Glymm Bag August 2012 review!

Hopefully by now most people have heard about the Glymm beauty subscription?

If not it is a monthly subscription- much like a magazine, but instead you receive deluxe cosmetic samples.

The cost per month is currently $12.

So far I am enjoying this service and like trying different new products that I have never heard of!

My only peeve with Glymm is I have had enough already with the cosmetic bags- please send something  USEFUL  like a nylon bag for groceries or produce- something to change it up a bit.

Now on to the items for August 2012:

August 2012 Glymm Bag!

*Vitamine & Sea Mineral Clay Mask (sample jar 10grams?,value $3.00/ full size 210ml, value $62)

This was a fairly small sample size. I had enough to try out on two or three small spots on my face.

The Glymm description stated the mask is made with mud from the dead sea.

The mask has a thick texture in the jar and is more a dark green shade. I also noticed there was quite a seaweed smell or maybe more a outdoors mud smell to this mask.

Not the most pleasant,but not that great either. If you enjoy clay masks then this is for you!
The actual retail product is quite big and seems like it would last a very long time compared to the small sample.

*Naked Princess Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss (sample size mini tube 0.008oz or 0.25g, value $2.20/ full size 2.96ml, value $26.00)

This lip gloss came in a cute doll size applicator (it seems, super tiny).

The lip gloss did not have a taste, but did have a very nice wet look shine and was also not sticky.

The colour Barely Coco is a very natural looking pinkish brown once put on and I'm sure would be flattering to all skin tones.

The Glymm website states that this lipgloss has a healthier formula and has gentle lip plumpers.

I did not notice any lip plumping with this product.

The gloss was still enjoyable to use though

*Bentaberry: G-1 moisturizing Face cream for boys and girls - Regulating line (3ml sample tube,value $2.20/full size tube 30ml, value $22.00)
I am not very familiar with this line and have not yet tried this product.
The cream is supposed to contain many natual ingredients and mattifies the skin and has a scent formulated by a "famous perfumer".
Personally I prefer unscented face products-if you get headaches sometimes you do not really feel like using scented face products.
I think I will try out this cream today and report back later.....

*Mai Couture Blush Papier: PRETTYFUL shade. (sample size 2 sheets, value $1.00/full product 50 sheets,value $19-26.00).
The concept behind these blushing papers is that it is a modern and convenient way to apply blush on the go!!!
The papers are quite thin and it was a bit hard to just get one sheet out of the sample package.
But the sample presenation was very pretty and nicely executed.
The sheet size is 1.97inx2.6, as stated on the back of the package.
The blush was a very light color and I could see more shimmer than pink on myself (I already have very pink cheeks,lol).
The shimmer did make me look a bit more awake though and is kind of a shimmery pink.
Overall I did enjoy using this sample and hope to see the other items in this line in person before buying anything.

Cocolilly Nail Enamel in PROVOCATIVE #3
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*Cocolilly Nail Enamel in Provocative #3 (full size item, value $12.00).

I really like getting nail polish in the cosmetic boxes as I get to try brands and colors I would never think of picking up at the store.

Bright neon pink is not something I would pick up at the store or salon to put on my nails. The brightest I did this year was a neon orange that was still quite dark (Mavala Nice).

But since it is summer and the weekend I can try this out,this would not be a appropriate choice if you work in an office or a bank. Better for weekends and vacations.

The quality of the polish is very good and I just applied 2 thin coats  with no base coat and a Sally Hansen quick dry topcoat and this lasted 4 days with no chipping!

The polish has quite a lot of shine and a nice finish.

The Glymm website states that there are 5 shades of pink in this collection. This is not a brand I have heard of before either.

From the Glymm website:

"Coccolily’s favorite color is pink and so designer, Naana Tennachie Yankey created five different shades of pink for you."

Overall thoughts on the Glymm August 2012 bag?

So far I have enjoyed trying all the samples and feel the value is fair this month (I only paid $10.00).
Total value of the samples received is $20.50.
I did find quite a few of the samples are very small,but the nail polish does make up for that.
Now I wish these was a way to let Glymm know I like more muted colours (I am in my 30's.....have to save this for the weekend).
My other peeve is the continuous cosmetic bags.....enough already.
Maybe give members the option of either a bag for those that really want to collect them and the other people get a 5th sample??
Or change up the containers like a lunch bag one month,produce bag the next, reusable food bags even? Like a "ziplock" back but made of nylon for your crackers??

