Jan
2013
Testtube – Winter 2013 Edition
When you work in the beauty industry, you get accustomed to having a ridiculous amount of product. When I worked for Shiseido, they were firm in making sure that their employees received each season’s collection of product – gratis (read: for FREE!). Plus, we had an allowance to spend on product each year. It was insane.
At Clarins, they were less firm on giving product each season but it was very easy to get product when you needed. After a decade between the two companies, I left the cosmetic industry with a pretty stocked product closet of my own. 6 years later and it’s not what it used to be but I do love trying new things and getting my hands on makeup and skin care. So I belong to a few ‘sample clubs’. These sample clubs charge a fee for delivery of deluxe, trial and sometimes full size product.
The latest one that I have received is Testtube from NewBeauty Magazine. Unlike Beautyfix, you cannot choose your product but like Beautyfix, it is quarterly. Another difference is that these products come from department stores AND drug stores where Beautyfix’s selection is usually on the higher end of the spectrum. I also like that for no extra cost really, I get a subscription to NewBeauty Magazine… I LOVE the magazine – save for the many plastic surgeon ads in the back.
In the Winter 2013 edition of Testtube, here’s what I received:
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes (Deluxe Trial Size) - I’ve seen this brand while food shopping and at CVS. It’s a British brand that recently came over to the US and has marketed itself as being “kind to skin”. I use Facial Wipes to remove makeup at night so I’m excited to try this!
Dr. Brandt Pores no More Cleanser (Full Size) – WOO HOO! I LOVE Dr. Brandt’s Microdermabrasion scrub and have always wanted to try other products and haven’t gotten around to so I’m very excited to receive this! Dr. Brandt is famous for being Madonna’s Dermatologist (whatever, I’m not a fan of hers)…
Mally Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight (Full Size) – My eyes are really tiny, so normally if I wear eyeliner, it’s the powder variety so I can blend it more easily. I received a Mally gloss in my last Testtube and I hated it… so I’m not sure how to feel about this. I’m probably going to give it to my mother.
Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 (Sample) - I love Vichy. They are a high end brand with great products and I’m sure this serum is no different. It’s a serum focused around tighter, firmer and smoother skin. I’ll try it… Who couldn’t use a little firming?
MoraccanOil (Deluxe Trial Size) – I LOVE this stuff. It’s the brand that started this mayhem with Argan Oil and the smell of it is insane. Excited to get this!
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Backhead Extractor (Full Size) – SO EXCITED FOR THIS! I have an oily T-Zone so this is perfect for me! Basically, this is similar to a mask. You smooth it on, wait 5-10 minutes then rinse when you feel a cooling sensation and your pores are supposed to be blackhead free… cannot wait to review this!
Stila Face the Day Moisturizing Gel-Cream (Deluxe Trial Size) – I’m a fan of Stila but this is more of a summer product. So I’ll be saving this until then…
Tarte Amazonian Clay Long Wear Blush in Flush (Full Size) – I am not usually a fan of Tarte but I am excited to get this and maybe become a fan. The packaging is hot pink so I’m just hoping that isn’t indicative of the color… in which case… I’ll be giving it to my mother whose skin is darker than mine!
And that’s my Testtube! If you’re interested in joining, it’s $30 per quarter (4 a year) and worth it because of the breadth of products you’re able to try. You do get your money back and then some in Spa Look gift cards but I’ve never ordered anything from them before because you have to purchase $200 to get the $30 off.
I am excited to try some of these products and sit down with the magazine… did you get your Testtube and if you did, what did you get? Tell me in the comments below!