October 2015 Glossybox

In October, Glossybox sent is members a special edition box inspired by Paris. The October Glossybox* features products that provide a sophisticated look with smooth skin, classic shades, luxurious hair, and a fresh scent.

March 2015 Beauty Box Five

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…

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.

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.

March 2015 Glossybox

You know that wonderful feeling you get when you are reunited with an old friend? That’s exactly how I felt while lifting the lid of my March 2015 Glossybox*.
If you are a new reader of my blog, you may not know that Glossybox and I go way back. I was a Glossybox subscriber before the company discontinued shipping to Canada for a while. All that’s in the past now because Glossybox USA is now shipping to Canada. The box is $21 USD per month plus $5 shipping to Canada. To subscribe or learn more about subscription options, click HERE.
Glossybox sends its monthly items in a very pretty pink box. Although the box design has changed a bit since the last box I received a few years ago (it used to be a lighter pink and it just had the logo, not the name), it still, in my opinion, has the prettiest packaging of any beauty box. The box is very sturdy and can be reused as a gift box, a jewellery box, a nail polish or makeup storage box, or a stylish place to put anything you desire.
The March box items are centred around a professional quality hair item. The March Sneak Peek shows five different hair products from a moisturizing shampoo to a shine glaze from various high end brands. Each March box will contain at least one of the featured products. Read on to see which ones I received as well as the other items that came in my March box.

The hair items that I received are the Ouidad Color Sense Preserving Shampoo and Conditioner. These sulfate-free hair products contain apricot oil, honey, and antioxidants to protect colour from fading. They also hydrate dry hair. I think out of all the hair products that I could have received this month, these two are the most exciting since my hair is colour treated and I do whatever I can to keep my colour vibrant. I can’t wait to try them!

I love the packaging of this 24K Multi-Vitamin Day Moisturizer from Orogold Cosmetics. In addition to vitamins and antioxidants, it contains pure 24 karat gold to reduce the signs of aging by plumping and firming skin. I’m intrigued already! I received two of these little pots and I’m looking forward to trying them. While I usually avoid trying new skincare items because my skin is so sensitive, this product doesn’t have a harsh scent, and how could I pass up the opportunity to put gold on my face?

This sleek palette is the So Susan Cosmetics Concealer Quad. It features a hypoallergenic formula with virgin marula oil to hydrate and cover blemishes and minor imperfections. I like how it has shades to suit many skin tones, including mine. It’s also cruelty free which makes me like it even more.

This little tube is the Modelco More Brows Eyebrow Thickening Gel in Medium/Dark. It contains hair-like particles to create the appearance of full, even brows. I have never tried a brow gel before, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to start.

The last item is a Cheek&Lip Stain in Pink from Bellapierre Cosmetics. There’s nothing that I love more than a bright cream blush to perk up pale winter skin and prepare the complexion for spring. This formula is oil-free, mineral-based, lightweight, and pigmented. I will be adding this to my spring makeup bag.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the March 2015 Glossybox. All three cosmetic items are full size and value at just under $70 combined which is a lot more than the price of the box. The hair products are deluxe samples and the skincare samples are generous as well. I really like that there’s something for everyone in this box, and the items are from high quality brands. I’m looking forward to seeing what Glossybox has in store for April!

September 2014 Beauty Box Five

The September 2014 Beauty Box Five features fall products. The products are meant to help us take care of ourselves and embrace new trends this season.
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 September items…


