July Beauty Box 5

Hi ladies! This post is the July Beauty Box 5.  I feel a sense of panic to get some posts out. As, I type this I actually just received my August Beauty Box 5.  Sometimes, with all these subscriptions it gets a little overwhelming! :)

So, on to what I received in July!  There were only 4 items, but I think they were pretty decent.  They were all things that were new to me. What I love about BB5 is there is always a ton of things you wouldn't normally get in other beauty boxes.  I'm really glad I stuck with it, because they are trying hard to get out some great boxes!

The first item in my box was a pedi-scrub foot buffer by Spongeables. There is a soft side to cleanse and moisturize and a scruffy side to exfoliate and massage.  I really like the idea of this and can't wait to try it out. 

It's a full size item that you can get at least 5 uses out of.  It retails for $2.99.

The next item is a Blinc mascara in black.  Last month we recieved a blinc eyeliner I believe.  This is a water resistant, no smudge, flake free mascara that surrounds your lashes with little tubes.  Neither water alone nor pressure alone will remove this mascara.  You have to use lots of warm water and gentle pressure to slide the tiny tubes off your lashes.  How cool is that?  It is a mascara that adds volume and length.

A full size is $26 for .21 oz.  This is a .02 oz tube worth $2.48.

Next, was pretty exciting.  A pair of lashes by Hollyren.  Well..at first I was pretty excited..then I realized that they look kind of chunky.  I did try them on and they felt pretty plasticy and uncomfortable.  I'll trim them up and try again and give an honest review.

These are a full size set of lashes retailing for $7.00.

Here is a closeup.  The package says natural false lashes.  But, clearly you can see they're kind of dramatic. The bummer was, they didn't come with eyelash glue and it doesn't say what they're made from.

Last, is probably the most exciting to me.  It's a primer by Bodyography.  it's a foundation primer to help make your foundation last longer.  It claims to help prevent collagen breakdown and is anti-aging.  I opened the tube, and I guess it was pressurized because the product started volcanoing out at me. :(  I have now learned my lesson and plan on keeping a container around for tubes like this.  It's such a bummer because when I swatched this on my hand, it has a nice clear liquid cream to powder consistency, it's non oily and at first has a baby powder type scent which later smells like a mild soap. VERY nice product!  I can't wait to try it on my face.

The full size is 1 oz and retails for $30.00.  The sample is a generous .53oz (15mL) retailing for $15.90.

Here is the whole box.  It's not a ton of product, but a lot of good ones, I think!  I was really happy with my July box.  The total value is $28.37.  The subscription costs me $12.00 a month.

What do you think?  Did you get a July box?  If you're interested check out my link on the right hand side under "My Subscriptions." -------------------->

XO
~A

July Glossybox?

Yes, I am really that far behind!! Yikes!  I guess this months Glossybox was a little bit of a bummer.  I think it was a bummer for me even more so, since I peeked at what everyone was getting and everyone was pretty bummed about this box.  I think it's still my favourite right now, but as of October I'll be getting Topbox..finally!!

The first item is the Dove Softening Creme Body Wash. At first I was pretty happy because it's a full size item and I don't really use Dove.  Then I heard about them being sold at Dollarama for $2 and that was a bit of a bummer.  Anyways, I'm okay with it since I collect body wash and use a ton of it.

This is a full size item, apparently retailing for $5.99. It has a nice fresh scent, almost like a nice thick cream lotion.  I'll still probably mound it on my loofah.  I get so bubbly I disappear. :)

Next up is the Alessandro International pedix feet Heel Rescue Balm. This would be a really nice product to have received at the beginning of summer, not the last day of July.  In Winnipeg our summers are hottest in June and July.  Anyways, this seems like a really nice product and I can't wait to try it out.

Full size item retails at $19.95 for 100mL.  Sample size is 30mL with a value of $5.99.  This also has a great scent.  It's minty lavender.  Kind of what you would expect of a foot cream.  You know, that "cool" smell. :) It contains shea butter, allantoin and tea tree oil.

Next is the John Frieda Frizz Ease Sheer Solution.  It's a dual formula that you have to shake prior to using.  It says it is a part lightweight serum, part  smoothing elixir - to fight frizz from the outside while hydrating hair from the inside.

