Wednesday, December 30, 2015

December TopBox 2015 : Benefit Prive Box

 month, my box arrived in a tube so I knew that I got the Benefit Prive Box that I had requested!

This box is seriously amazing! Check it out!


This box contained:
  • A 3g sample of the NEW They're Real! Tinted Primer in Mink-Brown - $10.33
  • A 3g sample of They're Real! Mascara - $16.00
  • A 3g sample of Roller Lash Mascara - $16.00
  • A 1g sample of Gimme Brow in Light/Medium - $9.00
  • A Foil Packet of They're Real! Remover - Unknown Value
TOTAL VALUE : $ 51.33+

This box is seriously amazing! The sample sizes are all great and the products are fantastic! These are some of my favorite mascaras and I love having the deluxe sample size of them as they don't dry out on me. I am excited to try out the new primer too! All in all, this is one amazing box!

December BirchBox 2015

My holiday BirchBox came! This month, we were able to select the shades of eye shadow that we wanted included in our box. The shades that I wanted were "out of stock", so I messaged BirchBox on Facebook and they were so nice and sent me the one that I wanted! Great customer service! Here's what I got!


  • A 0.65g sample of Coastal Scents Eye Shadow in Formal Eyes
  • A 1mL sample of Kate Spade Live Colorfully eau de parfum spray
  • A 0.4g sample of Lord & Berry Pailettes Glitter Eye Pencil in Sparkle Black mint liner
  • A 15mL sample of Obliphica Professional Seaberry Serum for Medium to Course Hair
  • A 28g sample of Rusk Heashift Re-Styling Cream
I am probably the most excited for the air products! I have never tried anything form either brand and am almost out of my current hair products, so this was perfect timing! I am happy to finally try Coastal Scents Eye Shadow, but am disappointed in the lack of pigmentation. I wish that the eyeliner didn't have sparkles in it. The eau de parfum is a nice scent, but quite strong, definitely not a day to day scent. All in all, not bad, but not out of the park either!

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

BzzzAgent: Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

I was selected for another BzzzAgent campaign! This time, I was sent a FULL SIZE (30ml) bottle of the Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 4-in-1 Foundation. It is said to combine primer to set, concealer to correct and foundation to perfect your look.


I was sent shade 905, which is actually a shade lighter than my skin tone.


I did wear this and, with some heavy bronzing, it was okay. It set quite well and had good coverage. The pump made it easy to apply and didn't make me waste any product! This foundation didn't perform as well as some of my higher end foundations, but it was a great drugstore alternative! For now, I am mixing this with another foundation that is too dark for my skin tone. I think that I will go purchase my shade when I finish a few other foundations.

Thanks BzzzAgent!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Glam Sense: Teeez Read My Lips Lipstick in Roulette Red

Last month, I signed up for Glam Sense. I was sent a free sample of the Teeez Read my Lips Lipstick in the shade Roulette Red.

The packaging is very sleek and minimal, yet artistic. I really like it.


The colour that was sent to me is a beautiful red. It is definitely more of a blue tone red than orange leaning and it is matte. I am more of a neutral girl, and am usually scared of bold colour, but I find the colour of this to be beautiful and wearable! It would not be an every day lipstick for me, but it is nice to have for holiday parties! Like most matte lipsticks, the formula is a bit dry (I pair it with a hydrating balm), but stays on for such a long time! You need to give it some time to dry down, but once it sets, it stays put!


I am quite impressed with this lippie and want to try other shades! Thanks Glam Sense!
#teezings

Sunday, November 29, 2015

November 2015 BirchBox

This month I got the regular BirchBox and a curated box by Tati, from GalmLifeGuru.
Here is what I got!


In the regular Birchbox:
  • Bio Republic Green tea Purifying Sheet Mask
  • LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in the shade On Point
  • Salon Gioje Keratin Protein Mask
  • Temple Spa La La Lagoon Bath & Shower Gel
  • theBalm Cosmetics Frat Boy Blush
I am always happy to see sheet masks included n these boxes, because they are a nice pampering treat, but can be expensive. The blush from theBalm is a very wearable soft pink shade. I love getting products from this brand! The LOC shadow stick is beautiful! This colour is very wearable and so easy to apply! It stays put with minimal creasing. As for the other two products...they were quite blah. The hair mask has a really intense smell that I can't deal with and the shower gel is nothing special. This box does have a good variety of samples and I am happy with it.




