May 2016 Beauty Box Five

The May 2016 Beauty Box Five* features products to prepare us for the transition from spring to summer with its Bait Some Beauty, Save A Mermaid! / Mer-May-d theme.

If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. Subscriptions start at $12 per month and shipping is free!

Now let’s talk about the May items.

May 2015 Birchbox

Last month, I made my first Birchbox post (see what I received in the April box HERE). I really enjoyed the box that I received and decided to continue subscribing for a few more months.

Each monthly Birchbox contains five samples from a range of categories such as skincare, haircare, fragrance, lifestyle, etc. You can also fill out a beauty profile so that the company can get to know your beauty preferences. Subscriptions cost $10 per month plus $4.95 shipping.

The May 2015 box is extra special because it was curated by Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere. The theme of the box is Elevate Everyday, which focuses on simple products that can have a profound impact on our everyday experiences and transform our moods. The outside of the box is very uplifting with its orange and gold design, and the products are very interesting and energizing.

The first three products really caught my attention with their sleek packaging. The Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream is an old favourite of mine. I have used this product in the past and loved how hydrating its shea butter formula is.

Also for a luxurious shower is Not Soap, Radio, The Stuff that Cupid Dips His Arrows in Body Wash, a rich cleanser with ginseng that’s meant to increase attraction. I love trying new body washes and can’t wait to use this one.

The sleek white tube is The Expressionist Bio Extreme Mascara from W3LL PEOPLE. This all-natural, pro-grade mascara lifts and lengthens lashes without chemicals or dyes. I’m really looking forward to trying this since I have a difficult time finding mascaras that do not irritate my sensitive eyes.



The last two items are for the face and lips. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer is organic and uses fruit stem cells to firm and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. I think my mom would love this product, so I will pass it on to her.

Yes, you read the tube correctly; the final product, by Dr. Lipp, is called Original Nipple Balm for Lips. While the name seems a bit strange, it’s understandable since this product was originally made for nursing moms. It can also be used on parched lips, cuticles, and elbows as needed. I will definitely be trying this on my dry hands, cuticles, knees, and elbows.



Overall, I am quite impressed with this month’s box and feel as though my beauty preferences were considered (for the most part) when my products were selected. Like I mentioned last month, I’m still not sure how long I will continue with my subscription but will be trying it out for a few more months. It’s affordable and I have received some useful items so far. I look forward to seeing what I will receive in months to come.

What did you receive in the May 2015 Birchbox?

*This post contains referral links

May 2015 Beauty Box Five

The May 2015 Beauty Box Five* features products to to improve our complexions, provide quick makeup fixes, and moisturize. 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 available 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. Essenza Luxury Hand Soap | Retail: $4.99 for 16.9 oz - This luxurious hand soap cleanses, moisturizes, and includes pure essential oils. It also has an invigorating scent. I think this sample would be great for travelling since I would much rather use a liquid hand soap than one of those little bars of soap given in hotels. 

2. Styli-Style Blush/Highlighter Stick | Retail: 5.99 for 0.21 oz - I received this cheek stick in the shade Champagne. It looks like it will be a beautiful highlighter but won’t give enough colour to work as a blush. 

3. Dermalogica Active Moist | Retail: $60 for 3.4 oz - This oil free moisturizer evens out skin texture with silk amino acids. This sounds like a great product for those warmer months when we want moisture without all the extra shine. 

4. Coastal Scents Classic/Synthetic Brush | Retail: $1.95-2.49 - I love how this eyeshadow brush is perfect for patting colour on the lid for an easy everyday look. 

5. Bio Swiss Stainless Steel Mini Tweezer | Retail: $4.99 - I can’t think of how many times I was out and wished that I had a pair of tweezers. This product is perfect for on-the-go touch ups and it’s tiny enough to fit in a purse or pocket. 

Overall, I’m very happy with this month’s Beauty Box Five. Although the majority of the brands do not fit into the luxury category, the selection of products is very impressive. I’m looking forward to next month’s box and can’t wait to see what Beauty Box Five has in store for June. 

May 2015 Glossybox

After last month’s beautiful pop-art inspired packaging (check it out HERE) and exciting products, many subscribers were wondering what Glossybox could possibly have in store for May. While the company went back to its signature pink box this month, the products in the May Glossybox*, are just as fun and energizing as those that came in April.

The first few products, packaged in beautiful shades of aqua and lime, are for skin and hair. 

