July Cinco De Mayo Mystery Boxes!

Hello! I just wanted to quickly share with you the contents of my two mystery boxes that I ordered in May from Julep Maven.Wow! That was a really long sentence! ;)  They retail  for $60 and with a code you get them for 19.99 and if you're a maven they ship free!  I did get 2 different boxes and I had none of the colours in either box.  So, it worked out great.  The only problem...the colours really were a little blah... :/

My first box contained a crystal nail file, a bitty 30ml sample size of the glycolic hand scrub and 4 Julep colours.  The colours I received were Demi, Emma, Taylor and Alicia.  I think Demi is my favourite of the box.  It's a deep rich blood coloured red. Emma is fairly sheer and doesn't have much of a pink tint to it as it would appear.  Taylor is a bluey-purple and Alicia is more of a canteloupy colour.

 The second box was a bit larger and I was happy to see something a little bigger..but man, the colours were a little wa wa waaaa. I received a package of the Peacock nail appliques, which I'm super happy about..yay! I can't wait to try these out, when my nails grow out a bit.  I also received a top coat and a cuticle oil.  I now have 3 of these cuticle oils!!! I don't mind about that, but they last...forEVER.  It doesn't seem to go down at all.  My cuticles need help, so I don't mind having extras of this and it's a decent product.

 Here are the colours: Alyson, Parker, Christina, Vanessa and Hayden.  Sooo... Alyson is a taupey colour, parker is a 70's shade of orange (it looks much brighter here!) Christina is an orange shimmer with sparkles, Vanessa is a very irredescent glitter and hayden is peach. A matte peach.  Nothing like the picture looks like here.  But, it's identical to the colour that used to be in Crayola boxes called "flesh."

My favourites are Christina and Vanessa from this box.

I really like those colours a lot.  Sooo..out of 9 colours I really only liked 3.  I was expecting a little more "colour" for a cinco de mayo box... but it's okay.  I'll definitely try all the colours and any I don't like...I know my daughter will LOVE. :)

Have a wonderful day!

May Glymm "Box"

Another Glymm box was delivered on May 17 and another light box!  I've grown accustomed to this.  I wasn't sure what to expect...but when I opened it, I was surprised to see no cute bright pink box!  I know a lot of people think they're wasteful...but I *love* using them to store all kinds of stuff...and between me and kids we always find a use for the box!  They'd be great for packing stuff in when going on a trip!  Nonetheless, this is what was inside the shipping box, a product card and a makeup bag...cute idea!  Inside the bag was also a product information card and a card explaining Glymm was going green.

 Here is the cute little bag.  By little, I mean..TEENY! I can't imagine what they'll manage to stuff in here month after month. Not sure how long they plan on doing the makeup bag...but I'm still having fun receiving these!  As a point of interest, Glymm subs have gone up from $10 to $12.  Everyone who is already subbed won't be affected by the increase, so that was a nice little bonus!

First thing was two vials of CK Shock. One for him and one for her.  The nice thing about these is that they are atomizers. The product card claims each can be used 35 sprays.  These samples are 1.2ml each. I'm not a huge fan of CK overall because a lot of the scents are more musky, masculine.  I do really like CK Contradiction.

The CK Shock for him says, "turn down the light. amplify the sound. act on impulse." Get addicted to this juicy scent. It's fresh and leaves a lasting impression.  It's a very nice man smell it's got some sweetness to it, I can definitely snuggle up to a man wearing it! The Top Notes are: clementine, purple lavender, cucumber.  Mid Notes: osmanthus, black pepper, cardamom, black basil. Base Notes: Chocolate, Tobacco, Ambreine, Cashmeran musk, Patchouli. Full size retails for $45.