In the Glam Life Guru Birchbox:



  • Skynn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
  • LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in the shade Day Trip
  • Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate Nourishing Moisturizer
  • Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
  • theBalm Cosmetics Frat Boy Blush
I redeemed some of my BirchBox points to get this box. It was curated by Tati and I am pretty happy with the products in it. The shadow stick is a more intense colour, not for my everyday look, but still wearable. The eye gels and cream are nice. I am probably most happy to have gotten the dry shampoo! I love trying out new dry shampoos and this one is so high end!

All in all, another great month with BirchBox!

November TopBox 2015

My November TopBox came!


This month's box contained:

  • A 1.5ml sample of Benefit's Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer - $14.25
  • A FULL SIZE Nova Scotia Fisherman's eXtreme Skin Care Lip Balm in Salted Caramel - $6.95
  • A 75ml sample of Revlon Professional Style Masters Modular Hairspray - $2.99
  • A FULL SIZE THEFACESHOP Brightening Character Mask  $3.00
TOTAL VALUE: $27.19

This box was a pretty good assortment of products. I am always happy to get travel sizes of hairspray. I have not tried this one before and I never know that Revlon made hair products, so I'm interested in trying it out. Getting a sample from Benefit is always nice! This is one of their newer products, so again I am happy to test it out! The sample is quite tiny, but with me eye primer lasts forever - you only need a small amount! The NS Fisherman Lip Balm smells quite nice and is very moisturizing. Great timing, just as the cool weather is upon us! I have never tried a character face mask before, so it'll be fun. A little gimmicky, but fun none the less!

All in all, the value may not be that high, but I can honestly say that I will use all of these products, which is a win for me!

Use the code TOPBOX to get 20% off at novascotiafisherman.com .

Beautylish It Cosmetics CC+ Cream

I received this 4ml sample of It Cosmetics CC+ Cream free from Beautylish and thought that I would review it. The sample was a decent size (about enough for 2 applications) and came in a nice velvet pouch. It is easy to use and the colour match was great (I chose fair). It did not come off leaning too orange for my skin, which is awesome! The coverage was really nice and it felt light on my skin. It definitely evened out my skin tone, in the most natural way. The only thing that this product has going against it is the scent. It was nice at first, but as I rubbed it into my skin it was very off-putting.
I would not purchase this product due to the scent and am happy that I got to try this sample!


Sephora VIB Sale Nov. 2015

I don't always take advantage of the VIB sale, but this time I had my eye on a few of items and I just couldn't resist!

Here is my small haul!


I just had to get the Becca Opal on the Go set. This set contains a mini of the liquid Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal and a mini of the pressed powder version. I am so happy to finally try out some of the Becca highlighting products! I have found that a little goes a long way, So I'm very happy to have two minis to put to use!

I bought the Cinema Secrets tin to put my sample of the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser in that I received from BirchBox a while back. I think this will make cleaning my brushes a lot easier and less messy!

Another item that I needed to have in my life was the baby Sephora Z-Palette. Last year, I bought the holiday Benefit blush set, which came in super bulky packaging. I had been wanting a Z-Palette for a while and when I saw that this size was only $12, I was sold! It fits the blushes perfectly!


I didn't go crazy, but I am very happy with everything that I got! Did you make a purchase during the VIB event?


Sunday, November 1, 2015

BzzzAgent : 3 Boxes to Bzz About!

Recently, I have been accepted to participate in 3 BzzAgent campaigns. For those of you who don't know, BzzAgent is a website that you can sign up for. You complete surveys and can take part in campaigns where they will send you free products to try, in return they expect you to review the products and talk to people about the products.


The first campaign is for Cover Girl Mascara.
There were several options available and I decided to try the Lash Blast Volume version.


COVERGIRL LashBlast

This kit included a full size mascara and several $2.00 off coupons!


I have tried this mascara in years ago and remember really liking it. Since this time, I have ventured into the word of higher end mascaras, so I was curious to see how this compared.

I really like it. The wand is plastic and to my liking. It separated my lashes well, and added volume. I have definitely rekindled my feelings for this mascara!


My second campaign is for the Herbal Essences Naked line.

Herbal Essences Collection

Herbal Essences Collection

For this Campaign, I chose the Moisture version. It came with 3 full size items: Shampoo, Conditioner & Dry Shampoo.


