July 2016 Topbox Review

TopBox has been more of a Hit & Miss lately - but I am still wooed by at least 2 or 3 of my monthly samples, so I'm sticking with it.

Plus the joy on Gideon's face when he sees the Topbox Cardboard tube makes it worthwhile. We can both enjoy Topbox in different ways!

July's box includes products from BareMinerals, Revlon Professional, St. Tropez, and Clinique.

BareMinerals

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick

Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented color glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish  0.12 oz  $23.54  Available at bareescentuals.com, sephora.com

Lipsticks are a hit and miss – especially in a more lip gloss format.

I prefer a matte gloss for a) colour, and b) chapped lip prevention.  Husband prefers I wear no lipstick at all due to its normal sticky nature.

Marvelous Moxie’s Lipstick, however, is a pleasant surprise.  It applies smooth and evenly, and actually makes me lips “pop,” creating a fuller, healthier look.

I love the light pink colour – it’s not too pink and looks sort of natural.  Heck, I even kissed Husband this morning and he didn’t complain about me wearing “goop” on my lips (the reason I rarely wear lipstick – kisses are more important than lipstick).

I am able to drink my coffee without leaving residue on my cup, and it lasts about 5 or 6 hours before I feel the need to reapply it.

Overall, I am happy with this lipstick – winner (gagne!)!

 

Revlon Professional

UniqOne Lotus Hair Treatment

Repair treatment for dry and damaged hair. Smoothing, Regeneration, Color protection, Sun protection, Detangling, Shine and Heat protection.  150 mL  $17.18  Find a professional salon near you at Uniq-One.com, Trade Secrets & Chatters

I was not 100% sure what this hair treatment was at first, but I use it as a touch up spray after styling

It is a yummy coconut smelling spritz, and the liquid is actually thicker than I originally anticipated, hence brushing after application is a must in order to ensure residue didn’t remain clumped up in my fine hair.

I did try to use it as a detangler, but found my normal detangler was more effective – hence why I pretty much used this to make my hair smell like pretty coconut. It’s the perfect scent for summer, after all! 

For my thin hair, I did not feel I reaped benefits from this Lotus Hair Treatment, and more than 2 or 3 spritzes weighed my hair down enough that I had no choice but to wear my hair in a ponytail or braid.

For thicker hair, I am sure it will have better results!

ST. TROPEZ

GRADUAL TAN TINTED BODY LOTION

For an instant hint of bronze that illuminates the skin. Gradually builds to create a healthy sunkissed glow for instant skin perfecting coverage to blur imperfections.  200 mL  $39.26  Available at StTropezTan.com

I have never used a tanning lotion before as I generally go from pasty white to red burn and slather on so much sun screen every hour that I create a cocoon of sun protection. 　

I did have a nice base this year thanks to cycling, so this tanning cream has come in handy in covering up the pasty whiteness from my wrists to fingers, where my cycling gloves protect me fully from any tanning or sun. 　

It blends in quite nicely with a small amount in order to create a seamless blend from my arm tan to white hands, making my tan line less noticeable. 　

Once dried, it does not rub off on my clothing, and I generally only apply it when I know I won't be in a sweaty work out situation afterwards to prevent bleeding into my clothes. 　

It has no odour, and does not make my skin look fake or orange like some self tanners I have seen. 　

I don't feel I would go out of my way to apply a tanner once this is done, but I definitely like the fact that it makes my glove line disappear.

Clinique

Pep-Start™ Eye Cream

A pep rush for eyes. Just 3 seconds to look wide awake, refreshed. Hydrates, brightens, perks you up. Its cool touch and de-puffing tip help keep eyes looking fresh.  0.5 oz  $34.66  Available at clinique.com, sephora.com

I am generally exhausted, and my eyes show it more some days than others. 　

This eye cream helps a little bit, but is not a miracle cream (nothing will make me look totally alert). 　

