Julep Maven Spring Mystery Box

I love love love the Julep mystery boxes!!  For those who don't know about the mystery boxes, you pay $19.99 for a box that could contain anywhere from between $60 to $200 worth of products. ... and yes I got sucked in again!! LOL

So what did I receive??

Top to bottom:
♥ nail file (can never have too many)
♥ Base Coat
♥ Helena
♥ Melissa (awesome pearl)
♥ Oscar (I had received one of these in a previous box)
♥ Cuticle Oil (love this - has a roller ball!!)

Overall I am very pleased with my mystery box ... and yes, they will most likely suck me in again on the next one!! LOL

Are you a Julep Maven? If you FOLLOW THIS LINK you can sign up to become a Julep Maven and get your first box for just a penny (free shipping). Use code COLORS4ONE at checkout. You'll be included in any future mystery boxes, too!

If you ordered a Julep Maven mystery box, what did you get???

April 2012 Glymm Box

If you've been following my blog you know that Glymm is one of my favorite beauty box subscriptions.  I was a bit disappointed in last month's box, but was hopeful Glymm would redeem themselves this month.

So, what did I receive??

Lucia - Soap #1
According to the info card this soap is "packed with pure botanical extracts with 100% certified organic Shea Butter".  The scent I received was Goat Milk and Linseed.  Unfortunately to me, it smells kind of "old ladyish".
Full size: 8 soaps for $17.50
Sample: 1 soap = $2.19

Free Your Mane - Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner
According to the info card, they "gently cleanse hair and scalp while natural oils help rebuild your hair's delicate moisture balance".  I've been using sulfate free shampoo for a couple months now, so am interested to see how this stacks up to my current brand.
Full Size: 300 ml for $16
Sample:  7.4 ml = $1

Mai Couture - Social Gloss

According to the info card "not only will this gloss fill in unwanted lines and restore moisture, but it will create full kissable lips".  The formula is a complex mix of plant extracts that naturally enhance lip volume without the allergen.  The color I received was a beige toned pink ... not sure it will suit me.

Full Size:  5 ml for $28

Sample:  Full Size

Atelier Cologne - Orange Sanguine
Atelier is a niche perfume house in Paris and New York.  And after giving it a sniff, I can say it is a nice fragrance if you like citrus smells.  For me, this was just "meh".
Full Size:  30 ml for $60 or 200 ml for $165
Sample:  Approx. 2 ml  = $4

Nu-Me $100 Gift Certificate
At first glance, I thought "wow" ... but then realized that we received a product from Nu-Me in last month's box - feather hair extensions - which I had no intention of trying/wearing.  A quick look at their website confirmed that they have styling tools (which I do not use), hair extensions (again, which I do not use) and some hair care items which I most likely won't be buying.  So if anyone wants the card/code, just message me and it's yours!

Total value of this month's box (not including the Nu-me gift certificate) = $35

Final thoughts:
Overall I’m not super excited about this box. I’ll use the shampoo, conditioner and probably the soap but unfortunately the samples are not that exciting. As for the full-sized lip gloss, I’m not sure if it’s a good colour for me and will most likely give it away.  I give this box a 2.5 out of 5.

Unfortunately that's been 2 months in a row I've been disappointed in my Glymm Box ... which actually surprises me somewhat.  Hopefully next month's box will be better.

If you'd like to subscribe to Glymm, you can use my referral link.  I get 50 points for everyone who signs up - which can be used for free boxes, or products in their shop.

Until next month ...

April Julep Maven - American Beauty

I can't remember how many Julep Maven boxes I've received so far, but I have to say I love love love getting them in the mail!!

If you're new to Julep Maven, or not sure what exactly it is, you can check out my previous blog posting here -http://bonnyl.blogspot.ca/2012/02/julep-maven.html

What I like about Julep Maven is you actually see what you are getting ahead of time and if for some reason you don't like the offerings for your current month, you can select another box from the choices.  This is what I did this month - switching from my usual "It Girl" to "American Beauty". That's one of the things I love about Julep - you can change your selection, send your month to a friend or even skip a month if there is nothing that appeals to you that month. If only other beauty box subscriptions would be like this!!

What did I receive???  (sorry for the poor pictures - these were taken with my cell phone late at night)

Top to Bottom:
♥ Emma - juicy raspberry cream
♥ Renee - spring lilac cream

Normally I gravitate towards more neutral colors, but after seeing Emma, I just had to order this box ... I fell in love with the bright pink polish the moment I saw it.  Renee is a very nice light lilac and I think these two go very well together.

Looking to become a Julep Maven?? Just click on my referral link and then share your own link with your friends. You'll earn 1 credit for each friend who joins, and 2 credits automatically earns you a free month!

Definitely looking forward to next month's box!! And don't forget to use the code NEW5 at checkout to get your intro Maven box for only $5 if you become a Maven like me!

... until next time ...

April 2012 Topbox

I always look forward to seeing my tube from Topbox in my mailbox each month ...

OOH ... new packaging *thumbs up*

So what did I receive this month??

