IPSY BAG: September 2014

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

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

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

2) Hikari : Lipstick in 'Cabernet'

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

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

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

3) Pacifica : Natural Eye Pencil in 'Fringe'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEAUTY BOX 5: May 2012

hello readers!!
so a few months ago, i became aware of the existence of a 5th (or 6th if you are counting Julep) beauty box subscription available in Canada (that's not why it's called Beauty Box 5 is it??). BB5 ships to both the US and Canada. i think this actually affected my reasoning to subscribe to yet another service because it must be good if they could cater to TWO countries, right?... i have kept track of reviews of their boxes for the past couple months and people haven't been too happy. i wasn't impressed by the brands or the sample sizes but i took a risk anyway - partly so i can tell you guys all about it!

so this company offers monthly subscriptions ($12/mth - like LB), quarterly or yearly (you save quite a bit of money - $44 - if you choose this). boxes are shipped mid-month and you receive 4-5 samples. note that BB5 does not say anything about deluxe sizes. you can complete a Beauty Profile and if you want to purchase a full sized product, they have links on their website to help facilitate the process. i do not know many of the companies on their "Brands" list but BB5 prefers to include products with natural ingredients so it's great that i will be introduced to new names.

i was going to sign up in March but i completely forgot about the deadline (it`s usually around the middle of the month like the 15th, right before they start shipping) so i signed up 30 minutes before the deadline for April. guess they decided not to count me in for that month and i wasn't sad about this when i saw the unboxing posts online anyway.
finally, i was sent the May box. they shipped it out on May 16 (according to the postage sticker on my box) and i received it last Friday (June 1). i`ve heard shipping to Canada usually takes 2-3 weeks. i did not know it was coming since Canadians do not get tracking info. BB5 is shipped from Texas. in case you are wondering, there are no customs or duties and i found it in my community mailbox like the other subscription boxes.
without delay, here is what the Beauty Box 5 looks like. it`s a cute little box in an aquamarine color.

here's the contrast in size, as compared to a Glossybox.

shot of what it looks like when you open it:

the company definitely saved money by not including another box within the cardboard shipping box. the size is also smaller so i think they would`ve saved on shipping as well.
ANOTHER thing they saved on is by not sending you a product list. you have to go online to check out details of what you received.
half of the box was filled with the crinkled tissue paper to keep the products from shifting around - and the other half were the samples.as you can see, the samples were all in the little white pouch. already i can tell that most of them were one-use samples.

since there is no product card, i'll include the information i retrieved on BB5's website here. i am assuming all the prices are in US dollars. the two cards that are included:

my very first Beauty Box 5:

1) evie evan Mini Soothing Gel Masque
The Soothing Gel Masque is great for dry, dehydrated, and stressed skin, it instantly repairs while delivering comforting moisture. Recommended as a post sun burn treatment.

i usually don't get sunburn with the exception of my shoulders. it's a clear blue gel with a light scent that i can't quite put a finger on. i have yet to try this product so i will update more on this soon. this product is cruelty-free and vegan. there was a little card from the company listing other products and how to use them. for this gel masque, it is suggested you leave it on your face for 10-20 minutes before rinsing.
size: about 15 mL ("full size"!)

retail value: $12 ... i do not see a full sized version of this being offered on their website.

2) Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in "Hawaiian Kukui"
Luxuriate in the infusion of organic shea butter, cocoa butter, and safflower seed oil. This extra thick body butter seals in moisture, giving you rejuvenated skin with a healthy sheen. Natural Hawaiian kukui nut oil repairs cracked skin and provides deep moisturization. i love shea body butters. this one specifically contains no parabens and is certified organic. i had no idea what Kukui is but after doing a little research, found that it is a tree that bears nuts. Kukui nut oil is known to make skin feel soft and increase elasticity. i find that it also smells delicious! it leaves my hands moisturized without the greasy feeling.
size: 57 g
retail value: $7.49  (~198 g)

3) it's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask 
The Miracle Hair Mask from It's a 10 turns your locks up to 11! This high-performance mask gives you detangling, frizz reduction, vibrant color, and amazing body all in one. Just work through cleansed hair for one to three minutes and then rinse - in no time, you'll see more manageable, shinier, softer hair.

