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!

April 2015 Glossybox

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!

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

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

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.  

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. 

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!

Lots of Love from GLOSSYBOX

Soon February will end and spring will be just around the corner. Before this month that we all love (or love to hate) passes us by, I wanted to tell you about the February box from GLOSSYBOX so that you have the opportunity to get your hands on it before it’s too late. 

This box is designed to soften even the most jaded of hearts. From innovative, fruit-scented body and hair cleansers to rosy, feminine color cosmetics, this box is a girl’s best friend and a great present (perfect for a belated Valentine’s Day gift). 

Every February box will include a full-sized Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel from Rituals Cosmetics, which transforms into a rich, fragrant foam on contact with water. It combines the ancient Ayurvedic ingredients of sweet almond oil and Indian rose, the classic symbol of romance. All subscribers will also receive their future favorite hair product, Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner, which replaces the classic two-step shampoo and conditioning process with a gentle moisturizing and volumizing formula. It also smells divine.

In addition the February GLOSSYBOX comes with three more products. The cost of the box is $21. The company ships to the USA and now ships to Canada as well!

If this limited edition box is something you’re interested in, check it out at http://www.glossybox.com. 

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*

Giveaway & Review: Incoco Nail Polish Strips

Over the last month I have reviewed Incoco Nail Polish Strips in Very Rosy and Sweet Spots. Today I’m going to review Tickle Pink, a rosy shade with a pretty, satin finish, and also give away a set of strips (you choose the colour or design) to one of my lucky followers! Enter at the bottom of this post.

Read on for the review and giveaway.



While I normally gravitate toward cream finish polishes, I absolutely love the shimmery sheen on these nail strips. They are very iridescent and remind me of mother of pearl seashells. For this reason, I think it’s accurate to describe Tickle Pink as a seashell pink.



Like Sweet Spots and Very Rosy, Tickle Pink came with sixteen double-ended strips that last on the nails for up to 14 days. The strips also came with a little nail file, an orange stick, and application instructions. I found that these specific strips were a little thicker than the patterned ones and were even easier to apply. I wore the strips for a full two weeks before easily removing them with a cotton pad and regular nail polish remover. After two weeks the strips looked almost exactly the same as they did the day that I applied them.



Applying the strips was a very easy task. First, I buffed my nails gently using the nail file in the kit. Next, I prepped my nails by wiping away traces of oil with a polish remover. After selecting a strip to fit my nail, I peeled away the plastic on both sides of the strip and placed the strip as close as I could to my cuticle without allowing it to touch the skin. I then smoothed down the trip with my finger and ran the orange stick from the kit around the edges to smooth out any uneven spots. To remove any excess, I folded the strip over to meet the tip of my finger and gently separated the strip from my nail with the file. Application time for all ten nails took less than ten minutes.



One thing that I really love about the strips is that they are made of real nail polish that is 3-free, so the polish does not contain any harmful dbp, toluene, or formaldehyde. Being made of real nail polish also allows the strips to last much longer than nail stickers made of other materials. Another great aspect of these strips is that they are not tested on animals and are cruelty free.



Over the last year I have tried many different types of nail strips, and I would say that the Incoco strips are most comparable to those from Sally Hansen in terms of application and wear time. I do find that Incoco has more unique design and colour options than Sally Hansen, as well as a lower price tag.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the nail strips from Incoco and I will definitely purchase from this company in the future.  I really like using nail strips because there is no drying time and, in my opinion, they last so much longer than liquid nail polish on my nails. They also don’t make my house smell like nail polish and there is nothing to clean up after application.

The Incoco nail strips can be purchased from http://www.incoco.com. The website also includes a store locator.

GIVEAWAY:
Incoco was generous enough to offer a set of nail strips to one of my lucky followers. The winner will get to choose a set of strips in the design/colour of his/her choice. The contest is open to residents of the USA and Canada. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway begins today and ends on Friday, August 16. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

April SeasonsBox

I realize that is post is about three months late, but there was some shipping confusion with my April SeasonsBox so I did not receive it until June.
Despite its late arrival, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to review the April 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 May Box which was Mother’s Day themed and featured eco-friendly and stylish indulgences to celebrate motherhood and make every woman feel pampered.
This month’s box is Spring themed and features healthy and natural products that help empower women in poverty.
The first item is a beautiful Connected in Hope Shiromeda Spring Scarf.  Each scarf is hand-loomed by a member of the Former Women Fuel Wood Carriers Association in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the profits from each scarf are devoted to empowering women and strengthening families. I received the scarf in the Columbia Blue shade. Each scarf retails for $32.

The next item, Crawford Street Skin Care Lemon Deodorant Cream, is all natural (ingredients include lemon, grapefruit, orange, and cloves) and is it deodorizing, antibacterial, and antifungal. It is free of aluminum and parabens and it won’t stain clothing. This jar retails for $12.

The third item is the Ecotools Foam Applicator. This product is environmentally conscious as it is crafted with recycled aluminum ferrule and a bamboo handle. This applicator retails for $5.99.

Let’s end on a sweet note with these honey drops from Honibe. The honey in these drops is 100% natural and comes from Prince Edward Island. Perfect for anyone on the go! This 12 pack of drops retails for $5.99.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the April 2013 SeasonsBox. The scarf is a wonderful year-round accessory for a great cause.  I’m especially excited to try the deodorant and the makeup brush and honey drops are a nice touch. 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 $56.
Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the April 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?

January SeasonsBox (Unboxing & Review)

Today, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to tell you about a new subscription box. Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products.
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 (I can’t wait to see if they have something in store for Valentine’s Day!).
The January box features products from Thailand and the United States that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort to banish the winter blues. Everything came in a cardboard box that was thoughtfully wrapped with a chocolate brown ribbon.
The first item is this comfy cozy hand-woven scarf from Kitira Boutique . Not only is this scarf a winter fashion accessory, it’s also made of 100% cotton and hand dyed with natural products. Also, as you will see in the photo of the scarf below and the photos that follow, each individual item is carefully wrapped with environmentally friendly materials.

The next item came at a perfect time as I have been very interested in home decor for the past few months. This hand-poured Bamboo Bliss cathedral candle from Vance Kitira smells delicious and has a classy look that will warm up any home. 

My skin gets very dry in the winter so I was very happy to receive this jar of Whispering Willow Whipped Shea Butter. This product is hand crafted from organic, raw and unrefined shea, and contains vitamins and fatty acids that naturally heal dry skin, burns, sores, and scars. My favourite part is the scent—it smells like a peppermint candy cane!

Next is an item that made the entire box smell like a delicious tea shop. Unearth Malee Thai Herbal Steam Bath Tea is made from certified organic herbs that can be used to alleviate headaches, sinus congestion, stress, muscle tension, and skin conditions. You can even plant the envelope since it is laced with flower seeds.

The last item, Perfumessence Organic “Breathe” Shower Bath Bomb, is a bonus that was sent in January boxes. It relieves winter congestion with 100% organic ingredients like eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary. Bonus products are sent each month.


Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the January SeasonsBox. I have no negative comments and I love the concept of a monthly box that delivers a variety of products.
Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the January items, you get what you pay for. My guess is that the scarf alone is valued at over $30 so I think that this month’s box pays for itself.
Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?