L to R:

~ Cargo blu_ray Pressed Powder 
Not really much of a sample ... and it was a "sponsored ad"
Full Size: 8g/$32
Sample Size Received: Unknown

~ Misa Nail Lacquer 
Love the color of the polish I received - it's a nice pearly pink ... as a nice little bonus there is a 20% off coupon too
Full Size: 15mL/$8.99
Sample Size Received: *FULL SIZE*

~ Lise Watier Hydrasmart
This looks like Lise Watier's take on the BB Cream craze ... the color looks a bit dark for my skin tone, but I'll give it a go
Full Size: 40mL/$35
Sample Size Received: 2mL/$1.75

~ Bella Pella Tropical Flowers Body Lotion
I always love getting lotions and this one is perfect to throw in my purse.  It smells pretty good too!
Full Size: 175mL/$15.95
Sample Size Received: 30mL/$2.73

~ Benefit the POREfessional 
I have a full size of this and have been using it for some time now ... it's a small sample, but will be good for travel
Full Size: 22mL/$34
Sample Size Received: 7.5mL/$11.59

Total value of this month's Topbox:  $25

Overall thoughts?
I've never really been disappointed in my Topbox offerings yet ... this month is no exception.  I'd give this Topbox a 4 out of 5.

If you're looking to sign up for the Topbox subscription, shoot me a message with your email address and I'll send you an invite!

Until next month ...

March Glossybox

In February, I received my first Glossybox.  Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed in the offerings (which I attribute to watching videos and reviews of the Glossyboxes received by those in the UK and Australia).  I was hopeful March's Glossybox samples would improve.

Because some of the sample items were held up in customs, I received my box a bit later than usual - no big deal.  So what did I receive in this month's Glossybox:

Algemarin - Foam Bath
Algemarin is made from extracts of seaweed, algae and mineral salts which give the body a tonal quality that previously was only obtainable from hydrotherapy or sea bathing. "Spring Forward" feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Full Size: $3.99 (5 x 15 ml), $17.99 (500 ml), $23.95 (750 ml)
Sample Value: $0.80

Aveeno - Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This naturally nourishing lotion contains natural colloidal oatmeal blended with rich emollients and is clinically proven to moisturize for a full 24 hours. 
 Full Size: $11.99 (354 ml)
 Sample Value: $2.40 (71 ml)

Evian - Facial Spray
Evian's facial spray rehydrates dull, tired skin, and is great for setting and renewing your makeup through the day, keeping you looking fresh, healthy and beautiful. 
Full Size: $7.50 (50 ml), $12.50 (150 ml), $17.50 (300 ml)
Sample Value: $7.50 (50 ml)

Sebastian - Re-Shaper Strong Hold Hairspray
Brushable, strong hold hairspray for all hair types. Bends any movement into shape with long-lasting hold and humidity protection all in one. Re-style into any shape and reform ingenious hold. 
Full Size: $19.95 (300 g) or $6.00 (45 g)
Sample Value: $6.00 (45 g)

Bailey Cosmetics - Fresh Lip Gloss
Bailey Cosmetic Fresh Lip Gloss in Berry or Pink is the perfect colour accent for women who want a sheer bump of colour to enhance their pout. 
Full Size: $28.00 (8 g)
Sample Value: $28.00 (8 g)

Pandora's - St. Tropez Blush
Pandora's Blush St. Tropez is a beautiful pink blush that can be used all year around and added to any bronzer. Padora's Makeup Box products were designed for professional use and are pigmented so they will last all day long.
 Full Size: $18.00 (4 g)
Sample Value: $18.00 (4 g)

Total value of this box:  $62

My thoughts?
Overall, I am quite pleased with this month's box. The samples were much improved over last month and if Glossybox continues to include samples such as these, I will be more than happy to pay the $15/month!  Looking forward to next months box!!

If you're interested in signing up for Glossybox Canada ($15/month), I would appreciate if you signed through my referral link: CLICK HERE to sign up

March 2012 Glymm Box

Glymm is always one of my most favorite beauty subscription services to receive each month (the only thing I really miss are the jelly beans) so I feel really bad about taking so long to get my review up.  I also want to say sorry for the poor pictures as they were taken with my cell phone as someone (no names mentioned but it could be my hubby) drained the battery in my camera

So what did we receive this month??

Masam - Perfect  Teint & Magic Fini
According to the info card, Perfect Teint fills in fine lines and evens out the skin for a flawless finish. The Magic Fini, smooths the appearance of wrinkles, enlarged pores and imperfections and gives it a "sun kissed" look.

When opening the jars, I was very surprised to see how dark the Magic Fini was and have yet to try it for fear that it's much much to dark for my white Canadian winter skin.  I think I'll wait until the summer to give this one a try!

Ocean Nail Polish
Another great neutral color (yes I love neutral colors!) that is supposed to be long-lasting, fast drying and non toxic!  Looking forward to trying this!

Nu-Me - Feather Hair Extensions
Not what I was expecting to be in my Glymm box and truthfully not even sure where I'd wear this or have the first clue how to wear it ... O.o   I'm thinking this will probably be given to one of my friend's daughters.

So, what did I think of this month's Glymm box? ... unfortunately I was a bit disappointed - there was really only 1 thing I could see my self using in this month's box (the Ocean nail polish).  Hopefully next month's samples will be more to my liking.

... until next month