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: - -

LUXE BOX: December 2013 [Winter Edition]

gooooooooood evening!
i've swung by today to give you a mighty quick post on the... last... December box i have? i might be wrong. there could still be one more hiding.

this is getting ridiculous, i know i know!

here goes:

1) Clinique High Impact Mascara in "01 Black"
ho hum - i've seen plenty of these included in the gift sets during Clinique bonus time.

size: 3.5 mL

retail value: $9.50 (8 g)

2) COVERGIRL LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in "245 Ruby Twist"

i haven't dabbled with COVERGIRL for a while and i was surprised with how quickly i fell in love with this - the ease of application, the color, the moisturizing and light feel it has - all of it! it's so summery too which i am sure everyone is anticipating the change in weather.

size: 314 g (full size!)

retail value: $10

3) Essie Nail Lacquer in "728 Dive Bar"

most of the Essies in my collection are matte shades so this is something different. Essie calls this color "a mysterious blackest blue with shimmer". i love how it is dark with a blue-green shimmer. must try on my nails next week.

size: 13.5 mL (full size!)

retail value: $11

4) EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Conditioner 

hmm something seems to be missing...

oh what's that? shampoo?

that's right! i don't know why Loose Button decided to cheap out on us and just give us the second step and not the first... 

but i must admit, i loved this when i received it in my Glymm bag who-knows-when (actually i do - it was September 2012!). it's natural, smells lovely and makes your hair feel super soft and light.

which is why i wish there was a shampoo to go with this!! aghhh 

size: 75 mL

retail value: $25 (250 mL)

5) Honibe Honey Lozenges in "Lemon"

whaaaaaaaaaaaat? 

size: 4 lozenges

retail value: $5.99 (10 pack); $9.99 (20 pack)

6) Loose Button Gel Eye Pads

i don't own a set of these so i was feeling okay about getting these. but if you scroll down a bit and see the value Loose Button slapped on these, your eyes might fall out of your head and you will no longer be able to use such expensive gel eye pads.

size: 2 pads

retail value: $30 (yaaaaaaaa right)

7) L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette

the heart of this scent lies in peonies - which i like. it's not 'heavy' and the tiny bottle is adorbs. i actually haven't tried any L'Occittane eau de toilettes before (or even knew they had a fragrance line...).

size: 5 mL

retail value: $47 (80 mL)

8) Simple Pleasures Hand & Body Cream in "Vanilla Bloom"

the scent is nice and not overpowering but i can tell that creams like this one tend to be sold in clothing stores who throw all their body care items near the checkout i.e. F21, H&M. the lotion is watery so it does not do much for long-lasting moisture.

(oh wait! it is the same brand as the cream in last season's box - no wonder the quality felt the same...)

size: 237 mL (full size!)

retail value: $10

i sort of wish i could've cancelled when i was strong. but now there is another Luxe Box sitting in the corner, waiting for me to get around to it. i must say i am happy to try the COVERGIRL Jumbo Gloss Balm. the Honey Lozenges counted as 1 of my 8 items which is sort of silly... the cost of those eye pads were outrageous... conditioner, mascara, lotion - nothing really grabs me anymore.

maybe it's time.

are you still with Loose Button? and are you happy? 

thanks for reading!

IPSY BAG: December 2013

thought i'd share what i did last last weekend: Harry Potter The Exhibition in Edmonton!! good thing we bought tickets a couple days beforehand because all shows were sold out when we got there. phew! sunday was the last day so i hope you were able to make it if you had wanted to go! 

of course, pictures weren't allowed so here's a photo of a rook chess piece that was just outside of the exhibition area; also some Chocolate Frogs (i got Voldemort - chocolate was very tiny and for $6!) and some House Pins because magically, the four of us that went were sorted (on Pottermore) to four different houses - what are the chances?? worked out soooo perfectly. anyway, it was a fun day! 

i DEFINITELY want to check out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando!!

andddd polina says to catch up already so here goes!
:)

reminds me of Glymm's bag in August 2012 - same texture, different design!

ipsy's December bag was all about "Celebration" - which was what i was hoping Topbox would be participating in but nopeeeee. let's check it out and find out for ourselves, shall we?

1) Be a Bombshell The One Stick in "Flustered"

An all-in-one multiple stick with a smooth texture. Apply to eyelids, cheeks or lips for the perfect pop of color anywhere.

