Oct
2012
Testtube Fall 2012 Edition
You know I’m a huge fan of Beautyfix… but I’m a junkie. I’m all love and no commitment. So I cheat. I subscribe to another service called Testtube.
Testtube is different than Beautyfix. First you don’t get to pick your products and I will tell you that it’s a bummer. BUT you do get to try product from across the boundaries of drug stores, TV, and Department Stores. Testtube is run by the magazine New Beauty. If you haven’t heard of New Beauty, it’s a magazine that is really pretty stellar. It not only has great articles on product, beauty news, trends but directories of beauty specialists.
Testtube is their brain child and the last time I enjoyed it, but honestly wasn’t Wowed. This time… I AM SO EXCITED! Why??? Because the brands are pretty damn amazing and the products are super cool. Here’s what is in this season’s Testtube:
Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts
1 Packet
I am not really a bath person… I have to contemplate whether I’ll use these. LOL Something about relaxing in your own dirt that skeeves me out (remember, type A?)
MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask
Full Size
HELLO! It’s hair! I love hair! And I don’t always spring for it but I do love this brand. The original Moroccan (or Argan) Oil Brand, this mask helps improve texture, elasticity and manageability. I could definitely use that.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye
Deluxe Sample
I am a notorious insomniac. It’s horrible. And I always get caught up in the spin of not sleeping. You know… the spin… where you lay there trying to sleep but the more you try, the harder it is to fall asleep then you get frustrated and as you get more frustrated, the worse it becomes? Yep. That’s me. A lot of nights. So I am always always looking for under eye miracles that will magically make those dark circles disappear. I haven’t found one yet… I’ll let you know how this works!
Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away
Deluxe Sample
Someone at Testtube knows about my sleeping habits. In case you haven’t heard of Dr. Brandt, he’s a renowned dermatologist with a really stellar line of products sold in Sephora. I have tried his Microdermabrasion scrub (Yes… scrub addicted, I know) and LOVE it. I can’t wait to see how this fares.
Philosophy Hope in a Jar
Deluxe Sample
I’m not a huge Philosophy fan. I have that elitist product attitude so Philosophy isn’t one my list of top brands BUT I have heard a TON of really good things about this cream. I’ll try it… at some point.
Olay Pro X Deep Wrinkle Treatment
Full Size Product
I have to be honest. I don’t have deep wrinkles… so I might just give this to my mother. Who also doesn’t really have deep wrinkles but she’s closer to them than I am. In any case, this is from Olay’s Professional (read more expensive) line. And I’m fascinated by women who will spring $45 for Olay but not Lauder. Me? I’d go Lauder (or Badescu but Lauder sounded better in the sentence).
CellCeuticals Cell Genesis Eye Serum
Full Size Product
Seriously, is someone at Testtube watching me wander my house at night? CellCeuticals is a company founded by a plastic surgeon and a beauty industry vet. The brand is known for their anti-aging line. This eye serum is supposed to tighten, firm, de-puff, and eliminate dark circles. I AM SO ON IT!
Yonka Phyto 58
Full Size Product
Way back when I was a teen growing up in the city, I used to frequent this little shop in Chelsea called The Makeup Shop, owned by a celebrity/movie makeup artist. She turned me on to Yonka Paris’ products. They are hard to find – not in Sephora or Department Stores – and expensive but so worth the money. They work. They really work and I am a HUGE fan of the brand and I am so thrilled to get this nighttime moisturizer! It helps to firm, clear and purify the complexion while helping with that beauty glow that we all long for… I have used this cream before and I LOVE IT. From the amazing scent to the way it makes my skin feel – smooth and even.
The other thing I like about Testtube is that it comes with this cool hot pink pamphlet telling you details about the products and brands. It also comes with the newest issue of New Beauty Magazine, which to me is awesome! It is less expensive than Beautyfix at $29.95 (plus tax + shipping) but after tax and shipping it winds up costing closer to $40. Beautyfix is 1 flat $49.99 fee, which I respect tremendously.
New Beauty Magazine costs about $30 a year and by subscribing to Testtube, you not only get the magazine, which I really do enjoy, as well as these products. The YonKa product alone costs way more than the $29.99 or even $38 that you wind up paying with Tax and Shipping, so the price is well worth what you get for it and if you’re a product junkie like some people (ahem) then you will really enjoy getting to try products of all price ranges every quarter.
I should mention that you receive 3 seperate gift cards for $50, $25 and $10 in gift cards to Spalook.com. I wasn’t impressed by this last time because you have to spend a certain amount with each card to use them. And though the website has some brands I really love (Jurlique, Clarisonic, Kate Somerville), I didn’t feel compelled to use the cards… I’m rethinking that stance though with this season. My thinking is that I can use the cards on a Clarisonic Mia 2 System – which is $169 – and save $25! Or I can buy another more expensive set of Clarinsonic and save $50 on it. And I have so been coveting a Clarisonic. I cannot believe I don’t have one! I’m still considering whether I want to use the cards, but throwing Clarisonic into the mix 100% changes things. Also, Christmas is coming up so I can also use the cards on gift items for my framily or friends.
As I get to use the products, I’ll be reviewing them here… and if you want more information on Testtube, leave a comment below.
Do you belong to any sampling clubs? Tell me about them!