FANCY BOX: December 2014 [Kelly Rowland]

quickie post today since well... i just really need to get back on track... 

the weekend flew by again - this time, i had my high school reunion to go to. ten years can come by so fast! i can't believe it's been a decade!! it was a casual get together where invites were sent via Facebook so not a whole lot of people came out. still, it was nice to see some people! there was a whole lot of: so... a) are you married? (no); b) do you have kids? (no).  

i think everyone wants to do a formal reunion in a few months when more people can make it out.

1) Vinyl Impression : Work Hard Stay Humble Wall Sticker in "Black"

size: N/A (slightly smaller than a paper size?)

retail value: $16.00 CAD

good quote but not something that i would put on my wall. for sale!

2) Kryolan : Fun Faze UV-Dayglow F/X Cream Sticks in "91202 UV-Pink"
size: 3.7 g 
retail value: $10.00 USD

the words 'Kryolan' are written so tiny that when i first saw this item, i thought it was some cheap lipstick - especially after seeing the words "Fun Faze" inscribed on the side.

but lo' and behold, it is from Kryolan which is a professional makeup line that i've heard a little about. i believe that they specialize in stage/special effects makeup.

anyway, where i was also wrong is thinking that this is a lipstick. it is actually a cream stick that is to be used on the hair or for special effects only - not for cosmetic purposes. very confusing because on the Fancy website, it calls it a lipstick and there is an image of a girl applying it on her lips. oopsies?

3) Blue & Cream : Change Tray in "Wear the Pants" 
size: 1 6 x 6 tray
retail value: $45.00 USD

yikes - cute little tray but pricey. the tray is bent on the sides and made of glass.

4) Hello Apparel : Hello Heather Grey Raglan Pullover 
size: Large
retail value: $50.00 USD

California Fleece by American Apparel is quite soft since it is 90% combed cotton. this is a size large which is what i told Fancy when they asked me ages ago what size of a t-shirt to send me. i said large, figuring that i would probably just wear it to bed, but the shirt they sent me was nowhere near a large.
in this case though, this is huge! the pullover was already loose to begin with but now it is extra roomy.

so i would categorize this month's box as more of a miss than a hit. the sweatshirt is cute but rather big... and the change tray is neat as well but i can't exactly agree with the dollar value. and i probably won't use the black light cream stick since i am not going to a rave anytime soon...

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Lay Me Down - Sam Smith
just watched: The Rock // The Proposal // Dragon Blade
still watching: Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Outlander Season 1 /// Game of Thrones Season 5 // Forever Season 1 (finished - and signed a petition to keep this series going) // Grace & Frankie Season 1 (finished in a few days - some moments are very real and heartbreaking) // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 2
now reading: - -

BEAUTY BOX 5: December 2014

oops!! it's been almost a month since my last post - don't worry, i have a long list of excuses: 

taxes, hockey playoffs, binge-watching a new series, an internet connection that refuses to work...

ugh. it's the worst! i have the Shaw wireless modem thing and i get internet on my iPad and phone no problem but my desktop computer struggles and struggles. bah!

anyway, LONG WEEKEND I LOVE YOU. i even took Friday off just because i needed the extra extra day. still, i did not want to get out of bed this morning. i'm long overdue for a vacation. hmmm but where? suggestions anyone? 

December's box: Merry & Bright

1) Jacqua : Rose Bouquet Hydrating Facial Mist

size: 50 mL (full size!)

retail value: $16.50

i already own a product very similar to this - which is the Australis Make-Up Finishing Spritz. both smell of roses but this particular Jacqua one comes in a fancy glass bottle. another difference is that this one does not have any mention of preventing makeup from fading so i might just hang onto my Australis one for now. 

besides, the Jacqua one was last seen on the Last Chance section on the website and is now sold out. 

2) Absolute! : Nail Polish Remover in "Spring Fresh"

size: 32 pads (full size!)

retail value: $2.99

my nails have been naked for like two months - what am i doing with my life!? so.sad.

3) Juice Beauty : Stem Cellular Moisturizer

size: 7.8 mL

retail value: $65.00 (50 mL)

this white cream moisturizer smells like lemons!

