Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, this month’s picks bring out-of-the-ordinary elegance to your daily routine.

Here’s what was included in my box:

Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer
Marcelle Clay Mask
amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara

I feel like I have received the POREfessional at least 5 times now from various boxes. I always like getting Benefit items, but this one is getting tired.

I’m most excited to try the clay mask and mascara.

OuiPlease Vol. 1.3: A Breath of Provence Review

May 15, 2015May 15, 2015 Coco

OuiPlease Vol. 1.3: “A Breath of Provence” is valued at more than $400 per parcel. Your exclusive parcel will feature a surprise selection of the finest French products, making each delivery limited edition.

My boyfriend offered to buy me the annual subscription for our two year anniversary since he knew I had been lusting over it. It was set to ship toward the end of April, which was perfect since our anniversary is April 29. I was so excited to receive my parcel!

Unfortunately, OuiPlease had shipping delays and the item didn’t end up shipping until May 14. Luckily, it arrived to me today since it was picked up in Texas!

The packaging did not disappoint. It is absolutely beautiful and lux feeling:

However, the contents of my box were a bit of a let down after seeing spoilers for the box already.

Here’s the full list of what was included in my box:

Tassia Canellis – Way Ring ($60)
Oliv’ La Claree – Radiance Elixir ($50)
Oliv’ Last Claree – Beauty Oil ($35)
La Fare 1789 – Voluminizing & Shining Shampoo ($25)
La Fare 1789 – Succulent Foot Cream ($15)
Coeur De Cigale – Shower Gel Fragrance Calisson ($25)
Panier Des Sens – Hand Cream Lemon ($15)
Rose et Marius – Les Carreaux de Ciment – Melon & Basil Fragrance ($15)
Plates & Parfums – Sault Collection – Provence Lavender Flower Stchet ($15)
Epicure de Provence – Honey Candy Jar ($15)
Sothys – Rouge Intense Satiny Lipstick in Orange Saint-Paul ($30)
Sothys – Intense Brown Eye Pencil ($15)

All prices were taken from the included booklet, except for the Sothys items which I quoted from online sources.

The total value for my box is just $315 , which is $85 less than the promised $400 value. While I was pleased with my items, I was fairly disappointed by the difference. Especially after seeing other’s boxes including additional high value jewelry and accessories. I definitely feel like something is missing from mine. I have reached out to the company to hopefully remedy this.

Despite this, I am pleased with the selection and genuine curation. The box felt French, which is why I’m sure a lot of people want it in the first place. I really liked all of the simple touches they added to the box and the booklet was very well designed

I am excited to try out the different products that were included. I don’t think I have a favorite one yet but I am most intrigued by the Radiance Elixir and Beauty Oil. I also surprising like the Way Ring I received. It is very dainty and only fits my pinky, but I dig it so far.

My least favorite item would have to be the Honey Candy. It was not good at all, which is unfortunate considering they valued it at $15. I expect way more from candy at that price point.

Overall, I really like the box and I am excited to see what other items OuiPlease brings to the subscription. I do not like the varying items and values between subscribers. I hope that they are able to make the next box more fair and balanced.