Topbox July 2013 regular box

Topbox July 2013, contents, China Glaze, B. Kamins, BB cream

It’s the middle of July, so you know what that means… Topbox time!

I actually completely forgot about Topbox this month and then yesterday I realized that I never received a shipping confirmation for my box (they usually start shipping them the 10th of every month).  Well as luck has it, as soon as I post on their Facebook wall that I haven’t received anything, the darn box comes (in a new mailer envelope to boot!).

package

Here’s what I got:

  • China Glaze nail lacquer in Keeping it Teal – full size (retails for $10, although I have seen these go for much lower at Sally’s Beauty Supply)
  • B. Kamins BB Cream – 3 g (full-size 50 ml retails for $49)
  • Belvada One Moment Essentials Day Cream – 8 g (full-size 50 ml retails for $60)
  • KMS California ADDVOLUME volumizing spray – 30 ml (full-size 200 ml retails for $16.70)

Overall, this is an okay box.  I did try all the products as soon as I got it and they are just meh.  The BB Cream is actually the smallest sample I have ever seen (seriously, Sephora gives away much bigger ones if you just ask), plus for $50, I would rather stick with my beloved DiorSkin (which retails for $44).  The Essentials Day Cream is actually kind of cool because of those gold pearls in the cream are meant to be mixed in the palm of your hand until a serum is produced and then you massage it into your face and neck.  The moisturizer also contains 24K gold flakes and pearl protein so it’s very luxe.  With that being said, I wouldn’t buy it because I already enjoy my skincare routine.

bb cream others Cream

I actually really enjoyed the colour from China Glaze and was happy that it’s from their summer 2013 Sunsational collection (which is amaze by the way).  I popped it on the day after I got my box and although it’s highly dupe-able, I really enjoy the colour.  With that being said, this polish is actually the wateriest nail lacquer I own.  Seriously, I had to put on like five coats of the stuff before it was semi opaque.

As for the KMS spray, I really like the size of these because I pop them in my gym bag.  I did use the stuff on my hair yesterday, but after everything was said and done half the bottle was used up.

Overall, this box isn’t amazing (I really enjoyed last months), but it did include some good products.  I am heavily thinking about cancelling my subscription because I have so many beauty products and samples already that I really don’t need to spend $13.44 a month for more of them (I would rather put that cash towards something that I actually want).  Lawd knows I don’t need anymore nail polish or moisturizers (or perfumes for that matter).

Did you receive the July Topbox?  What were your thoughts?

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The Lash Diaries: Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant mascara

Title

Being a bit of a lash snob, I was so excited to hear that Make Up For Ever was releasing a new mascara as part of the Smoky Lash family.  I have tried the original Smoky Lash and although it wasn’t my absolute favourite mascara, I still really enjoyed it.

Just launched Smoky Extravagant, Make Up For Ever bills the mascara as lashes in 4D using “exclusive microdefining wax complex [which] envelopes the lash surface in ultra-black pigments for far-away impact and up-close precision”.  This mascara coats every lash using the raindrop-sized brush which contains 580 bristles.

Wand

The mascara also contains polymers which adhere and coats every single lash and provides maximum length, and a Bio-Extender which strengthens hair fibre and helps to extend the end of the lash.

I’ve been using this mascara for a week now and it’s not the most amazing mascara I have ever tried, but it still does make my lashes look long and dark.  I actually tried this on a friend and it made her lashes look so amazing (much better than mine did using this product.

No mascara One coat

Two coats

Note: I used an eyelash curler on my left eye in photo

I did receive this mascara from PR, however, I wouldn’t purchase it when it runs out.  It’s a great mascara, but it’s not that best one I have tried on my lashes.  I also find the brush to be a tad too big for my eyes; I like the shape, I just wish it was a bit smaller.

Final

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant mascara retails for C$28 at Sephora.

Is Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant on your wish list?

Please note, I was sent this mascara by PR.  All opinions are my honest own.

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Makeup must haves! Top three vacation essentials

products This week’s FASHION magazine Beauty Panel challenge was a simple one for me.  The question was “You’re going on vacation and must pack light.  What three must-have beauty products do you bring and why?”

The answer came to me automatically: BB Cream, mascara, and Smith’s Rosebud Salve.

Obviously, some sort of face product is a must have because who doesn’t want a flawless finish on vacation?  I chose a BB Cream because they are multi-taskers.  Not only do they provide you with light to medium coverage, but they also moisturize, conceal, prime, and best of all, many have an SPF in them.  I included my current favourite Dior DiorSkin Nude BB Cream because it makes my skin look amazing (seriously, I have hardly even touched my beloved Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation).

ME Mascara is also a must because if I had to choose just one eye product, a good mascara is it.  One swipe will leave you with bright-looking eyes that just open up your whole face.  It’s amazing what the power of mascara can do to your whole look.  I went with It Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-1 Volumizing Mascara because not only does it has a great wand to coat every single lash, but it also tints your lashes over time, is a conditioner and primer, and is a serum.

Finally, my holy grail makeup product of all time had to make the list.  I have been using Smith’s Rosebud Salve ever since I had dry lips at work one day and bought it at a kiosk in the mall (it was between that or a Gap lip gloss, I am so glad I went with the salve).  Not only does this miracle product relieve dry lips, but I also use it to get rid of zits, as a cuticle cream, moisturize dry skin, un-itch mosquito bites, and more.  There are also countless other remedies it can cure and really is a must-have for any makeup bag, vacation or not!

What are your three must-have beauty essentials?

Also, I just created a Facebook page, make sure you top on by and thumbs up!Facebook

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