These products claim to be more natural and free of silicones, parabens and dyes. The Moisture version is supposed to provide lightweight hydration and leave hair sleek and smooth. I was drawn to this, as my hair is quite fine and many products weigh it down. I enjoyed all of these products. My hair wasn't left feeling like there was build-up in it and the scent is refreshing and minty. It didn't weigh down my hair. As for the dry shampoo, it won't replace my Batiste, but it works well to absorb oils in a pinch! Overall, I'm quite impressed with these products. To top it all off, they are very affordable and readily available.


My third campaign is for Secret Clinical Clear Gel. I received the scent Completely Clean.


This Bzzkit included a 14g sample of the product.


The size of this is perfect to throw in a bag or to take when travelling. I am usually not a gel deodorant person, but do quite enjoy this product. Once it dries, it is very effective at keeping those dreaded sweat stains away. The smell is very clean, it is a bit too strong for my liking, however. This left me feeling dry, comfortable and confident.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to try out these products! Thanks BzzAgent!

October BirchBox 2015

This month's BirchBox came and it is pretty in pink! Let's see if the inside is just as pretty!

This month's box included:


  • A 14g sample of derma e Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask
  • A 5mL sample of Harvey Prince Hello Shampoo
  • A 2mL sample of Wildflower Handalei perfume
  • A 3.5g sample of Model Co. Ultra Lomg-Lasting Lipstick in Stiletto
  • A deluxe sample of W3ll People Expressionist Mascara

Overall, I think that this box had a nice variety of products. I probably most excited to try the derma e mask. I have heard good things about the brand. I like getting make-up products, so I am happy with the mascara and the lipstick samples. The shampoo is very tiny and I doubt that there will be enough to wash all of my long hair. I hate getting perfume samples and this one is no exception...the scent is not my taste! I'm happy with this box and will use most of the products.

October TopBox 2015

This month's TopBox came in a black organza bag.

It contained:


  • A 7 ml sample of Avon Anew Power Serum - $9.33
  • A FULL SIZE Cuccio Nail Lacquer in Bologna Blush - $4.21
  • A FULL SIZE Delectable Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream in Coconut & Cream - $15.00
  • A 9 ml sample of  D:FI Reshapable Spray - $1.56
TOTAL VALUE: $30.10

The only product that I am really happy to get is the hand cream. I love this brand and my hands could definitely use this! The hair spray will be nice to try out, and it's a nice size for travel. I have received a Cuccio nail polish in the past and wasn't wowed by it. Also, the name of this polish is really odd....I like receiving a serum, but am a bit put of that it is Avon. My skin hasn't done well with the brand in the past.

Overall, I'm not thrilled with this box....maybe next month!

Sephora 500 Point Perks: Origins & Bobbi Brown

I always save up my Sephora points for a 500 point perk from a brand that I love. When I saw these two point perks, I knew it was time to cash in!

First, let's look at the Origins Perk.


This set came with:

30 ml - High-Potency Night-A-Mins ($31.80)
5 ml - Ginzing Eye Cream ($12.92)
30 ml - Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash ($5.30)
15 ml - Modern Friction ($5.88)

Having a total value of: $55.90!


I have tried all of these products before and love them all! I especially like the Night Cream & the Eye Cream! I can't wait to finish up my current creams and break into these!


When I was looking at the point perks, I also came across this Bobbi Brown set. I have read a lot about Bobbi Brown and tried a few sample sizes of her products from a Sephora gift with purchase set, so I was happy to see this!


This perk included:

30 ml - Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover ($14.00)
3 ml - Hydrating Eye Cream ($11.20)
3 ml - Smokey Eye Mascara ($17.00)
0.03 oz. - Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Pink ($20.40)

Having a total value of: $62.60!


Here is a close-up of Golden Pink.


I have heard such great things about the eye cream and can't wait to try it! I was also excited to try out the shadow stick. I think it will make a nice, simple everyday look. It is a bit more sparkly than I had hoped.

I am so happy with both of these point perks!

Sephora Gift with Purchase: VIBTOKENS

The minute I opened the e-mail, I knew that I had to have this set! Since trying Buxom's Dolly, I have wanted to try more Buxom lip products. This is a great sample set to get for free!


When it arrived I wasn't disappointed!


 There is a lot of product in all three of the samples. 


Berry Blast - is very pigmented and creamy.

San Francisco -  is a bit stiff in texture, but is such a perfect fall colour, I love it!

Erin - is quite transparent with shimmer. 