i haven't heard of this brand before but it seems that is quite popular. the brand is called "It's a 10" because each product "does 10 things instantly". i have received a number of hair masks recently and have yet to use one so i should get on this! it is recommended that you use this after shampooing and rinse after 1-3 minutes or if you prefer deeper conditioning, leave it in for 5-15 minutes. 

size: 13 mL

retail value: $22.96 (~237 mL)

4) it's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum 

No matter your style, get a flawless finish every time with It's a 10's Miracle Styling Serum. Whether your goal is bouncy curls or flowing straight locks, this serum is the solution for you. It protects hair from heat styling and environmental damage with naturally-derived ingredients like argania spinosa kernel oil (a hair-softening antioxidant), noni fruit oil (which improves elasticity while repairing damage to the hair shaft) and castor oil copolymer (moisturizes and provides deep conditioning).

hmm.. another one-use packet. you only need to use a small amount each time so i am not sure what i will do with the leftovers. this serum can be used on wet or dry hair. 

size: 7 mL

retail value: $24.96 (~118 mL)
please see previous item for pic!

5) Merlot Moonlight Radiance Night Cream

Infused with grape seed antioxidants, Merlot Skin Care's Moonlight Radiance Night Cream keeps skin hydrated and healthy. Specially-formulated peptides team up with natural grape seed to reduce deep wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging while locking in moisture. Find the tone, elasticity, and pH balance your skin has been craving!

this came in a little bag with 3 samples and a pamphlet about other products the company offers. on the pamphlet there are also photos of before and after using the night cream. i am actually excited about this since i was hoping that one of these beauty box services would send me some night cream. these are again, one-use samples but at least there are 3.
Merlot's products focus on grape seeds and using them to fight aging. i love grapes and there is a light grape scent. i think there is enough product in each sample to get 2 uses if you apply just to the face area. i am not entirely sold on the benefits behind grape seeds just yet but we will see.
size: N/A - one (or two)-use samples x 3
retail value: $19 (~118 mL)

6) Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelette
Get a natural-looking tan with Comodyne's Self-Tanning Towelettes - no salon appointment required! In just three hours, you'll have an even, clean tan with no side effects or streaking. Their special formula contains a moisturizing complex to keep skin feeling soft without artificial aromas or parabens. While the tan tone depends on your individual skin type, the self-tanning towelettes adapt to provide natural results for both fair and dark skin types.

hmm i don't normally tan but one towelette would not be suffice to fully test this product out. i am curious to see how effective this actually is. on the back of the sample, it says you get a tan in 3 hours. on the plus side, it's paraben free.
size: 1 towelette // 7 mL
retail value: $17 (8 towelettes)

so a few differences between this box and other beauty boxes is that there is no extra box to store your samples (not that i needed anymore) and there is no product card. this is all environmentally-friendly, but you`d think with all the money BB5 saved as well as charging $12/box, they could include larger sized samples (wayyy too many tiny sample packets!). i actually heard that this month's box was a step up from the previous boxes but i am not overly impressed. hopefully, BB5 will continue to improve since i will stick around for another month or two to see how this goes. if the sample size remains this small, your $12 may be better invested in something else.

BB5 likes to add spoilers to their Facebook page so if you do not want to know what will be in your box, do not check it! ** spoiler alert ** i checked today and it says June's box will include an eyeliner from Blinc! i am excited to try it since i've been wanting to try Blinc mascara anyway...
BB5 has a Sharing is Caring referral program, so if you are interested, i will appreciate it if you can click through my link. thanks so much :)

LUXE BOX: April 2012

the Luxe Box arrived on the first of may - which i was actually surprised about since Loose Button sent it out so late in the month. apparently they upgraded shipping for the west and east coasts to make up for it but i don't see anything different on the box and the Canada Post tracking info still says the same "Expedited Parcels".
anyway, i am glad i actually got the item i reserved for the First in Line program fiasco. as mentioned at the end of my Topbox post, i wasted a lot of time on it. so a quick summary of the process in April:
Thursday, April 19
- program was supposed to start at 12 pm EST but was not active
- Loose Button began addressing the issue maybe an hour later
- some people finally able to log in and reserve a product, but not all
- Loose Button suspended program temporarily and decided to send emails out instead for people to reserve time slots; once you pick a time slot, you will receive an email with a password to log in during that time
Friday, April 20
- was sent the time slot email at around 2 am EST; quickly reserved a time slot for next day between 3-6 pm EST
- did not receive email with password so sent Loose Button an email inquiring about this
- received an automatic reply that the company will be responding to emails over the weekend
- received my password at around 7:30 pm EST; First in Line program was no longer active
Saturday, April 21
- around 11 pm EST, received an email saying that they noticed i haven't reserved a product
- surprisingly, i was still able to reserve an Essie nail polish

