Showing posts with label beauty box. Show all posts

Flare Beauty Box

flare beauty box classic and fearless partnered with p&g and topbox review

P&G has partnered with FLARE & Topbox to bring you two beauty boxes available online now, for just $9 + tax (free shipping!) for Canadian residents. Both boxes showcase what Flare editors consider this season's top essentials. I have here the two boxes, which both come with a full-sized Covergirl lipstick and mascara, plus a free product coupon for a Clairol or Vidal Sassoon hair colour product!

The boxes are available at the link here, but you can read on to see what's inside them, and which one I would choose!

flare beauty box classic and fearless partnered with p&g and topbox review

The Classic Beauty Box:
•  Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex Sample x2
•  Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara in Very Black
•  Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick in a nude shade (I got 275 Coffee Crave)
•  Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash Sample
•  Pantene Expert Advanced Keratin Repair Split End Fuser
•  Clairol Free Hair Colour Product Coupon!
+ Free 60-Day NextIssue Trial

flare beauty box classic and fearless partnered with p&g and topbox review

The Fearless Beauty Box:
•  Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara 
•  Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Succulent Cherry
•  Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Swirled Mattifier Packet Sample x2
•  Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash Sample
•  Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Rejuvenating Shampoo & Conditioner Samples
•  Vidal Sassoon Salonist Free Hair Colour Product Coupon!
+ Free 60-Day NextIssue Trial

flare beauty box classic and fearless partnered with p&g and topbox review

Both boxes are well worthy of $9 (Ok.. $10.17 damn taxes!). I think the hair product coupon really meets, well, exceeds, the value of the box as well as the full-sized lipstick and mascara. Personally I would have a hard time deciding which to choose but I think I'd go for the Classic Beauty Box because of the Pantene Split End product, and I'm not too big a fan of shampoo/conditioner samples (am I the only one that finds them annoying?).

The FLARE Beauty Boxes are available now at http://shop.topbox.ca/pages/flare-beauty-box and I'm totally not sure how long they will last so if you're looking to dye your hair, need a new mascara or lipstick, I'd suggest you jump on this deal now! 

The two boxes were received for consideration and to inform you all about this great deal! It was completely my decision choice to post about it :)

Ipsy: July 2013 Glam Bag


The theme for this month's Ipsy Bag was Beach Beauty. I was super happy with everything that I got. I will be using and trying out all of these products for sure. As you all may know, Ipsy is a monthly beauty box subscription, $10 for the U.S. and $15 give or take for Canadians! If you haven't subscribed already, please use my refferal link by clicking here :) Oh, and thank you very much to the two who used it already! I ended up getting a bonus item this month!

Now I don't exactly have the beach in my backyard to casually take pictures on, but I do have some decently pretty rocks...

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush: Full Size! Well.. technically! You can buy the whole kit of 6 lip crayons for $25 at Ulta. I'm not sure where exactly to get it in Canada. I do like that the crayon is a twist up. Although the colour I received is one of the brighter of the 3 options, I do like it, however it would be more suitable for tanned skin. I guess it could be described as a bright coral. It really looks terrible on my lips when they are dry or chapped (which is always), so this definitely would need to be applied on super smooth lips. There is also a minty tingle with this, similar to the Revlon Just Bitten Stains. I feel like this has a bit more pigmentation, but less of a stain than Revlon's.
Value: $4.17, Full Size: Kit of 6 for $25


Coola Mineral Sunscreen Rose Essence Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: It does have a light rose scent. The sample is super tiny, and is only 7ml of product. Has a shimmer/sheen to it. Absorbed into my skin for the most part but not completely that I couldn't feel it. The tint is very light, when I first applied I thought it would be too dark, but when blended out it seems to even out and adds a nice slight bronze look. I like that the ingredients are natural and if I don't see any noticeable breakouts I would be interested in buying this. The only issue is the high price :( 
Value: 7ml for $5.04, Full Size: 50ml for $36

Bh Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample Palette: I was excited to get eyeshadows but these are a little dissapointing, as many other bloggers have been saying. The palette is compact and cute. The purple is basically unusable for me, the pigmentation is so bad. But I do like the bronze and gold colours. If I decide to keep this I can get a lot of wear out of that bronze colour!
Value: 3 Eyeshadows for $2.70, Full Size: Palette of 16 shadows + 4 blushes for $17.95 On Sale for $9.95 here