I'm so happy with all 3!



Julep September 2015

I haven't done a Julep review in a long time. I am on nail polish overload and have been skipping a lot. I forgot to skip the month of September. So, I called, used up my points to get the box for  free and finally cancelled! It is such a liberating feeling! haha!

So, here is my LAST Julep Maven box!


Here's what I received (according to the Julep website):
  • Light on Your Lips – Wink: Full-coverage tea rose crème lipstick floats on, feels weightless, and keeps lips hydrated. 
  • Rayma (Classic with a Twist): Italian plum crème
  • Alison (Classic with a Twist): Sweet almond soft focus
There was a also a Bonus polish in the month of September, the Julep Signature Polish. I'm happy to have this beautiful shade in my collection now :)

All are very wearable shades and I like the consistency of these polishes.

Farewell, Julep! It's been fun!

Sample Source October 2015

Sample Source provides free samples of products to Canadians. Sometimes they have 1 product specific campaigns and other time they will send a box full of a variety of samples to try out. If you sign up today, you will receive an e-mail when they have free product to give away. You simply log-in to your account and select the products that you would like. I have learned that you have to act fast, as samples go very quick!

This time I did act quite quickly and got some great samples! I was delighted to see this box in the mail!


Here is all of the products that were inside!


I was really happy to receive all of these goodies to try! The only one that I have tried before is the Brookside chocolate covered delishisness!

I highly recommend joining Sample Source!

September TopBox 2015

This month's TopBox came in a forest green organza bag.


This bag included:
  • A FULL SIZE Trind Nail Repair Matt Non Gloss Nail Strengthener - $19.95
  • A 1oz. sample of Prevailing Organic Essentials Organic Bath & Shower Gel in Apple - $1.62
  • A FULL Size MeMeMe Enchanted Eyes Dual Ended Eye Wand in Woodland Smoke - $14.00
  • A 0.35oz. sample of NovaScotia Fisherman  Xtreme Skin Rescue Body Balm - $4.14
TOTAL VALUE: $39.71+

I like that there are 2 full size products in this bag; however they are both not products that I would pick out or myself. I probably won't use the eye shadow at all. The nail repair treatment, I probably will get use out of. The shower gel smells soooo good & the body balm has a herbal scent, but has worked wonders on my dry, sensitive hands.

All in all, great value, not bad products, but not amazing either.



Saturday, October 31, 2015

September BirchBox 2015

This month's BirchBox came. 



This box included:

  • A 30g sample of Tocca Green Tea & Lemon Nourishing Body Scrub
  • A 8mL sample of 100% Pure coffee bean caffeine eye cream
  • A 30mL sample of Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Blow Dry Spray
  • A 1mL sample of Raw Spirit Citadelle fragrance 
  • A 1.5g Japonesque Velvet Touch Eye Shadow in 02
Not a bad box. I am most excited to use the Japonesque & the Tocca products. The Hair product smells really good and the eye cream will be nice, I just have so many eye cream sample right now to go through! I am disappointed to receive a fragrance sample. It is so tiny and not a scent that I like...I could seriously get a bigger fragrance scent for free at any store where fragrances are sold....Not bad, but not out of the park!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

August 2015 BirchBox

This month's BirchBox came. 


This month's box included:
  • A 20mL sample of Amika Nourishing Hair Mask
  • A 25g sample of Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy
  • A Deluxe Sample of Laqa & Co. Cheeky Lip Crayon in Cray Cray
  • A 30mL sample of Number 4 Blow Dry Lotion
  • A 22mL sample of  Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Pomegranate

Overall, I found this month to be so-so. The sample sizes are all a good size and allow for multiple uses. None of the brands really wow me. Many of these brands are repeat brands. I will use most of these products during travel, they are all nice to have. I am probably mot disappointed with the Laqa & Co. lip & cheek tint, this is my third sample from them in the short time that I have been subscribed. I am most happy with the hand cream and the shaving cream. All in all nothing to write home about, but not a complete let down either....I'm thinking about cashing in my points and cancelling, we'll wait one more month. Check out BirchBox for yourself!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

August TopBox 2015

TopBox came early this month! YAY!


