After a series of computer crashes (mine) blue screens of death (my boyfriends) and memory card errors, I'm FINALLY finishing my Beauty Box 5 post for May! I guess third time is the charm! So no cutesy message, let's just get to it.

The Backgrounder

Beauty Box 5 is a really affordable 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 has been leaning towards products that are more natural and paraben-free in the last few months. And month to month? I use pretty much EVERYTHING I get from the boxes up! If you're interested, please use my referral link here.)

May 2014 Beauty Box 5

The theme this month is 'fresh and focused' to give you and your skin a boost and a headstart to beach beauty this summer! 2014 has been a rough year so far, so I like this time to take a break and focus on myself ;)

H2O Plus Aqualibrium Marine Cleansing Gel - Micro-sample

I really liked the smell of this product and used it all up in just a few days since it was a small sample. It made my skin feel clean and moisturized and NOT squeaky, which I hate. But I won't be repurchasing it because it has microbeads in it, and they are extremely damaging to the ecosystem. Something I literally found out a few days after I finished it. Read this link for more, I hope H2O alters this product.

Harvey Prince Hello perfume sample

I was a bit surprised to receive a perfume sample from BB5, as it's not usually something that boxes like to send to their subscribers. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised because this stuff smells amazing. It has a bit of lemon, orange and tropical flower notes to it, and it rests easily and lasts all day. I was REALLY IMPRESSED with this fragrance and will try to find more.

Cattiva Precisione Eye Liner - Full product

As summer approaches, my beauty regimen gets a bit simpler. I don't use as much foundation or concealer, my blush is switched out for a little bit of bronzer, and my eyeshadow becomes more natural. One thing that doesn't change is eyeliner. Cattiva's Precisione is a super thin retractable waterproof eyeliner that can deliver a quick, simple line, but is also blendable to make that smokey look that I know people crave in the summer. It's paraben-free and goes on like a dream.

MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask - 1 Mask

I've heard AMAZING things about MaskerAide's product line and I was happy to get a sample this month. Mine was the 'Beauty Restore' which has Argan Oil, Super Fruit Extracts, Green Algae and Vitamin E, along with Lavender Oil for a soothing, restful mask to help me a) chill out, and b) soothe my skin. The sheet mask applied like every other one I've used, and the look of the product was almost a milky colour instead of the clear gel-like consistency of other ones I've used. The lavender was a bit strong, but it definitely did the trick, I fell asleep lying on my couch with it on! So far so good, my skin feels amazing!

Ban Total Refreshing Cooling Body Cloths - 3 individually weapped cloths

Speaking of soothing, these Ban cloths are WUNDERBAR. As somebody who bikes 11km to work each morning, I'm not always the 'freshest' when I get to the office. While I always change and try to freshen up, these cloths were JUST THE THING to cool me off and also leave me feeling and smelling fresh for the rest of my day. I haven't seen them in a store near me yet but I've got my eyes out.

Soooo, I'm digging this month, as usual. Once again Beauty Box 5 delivers a solid box of products I'm totally enthusiastic about using. Great job guys, can't wait until July! (And remember, if you want to subscribe, please use my referral link here.)