FANCY BOX: November 2014 [Kelly Rowland]

has anyone gone to some Big Taste events happening in Calgary these few weeks? i am blaming them for the amount of times i've been going out to eat!

this week, i tried the dinner menu at Buchanan's and Hapa Izakaya.
at Buchanan's (steakhouse, contemporary), i had the mixed green salad (you can never go wrong with pork belly and i've discovered a new cheese that i like - boursin!), the New York steak (which was just alright, not all that tasty) and finished off with the auchentoshen creme caramel (which i don't really understand - some kind of pudding that tastes like egg tarts). overall, Buchanan's was just okay. i wasn't super impressed by any of the courses.
i also had the dinner menu at Hapa Izakaya (Asian) which included a carpaccio trio (light and delicious), buta no kakuni (pork belly again, this time in steamed buns but very fatty) and spicy pork hot stone bowl (lackluster... perhaps missing an ingredient or spice?). there was a dessert as well, a sort of tofu pudding with maple syrup and almond nuts. this dessert was delicious! but sadly, it is not on their regular menu. i find that this sort of defeats the purpose of the Big Taste event. i thought it was supposed to introduce you to many of the food items at a restaurant... but what happens when you fall in love with something that is just available temporarily? :(

November's Fancy box featuring Kelly Rowland included:

1) AdNArt : 45 Degree Tilt Tea Mug in "Black"
retail value: $9.99 CAD

great concept! i hesitate to try loose leaf tea because i'd have to get a diffuser, steep my tea and then take it out while it is still wet... sounds like a lot of work to me.
so instead, this ceramic mug comes with a silicone diffuser, so when you're done steeping, you can tilt your mug and there's no dripping mess! you can also move the diffuser around the lip of the mug depending on your preference of mild or or deep infusion.
also available in other colors: red, purple, green, yellow

2) Kikkerland : Head Massager

retail value: $4.00 x 2

to achieve a similar response from your friends and family (see first pic below), all you need is this fancy stainless steel tool. "Instantly invigorating" cannot describe this massager better. it's like watching babies try lemons for the first time - get ready for some LOLs.

i have seen these around at those shops that sell quirky items, never thought i'd get one, let alone two. thank goodness i gave one out during a Christmas exchange. reviews for this item have been very positive though!

3) Suck UK : Break Glass Money Box

retail value: $12.00

another one of those quirky items. don't worry, you can also twist to open the back for non-emergencies. 

4) NPW : Get the Hint in "Loud and Clear"

retail value: $6.95

pretty funny labels that are probably not appropriate for work. don't take my word for it though.

5) Young and Wild Tee 

retail value: $?? (someone on the web says $32)

printed on a short sleeve shirt from Next Level Apparel. very soft material. can i just say that the sizing is ridiculous though? i selected my shirt size on Fancy as L because to be honest, i probably will only wear whatever shirts they send me to bed (this shirt is a very good example since being young is almost pushing it for me, and wild, well that is out of the question). and i like to wear comfy and loose pajamas so Large was what i went with. this would be way too tight! still soft though.

all the items in this November box are definitely 'quirky' but only a few are practical for me. the Tilt Mug is a genius idea... hopefully it works out well! 

can't wait to use the Head Massager on unsuspecting people... muahahaha.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: From Eden - Hozier
just watched: Belle (boring... i didn't really like the main character and couldn't quite grasp the possibility of falling in love with someone so quick... but then again this was the 18th century...); Hereafter (definitely some intense scenes - the tsunami and the brother)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1
now reading: - -

BEAUTY BOX 5: November 2014

November's "Gracefully Grounded" box from BB5:

i guess another term for grounded is boring.. because many of the items included are really regular day to day hygienic items.

1) Afterfeather : Refillable Travel Bottle - 2 fl. oz.
size: 2 fl. oz. bottle 
retail value: $8.95 (set of 2)

very cute bottle for traveling! i love the dandelion print. this would have been very handy if only i did not have an empire of sample sized beauty products waiting on hand.
this is the prettiest and most exciting item in the box... prepare to go downhill from here.

