November Glymm Beauty Box Review

I absolutely loved my first two Glymm Beauty boxes and was very much looking forward to receiving this month's wonderful samples.

Included in this month's box:

Rahua Shampoo/Conditioner
I always love trying out new shampoos and conditioners.  According to the information card, this shampoo and conditioner is Gwenth Paltrow's secret to luxurious hair.  The full size is 275 ml each for $32 and $34.

Orlane - Light Smoothing Cream
According to the information card "The hypoallergenic day cream is infused with rich vitamins and minerals to defend your skin against daily toxins."  Now that winter has arrived here in Canada, I am always on the lookout for a good day cream.  Looking forward to giving this a try.  The full size is 50 ml for $80

Lise Watier - Flash Lift Radiance Vial
I had received this as a sample in last month's Loose Button Luxe Box (although I still have not tried it yet).  According to the information card, this serum "erases the signs of fatigue and smooths the appearance of wrinkles."  Full size is 7-1 ml vials for $27.

Annabelle - Smudge Paint
I have been anxious to try this product for some time and was very disappointed when I saw the color I had received.  According to the information card you can use this as an eyeliner and a shadow.  I don't know about you, but I honestly don't wear either blue eye shadow or blue eye liner - especially someone who is in my age range (40+).  I know Glymm only receives so many samples but maybe they should pay attention to their subscriber's profiles more carefully to make sure they are sending a color that would be appropriate for their age range or for all ages.

RGB Nail Lacquer - Black
I was excited to see a nail polish from RGB in my box this month ... that was again until I saw the color.  I understand that black nail polish is no longer considered "goth" or "punk" but again, the color is just not right for some one in my age range.

Also included was a $10 off code for Brownshoes.com

All in all, I was very pleased with the products received, however, was disappointed in the colors of the eyeliner/shadow and polish.  Glymm had knocked it out of the park with the previous two month's boxes, but unfortunately fell short this month.  I would have definitely given this month's box higher marks if the eyeliner/shadow and nail polish colors had been different colors and more suited to "everyone".

Also, I had posted my concerns on Glymm's FB page over the colors received and received a reply that "we have taken this into consideration.  Meanwhile you can always e-mail info@glymm.com with specific preferences."  I thought that's why we filled out our beauty profile in the first place??

Hopefully next month Glymm redeems themselves.


**UPDATE** - rec'd an email from Glymm today (November 17) saying they would be sending me an RGB nail polish and a SmudgePaint in another color in my next box.  Now folks, that is what customer service is all about!!  Way to go Glymm!!

November Topbox Review

As mentioned in an earlier post, I subscribed to yet another beauty subscription service - this one by Topbox. Topbox is the new kid in Canada offering monthly beauty samples delivered to your door along side Loose Button and Glymm.

For only $10/month, you can sign up with Topbox to receive "4 carefully selected, indulgent, beauty products to test in the comfort of your own home". There are no hidden fees and no shipping costs.

Topbox only offers month to month subscriptions and if you enjoy Topbox, do nothing and your subscription will automatically continue for as long as you choose to remain a member. You can easily cancel anytime, online, 24 hours a day. There are no cancellation fees.

I was anxious to receive my box this month and according to the Topbox website and Facebook page, they ship their boxes on the 10th of every month. Now, those of you who also subscribe to either of the other two services will know that there have been some glitches in sending their monthly boxes. As promised, I received my shipping notification from Topbox on November 10th.

My box arrived today (November 14th) and I was surprised when I went to the mailbox that it wasn't the normal square box waiting for me.

Upon removing the brown paper wrapping and opening the tube ...

WOW

... along with a product card, the samples included:

Cake Velveteen Hand Creme- It's a Slice (full size sample)
I have only tried one other Cake hand cream and loved it, so am looking forward to trying this one - especially now that we're into the colder fall/winter months.

According to the information card - Velveteen Hand Creme soothes and nourishes dry hands with a luxurious and silky formation that absorbs quickly into your skin, leaving your hands feeling smooth but not greasy.  Full size is 3.4 oz for $18.00

Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquer - Some Enchanted Evening (full size sample)
I have never tried Deborah Lippman nail lacquers so was very excited to receive this as a sample this month.