SexyHair Soy Renewal Beach Spray: I like that there is argan oil in this, and the sample is a decent size however I'm not sure if I can use this! I was hoping for the humidity spray, because I'm not sure if I need more texture in my hair. It's very fine and has no curl or wave, which I assume is the best type of hair for this type of product. Watching Youtube videos, it seems as if you can put this in after curling your hair. I will definitely have to try that!
Value: 50ml for $6.67, Full Size: 150ml for approx. $20 On Sale for $14.50 here


Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub: This scrub is a very generous size even though the jar is half full! It felt similar to Vasanti's BrightenUp! which used to be quite popular in beauty boxes. The grains are quite rough on my acne prone/sensitive skin, and I cannot use this scrub for anywhere near 3 minutes like the instructions recommend. My skin felt soft and smooth after, but I just think this is a little too harsh for sensitive skin.. or at least, it feels that way.
Value: 28g for $17.30, Full Size: 56g for $34.60 Can be bought at Well.ca here

Total Value: $35.88

I also received a Nicole by OPI Polish from the Selena Gomez collection called 'Pretty in Plum' for having 2 refferals sign up with my link! I wasn't too excited about the colour but it does look very nice when swatched and is a nice plum with subtle shimmer. I didn't include this in the value because it is a bonus item.

Swatches:
California Collection Palette - Hollywood, San Francisco, Malibu || Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush || Coola Mineral Sunscreen Rose Essence Tinted Moisturizer || Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub
Nail Swatch: Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez 'Pretty in Plum'
Lip Swatch: Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush

It got way too hot, so I retreated inside to take the final group photo! :p


Did you like this month's Ipsy bag? What did you get? Are you going to use all of the items?

Ipsy: June 2013 Glam Bag


It's kind of a ritual for me to post what I received in my monthly beauty box subscriptions on here! Ipsy is my only sub at the moment, and I'm glad I narrowed it down to one I am most happy with. I know quite a few people received different items, or different shades of an item in their bags this month (and the last!) Ipsy seems to be trying to personalize your selections to your beauty profile, and while this is a great gesture, it definitely needs some organization! 

I tried to post the photos in order of the spoilers that Ipsy released!


NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Bronze Goddess: This cream blush, or should I say bronzer.. looks a little to dark for me in the pan. One of the ladies on a group I am in on facebook kindly showed me her swatches, and it doesn't look as scary dark as it does in the pan. I may decide to try it, but me and cream blush/bronzers don't really go too well, so.. we'll see!
Received: Full Size!   $6



Starlooks Lip Liner in Bare: I have nothing from this company which I hear is comparable to MAC, so I was disappointed to get this in a colour I will not use. This looks to me like a mauvey brown to me :( and I don't even see this colour on their website anymore! If I can't trade someone for a different colour, I will likely just end up trying it out.
Received: Full Size!   $12


J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette in SCP106 Volta: Said to be a creamy glittery palette so you can easily apply the glitter on your body or face. At first, this looks like an eye palette, which I would have been okay with, but ipsy has stated that it is not intended for use on the eyes, but rather as body glitter. I will likely give this to my neighbour's kids.. after seeing a few swatches, I am not too impressed and they could probably have a lot more fun with it then I can!
Received: Full Size!   $4.49


Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter: A light-peach neutral coloured pencil  for use on the brow bone, dark circles, blemishes and red spots. I definitely will do a review on this! I really hate the smell (I hate the smell of pencils, reminds me of elementary school) but I love how easily this glides on my skin! Its super creamy and the colour is the same if not slightly lighter than my skin tone. I have been using it directly under my brows and it is definitely helping to define the shape of them.
Received: Full Size!   $18


J. Cat Beauty Eyelashes in EL01 + Eyelash Glue: At first I was kinda bummed about getting eyelashes, but after feeling how soft they are, they are definitely the type of eyelashes I would wear. They are actually human hair (is that weird?) and come with a tiny tube of latex-free glue! They are very very delicate however! I already ripped a little off one of the edges, but thankfully I have to cut them anyway to fit my eye-shape better.
Received: Full Size!   $4

Total Approximate Value: $44.49
I am pretty content with my bag, although I think I will only be using the lashes and the Chella highlighter out of the 5 items. What did you get in your ipsy bag?

Oh and before I forget! For those of you interested in signing up, my refferal link is:
(I surprisingly have 1 refferal so far! Thanks Diana for using my link!)

Ipsy: Official May 2013 Glam Bag


I am quite late on my Ipsy beauty box post this month! Many of you may already know what Ipsy is if you are familiar with beauty boxes. You are sent 4-5 beauty products a month for $10 (+ $5 shipping if you are in Canada). Most of the products are deluxe sample sizes or even full sized products! It is a U.S. based company and curated by Michelle Phan, youtube make-up artist. 