Full size item retails at $14.99 for 60mL. Sample size is 10mL valued at $2.50. This has a fairly nice scent to it.  I'm looking forward to trying it because I do suffer from insufferable frizz... ha!

This Zoya nail polish was the highlight of the box...for all Glossyboxers I think!  This is from the summer 2012 collection, so it was nice to get a newer product!  I received the colour Shelby which is pretty boring considering some of the super colours I've seen some of the girls get! But, alas I love pink..so all is not lost. I've never tried Zoya and always heard great things, so I'm super excited to try it!

This is a full size item retailing for $8.00.

Next is the Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer.  I received Strawberry.  Guys, I seriously thought it would be Strawberry flavoured but really..it only refers to the colour. Anyways, strawberries aren't pink...why do we always name pink things strawberry? :P  So, alas this Strawberry Lip Shimmer smells very strongly of menthol.  That's not a bad thing, but was a bit of a bummer..because it just reminds me of chapstick.  I can't tell you how it feels on the lips because I haven't tried it yet! It is very shimmery though and seems to have a decent colour payoff!

This is a full size item and retails for $5.99.  Pricey little bugger!

Finally, this exciting product! (not!) It's 4 sanitizer wipes by BeautySoClean. I get it, but I don't.  It literally made me LOL when I read the description: Effective for sanitizing makeup that accumulates visible debris like dust, lint and food particles.... huh? Food particles?!  I guess some of you girls like to eat toast while you apply your mascara and somehow the crumbs get in the tube? lol Sorry, it was a funny visual to me!

The best part.  I actually dropped my mascara today on to carpet...ugh. So I did end up using one of these..but the only reason is, is because it was a sample size of the bad gal lash and it's almost done.  I don't know if it would alter the makeup in anyway. In any case, I already know these are not something that I would purchase.

Full size is 48 wipes retailing for $12.50. Sample size 4 wipes retailing for $1.04.

Well, this is my whole box.  I guess it doesn't look TOO bad, but with everyone feeling so sad about it, I felt pretty sad too.  I payed $15.00 for my Glossybox and this month's value was $29.51. Minus $3.99 if you go by the value of the Dove at Dollarama which is $2.00.

What did you think of the July Glossybox?  Are you looking forward to August?  We haven't even heard anything about them shipping yet!

XO
~A

Ciaté Polishes

Hello gorgeousness! I've missed you! I really hope you missed me too!  It's been a pretty stressful month both at work and personally...I'm still dealing with some issues, so please bare with me. :)  I'm going to make a light and easy post today.

Back in July, I believe Ebeauty had a promotion to purchase a beauty bag.  As a matter of fact, it's still on their site to purchase.  If you're interested that post will be coming up this week, if you want a closer look. Of course, if I'm already spending $30 I might as well spend the extra $20 to get the free shipping, right?  I justify by saying that I would have to spend $14.95 for shipping..I may as well add an extra $5 and get the product. :)

Well, what I always add on to my orders at Ebeauty are Ciaté nail polishes.  I just adore everything about them.  The application, the sweet little bottles and I think they have some really unique polishes that aren't redundant.  I know these are difficult to find in Canada as well.  They are a UK product, made in France and I believe they are only allowing certain Canadian retailers to get them in.  I know Nail Polish Canada has not been able to secure them. However, my FB and Blog Follower Rebecca has alerted me that QVC now sells them as well!! Yay!

Ciaté polishes are paraben, formaldehyde, and toluene free and never tested on animals.  Each bottle is 13.5mL.

Anyways...these are the 3 colours I got.  They are a bit on the pricey side at $14 a bottle. But, I know that I also used a promo code and received 20% off my order. Try the code SUMMERBEAUTY, it still may be active.

The first colour is Fashionista Sister.

It is a shimmery nail polish with deep dramatic tones of blue and purple. Gorgeous, right?

The next colour is jewel. It is currently sold out on the website.

It has pieces of jewel coloured strands that catch light, reflecting a multi-coloured tone. It's SO fun! :)

The last colour is Regatta. On the website it says River Regatta but on the back of the bottle, it just says Regatta.