The CK Shock for her says, "edgy. sexy. impulsive." Shock yourself and everyone around you with this fierce bouquet of passionflower.  It's actually a nice floraly sweet smell.  I like it!  The first time I sprayed it, I could take it or leave it. I'll probably wear this one..it's a nice casual smell.  I love perfume by the way...don't worry I don't douse myself in it, but it's something I do enjoy!  Plus, it's always nice when a guy comes up to you and says, "mmm you smell really good!" ;) Top Notes: passionflower, pink peony, poppy flower. Mid Notes: liquid chocolate accord, blackberry, narcisse, jasmine.  Base Notes: vanilin, patchouli, ambers, skin musk. Full size retails for $45.

Next is the Coola Mineral Matte Cucumber face sunblock, spf 30.  I love that this product is chemical free and it's specifically for the face!  I'm looking forward to trying it.  I'm super bummed the sample is SO tiny... 5ml. They say you should get 4 uses out of this 5ml pkg.  The full size is 50ml for $36.

Nume Hydro Punch Hydrating Conditioner for dry or coloured hair.  I love trying new hair samples because of my problem hair.  So, I'm super happy to try this but wish we got a shampoo to go with it.  I love using couples, doesn't everyone? The product card says, Turn dull and damaged hair into vibrant, healthy strands that you can't help but twirl all day long. This conditioner contains argan oil, fatty acids, vitamin e and powerful antioxidants.  Sample use, up to 4 uses.  Full size is 250ml and retails for $24.99.

Caudalie anti-aging serum for eyes and lips.  I was SOOO excited to try this.  It's a 7ml sample with up to 40 uses.  But, you know what happened when I opened it?? It erupted and product started to flow out like crazy...and before I could stop it and clean it up and try to salvage some...it was more than half empty!!! :(  The container was pressurized or something.  Even now, I'm scared to open it for fear the rest will come out.  These are the kind of products I really get excited to try, so I'm super sad about it!

This claims to diminish chronic puffiness, the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles.  You should use it morning and evening on the contour of the eyes and lips.  The full size is 15ml and retails for $33.

Then there were these two cute little packages from Caudalie as well. It says you should use these two products together.  The light pink vinosource s.o.s. thirst quenching serum. Sample usage up to 3 times.  I would have thought 1?! It's supposed to give your skin a surge of hydration and restore moisture balance for softer more supple skin. The darker pink is vinosource moisturizing sorbet. Sample usage up to 3 times. It's to save your skin with this moisturizer.  Your face will feel refreshed, hydrated and comfortably soft.  Yo use this one 2nd.  I wish there was more, because again..a product I would love to see how well it really works.

Lastyly, I got a Cargo eyeshadow.  Oh, look...a cutttte tin!

Inside...meh.  I want to love it because everyone speaks SO highly of Cargo..but when I swatched these, it felt really dry and almost "old."  The colours aren't highly pigmented..and the one that looks blackish is kind of more purpley... a dark purple.  Normally, pink/purple is what I use because it makes my green eyes pop... but I'm not overly impressed.  Perhaps, when I try it on my eyes, my opinion may change... I sure hope so. This is a full size product and retails for $25. Wish me luck with this one!

What did you think of this months Glymm?  Did you like that it came in a makeup bag instead of the bright neon pink box??  Hope your week is off to a good start!

~A

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!!!

Sorry, ladies..I've had a bit of a hectic week at work so I haven't been around much!  Some posts you can look forward to this week are the April (*gasp* yes, April!) Glymm "box", Julep mystery boxes (yay!) and Anastasia!

But, for now...winner of the Melissa Julep colour!!  I had 10 ladies that entered their names and I wrote out all your names, stuck them in a box (from a Julep order hehe!) and pulled out a name the old fashioned way!!! Winner has 5 days to contact me aleks-81(AT)hotmail(DOT)com !!  Send me your mailing address and I will get your polish to you!

The winner is......

Congratulations!!!

Stay tuned for another giveaway from Nail Tek very soon! :D  Have a fabulous weekend girls!!!
~A

Nivea Hand Review and Dollarama Finds

It seems difficult for me to ever use up products, because my problem is that I have...too much product! But, alas this product is used up to the very last drop.  I can't take all the credit though.  My husband gets really dry hands and he is the one who actually purchased it.  So, he used most of it.  I tried and I liked it so it wound up on my desk.