All three products look amazing, but I’m most excited about the Sebastian Professional Stylbrid 9. It’s a heat protecting, volumizing, texturizing, curl defining hairspray that is paraben and alcohol free. I’m always looking for new products to use to help keep my hair safe and my style in place when I’m using a curling iron, and this product sounds very promising. 

Next is Clearista Rexturizing Gel. When I first read the name of this product, I assumed that it was for hair, but it’s actually meant to help perfect skin by smoothing, refining pores, and reducing pigmentation and imperfections. 

Also for skin is the Glamglow Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment which is meant to detoxify and renew. Both products will be very useful for rejuvenating dull skin after a long winter. 

The last two items are for nails and lips.

As a nail product lover, I was especially excited to receive this Teeez Tend Cosmetics Head Over Heels Nail Lacquer. It provides a super smooth application and glossy texture with at least three days of staying power. I received the shade Cadmium Rush which is a beautiful peach colour that’s perfect for spring and summer. 

The Mineral Matt Lipstick from Doucce is great for the warmer months as well since it contains SPF 10 and vitamin E to hydrate lips and prevent feathering and fading. I received the shade 907 which is a neutral pink that I think will complement many skin tones. 

Overall, I’m very impressed with the May Glossybox. The nail polish and lipstick are full size items that more than pay for the box. The other items are deluxe samples containing generous amounts of product. I really appreciate how colourful all the items are; it makes me excited for spring and eager to try new products. 

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

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*

May SeasonsBox

Today, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to review the May SeasonsBox.  Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products each moth.
Each month’s box is completely different and includes environmentally conscious products for your home, body, and spirit. It’s called a SeasonsBox because each box is tailored to one season or a seasonal holiday. Last month I reviewed the March Box which was St. Patrick’s Day themed and featured eco-friendly and green products, plus practical spring must-haves, to refresh and rejuvenate your home, body, and spirit.
This month’s box is Mother’s Day themed and features eco-friendly and stylish indulgences to celebrate motherhood and make every woman feel pampered.
The first item is a  natural eyeshadow from Gourmet Body Treats. I was very excited to see this item upon opening the box because my previous SeasonsBoxes did not include makeup. These loose powder shadows are 100% vegan and handmade. I received the shade Island which is a shimmery nude colour. This full size jar of shadow retails for $18.99.

Next is another beauty product! This time it’s a natural nail polish from Priti NYC in a pretty shade from the company’s Spring 2013 Sherbert collection. The shade is called Remember Me Rose but it has more peachy-orange tones than pink. This polish is non-toxic and eco-friendly. I received a full size bottle that retails for $13.50.

The third item in this month’s box is a natural body wash from Deep Steep. This lavender and chamomile scented product contains certified essential oils, shea and cocoa butters, vitamins E and B5, and organic plant extracts. Best of all, it’s 100% natural and cruelty free. The full sized tube retails for $9.95.

The last item, a natural rose bath bomb from ZEN-ful, is the perfect product to help you unwind after a long spring day. These bath bombs, retailing for $5.50 each, are completely natural and contain rose essential oils.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the May 2013 SeasonsBox. The eyeshadow and nail polish were a nice treat and what girl doesn’t love a luxurious body wash and a soothing bath bomb? All of this month’s products are full sized which makes this subscription service more than worth the price. I did a rough calculation of the value of this month’s items, and the products combined retail for close to $48.
Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the May items, you get what you pay for. I can’t wait to see what SeasonsBox has in store for June!
Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?

May 2013 Topbox (Regular Topbox)

For the third month in a row, I opted for Topbox’s regular version. The prive box brands have yet to impress me since the Benefit Cosmetics box.
While April’s regular Topbox was disappointing, I feel that the company redeemed itself with the May box.
Spring was definitely in this month’s box as it included pretty shades of pink and a versatile chocolate brown. I really loved the fact that no skincare or haircare items were sent this time. They are my least favourite and I prefer to receive makeup and nail products. Two makeup and two nail-related items came this month, packaged in a pretty purple, white, and green box. The items themselves were wrapped in purple tissue paper.
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

May Glymm Box: New and Improved????

This month’s Glymm Box came with eco-friendly packaging, a cute makeup bag, and one full sized product. Unfortunately, the rest of the samples, though more than normal, were smaller than expected.
For those of you who do not know what Glymm is, it is a service similar to Loose Button, Birchbox, Topbox, Glossy Box, etc. which offers monthly boxes of deluxe size product samples. Current subscription services are $12 monthly, $70 for 6 boxes, and  and $120 for 12 boxes (prices include shipping).

May Topbox

This month’s Topbox was very impressive. It came with two full sized items (including a nail polish from one of the high end polish lines) and two smaller 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