A sparkly blue nail enamel that offers long lasting, full coverage. Could it be anymore beautiful?

What do you think?  Do you like the colours I chose?  Would you like to see me swatch any of these?

Hope you've been doing well and I hope to "see" you more often!

XO
~A

Review: Pantene Aqua Light

In April's Luxebox we received Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner, not a very exciting sample in and of itself.  However, this product is a silicone free shampoo, so I was excited to try it.

I had previously tried the higher end version by Free Your Mane and was happy enough with it to purchase the costly shampoo and conditioner.  I considered that this may be a more inexpensive alternative.  It was an epic fail.

I knew from the first time I tried it, I should have just stopped.  First of all, it just smelled like dish soap. It doesn't lather, just as other sulfate free shampoos, but the difference is it was really hard to work through your hair.  I bubbled, but it didn't lather.  It was just really strange.

The conditioner wasn't really much better...it felt like I was pulling through my hair.  You didn't have that smooth, I've just conditioned my hair feeling.

What was the result?  Dry, dull, thirsty looking hair.  On top of it...I got flakes!!! NO!!! Itchy flakes!  Yet, I kept using it for the sake of getting a good grasp on the product. To the last drop. I'd have to say it was the worst Pantene product I've ever used.  I would never ever buy it!

Have you tried it? What was your experience?

Have a good night beauties!
XO
~A

Yves Rocher order

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

Recently, Yves Rocher was having a summer sale, so I picked up a few things.  I got this Sebo Specific Moisturizer.  It's actually my second one and I haven't even opened the first one... eek.  I guess I have high expectations of this product.  I get super shiny forehead..so I'm hoping.  The regular price was $27 and I payed $14.85.

The next item I got was this summer kit.  It was regular $11.75 and I payed $6.33.  The bag is canvassy and I have some kind of weird sensory issues with canvas lol. I don't like touching it.  I also think at this point, I've amassed enough makeup bags.  I can't think of anything else to use them for.

This is a teeny 3mL bottle of pastel pink nail polish.  It's pretty much a pink you would see on a french manicure. Not really exciting to me, because it's so much work to do a french manicure.  I actually prefer a french manicure that's less traditional (even though I love tradtional!)

Also inside was a 30mL sample of Almond Nourishing Moisturizer. The scent is very pretty. The texture is more of a liquidy cream.

The next sample is a 50mL bottle of Lilac scented shower gel. Pretty straight forward. Smells pretty.

The last item in the bag is this little sample of a 1 minute nourishing repair mask for dry hair.  Super excited to try this one out.  I'll hopefully get a couple uses of this one.

Next, I was suckered into buying this perfume because the packaging was so pretty and it was only $6 for 50mL (regular $18.) I guess I was expecting it to smell more floraly than it does..it's got a slightly spicier scent to it.  Btw, I love that they are committed to preserving the planet.  The cardboard is made from sustainably managed forests.

The scent is Enchanted Flower.  I'm not sure what it's connection is to being a Christmas Flower as indicated by the "Fleur de Noel."  There's nothing Christmas-y about the scent to me.  However it says the botanical ingredients are essential oils of blood orange, lemon and mandarin, rose absolute.  Ok, after having sprayed it the scent evaporates quickly...but when I rubbed the back of my hand on my neck it is a sweet pretty smell.  Very subtle.

Next, is a 3mL nail polish in Red Berry Noel.  I think these wee mini bottles are their regular size? Originally $2.95, I payed $2.00.  I think it's a little overpriced.

I couldn't resist this Blue Sun eyeliner. It looked so pigmented in their pictures.  I'm sorry, I haven't opened this yet!  Now with summer quickly disappearing I don't know if I should! This was $4.95. It was regular price.

For some reason, I have an obsession with cylindrical containers.  I have no idea why.  I thought the packaging was so sleek and the pink was so pretty.  The name is Comme Une Evidence. This smells SO incredibly pretty!  It's definitely a perfumed body moisturizer.  I wish I picked up 2 now because the bottle is only 50mL. It was originally $4 and I picked it up for $1.25!

