LUXE BOX: September 2014 [Fall]

here are a few glimpses from last Tuesday night with Sarah McLachlan: 

she is so awesome live! her voice is amazing. i was a bit surprised by her rock side since all i really knew were her ballads. this is the second time i've been to the Jubilee (first was John Legend) and i am blown away by the acoustics there.  

1) Loose Button : Fan Brush

This brush is designed to dust, wipe, and redistribute powders along your features making it the perfect tool for all the finishing touches. The flat fan shape allows for even and soft definition, as well as, fanning away excess product, such as, eye makeup fallout.
size: 1 brush (full size!)
retail value: $18.00

i always forget about the fan brush but it is a great tool for brushing on highlighter. 

2) Jelly Pong Pong : Fairy Lashes Curl Mascara

Fairy Lashes Curl is a sculpting, curling mascara that continually curls lashes throughout the day with a unique synthesis of Moringa Seed resin that dries down and holds the curl of lashes for long-lasting results. The unique brush instantly creates dramatic volume and intense definition, while allowing eyelashes to remain spectacularly soft and light at the same time. This is a truly fabulous effect for the woman who wants to emphasize a deep, intense, seductive look.
size: 8 mL (full size!)
retail value: $24.00

i own the non-curl version from last year's Topbox... which i haven't actually used yet... so i can't exactly compare them. curl is definitely an appealing mascara feature for me though.

3) Blush : Body Wash
Blush Body Wash is handcrafted with a luxurious & nutrient rich blend of Coconut, Olive, Jojoba and Hempseed oils. A hopelessly romantic floral aroma with just a hint of citrus, Blush Body Wash will awaken your inner goddess and soothe your senses. Always created without the use of synthetic preservatives, sulfates or detergents of any kind...what you see is what you get...pure nourishment for your skin!
size: 60 mL (sample size)
retail value: $4.75 or $16.95 (240 mL)

beautiful label but the scent is not something i exactly want to lather all over my body. it reminds me of the Chinese oils used for sore muscles or even tummy aches... i don't know how it works but sometimes just the smell of the Chinese oil makes me feel better.

4) Vasanti : BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator Exfoliating Cleanser
Vasanti Brighten Up Face Rejuvenator is a triple action facial scrub that helps brighten, exfoliate, and
clean skin all at once.
size: 20 g
retail value: $34.00 (120 mL)

this was one of the first products i got in my Glymm and i recall the tiny crystals in the formula. great for exfoliating but those with sensitive skin might find it a bit harsh.

5) theBalm : En Root Hair Shine Serum
En Root Hair Shine Serum is infused with Green Tea, Bamboo, Rice Proteins and Vitamins A, C and E to give dry and damaged hair the gloss-over. Take fly-aways and frizz on a detour with this Paraben and Sulfate-free serum.
size: 30 mL
retail value: $15.00 (118 mL)

i have had enough of hair oils but maaaaaan, does this smell good! sooooooo gooooood, 

6) LVX : Nail Lacquer in "013 Tribute"
LVX brings you luxury and fashion without compromise. They are dedicated to launching the hottest collections for each season by translating the top runway colors based on emerging trends in high fashion.
size: 15 mL (full size!)
retail value: $17.00

Loose Button claims that the polishes are from the Winter Resort 2014 Collection but a quick Google search determines that this is not true. "Tribute" is a 'textured blue' from the 2013 collection. it is a dark sapphire with purple and green shimmers.

7) So Susan : Universal Blush
A micronized, jet-milled blush that works with your skin's natural chemistry to create a universal healthy flush that is flattering on all skintones. Made with Buriti Fruit Oil to repair the epidermis and improve skin elasticity.
size: 4 g (full size!)
retail value: $17.50

i was debating whether or not to keep this since i am not running out of blush anytime soon... and yet the color is quite beautiful. it is said to be flattering on all skin tones... and it has a sheen that is similar to the famous NARS Orgasm. 

so the total box value is $90.90... pretty impressive. about half the items are full size which is always nice. nothing in this box is a major standout for me, although theBalm's hair serum smells so good. check out the sale post for some of these items.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: "In Your Shoes" by Sarah McLachlan
just watched: The Amazing Spider-Man 2
still watching: Doctor Who Season 4 // Walking Dead Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman

TOPBOX: September 2014 [Regular]

i'm on ze late train again! posting about September when October is about to end.

speaking of which, what's everyone's Halloween plans?? as i get older, there's fewer and fewer things to do but i have more ideas of what i'd like to dress up as.

anyway,

September's regular Topbox:

1) Lancome : Genifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate
size: 5 mL
retail value: $88 (20 mL)

it's hard to imagine that this tiny sample is worth $22 but it is. the applicator is actually very fancy. it is an oval tip and it is bendable so it is easier to apply underneath your eye. it is also very soft feeling which is perfect for the delicate skin around the eye.

