Win an October Stylebox from Jamberry Nails

Stylebox by Jamberry is the perfect monthly subscription service! Get exclusive Jamberry products that complement your signature style delivered to your door each month. Only $32 (Minimum 3 month subscription billed up front)

Each Stylebox includes:
• Minimum $34 of Jamberry nail products
• Nail File
• Orange Stick
• Monthly Style Guide

I am giving away, one (1) October Stylebox to a lucky winner.  You can enter below (no purchase necessary - winner must correctly answer a skill testing question)

Enter the contest here!  Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Impression ... Thrive DFT Patch

As most of you know, I've been at a stand still with my weight for some time. I have been trying to lose another 25 lbs, however, am not having much luck.

I have been eating healthier (YAY), I've been drinking my Shakeology every day for the last few years, and I've tried just about every gimmick out there - until last week. A friend who knows I am trying to lose those last few pounds, asked me if I had heard about Thrive. At first I thought she meant Thrive Life the dehydrated food company but soon realized she was talking about Thrive from Le-Vel. oooops LOL

Apparently, the Thrive experience is "an 8 week lifestyle program" which encompasses a vitamin supplement, a shake and, the thing I am most interested in trying, a "derma fusion" patch. This might be a good time to mention I DETEST having to take pills of any sort - and most vitamins, at least to me, are huge and hard to swallow. That's one of the reasons I drink my Shakeology every day - so I don't have to take a vitamin pill. The Thrive DFT patch seems perfect for me.

According to the website, the Thrive DFT Patch is a 24-hour transdermal delivery of vitamins and minerals geared towards boosting your metabolism instead of a drug. The patch is supposed to help with weight control, mental clarity, appetite control and metabolic support.

Let's look at the ingredients:

~ Forslean
Forslean is standardized powdered extract from the roots of the Coleus forskohlii plant and is said to help with weight management and circulation support.

~ Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee beans are coffee beans that have not yet been roasted. These coffee beans contain a higher amount of the chemical chlorogenic acid. This chemical is thought to have health benefits. For high blood pressure it might affect blood vessels so that blood pressure is reduced. For weight loss, chlorogenic acid in green coffee is thought to affect how the body handles blood sugar and metabolism.

~ Garcinia Cambogia
Developing research suggests that garcinia might prevent fat storage and control appetite; however, whether these effects occur in humans is unclear.

~ CoQ10
CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage and plays an important part in the metabolism.

~ White Willow Bark
White willow bark acts a lot like aspirin, so it is used for pain, including headache, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, gout, and a disease of the spine called ankylosing spondylitis.

~ Cosmoperine
According to the manufacturer's website Cosmoperine is obtained from black pepper using a proprietary process. When included in formulations with other biological actives, it enhances their bioavailability and utilization. Our studies with various products like Green Tea, Coleus Forskohlii Extract and Tetrahydro-curcuminoids showed increased topical permeation. So in English, this basically enhances the absorption of the other ingredients in the patch.

OK, since it seems there is nothing really "bad" in the patch, I decided to give it a go. There is no discount for becoming a member, but signing up as a member is free. They also offer the "refer 2 and yours is free" whether you are a customer or promoter. Customers don't seem to get any other rewards though (like commissions off customer purchases) but because I don't know what the product will do for me, I decided to just sign up as a customer for now.

Most of the products come in "packages" which include everything you will need for a month on the Thrive experience, or you can purchase products separately - which is good for people like me who don't want the shake and vitamin pill. Cost for one month of the Thrive DFT patch is $62 - which works out to just a little over $2/day. They do offer an "ultra" version which is 82% larger and apparently has 300% more ingredients for $88, however, I think I'm going to see how my body reacts to the regular one first (I am a fairly petite gal) and feel those may be better for men or larger ladies.

I'll keep you posted ... my first patch went on today just after my Shakeology.