4) Nanacoco : Nail Polish in "#21124 Stardust"

size: 16 mL (full size!)

retail value: $3.95

not a fan... i have not seen many orange nail polishes in my life - coral yes, but not really orange orange. not only that, but orange sparkles?! straight to the blog sale board.

maybe this is why the nail polish remover was included?... am i being too mean now? sorry orange.

5) Lucky Brand : Fragrance in "Lucky Number 6"

size: 1 sample vial

retail value: suggested $50.00 (50 mL) but the CVS website says otherwise: $12.99

this was released way back in 2006 - which i did not actually know but found off the interweb. i find it a tad bit strong at first. it is described as having "notes of peony, tigerlily, jasmine tea, casheran, lotus leaf, musk, liquid amber, lychee". 

that's all folks! moving on to the next one... due to my silly rule of not opening a box until i finish blogging about one, the mountain is still growing... better get to it!

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Big Girls Cry - Sia
just watched: The Princess Diaries (watched it once ages ago so it was nice to rewatch this - who would ever say no to being a princess EVER though??) //Monster's Ball (pretty depressing at parts) // The Age of Adaline (quite sweet and blake lively is just gorgeous all the time, but the scientific explanations was hil-ar-io-us)  // Almost Famous (recommended by the bf because of the music and i did enjoy it - great story) // The Maze Runner (second time around! still quite thrilling)
still watching: Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1 (finished! the pace is rather slow i think but the parts that weren't, were really good!) // Outlander Season 1 /// Game of Thrones Season 5 (it's back!)  // Forever Season 1 (found a list on imdb about TV shows being renewed, cancelled, or up on the chopping block ... all the comments kept saying 'i hope they don't cancel Forever!' - i had never heard of the show so i looked it up and then i was hooked. i have 3 episodes left, and it's come to my attention that it was indeed cancelled. BOOO!!)
now reading: - -

WANTABLE: December 2014 [Accessories]

small things like this sticker stating who packed my accessories box and that it was packaged especially for me make me like Wantable more. it feels like we have a more personal relationship. by the way, i like Miguel - this was a pretty great box.

the information that comes with the box is formatted slightly different this month, like this list of my order details. i prefer this look - it looks much cleaner than before.

1) Cora Necklace
retail value: $32.00

first up - the Cora Necklace. LOVE this! it's very pretty and i love the different shades of blue.

2) Marina Earrings - Gold

retail value: $18.00

these earrings are beautiful. they perfectly fit the preferences i selected - studs and geometric designs!

3) Estella Ring - 6

retail value: $12.00

simple but not typical at the same time. looks almost flat when looking straight down at it. not uncomfortable at all.

4) Olivia Bracelet - Gold

retail value: $16.00

this gold bangle with an anchor design is just too cute! the loop can be unhooked from the anchor and voila! fits better on your wrist.

total box value: $78.00
amount paid: $47.01 (still pretty pricey)

thanks Miguel for picking out such a fantastic box! i've actually worn all of these items multiple times, even all at the same time. there's gold in almost all of the pieces so they can easily go together.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Jinusean - Tell Me One More Time
just watched: A Werewolf Boy (i REALLY did not want to watch this one again - just cause it is so sad. so lonely :( ) // Interstellar (there was so much hype but it wasn't THAT amazing to me - i would say it is because of my exposure to Doctor Who) // Exodus: Gods and Kings (i had no idea this was about Moses - oops. very interesting though, especially if you don't know much about the Bible... be warned it is quite long) // In Your Eyes (random selection on Netflix last night but i found it rather good... interesting and odd concept at the same time. ending was a little crazy)
still watching: Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1 // Outlander Season 1
now reading: - -7

TOPBOX: December 2014

this will be a super quick post! the December's Topbox was a bit of a letdown.

1) Marsk : Mineral Eyeshadow in "Black Comedy"
size: 1.2 g (full size!)
retail value: $22.50

i just do not have the patience when it comes to loose eyeshadows. i have a brief 5-10 minute window for makeup before i run (never walk) to the bus stop. please be sure to check out the blog sale for this item.

