The theme for this month's Beauty Box 5 box is 'Defining Moments' and I think this is important for two reasons. First, the offerings in this box mostly highlight all the things I like about this subscription. But a recent change with Beauty Box 5's subscription offerings also highlights a 'defining moment' for Canadians who subscribe. For more details, read on.

The Subscription

Beauty Box 5 is an American beauty box that is $8 a box for a year subscription, $10 a box for a quarterly subscription and $12 a box if you buy individually. I highly recommend this box because it sends a variety of American brands you can't always find in Canada, and leans towards products that are more natural, organic and paraben-free. I generally end up using everything I receive in these boxes! If you're interested, please use my referral link here. (Please keep in mind, there is a $3 charge now, per box, to ship to Canada, so subscribing for quarterly or yearly is the best deal.)

The Beauty Box 5 July, 2014 Box

Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara- Full Size
When this was spoilered on the Beauty Box 5 Instagram, my first thought was "Oh great, another mascara" because I have an arsenal of mascara that could last me a decade. But the reviews seemed positive, and it seems to be a hardcore mascara that sits on your lashes and STAYS PUT, no smudges or flakes, and that's something I need for long days. Mama don't like 'natural' mascara, what's the point?

HASK Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment - Large foil sample
Since my hair is my natural colour and not dyed, I don't need to use hair masks that often to revitalize my strands. But I do find that my hair gets a bit crunchy in the summer, so the next time I need to give my hair some TLC, I'm testing this out. Apparently this packet is enough for TWO masks too, so I'm set for the summer.

Body Drench Candy Licious Lips in Peppermint Stick - Full Size
This is one of those American drug store products that BB5 sends out every once in awhile, that I wish I could find more easily in Canada! This is a tiny lip balm, but the mint candy flavour was so intense that it has quickly replaced my Epic Balm as my purse balm. It's formulated from beeswax, coconut oil and Vitamin E and is super moisturizing, long-lasting and the mint really gives it a great kick.

Anna Naturals - Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub - Small sample
One of my favourite things about BB5 are all the natural products and companies they feature, and this is one of my favourite finds. I love exfoliating scrubs but not the kind with awful plastic microbeads. This scrub smells citrus-y and nutty (it's made of orange/grapefruit oil and walnuts) and is formulated without any artificial fragrances, mineral oil, dyes, parabens or sulfates. I've never heard of this brand before and I'll be sure to look into them from now on.

Starlooks Lip Liner in Bare - Full size
And last... and least. Starlooks is another company that offers a monthly beauty box, and with the inclusion of a card, it looks like this was a product exchange with BB5. I've never really been interested with Starlooks because their products are made by a private label manufacturer (where the company buys products and brands them for their own lines) so you don't know anything about the company and whether they are cruelty-free or whatnot. I'll probably swap this.

The shipping problem

It's no surprise to anybody who tries to buy beauty products from the United States that shipping is a major issue, and despite offering free shipping up until now, Beauty Box 5 is having trouble sending out their boxes on time to Canada. The solution? Instead of nixing Canadian subscribers, they are now adding $3 in shipping for every box. I am safe for now because my quarterly subscription just renewed, but I'll have to take a look at this when my subscription runs out. These boxes are great for $11 (with tax) every month, but $14? I'll need to think about it.

Did you get BB5 this month? What'd you think?