I needed to chime in also to state my disappointment.  The gift card can hardly be counted as a deluxe sample.  It is just a marketing attempt to get us to spend money.  It barely covers the cost of shipping and is useless.  So, before even evaluating the 3 (not 4 or 5) items, I feel ripped off. 

I'm also joining the group that won't buy another one.

I opened the really nice box and went "what a bunch of crap" ( just being honest).  I was so disappointed I would have rather had a plain brown box and with some nice stuff in it.   I was really looking forward to getting it and it was a major disappointment. Even if there had been some tiny samples in with it it may have helped it look better for my $15.  

You're so right. I was looking and looking through the box thinking I missed something.  Decided against getting another one even though I considered it. Stinks because love the idea.

I did not purchase the TBC, as I refuse to pasy for samples, deluxe size or not. As others have stated previously in this thread, there is no reason to have to pay for samples.

$15 can be used toward the purchase of high end items I buy regularly, I know they work, and I already adore.

I'm glad I opted out.

As I said below, don't ever buy samples. You can get them free at any cosmetic counter or Sephora.

My philosophy is to never pay for samples. You can go to any cosmetic counter, and they will give you samples, even if you don't buy anything. They want you to buy what you have sampled. The Total Beauty purchase of samples is a joke. Carole

Ladies, thank you so much for the very candid feedback! I wasn't sure if I wanted to purcase the collection or not, so I really appreciate y'all chiming in about your experiences!

Because this offer just sounded way too good to be true, I didn't sign up.  I would have been truly angry to get stuck with a gift card instead of a product.  Also, I agree with the other posters who say they don't believe in paying for samples.  I agree....if a company wants me to buy a full size of their products, then they can give me a free sample to try.

Thank you for addressing our concerns. The free shipping and pay as wanted service is definitely a great thing. Also, I agree that the samples were deluxe size and not normally free.  I may consider repurchasing since you've said there will be five deluxe samples this time.  I don't think I've received any special offers from the brands included although I was sadly not really happy with any of the items and would likely never purchase them. But that's what sampling is for.  Thanks again for acknowledging us.