Next, is this cuticle exfoliating treatment.  I thought it was something different, worth a shot.  I don't trim my cuticles..I push them back and sometimes they just look unsightly after.  I'll let you know how this works. It was regular $12 and I payed $6.60.

The last item I purchased, I am a bit regretful of.  This is regularly a  $25 foundation and I payed $13.75.  The bottle is 30mL. My regret is that I picked up Light Beige.  This is a lesson learned NOT to pick your foundations online without ever having tested them! lol  I was interested in it because it's supposed to be a matte finish.

This is the super liquidy foundation on my hand...SO dark!!

Here it is blended in.  You can see my skin looks a lot darker...definitely not a look that I like.  I really try to match my foundations to my skin tone, because I hate that fake makeup look.  This may work for my sister or I'll keep it for a giveaway, since all I did was squirt some product out. :)

They always include these little sample packets.

They always let you select a free gift from about 3 options.  I was really drawn to these colourful bowls.  They're nothing exciting but good for storing leftovers in.  I like that they stack.

When you spend a certain amount of money, you receive the Jardins Du Monde shower gel in Mexican Aloe Vera.  It's a full size 250mL bottle that will last awhile. This has a really nice refreshing scent..and to my nose even a bit coconuty!  One of these is in my giveaway below!

Lastly, after you spent $50, you receive a gift valued at $50.  This company sure loves to pass on freebies!  What I received was Desir de Nature perfumed shower gel, Velvety Cleansing Milk with 3 detoxifying teas and Pure Calmille toner lotion.I'm super happy to try out this toner.  My Nivea just ran out and I wasn't happy with it anyways! I'm looking forward to try the cleansing milk as well!

There you have it!  Because the deals were so great, I ended up placing a second order a couple days later...stay tuned for the contents of that one!  Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

XO
~A

July Glymm Bag

***DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY - CLICK HERE TO ENTER***

Hello ladies! Did I forget to share with you what I got in my July Glymm bag?  I better hop to it.  Glymm is usually the first one of the month to come in! This month was so so for me. I felt like they couldn't get their product together in time.  I do like the makeup bags, but I hate that they value them at $12.  Come on..they're basically dollar store type bags.  Plus, they're small..so you know you can't expect too much product. >.<  Anyways...this month was orange!

The first item in the bag was the mereadesso beautiful body balm. It's a 30mL bottle.  It's meant to be applied to everything below the neckline, or anywhere your skin is feeling (a little) parched.  I wasn't too excited because I already have 3 of these..I have yet to test them out though.  I guess if it's really good, yay me. I gotta say it has a nice citrus-y scent.

The next item is a 50mL bottle of Joico Restorative Treatment to revitalize, nourish and repair.  I've read a few good reviews on this, so I'm looking forward to trying it. I like getting treatment type products for my hair.  Honestly, this was the only item I was really excited about.

                     
The next item is T&M Social Butterfly hair perfume.  I know some girls were excited about this...but not me. This is an 8mL bottle by the way and mine came half empty.  I probably spilled inside as everything smelled coconut-y.  Yes, this smells pleasant, but I like my hair to smell "clean" not "perfumed." It is a Canadian product, however.

Next is this cyberderm stuff.  I don't even know what it's for.  They don't include product cards anymore...and frankly I've been too lazy to go look up online like they're making us do.  Anyone else REALLY annoyed that we have to do this?  They say it's to go greener... I say they're trying their hardest to cut costs for themselves.

These are the two syringe doohickeys in the box. One says Hydration, the other says Anti Age.

It looks like an interesting enough product...but geeze.  I think Glymm is really doing these companies a disservice by not adding the card!  I have no idea what these are for.  I know I'm just acting like a spoiled brat...but I don't want to hunt the info down.  Could they not at the very least email us the card?

The last thing in the box was a 25% off nail polish on their site.  I think they did this because they had a sad little bag this month.  25% off is pretty good though, right?  I didn't buy anything as I'm on a spending freeze (ha ha ha!!!).

This is the whole lot...what do you think?  Enticing?

Thanks for stopping by girls!!! I hope to blog a little bit more soon..it's just been a super tough month for me!

XO
~A