"Flustered" is a warm bright pink which would be perfect for those who also enjoy lots and lots of glitter. i personally do not and i'm also not really drawn into the whole multi-purpose idea. i find that a color that may be great for lips tend not to be the same color i'd want for my eyelids.

size: 7.3 g (full size!)
retail value: $16
promotion: 40% off online purchase and free full-sized blush [expired Jan 15, 2014; US only]

2) NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in "LSS548 Apollo"
A classic lipstick for all occasions that has a mineral-based emollient formula, beautiful velvet texture, saturated color, and resists wear and smudging.

i own more than 10 of these Round Lipsticks from a large eBay order where i spent hours deciding which 10 i actually wanted so i definitely recall ruling out "Apollo".

"Apollo" is a very shimmery orange and when it is this shimmery, it looks metallic. my skin tone practically screams NO to metallic lip colors. ipsy members received 1 of 18 colors - too bad i ended up with this one. i think it looks lovely on darker skin tones though.

size: 4 g (full size!)
retail value: $4.00
promotion: 35% off online purchase of Slim Lip Pencil [expired Jan 15, 2014]

3) POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio in "Smokin' Hot"
This palette of hues adds definition & intensity to lids, creating a broad range of looks that complements all eye colours. From brightening bare to sultry smoke, these hues blend smoothly onto the lid, adding a veil of silky luster that will outlive the day or night!

i remember those days when Sephora carried POP Beauty and they had these palettes designed for your eye color... i really wanted one of those! so i was a tad excited when i saw this on my ipsy bag. once i tried it however, i realized why Sephora may have stopped carrying it.

the pigmentation is really NOT there. the white is hardly distinguishable. the grey required a few swatches to even get this color and the black is not ... black. all three are shimmery. the quality just reminds me of kids' makeup.
can i also add how hard it was to open this case? you almost have to dig in your nail to pop this open. be careful of your manicures.

size: 4.35 g
retail value: $24 (for a 10 shadow palette)
promotion: 25% off online purchase [expired Jan 15, 2014; US only]

4) English Laundry Signature Pour Homme and Pour Femme Fragrances 
Signature Pour Femme By: English Laundry
Charming, Delicate & Elegant. Signature opens with quince, complimented by white chocolate and jasmine petals at the heart. For a purely peaceful scent, notes of orris roots, powdery musk and sensual woods have been composed at the base. Available in Holiday Gift Sets, Eau De Parfum, Body Lotion, Purse Sprayer and Pure Oil Roll On.

Signature By: English Laundry
Sophisticated, Masculine & Captivating. Signature is a fragrance with aromatic notes of bergamot, lemon, lavender and cedarwood. Nutmeg and coriander are composed in the middle. Signature reveals a base of sandalwood, vetiver, musk and amber. Available in Holiday Gift Set, Eau De Toillete, 3in1 Shampoo + Conditioner +Body Wash, Deodorant Stick and Pocket Sprayer.

i have never heard of this brand before but the packaging was cute and i liked how it came in a set for both him and her. also a spray top - so much more useful! sadly, the "Pour Femme" one leaked so i had like the tiniest bit left but i can for sure tell you what it smells like since it is all over the other products. seems like this leaking problem was quite common too.

"Pour Femme" is very feminine, very floral. it is not a soft-smelling scent. "Pour Homme" smells fresh and musky.

size: N/A but 2 larger than normal perfume spray samples
retail value: $72 (50 mL) for either scent; "Pour Homme": $84 (100 mL), "Pour Femme": $90 (100 mL)
promotion: free shipping and gift bag with online purchase of $75 or more [expired Feb 23, 2014; US only]

5) Nicka K New York in "NY139 Ripe Apple"
The Nicka K New York is specially designed to glide across fingernails with minimal effort for vibrancy that is dazzling and long lasting. Formula is free of DBP, Toublene, and formaldehyde.

ooooh a nail polish brand i've never heard of! the bottle is quite a unique shape. the color is a very deep red - the photos were taken in direct sunlight so they look like a true red here. i think it would look really pretty on the nails.

size: 15 mL (full size!)
retail value: $4.99
promotion: 30% off online purchase [expired Jan 10, 2014; US only]


so ipsy really is great for expanding your makeup collection - plenty of variety in brands as well as type of products. this month's was a tad too shimmery for my liking and it's unfortunate that the perfume leaked.