2) DenTek : Floss Floss Picks & Case
size: 6 picks
retail value: $2.49 (4 picks)
promotion: $1.00 off any Floss Pick & Case or $1.00 off any product over $2.00 (manufacturer's coupon); expires Dec 31, 2018

leave it to BB5 to include items that you have never gotten in a beauty box subscription. yes, these are floss picks. BB5 tells you to bring these on the go and 'floss in style'. i guess if you are worried about how you look when you floss then these are for you! in my opinion, there is no sexy/trendy way to floss.

3) HASK : Macadamia Oil Revitalizing Shine Hair Treatment 
size: 18 mL (full size!)
retail value: $2.99 

i have quite the collection on hair oils now and i definitely do not use them enough. i find my hair gets shiny (aka greasy) enough on its own.

4) Laura Ashley : Body Butter in "Sweet Peony"
size: 50 g
retail value: $20.00 (set of 6)

in junior high, i was all about perfumes from Gap. this body butter reminds me of that - soft and sweet.
i would call this a lotion more than a body butter since it is not exactly thick.

5) Dove : Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
size: 53 mL 
retail value: $6.49 (650 mL)

it's body wash! very similar to all the other drug store brand body washes i have gotten from BB5 - it cleanses and it smells good.

see what i mean? lotion, body wash, floss picks... all day to day items we use so nothing special here.
the box included a 30% off Sparkles & Pop (online jewelry store) promo with code BEAUTYPOP (expired Dec 31, 2014).

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Impossible Heart - Paloma Faith
just watched: Miracle in Cell No. 7 (Korean - actually watched this last time after Titanic... very sad movie - you need to be prepared with the tissues; reminds me of I Am Sam; the girl actress is soooo adorable!) // Cast Away (first time watching this Tom Hanks movie. saddest i ever felt about a volleyball...)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1 (started a new series with the boyfriend!)
now reading: nothing!! taking a break :P

TOPBOX: November 2014

happy Chinese New Year everyone! i spent quality time with the fam, which included plenty of eating time. i must remember to not only request the actual day off work but also the day after, because i missed out on a lunch buffet. and we absolutely can't have that happening again.

for my Chinese New Year resolution (since the January 1st one didn't really work out...), i am going to cancel a number of beauty box subscriptions.
not just one. maybe two, perhaps three. i know i said something similar over a year ago but i have faith in myself this time. once morning comes (since it is 4 am right now and i do not know why i am still awake), i am pressing cancel cancel cancel!
stay tuned on my next post to witness my success!

recapping back to November - i don't recall selecting a Prive Topbox. 99% of the time, i miss the wishlist deadline altogether so i end up with the Regular Topbox.
but here, we have a MeMeMe Prive Topbox for November. with this Prive box, there were only 2 items instead of the usual four.

1) MeMeMe Cosmetics : Lash Attack Lengthening Mascara in "Black"
size: 8 mL (full size!) 
retail value: $14.00

can't say much since i try to finish my mascaras -completely- before opening a new one and that usually takes some time (ages actually). check the sale page please!

2) MeMeMe Cosmetics : Boho Balm Cheek & Lip Tint in "Pink Rouge"
size: 11 g (full size!) 
retail value: $11.00

i was hesitant to open this product seeing that i don't use cream blushes nor do i like using my fingers to dab on a lip product. but the cute tin and the fact that i haven't tried the MeMeMe brand made me go 'why not?'...

this duo purpose MeMeMe tint also comes in another set of dual colors - 'Coral Taupe' - but i got 'Pink Rouge'.
the swatches below include 1) pink, 2) rouge, and 3) a blend of pink and rouge.

pink on its own is a little too light on the lips and rouge by itself is too dark on my cheeks so i find myself using the blended version most often.
i lightly dab the rouge side and then blend upwards on my cheeks. then i swipe a bit of pink a little higher on my cheeks and blend that in as well which sort of highlights that area while toning down the red shade.

the balms feel a little tacky and the color tends to emphasize the lines in my lips. there is something in the formula that dries my lips right up. every evening after i used this balm on my lips, i find that my lips are peeling like crazy.
i much prefer to use this on the cheeks instead.

and that's it! in the end, i didn't mind the Cheek & Lip Tint, although it did not blow me away. the two products came in a blue organza bag instead of the ol' white and purple tube, along with a $10 coupon off a $30 purchase at London Drugs that expired way back at the end of November. did anyone else get the MeMeMe box for no reason?

