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: - -

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)

TOPBOX: October 2014 [Regular]

happy happy new year everybody! i hope your holidays were fabulous. i went back to work this week and i must say i could've used another week - only because it was quite a busy holiday. there was not one single day where i was able to lounge in pajamas and binge watch Netflix all day. other than that, it was a great time. spent plenty of time with friends and fam. and yes... somehow i ended up at the mall on Christmas Eve again. thought i was going to be able to avoid it since i was doing pretty good even before December hit. but lo and behold, every weekend in December was busy busy busy! one weekend it was my company's Christmas party and then there was a friend's wedding and then bam! it comes and goes so quickly doesn't it?
and then New Years. i feel that as i get older, fewer and fewer people have actual plans on New Years. for the beginning of 2015, the boyfriend and i just stayed in with his sisters. watched the countdown on TV. also watched a bunch of French rap videos. some of it is actually really good! actually i can't exactly comment on the rapping but to me - whose French is limited to bonjour, pamplemousse and voulez-vous coucher avec moi - it sounded pretty good.

flashback to October! October's Regular Topbox featured products available at London Drugs.

1) Prestige Cosmetics : Makeup Eraser Pen
size: 2.5 mL (full size!)
retail value: $9.00

oo neato! this is a product i've never used before... the slanted tip looks like it would be great for creating the perfect winged eye. it would also be very useful if you are as impatient as i am waiting for my liquid liner to dry...
i have only encountered Prestige Cosmetics at London Drugs. this pen is from their Back to Black collection; oil- and alcohol-free.

2) Cargo Cosmetics : Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Eye Shadow Primer
size: 5 g
retail value: $25 (11 g)

i have yet to be amazed by Cargo Cosmetics but i am willing to give this 'HD' product a chance. at first, the primer is a nude shade but blends into the skin.

3) Vichy : Purifying Foaming Water Radiance Revealer
size: 50 mL (full size!)
retail value: $23

fancy words hey? radiance revealer... one pump dispenses enough foam to lather your face. it feels like you are washing your face in a fountain of flowers. after rinsing, my skin is is feeling utterly soft.

4) Lise Watier : Lift & Firm 3D Duo Serum 24 Hrs (Instant Lifting Day Serum & Firming Night Serum)
size: 2 x 3 mL
retail value: $78 (2 x 20 mL)

the packaging touts the instant effectiveness of these serums - as quick as 15 minutes! there are high percentages of people saying they had firmer, smoother, denser skin... but if you look at the tiny writing, you will see that they tested this on 25 people. not very representative at all.
still - lifting and firming are going to be real issues in the near future. will hold onto these. :)

first time in a long time that i've been slightly impressed by Topbox. the Prestige Makeup Remover Pen is a new product for me so that is pretty exciting. maybe it is the timing as well since i was in need of a new cleanser. not sure how well foaming water will be at keeping pimples at bay...

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: "The Beginning" by Ryan Arcand (if you haven't checked out the video 'Man on the street plays beautifully', then go! the song is absolutely beautiful and moving)
just watched: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (after re-watching the other two as well - LOVE the trilogy, which is not surprising since i was also blown away by LOTR. the final movie was amazing - i was in awe the entire time)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 4 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1 // Vampire Diaries Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman (finally decided to pick it up again - on Part 2!)

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

TOPBOX: August 2014

i miss the wishlist for Topbox every month. seriously, every month. i don't know why i can't just check in a few days before the end of the month. i just never remember. ever.
and so, it happened again near the end of July while i was away for my boyfriend's sister's wedding. right after the wishlist closed, i emailed Topbox and asked if they could put me down for the Benefit box.
a rep emailed me back, saying that she would put my request in!

unfortunately, the request fell through and another regular, boring Topbox arrived in my mailbox August 19th.

1) Barefoot Venus : Macadamia Oil Hand Cream in "Wild Flower"

size: 60 mL

retail value: $5.99 [full size!]

i love the pretty details on the packaging of the hand cream. the cream itself is also quite lovely. smells great and is not overpowering. my skin feels lovely and soft afterwards. it's made in Kelowna - i was just there in July!