It claims it's a relief for dry hands, long lasting effect.  Dermatologist tested.  It's quite a good product.  It comes in a tube with a flip top lid.  It has a nice mild smell, the same smell Nivea creams usually have. I can recognize that scent anywhere.  I believe the tube was somewhere between $5-6 for 100ml, so fairly inexpensive.  

The consistency is nice. It's not too liquidy and not too thick. It leaves a satiny finish to your hands and absorbs quite quickly.  You don't need a lot of it.  It works fabulous around the cuticles.  I don't moisturize as much in the summer as I do winter so I can get away with most lotions as my hands aren't that dry.  However, once the weather gets cool again, I'll be purchasing one of these for my desk and one for my purse.

Next, I was excited to find some E.L.F. tools at Dollarama.  It's nice to be able to try the products without having to order them and pay shipping.  I know you can get the stuff super cheap on the site, and really..there is a reason for it.  Even, with all the rave reviews it's really a lower quality makeup.  It's hit and miss with the company and their products.

I found it kind of funny that I picked these up at Dollarama for 1.50 when they're on the site for 1.00.   But, hey it's still just a buck fifty!  So I picked up the Total Face Brush, Mechanical Eyelash Curler and Eyeshadow Brush.

 This is the eyelash curler...worst curler...ever!  Don't buy it.  Why? Look how straight up and down it is.  If your eyes were out as far as your cheeks, yeh you can curl them, but most peoples eyes are set BACK in their head. You can't get it on to your lashes to curl!  I should've known just from looking at it in the box.

I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get them on to the base of my lashes until I compared it to my regular eyelash curler that I've had for years. My ol' faithful curves OUT from the handles instead of being straight up and down with the handles. Boo, fail!

This is the Eye Shadow Brush. This one seems a little hard, it sheds a bit so that's not a really good sign. The back says: Expertly blends multiple eyeshades while softening dramatic edges and fine lines.  I guess I'll use it for blending but not actual applications.

Next is the Total Face Brush.  The metal part comes out of the wooden part. Cheap products, cheap glue right?  Based on the reviews on the site, it will shed.  I think it's okay for me for now because I don't do a lot of powder application to my face.  I'm only just starting to use blush a little.

Finally, who could resist Lip Smackers?  They've been around forever and so fun to use.  I picked up this glossy one and it's really nice.  Totally worth the $1.00 I payed for it.  It has a really nice sparkle and a subtle rosy pink colour that makes the lips look a bit more youthful.  It's something I would pick up again to have around in the car for last minute colour.

Hope you're enjoying your long weekend!
~A

April Glossybox!

Well, I guess I should get on with it! I didn't realize I had not made a post about my April Glossybox and soon I'll be getting May, eek!  This was my 2nd glossybox and I was surprised when I got it at how heavy it was!  I couldn't imagine what they could have possibly put in there.  When I opened it, I ooohed and aaahed!

Just look at all these lovely things to try! So many full size products!  I don't expect this many and I imagine it won't be like this every month. I think GB will have to tread carefully spoiling us because invariably when we get boxes that have less full size the complaints will pour in.  Even with this box they did because there are brands in here such as Aveeno and Marcelle, that aren't considered "high end" by some.

I know from experience that just because it's high end doesn't mean it's a better product.  I love finding drugstore brands that work wonders and I can save money for something like a good quality high end purse!

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer.  This is a full size at 120ml and retails for 22.99. Whoa!?  Who says that is not a high end sample.  That's pretty pricey in my books for a lotion! However, if it does what it says: improves the look of tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots...then it's worth its weight in gold.  I'm super excited to try this because let's face it, I'm not 18 anymore! :`(

Wella Brilliance Conditioner Fine to Normal. Sample size 30ml, full size 240ml retailing for $20.00.  I know a lot of you don't but I really like getting hair stuff in my boxes.  I have fine and coarse wavy hair.  How does that even happen?  So, I'm always desperate to find products that work well with my hair.  It's a never ending quest for me. *sigh*  I look forward to trying this, I only wish we got a shampoo with it as well.  It's infused with diamond dust.

