The Beauty Gift That Keeps On Giving

I remember it clearly… I was 6 years old coloring on paper plates, then cutting one in half and stapling it to the other one to create a pocket. I posted it outside the front door bearing my name for the postman to clearly see where MY mail should be delivered and, bless his heart, he accommodated my need for individuality concerning my letters. My Nana was my favorite pen pal and our correspondence ignited my love of writing. Getting mail is like getting a random little present. The thrill I had walking out the door to check my special mailbox was exhilarating, and to this day I love to get mail, sans the bills.

That’s why I know I’m not alone in my desire to have pretty packages bearing gifts delivered to my door. Companies such as Birchbox and Glymm are cashing in on our longing for beauty products and sending them via the mail each month like a gift – it’s genius! Each of these websites have a “beauty profile” you fill out, set up the $10 a month billing and voila! You now will get premium samples to test. One of my facial clients turned me onto Birchbox and I admit it feeds my product junkie addiction, but I figure I won’t get fat or need rehab, so what the heck.  Since then I have told girlfriends about it and each of them are so pleased with the service. Yes, I know you could physically go into stores and ask for samples, but you miss out on the excitement of opening that box and discovering what’s inside! 

It’s my job to know products, especially in the clinical skin care arena, so I qualify this indulgence as “research.” So far, some of my faves are Orofluido Luxury Hair Oil. One word - amazing!  I’m not a huge fan of fragrances since most give me a headache, but the Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine sample I received was lovely and made me a believer. I also am a sucker for lip gloss, and love that I get sent premium samples to stock my various handbags. So do yourself a favor and sign up for the gift that keeps on giving year-round. 

Tiffany Vitale has been a clinical esthetician and skin care advocate since 2001. She loves all things beauty, from at-home remedies to medical grade products; we all have unique skin and our desire to keep it glowing!