2) Kinetics : Nail Colors in "KP299 Ice Smoothie"
size: 15 mL
retail value: $12.00

"Ice Smoothie" is a deep purple that can also be found on said blog sale page :)

3) Eslor : Soothing Refiner & Cleanser and Chlorophyll Lifting Mask
size: 5 mL x 4 packets
retail value: refiner/cleanser $28.00 (60 mL) and mask $38.00 (50 mL)

i have not heard of Eslor before but it is a company that claims to base their products from science. there is a soothing refiner/cleanser as well as a lifting mask which is meant for tightening the skin.

4) Me MAXeffects Naturals : Eye & Face Makeup Remover Plus Toner
size: N/A (maybe 5 mL?)
retail value: $19.99 (40 mL)

i have no idea how this product could possibly double up as a makeup remover and toner. personally, i felt that it didn't really pass the test as a makeup remover - especially at removing the eyeliner on my lower lash line. as for the toning properties, i can't say for sure. i am more used to toners that contain alcohol so i can feel the tingly sensation afterwards. this one is alcohol free so i can't exactly tell if this toner was doing its job or not.
pretty confusing. i've used the entire thing (in less than a week) and i am still confused what it supposed to do.
side note - this is made right by my house! as in, it's in Calgary! and i haven't even heard of it before now.

and bam! that's it, that's all.
the only neat thing is how these products all come from different countries:
Marsk - Australia/England
Kinetics - Latvia
Eslor - United States
Me MAXefects - Canada 

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: We - Kim Feel & Kwak Jin Eon
just watched: X-Men: Days of Future Past (not bad - but this changes EVERYTHING!)

still watching: Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1 // Outlander Season 1
now reading: - -

IPSY BAG: December 2014

happy April Fools! i have never been a fan of lying since well, lies aren't usually nice. but harmless pranks on the other hand...
just a bit of fun in the office today, covering up the sensors on the bottom of the mouse on people's computers... teehee...
can you believe some property developer in BC posted on MARCH 31 that Disneyland purchased the rest of their land to develop a micro-park, the first in Canada?!
who in their right mind would play with the feelings of Disney enthusiasts like that!? on MARCH 31! not. funny.

ipsy's last 2014 bag was centered around being a "Creative Genius".

1) Cailyn : Just Mineral Eye Polish in "#5 Orchid"
Made with 100% raw mineral powder, this highly pigmented satiny powder not only colors your eyes with shimmery, gorgeous hues, but is also safe to wear long hours.
The easy to use built-in sponge tip allows smooth application and seamless blending of colors. Whether you want to give a subtle wash of color or go for dramatic smokey makeup, CAILYN Just Mineral Eye Polish will be a girl's best friend. size: 2.5 g (full size!)
retail value: $15.00

a few years ago, i would've been excited about a product like this but now all i see is a shimmery mess waiting to happen. the color "Orchid" (which i would have expected to be more a purple for some reason...) is a nice neutral shimmer.

2) Sexy Hair : 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray
Protect those tresses! Sexy Hair’s 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray protects hair from heat damage up to 450°F. In addition to outstanding thermal protection, it also conditions for smooth, sleek styles, detangles for improved manageability and strengthens hair. Helps to decrease blow dry time and adds weightless shine. size: 50 mL
retail value: $18.95 (125 mL)

i am horrible at remembering to put heat protectant prior to blow drying. i'm a fan of Sexy Hair though so i will try to incorporate this into my routine.

3) Tarte : Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
Like a pushup bra for your lashes, tarte’s best-selling mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions to deliver a 330% increase in lash volume instantly. The high-performance formula is also infused with naturally-derived olive esters to help nourish and protect lashes. size: 3 mL
retail value: $20.00 (7 mL)

mascara!! can't use these babies fast enough.

