So one of the many things I love about Topbox is the fact that they always send out their boxes (erm, tubes) on the same day every month, so you basically receive it at the middle of the month consistently.
I got my April Topbox on the 16th (it was supposed to be here on the 13th – darn you Canada Post!) and ripped open the tube as soon as I laid eyes on it. This month Topbox has a special Earth Day theme to it where the tubes are carbon neutral (according to a note from them, all tubes from Topbox from here on out will be carbon neutral). It’s a nice touch to the box, knowing that they are trying to make their product more earth friendly.
So on to the box! Here’s what I got:
Benefit – The POREfessional – 7.5 ml (full size 22 ml retails for $34)
Principessa Beauty – Notte/Bianco Breeze Dry Shampoo 30 g (full size 125 g retails for $24)
Misa Nail Lacquer in Polka Dot Bikini – full size ($8.99)
Bella Pella Tropical Flowers Body Lotion – 30 ml (full size 175 ml retails for $15.95)
Cargo Blu Ray Pressed Power – sponsored ad, one-time-use sample
Overall, I thought the March box was better than this one. I did enjoy the products that were in the box, but Topbox is supposed to be all about samples from top beauty brands. I don’t think that Misa and Bella Pella are top brands. Sorry to be harsh here and I know that these boxes are supposed to be all about introducing new products and brands to consumers, but if you guarantee one thing I think you should stick to it (for example, on their home page there is a photo of Chanel, Stila, Benefit, and NARS products). I believe they sell Principessa at The Bay and of course I’m happy to get a Benefit product, although I already have a sample of The POREfessional from my Benefit Big 10 box that I got around Christmas time. Plus, not going to lie, I’m so sick of receiving lotions, like enough already (although this one does smell quite yummy).
Although this post does sound negative, this box was fairly good considering that I didn’t know two of the brands. Topbox has definitely done better boxes than this one and they have also done worse. No product made my heart beat faster by just looking at it but I will use these items (I mean, who doesn’t need another nail polish)? Plus, I’m excited to try this dry shampoo, I have the OSiS one but I find that it can make your hair look ashy and this one by Principessa is tailored to darker hair colours.
Did you receive the April 2012 Topbox? What were your thoughts?
I finally got around to trying Julep’s Sofia, a sheer green colour with micro glitter (so many nail polishes, too little time!). Because this colour is so transparent I layered it over Essie’s Absolutely Shore, a soft sea foam green shade, as I thought that by layering it it would make the actual colour pop.
Julep’s Sofia goes on more pigmented than I originally thought. I used two layers over Absolutely Shore to achieve a good pigmentation of the colour. It does, however, dry matte, which is something I absolutely hate. If I still had a bottle of my beloved Seche Vite topcoat this wouldn’t be a problem, but I’m trying to use up my OPI Topcoat which doesn’t dry as shiny as the Seche Vite.
Overall, I thought this combo was okay. I wouldn’t necessarily do it again. I’ll probably try this colour again over China Glaze’s In the Lime Light (which also dries matte), maybe I’ll like it a little more a second time around.
I also want to say that Julep’s Sofia glows in the dark. I don’t know if all Julep shades do this but I was quite alarmed when I turned off my lights to go to bed after I painted my nails and they were glowing back at me. I haven’t read anyone else commenting on that detail when I read reviews of this polish but I guess it’s a cool effect, perfect for Halloween.
This is my first time using Julep nail polishes. I have another one as well which I haven’t tried yet (Natasha). The application was quite nice and I love the packaging and shape of the bottles. In terms of colour though, I would probably skip this one. It’s pretty in the bottle, but the fact that it dries matte and you have to layer it because it’s transparent, I dunno, that’s a con for me. I’m sure I can find a combo that I absolutely love, but first impressions aren’t the good. I’m glad I only paid a penny for it (which also included another polish, a hand scrub, and nail file). Julep polishes are also quite pricey compared to their counterparts. The retails for $14 USD for 8 ml of product, whereas by comparison, OPI and China Glaze both had 14 ml of product for less money.
Have you tried Julep’s Sofia? What were your thoughts?
One of the most popular international beauty subscription services is now available in our home and native land. Yes my friends, Glossybox now ships to Canada!
I received the March 2012 Glossybox a ways in April already but the contents of the box made the last-minute shipping oh so worth it (the boxes sent from the PR company were sent out later than actual subscriber boxes).
Glossybox is just like your other run-of-the-mill beauty subscription services, but this one comes in an actual box (like a mini shoebox), and includes five to six luxury products a month. This particular box costs a little more a month than it’s counterparts at C$15 but based on the samples I got, it’s oh so worth it.
Here’s what I got:
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Bailey Cosmetics Fresh Lip Gloss – full size at $28
Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray – 50 ml at $7
Pandora’s Box Blush in St. Tropez – full size at $18
Sebastian Re-Shaper Hairspray
Algemarin Foam Bath – sample packet
Altogether, the cost of this box was easily over $60, totally worth the $15 you pay for it per month.
Although I haven’t heard of a lot of these products, I still really loved my box. I couldn’t get over the amount of full size stuff in here. Even though the box included a body lotion (it seems like every sub box has one), I even appreciated the Aveeno lotion as it was a great size and something that I felt I could get good use out of. Same goes for the hairspray (perfect for travelling) and Evian spray, which I was so excited to get. One spritz of the stuff makes your face feel so refreshed, it’s perfect for after the gym, in the summer, after a flight, or really, anytime you need to feel refreshed.
The Bailey lip gloss is a brand I have never heard of before, but a $28 lip gloss for free? Heck yes. The colour is quite sheer so it’s good for layering, and the packaging is very chic and posh. As for the blush, the colour is a pretty pink shade and the case if magnetic so the blush pan comes out and you could even add it to a Z palette if you wish. I’ve never heard of Pandora’s Box makeup before but it seems to have quite a following as people on the Glossybox Facebook page seemed quite excited to receive it.
As for packaging of the actual box, this one is my absolute favourite. The box itself was quite heavy and when you open the lid, the items are wrapped in tissue with a bow tying it all together. The cards and other documents (including a coupon code for Glossybox subscribers for 40 per cent off Pandora’s Box makeup online) was enclosed in a chic black envelope. Honestly, I felt like I was opening a present someone sent me in the mail. The box itself is so sturdy that it’s perfect to keep even after all the contents are used and gone. You can use it to store photos, CDs, cards, etc. or you could even put a gift for someone in there. It’s a fab little box.
So final thoughts, I loved the March 2012 Glossybox. As for contents wise, I would say it’s up to par with the March Topbox, maybe even a bit better because of the amount of deluxe samples included. It’s a bit pricier than other boxes out there but I think it’s well worth it in the amount and quality of products you receive. I highly recommend this one!
Did you receive the March 2012 Glossybox? What were your thoughts?