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?

LUXE BOX: October 2013 [Fall Edition]

hellooooooooooo lovelies! it is December! two weeks in and i hardly started Christmas shopping... i probably have 1.75 gifts done. ack! definitely got more shopping for myself done... how's your Christmas shopping going??

btw, parking is getting insane! the last two times i've gone to the mall, it has literally been like stalking prey and stealing their parking spots. it's crazy out there!

speaking of craziness, we had a blizzard that started about 9 days ago and temperatures dropped to about -43 degrees with windchill. since then, there has been over 2,000 car accidents! yikes! stay safe on the road!

anyway, quick post about my Loose Button box for Fall (you know, Winter hasn't officially started yet!) -

1) Loose Button Flat Eye Shadow Brush
The tapered, flat bristles work brilliantly for packing eyeshadow on the lid.


the Loose Button branded items are very hit or miss with me. with this eye shadow brush, it's a hit. at first i wasn't too impressed... but then i watched the Makeup Geek video and i realized that i had never pressed eyeshadow on like that - it's life-changing. really.

size: 1 brush (full size!)
retail value: $19

2) L'Occitane Supple Skin Oil
Enriched with powerful almond proteins and essential oils of peppermint, palmarosa and Immortelle. Supple Skin Oil works to protect the skin's support tissue and fight against loss of elasticity. Deeply nourishing formula can be used to prevent the formation of stretch marks.


i've bought a few stretch mark products in my lifetime but have not fully incorporated them into my routine regularly enough to see results. i do not see myself getting more stretch marks anytime soon but will definitely keep it in mind!

size: 15 mL
retail value: $52 (50 mL)

3) Michael Kors SPORTY CITRUS, SEXY AMBER and GLAM JASMINE Eau De Parfum Sprays
Sporty Citrus: A dazzling burst of citrus with luscious orange flower and a hint of warm woods. Casually chic and fresh.
Sexy Amber: A spotlight on warm amber wrapped in sandalwood, layered with white flowers. Sumptuous and deeply seductive.
Glam Jasmine: A bouquet of lush jasmine with accents of creamy woods. Overtly feminine and head-turning.

i'm a fan of Michael Kors but these perfume sprays are not exactly my cup of tea. "Sporty Citrus" was my least favorite - it was really musky and strong... not very citrusy at all and quite overwhelming actually.
"Sexy Amber" was slightly better, but still rather musky and overpowering. it does smell like flowers though. and next we have "Glam Jasmine". which would be my pick from the three. most floral and girly of them all. plus it is much 'lighter' than the other two.
i have the say the packing of the three scents are really cute though.

size: 1.5 mL each x 3
retail value: $75 (50 mL)

4) TheBalm Instain Powder Blush in "Swiss Dot"
TheBalm’s long-wearing, staining powder blush is a fashion must have! Perfect for all seasons and skin tones, it will give your cheeks color that won’t quit.

i have a full size version in "Houndstooth" which i am using almost everyday (much much delayed review on that one!) and this color - "Swiss Dot" is pretty awesome as well.
"Swiss Dot" is a peach color and it's a very pigmented peach. a little goes a long, long, long way. the sample looks rather tiny but i am sure it would last you a while. the little magnetic booklet is also super cute and convenient to throw in your purse.

size: 0.5 g

retail value: $28 (5.5 g)

5) HSI Professional Argan Oil 

Infuse your hair with essential nutrients to instantly give your locks a healthy, shiny and smooth appearance. This formula protects your hair from heat styling without weighing down your hair.

is it just me or should i be expecting more than sample sachets from Loose Button?? i mean, this is supposed to be a LUXE box and one-use sachets don`t scream luxe to me.

here, we have 4 one-use sachets of argan oil for your hair. my hair has been rather damaged since dying my hair (i cannot believe how quickly i got split ends) so sure, argan oil, i will use you. i`ve only used half of one on my ends since i am not a fan of oily hair. it feels nice and soft right now but that`s pretty much expected of any hair oil.

size: 1 use packet x 4

retail value: $30 (60 mL)

6) Simple Pleasures Hand Cream in "Melon Mist"

Pamper your hard-working hands with this enriching formula, by Simple Pleasures.