First Impression - Stylebox by Jamberry

When I heard that Jamberry Nails were launching a monthly subscription service starting August 1st, I was extremely excited.  I have subscribed to a number of monthly beauty boxes in one form or another over the past couple years and thoroughly enjoyed receiving them and the surprises they contained. Now, just to clarify, I am not one to get excited over nail polish, as when it comes to polishing my nails I have two left thumbs so to speak and ultimately always make a mess, not to mention being extremely impatient when it comes to the polish drying.

I excitedly signed up for my Stylebox when I was able.  The only thing I didn't like is that you have no other option but to purchase either a 3 month, 6 month or 12 month subscription - they do not offer a month to month subscription up front.  Upon completion of your initial subscription time period, the subscription does revert to a month to month payment of $25 USD/$32 CAD.

I received my notification on August 8th that my first Stylebox had shipped (marketing material indicated the first box would ship August 5th).  Shipping is free with the subscription, so I was anxious to see how quickly the box arrived.   Imagine my surprise when UPS dropped off the Stylebox late that same afternoon.

Upon opening the box, you are greeted by a "style card" and the contents wrapped in tissue paper

The contents of the box are supposed to be a wrap from the current catalog, a wrap exclusive to Stylebox subscribers, a nail file and orange stick.  Value of the contents is a minimum of $34.

Upon opening the tissue, you are greeted by the contents

Ummm ... something is missing ... was there not supposed to be a nail file included in the box?

Now to most people, a nail file isn't a big deal, however, as a Jamberry Consultant, I would expect my customers to receive everything they signed up to receive, so promptly sent off an email to Jamberry Support to let them know.

Overall, I am happy with my Stylebox ... I did know ahead of time what was going to be included in the first box, however with subsequent boxes, I don't believe even consultants will know what they are getting (unless they stalk FB or Youtube unboxings) ...

Hopefully next month I'll get my nail file ....

If you are interested in signing up for Stylebox by Jamberry - head on over to my website http://BetterthanPolish.ca ... there are three subscription options, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month. Hopefully Jamberry will also begin offering month to month subscriptions in the near future.

April 2012 Glossybox

I actually received my box yesterday - May 1st ... I'm not sure why, but Glossybox always takes longer to arrive than the other beauty subscription services.  Not that I'm complaining ...

So what was included in this month's Glossybox:

Aveeno - Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
This amazing moisturizing formula is clinically shown to improve the look of tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots.

WOW!! ... I adore this moisturizer and often use it on my body as well as my face, especially after a bath or shower

Full Size - 120 ml for $22.99
Sample Size - Full Size!


Elizabeth Grant - Exotic Apricot Shower Gel

OMG this smells sooooo good.  I haven't tried this yet, but am looking forward to taking it with us on our upcoming trip to Florida.  I usually take my old standby - Philosophy's 3-1, but will leave that home this trip.

Full Size - 240 ml for $20.00
Sample Size - Full Size!


Wella Brilliance - Condition and Treatment
This lightweight brilliance conditioner moisturizes colored hair, leaving even fine hair full of vibrant shine and free flowing movement; the brilliance treatment with triple blend technology blends three lightweight polymers to instantly restore hair's vibrancy.  Both with diamond dust.

We received the Wella shampoo in I believe it was February's box, so will take this on our upcoming trip to try as well.

Conditioner Full Size - 250 ml for $13.99
Sample Size - 30 ml for $1.68
Treatment Full Size - 150 ml for $13.99
Sample Size - 25 ml for $2.33


Marcelle - Xtension Plus Mascara
Give your lashes extra length and curl - define and separate lashes while minimizing clumps and create maximum lengthening potential for lash extension look without adding extensions.

I am excited to try this mascara ...

Full Size - 9 ml for $12.50
Sample Size - Full Size!


Also included was a small sample of the Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm (I forgot to take a picture of it - but it's about a 0.1 ml sample size.  Very much looking forward to trying this!!

Total value of this box:  $59.50


My thoughts?
Although I was disappointed in the first box, it seems Glossybox has redeemed themselves and has started to send samples that are in keeping with the boxes they offer in the other countries.  I am very pleased with this month's box and am pleased to give it a 5 out of 5!!  Watch out Glymm, Topbox and Luxe Box ... you definitely have some competition!!!

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.

TTFN

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