2) Pur~Lisse : Pur-Protect Essential Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen

size: 15 mL

retail value: $55 (50 mL)

i just received this in the ipsy July bag - and i am still working through that one. i like how it is non-greasy and actually feels light on the skin. great size to throw in your bag and reapply throughout the day. today, Calgarians experienced our first snow after the summer season. up to 10 cm one day after we floated down the Bow River, enjoying 26 degree weather. so we will probably not see much sun for quite some time...aghhhhhhh! no fair! we can't just skip over autumn entirely! :(

3) Lise Watier : Prebiotic Micellar Water

size: 12 mL

retail value: $25 (200 mL)

prebiotic micellar water... such a fancy-sounding name. this the very FIRST prebiotic micellar water -simply because everyone else calls it 'toner'. prebiotic refers to sugar molecules that "stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria" - sounds like yogurt to me.
just like you would with a toner, you use this product with a cotton ball and dab it on your face. it doesn't sting a whole lot like some toners so that's why this is ideal for sensitive skin. 

4) Matrix : Oil Wonders in "Egyptian Hibiscus Color Caring Oil"

size: 5 mL x 3 = 15 mL

retail value: $22.99

seriously... i thought we were past the whole one-use satchet thing.
other than that, i've discovered i enjoy the scent of hibiscuses. you only need a tiny dab of this product or else it sort of weighs your hair down.
i've been using hair oils for a while now... after coming back from the hot and humid Florida weather, i noticed that when i curled the ends of my hair into a ball, it goes crunch.

crunch is not a nice sound for hair to make.

i have to admit that although this was an uninteresting box, i will be eventually using all of these items. still wish i had the Benefit box though!

TOPBOX: July 2014 [Regular]

hello everybody!
i'm on the last day of my vacation... after taking almost a week off for my boyfriend's sister's wedding, it's hard to picture going back to work tomorrow.

not only was the wedding absolutely beautiful and lovely ...

... this was what i was getting used to waking up to:

ahhhh Summerland, BC - you are gorgeous! food was delicious and the weather was super amazing as well!

i guess my Orlando trip is coming up just around the corner... it's going to be a hot one for sure!!

the July Topbox was delivered to my door July 17.

1) LA Splash Nail Polish in "12023 Foolish" 
size: 10 mL (full size!)
retail value: $7.50

i recognized this brand as being one of the cheaper brands on Cherry Culture. sure enough, the nail polishes are currently on clearance for $0.99. regular price was only $4.00 so i am not sure where the $7.50 price tag came from. in addition to this, this specific color is not sold through Cherry Culture nor LA Splash themselves.

i have too many hot pink shades like this that it would be a waste if i opened this up.

2) Clinique All About Eyes 
size: 5 mL
retail value: $62 (28 mL)

the texture of this eye product is more of a watery consistency than others i have tried. i only need the tiniest dab to get enough for both of my eyes.

3) theBalm Cosmetics IN-STAIN in "Swiss Dot"
size: 0.5 g
retail value: $23.50 (6.5 g)

IN-STAIN blushes are a super cute size and i love the magnet that keeps it closed. the "Swiss Dot" peach shade is very pigmented and blends well. sadly, i have already received this exact shade in a prior Luxe Box.

4) philosophy miracle worker miraculous anti-aging lactic acid cleanser & mask
size: 30 mL
retail value: $36 (236 mL)

this is similar to another philosophy cleanser i received from Topbox way back in the day. both are milky and gentle. "Miracle Worker" is scent-free. my skin is very nice and soft after using it but i am not sure how it could be used as a mask since it is such a watery texture.

andddddddd that's another boring Topbox for ya. i oughta stop missing those wishlist deadlines...

TOPBOX: January 2014

i went to another concert!! this has been a great year for concerts!! just recently i went to see SHANIA TWAIN! i heard she hadn't performed on a concert stage for over a decade... which is just crazy. her tickets were also crazy... crazy expensive! but i got a great last minute deal and was able to get pretty decent seats. she had back to back concerts at the Calgary Stampede since the first one sold out so quickly. i was definitely kicking myself when i missed the ticket release of both shows... blergghh... but i made sure i got tickets in the end.

here's her performance of one of my favorite songs of hers - From This Moment On

now back to a quick look at the last January box i have to review... after this... i am skipping to July boxes!!! i have accepted defeat.

