June 2016 Topbox review!

Hi!
I hope that everyone is enjoying the summer and that it is not too humid in your area!
The weather here (Ottawa,Canada) has been quite hot and sunny-you can get a sunburn very easily.
If you wear sandals, remember to put sunscreen on the top of your feet,as they can burn quite easily too.

By now I have used to products in my June Topbox several times and thought the items sent are a good choice for summer.
One small annoyance is that I did not get a product info card and had to look up all the products-and some of the sites were making it hard to locate the correct product.

This month my Topbox came in a lovely metallic padded envelope.

Chic and festive envelope

Inside the envelope the contents of my bag were presented in a mesh bag.
I find these bags are quite useful- you can use them to wash small items in your clothes washer or just to organize your items.

My samples were packaged like this!

The contents of my June 2016 Topbox:

June 2016 Topbox!

Academie Beaute: moisturizing cream. Sample size 15ml, value $20/full size product 50ml, $60.
The Academie Beaute had a ton of products on their website and it was hard to locate this exact product.
The moisturizer is nice and light-like a gel and I think it would be good for summer as it is not a heavy-feeling product.
There is a light floral, kind of cosmetic scent to this cream. The brand is also made in France and seems to have very good quality skincare.
The only minus is that there is no sunscreen or SPF in this product,so you should use something with sunscreen if you are out during the day.

ORG SKINCARE: Mineral Peel Face: Sample size 5ml, value $5.00/full size 59ml, $44.I have never heard of this brand before and that it is a peel you use before doing your makeup in the morning.
Most other peels I have tried ,I use them at night-so this is quite a unique sounding product.
The instructions tell you to spray this on your face and leave it on for 3 seconds, use your fingertips in a circular motion to exfoliate, rinse with warm water, Repeat if desired.

I tried this and the peel, much to my surprise was not harsh at all.
My skin did feel and look much smoother and that was quite impressive.
What I did not like was that my cheeks felt a bit rough and had some kind of tiny bumps all over.

Each time I used the peel, it was the same thing-you could not really see the texture,but it was very noticeable to me.
Now that I used up the sample and am back to my usual peel (Exuviance 20%),the skin on my cheeks feels "normal" again.
The brand ORG SKINCARE is also based in Korea-the sample did not state this, but looking online.
Overall I did like this product,but undecided if I will purchase it.


Morgan Taylor: Professional Nail Laquer. Full size product 15ml, value $15
The shade I was sent is Postcards From Paris.
The laquer is made in the United States,so that is a plus.
The colour of the polish is a light turquoise with a bit of mint green. I think this would look really nice with a tan.
The bottle also feels expensive and not cheap looking. This would actually make a nice gift if you know someone who uses a lot of nail polish.

*I tried this polish on one finger with no base coat and no top coat and it chipped after one day.
If you use a topcoat,it should be more durable.

Second finger from left is Morgan Taylor lacquer

The second finger from the left is the Morgan Taylor lacquer,I only put on one coat and it chipped a bit the same day.
My other green polish-that is an Asian brand and that was on my nails 5 days with a topcoat.


Amika: Perk Up Dry Shampoo: travel size 21.3g, value $15 aprox.
It was hard to find this size for sale online in Canada.
I was pleased to try more products from this line-I did not know they had so many new products now.
Quite a while ago I tried their hair oil and really liked it.
The dry shampoo was easy to use and did refresh my hair. I would buy this product in the future.
Also the packaging looks very nice and colourful!

Final Thoughts:

The value of this box was quite good and was $60.
I like how there was some products for hair, skin and nails,but it would be nice to see some more face creams with sunscreen considering how sunny it is during the summer.
The only issue I have is that I seem to get quite a few nail polishes in the green family- light green, dark green, bluish green.

If you receive a Topbox, how were your selections this month?

Topbox.ca Feb 2012 edition! What was received.

My Topbox came in the mail today!
What a nice Valentine's day surprise. I was not expecting my box until next week at least.
If you are not familiar with Topbox, it is a monthly beauty subscription service that is available to Canadians.
Topbox.ca costs $10 a month and you get 5 deluxe and sometimes full size samples of "luxury" cosmetics.
Right now there is a waiting list for Topbox until June? or for quite a few months, as far as I know.
I signed up right when the company started, so this is my fourth Topbox!

What did I receive this month?

Topbox.ca Feb 2012 contents!

*Yves St Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils - travel size (3ml/.11oz) in a black shade.
I have not tried this mascara yet, but usually YSL products are very high quality and quite costly too.