Wella Brilliance Treatment Fine to Normal. Sample size 25ml, full size150ml retailing for 13.99.  Thisis supposed to restore hair's vibrancy.  I've never tried a mask in my hair but I'll try it and as with any products I receive in my boxes...if it's wonderful I'll buy it.  That's why I subscribe!  I wonder how many uses you can get with a product such as this? It smells great and is the colour/consistency of a conditioner.

Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Shower Gel. This is a full size at 240ml retailing for $20.00.  Yippeee Skipeee!! I'm super excited to try this one out... I love body washes.  This scent is perfect for me! I love apricots and it  tastes er smells just like ripe apricots. Candy!!  YUM!  I only use one bodywash at a time, so I will get to this once I'm done my other.

Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara. This is a full size at 9ml retailing for 12.50.  I probably spend as much on mascara as I do on nail polish. So, I'm happy to get any kind of mascara that I don't have to buy and be disappointed with.  I've heard good things about this one though!! I'm always looking and trying to find the next best mascara that makes my aging thinning lashes stand out.  Because, I have a couple tubes on the go I haven't opened this one yet.  You know, expiration and all...

Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm.  Sample size 1 ml, full size 45ml retailing for 22.95.  This was a little one time use bonus item they through in.  I imagine Marcelle along with their mascara wanted us to try this product and get hooked.  I'm looking for stuff like this because heading into my 30's (ok, I'm 31) these types of creams address a lot of my issues.  Beginning signs of aging such as discolouration, blotchiness, uneven dull skin.  OK..my skins not that bad and I do get compliments, but I'm the one who has to get up close and personal with the mirror, right? :)  I can't wait to try this!

That was my April box and I was really happy with everything.  I even get giddy looking inside this box.  I check on the products every so often a mother checks on a sleeping child. :P  I just want to hurry up and finish my other products so I can move on.

Did you like your April Glossybox??
~A

April Beauty Box 5

April's Beauty Box 5 was a little underwhelming.  I didn't really even feel like making this post! This is my 2nd box with them.  I missed the first 1, and was pleased with the 2nd.  This one though, is a little sad.

What I *do* like about Beauty Box 5 is that they send natural products.  There are a lot of things I know I would really love if I had a bit of a chance to try how they work.. ie. more than one time use!  That's what this box was mostly full of. (Or lightly packed!)

pur~lisse spf 30 essential dayily moisturizer for normal~dry skin, sensitive~anti-aging.  Sample size 4ml.  On the back it says apply liberally...so this may last me 2 uses..maybe.

 LA FRESH waterproof makeup remover.  I like the idea of a biodegradable wipe, but 1 5x4" wipe? :/

Doctor T's Supergoop SPF30+ Sunscreen Wipe.  I find this a really interesting idea, one I quite like.  However the 6x8" wipe is not going to give me complete coverage... I'll probably cut it in half and use it on my face twice.

Freeman Facial Exfoliating Scrub: Pink Grapefruit.  I love scrubs and I never actually tried any of the Freeman's products.  So, looking forward to trying this..but 15 ml isn't a great amount...but I'll probably get 3-4 uses out of this.  It's hard to say without seeing the actual product in the package.

 Lastly, I was *really* happy to receive this full size tin of Smith's Rosebud Salve.  This item actually was sent in the first box, so I'm not sure why they're sending it again if it's only the 3rd box.  Luckily, I didn't get the first one so I was giddy about this one based on the reviews.  This has 22g in this cute metal tin.

 This is what the salve looks like.  It smells and "tastes" amazing on the lips. Very slippery, but it doesn't last long on the lips.  I used it on my cuticles and noticed a difference right away.  So, I really do like it for that.  I've never heard of this product before BB5 and it's only I would definitely buy for myself when I run out!