According to the information card - Some Enchanted Evening nail lacquer by Deborah Lippmann's luxury line of award winning hand and foot care.  This line was created as a result of her working with some more iconic figures in fashion from Cher to Sara Jessica Parker.  Full Size is 0.50 oz for $19.95

Dr. Brandt - Time Arrest Eye Serum
Now that I am getting older (eek), I am always looking for good eye serums to try and was happy to see this sample in my Topbox this month.

According to the information card - Time Arrest Eye Serum is formulated to smooth and help prevent lines around the eyes; optimizes hydration by providing a long lasting protection from moisture loss.  Full size is 0.50 oz for $85.00.  The sample I received was 2.5 ml or 0.085 oz

Stila Lip Glaze - Raspberry
I have only ever tried one other Stila Lip Glaze (yes I know, I've been living under a rock LOL) so I am looking forward to trying this color.

According to the information card - Lip glaze adds a splash of colour to the lips.  Can be worn alone or over top of your favourite lip colour to enhance the size and texture of lips.  Full size is 0.08 oz for $22.

I must say that I was really impressed with my first Topbox.  There wasn't one product that I didn't like and  I was most excited that there were two full size samples included.  I love the packaging and will most likely reuse it for my make-up brushes.

If Topbox continues to include such great samples I think Loose Button and Glymm will definitely have a challenge keeping their subscribers.  Well done Topbox and I look forward to receiving next month's samples.

Favorite Beauty Products - October 2011

I haven't done a monthly favorites post before, but thought I would try to do one of these each month outlining the products I used most often for the previous month.

... so here we go ...

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream
I had been reading a lot about BB creams on different blogs, and hearing about them in youtube videos so thought I would give it a try. Rather than going out and buying one (I had no clue which one was best), I searched the MUA swap database for one and was lucky to find a great MUAer to swap with.  If you're not sure what a BB cream is, check out my blog post on BB creams.

The color I received was 21 (light beige) ... and on first application, I truly loved it.  I did notice the grey cast everyone mentioned, but with adding a dusting of Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation over top, my skin was not nearly as pale.  The coverage is light, however, after watching the pros on youtube I learned the correct way to apply the BB cream to make the coverage more full coverage.

To properly apply BB cream, pump an appropriate amount of BB cream onto the back of your hand.  Apply the cream in dots to your face - do not spread the BB cream like you would when you apply foundation.  Instead, use gentle patting motions to spread and blend it into your skin - you can even use a Beauty Blender sponge.  You can then use the same technique for covering up any blemishes or marks you would like covered.

Since trying BB cream, I'm never going back to liquid foundation again.  They provide excellent coverage, won't clog pores and provide excellent sun protection (this one has 42 SPF).  One thing I should mention about BB cream is it does oxidize throughout the day and will turn a bit darker.


Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation
I really like this powder.  As mentioned, I use it over my Missha BB cream to help with coverage and as a finishing powder.  It gives my skin a nice glow too, without looking sparkly or glittery.  My summer color is 30 watts, however, for Winter, I think I will try 20 watts.

It has a nice texture and looks very natural.  However, if you are looking for a powder foundation, this probably isn't for you.  I just want a finishing powder and this is perfect.


Guerlain Meteorites Pearls - Teint Beige
I had heard so many good things about this powder and was anxious to try it, however, couldn't justify the price  ($57 US at Sephora).  I finally decided just before our annual trip to Orlando that I would bite the bullet and make the purchase.

I am so glad I purchased this ... the powder adds a slight shimmer/glow to your skin and the smell is absolutely heavenly.  Definitely an good investment so don't be intimidated by the price.


Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Souffle Body Cream
Now that the weather is getting cooler, I absolutely love this ... the scent is so decadent.  It slides on the skin nicely and is non-greasy.  It has done wonders for my dry fall/winter skin and I will never be without this.

