Beauty Box 5: April 2013 & March Box!

I know these posts can be repetitive because there are so many bloggers who subscribe to beauty boxes, but I thought it would be worthwhile to post my very last beauty box from BB5! I have cancelled all beauty boxes for now; Topbox, BB5, & ipsy. I hope to stay unsubbed from these boxes so I can cut down my monthly spending, and focus on putting my money towards products I am more interested in reviewing.

I actually thought I had cancelled at the end of March, but somehow I was charged for another quarterly subscription. I quickly emailed them and received quite a rude reply. Granted, I was acting quite frustrated in my email, although the CS representative seemed to want to prove me wrong, stating that this is my third quarterly subscription and because I did not notify her when I was charged the second time, I cannot receive a refund.
I was kind of upset with her reply, because I had actually subscribed for a quarterly sub and then cancelled (Oct-Dec), then resubscribed for another quarterly sub. This is why I did not realize it would charge me automatically if I did not cancel. Also, I was not offered a refund for the remaining 2 boxes, which it states in their FAQ that I could get back. I let her know that and she then refunded me. I just felt like they weren't being as friendly as they could have been!

Anyways!

I included a quick review of my March box at the very bottom of this post as well!

We received 5 products this month! I find that BB5 does typically give their subscribers 5 different samples, despite that some may be smaller sizes!

Minxxette Brush Hanger (Small): I think this product speaks for itself! It can be hung or stuck to a door for convenient brush drying. It is small however, so it will only be useful for drying eyeshadow/concealer brushes. 

Received: Full Size @ $4.69 

Jean Pierre Oil-Absorbing Facial Tissues: I will probably need to use these a lot more than usual in the summer, due to my terribly oily face! I tried one and they do seem to work, but I am not liking the bulky packaging!

Received: Full Size @ $2

LA Fresh Instant Body Smoother: Another LA Fresh product this month, I wish they would have included facial wipes rather than body wipes. I will likely save these to try out after tanning!

Received: 2 Wipes @ $0.84, Full Size: 24 Wipes @ $10

Brazen Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Birthday Suit: Another Brazen Mineral Eye Shadow this month, I don't think I opened the previous month so I can't tell you the quality, but from what I've heard it is pretty good! The colour looks like a light sandy brown. 

Received: Sample Size @ $0.50?, Full Size: 5.1g @ $7.50

Model Co Illusion Lip Pencil: This pencil is suppose to be used for outlining your lips to give the illusion of natural and fuller lips. I am kind of upset about this because it would be a great product, if only I had small lips. I wish they had included a light nude, so those of us with big lips, can make them look smaller!

Received: Full Size @ $20

Total April Box Value: Approx. $28.03

That's it for my April Beauty Box 5! Here is a quick look at what I got in my March box!

LA Fresh Nail Polish Remover Wipes: I actually have the LA Colors version of this which are $1 for 32 pads (which makes out to be 3 cents a pad!) so I'm interested in seeing as to whether these are dupes or what for 67 cents each!

Received: 2 Pads @ $1.34 || Full Size: 6 Pads @ $4

Brazen Cosmetics BB5 Eyeshadow: I think this colour was unique for BB5 this month! I have not tried it but it looks to be a neutral type of brown.

Received: Sample Size @ $0.50?

Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Lotion : This smells like real mangoes to me and I can't stop smelling myself when I put it on. It absorbs quick and nicely and I think I am falling in love with this brand!

Received: 59g @ $1.50 || Full Size: 255g @ $6.50

H20 Aqua Firm Eye Lift Concentrate : I had quite a bad experience with this. I noticed the cream had a rainbow shimmer to it and didn't have a good feeling about it. Unfortunately, I began to break out around my eyes (which never happens!). I immediately stopped using it and the breakouts disappeared. I have tried 2 eye creams since and neither had this effect on me. 

Received: 4ml @ $12 || Full Size: 15ml @ $45

H20 Spa Sea Salt Body Wash: I typically like sweet scented body washes, but I do not mind having to try this. However, I would never purchase the full size as I don't think it is worth it considering the ingredients seem to be nothing special.

Received: 30ml @ $1.74 || Full Size: 370ml @ $21.50

Total March Box Value: Approx. $17.08

The value of this box for me is actually worth less than what I paid, since the eye cream that broke me out was worth $12 of the value. This box is actually what led me to cancel. The product companies are just becoming repetitive. Only Brazen and LA Fresh were new to me for the month of March, and only Minxxette was new to me for the month of April. 