1. Nicka K New York Eyelight Crayon | Retail: $4.49 for 0.056 oz – I love the concept of this smooth shadow stick that gives the lids a pigmented pop of colour. Currently, I’m going through a neutral shadow phase so I will save this pretty purple shadow for a giveaway.
2. Sally Hansen Toe Spacers | Retail: $1.99 for 1 pair – How cute are these pink toe spacers? Us at-home pedicure lovers can never have too many!
3. My Beauty Spot Nail Polish | Retail: $24.99 for a set of six containing 0.4 fl oz each (approx. $4 each) – This shimmery steel grey polish is fast drying and pigmented. While I think the colour is perfect for fall, I have received other polishes in a similar shade from BB5 so I will save this one for a giveaway.
4. Chrislie Formulations 3-in-1 Eye Bright: | Retail: $40 for 0.5 fl oz (sample contains .17 oz) – This serum is meant to be used overnight to make your eye area smoother, brighter, and firmer. It also reduces dark circles. While I’m always a bit hesitant to try new eye creams due to my sensitive eye area, this one sounds promising so I will give it a try.
5. Natural Style by FUBU Deep Conditioner & Co-Wash | Retail: $9.99 for 12 oz – This sulfate and paraben free formula strengthens hair to minimize frizz. It contains shea butter and replenishing oils. I’m looking forward to trying this product as it sounds like the perfect treatment to use on colour treated hair.
Overall, I think the September 2014 box from Beauty Box Five contained a nice assortment of makeup, hair, nail, and skincare products although they may not have as high of a value as those in previous boxes.  I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

July 2014 Beauty Box Five

The July 2014 Beauty Box Five features products inspired by the defining moments that make us the amazing people (and women) that we are.
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 July items…

1. Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara – Aside from having beautiful packaging, this mascara lifts lashes without a curler, is smudge and flake free, and provides volume and definition. I can’t wait to try out this full sized product ($7.99), especially since it does not cause flaking which can be hard to find in a mascara.
2. Body Drench Candy Licious Lips – These cute lip balms come in a variety of sweet flavours (cotton candy, grape lollipop, lime gumdrop, and more). I received red licorice. It smells delicious and the packaging is very cute. Like the mascara, this is another full size product. It retails for $3.99.
3. Starlooks Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil – This creamy  pencil liner can be used for a dramatic smoky eye look. It also creates precise lines and can even be used as a base for shadows—just smudge with a blending brush. While this product sounds great, I’m not one for eyeliner so I will save this full sized pencil ($12.00) for a future giveaway.

4. HASK Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment – This deep conditioner restores, nourishes, and repairs damaged hair with results that last for two weeks. This package retails for $2.49 and is good for at least two uses. Since I have fine hair that is not very dry during the summer months, I will use a bit less than half the package per treatment. I’m really looking forward to trying this product as I’m always looking for something to add a bit of extra smoothness and shine to my hair.
5. Anna Naturals Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub – During the summer months, I love using body scrubs to keep my skin looking smooth and youthful. I can’t wait to try this vegan scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes without parabens, artificial fragrances, or harsh chemicals. I could not figure out how much product the sample jar contains, but the full size retails for $10.99 and contains 4 fl oz.
Overall, I am very impressed with the July 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. The three full size products more than pay for the box, and the smaller samples are perfect for summer. I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

June 2014 Beauty Box Five

The June 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that are ideal for looking effortlessly summer chic.
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 June items…

1. Nicka K New York Nail Color – This juicy red colour in the shade Ripe Apple provides chip-free long wearing coverage. Plus, the polish is free of formaldehyde. I think that this colour is beautiful and vibrant for summer months and it will really compliment a nautical-themed outfit. In fact, I like the colour so much that I already have similar shades in my collection, so I will save this bottle for a giveaway. This is a full size item (0.5 fl oz) that retails for $4.99.
2. Glam Natural Mascara – This next item is perfect for mascara lovers like me who have very sensitive eyes. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan, and paraben and gluten free. I can’t wait to try this! The full size version of this sample contains 0.25 oz and retails for $28.

3. Organix Coconut Water Shampoo & Conditioner – On a hot summer day, there’s nothing that I enjoy more than a cold glass of coconut water. It’s so hydrating and refreshing! No wonder I can’t wait to try this hair care duo that’s sulfate-free to protect hair colour. The full size (13 oz) retails for $7.99.
4. Vita Bath Body Wash – This deliciously scented Wild Red Cherry body wash contains antioxidants and is free of silicone, mineral oils, and propylene glycol.  The sample contains 2 oz, and the full size contains 12 oz and retails for $7.95.