4) BWC : Premium Aromatherapy Facial Cleanser 3% AHA Complex
Beauty Without Cruelty 3% A.H.A. Facial Cleanser is a lightly-foaming, soap-free cleanser that removes dead surface skin cells, daily impurities, and excess oil without over-cleaning your skin. Nature's own alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently and deeply clean and actively clarify your skin without disturbing it's natural balance. Pure premium Oshadhi aroma-therapeutic essential oils tone, condition, and calm, leaving your skin clean, clear, and refreshed.
size: 59 mL
retail value: $11.95 (250 mL)

this lightly scented (lavender?) clear gel cleanser is pH balanced and soap-free. my boyfriend always reaches for his bar of soap when washing his face. i always tell him that it is not good for his face since it dries out the skin. but he always says, 'what? it's soap!'. now i will just have to show him that 'soap-free' is a thing!

5) NYX : Butter Lip Balm in "BLB05 Marshmallow"
Dip your lips in a sheer wash of color with NYX Butter Lip Balm. One swipe leaves dry lips feeling supple and hydrated.
This Buttery Lip Balm is addictively soft and scrumptious and perfect for adding a subtle hint of color for a naturally flirtatious pout. Apply directly to bare lips or apply it over lip liner for more intense color.
size: 4 g (full size!)
retail value: $4.00

available in 8 shades but of course i get the one that will probably wash me out :/ it's too bad since i love NYX.

December's bag is sort of a fail for me - not interested in using the majority of these products... please check out the sale page instead :)

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Often [Kygo Remix] - The Weeknd
just watched: Cinderella (2015 - lovely dresses and design, and of course a fairy tale but over the top corny at parts. and just not enough magic! the only magical part was the fairy godmother but that was so sudden that you don't really believe it...) ; The Impossible (again - but still so powerful. must watch!) ; More Than Blue (Korean - for most of the movie, i was getting a bit annoyed - yes it is touching that a terminally ill man loves a woman so much but won't tell her because he's going to die so he does all these things for her that hurts him at the same time... i was like JUST TELL HER!! but then there is a slight twist that makes things a hundred times more sad)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 (finished!) // Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1 // Outlander Season 1 (oops starting too many..,)
now reading: - -

FANCY BOX: December 2013 [Coco Rocha]

here is my very first - and much much delayed - Fancy box review :)

i decided to take the dive and get a new subscription box because well... it was December and you never know what extras or specials could be included.

and i'd been eyeing Fancy box for a very long time. i decided to go with Coco Rocha because her past boxes contained items that were most appealing to me. i also considered Jennifer Love Hewitt's and Kelly Rowland's boxes. i didn't go with JLove because she occasionally picked items related to cooking and i don't can't cook. Kelly Rowland's was tempting but i couldn't see myself using all of the items. 

plus there was a 30% off promo code so it pretty much sealed the deal.

the cost breakdown was:

Fancy Box       $39.00

Discount            (11.70)

Shipping             17.00            (booooo i know - Canada is really not that far)

Total            44.30 USD

so even with the discount, it's not the most affordable box out there. the Coco Rocha Fancy box description states that the boxes have more than a $80 value. so it's a gamble, like all other subscription boxes.

i placed my order on December 2, 2013 for the December box. since this order was placed before the 26th, it was shipped on December 30 (Fancy's cutoff date for the current box is the 26th). it arrived on my doorstep January 3, 2014.

the box is pretty huge! here is a picture to illustrate the size, as well as my current collection of unopened Fancy boxes:

the leaning tower of Fancy boxes

upon opening the Fancy box, i see some black tissue and then... some more tissue. these ones were 'inflated' (what's the term here?) to keep the things from moving around too much. on the VERY bottom of the box is where i found all of my items.

keep reading to find out more about my first Fancy box experience!
p.s. all retail values listed below are in USD.

you get these little cards for each item you get, along with some notes from Coco on the back:

1) Greeting Cards for All Occasions by Rifle Paper Co. - "Go Get 'Em Tiger"
Inspired by vintage playing cards and perfect for a friend or significant other.

this is quite a neat-looking card - it has a 'Papyrus' feel to it: a unique, well-made card that i can't ever bring myself to purchase. but i guess $5 isn't really that bad. except it is blank inside, so it's all on you to write something clever.