**Update**
I did have the chance to try the YSL mascara last night and it is great! The mascara gave thge very full loking lashes that were almost a "fake lash look" :)
Now, I naturally have very long lashes, but they are blonde and do not show up very well without mascara.
In the past few weeks though I had been trying some natural mascara and did not have the same amount of curl and volume!
Also, I did get a few compliments on my eyes from a few people (one of them being a certain admirer, who I did not expect to notice...).
I think I might just have to add this product to my shopping list!

*Along with the mascara came a small one use sample card of the legendary Touche Eclat highlighter.
It is nice to be able to try this product once at least- stores do not always have sample cards to give out and this product can be hard to find.
I used to buy Touche Eclat a few years ago and it is amazing for under eye circles and making you look refreshed and awake.
The downside is the cost and small size of the actual product. Another "issue" was that it was always sold out every time I wanted to buy another Touche Eclat at the store.
At the moment cost is an issue with me buying this product again- but if you have the extra funds and want to splurge it is a very lovely product!

*C Booth Derma 24 Collagen Elastin Restorative Hand & Nail Treatment (full size 120ml tube/ $16 value).
I had never heard of this brand before, so it is nice to try new things!
The hand cream is not too thick or thin and has a good consistency. There is also not too much scent, so it should not distract too much if you use it during the day.
To me the scent reminds me of a clean bar of soap, but the back of the tube states that it is supposed to be a "soft citrus scent".
I still think it smells somewhat flowery and soapy. Usually I do not use hand creams with fragrance,but will give this a try when my skin settles down. My hands get very irritated during the winter, so I try and use fragrance free items more.
But trying this on the back of one hand the cream does moisturize well and absorbs very well, leaving your hands very soft.

*Pari Beauty Eyeshadow: 2 full size products ($11 value ea/ 2g).
Another brand I have never heard of before!
I enjoy trying new eyeshadow, but these are not colours I would have chosen for myself. Hopefully they will work out.
The eyeshadows do not have names, but there is a code on the back of the product and on the outside packaging. The first shade ES 18 is a light pink shimmery shadow, more of a pearl finish. (I will swatch it during the daytime and update here). The eyeshadow does go on smoothly on my hand- so I will be using this product!
The second eyeshadow is a royal purple looking shade and seems quite bright in the container. It is listed as ES 74.
The purple eyeshadow is also a pearl finish. It is not as pigmented as I expected and is more a sheer shimmery look. I was more expecting a very bright finish (as I am used to mineral makeup and the MUFE line that is very pigmented).
I think these eyeshadows would be very easy to use compared to some very bright pigments I have seen,but I still prefer mineral makeup at the moment.

*The last sample that was in the Topbox was two packets of Lilly Pilly Kakadu Plum hand and body creme.
This brand is fairly new to me as it was in the last Topbox. The packets are 3ml each and should be good for one use. I am saving them for a bit later. But I did like the tube of Lilly Pilly Tea Tree oil lotion from the earlier Topbox, so am sure this is just as good!
Lilly Pilly products also happen to be made in Australia- so that is pretty exotic too!!!

My thoughts on the Feb 2012 Topbox?

Overall it is a decent box, but I am not that exited about anything in it.
I was really hoping for a nail polish or nail product and maybe a body scrub.
The mascara is nice and will get used. I do not use mascara that often- maybe twice a week at the moment.
Hand cream is always useful to have as I do not usually buy a specific product for the hands (I do buy foot creams though).
The eye shadows are nice- not something I would have picked up.
But I guess that does seem to be the purpose of the box- to try items you would have never heard of or thought to pick up at the store. So for that aspect I am pleased.
For $10 a month it is still worth it to me. I also find that since subscribing to a few monthly beauty boxes (I) never stop at the mall or look at too many other stores wanting to buy new products. In a way I am saying quite a lot of money and time by doing this!

Topbox.ca Feb 2012 pic #2

Have you tried any of these items I received in the Topbox? I'd be curious to know what you think!

Topbox December 2011 Edition!

My December Topbox was received just as I was going on holidays, so did not get around to posting about it.
So far I am still very pleased with the items that were sent and they are all things I have never tried!
There was two full size items in the "box" (more like a fancy mailing tube) and two decent sample size items.
Here is what I received in the December edition of Topbox- as far as I know everyone gets the same items.

*Cargo Cosmetics full size lipgloss with timestrip technology. (value $25)
-The insert on the box says it is the Blu_ray version, but my packaging does not say this.
Mine says "Classic lip gloss" and is the shade Luxor.
I have not tried it yet as I can not use any lip gloss for another week or two!