5. Eslor Introductory Collection Calming Kit – This skincare kit includes a soothing refiner & cleanser, a replenishing scrub, a comforting mask, and a soothing cream. All items are paraben-free. I’m most looking forward to trying the scrub and mask. Full size versions retail between $28 and $65.
Overall, I am very impressed with the June 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. I really enjoyed the assortment of skincare, hair care, body care, nail polish, and makeup products that were sent this month. This box makes me think of summer and its iconic beauty trends (red lips, long black lashes, shiny hair, and smooth skin). I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

April 2014 Beauty Box Five

The April 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that are ideal for creating a breezy spring look.
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 April items…

1. Blum Naturals All Purpose Cleansing Wipes – These aloe-vera infused mini wipes are hypo-allergenic, cruelty free and paraben free. While these wipes are perfect for correcting makeup mistakes on the go, I think I would use them most for wiping my hands before eating at a restaurant. This incredibly cute container of wipes is full size and retails for $2.49 (30 wipes).
2. Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer – This self tanning lotion gives a streak-free subtle tan. I’m always willing to try the latest in UV free tan products, so I’m looking forward to trying this product. The three sample packages each come with 0.28 oz of product and the full size contains 4 oz and retails for $9.99.

3. BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Palette – This cute little palette contains a gold, a copper, and a purple shadow—a perfect combination for creating a bronzy spring/summer eye look with a pretty pop of colour. The full size palette comes with 16 eyeshadows and 4 face powders and retails for $18.95.
4. Nicka K New York Hydro Lipstick – This long lasting lipstick delivers pigmented colour that’s hydrating and paraben free. I received the shade Begonia which is a red with pink undertones. Since I don’t wear lipstick, I will save this pretty shade for my next giveaway. This full size lipstick contains 0.12 oz and retails for $4.99.
4. Bonne Bell Lip Definer – Apple Cider is a reddish pink shade of lip liner that complements the lipstick that came in this month’s box. This is also a full size product and it retails for $3.95.
Overall, I enjoyed the April 2014 box from Beauty Box Five and was very impressed that three of the five items were full size. My favourite item was the All Purpose cleansing wipes and I’m looking forward to trying out the self-tanner. To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

May 2014 Beauty Box Five

The May 2014 Beauty Box Five features spring-inspired products to energize us after a long winter and prepare us for summer.
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 May items…

1. MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask – If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I have been using and loving MaskerAide sheet masks for quite a while (see my review HERE). I’m always up for an at-home facial so I was very happy to receive this Beauty Rest-ore mask in the May box. While all MaskerAide masks are paraben-free, vegan friendly, mess-free, and biodegradable, this specific mask’s purpose is to smooth, restore, and regenerate skin with argan oil, super fruit extracts, green algae, and vitamin e—a perfect pick-me-up for skin that has been battling the winter elements for the past few months. This mask is full size and retails for $5.99.

2. H2O Plus Aqualibrium Marine Cleansing Gel – this oil-free cleanser made with sea salt and marine botanicals exfoliates skin while protecting it from free radicals and environmental damage. Although I normally avoid trying new skincare due to my very sensitive skin, I’m always looking for a new facial exfoliator. As far as I can tell, this clear gel cleanser does not contain any rough particles or harsh chemicals so I’m looking forward to trying it in place of my regular exfoliator. The sample tube contains 8 ml of product. The full size contains 120 ml and retails for $18.

3. Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths – I received three of these cloths in the scent Restore (a light powder scent). I love the concept of using cooling cloths to refresh on hot summer days. I’m going to keep these in my purse to use on my feet which often feel very hot and tired after a long day of walking around in flip-flops. These cloths cost $2.97 for a pack of ten.

4. Harvey Prince Hello fragrance – Normally, I don’t usually enjoy fragrance samples sent in beauty boxes because they are often heavy, mature, and overly floral. This fragrance is definitely an exception with its light, energizing scent that boasts refreshing notes of mandarin, grapefruit, forsythia, and plumeria—a sunny summer morning in a bottle! I could not figure out the size of the sample, but the full size contains 5.7 oz of product and retails for $55.

