If you’re familiar with my original website then you may have seen my (very candid) review of the December Cravebox. It was the very first in a new series by SheSpeaks. It’s in the same style as Birchbox and others; you pay a monthly subscription fee and once every 30 days they will send you a box of 4 – 6 goodies. The goodies range anywhere from food to cosmetics. The only thing they promise is that they will be something new on the market and the total value of the box will be equal to or greater than your subscription fee.

The December box wasn’t all too shabby, but I instantly saw some areas that needed improvement. My major complaint? I don’t want food. Especially food items that you can get at your local grocery store. I want unique and hard to find items – that should be what makes these programs attractive.

First I just have to mention that I didn’t receive my January Cravebox (hence the lapse in review dates). Somehow the shipping information was wrong and it shipped to an old address all the way on the West coast. Someone in Northridge, CA is enjoying a goodie box compliments of one Kenda Smith. You’re welcome, Sir or Madame. Just to clarify: The shipping error was not due to a mistake by Cravebox/SheSpeaks; I can thank Google Wallet for that. But you can catch a great review of January’s box on See, Shop, Love! with Danielle. She wasn’t too crazy about the inventory and, after seeing the list, I wouldn’t have been either.

So what’s in the new Cravebox? Is it better than January? I wish I could say that it is. I can’t. February’s shipment is, in my opinion, just as lacking. So let’s take a look at it, shall we?

February is, of course, the month of love. So the note included stressed that the goodies were all about a great Valentine’s night out (*even though I didn’t get the box until after Valentine’s Day). I have to say I’m a little confused about the love connection.

1. thinkThin Crunch Bars and EBoost Vitamin Drink Packs

I haven’t tasted these items yet. I have to say I’m a little offended. Not in that ‘fire off a stern letter’ way – it’s not that bad. More like the ‘oh no you did not just do that’ way. I’m sure the one thing every woman wants for the month of love is to be reminded that she’s tired and needs to drop a few pounds. This is the kind of thing I’d expect to get if I were subscribing to a box service put together by Women’s Health. That’s not what I signed up for.

While these items may do exactly what they promise, it’s still not something I want in my Cravebox. I want treats – not guilt trips.

thinkThin Crunch Bars (x2) @ $2.00 ea
EBoost Vitamin Drink Packs (x3) @ $1.40 ea
Total Retail Value: $8.50
Appeal Grade: F 

2. BiC Mark-it Permanent Markers 

I didn’t mind having these included. Then again, I’m hopelessly addicted to anything that comes under the heading of Office Supplies. I constantly buy cool pens, markers, sticky notes, etc. So these were a good addition to my collection. I have a feeling, however, that most people were not thrilled. I remember some of the feedback when the December box contained BiC pens – people were extremely disappointed.

According to the note from Cravebox, you are suppose to use these to write your sweetheart a note instead of the usual email or text message. I wrote one to my husband. It said, “Please buy me a cheeseburger. All I had today was a thinkThin bar and I’m starving. Love you!”

BiC Mark-it Permanent Markers (x6) @ $1.60 ea
Total Retail Value: $9.60
Appeal Grade: C

And finally – the main attraction. The surprise that should shock and amaze you! The ‘big ticket item’ for February…

(drum roll please)

Treatment Cleansing Foam and Moisture Bound Hydration System from Amore Pacific

I knew Amore Pacific was a brand carried by Sephora – cha ching! I thought they’d really surprised me with a nice, upscale item. And while it is from the brand that sells $100 cream….these are not $100 items. Full sized they run $35 – $50. Since these are only 1 oz samples they are worth $8.75 (Foam Cleanser) and $10.00 (Hydration Liquid). I’m sure they work well; the brand has a reputation for quality skincare products. But, it’s a far cry from the full size bottle of Mèreadesso Body Balm that came in December’s box ($50 value).  I can say this much – Amore Pacific skin care products smell good. Then again, so does $3 Suave lotion.

Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System (1 oz) @ $10.00
Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Foam (1 oz) @ $8.75
Total Retail Value: $18.75
Appeal Grade: B

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE FOR FEBRUARY: $36.85

(Compared to their December ‘Opening Day’ Box : $80.00 – not even half the value.)

Overall Appeal Grade : D +

Three months in and I’m seriously disappointed. I think Cravebox is off the mark when it comes to knowing what most people would like to receive. It’s called CRAVEbox. They haven’t sent me anything yet that I even come close to craving.

Compare it to the February Birchbox (same subscription price):

• Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint (deluxe sample)
• BENTA BERRY G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream (deluxe sample)
• Violent Lips Lip Tattoos (full size pack – $15 Value)
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (full size bottle – $50 value)
• Supersmile Powdered Mouth Rinse (sample packs)

Did you get a February Cravebox? What did you think of the selection?