 This shows you an idea of the tin size.  Even though it's full size, it's still a pretty small tin. Did I say it smells divine?

Anyway, that's all there is to this box.  I don't like that they don't send an info card with the products.  It was a sad little one.  I'm ridiculously easy to please and obviously, I was disappointed.  If it wasn't for the rosebud salve, I may have cancelled already as most people are doing.  I'm giving them another chance. 

What do you think?

~A

Nail Saturday

Happy weekend!  I just wanted to share one of my favourite looks right now!  Whoever started the accent nail thing is a genius.  I just adore it.  Right now I'm loving Julep's Mandy sooo incredibly much.  I'm just as in love with Juelp's Sienna.  It's gorgeous!  I honestly didn't think I would like it because it's a gold...but the effect is magical and luxe!  Here is what the colours look like together. 

This is how it looked on the 4th day.  Minimal chipping.  Julep's polishes are a good quality and they last!

Do you have these colours?  I'm obsessed with Sienna..it's probably going to be my go to accent nail because it pretty much goes with everything!  My husband wants me to do all my nails in Sienna but I'm not brave enough. :)

My answers to Meg's tag over at Beauty Box Canada!! Check out her great site.  She also has a youtube channel and a facebook page!

1. Have you ever been out of the country you currently reside in? 
I was born in Poland, but haven't left Canada since I moved here.
2. What is your must have beauty item? 
mascara and lip gloss.  You can do so much for your look with just those!
3. Does it take you a long time to get “ready” daily? 
Way longer than it should. :S
4. Curly or straight hair? 
I generally wear my hair straight, but prefer curly.  I'll use my curling wand or flat iron to get gorgeous curls!
5. What do you like most about blogging? 
I really think it's fun documenting your beauty passions of the moment and I love meeting fellow beauty bloggers, it's such a fun and supportive community!
6. What is your favorite nail polish brand/colour? 
My favourite brand is Essie.  my favourite colour of the moment is Julep's Mandy..see above! Beautiful coral!
7. Have you ever met someone famous? 
Hmm..I don't think so?
8. Flats, Wedges or Stilettos? 
I *love* *love* wedges.  My favourite!  My husband says they're old lady shoes. *HRMPH* I think not!
9. Do you like a natural makeup look or bold makeup look? 
I prefer more of a natural look.
10. What do you feel the best way to promote your blog is? 
I'm not really sure about this one...I think it's just when someone mentions your blog on their blog and others come to check it out!
11. What is more likely to consume your makeup collection high end makeup products or drug store products?   


Mostly drugstore products.  I find there's quality in those products as well.  Not everything good costs a lot of money.  My favourite drugstore brand is Quo. *LOVE* it so much!


Enjoy the rest of your lovely weekend!
~A

Billie Cosmetics - Dollar Tree

***DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY HERE***

Recently, I went to check out a new Dollar Store in our city.  It's called Dollar Tree.  I guess it's not really too much different than most dollar stores..except they have Charleston Chew there..YUMMMM!! I'm addicted to that stuff, can't be good!

While I was there I found these nail polishes by Billie Cosmetics. It says they are made in the USA. There was quite a bit of colours... perhaps about 20-24. They are 1.25 each and the coverage is quite good for a low end polish.  The only ones I wasn't really happy with was the glitter ones when I tested.

 I picked out these 5:

This pretty irridescent blue, is called "Hot to Trot."

This is a white irridescent with sparkles, it's called "Sunray." I don't think I noticed the sparkles that much.

This looks a bit brighter than it is, but it's still a very bright purpley pink.  It's called Electric Purple and even though it looks irridescent it dries pretty matte.

This next one is called "Solar."  It's a really pretty mint green with sparkles.  Unfortunately, when I tested it with one coat the glitter looked funky..like itty bitty pebbles trapped in my polish.