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Afire Love - Ed Sheeran (SO good! his entire album X is actually pretty awesome all around)
just watched: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (requires paying attention to the entire dialogue to understand what was going on; a little slow for my taste) // Paycheck (interesting idea but forgettable ) // Titanic (still the same question - why did Jack have to die?!)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1 (done! i was skeptical of this series at first but the characters grow on you and are just freakin hilarious) // Vampire Diaries Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman (finally completed!!! it took too long to finish... i was never captivated enough nor invested in the characters so i wouldn't exactly recommend this)

IPSY BAG: November 2014

look at what a sick day can give me! enough free time to set up back-to-back posts! whee ~
ipsy's November bag - "Girls Meets Glitter"

1) Elizabeth Mott : you're so FINE Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "Glitterati"
It’s not just any liquid eyeliner. With you’re so FINE’s micro-tipped brush, you can control your strokes to create dramatic, and sharp cat eyes! This brush is so control friendly that creating precise, symmetrical lines is ridiculously easy, so it’s perfect for first time liquid eyeliner users too.
size: 3 g (full size!)
retail value: $17.99
promotion: 50% off online purchase with code IPSYFINE; expired 1/10/15

i was just thinking of trying a new liquid eyeliner. i would have preferred if i got the other color which is just regular ol' 'Black'. this eyeliner is thin but it really isn't that fine. the glitter makes it difficult to be extremely precise but i don't really have an issue with that since i have to line my eyes super thick anyway. the eyeliner dries quick enough and stays put throughout the work day. yep, i wore it to work; it's pretty and subtle enough.
a quick note about the smell though. glitter eyeliners always has this super manufactured smell that makes you pause and think, 'ugh, whatever chemicals are in this must be horrible for me' but then you bat your eyes and shrug, meh.

2) J. Cat Beauty : Wonder Lip Paint in "WLP111 Red Potion"
For invincible color and impeccable wear, the Wonder Lip Paint serves justice! With the twofold blend of endurance and delivery of intense pigmentation, this will become your heroine of lip colors. Paint your lips to perfection for your day and nighttime adventures! 
size: 10 mL (full size!)
retail value: $4.99
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code 25JCAT; expired 12/31/14

these Wonder Lip Paints obviously come across as wannabe OCC Lip Tars. they also come in 36 colors including greys and greens.
i haven't invested in Lip Tars yet so i was happy to give this a try. the tiniest amount, as you can see, gives you more than enough product that is for sure leaving a stain behind.
i love the dark shade 'Red Potion' appears to be in the tube but it blends out to be more of a wine-berry shade but i am sure i can layer it on if needed.
a word of caution if you are using your fingers because it can messy around the lip area, and of course, on your finger.

3) Be A Bombshell Cosmetics : Eye Base in "Submissive"
This eye base is a highly pigmented, long-lasting product that can be used as a single cream color or used as an eye base to build color. 
size: 2.5 g (full size!)
retail value: $14.00

"Submissive" is described on the Be A Bombshell website as an intense creamy bronze with gold shimmer. it really is not that intense but rather just a base. and it is a fairly good base. my eyeshadow has stayed on for about 12 hours, although it obviously doesn't look like it did when i first applied my makeup but still impressive. 

4) TEMPTU : S/B Highlighter in "050 Pink Pearl"
A cult favorite of makeup artists around the globe, TEMPTU S/B Highlighter is the perfect product that goes on sheer for an overall illuminating and contouring effect. Light-reflecting and transfer resistant, S/B Highlighter glides on effortlessly for a brilliant complexion boost that contours to highlight your best features.
size: 3 mL
retail value: $27.50 (30 mL) or $100.00 (120 mL)
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code IPSY; expired 12/31/14; US only

S/B? huh? that required a little bit of digging on the TEMPTU website.
S/B stands for silicone-based which TEMPTU suggests for a soft focus effect. in the swatch below, 'Pink Pearl' is not screaming SPARKLE but instead you see a soft shimmer when the light touches it.
i know TEMPTU is recognized as an airbrush makeup company but this particular product can be applied with an airbrush, fingers, brush or sponge. all you really need is a few drops. the sample we got was tiny but i guess you can throw it in your purse for some highlighting touch ups.
TEMPTU's highlighters also come in various shades of shimmer and bronze.