Topbox: Regular April 2013 Box

Here is just a quick post on my Regular April 2013 Topbox! As some of you may remember from my last post, I cancelled Topbox after being with them for exactly a year, I believe. I have appreciated the samples and companies they have introduced me to over the past year, but I have recently taken more of an interest into researching about new companies myself.

I also just am not happy enough with the way the Prive box leftovers are starting to distribute into the regular boxes, and the fact that many of the better Prive box options are beginning to cost an additional $7 or $10! For $22 or so, I would much rather do my research and choose a company I am completely comfortable with.

So here is my last Topbox!

I received: 
- Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes (Received 3.5ml @ $14.19 - Full Size: 14.8ml @ $60)
- Michael Todd Tropical Fruit Enzyme Scrub (Received 30ml @ $5.40 - Full Size: 100ml @ $18)
- Elizabeth Arden Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (Received 50ml @ $12 - Full Size: 100ml @ $24)
- Boxx Cosmetics Travel Concealer Brush (Received Full Size - $18)

I'm not so sure about this cream and felt like it was a bit too firming on my eyes. I have abosolutely no experience with eye creams however, besides the H20 Aqua Firm that I received in my BB5 for March, which easily broke me out around my eyes. I have seen no breakouts with this eye cream, however, I am just not comfortable using it around my eyes. I may try it again.

I am so happy that I got this brush! I wear powder foundation but conceal underneath so this is great and super travel friendly because it is so small (about 3 1/2 inches). The bristles are soft and it is overall the perfect size.

I will eventually be trying out the Elizabeth Arden Eye & Lip Makeup Remover. However, it is a bit pricey for me to purchase a full size if I like it. I already have tried a few other oil-based eye makeup removers that are much more affordable.

I will likely not be trying the Michael Todd scrub, as I have previously broken out from exfoliators with fruit enzymes and I'm not sure if it's due to my allergy to papaya/apricots/other fruits or not.

Total April Box Value: $49.59

What do you think of this box?

Holt Renfrew Spring 2013 Beauty Bag

I saw this sample beauty bag on Holt Renfrew's Facebook Page and I knew I had to have it! I recently just cancelled all my beauty boxes so I thought I'd treat myself to this instead!

Holt Renfrew releases a Beauty Bag semi-annually. This bag was available for $35 with no minimum purchase required! It was available in 3 different shades of ombre; grey, lavender, and blue. Inside the bag there was an additional floral pouch and the zip lock bag of samples! Along with the samples, there was a $10 gift card included! The gift card is valid until the end of July I believe, and is to be used on purchases of $25+ (before taxes). 

I picked up the Grey ombre pouch and to my surprise, it is big enough to be used as a clutch! Below are some photos of the bag and the lovely samples..

I split the contents into 2 photos for better viewing! The names of the products are listed below...

- Lancome Hypnose Volume Mascara in Excessive Black 4ml

- NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base 2.8g

- Sisley Gentle Make-Up Remover 30ml

- Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion 8ml

- Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator 7ml

- Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector 7ml

- Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream 7ml
- Oribe Creme for Style 7ml
- Deborah Lippman Polish in Daytripper 8ml

- Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Moisture Bath & Shower 30ml

- Bottega Veneta Eau De Parfum 1.2ml

- Laura Mercier Universal Invisible Loose Setting Powder 1g
- Laura Mercier Mini Fan Brush

The bag is very worth it for those who are interested in testing out high-end skincare and makeup! I think the $10 giftcard is a great perk and it made me feel less bad for spending almost $40 on samples! Although, all of these items are very pricey regular priced, so I don't think I'll be picking up any full sizes, unless they dramatically transform my skin!

During my trip to the mall, I also went in to Kiehl's for their Recycle & Be Rewarded Program and picked up their Free Starter Kit & a Cranberry Lip Balm (not pictured). 

Contents: Ultimate Strength Hand Salve 30ml, Midnight Recovery Concentrate 4ml, & Ultra Facial Moisturizer 30ml

That's it! I'm not sure if either of these promotions are still available and I apologize for not informing you all sooner! However, It wouldn't hurt to call your local store. I had been so busy with exams, but the good news is, I'm finally done my 4th semester of College! :) xox.