Here's what was inside:
  • A FULL SIZE Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray - $12.99
  • A FULL SIZE Model Co Shine Ultra Lip Gloss in Striptease - $20.00
  • A 15mL Sample of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ - $3.00
  • A mini Essie Nail Polish in Perennial Chic - $3.70
  • BONUS ITEM: A 45mL sample of TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)done Waves - $3.00

TOTAL VALUE: $42.69

** Please note that I have had to look at various websites to predict the values (mainly well.ca) as many were not indicated on the product card.**

I am assuming the TRESemmé product is a Bonus Item as it is not indicated on my card and was outside of the bag in the TopBox envelope. It is always nice to receive a Bonus Item, but I'm not sure why they felt the need to send me two Beach Wave creating products in the same box. I like the size of all of the products. The Model Co Lip Gloss is a nice everyday shade, and I like that there is a mirror included on the tube. The La Roche-Posay product is a cream that is supposed to sooth dry itchy skin; I am very interested in trying it out! I'm not thrilled by the Essie colour, but I'll try it. Overall, not an amazing box, but still a good value and assortment of items!

Monday, August 3, 2015

Empties & Reviews

Body Products:


 1. Dove Pistachio Cream with magnolia Nourishing Body Wash:
I really like this! It goes on sale for cheap at Shopper''s Drug Mart and it leaves my skin feeling so moisturized. It is my all time fav body wash! Did I mention that is smells divine? I have a few back-ups!

2. Gillette Satin Car Ultra Sensitive Shave Gel:
I'm not picky when it comes to shaving creams or gel. This one did the trick! I got it in a multi-pack at Costco. I have since bought another multi-pack

3. The Body Shop Body Butters in Mango & Early-Harvest Raspberry:
Body Butters are my favorite moisturizers! These two scents are both fantastic! Mango is on of my all-time favorites and I had been dying to try the Raspberry scent, which was also delicious for summertime! Both were a hit with me! I have repurchased these body butters so many times and will continue to do so.

4. Peter Thomas Roth Anti-aging Cleansing Gel:
I got this as the Sephora Birthday Gift and liked it okay. It was the first product that I used from this brand. I didn't think that it was anything special, and would not buy the full-size.

5. Beauty Protector Body Cleanser:
I got this in a BirchBox and it smells divine! Actually all of the products that I have tried from this line smell the same. They all have a sweet vanilla scent that takes me back to my junior high days, haha. A win in my books! I would buy the full size if I came across it for a decent price.

6. Whish Body Butter in Almond:
This smelled sweeter than I would have liked, but it was nice and moisturizing. I wouldn't buy the full-size. 

7. Bee Kind Shower Gel:
I also received this from my Birchbox. It had a very refreshing scent and worked well. I would buy the full size if I cam across it for a decent price.

8. Secret Clear Gel in Ooh-la-la lavender:
I received this from Bzzzagent and was skeptical about the scent. I usually hate all things lavender, but this scent was actually not overpowering and quite nice. It worked well and I have since repurchased (in another scent though!)


Face Products:


1. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins:
This night cream smells so nice (a light citrus scent) and is nice and thick. It left my skin feeling so hydrated. This is on my wishlist when I finish up a few other night creams that I have.

2. Origins Energy-boosting Moisturizer:
This has a stronger citrus smell, but it is still quite pleasant. It is a nice, light day cream and is also on my wishlist for when I finish up a few other day creams that I have.

3. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum:
I have gone through several of these and will continue to go through them. There feel so nice after a shower and soak quickly into my skin. It has vitamin C in it, which is supposed to be good for hyper-pigmentation. I have noticed that my skin is more even toned since I began using this. I usually stock up on these when they come in a set during black Friday sales or Boxing sales at Sephora.

4. Origins Modern Friction:
This is my least favorite Origins product that I have tried. I find it a bit harsh for my skin and ended up using it on my body instead of my face. It also doesn't have a great scent. I have a smaller sample to use up, but have no plans in buying the full size.

5. Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate:
Again, I don't find this serum to be anything special, it was okay but I am glad to finally be done my sample of this! Way over priced if you ask me.

6. Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream:
This was okay as an eye cream, nothing special. I didn't find that it absorb quickly into my skin and only used it before bed, not under my make-up. I didn't see any great results with it. I have another sample still to use, but would not buy the full-size.

7. Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizing & Brightening Cream:
This had a nice rosey scent. It wore well under make-up and did leave my skin feeling hydrated. This was my first product from the Korres line, and though I wasn't wowed by it, I wasn't disappointed either.

8. GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglefoliate Treatment:
I really like this mask. It makes my face look refreshed and it is great for exfoliating. I have repurchased the full-size at Winner's (it was on clearance for a great price!)