i am not exactly sure why - but it`s probably the packaging - but this lotion seems very cheap to me. the pattern, the gold font, the list of ingredients that include various colors and numbers... meh. i was not surprised that when i used it, the cream itself was very watery. i found that i needed to reapply within 30 minutes. "Melon Mist" could almost have been mistaken for "Unscented" since the melon is sooooo light, it is almost undetectable.

size: 50 mL (full size!)

retail value: $10

7) China Glaze Nail Lacquer in "81348 Gossip Over Gimlets" 

Dive into the Autumn Nights Collection with China Glaze. This formula not only includes nail hardeners, but is super opaque allowing for minimal coats.

the Fall 2013 Autumn Nights Collection consists of 12 colors. "Gossip Over Gimlets" is a silver foil with little gold specks in it. i don't exactly like silver nail polish so this would be my least favorite color in the whole collection. not going to do a swatch since i don't think it's worth cracking open...

size: 14 mL (full size!)

retail value: $7

sooooo i am sure you can tell that i was just not impressed with this box. it saddens me to think that i paid almost $30 for this. i am not amazed by anything really in this box but i am happy about the brush and the powder blush. i really hope the Winter box will  be better since it is around the holidays or i really will be saying goodbye to another subscription. i've finally discovered the power to say no to subscriptions so *pat on the back*.

so thanks for reading! happy holidays!!

LUXE BOX: March 2013 [Spring Edition]

my spring Luxe Box arrived last week which was a surprise since i almost forgot it was coming.
this spring box was special in that it was partnered with Steven and Chris from CBC's Steven and Chris Show. i haven't seen the show before but i have heard of the duo.

a Spring Trends 2013 booklet was included and you don't receive every item listed. to me, this seems like a bit of a tease since i can read about items other people are getting. i don't think it is a smart business tactic because we are only comparing our items to what we COULD have received which means unhappy customers.
of the 10 products mentioned in the booklet, i received 3 of them in my box. i am quite jealous of those who got the Color Smash Hair Shadow! i've only dyed my hair once so it seems like a fun thing to try.

1) Loose Button Blending Sponge 
"A makeup sponge applicator that flawlessly blends in your makeup for the perfect look. The applicator should be dampened with water before use and can be used with liquid, cream, loose powder or pressed powder makeup. For best results, use the applicator in a stippling or bouncing motion."
i am sure you have seen the (seemingly) overpriced Beautyblender as well as many of its knockoffs. here we have Loose Button's version - a blue sponge that is not an exact egg shape like the real Beautyblender but it's more like an egg with a waist. it is really soft and squishy! definitely felt different from my other makeup tools... it was pretty fun using it to apply my foundation just by bouncing it all over my face.
i haven't used one of these before so i had to look it up. i dampened the sponge and used it to apply both a liquid foundation and powder by using bouncing motions. i think the sponge may have been too wet because i couldn't tell if it either spread evenly or the sponge soaked it all up. i will have to use it a few more times before i get it right...

size: 1 sponge (full size!)
retail value: N/A

2) Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Serum 
"Award-winning serum that helps create a more youthful-looking skin by promoting natural skin renewal that is characteristic of young skin. Visible skin in just 7 days. Drop by drop, skin is vibrant with youth, its tone becomes astonishingly even and its texture dramatically refined."
oooh. award-winning but not a product i am interested in using just yet.
comes with a dropper and has a very very light scent.

size: 8 mL
retail value: $125 (50 mL)

3) Blue Lagoon Rich Nourishing Cream
"Blue Lagoon rich nourishing cream We are happy to include our latest product, rich nourishing cream, in the spring Luxe Box. The Blue Lagoon rich nourishing cream, for normal to dry skin, smoothes, enhances radiance and helps to prevent signs of aging, like wrinkles. This new advanced formula contains Blue Lagoon active ingredients: algae and silica. Research has shown that Blue Lagoon algae have significant protecting and anti-aging effects and the Blue Lagoon silica helps to strengthen the skins barrier function* *in vitro and in vivo studies Blue Lagoon rich nourishing cream is: Dermotologically tested and Paraben free."
you are kidding me LB! a foil packet in a box that we pay almost $30 for? so sad, so sad. it's expensive yes, but how are you going to convince me to shell over such a large amount of money with so little product to test with?