5. Cattiva Precisione Eye Liner – Perfect for spring and summer, this retractable eyeliner is waterproof. It creates smooth, smudge-resistant lines and is paraben free. As amazing as this liner sounds, I will not be trying it because it’s in the shade black which is too harsh for my very pale complexion. That said, I know that someone else will love it so I will save it for a giveaway. This liner is a full size product that retails for $20.
Overall, I am very impressed with the May 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. The sheet mask and eyeliner more than pay for the box, and the smaller samples are perfect to keep in a purse or beach bag for spring and summer.  I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

Sephora Haul: Naked3 and Lollitint

It took me a while to decide if I needed Naked3. I don’t wear eyeshadow daily and I was worried that the pink tones wouldn’t look nice with brown eyes. After reading many reviews, I thought it was worth a try since most people said that the colours were lighter than the shades in Naked and Naked2. I never purchased the original Naked palette because the shadows were way too dark for me, but I got Naked2 because it complements cool toned complexions. I like Naked2 but some of the shades are a bit intimidating. As you can see from the photos below, the shades in Naked3 are much softer.

Naked3 comes with a double ended brush and some primer potion samples.

Naked3 contains twelve rose toned shadows.

Strange, Dust, Burnout, and Limit.

Buzz, Trick, Nooner, and Liar.

Factory, Mugshot, Darkside, and Blackheart.
I have not tried Naked3 yet so I will be posting more pictures, swatches, and comparisons to Naked2 in the future.
When purchasing Naked3 from Sephora, I also ordered Lollitint from Benefit. I already have the other three tints and really wanted to try this one.

On the skin, Lollitint looks a bit brighter than it does on the brush in the photo below.

Soon, I will create a post that shows swatches and comparisons of all four of Benefit’s tints.
Have you tried Naked3 or Lollitint. What are your thoughts on these products?

Beauty Box Five Review (December 2013)

For months I have been looking for a new beauty sample subscription box to try. I cancelled the ones that I was subscribed to because they started only sending skincare samples and no makeup or nail polish. Thankfully, Beauty Box Five came to my rescue in December by sending a box filled with samples from many categories (skincare, bodycare, makeup, and more).
Beauty Box Five sends its members five 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!
When my box arrived in the mail, the first thing that I noticed was the packaging. The little teal coloured cardboard box is so cute and compact. I imagine that it is more environmentally friendly than the larger boxes and envelopes that some subscription services use.
I was also very impressed by the large number of brands that Beauty Box Five works with (see them all HERE). Some of my favourites include Becca, Aveeno, Blinc, Makeup Geek, and NU.Me.
Now let’s talk about the December items…

1. NYX Cosmetics Love in Rio Eyeshadow Palette – This first item is a full size eyeshadow palette that retails for $6. The beautiful, jewel-toned colours are perfect for winter. The light, shimmery shade on the far right is my favourite.

2. Body Drench Daily Moisturizing Lotion – This Hemp lotion is perfect for rehydrating skin during the dry winter months. The product is very light, yet moisturizing and it has a refreshing cucumber-like scent. The sample contains 2 fl oz (full size is 16.9 fl oz for $8.99).

3. Ofra Cosmetics Sultry Lipgloss Plumper – This lipgloss is another pretty colour for the season and it will complement the NYX  eyeshadow trio that came in the box.The tube does not indicate how much product it contains, but it is a generous size. The full size features 0.34 oz of product and retails for $12.95.

4. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer – This cleanser is the only product in the box that I will likely not use and that is only because my skin is very sensitive so I do not like trying new skincare lines. This product has a light, citrusy scent and a gel-like consistency that is said to moisturize without clogging pores. The sample contains 0.5 oz. The full size contains 3 oz and retails for $6.99.