Principessa - Pretty Piede Foot Balm
I received a sample of this in my October Glymm Beauty Box and immediately fell in love with it.

The cream is very thick and contains fruit acids, shea butter, Vitamin E and organic indulgent extracts that really seem to soften the roughest skin on my feet.  It`s scented with Bellocia which I found out is top notes of peach blossom, vanilla, middle of the night blooming jasmine, ylang-ylang and a base of sandalwood and warm amber.  Yes it sounds like a lot of notes, but it`s really subtle and pleasant.

I loved it so much, I ordered a full size from the Glymm website.


Principessa Bacio Lip Balm
Another sample I received in my October Glymm Beauty Box and fell in love with immediately.

The balm is clear with a wonderful smell and contains Vitamin E and shea butter which is absolutely perfect for those of us who suffer from dry sore lips during the colder fall/winter months in Canada.  I can definitely see this becoming a staple in my purse for fall/winter.

... and there you have it ... my first favorites post.  Hope it's been helpful to at least one person out there.

Topbox ... Another Beauty Subscription Service for Canadians

I recently came across another Beauty Box subscription service for those of us calling the Great White North home. Like Loose Button's Luxe Box and Glymm's Beauty Box, for only $10/month, you can sign up with Topbox to receive "4 carefully selected, indulgent, beauty products to test in the comfort of your own home". There are no hidden fees and no shipping costs.

Topbox only offers month to month subscriptions and if you enjoy Topbox, do nothing and your subscription will automatically continue for as long as you choose to remain a member. You can easily cancel anytime, online, 24 hours a day. There are no cancellation fees.

Topbox's first beauty box was launched in October 2011 and according to their website included brands from Benefit, Shu Uemura, Lise Watier, and SkinCeuticals. Like the Luxe Box and Glymm's Beauty Box, subscribers complete a beauty profile when signing up. Topbox's website says they will be customizing boxes for their subscribers. "In some boxes, many members will receive similar samples, while in other months you may receive very different samples. For the samples that are sent to everyone – these products are chosen carefully to ensure that they'll work for a wide range of styles, skin types, and colorings. Other samples are chosen specifically for your skin and beauty needs and style."

Also similar to Loose Button and Glymm, Topbox wants you to fill out feedback surveys for each sample within 30 days of receiving your samples. Each month, 4 lucky respondents will receive their choice of a full sized product from the most recent Topbox.

It also appears that Topbox will be offering a points reward program as well as special discounts and promotions on full sized products.

... and yes, I've signed up and am looking forward to receiving my first Topbox this month.

BB Creams

 In today's blog post, I'm going to talk about BB Creams.

First, what is a BB Cream?
Well, BB Cream (or "blemish balm" cream) is one of Asia's hottest beauty products that is slowly making it`s way to North America.  It is said that the formula originally comes from Germany where Dermatologists prescribed it for patients to heal laser skin surgery because of it`s soothing and skin-regenerating properties.  Famous Korean actresses them began using it for beauty purposes and because Asian dramas are huge, a craze was born.  The Korean cosmetics industry took the idea and ran with it, creating various different BB creams that have skin benefits such as SPF, whitening (brightening), anti-wrinkle, and nutrients to help improve the health of your skin.

What exactly does BB Cream do?
BB creams sold today are suitable for all skin types and are targeted to those who have sensitive and acne-prone skin.  BB creams have the advantages of both skin care and make-up, and improves the skin's condition and evens out the skin tone while providing coverage for dark spots and other blemishes.  BB creams provide a very natural "no make-up" look with the added benefit of UV protection.  BB cream is basically an all-in-one cosmetic beauty and skincare product and depending on the brand, can act as foundation. concealer, sunblock and moisturizer all in one.

I actually discovered BB Cream by accident - while doing a swap on MUA (Makeup Alley).  Once I tried the product (Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in shade 21), I was definitely impressed.  My skin looked radiant yet it didn't look (or feel) like I had make-up on.  I looked like myself, only better because the little skin imperfections and discolorations were mostly covered up.