The last one is "Burning Hot." Love that name.  It's an irridescent orange.  It's got swirls of gold in it.  I really like this one and can't wait to try it out a bit more.

Have you seen these before?  Tried them? What do you think?

~A

E.L.F. Order!

*****DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY HERE!!!*****

On April 18, I got an email from E.L.F. for a "coffee break" deal.  The email said you get a $350 value for $33.  It is the e.l.f. studio complete set of 3 makeup collections.  It normally retails on their site for $95.  I have no idea where they got the value being $350...because there is no way I would pay that much for all of this!  The collection includes: 141 piece master makeup collection, 83 piece essential makeup collection, 27 piece essential makeup collection.

I have a wee bit of buyer's remorse on this because this is just too much now.  I have no idea what I'm going to do with it all. It just seemed like it was a good deal, but it's really redundant.  I'm not allowed anymore eye shadow now. ;)

*click on an image to enlarge for detail!*

These are the 3 kits that came for $33:

 The first one is the Mini Makeup Collection.  The box is just a little under 4 inches square:

This is how it looks opened up.  It includes 9 eye shadows, 1 cream eye shadow, 1 blush, 1 bronzer, 10 lip gloss shades, 1 brow powder, 1 eyeliner pencil, 1 dual ended eye shadow applicator, 1 face brush and 1 small precision lip brush.

 Here is a closeup of the right side:

 A closeup of the left side:

 Next, is the Essential Makeup Collection. This is really hard to open.  I have to use the end of my nail cutters to pop it open. :S  I don't know if I got a dud box or what. It includes, 64 eye shadows, 8 lip glosses, 4 blushes, 4 bronzers, 1 lip brush, 1 eye brush and 1 face brush. The case is 6 1/2" square.

 Here is how it looks when you open it up:

 This is when you slide out the top trays:

 This is how it looks completely opened up:

 A closeup of the right side:

 A closeup of the left side:

 Here are the brushes that came with it:

 The third piece is the Master Makeup Collection. It includes 84 eye shadows, 36 lip glosses, 6 blushes, 4 concealers, 4 shimmer creams, 4 bronzers, 1 face brush, 1 lip brush and 1 duo eye shadow applicator.  The case is 10 1/2" x 5 1/4".

 Here is how it looks when you open the case:

 This is how it looks fully opened:

 A closeup of the right side:

 A closeup of the left side:

 A closeup of the centre:

If that wasn't enough.  I also ordered the Makeup Clutch. It popped up just as I was checking out and I thought it was so cute and a great price - $15. I didn't need it!!

 This is the cute case.  It does look like a clutch. I was bummed that the bottom corner of it came all gummy. You can see that in the picture.  It comes with 32 eye shadows, 2 blushes, 1 bronzer, 1 face shimmer, 6 lip colours, 1 eyebrow powder, 1 eyebrow cream and 3 dual ended eye shadow applicators. The case is 6 1/2" x 4".

 This little "drawer" slides out of the clutch.  I thought that was really cute.  You can see everything labelled here:

 Then when you flip the lid it's all the eye shadows:

 Here is what the whole thing looks like.  I honestly think this one is my favourite.

 I also ordered the Body Shimmer Set.I love sparkles and this was only $3! It only comes in the 1 colour. However, it's fairly neutral.

 Here is how it looks inside...oooh sparkly! :)

 It comes with a super cute mini kabuki brush:

 I also ordered a polish. They're only $2 each.  This colour is Gum Pink.  It's not quite as neon as it shows up in the picture.  But, it is a bubblegum pink!

 I just wanted to add the following pictures.  When I made my first elf order, I ordered the twinkle pink glitter gloss.  When I got my order, I got just the empty box.  I thought that it was strange, as it seems they have people go through the order for quality assurance.  In any case, I did email them and they promptly sent me my replacement.  I think I got it 8-10 days after I emailed them.

 Here is how it looks.  The glitter is chunkier than I would like.

That's it for e.l.f.  Do you have any of these products?  What do you think?

~A