Topbox - October Edition

Hello girls!  I am staying up to date with my subscriptions, hurrah!  I picked up my first TopBox from the post office on Tuesday. It's a miracle that I bring you this post just 2 days later!  If I can stay on top of my subs, then I can focus on getting my other purchases, deals and reviews up which was also what this blog was intended for!  Really trying hard here to get caught up!

Now..on to Topbox! I waited for 8 long months to get off the waitlist for this subscription. It's $10 a month (plus tax), so it's one of the more affordable boxes. Month after month I watched blogs to see the awesome reveals!  I just love the pretty little tube it comes in!  After all this anticipation I have to say that I wasn't all that thrilled with my first one. :(

When, I took the top off this is what greeted me.  I wondered how they could fit anything in this sweet little tube. But, somehow they manage month after month!

The first item in my box is Aveda's invati shampoo and conditioner.  This is for thinning hair and reduces hair loss by 33% (due to breakage).  I don't think I have thinning hair as in aging hair but I do get quite a bit of hair loss when I wash/brush my hair.  I'd be really curious to see how well these work..however the bottles are only 10mL each, so with my long hair I'll get 2 uses..maybe 3? Nevermind, the tubes don't even appear to be half full...it seems like a one time use. Bummer. I wonder if it's safe for colour treated hair. The little tubes were SUPER hard to open and I'm surprised I didn't crack it!  The smell may bother some it's very medicinal.

The invati exfoliating shampoo removes build up that can clog pores and renews the scalp with wintergreen-derived salicylic acid.

The invati thickening conditioner restores strength and improves hair elasticity, reducing breakage, with arginine derived from sugar beets and soy protein.

Full size bottles retail for $27 for 200mL. Sample size @ 10mL each is worth $1.35. $2.70 for both.

It came with a bonus card to experience Invati Botanical Therapy for Free.  But, you have to purchase a hair cut or shampoo/style.  Soo..it's not really free.  I don't know if I would go in just for that because I think just a haircut at an Aveda salon is almost $60.

Item #2 in my tube was the MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask in All Nighter.  I like this concept and I haven't tried anything like it.  There are two bummers about this product..first I think it's a wee bit pricey for one mask and the other is this one is meant to be used in the morning to awaken you, de-puff your eyes.  I *love* the idea of it..but geeze louise..if you have an extra 20 minutes in the morning, you are super woman!

I * am* excited to try this product, so don't get me wrong!  The picture to me...I wanna like it, but it's a bit creepy, anyone else?

This is a full size (23g) and retails for $4.99.

They have very nice instructions on the back

Next, was the product I was most excited about.  I read on Vasanti's facebook wall that these would be going into a beauty box.  I thought my chances were going to be pretty good considering I'm signed up for them all (almost! lol).  This is the Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator.   It's supposed to dramatically improve your skin's texture to reveal softer, brighter and younger looking skin. It's enriched with papaya, micro-crystals and aloe.  The scent is very mild, barely there.  Some people have complained the micro crystals hurt their face.  We shall see. I love that this is a Canadian company.  I'd never heard of them until I tried their lip moisturizer that was in the ebeauty birthday bag.  This product is also cruelty free, 100% vegan, 99% natural, paraben and sulfate free.

Full size is $34 for 120mL. Sample size is 20mL worth $5.67.

The last product in the box was a bit of a groaner...it was an eyeshadow palette sample.  Stila - In the Moment. I mean, it's better than just getting 2 colours on a card but I would be happier of a small sample of just one colour or something.  I find these cards to be awkward.  I already have this palette so it's not really a big deal.  Obviously, I already like the colours. It gives you two options to try as well.  I can't believe that the two looks each use 5 colours..you'd never guess!  Also, you can see my bottom left one was smudged...

Full size palette (14g) retails for $50. Sample size... .50cents? 

This is the bottom row, it includes: desire, wonder, spontaneous, whim and captive.

The top row includes: instinct, impulse, glance, improvise, catalyst.

There you have it.  The whole box.  I didn't find it super fabulous for a first box.  I think a lot of people were quite unhappy.  That said, I know in the past there have been great boxes so I'll obviously continue to sub and see where it goes. A makeup brush would have been a nice addition to this box.

I payed $11.20 with taxes for a box that is valued at approximately $13.86.

What did you think of the box if you received one?  If you didn't receive one, would you be happy with this?

Have a wonderful night.
XO
~A