5) Marc Anthony : Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray
Get extra volume, shine and hold with this dual purpose hairspray; nourishing and styling in one! This argan oil, keratin and grape seed oil infused hairspray gives you strong and flexible hold plus deep nourishment, strengthening and conditioning as you style. 
size: 53 mL
retail value: $8.99

nice citrus scent but i have yet to fully test out the hold feature since i normally let me hair do its own thang since it is naturally straight (and a little boring). i mean, who has time to do their makeup and their hair in the morning? not this girl. i like sleep.

this has been a pretty good bag - i was excited about the eyeliner, lip paint and the eye base. all of which i will use regularly. i was initially afraid of products being too glittery when i read the word GLITTER as being the theme but most of it is subtle and wearable.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Girls Chase Boys - Ingrid Michaelson
just watched: nothing yet :) just going through Doctor Who episodes!
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1 // Vampire Diaries Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman

BEAUTY BOX 5: November 2013

happy valentine's day and happy family day weekend! 

i am so glad for long weekends. i am exhausted! think i need to book a massage appointment asap. 

i hope you guys are enjoying your long weekend!

i know some people think valentine's day is just plain silly (my boyfriend included) but i can't help but feel the love when he sent flowers to my work and when my creative little sister created this pretty paper rose in a mason jar! my desk never look so purdddyy!

so yes, it's February but i'm going to take this long weekend to get in a blog post or two... i'm wrapping up the November boxes so slowly, but surely... we can get through it!

November's "prep. primp. sparkle" box:

1) Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash
smells lovely but keeps leaking for some reason...

size: 59 mL
retail value: $6.99 (473 mL)

2) Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Clay Spa in "Crushed Arctic Cloudberries"
i've seen plenty of these at Wal-Mart but haven't actually tried one before.

size: 1 mask (full size!)
retail value: $2.49

3) Blum Naturals Oil Absorbing Facial Tissues
i received these before in my June 2012 box... i emailed BB5 about this but i never heard back. oh well, guess i'll let it slide this time since i get greasy foreheads everyday by like 2 pm!

size: 50 sheets (full size!)
retail value: $2.99

4) Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Crayon in "Scandalous"
"Scandalous", 'a unique blend of metallic black and gold'. as the swatches show, it is a very soft black with some gold shimmer.
left swatch is in natural light; right is with flash.

promotion: 30% off purchase online before Nov 30, 2013 [expired]
size: 2.5 g (full size!)
retail value: $14

5) Bellapierre Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in "Penny"
i think i am getting too many of these Shimmer Powders in very similar colors... "Penny" is the color of penny (copper)  - which, in case you didn't know, are no longer produced in Canada. i obviously still have a ton - when do you think they will be worth something (more than a penny)?? haha

promotion: 50% off Get The Look Kits online before Nov 30, 2013 [expired]
size: 2.35 g (full size!)
retail value: $14.99

and here is the whole November box. body wash and one-use face masks? seems like we are returning to the old BB5 days... and i've received the exact same oil blotting sheets before and similar shimmer powders so all in all, it was a rather boring box.

TOPBOX: November 2013

ooooooh gotta catch up catch up! there's so much to do at work too because of year-end and audits... eep! 

how's 2014 treating you?

Topbox wishlists for November included: Bioderma, Estee Lauder. Givenchy, and for an extra $8 - Cake Beauty and Orlane Paris.again, i went for the ol' regular one cause i'm boring like that!

