Friday, April 24, 2015

April 2015 Glossybox

April 2015 Glossybox 7

I see April as a month of awakening. The barren tree branches begin sprouting buds, blades of green grass reach through patches of leftover snow, animals emerge from hibernation, joggers dust off their running shoes, and those who have spent the long winter months keeping warm indoors start spending more time in the fresh air. Lucky for us, Glossybox wants to help with the awakening process this April with its high energy, limited-edition box. 

Not only is Glossybox known for including deluxe samples and full size products with its monthly subscriptions, it’s also known for sending these items in a pretty pink reusable box. 

Upon opening my April Glossybox*, I was surprised to see that it was not decorated in the company’s signature pink shade. Instead, the box features a Warhol era-inspired image in beautifully bright colours. It’s a true work of art!

April 2015 glossybox 1

As always, the items were carefully wrapped in pink Glossybox tissue paper and tied with a black ribbon.

April 2015 glossybox 2

This month's box comes with a makeup bag featuring a pop-art-inspired image in shades of red and pink. 

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The first few products include a fragrance, a lip gloss, and an eyeliner.

The fragrance is Aerin from Waterlily Sun. It’s a bright floral blend featuring notes of Sicilian bergamot, dewy greens, delicate waterlily, jasmine samba, and warm musk. I love how this deluxe sample is in a cute little bottle with a spray applicator. It’s perfect for travel and will look nice on display on my vanity. 

Following the colourful, energizing theme, this Stained Gloss from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is perfect for giving lips a pop of spring colour. I received the shade Rhythm Box, which is a pretty red shade. Although these glosses look very pigmented in the tube, they are meant to be semi-sheer like stained glass and leave behind a reflective jelly finish. They are also vegan and gluten free. 

The third item in the photo below is a Gel Eye Glider from Julep in the shade Smoky Plum. I was very excited to receive this shade since I love purple liners. The gel formula of these waterproof liners is meant to set in 30 seconds and last for 10 hours which is perfect for the warmer months ahead.  

April 2015 glossybox 4

This month’s box also includes products for skin and hair. 

The first product is Estee Lauder Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum. I’m really looking forward to trying this since I have some dark spots on my skin as a result of sun damage from my teenage years. 

The last item is Endz: Split End Mender & Preventer from Marrakesh, a nutrient-rich hair treatment that tames and repairs damaged hair while controlling frizz and static with argan oil, hemp seed oil, and hydrolyzed wheat protein. While I don’t have a lot of damage at the moment, my hair is already starting to frizz with the increase in outdoor humidity, so I’m looking forward to trying this product. 

April 2015 glossybox 3

Overall, I’m very impressed with the April 2015 Glossybox. The box is a great value with its assortment of skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrance products from luxury brands. Like I explained in my post last month on the March box, I am so happy that Glossybox is shipping to Canada again. The box is $21 USD per month + $5 shipping to Canada. To subscribe or learn more about subscription options, click HERE.

In addition to the beautiful, limited-edition packaging included with the April classic box, Glossybox is also offering a limited-edition Mother’s Day Box this month. Click HERE for more information. 

I’m looking forward to seeing what Glossybox has in store for May!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

A Gift for Mom

Mother s day Box Social post  1

Not sure what to get your mom for Mother’s Day? Don’t worry, Glossybox has you covered!

Glossybox’s specially-designed Mother’s Day box features luxurious products for mom, including full size skincare products from Orogold and Vichy, full size makeup items from Laura Geller and Fusion Beauty, and a roller ball version of Vince Camuto’s newest scent, Bella. These products retail for over $400, but the price of the box is only $40. Not to mention, there’s no gift wrapping required since Glossybox items are always packaged in a beautifully designed box and wrapped with care.

If you think your mom would love these items, or if you would like to treat yourself to this Mother’s Day special, hurry over to Glossybox.com before this limited edition box sells out. 

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Bridal Nails: Flowers, Pearls, and Shimmer

Bridal Nails 1
Bridal Nails 2
In honour of wedding season, here is a bridal nail look. Although this nail art may seem difficult, it was very easy to create.
For the base, I used an iridescent polish from OPI called Pearl of Wisdom. Next, I stamped a floral design on the tips of my nails using a white polish and the m51 plate from Konad. To finish off the look, I added some half pearls that I found on eBay.
To see a video tutorial of this look, click HERE.
To see my wedding nail look from last year, click HERE.
Would you wear this nail art during wedding season?

March 2015 Beauty Box Five

March 2015 Beauty Box Five 1
The March 2015 Beauty Box Five* features products to help us look effortlessly chic for spring. If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the March items…
March 2015 Beauty Box Five 2
1. Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Cream | Retail: $19 for 8 oz (sample contains 0.5 oz) - This non-greasy lotion contains 70% Certified Organic ingredients. It’s also paraben and cruelty free. As someone who loves and uses body creams daily, I found this first item very exciting.
2. Eslor Introductory Collection - Second Edition - I received an Eslor sample kit in the June 2014 Box. It featured products to calm and soothe skin. The sample kit that was sent this month includes a peeling gel, a lifting mask, a cleanser, and a day cream. Full size versions of these samples range in price from $28-$85.
March 2015 Beauty Box Five 3
3. Scandalous by Nanacoco Thickening Mascara | Retail: $4.99 - This mascara has a special brush to reach and magnify all lashes. I received the shade Very Black.
4. Laugh Out Loud by Nanacoco Lip Gloss | Retail: $3.99 -  I received the shade Ballerina which is a neutral pink that would look great with many different skin tones.
5. Styli-Style Line & Seal Twist Mechanical Eye Liner | Retail: $3.99 - This twist-up eyeliner is so convenient that it doesn’t require a sharpener. I received the shade Raisin which I think would pair well with green eyes.
Overall, I think this month’s box includes a nice assortment of products. All three makeup items are full size and the skincare items are from higher end brands. The makeup items are in universally flattering shades that will complement many different skin tones. I’m looking forward to next month’s box and can’t wait to see what Beauty Box Five has in store for April.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Easter / Spring Nails

Easter Nails 2

Easter Nails 1

Easter Nails 3

This Easter / Spring nail look features pretty pastels in stripes and polka dots.

The base is one of my favourite pastel purple polishes, OPI Done Out In Deco. The pink stripes are a light pink nail art polish from L.A. Colors. This shade was also used for some of the dots along with China Glaze Peachy Keen, Zoya Heather, and Essie Mint Candy Apple.

To see a video tutorial of this look, click HERE.

To see my Easter / Spring nail look from last year, click HERE.

What will you be wearing on your nails this Spring?