For those of you interested in signing up, my refferal link is:
(I don't have any yet, so help a girl out! :p )


Zoya Nail Lacquer in Gie Gie: This polish is from the Lovely Collection, and is a shimmery pearl pastel pink! I like that they have a Big5Free Formula notice on the box, meaning no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, or camphor. I have recently become more cautious of nail lacquers because I do lick my fingers a lot (heh, bad habit!) and I do not want to be putting unsafe chemicals in my mouth! I tried this on my toes and 2 coats was good enough for an almost opaque colour! Despite not being a fan of pink I really like this colour, and just purchased the purple pearl shade called "Julie" on NailPolishCanada! You can find this shade on there as well!
Received: Full Size! 9.76ml   $8.75


Yaby Concealer Refill in Buff: This is a concealer refill, which is likely why it comes in a plastic packaging rather than an actual compact. I have to say, the colour matches me perfectly! I know some people were unfortunately having issues with being sent the wrong colours, but I was lucky to get a perfect match. It is a cream concealer and claims flawless colour. Although it does cover my blemishes well, it is not flawless and I believe does oxidize on me after a few hours. It is very tiny, perhaps the size of a nickel and you do need to use a lot of product. I have been using it for a week and a half and have already made a large dent in the pan, I can't see this lasting for much longer.
Received: Full Size! 3.5g   $4.85


Mirabella Colour Sheers Lipstick in Pixie: I actually already have this in Daydream, but I was excited to receive another one, until I saw the colour! It is vibrant in the tube, and a little on the orange side. Picture above is a bit of an exaggeration, it is not THAT bright but gives you an idea right? I am afraid to try this, as oranges do NOT go well with my face at all, so I was thinking of putting this and a few things together for an upcoming giveaway!
Received: Full Size! $22


Pacifica Tahitian Gardenia Perfume Roll-On: I really don't like this! Kind of smells like typical old lady flower perfume. Maybe slightly better! I was really hoping for vanilla, as I hate floral scents (and it's just my luck to always get floral scents in beauty boxes).
Received: Full Size! $11

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel: I don't think this brow gel is the best, but I do use it. I have one from a previous Glymm bag that I am still using as I don't use it often. I prefer to use my tinted brow gel to lighten up my brows a bit. I was bummed to get this in another subscription but I will put it to good use, or give it away!
Received: Deluxe Sample Size 2.5ml   $8.76, Full Size is 8.28ml for $29


Total Approximate May Glam Bag Value: $55.36

I received the standard "Official May Glam Bag" because I signed up after May 1st. I was hoping for the St. Tropez self tanning lotion or another Pacifica lotion, but I am satisfied with all of these products except the rollerball!

If you are with Ipsy, what did you get in your bag? Did you like yours better, or the standard one that I received? 

Wantable Beauty Box Subscription Review!


I know what your thinking, another beauty box! I'm obsessed with these monthly beauty subscriptions. However, Wantable has a little bit of a different concept. They offer a few alternatives when creating your account with them and there is much more personalization!

International Shipping Info: Wantable had recently only shipped to the US, but have recently announced that they are going to ship to Canada, and Australia! The boxes are typically small enough to fit inside a standard mailbox, and they will be shipping with Canada Post for Canadians, (or Australia Post for Australia). The boxes are trackable, and shipping is an extra $5 for Canada, and $9 for Australia. All taxes, duties, and handling fees will be clearly charged at checkout, so nothing is paid at the door upon arrival.

First of all, you have the option to decide between a Jewelry Box, or Makeup Box. I have not yet seen a subscription service that offers both of these. Pictured below is a preview or example of items you may, or may not get.

Images taken from Wantable.com's May Box Preview

The Jewelry Box contains "4-5 boutique jewelry pieces, hand picked to perfectly match your preferences".
The Makeup Box contains "4-6 full size premium makeup products, hand picked to perfectly match your preferences".
Both boxes are valued between $80 - $100, and includes some tips and tricks for wear/application.

When signing up, Wantable will provide you with a short quiz so they are able to match you with suitable products. I know many beauty box subscriptions claim to do this, but I have a little more faith in Wantable. From what I have seen, people are highly impressed with what they are sent and the same products are not sent to everyone.

You are then given the option to purchase a one time box for $40, or begin a monthly subscription for $36. The monthly subscription, can be either skipped or cancelled. This attracts me, because I would have loved this option for some of my previous subscriptions.

Okay, I have a ton of pictures, so let's get on with those and first impressions of the products! (Wait! Please take into account that I just got a new camera, and if some of the colours are a bit off, I do apologize. I don't quite know how to properly use it yet!)