*Bella Pella glycerine soap in Marula and Neroli (full size 125 grams $7.95).
I have never heard of this brand before and was speaking to my mother about this company and it turns out she bought some gifts there this year and they also make a lovely bar to wash your dog apparently!
I have not yet tried the soap, but it will be the next one I open from my big collection!
The soap looks almost too pretty to use (I did say almost.....)

*Cover FX Skinprep primer (sample tube 7ml./.full size is 30ml $45)
-The primer went on very nicely and my makeup did look nicer and last longer than usual.
The price is ok compared to my usual primer (DHC velver skin coat costs $20 for 15ml).
I will most likely buy this once I run out of other primers.

*Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 gel (sample vial 5ml/full size 30ml $78).
This product is great for very dry winter skin and helps the skin retain moisture. Also makes lines look more filled in as the gel draws water to your skin.
This product is great, but on the high end of pricing for me right now. If you have the extra funds it is nice, but I am using a similar product from another brand that is just as good (or almost as good).

Overall very pleased with the items I received and will enjoy using them.
I also hope to stop by the Bella Pella store next time I am in Montreal!

Topbox.ca December selection!

Topbox.ca new beauty box service! November box!

I am quite a fan of these beauty box services where you receive some full size and sample items every month.
When I heard there was a new company starting up in Canada I had to sign up!
Topbox.ca is $10 a month and you get 4 or 5 deluxe samples or sometimes full size products.
So far I have gotten the November box and the December edition!
Since the company is quite new they have a limited sign up period and are not taking any new registrations for now, but from what I read you might be able to sign up in Febuary.

The items I received in my first Topbox were:

*Cake Velveteen hand cream in It's a Slice (full size 3.4oz) $18
-It is nice on the hands and a lovely orange vanilla cake batter type scent!

*Deborah Lippman nail laquer in Some Enchanted Evening (full size 15ml $20)
-I tried the polish by itself and it had a nice sparkly festive look. Would also look nice over another nail polish.

*Dr Brandt Time Arrest Eye serum (sample tube 2.5ml)
-This is a kind of eye gel/serum/light cream. It absorbs well and did not irritate my skin at all. My skin was moisturized well all day and it is winter here.
The full size is quite pricy at $85 for 15ml. If I was not on a budget and did not have some emergency home renovations,I would be tempted to buy this product.

*Stila: was supposed to get the lip glaze but they ran out and subsituted the tinted moisturizer.
It is a small tube of 5ml (I think). Haven't gotten around to trying it yet as I have so many face items open right now.

Overall I am very pleased with the Topbox service and plan to continue with it!

Topbox.ca November 2011 edition!

Also, almost forgot that there was a sample of the Benefit toner included as there was some shipping issues and it was to make up for that.
Have you signed up for Topox yet or any other of the beauty sample services in Canada?
If there are any special codes or offers I will be sure to post them here!

Test Tube August 2011 New Beauty loot!

Finally!!!
My quarterly edition of New Beauty Magazine's Test Tube has arrived!
Here is a list of what I received in my tube:

*Mally Evercolor Starlight waterproof eyeliner in "Midnight". full size $15 (it is a dark black shade).
*Lashfood lash conditioner 1.5ml (full size 8ml =$120.00).
*L'Oreal Elnett hairspray 312g can $14.99 full size.
*Orlane Hydro-mattifying care 3.5ml (full size 50ml=$88.00).
*Dr. Brandt Vacum Cleaner 7.5ml (full size 30ml= $45.00).
*Sparitual Handprint Serum 7.4ml (full size 120ml $60).
*YBF lipliner in "Posing Plum" (full size $8.00).
*Macadamia - Healing oil treatment 30ml (value $15), Deep repair masque 30ml.

There was also an issue of the latest New Beauty magazine!
The magazine is always interesting with a lot of timely scientific articles on the latest cosmetic surgeries.
I also enjoy seeing the before and after photos of celebrities and "regular people".
In Canada you can pick up this magazine at Chapters and at Shoppers Drug Mart!
A bit on the pricey side, but worth reading.

I will be uploading some pics as soon as my slow computer downloads them off my camera!

Aug 2011 Test Tube still packaged!

Aug 2011 Test Tube: another view!

I will be posting reviews of each product as I get around to trying them.
So far I have tried the Mally waterproof eyeliner. The eyeliner is a very dark black shade and goes on very smoothly. After a minute or two it seems to set and has a lot of staying power. I put some on my hand and washed it at least 4 times and the eyeliner did not budge!
Another nice thing is that it is made in Germany.

More reviews to come.......

My Pretty Pink Box August 2010 loot!

