TOPBOX: December 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IPSY BAG: December 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FANCY BOX: 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: - -