What did you think of this month's selections?
How do you feel getting so many cosmetic bags.
I'm going to send this post to Glymm and want to know what their response will be!

Glymm bag July 2012 contents!

I'm finally getting around to posting the contents of my July 2012 Glymm bag!!
Out of the four items I received I am only familiar with one of the brands listed- the Joico K-Pak hair mask!
I used to use a lot more Joico when I swam a lot, their products are very good!

Everything I received came in a nice nylon orange cosmetic bag. The bag matches the previous two that were sent. I really hope Glymm will switch it up and maybe send some eco-friendly shop tote-I do not need a million cosmetic bags and am running out of people to give them to...

Here are the samples I received for July 2012:

*Cyberderm H20 Hydration (5ml sample "syringe", value $6.00/full size 50ml $60.00)
I am guessing at the size of this item. It came in a syringe type container-def a different presentation.
Have not tried this yet....

*Cyberderm PM Anti-Age (5ml sample "syringe"/full size 50ml value $12.00)
Have not tried this yet. The product came in a cute presentation box with the H2O Hydration!

**One funny thing I did notice was they call themselves "the sunscreen company" and mention sunscreen on the packaging- yet there is no sunscreen in these products.
I did see on the Glymm website that Cycber Derm does make sunscreen and hope to try them out in the future.

*Mane Teeze Social Butterfly hair perfume (8ml spray, value $6.00/full size 50ml, $34.00)
This hair perfume has quite a strong scent. It smells a bit tropical and vanilla like- almost reminds me of the tanning salons friends frequent.
I do not like how there is alcohol listed in the product.
My sister also tried this and found the scent too strong to her liking and mentioned it felt like alcohol on her scalp- this was without reading the label even....
This will probably be used to freshen up after going out or after my dance class if I am going somewhere and can not get to a shower.
There are other scents available,but the Mane Teeze website does not even describe them??
So I can not even know if I would like their other scents.

*Mereadesso Beautiful Body Balm (30ml tube, value $8.00/full size 200ml, $54.00).
Have not yet tried this out.

*Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment (50ml tube, value $8.00/full size 150ml tube, $24.95)
You can also find the Joico line for sale at Spaboutique.ca
My aunt buys skincare from their site and is pleased with the service.
I also see that Joico has a body line with body wash,butter and more.

I will be updating this post later during the week once I have the chance to try out my many new cosmetic samples. There is a lot to sample as I have four subscriptions at the moment!

Cyber Derm samples!

Glymm July 2012 contents!

Are you a Glymm member? Or have you tried out these products?

I would love to know your thoughts on these items...
*Before I forget, there was a 25% off nail polish coupon from Glymm. Very tempted to add to my nail polish collection!

GLOSSYBOX June 2012 contents...more Drugstore than Dept store?

I received my Glossybox a few weeks ago and have been very behind in all my reviews.
My main computer stopped working and injury lead to almost no typing.
The contents of the box are good overall,but I do feel that Glossybox (in Canada at least) is not really living up to the promise of "high end samples" and lately has been more drugstore items.
Usually I do not mind drugstore items- it is just Glossybox should maybe rephrase it's mission statement?
It is still a good value and I have been getting my money's worth,so will stay subscribed for now!

Here is a list of what I received for June 2012:

*Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser (200ml full size product, value $9.99)
-Have not tried this yet-will update soon!

*Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen lotion (14ml tube, full size is 88ml $15.99)
This is a nice purse size and I do like this product.
But I did get this same sample free from the Neutrogena anniversary promotion-so do not really consider this a "deluxe sample".

*Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz (150ml full size, value $16.99)
Usually I like all Wella styling products I have tried so far,but have never tried any of these ocean type hair sprays that have been popular for a while.
Will update once I try this out late in the week.

*Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex (7ml tube value $5 , full size is 50ml $30.99) not
This is a nice light serum. Have not used it long enough to report any results.
I have at least 3 samples of this from other boxes,so am able to properly test this out.