January Topbox.
one word for this box: lame.
lame lame lame lame.

especially lame box to start off the year.

1) Aveda : Stress-Fix Body Lotion
size: 25 mL
retail value: $32.50 (200 mL)

yuck - stress-relieving or easy-sleeping lotions always throw me off because they never smell 'calming' or 'relaxing' to me. this particular scent smells like a spice to me... with some dirt thrown in. not good at all.

2) Miracle 10 : Solution II Extra Strength Clarifying Solution
size: 30 mL
retail value: $44 (120 mL)

i haven't used toners forever... forever as in since the time i was using the whole Pro-activ system for my pimples in junior high/high school. which is actually ages ago (almost time for a 10 year reunion!).
i did not forget the slight sting when i use toners... or how it burns my eyes a little when i use it too close to my eyes. it does make my skin feel a tad bit cleaner in a sense. as if all the bacteria are burning off of my face or something... haha

3) Elizabeth Arden : Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Eye Serum
size: 3 mL
retail value: $275 (30 mL)

yeeeeesh. it is always the case with these super expensive samples: they are always itty bitty like this which is never enough to convince me to shell over almost $300.

4) Benefit : Benetint
size: 2.5 mL
retail value: $36 (12.5 mL) 

i already own one of these from last year's Topbox celebrating the same occasion - Chinese New Year. it's handy when you are carrying a small purse and would like to touch up later in the night. i find that it works better as a stain on the cheeks rather than the lips. please read post here.

and here it all is!
nothing to be excited about.

i hope you are happy to know the next box i review will be a JULY one. oh goodie. something relevant! :P
glad to get this final January post in and out of the way on my 27th birthday! now to start anew!

TOPBOX: December 2013 [regular]

another quick post for you today since i am not excited about this December box. this is the first December 2013 box i've opened and it does not meet my holiday expectations at all! (yes, it's true, i've got a stash of unopened beauty boxes in a corner still.)

but come to think of it, it looks like i was disappointed last year as well - see December 2012.

maybe Topbox just doesn't like celebrating holidays?

anyway,

the Regular December 2013's box included:

1) Belvada Cosmetics Coconut Lip Butter

it does not look like much thought was put into the packaging of this product. Belvada simply stuck a sticker on a little brown tub. i can't find this on the website (the site doesn't even have a section for lips - just Eyes, Skin Care and Nails) so i am not sure if they are even selling this lip butter.

i don't usually like dipping my fingers in to use any type of lip product but the coconut smelt nice so i did. i dabbed it on my lips with my pinky finger and now my lips smell good. 

size: N/A

retail value: $10 (10 mL)

2) Cuccio Colour Nail Lacquer in "6029 Moscow Red Square"

the shade is a nice festive shimmery red shade. truth is i already own a whole bunch of festive colors and won't be cracking this open. let me know if you are interested in taking this off my hands!

the right pic is a better representation of the color

size: 13 mL (full size!)

retail value: $10

3) Estée Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal EyeLiner Duo in "01 Blackened Black/02 Blackened Cocoa" 

my favorite item in the box. i like an intense liner and pencils usually don't give me that effect but i am pleased with this one. both colors are perfect if you want a dark and pigmented eyeliner. it is also very soft and does not pull on the eyelids. BUT sadly, the downside is that it smudges quite easily... as in i wore it on both my upper and lower lids and i looked like a raccoon at the end of the night. i didn't know that eyeliner could migrate that far onto my cheek area.

it says on the eyeliner that it is not for individual sale - i am guessing this was part of a gift set or something but "Blackened Black" and "Blackened Cocoa" are both sold individually for $25.

size: N/A

retail value: $26 (for another Eyeliner Duo or $25 for a full-sized of each color)

4) Wella Professionals Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray

another item up for sale! just because i don't use enough hair styling tools. but like all Wella products, this smells great.

size: 150 mL (full size!)

retail value: $14

and that's it. how did you feel about Topbox ending the year with this 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?