I've ordered some other brands of  BB cream and am looking forward to being able to give them a try.  Where to buy?  I would suggest either Amazon or Ebay - but if buying from Ebay be cautious as some people have reported receiving fake creams.

Click through to see the plexo

October Luxe Box

I was anxious to receive this month's Luxe Box as Loose Button had hinted about some changes coming. The first thing I noticed was the different outside packaging. Previous Luxe Boxes had been shipped in a white bubble envelope. This month, it arrived in a plain cardboard box.

Upon opening the box, I was greeted by a brand new Luxe Box design - it was black, sleek and just plain awesome

Also new, rather than the lid lifting from the box, the box now slid open from the sleeve ...

Another great change was the individualized sticker

Opening the information card

Under the tissue were this month's samples:

Lise Watier - Flash Lift Radience Vial
According to the information card we were the first in Canada to try this new product ... a concentrate of smoothing agents and moisturizers for a lifting effect and natural radience.  I'm very anxious to try this product - especially when I'm feeling a bit tired and my face needs an extra boost.

Keratase - Exlor Ultime
According to the information card, this brings shine, nourishment and deep conditioning while soothing the hair resulting in incredible shine.  I can't wait to try this for my color treated, dry hair.

China Glaze - Crackle (full size)

Olay Professional Pro X - Eye Restoration Complex
According to the information card, this hydrates to restore the eye area to optimum appearance by improving the look of crows feet.  I've been wanting to try this for some time, and am excited the sample was included in this month's Luxe Box.

Lise Watier - Plumpissimo Le Gloss
According to the information card, this gloss makes your lips fuller, sexier and poutier.  Although I am not normally a lip gloss person, I did try this and was pleasantly surprised.  The gloss was not sticky at all and left my lips somewhat hydrated.

All in all, I was pleased with this month's Luxe Box.  The cosmetic changes they've made are 100% better than previous boxes.  Unfortunately as mentioned previously, Loose Button continues to include samples from brands in previous Luxe Boxes and I don't feel we're really getting to try any new brands.  I want to try new brands and that's why I signed up for Luxe Box.

Be Spooky - October Glymm Box

In September I received my first Glymm Beauty Box and couldn't have been happier with the contents.  Today I received my October Glymm Beauty Box and was even happier with this month's samples ...

Caudale - Premier Cru Cream
I had not heard of this brand before, however, am very anxious to try this cream.  According to the card, "All skin types benefit from radience.  All skin types benefit from anti-aging.  All skin types benefit from firming and nourishment.  So whatever your skin type, here's your daily moisurizing indulgence that combines 15 years of research with 3 patents all in a tiny powerful little bottle"  The 3.2g full size is $150

Lise Watier - Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss (full size sample)
According to the information card, this is a "lightweight, non-sticky, super shiny lip gloss in a pencil format.  This full crayon is rich in plant extracts, hydrating and nourishing, making it a Lise Watier best seller and a beauty blogger fave"  Unfortunately I'm not much of a lip stick/lip gloss person, however, will give this a shot - at least for Halloween.  The color is a nice rich red.   The full size 2.8g is $18

Principessa - Bacio Lip Balm (full size sample)
The information card indicates this balm offers Vitamin E and shea butter for silky and kissable lips.  Wow ... perfect for those of us who suffer from dry sore lips during the colder fall/winter months in Canada.  The balm is clear and smells wonderful.   The full size 0.5 fl oz is $11

Principessa - Pretty Piede Foot Balm 
According to the information card this foot cream contains "natural fruit acids, shea butter and vitamin E to leave our pretty little toes summer ready all year round" ... Wow - another must have for those of us in the cold winter climates.  I'm one that always has to put lotion on before going to bed, and am very much looking forward to pampering my tootsies with this.  The full size 125 ml is $18

And of course, a small jar of black and orange jelly bellies for Halloween - how awesome is that

So there you have it. My amazing October Glymm Beauty Box (with 2 full size samples) - and again it did not disappoint.  Looking forward to receiving more Glymm Beauty boxes in the coming months.

If you are interested in ordering a Glymm Beauty Box for yourself or someone else, you can do so by using this link.