*Covergirl Flipstick Blendable lip duo in 855 Minx (full size 3.8gr $12.50)
This is a neat idea,but not exactly a shade I would have liked.
Generally I do not wear dark lip makeup and stick to pinks and nudes.
Minx is more a dark brown and copper shade. I do like the copper end of the lipstick better.
But it is a neat idea,as you can customize your lip makeup on the go.
Since I have "wasting" makeup I am going to use this over my lipbalms that have sunscreen to get a more sheer look!
I might be tempted to check out the other shades in this line next time I am at the drugstore!

*Gilette Venus Embrace Razor (one razor and cartrige- value $13.43)
The packaging stated that this has 5 blades and is Venus' closest shave.
I have not tried this specific razor,but all the multiple blade Gillette products I have tried are great,so I'm sure this is a good product!

*Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strip (1 strip, value $1.50/full size box is 8 strips and $10.00)
I've tried samples of this before and it is ok. I do not like how hard the product feels once it is dry on your skin. Will most likely give this to a friend as my pores are already very clean from using a weekly face mask.

Theme for June 2012

Glossybox list of contents June 2012

Contents of June 2012 Glossybox!!

If you have tried any of these products or subscribe to Glossybox I would love to know what your thoughts are on these products are service?

So far I am having fun trying products I would not usually pick up for myself. As long as the value is decent I will stay signed up!

Topbox content for July 2012.

My posts for the cosmetic boxes I've signed up for are all somewhat late in being posted.
Between a computer that completely stopped working and refuses to turn on and a hand injury preventing me from typing-I am behind on everything that I usually do.

In the July 2012 Topbox the items that were received were:

*China Glaze nail laquer in  BLUE SPARROW (neon).
   This was a full size item (14ml) and sells for $10-12 at professional nail salons.
   The product cards stated that this was a "personalized shade" and I find that kind of hard to believe- being in my 30's  I would not be choosing a bright blue nail polish. Not a good look for job hunting or if you work in an office.
So far I have tried the China Glaze polish a few times- it does not seem to wear very well on my nails.
I tried using a Essie base coat and matte top coat and that did make my polish last 3 days tops without chipping.
Also tried just a base coat and no top coat and after not even a day my polish was chipped.
One very different characteristic I noticed of this polish is that it dries with a matte look. Not really something I expected. But still a interesting and different look.
Overall the China Glaze polish seems decent and I will probably pick up another one just to see if the quality is better.    
*Nume Style Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo.
  This shampoo sample came in a tube that is 20ml, the full size of the product is 250ml and sells for $24.99)

  The value for the shampoo is around $3.

*Finally got around to trying  the Nume shampoo!
The shampoo is quite liquid an d a translucent pearly kind of colour. There was some foam- not tons,but washing my hair a second time there was more foam.
My hair was nicely untangled just from the shampoo,but I still need some conditioner. I did get a sample tube of the Nume conditioner a few months ago from a sample service.
My only issue is that it would have been nice to try BOTH  shampoo and conditioner together to see how they work. If this brand had a travel kit with small sizes I would love to get my hands on one!

**With the Topbox there was also a $100 coupon for the NuMe hair appliances.
I see those coupons everywhere and already own professional hair tools..so it would have to be a great sale to get me to consider more styling tools.

*Pure+Simple : Calming Cucumber Mask
  The mask came in a 20ml pump bottle and the full size of the mask is a 50ml jar.

   The value for this mask is around $12.50.
   Usually I do not go for moisturizing masks, but this one is very lovely!
   I really like how it can be used for sensitive skin and the website also says you can use it as a overnight mask and a eye treatment!
The mask has a gel texture and a very light cucumber smell that disapears a bit too quickly (for my liking).
I thought this mask was great for releiving sunburn and dry summer skin and plan on purchasing the full size of this item.
The only thing I did not like is the sample comes in a great pump bottle,but then the actual product is in a jar.
I like the pump bottle better as it seems more hygienic and keeps the product fresher.

*Sampar Essentials Ultra Hydrating Fluid.
  This face cream sample came in a foil packet that was 2ml of product. I received 2 of the packets so it is worth $6.40.

The full size of the cream is 50ml and sells for $80.
I have heard of this brand but not tried any of their line yet.

Product Info July 2012

Product Info July 2012

Topbox selections for July 2012

China Glaze Nail Lacquer!