November Topbox:

a few extras with this month's box:

1) Cover FX CC Cream Time Release Tinted Treatment SPF 30 in "Light" - i was very excited to receive a CC cream! it's one of those things that seemed to take over the beauty industry rather quickly but i wasn't won over just yet. the "Time Release" in the name refers to the anti-aging properties of the cream. like BB creams, i find the coverage of this CC cream to be rather sheer. there's also not as much product as you'd think... keep squeezing!

in the pictures below, the "Light" color seems to be a bit more on the yellow side but if you blend the same amount over a larger surface area, it evens out.

size: 5 mL
retail value: $45 (30 mL)

2) Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Anti-Dullness Cleansing Oil - i had no idea these beauty oils were so renowned: the Topbox card says that 1 oil is sold every 7 seconds! i've only tried it a handful of times so far but i'm enjoying it. i was always afraid that oils were no good for oily skin but this is not really heavy at all. plus, i'm horrible at removing all my makeup with a regular makeup remover... i always get that raccoon/black eye look after. this oil has helped me remove more of that makeup since it is gentle enough to use around the eye area.

size: 20 mL
retail value: $92 (450 mL); $44 (150 mL)

3) Parfums Issey Miyake Pleats Please - this may be the first time i am happy about receiving a perfume sample in a box. this is one of 3 perfumes i've become attached to lately but i have not quite made the leap and committed to just one. i love fresh fruity scents like these. i would've been happier if it was a rollerball though!

size: 4 mL
retail value: $106 (100 mL)

4) T•Langhans Castile Handcrafted Soap in "Lemongrass" - this is some luxury soap. i have no idea what the difference is with regular soap. this is a small sample... like the ones you would get at a hotel.

size: N/A
retail value: $12 (105 - 135 g)

so tada this is everything! this isn't an amazing Topbox but i am quite happy with its contents (especially the first 3 listed above).

by the way, did anyone watch the Golden Globes yesterday? i only watched the first half hour or so but i'm always interested in the dresses... loved loved the dresses worn by Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie and Lauren Parsekian (wife of Aaron Paul). i also actually liked Emma Watson's and Amy Poehler's belted black dress on the red carpet.

what were your favorites?

REPORT CARD: 6 Beauty Box Companies // Jul - Dec 2012

oh my. it is, once again, time to report on the many many beauty box subscription companies out there. my first 'report card' focused on 3 companies, the next was on 5 and here we are now with 6.
if you want, you can read the first report card here or the report card for January to June 2012 here.

as more companies enter the market and as demand for these sample boxes appear to be tapering off, we are faced with the decision of which companies we actually want to remain subscribed to. i know i am facing quite a mountain of products in my bedroom that i will have to deal with soon...

i hope this post helps you with your decision. be warned that this is a rather lengthy post! there are pictures at the end of you just want to take a look at all the boxes :) 

i stuck with the same legend as before:

LEGEND:

• purple font = these are "bonus" products. note that all totals DO NOT include bonus products. 
• (number) = if there are brackets with a number beside a product, it means i have gotten that number of samples 
• number with a circle around it = the number represents the number of samples i received of the same product while the circle indicates that this is a one-use sample 
• i.e. in July's Glossybox, i received 4 makeup sanitizer wipes that are intended to be one-use only 

note: 

- gift cards are not included.

- makeup remover wipes are classified under "Cosmetics"; cleansing cloths are under "Skin Care".

- if a mini-size of a product was received and is available for sale in this size, it is still considered a "full sized" item.

TOPBOX

* Sold out - waitlist is currently a "few months" long
* Website? www.topbox.ca
* Cost? $10/month $12.00/month; $12.60 including tax (AB)
* Number of samples? 4 "deluxe"
* Beauty profile? Yes
* Feedback surveys? Yes - allows you to customize your preferences for next month including type of packaging (normal vs. eco-friendly)
* Referral program? Yes - for each every 3 friends who join, get 1 box free (limit of 6; invite through email via Topbox's website only)
* Other info? shop online (limited selection); tons of giveaways on Facebook; a "Review & Win " section;

the new "Privé box" - from February and onward, you may choose a brand offered by Topbox and you may receive a box featuring that brand. otherwise, you will get a regular Topbox.

* My thoughts: 

i have a love-hate relationship with Topbox. i really don't know what to do with them!! they were the very first company i subbed to. i had fabulous boxes from them but since they opened up subscriptions sometime during fall last year and started sending out fragrances, it went drastically downhill. oh and not to mention, the price has gone up. i can't believe how disappointing the December box was.

Topbox stays pretty true to their claim of 4 products in a box - occasionally they add a bonus item or the 5th would be a one-use sample. the only customization i've been seeing lately is through nail polish colors. 

we will have to see how i feel about these Privé boxes before making a final decision.