9. Bioderma Moisturizing Concentrate for Sensitive Very Dehydrated Skin:
This was okay, nothing special. It took a while to absorb into my skin. I won't be running out to buy the full-size.

10. Clarisonic Brush Head:
This is the head that came with my Clarisonic. I do think that the Clarisonic is a bit overrated, but it is also a nice luxury product to have. I have since used my Optimum Points to get a double pack at Shopper's Drug Mart.

11. Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil:
This was such a treat for my skin. It was an absolute luxury item. The smell is a bit strong, but it left my skin glowing. Definitely on my wish list!

12. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream (x2):
These were amazing! They left my under-eyes looking de-puffed and glowing. This will be my go-to eye cream when I finish all of my samples!

13. Michael Todd Blue Green Alge Toner:
This left my face feeling refreshed and kept any break-outs in check. I still prefer the Cranberry one from this line.

14. Fresh. Rose Face Mask:
This took me a while to finish. It has a nice rose scent and is very gel like in consistency. It has a nice cooling effect on the face, but I didn't notice it doing much for my skin. I would not buy the full size.

15. Dirt. Purify + Glow Scrub:
This is a salt scrub that I used on my body. It is very abrasive, yet nourishing. I'm not sure where to buy this.

16. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Caplet Serum:
This was okay. The caplets kind of stayed on the bottom and didn't pop into the serum like they were supposed to. It absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling supple.


Cleansing Cloths:



1. Balea Cleansing Cloths:
These are my favorite! I have repurchased them many times and will continue doing so.

2. Garnier Cleansing Cloths:
These were okay. They were quite saturated but have a bit of a strong smell. They took off my make-up, though not my favorite.

3. Olay Fresh Effects Refreshing Make-Up Removal Cloths:
I found these to be quite dry. They didn't do a great job of removing my make-up. I would not repurchase.

4. Eyko Mascara Off Eye Make-up Remover Wipes:
These worked really well at removing my eye make-up. They dried up quite quickly though.


Dry Shampoos:


1. Psssst! Dry Shampoo (x2):
These worked quite well but definitely left a grey-cast in my hair. Okay on second-day hair, but nothing more. Not my fav.

2. Tresemme Volumizing Dry Shampoo:
This is a cheap, drug store alternative that is easy to find in a pinch. It works okay, but again not my fav.

3. Batiste Original Dry Shampoo:
This is my all-time favorite! It is amazing how long you can go without washing your hair! I need to buy more!

4. CO LAB Dry Shampoo in Rio Tropical:
I was excited to see this at Winners, but didn't fall in love with it like I was hoping to. I loved the scent, but it just didn't do enough for my hair. I would on repurchase this in a pinch.

Other Hair Products:


1. Clear Total Care Daily Conditioner:
This was okay, nothing special. It did a pretty good job at detangling my hair but left a film in my hair. Not my favorite.

2. John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo for Normal Hair:
This kind of tingled my scalp and didn't do anything for the volume of my hair. It left my hair limp and dry. 

3. Herbal Essences Wild Natural Rejuvenating Shampoo & Conditioner:
I received these from BzzzAgent. They were nice and smelled great! They left my hair feeling somewhat moisturized, but very tangled. On the fence about purchasing the full-size.

4. Beaver Nutritive Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner:
I received these in a BirchBox. They left my hair feeling very dry and frizzy. I would not buy the full-size.

5. Living Proof Satin Hair Serum: 
I really liked this! It left my hair smooth and frizz free. It is an expensive product and I'm not sure that I can shell out the money for the full-size.

6. Kerastase Elixir Ultime:
This is nice, it left may hair silky, shiny and nourished. Again, a pricey product that I don't think I'll be splurging on.

7. Dove Pure Care Dry Oil :
This was just okay. It was nothing special. It had a nice scent, but I much prefer other hair oils.

8. Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave in Conditioner:
I received this in my BirchBox and again, it smells amazing! It made my hair silky smooth and tangle free, I would love t get my hands on a full-size!


Make-up Products:


1. Make-up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara:
I received this as part of last year's Sephora Birthday set. The brush on this is kind of a large, cone-shaped brush and I really didn't like it. Not my favorite!

2. Pixi Lash Booster Mascara:
This is a bit mangled. It dried up quite quickly and didn't do much for volume or curl, but it did separate my lashes nicely. Not something that I would buy the full-size of.

3. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara:
I received this in a TopBox, another large, cone-shaped brush that I wasn't a fan of. It was an okay first layer mascara but nothing special for my lashes.

4. Guerlain Mascara:
I bought this for cheap off of Beyond the Rack. It was a really nice mascara for separating my lashes and giving them some definition. It didn't give them a ton of volume, but definitely a good everyday mascara. Also, look at the packaging, stunning! I would buy this again if I saw it on sale.

5. Jelly Pong Pong Fairy Lashes Mascara:
I received this in a TopBox and didn't really like it from the get-go. It didn't do much for my lashes at all.

6. The Body Shop Lychee Blossom Eau de Toilette:
I bought this a while ago, and I'm not even sure if they still make this scent. It was a nice everyday scent, not overpowering, just fresh. I would buy this again if I saw it.

7. Urban Decay All Nighter Make-up Setting Spray:
This does such a good job of setting or refreshing make-up. It is apply a bit too much powder, just a spray of this and my make-up looks flawless. It really is amazing. I have purchased another already!

8. Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Eastend Snob:
This is one of my favorite lip liners (& the only one that I have ever used up!) It is a beautiful everyday shade for under a lipstick, on its own or under a gloss. I already have another one that I am working my way through!

9. Mereadesso Lip Treats:
This had a nice, sweet scent and made my lips feel so moisturized! It was a real treat! I would repurchase this i I saw it.

10. B. Kamins Bio-Maple Lip Balm:
I received this in a TopBox. It was okay. I used it before bed and it left my lips feeling nourished in the morning.Not something that I love, but not bad. I have one more sample of this that I am working through.

11. Benefit Posie Balm:
I received this sample in my TopBox. It was a tiny sample, but good. It had a floral smell to it that  didn't really enjoy. The texture of it was really nice, but the tint was almost non-existent. I would like to try the Bene-tint shade.

12. Benefit Coralista Blush:
I LOOOOOVE this blush! It is the perfect summer coral with a beautiful sheen. I have already purchased another!

13. Benefit Porefessional:
This is my favorite primer! It leaves my face looking poreless and feeling silky. It provides a great base for my foundation or BB cream! I have another sample to work through.

14. Tarte Smooth Operator Finishing Powder:
This took me a long time to use up. A little goes a long way! It did a great job setting my foundation. I really liked it! I may buy the full-size after I finish a few other samples that I have.

Foil Samples & Other:


1. Quo Konjac Sponge:
I really enjoyed using this. It was my first time using a konjac sponge and I found it really nice on my face. After a while, I did find that it started to break me out and tried to do the microwave cleansing trick, but I don't think it really worked. I would repurchase this again.

2. Montagne Jeunesse Passion Peel Off Mask:
This was a fun mask, it smelled delicious and peeled off nicely.It made my skin feel very clean. I would buy another.

3. Dead Sea Sheet Mask:
These are very saturated! They feel nice on the face and have kind of a cooling effect. I bought a multi-pack on clearance at Winners and would buy them again.

4. Eve Lom Cleanser:
This was a very thick, balm like cleanser. It did a great job of cleansing my face, but had an off-putting scent. Not something I would buy the full size of. 

5. Nivea in Shower Body Wash:
This was an intriguing product. I expected to really like it but I found that it made the tub really slippery and didn't really moisturize my skin enough to skip the after shower lotion. I wouldn't buy the full size.

Friday, July 24, 2015

July TopBox 2015

July's Topbox is here!


Here's what was inside:

  • A FULL SIZE Ofra Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil - $13.00
  • A FULL SIZE Seche Vite Top Coat - $9.95
  • A 30mL Sample of St. Tropez Everyday Body Gradual Tan in Medium/Dark - $4.50
  • A 1.5 Sample of Bare Mineral Lash Domination Voluming Mascara - $2.70
TOTAL VALUE: $30.15

I am quite happy with this month's box! It is a nice variety! The eyebrow pencil says it's universal, but I think it will be too dark for my light brows. I am so happy to have gotten Seche Vite! It is my favorite top coat and I am about half way done of the one I have now! I am interested to use the self tanning cream, but a bit scared as it is medium/dark and I am fair. The mascara sample is TINY, but I will definitely use it! All in all, no major complaints! A good month!

SAVE 30% AT OFRA WITH THE CODE "topbox".