Overall I am pleased with the Topbox for July 2012.

Will add more text later today........

Topbox June 2012 contents and review!

Just received my June 2012 Topbox beauty subscription, and as usually another great set of samples!
This has to be one of my favorite sample subscrptions in Canada at the moment!
I have not had the chance to try anything yet,but will post the contents for now.

June 2012 Topbox contents:

* Get Creamed Body : Nacked Decadence Salon Hair wash. (60ml bottle, full size 240ml $22.00/ value $6.00).
I recently heard of this brand on a natural products website,but am not familiar with the brand at all.
The hair wash seems like it would be very gentle on all hair types. I will try it later today.

*Bread & Butter skincare face cleanser. (90ml tube, full size. only sells in 3pc kit for $35).
I have heard of this brand before,but never tried it.
It is nice to get full size products to try out. Would be nicer if you could just order the face wash separately from the other items,but still $35 is a good price for 3 skincare items.

*Stila Forever Your Curl Mascara (3.5ml tube, full size 7ml and $25).
I have not tried this yet- I have 3 mascaras open already!

*Pari Beauty Precious Glow :eye base and highlighter (4ml tube?, full size 10ml $15).
So far I like all the Pari Beauty products I've tried.
For an eye primer this does sound good. Usually I have a preferred eye primer that goes on clear and moisturizes (Mavala Eye Base).
But I am always curious to try new eye makeup products!
The applicator in the tube is like the "doe foot" kind of sponges that lip gloss containers usually have.
Applying this to my hand I expected more beige shimmer,but this blends in quite well and has a very subtle shimmer look!

As a bonus there was also two deluxe samples of drugstore items- Simple eye makeup remover and Garnier BB Cream x 3 sample packets.
I received the Simple eye makeup remover in my last Glossybox and did like the product- so do not mind another one!
The Garnier BB cream I am very curious to try and 3 sample packets is a good trial. I might be able to get more than one use out of each packet...so will have to see!

Overall impression of the June 2012 Topbox?

Quite pleased with the contents and look forwards to trying everything.
I will update this as I get around to trying all the samples!

Topbox June 2012 contents!

Bonus drugstore items!

Product info:

More product info:

Glymm bag June 2012!

My monthly Glymm sample bag showed up a few days ago and there have been quite a few interesting changes with their format lately.
Now the service is still monthly- but costs $12 per month. Your items come in a cosmetic bag instead of a cardboard box and you have to go online to look up the product info.
The only annoyance so far is having to go online to look up every item received and how to use it.
Also, I am not so sure I need a new cosmetic bag every month- hopefully Glymm will find some other kind of useful container they can use (lunch bag,mesh grocery bag,packable nylon tote (like the cheap Yves rocher kind that is great).

Now on to the items I received:

This month the Glymm cosmetic bag is a nice blue nylon material!
Inside the bag was:

* La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover Wipes x2 (reg size 18 packets $9.99 /Value $1.00)
I have not had a chance to try these yet. I am only doing my nails next week...so hopefully this stands up to my bright nail polish!

* Vitamine & Sea : Perfect Skin Solution Serum (2ml vial on sample card/ Full size 45ml $68.00/ Value aprox $2.00)
Again, have not yet tried this item.
But I do like the way it is packaged on a sample card with all the ingredients and where the product is made.
I really hate it when companies just send a sample with no ingredient info.
From the packaging I also learned that this product is 100% natural and made in Montreal..and a vegan item!
I usually like face serums and have been reading people dislike this one because it is too oily?
It is all made of oils and the packaging states you just need 2 to 4 small drops- so this is a very concentrated product.
For myself this would be a good night time product I think.

*Clark's Botanicals: Smoothing Marine Cream (small jar,my guess is 10ml product/Full size 50ml $115.00/ Value $20)
This is a cream that contains glycolic acids and exfoliates and also helps with skin redness.
Sounds like a good product and the cream does feel light when applied to my hand. I will have to test this out later this week!
The cream is like a very light lotion and does not have a strong scent,which is great. I do not like strongly scented face products. This smells kind of like cocoa butter...or something?