retail value: $5

2) Moleskine Ruled Notebook - "Brilliant Violet"
The Moleskine Mini Notebook has 56 acid-free pages (28 leaves) with rounded corners. It is so lightweight you'll forget about it - till you need it. Whether you're a veteran Moleskine aficionado or new to this fabulous world you can't pass up this new simplicity for thoughtful journaling.

i do often find myself looking for something to jot down some ideas or to make a quick list. opening the 'Notes' app on my iPhone can literally take too long.. my phone has way too many blogging photos on it so e v e r y t h i n g  i s  s u p e r  s l o w .
this is the perfect size to throw in a handbag. it even comes with a small pocket in the back for you to slip cards/receipts in.
now all i need is a mini pen to go with it.

retail value: $6

3) Quay Sunglasses - "Kitti / Tortoise Shell"
Specs:
Polycarbonate Frame
Polycarbonate Lens
100% UV protection

Dimensions:
Width: 14cm/5.5"
Height: 5cm/1.9"
Nose gap: 1-4cm/0.3-1.5"

these sunglasses aren't your typical cheap plastic sunglasses. staying true to the name of the model, these sunglasses are very cat-like. i am not quite sure how i feel about them - they may indeed be too fancy for me. but i can maaaaaaybe see myself busting these out on a summer road trip. maybe.

retail value: $40

4) Sovanna Earring by Senhoa 

Golden Shade Swarovski crystals, evoking the rich essence of luminous sunlight hitting the stirring streets of Siem Reap. Sovanna is a homage to the promises of the coming dawn.

okay seriously hands down - my favorite item in the box. and of course, the most expensive. these earrings alone exceed the "> $80" Fancy box value promise.

i thought these were absolutely beautiful the second i took them out of the velvet bag. but it was after reading the card about the company that really amazed me.

"Each Senhoa jewelry piece is individually handcrafted by a survivor of human trafficking or a young woman vulnerable to sexual exploitation."
if that is not one of the best reasons ever to buy jewelry, i don't know what is.

i love the color and shape of the golden Swarovski crystals. definitely gorgeous to wear to a fancy event with an updo or more subtly with my hair down.

retail value: $85

oooh the color is so purdyy

so i must say i love this box. the highlight and most valuable item were the earrings and they are very pretty indeed. the total value of this box was $136! that's quite amazing. the notebook is very cute and practical at the same time. the sunglasses and card may not be as impressive to me, but still very interesting and different. this was definitely a great first impression.

i must say that i am itching to open my next Fancy box. maybe it's because it's a change of pace from all the makeup bags which makes this so exciting! there's so many things that could possibly be inside!
i believe there is a t-shirt in my next box because i recall the Fancy team asking me to pick a size... guess we will just have to see!! must. breeze. through. January. boxes. stat! 

WANTABLE: December 2013 [accessories box]

oops so i got lazy! gahh work is so busy with quarter end and my taxes are due... wait, overdue? yikes! 

one thing i did get done is booking my Orlando trip in August!! i'm super excited! but there's another trip... later this month that i haven't booked yet. i should just do it! but just last week when i was going to book it, my credit card failed me and prices have slightly gone up since then and i keep waiting for it to go back to what i could've gotten... ughh. don't you hate that??

December's Accessories Box and my preferences: 

Vivian Zhu (who picked the items) only chose 3 pieces this month:

1) Olivia Headband 
very retro feeling. the Style Tip says to pair it with a messy updo. if only i could... i find that the messy hair look is actually so difficult to achieve! who else has this problem?!
the headband is a little too big/eye-catching for my taste but it's sorta cute. not twenty-four dollars cute though.

retail value: $24

2) Bessie Necklace 
hands down my favorite item in the box. i don't own any thick linked chains like this and so i was a little unsure when i took it out of the box. it is surprisingly light. it's simple yet it can totally dress up an outfit in an instant.

retail value: $34

3) Lottie Ring (size 6)
i have an important announcement to make... Frankenstein and i got married!!!! 
check out the bling:

look at the sparkle on those nuts and bolts!

but for realsies, i had to analyze this in depth the second i saw it. odd isn't it??
i ... do not know what i chose in my preferences (above) that would've selected such an item for me. it's just so strange. i can't remember if i said i loved statement rings... but this is indeed it.

i took several pictures to show you the size of it. personally, i find it reaaaaally big. i think i would keep knocking into things or getting it caught on something. FYI, those nuts actually spin.
.
retail value: $26

sooooo i really don't feel like i got my moneys worth in this box. Wantable boxes are quite expensive and if you only like 1/3 items, it's not a good sign.

quick mention about their packaging! they switched it up to these foam pieces which i think does a better job at protecting your accessories.

is anyone still getting the Wantable Accessories Box?