My box came with a velvet pouch with all of the products inside, a card and a product info sheet.


All 6 of the items in my box!


Besame Brightening Violet Powder: "A translucent loose powder that adds brightness, sets make-up, and leaves a soft matte finish. Made in USA, Paraben free, for all skin tones." $22
I really enjoy this powder and not just because it smells like lavender! It is a light faded purple in colour, and goes on the skin clear. It mattifies my skin perfectly and helps control my oil. The packaging is so pretty and classic, I couldn't stop playing with the box :p The clear plastic lid holds the powder from escaping when the lid is on which really minimizes the fear you have of getting the product all over you when opening a loose powder! I would definitely purchase this in the future as I seem to have a lot of fun using it. Keep scrolling for swatches.


Three Custom Color Specialists Mini Pressed Powder in Cool Bronzer: "Finely milled powder appropriate for all skin types, minimizing shine while providing sheer breathable coverage. For a fuller application try the same shade in loose form." $22.50
I found this to be pretty pigmented when first applied but a little hard to build the colour (oh, that explains why, it is suppose to be a bit sheer). It was less orange than my NYC Sunny but not as brown as my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil (In Original Chocolate). It is matte, which I was happy about, and I also liked that it is a pressed powder. It is definitely suitable for lighter skin tones but the price for size is quite pricey (5.7g, it's a little more than half the size of a Too Faced Bronzer). Keep scrolling for swatches.


Face Stockholm Pearl Eyeshadow in 45 (Lightest Apricot): "Can be mixed and matched to shade, shadow, and define. Hyper-pigmented for long lasting colour. Made in USA" $19
This is such a pretty pearl pink which has gold sparkles giving it that duo-chrome look. I thought it showed up very nicely and pigmented over my Mirabella Face & Eyes Primer. I definitely think this can be used as a blush as well, if you want a bit of a highlight too and you don't mind the sparkles. I wish I had received more of a neutral colour though because I don't typically wear pink on my lids. Keep scrolling for swatches.


Cailyn Line-Fix Gel Eyeliner in Black: "Offers perfectly smooth glide lines. Water resistant. Smudge-proof. 24 hour wearing. Safe for sensitive eyes. Made in USA" $21
This liner glides on easily, is easy to work with, and the brush was super soft when I first opened it. I have sensitive eyes and this gives me no issues. It is not the deepest black, but I like this for a more natural or less harsh look. The packaging is a bit bulky. It's twice the size of my Annabelle Smudge Paints but also has twice the amount of product! I don't find it to be 24 hour wearing, although it does last throughout the day with minimal fading, and once it sets it doesn't smudge or budge!


Mia BelleZZa Automatic Long Lasting Eyeliner in Indigo 05: "Colour that will show all day without smudging, fading, or smearing. Requires no sharpening. With aloe vera and chamomile." $16.50
I hate twist up liners as they hurt my eyes but this went on smoother than expected. This is the only item I am a little disappointed with. It smudged instantly to the touch and didn't really set. I do love the colour however. Be aware, not to twist this all the way up, as it does not twist back down!


LA Fresh Travel-Lite Makeup Remover Wipes: "Can easily remove the most stubborn makeup and leave your sin immaculate in one easy step. Moisturizing formula with Vitamin E. Made in USA" $1.35, Reg. 3 Packets for $2
I am glad to receive these because I always hear about them. The only downside is that I realized they have Mineral Oil in them, and the ingredients seem likely to break out my skin. Will have to give it a try.
Total Approx. Value: $102.35!

Swatches:
Bisame Brightening Violet Powder, Three Custom Color Specialists in Cool Bronzer, Face Stockholm Pearl Eyeshadow in 45 (Lightest Apricot), Cailyn Gel Liner in Black, MiA BelleZZa Eyeliner in Indigo
Swatched over bare skin


I was super excited when I received this, as all the items were makeup products I will actually put to use. I actually use the Besame Violet Powder, Three Custom Color Specialists Bronzer, and Cailyn Liner on a daily basis since receiving them! Also, these were all brands I either have never heard of, or were unfamiliar with, which I like when receiving a beauty box. I also noted which products were made in USA, and the majority of them surprisingly were.

There is such product variety because Wantable hand-picks the products just for you. The Wantable team is quite small, with about 14 developers, designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs. They also have recognized stylists and beauty experts who, If I am not mistaken work alongside them to choose unique products. 


What did you think of this box? Will you or have you already subscribed to Wantable?

Disclaimer: I received this product for review on behalf of Wantable. All opinions stated are my own and not influenced by any affiliates. I did not receive monetary compensation for my review. This post may contain referral links. 

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.