* Belvada: Duo Lipstick 2-in-1 refillable lipstick and balm. (full size product/value $20.00).
The full size of the lipstick and balm was sent out!
The amount of each product is 3.5ml for the lipstick and 3.5ml for the balm.
I really like how this contains mainly natural ingredients and does not have a strong taste of any kind.
My skin is quite sensitive and my lips did not burn from applying this lipstick and balm!
Thankfully I was sent the soft pink shade as I do not wear red lip products.
The lipstick part I got is a light pink with a bit of shimmer in it- applied it looks very natural. The balm is a clear colour and goes on nicely too.
This is not a company I have heard of before,so I will look into what other products they make.
Also I have never seen a packaging like this before- it is a great idea.
My only minus with this product is the lip balm does not have SPF in it and usually I use sunscreen lip balm during the day.

*Salvador Dali perfumes It is Dream (2ml? sample spray vial/ full size 30ml $36.70/value $2.00)
I do not mind getting perfume samples,but do not really consider most of them deluxe as I can usually get all the samples I want easily.
I have never heard of this perfume before and it seems to be new for March 2012.
Not really something I would go out and try as it is listed as a fruity floral- and I dislike floral fragrances.
But this one is quite light and nice and seems good for daytime use.
Still not something I would wear and this specific perfume does not really interest me. Still I will put it in my bag and use it up (I do not hate it or want to give it away..or use as air freshener- which some people I know do with the samples they hate.....).

My overall impression of the June 2012 Glymm bag:

So far I like the variety of products and the blue bag is cute.
I really hope I will not get stuck with a dozen cosmetic bags this year-I already have a huge pile of them here that are unused.
The sample sizes were very good and it is nice to have two nail polish remover wipes to try, as they are single use.

Glymm June 2012 contents!

Glossybox May 2012 review!

Glossybox is one of the newer subscription box companies that has recently launched in Canada.
If you are not yet familiar with the concept- it is a monthly cosmetic sampling box that is delivered to your door and costs $15 a month.
At the moment I think it is the most expensive monthly box in Canada!
So far for the cost, the quality and size of the samples have been great- there are usually several full size items and many travel size samples too.
My only issue with Glossybox is that they are not consistent with when the boxes go out and the May 2012 box came on the very last day of May- and now we are being told the June box "will go out in June..."??
I figure as long as I actually get a box that should be good enough!
(I am used to waiting on my other boxes from the US as my family does not go there monthly,so a few weeks delay is fine).

Now on to the Glossybox May 2012 contents:

Opening the Glossybox!!

Contents of the May 2012 Glossybox!!

The contents of the May 2012 Glossybox were quite heavy and did not dissapoint!
There were several full size items in the box- actually 3 out of 5 items were full size. The Simple cosmetics were travel size and a third of the regular size.
I have not had a chance to try every item in the box yet,but will update this as I manage to do so.
Here is a breakdown of what was received in my Glossybox:

*Curel Foot Therapy (100ml, full size item. Value $3.99).
I have not seen this foot cream in the stores yet, it must be very new as not even the big stores have this yet.

*Simple eye makeup remover (56ml, travel size. Value $4. Full size 150ml retails for $12 here).

*Simple facial was gel (50ml, travel size. Value $4. Full size 150ml retails for $12 here).

*boxx Cosmetics Cream Corrector in Orel (Full size 4 grams. Value $24).
I did get the chance to try the boxx Cosmetics makeup and it does go on very nicely! The shade Orel matches my skin tone perfectly (I am medium beige in other makeup and olive skin tone).
The boxx makeup worked very well as a under eye concealer and did not cake during the day. The finish was not too matte and it would probably be better if you used a setting powder during the summer at least as this is quite a creamy makeup.
I do like that it is oil free though and that there is no scent to the makeup.
This line is new to me and I will surely look into trying more of their product in the future!

*Sebastian Professional Volupt Shampoo (Full size 250ml. Value $15.78).
Sebastian is a very good brand and sold only in salons (or is supposed to be salon only).
I have never tried this line from Sebastian and usually use the Laminates and Potion 9- so will see how this shampoo compares...

Card explaining this months box!

Glossybox May 2012 contents list!

Overall I am quite pleased with this Glossybox and did get more than my $15 worth. The value of the items in myt box this month works out to be around $65.
That is great, but only if you are actually going to use these items. For this month every item in the box will get all used up!
If you have signed up to Glossybox, what did you think of the selection this time?