I received this box at the beginning of September and am overall pleased with the contents..exept for one sample that is (but more on that soon).
This was not my favorite box so far, the contents were allright and one sample I was hoping to try was unuseable.
Here is a list of what was received in the August 2010 MPBB:

*Cherry City Bath and Body perfume oil in Wattermellon (sample seems small,but the perfume oils are very concentrated and you need a very tiny amount).
*Mark Lipclick samples x3 single use cards
*Jesse's Girl Tatoo pen in Black (a liquid eye liner with a felt tip,nice quality. Pen is made in Belgium)
*Jesse's Girl Design Time eye shadow in Rip Tide (have not used yet, looks neat)
*The Body Needs: full size eye shadow in Belladonna, 6 sample baggies of mineral eye makeup,transparent finishing powder.

And now finally the sample that was unuseable for me was Cosminology Beam Me Off Acne Buster.
The sample packaging looked nice (it was a black zip top baggie, with a nice label stuck on).
Unfortunately there was a staple through part of the baggie and that might have let some air in and dried the single use pad.
The pad that was inside the sample baggie was quite dry and I was really unable to tell if the product would work for me. Hopefully Cosminology will improve this sample as the line looks like it is a good quality product.

Overall, I have to say I did like the samples in this month's box and did order the September version.
You can still order the September 2010 box at:

http://myprettypinkbox.com/order.htm

My Pretty Pink Box July 2010 loot!

I've been pretty behind in reviewing the MPPB shipments and will make sure to change that in the future.
The MPPB is a cute mystery box of full size and sample products from new and established brands that shows up monthly in a cute pink (and now blue) box!

Here is what was received in the July 2010 edition of the box:

*Sweet Libertine mineral makeup samples
*Moi Minerals blush sample
*Wonder Curl hair gel 2oz jar
*NYX eye shaddow in Cherry
*Derma Pro skin care sample packets x5 (2 cleanser, 1 scrub, 2 Gel Tox)
*Jesse's Girl Liquid Glass lipgloss in Coy
*Mark Samples

Overall pleased with the assortment I received. So far I have tried the Wonder Curl hair jel and found that nice,no strong scent and a light hold for my curly hair.
The Derma Pro products I really do like..and my beef is that it has been the same samples I have gotten the last 4 times. (I do like the Derma Pro line..but would like to see some variety in the samples offered).
Nyx eye shaddow is a bit of a bright shade and I'm not too sure how I will use that yet-for eye liner maybe?
Not too sure how to really use red eye makeup yet....
The MPPB sells for around $10 and shipping is around $5 extra to Canada.
Shipping to Canada seems to take 3-5 weeks thesedays (kind of wish it was a bit faster).

For this month's box I think the value is fair and I get to try quite a few items that are new to me!
I have the August box here that I bought and will be reviewing that soon!

Be fine Peel Off Mask: refreshing and fun to use!

This mask was in one of the Test Tubes I received a while back from their sampling program.
I thought today would be a good time to review this as I have not used any masks for the past week.
The mask is one you apply to clean skin and let dry before peeling off to reveal clearer skin.
The texture of the mask was kind of thick and sticky as expected and there was no noticeable scent.
On the back of the tube there was a warning not to use this near open flames or while smoking.
Guessing this contains alcohol or another flamable ingredient.
The tube I have here does not have the ingredients on it,as those are found on the actual packaging of the full retail product.

While applying the mask,it does feel cool and refreshing on your face. It takes at least 5 to 10 minutes to dry and then you are able to peel this off quite easily.
My pores looked much smaller and cleaner after using this and I think this would be great to use before going out as your skin looks clean and refreshed!
I usually have sensitive skin and using some masks sometimes leaves my skin a bit irritated and displeased.
There were no issues with my using this product and it is recommended for all skin types.
You can purchase this mask at many online sources and Ulta carries some of the line as well.

Nisim F.A.S.T. Shampoo and Conditioner review.

I recently was able to try 2 samples of this shampoo and have liked them enough to write up a review on the F.A.S.T. line of products.
The shampoo and conditioner contain amino acids and vitamins that strengthen your hair and are supposed to help your hair grow longer.
I found the shampoo foamed up well and left my hair feeling very clean and refreshed.
The conditioner left my hair very soft and in good condition. It was nice that the conditioner did not weigh down my curly hair.
Overall I liked the F.A.S.T. shampoo and conditioner (and have not tried any of their other items yet).
I only had enough of the product to use for 2 days, so did not see a big difference in my hair. If it helps Nisim has a money back guarantee on everything they sell!