the choices for April's First in Line program included: an Essie nail polish, Seche Porcelain, Bobos Remi leave-in conditioner and Panty by Post. i found the last option interesting but i did not feel i had enough time to do a little research so i went with what i knew.

after all the kerfuffle (first time ever typing that word and finding that is how it is spelled - nice!), April's samples are:

1) Essie Nail Polish in "793 Pink-a-Boo" - yay actually got what i reserved. i heard plenty of issues of people not getting what they reserved on Facebook so i was a little scared. i believe this color may be too sheer for me though since it is a very light pink color. it is super sparkly though - with purple and green glitter from what i can see; i got a little dizzy when i stare at it too long trying to pick out the colors of the sparkles. i will have to do a swatch for you later since i just put on the Misa nail polish from Topbox yesterday.
i Googled the color and found out that this polish is part of the Essie Resort 2012 collection. it's pretty exciting that it is brand new.
size: 13.5 mL (full size!)... card says 15 mL
retail value: $8

-- update 05/07/12 -- so i got around to using this polish and here are the results:
with 1 coat; natural light - super sheer. you can only see the glitter.

with 2 coats; natural light - you can see a hint of pink.

with 3 coats; natural light - i can still see my nail ridges but i think this is a nice soft pink. i think 4 coats would also be great.

i tried to do a close up here; first in natural light and then in artificial light.

my nails feel smooth (you can't feel the tiny glitter particles) and dried really quickly between coats! i didn't smudge them at all this time! hooray!

2) Orlane Perfect Complexion Treatment Foundation in "Beige 23" - the sample itself was quite small - the box was much larger because it also held a pamphlet in many languages. i had to take the picture at an angle because the box was super reflective.
the daffodil pin was attached to the top of the box.

i used to think that since i am Asian, that anything "Beige"-y would be similar to my skin tone. thank goodness i figured that one out (don't think Loose Button did though). as you can see, i tried it first on my hand and it already appears really dark. since some of the products in the past have also appeared dark but blended really well, i tried to do the same thing with this one. it definitely didn't blend into my skin - i put some on my face and found that this is to be used as a liquid bronzer instead.
size: 3.5 mL
retail value: $60 (50 mL)

3) Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo + Conditioner - these came in the same cute black pouch that held the perfume sampler pack thing a few months ago. i like how they are in bottles rather than the style of the samples to be mentioned in like two seconds. i can't give you a review on these just yet since i alternate days where i wash my hair and i am just in between.
also i can already smell the product without even having to open it and it smells quite nice.
size: 50 mL each x 2 = 100 mL
retail value: $6 (375 mL) each

4) Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Colour Care Shampoo & Conditioner - another shampoo and conditioner sample in the same box? i would have preferred a little more variety... and yet again with the hair products for coloured hair. what is going on with that?? as already mentioned several times, this sample packaging is terrible. you should open these before jumping in the shower because hands with any type of moisture will leave you extremely frustrated. at least we got 2 samples? :/
size: 9 mL each x 4 = 36 mL
retail value: $28 (236 mL) each
see #5) for pic

5) Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Colour Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask - i have never used a hair mask before so i am interested as to how this will work. will update you soon on this.
size: 8.6 g each x 2 = 17.2 g
retail value: $45 (198 g)

since April is Daffodil month, we received a daffodil pin to show support for those affected by cancer. it is too bad we received this in May! i am glad that Loose Button is involved with the Canadian Cancer Society though. overall, i am mehh about the box. my favorite is of course, the Essie nail polish even though it may not show very well on my nails. nothing else is super exciting but i will probably use every single item in this box.

check out my link to Loose Button on the right if you are interested :)