GLYMM
* Website? www.glymm.com or click on my referral link?
* Cost? $12/month since May; for active members prior to the change, price remains at $10) $15/month since February 2013 for ALL members; can also purchase semiannual, annual or gift memberships
* Number of samples? 4-5 "deluxe"
* Beauty profile? Yes
* Feedback surveys? Yes - get 10 points for each one completed
* Referral program? Yes - earn 50 points for each referral; 100 points = $10 off next purchase
* Other info? can shop online; Glymm Man & Glymm MAMA also available; switched to using makeup bags instead of boxes since May

* My thoughts:

this may be biased because i just opened my January Glymm bag - "seriously?" was what i was thinking the whole time. they jacked up their price (again), made secret changes on their website and to think that this bag is supposed to demonstrate that the price increase was worth it? nuh uh.

if i am looking at just the data for the last half of 2012, it was pretty decent. i was introduced to some brands that i really really enjoyed (EVOLVH, The Beehive, Villainess) but the majority of the samples tend to lean on the itty bitty side. more often than not, there will be one or two skincare-related items in your bag.

one of the best features of subscribing to Glymm is their loyalty program. however, there has been hush-hush changes to that (oh and free shipping starts at $100 now instead of $50).


GLOSSYBOX
* Website? www.glossybox.ca or perhaps click on my referral link? :)
* Cost? $15/month $21/month since November
* Number of samples? 5 "high-end" "deluxe"
* Beauty profile? Yes
* Feedback surveys? Yes - receive 20 points for each one completed
* Referral program? Yes - earn 200 points for each referral; 1000 points = free box
* Other info? Glossyboxes are available in 16 other countries

*My thoughts:

holy price hike! lately, there has been a lot of negativity surrounding Glossybox - due to the price increase as well as the discontinued/expired products from December's fiasco. Glossybox seems to make a lot of claims - "high-end", "niche" and "sources from the best cosmetic companies" - all of which have been directly challenged. there is no shortage of full sized items in Glossyboxes but they can all be found at your local drugstore. i have raked in enough Glossydots to redeem for a free box... but after that, it will be hard for me to justify paying $21 to build up my collection of Aveeno moisturizers.


BEAUTY BOX 5
* Website? www.beautybox5.com or many thanks if you join through my referral link :)
* Cost? $12 US/month; can also purchase quarterly or yearly subscriptions
* Number of samples? 4-5
* Beauty profile? Yes
* Feedback surveys? No
* Referral program? Yes - invite 5 friends, get 1 box free
* Other info? tracking info provided is pretty useless for Canadians

*My thoughts:

BB5 started off slow but they have made their mark in the beauty box industry. they have continually introduced me to new brands and new products. BB5 is the only one i do not have a monthly subscription for - i have the quarterly one but i am seriously considering a yearly subscription (if i cancel some of the others) - it is one of the best deals out there! if you like cosmetics, then this box will meet your needs.

LOOSE BUTTON // LUXE BOX
* Website? www.loosebutton.com
* Cost? $26/quarter ($27.30 with tax for Albertans); can also purchase semiannual, annual or gift memberships
* Number of samples? 7-8 "trial-sized"
* Beauty profile? No
* Feedback surveys? No
* Referral program? No
* Other info? switched from monthly to quarterly boxes back in June; quarterly boxes ship in the months of February, May, August and November March, June, September and December (bumped over a month because even though they switched to quarterly, they are still super slow at shipping); subscription has some "perks" - also has First in Line program; Luxe Box for Men is available; shop online at their Luxe Boutique 

*My thoughts:

yes, the silk-like packaging and monogrammed stickers are luxe but when you really think about it, it's almost $30 a box! so i don't know... i am sort of on the fence about this one too. then again, since it is only quarterly, it doesn't seem to sting as much. 

both quarterly boxes i received contained 8 items, at least 1 of which was a Loose Button item (exfoliating pad, kabuki brush, false eyelashes). the Loose Button item will be full sized and there would be 2 other full-sized items in the box.