It does help take away some of the puffiness and hides the small smile lines at the sides of my eyes (and mouth smile lines too!). 　

It's a light white cream, and a dab on either side of the eyes provides full coverage underneath and at the side of my eyes. 　

The container I have should last me for quite some time based on the minimal amount required.　

It does not do anything my alternative eye creams do, so at double the price, Clinique has not sold me on their cream.
*******
Conclusion:
July's Topbox was a winner, with some products I may not necessarily go out of the way for, but which added a nice touch to my normal beauty regime.  

Beauty Box Review: TopBox November 2015

 TopBox is my favourite day of the month - they are shipped out on the 15th of each month, and I usually opt for the surprise samples vs Single Brand samples.  For $12 plus taxes (CAD), you receive 4-5 luxury brand samples, usually with one being a full sized product!

TopBox November 2015 has arrived!

November 2015's kit included: Benefit Cosmetics Air Patrol, Nova Scotia Fisherman' EXtreme Skin Care Lip Balm, Revlon Professional  Style Masters Modular Hair Spray, and The Face Shop Character Mask.

November TopBox revealed!

Benefit Cosmetics Air Patrol

 Air patrol BB Cream eyelid primer contains an EnviroDefend complete known to help guard your eyelids agains sun and pollutants.  It also extends the wear of eyeshadow for long lasting colour that won't crease, fade, or smear.  

4.0ml $38.  Available at Shopper's Drug Mart and Sephora.

I like that it does keep my eye-shadow put (no flaky mess on my face from misdistribution of powder).  Compared to other Benefit eye primers I have used, however, it is more difficult to control how much comes out of the container, as it's a squeeze container vs a padded brush. This means more waste of product.

At this price point, you don't want to waste any of this eyelid primer!

Nova Scotia Fisherman eXtreme Skin Care Lip Balm

Our lip Care is created using 100% natural ingredients and contains 93% organic materials.  Apply as needed.  

9.5ml $6.99. Available at NovaScotiaFisherman.com

I am still not very fond of Fisherman's products.  I was not keen on the smell of this lip balm, and you can actually feel the salt within it.  The container includes a push bottom, so you push the bottom to get more balm up, and I put the lid down to squish it down.

It isn't very long lived on my lips, and I love my lip balm - especially during the fall and winter seasons.

Revlon Professional Style Masters Modular Hairspray

Spray Modular Hairspray on dry hair.  For best results, hold about 30 cm away from the hair.  Medium Hold Hairspray, perfect for everyday use.  

500 ml $19.95. Available at Professional Salons Across Canada

This is an aerosol spray can sample, and should last me quite a bit.  It DOES have that typical hairspray smell (a little bit less than basic store sprays), and leaves my hair quite sticky while holding down my whisps.

It DOES have staying power though - and held my curls in for a party - 7 hours - and my hair was still somewhat intact in the morning.  For my hair, this is a feat, as it's fine consistency generally leads to floppy curls really quickly. I did not even have to cake on too much spray either.

This was a redeeming factor with me.

The Face Shop Character Mask

Wash face. Pull out the mask and carefully place it on the face.  Remove after 10-15 minutes and tap lightly to absorb the remaining essence into the skin.  

3 masks for $9.  Available in stores and online at thefaceshop.ca as of December 2015

When I saw this mask, I was so stoked to put it on my face!  It was SO cute!

The application wasn't perfect (with this type of mask, it normally isn't as people's faces are so different), and once I was able to smooth it on to the best of my ability, I let it soak in for 15-20 minutes.

There was no noticeable scent, and it was cooling to the skin.   It didn't tear and was a good quality mask.

It scared Husband more than it scared Merlin (our African Grey parrot).

Don't wear this mask if you want to get lucky.

I think this would be a great girl's night mask, as it's silly, and would make for a memorable evening.

After I removed the mask, my skin was quite soft and my redness had disappeared.

***********

Until December's kit, happy shopping!