2) Amika : Perk Up Dry Shampoo 
size: 21.3 g
retail value: $29 (156 mL) / $11 (30 mL)

pretttttttttty bottle. not only is it pretty, it claims to be the only dry shampoo on the market that doesn't contain aluminum. i had no idea that dry shampoos even had aluminum in them. i checked my TRESemme and Redken dry shampoos and they both contain aluminum. however, my Batiste one did not. phew?
Sea Buckthorn Berry sounds so awesome and it does smell rather good too.

3) Bioderma : Sebium Purifying Foaming Gel
size: 15 mL
retail value: $19.95 (200 mL)

i know Bioderma is supposed to be really good for the skin so i am throwing this in the lineup for my next face cleanser.

4) Essie : Nail Lacquer in "Sand Tropez"
size: 13.5 mL (full size!)
retail value: $9.99

lurve. such a gorgeous color. very classy but not boring.

can i also just say how lighting makes a world of difference?? i took these pictures at my sister's boyfriend's new place. so. bright. i love it! :) :)

this is a decent Topbox. like most Topboxes, it's always very mediocre. probably because of all the skin care items... that nail polish color though is one of my new favorites!

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: "Only Love Can Hurt Like This" by Paloma Faith
just watched: Gone Girl
still watching: Doctor Who Season 3 // Walking Dead Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman

IPSY BAG: September 2014

the September Ipsy bag was all about Street Style and came in a metallic grey studded bag.

1) Crown Brush : Deluxe Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush (C476)
This dual-ended brush offers the best of both worlds. The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye, while the crease brush is designed to be used dry for defining the eye, or wet for precision concealing. 
size: 1 brush (full size!)
retail value: $17.50 (on sale for $6.99)
promotion: 30% off $25 or more online purchase with code CROWNIPSY30; expires Dec 31, 2014

this duet brush is part of the Infinity series which are made of synthetic fibers. i have not owned any other dual-ended brush prior to this and although it is useful to just flip the brush over when applying eye shadow, it is a tad more difficult to store. if i store it upright, one of the ends is going to get bent... hmmmmm.

2) Hikari : Lipstick in 'Cabernet'

Amp up the color with Hikari’s richly colored lip stick. The high pigmented formula glides on smoothly with a matte finish. Layer this formula to build color for a perfectly enchanted pout.
size: 3.8 g (full size!)
retail value: $13.00
promotion: 30% off online purchase with code HIKARI30; US only; expires Oct 31, 2014

the packaging looks exactly like Be a Bombshell... so i am thinking the two companies buy their cosmetics from the same company and just put their labels on it. the black box and the sticker are exactly the same (check out some Be a Bombshell products here and here).

on the website, "Cabernet" is described as a rich red wine (which sounds about right). in the swatch on my lips, the color is not so pink but a deeper red. it is however, that pigmented - which i really like. i didn't find it drying and it is like the perfect color for fall. love!

3) Pacifica : Natural Eye Pencil in 'Fringe'

These rich water-proof, buttery smooth eye pencils glide on smooth and deliver big color pay off with every stroke. Long-lasting natural formula, provides hours of wear and contains beneficial ingredients great for the sensitive eye area.
size: 0.73 g
retail value: $11.00 (2.8 g)
promotion: 20% off online purchase with code FallBeauty; US and Canada only; expires Oct 31, 2014

the color 'Fringe' is essentially a brown. i haven't used an eye pencil in sooo long, let alone one that was not black. somebody suggested using this for eyebrows... i might just have to try that!

4) Briogeo : Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Repair and treat dry, damaged and breaking hair with Don't Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask. Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength. Comprised of 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients. This product is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, and gluten. It is cruelty-free and contains organic ingredients.
size: 29.57 mL
retail value: $26.00 (155 mL)
promotion: free shipping with code IPSYSEP14; US only; expires Oct 15, 2014

i am not one for hair masks but i figured that since i did indeed get my hair dyed recently, i might as well try this. it softened up my hair and i really enjoy the sweet almond scent.

5) Nourish Organic : Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser with Cucumber + Watercress
This gentle cleanser washes away impurities without drying, irritating or causing redness. Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Watercress, rich in antioxidants, helps protect skin from free radical damage. Alcohol-Free. Gluten-Free. Vegan.
size: 30 mL
retail value: $13.99 (177 mL)
promotion: 30% off any facial product with code IPSY30; US and Canada; expires Nov 30, 2014
the cleanser says fragrance-free but there is a scent to it - which i do not particularly like. maybe it's the watercress? not sure what watercress is supposed to smell like though.

aaaaaand that's it. it is a pretty decent ipsy bag. nothing too fancy but some key mentions include the Hikari lipstick and the Crown dual-ended brush.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: anything by Jessie Ware [Wildest Moments / Want Your Feeling | If You're Never Gonna Move / Sweet Talk / Running] 
just watched: City of God
still watching: Doctor Who Season 3
now reading: When God Was a Rabbit