BEAUTY BOX 5: December 2013

who was i kidding? i was wayyy off with my estimate in my last post - i am more like half way done December's boxes.

next up: BB5's "Naughty and Nice" December box

1) NYX Cosmetics Love in Rio Eyeshadow Palette in "LIR02 Mo Rockin' Beats"
after a rather disappointing experience with a very similar looking palette with POP Beauty in ipsy's bag, i think i'll pass on opening this up... i mean the only difference between the two is that this one has a matte white, a shimmery grey and a matte black while the other palette had all the same shades but shimmery. i am totally up for a swap/sale if you are interested :) the bow where you pop open the lid is super cute!

size: 3 g (full size!)
retail value: $6.00
promotion: 20% off online purchase until Dec 31/13 [expired]

2) Body Drench Daily Moisturizing Lotion - The Original
when it say's 'The Original', it must mean that this was such a hit that it has been imitated right?
the lotion is non-greasy and has a whipped-like texture. it also smells strongly of baby powder which i personally don't mind.

size: 59 mL
retail value: $8.99 (500 mL)

3) OFRA Cosmetics Lipgloss Plumper in "Sultry"
the description refers to this lipgloss as the perfect color for winter. and i finally get to it just when winter is coming to an end... wait, who am i kidding?? i live in Calgary! snow in May is almost a guarantee. you just never know with Calgary weather - sorry to all you optimists that have been walking around in flats and skirts.

the lipgloss is only available in "Sultry" which is a shimmery maroon color. the shimmer is not extreme and the shade is actually not as dark as it appears in the tube. it's a color i would be comfortable enough wearing during the day.
the plumping effect is also not too strong - i feel just a hint of 'stinging' if you want to call it that and it is very brief after the lipgloss is first applied.

size: 10 mL (full size!)
retail value: $12.95
promotion: 25% off online purchase until Feb 28/14 [expired]

4) Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
mmmmm this reminds me of my childhood... does this remind anyone else of a certain type of prescription medicine you had to keep in the fridge? and it was for tummy aches? or perhaps colds? i can't remember what it was but i thought it was banana flavored. anyways, i just remember it being yummy... just like Dimetapp-C!

this gel moisturizer is very lightweight and is absorbed quickly into the skin. i do not believe the moisture is very long-lasting since it just disappears so quickly. aside from being oil-free, i don't know what other benefits it really has since it doesn't have other important qualities i look for in a moisturizer (i.e. SPF).

size: 14 g
retail value: $6.99 (85 g)

5) Sam Villa Brush Cleaner
you can always count on BB5 for diversity: a brush cleaner! that's a first. and one that doubles as a teasing brush?? i'm all for volume! but teasing does make my arms feel weak rather quickly...

this would be immensely useful in my house since the hair collects on my round brushes until i can no longer see the brush... until finally the boyfriend takes a look at it and asks why you allow such a mass of hair/lint/other to grow so massively to which you don't really have a good answer for. so he proceeds to take it off himself not knowing how tangly and stubborn long thick hair could be. you try to ignore it as he struggles and struggles, only to find a nice fur ball on your pillow the next day.
lovely isn't it?

size: 1 brush cleaner (full size!)
retail value: $4.95
promotion: 20% off online purchase until Dec 31/13 [expired]

so that's a decent December box in my opinion. the only thing i probably will not use is the NYX eyeshadow but only because i have many palettes in the same shades. i love NYX so if it was any other color, i'd probably have cracked it open by now. as mentioned in the previous section, the brush cleaner will be useful!