size: 2 mL
retail value: US$130 (30 mL)

4) L'Occitane Shea Dry Skin Hand Cream
"This hand cream penetrates quickly to protect, nourish and moisturize your hands. Rapidly absorbed with no oily traces, this hand cream doesn't need to be reapplied even after frequent hand washing. The minimal scent makes it suitable for men and women."
funny enough, i got this hand cream from L'Occitane for FREE and in a BIGGER size a couple of months ago - how does that work??
this Shea Hand Cream smells like a baby powder/oil to me which i actually like.

size: 10 mL
retail value: $30 (150 mL)

5) Coach Coach Love Eau de Parfum 
"Coach Love blends dewy petals and fresh greens with sensual woods, rich caramel and a hint of musk in a scent as unforgettable as falling in love. Apply perfume to your pulse points for a longer lasting scent. Remember not to rub your pulse points together, as this will bruise the scent."

i am not a huge fan of getting perfume samples in my beauty boxes but it is so hard to dislike them when they come in such cute bottles.
i like the florals behind the scent but at the same time, i think the musk makes it a little too strong.

size: 6.5 mL
retail value: $92 (100 mL)

6) Pandora's Makeup Box Pandora's Eyes Mascara in "Black"
"The perfect addition to your your collection for a more natural touch! A smudge and clump free mascara that provides you with gorgeous, glossy colour that will never irritate the eyes. Developed specifically for sensitive eyes, this mascara glides on easily and thickens the lashes while adding glorious shine. The long brush handle allows you to maneuver into hard to reach areas and the clear tube lets you know when you're running low!"
this mascara came at the right time since i was just finishing an old one so i decided to give Pandora a try. the mascara comes in a clear tube so you can actually tell when you are running low. i have never had that before  so it will be interesting to see how much i can actually use up. it is much more likely that the mascara dries out before i make a solid dent in it.
the brush is on the thin side and the mascara is a very wet formula. i even sniffed it... and it doesn't smell good but i guess you aren't supposed to be sniffing mascaras anyway. the mascara looks like a shiny black - it lengthens my lashes but doesn't do much for volume. some of my lashes stuck together since the formula is rather wet. it also holds a curl decently.

size: 10 mL (full size!)
retail value: $19

7) B. Kamins BB Cream 
"B. Kamins BB Cream is an 8-in-1 multitasking cream that instantly lifts your look! Power packed with anti-oxidants, botanicals and vitamins, this super hero formula helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. The BB Cream moisturizes, evens skin tone and provides sheer, luminous coverage. Get up and go with BB Cream!"

i haven't used this yet and there was no indication of color so i checked out the website. looks like there is only one color available since it has a "transparent colour-correcting formula". that doesn't make sense to me - how it can be transparent but still cover redness and etc?
this is a good sample size though and i like how it has a pump.

size: 15 g
retail value: $49 (50 mL)

8) Blue Lagoon Silica Mud Mask 
"The Silica mud is the Blue Lagoon's signature element. The pure white geothermal mud deep cleanses and exfoliates. Naturally strengthens skin's barrier function¹. Brings out the skin's inner glow, gives it a vital energy boost and smooth complexion. Excellent face & body mask. Use 2-3 times a week or when skin needs en extra boost. Fragrance and color free. For all skin types."

the prices for Blue Lagoon products are way out of my budget. wowsaaaa!
anyway, i will be updating this after tomorrow with pictures!

size: 30 mL
retail value: US$100 (200 mL)

all in all, i almost forgot about this box and i still think it is forgettable. i thought mine was bad but after reading all the other complaints on LB's Facebook page and checking out what the other girls got, i think i actually fared slightly better than some... i was lucky to get a BB cream and a full sized mascara.
still, not too happy with the box. putting them all side by side, the samples all look rather small. you'd figure for a box that costs about $30 and that ships once every three months, that LB would put more effort in the samples (foils? really?!) and ship on time (supposed to be delivered in March).

one other thing that really bugs me are the emails they send referring to a "Limited Time Opportunity" and how i am eligible to upgrade my membership to a semiannual/annual plan. first of all, LB sends these emails all the time! it is NOT a limited time offer. secondly, this is not an opportunity - i don't like their choice of words here since they make it seem like it is some special offer that they are giving me. pfffttt.