IPSY // GLAM BAG

*Sold out - length of time on waitlist is unknown

* Website? www.ipsy.com
* Cost? $10 + $4.95 shipping US/month; annual membership also available
* Number of samples? no specified number but both "deluxe" and "full sized" terms are used
* Beauty profile? No but you complete a beauty quiz when you first sign up
* Feedback surveys? No
* Referral program? No
* Other info? all about the community - you can compete in Look Challenges, create videos, comment on other looks people have created...

*My thoughts:

i am loving my ipsy right now! i initially signed up for beauty boxes because i wanted more makeup and this particular subscription really delivers. they have shipped all makeup with the exception of 1 skincare product per bag. they have also partnered with some more prestigious brands such as Urban Decay and Benefit. there has been at least 2 full sized products in the last 2 bags - i like!

- - - - -

a quick summary:

and a quick analysis:

* customization has really gone down as more people subscribe. next time i do a report card, there will probably be no use for that column anymore! 

* you will get 1 full sized product from Topbox 50% of the time while it's a toss up for Glymm...

* Glossybox averages about 3 full sized products each month - same with Loose Button

* with BB5, you will get at least 1, and with ipsy, at least 2 (so far anyways)

* Glymm, BB5 and Loose Button seem to have the most variety in products but their main focus is still cosmetics

* skin care is huge for Topbox

* ipsy is the most makeup-oriented box

* only Glossybox and ipsy are fragrance-free while Topbox is increasingly sending out perfume samples

* if you add them all up, that's 149 samples to go through - from just half of the year!!

- - - - -

BRANDS

it is not surprising that these companies feature products from the same brand more than once (most common were the 3 Sebastian hair products from Glossybox and 4 CyberDERM products from Glymm). the most prevalent brand across the board is B. Kamins - they have partnered with Glossybox, Topbox AND Loose Button - i now have a total of 6 B. Kamins samples. both BB5 and ipsy have been more exciting for me since they are both American and therefore allow me to try brands that i cannot get here.

- - - - - 

SHIPPING

where the boxes come from:

* Topbox - Toronto, ON

* Glymm - Montreal, QC

* Glossybox - Mississauga, ON (with the except of December's box that was partnered with LOULOU magazine, which shipped from Winnipeg, MN)

* Beauty Box 5 - Austin, TX

* Loose Button - Mississauga, ON

* Ipsy - San Mateo, CA

all of the above use Canada Post (except for BB5 which uses USPS). ipsy uses Canada Post when it arrives at the border.

date the companies stated that they will ship boxes:
* Topbox - on the 10th
* Glymm - week of the 10th
* Glossybox - end of the month
* Beauty Box 5 - mid-month (15th)
* Loose Button - N/A but the Spring one should be mid-March

* Ipsy - mid-month

LEGEND:

• shipped = when the item was processed
• expected = estimated date it will be delivered; arrows indicate an estimate change because Canada Post received the item after cut-off time
• delivered = when it arrives in my mailbox/front porch

quick notes:

* Topbox and Glymm arrive around the same time (and now ipsy too). Glossybox and BB5 tend to arrive near the end of the month or early next month. as for Loose Button, i have no clue - they have not been consistent enough for me to even guess. 

* there is no tracking info prior to ipsy's Glam Bag arrival in Canada. for BB5,  it's reversed - i have no idea what happens to it after it leaves Austin, Texas. 

* BB5 is the only one that fits in my normal mailbox. the other ones require the larger compartments of my community mailbox. 

* the Winter Luxe Box was actually delivered to my door and my dad even had to sign for it.

- - - - -

CONCLUSION

i have some yeses, some maybes and some probably nots. i can never make up my mind! haha but i know that i am getting way too much stuff to even use and appreciate any of my older items so i have to cut back. 

i am confident that i am keeping ipsy and BB5. Topbox and Loose Button are maybes while Glymm and Glossybox are on the chopping block. i've been looking at my points for the latter two and will be using them up shortly. 

a summary through pictures:

Topbox (July to December 2012):

Glymm (July to December 2012):

Glossybox (July to December 2012):

Beauty Box 5 (July to December 2012):

Loose Button (August/Fall 2012; December/Winter 2012)

Ipsy (November to December 2012):

you can click on the "Beauty Boxes" tab at the very top if you'd like to read some reviews :)

what have you decided - are you dropping any subscriptions or picking up new ones? what factors greatly influence your decision? thanks so much for reading!