Sephora Chic Week VIB Spring 2013 Haul

I'm sure all you beauty gurus know about Chic Week at Sephora! Those signed up as a Beauty Insider (BI), or a VIB (when you spend $300+ yearly) are able to shop a 15% off promotion on anything for 12 days at Sephora in stores in Canada, or both online and in stores in the US! Thursday, April 11th was VIB Early Access Shopping Day where VIB's are presented with a cute tote, and 8 exclusive samples. 

Chic Week is on until April 22nd! Hurry in to your local Sephora if you have any beauty products you've been wanting to pick up!

I limited myself and only picked up 2 products!

I've been wanting to try either the Cake Dry Shampoo or Principessa! I am so glad the 15% gave me an excuse to pick one up. I had been trying it and I actually really like it. I typically only use aerosol dry shampoos, and I find they either a) don't work, or b) work for an hour or so. The only issue is my hair is very dark brown, and this is lighter than that. I have to be careful not to get it on my scalp or it literally looks like I threw a bunch of light brown powder on it. The Cake Dry Shampoo is regularly $18.

I've spotted a similar product at Marshall's actually for somewhere around $10! It was a Cake Strawberry Body Powder I believe, but it said 'can be used as dry shampoo/for hair as well'!

The next product I picked up is the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette! I love how small, light, and compact it is. I've already started to use it daily. This palette is regularly $32.

I received 7 packet samples with my purchase and although I was expecting 'deluxe sized' I am happy with what we were given! Considering the HUGE line-up to pay (even at 5:30 pm!) I was happy enough to even have gotten the bag of samples because I had assumed they were already all gone. 

What did you pick up for Chic Week!?

March 2013 Favourites!

I didn't have enough empties worthy of a post this month, so instead, I thought I'd show some things I can't stop reaching for!

Pacifica Blood Orange Body Butter: I got this from my January Ipsy bag and I can't stop opening it to smell it. I don't even put it on... I just leave it there to sniff! I don't think I've had a cream smell so yummy. It absorbs and doesn't leave me too oily either, which is a major plus!!

Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Dark Brown: I am pretty sure this colour is discontinued, but I picked it up right when they were clearing stock and it was the only one in the store. It matches my black/super dark brown eyebrows really well. It's a bit lighter than my natural brows but I can't use anything closer to black or I'll start to look creepy. It is easy to use light strokes with this, and just define the shape of my brow without filling them in too dark!

L'Oreal infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte: I picked this up at the spring LOreal warehouse sale I recently had the privilege to go to. The colour is so easy to use it could probably be used as a highlighter as well -if you like sparkles! I love how buttery and smooth the shadow is but I hate the smell. It smells like something stale or old wood! I hope it isn't just a bad or old batch.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse in Violet Chiffon: I love this colour on my lips! I was scared to try a purple but it blends nicely with my pigmented lips and it isn't too over the top.

MAC Eye Shadow in Night Manoeuvres: I got this a year ago at a previous Mac warehouse sale, but I actually didn't start using it til recently. It's great for a crease colour and is pretty matte on the skin although it does have sparkles.

Ecotools Retractable Kabuki Brush: I hate retractable brushes, I think they're ugly but I had to get one for travelling. I actually stopped using my regular brush because it's so incredibly soft! The packaging feels nice and is actually made of recycled aluminum! I use it for loose powder foundation and I think it was well worth the $10 or so I paid for it.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Neutralizer: I was skeptical to try this, but I'm glad I did. Made the switch from my Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller to this! It covers much better for me and I like that the formula is thicker. I just feel like it'll be used up much quicker than my Garnier.

L'Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black: I recently did a review on this which you can see here! I love this liner and have been using it pretty much daily. I hate taking it off, but if I place my oily, soaked cotton pad on my eye for about 30 seconds, it really loosens the colour and is much easier to take off. The lasting power is great and I haven't touched any other liners since purchasing this.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze: I think I wore this all of February and the beginning of March! I just had no time in the mornings before school to play with eyeshadow (due to my lateness...) so this was my savour! I usually apply it and blend it out, then apply a darker colour to my crease. I was also wearing it as a base, in my review for the L'Oreal lacquer liner!

Nutra Nail Olive Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment: I bought this at Walmart because all the ingredients seemed very minimal and I really needed something to help my nails. The breakage has lessened and my cuticles look much more moisturized. I just hate the oiliness!

Sorry! That was a lot of text with no pictures! But please feel free to post your empties or favourites below, I'd love to check them out :)