I contacted Holt Renfrew and they sent me the nail file from last month! So nice of them! I also contacted Fruits & Passion and didn't hear back from them....strange...



July BirchBox 2015

This month's BirchBox came and I was actually quite impressed this month. 


This month's box included:


  • A 40mL sample of Gilchrist & Soames Spa Body Lotion in Relaxing Sea Fennel
  • A 30mL sample of Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo
  • A pair of Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
  • A 0.8g sample of The Balm Balm Desert Blush/Bronzer
  • A 20mL sample of Vasanti Detox Nutrient-Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser

Apparently this month's box was a collaboration with Best Health....I'm not sure who they are as I have never heard of them before. Overall, I found this month to have a much better variety than previous months. I know that there is another body wash and shampoo, but I am happy about the sizes of them and that it is a clarifying shampoo! I am also excited to have received a sample of the Balm Desert! The Balm is not easy to get where I am from, so I love getting the samples to try! The Vasanti face wash smells nice and is a nice size for travel. Eye gels are always something fun to get that I would never buy myself. Overall, a much better month this month! Good work BirchBox!

June 2015 Birchbox Canada

This month, we were all supposed to receive an Eyeko liquid liner, but Birchbox ate their words very quickly after they were "held up in customs". They then promised a great make-up sample in each box (mine is not great by any means haha), plus two products selected by someone who I have never heard of.....Anyways, here is what was inside my Birchbox this month.

  • Beauty Protector Body Cleanser 
  • Cynthia Rowley Creamy Lip Stain in Poppy (I seem to have lost this by the time I took the pic)
  • Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer 
  • PARLOR Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray 
  • Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel 
  • Pura Vida Lace Headband with Charm 
PROS:
  • I'm excited to try the Beauty Protector body cleanser, it smells just like the hair product that I received (and used up) in my first Birchbox. 
  • I am interested in the 3-minute peel. I'm new to peels and think it's a unique item to receive in a beauty box.
  • The Naobay cream smells quite nice and though, kind of boring, it will be something that I use.
CONS:
  • The lip stain is so small and not a colour that I use.
  • The headband is very tight and not really something that I wear often...maybe I'll use it while I wash my face....
  • I have so many sea salt sprays and hardly use them.
So overall, another Birchbox, another miss. I've been hoping that Birchbox would step up their game, but I continue to be underwhelmed....

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

June TopBox 2015

Let's just start with WOW!

This month's TopBox was amazing!....Not only was this month's box amazing, but I was one of the 500 women selected to test out 3 FULL SIZE Vichy products! Let's take a peek!


This month's box included:
  • A FULL SIZE Physicians Formula Argan Wear Bronzer in Light Bronzer - $20.00
  • A FULL Size China Glaze Nail Polish in Laced Up - $10.00
  • A 30mL Sample of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - $6.61
  • A FULL SIZE Fruits & Passion Cucumber Sheet Mask - $2.50
  • A Coupon for a FREE Eye, Nose, Lip or Ant-Imperfection Targeted Solution from Fruits & Passion - $2.50
  • A Coupon for a FREE Deborah Lippmann Smooth operator Nail File from Holt Renfrew - $15.00
TOTAL VALUE OF THIS MONTH'S TOPBOX: $39.11+

So, the box alone is a hit! I am excited to see different brands and a variety of product types! I haven't tried anything from Physicians Formula before and am excited to use this bronzer this summer! I am also happy that I got the shade Light Bronzer for my fair skin. The China Glaze is a nice colour, so that'll be good. I am exited to try something from Paula's Choice, I have heard a lot about this brand and have been wanting to try some of their products. Lastly, who doesn't love a sheet mask?! I hope it smells like cucumbers! A great box this month! Way to go TopBox!

....And if that wasn't enough, let's check out inside my "Vichy Works For Me" Experience box:


  • A FULL SIZE Vichy Idélia Skin Sleep Recovery Night Gel-Balm - $52.00
  • A FULL SIZE Vichy Idélia Eyes Eye Contour Idealizer Care - $39.50
  • A FULL SIZE Vichy Idélia Life Serum Skin Idealizer Serum - $59.00
TOTAL VALUE OF THE VICHY BONUS KIT: $150.50

Again, WOW! These products are all full size and seem to suit my skin type. I am so excited to try them out when I am finished using the products in my current skincare routine. Amazing! Thank you Vichy, LouLou & TopBox for sending me these products. I can't wait to test them out!