5. Every Beauty Flexible Foot Smoother – The last product is an exfoliating scrubber for feet, elbows, and knees. This product is also perfect for the season since the harsh, cold air can leave skin flaky and rough. I often do my own pedicures at home so this product will really come in handy. This item is full size and retails for $4.99.
Overall, I am very impressed with the December box from Beauty Box Five. The two full size products pay for the box, and the assortment of unique items made this box exciting to open. I’m looking forward to trying everything.
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

December 2013 Topbox

I was very surprised to receive a Topbox this month since I cancelled my subscription in November after receiving only skincare samples for two months in a row. I’m guessing that Topbox bills a month in advance so this should be my final box.
Despite the fact that I no longer want to receive Topboxes, I was fairly impressed with the December box, especially the nail polish and lip butter.
Here are the items that I received this month:
1. Cuccio Colour Nail Lacquer in Remix (full size) – There is a lot of colour going on in this glitter polish (even though it isn’t visible in the photo above), so I’m going to try my best to describe it. The polish includes many hexagonal silver glitters. The rest of the polish is made up of very tiny glitters in shades of green, purple, blue, and silver. Everything is held together with a clear base. Cuccio polishes are free of Toluene, DBP, and Formaldehyde, and they retail for $10. While I love nail polish, I don’t wear glitters often and probably won’t get much use out of this one. For this reason, I will save Remix for a giveaway.
2. Belvada Cosmetics Coconut Lip Butter (full size) – This lip butter is very smooth and has a light coconut scent. Since this product retails for $10, I expected better quality packaging. The little brown pot is made of a very cheap plastic. I probably wouldn’t purchase this product on my own because I don’t like using lip products in pots since they are not very sanitary.
3. Estee Lauder Modern Muse Eau de Parfum (sample is 2.9 ml) – I normally avoid the Estee Lauder brand because it is not very youthful. I thought the packaging of this sample was so cute though so I decided to try the fragrance. Unfortunately it was very strong and mature. I had to wash it off because it made me feel like sneezing even though I only applied a tiny bit of it to my wrist. I like fragrances that are a bit lighter and sweeter so I will not be using this.
4. Skiin Instant Tightener and Line Filler (sample is 3 ml) – Although I fill out the Topbox surveys every month and try to communicate that I really do not like skincare samples, I still continue to receive them. This sample is meant to tighten sagging skin and lift and smooth creases and wrinkles. While it does sound like an interesting product, I have very sensitive skin and tend to avoid anti-aging products which are often quite irritating.
Overall, this Topbox was more impressive than the boxes I have received over the past few months; however, I am still happy with my decision to cancel my subscription.
At the current time, I am not subscribed to any beauty boxes, but I would love to try something new. Any suggestions?

June 2013 Topbox (Regular Topbox)

I opted for the regular Topbox again this month. The prive box brands have yet to impress me since the Benefit Cosmetics box.
I was very impressed with the June Topbox. Four items were sent (two full size) and all were makeup products. I can’t ever remember receiving a Topbox that was entirely makeup, so this month’s box definitely stands out from the rest. All items sent are from great brands, and I think that most can work for all skin tones.
For those of you who do not know what Topbox is, it is a service similar to Loose Button, Birchbox, Glossybox, Ipsy, etc., which offers monthly boxes of deluxe size product samples. Topbox currently offers its services across Canada. For more information check out topbox.ca

Giveaway: Joe Fresh Eyeshadows!!!!

I saw these soft, pretty spring shades on a Joe Fresh display and thought it would be nice to give them away to one of my wonderful followers!
The giveaway is open worldwide and will end on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 12:00 AM.
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

June Topbox

This month’s Topbox had a good selection of skincare, haircare, and makeup products, and it even included a full sized product for men! It also came with two extra items that were not part of the usual four samples.
For those of you who do not know what Topbox is, it is a service similar to Loose Button, Glymm, Birchbox, Glossybox, etc., which offers monthly boxes of deluxe size product samples. Topbox currently offers its services across Canada for $10 per month with no shipping costs. For more information check out topbox.ca