Fall Luxe Box Review

After being very disappointed in my first Luxe Box - you know the one that never arrived, and then the replacement that wasn't shipped, and the cheque for the amount I over paid that never arrived - I wondered what my second Luxe Box would have. I was tempted by a few of the promotional upgrade boxes, but I was/am still upset about the half-assed attempt to correct their many mistakes and unhelpful customer service.

I do have to admit the boxes are nice. I have one problem with the cardboard boxes they ship in. The glue is so weak, I can't believe more boxes just don't go missing. Perhaps Canada Post only hires staff with delicate hands.

I received seven products. 

1. Loose Button, Fan Brush, $18

2. AG Hair, High and Dry Finish Spray, sample size 50 mL, $8.00

3. Lila Grace, Tropical scents body lotion, sample size 65 mL, $4.00

4. So Susan, Universal blush, full size, $17,50

5. Burt Bees, Lip gloss in "Ruby Moon", full size, $12.99

6. Amarte, Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum, sample size 5 mL, $4.50

7. Amarte, Aqua cream, sample size 5 mL, $10.00

I will probably use all these products, so no waste here. I like the brush, but to me it doesn't fit the $18 loose button value. I just don't feel wowed, and I'm still disgrunted from last month. I'll be pondering for the next few days if I want to continue this subscription or not. I subscribed to many boxes as I had "run out" of beauty products, but I think I have become well stocked again :) 

Total cost $26 plus GST

Total value $74.99 (Pretty amazing!)

If you're interested, use my link and I think you'll get a discount for the winter box. The final day to sign up is December 3rd, and the link should be active until then.

What did you think of the Fall Luxe Box? Did you upgrade?

September Topbox. Review

This is my last month of double topboxes. 

TopBox is a monthly Canadian beauty subscription box containing 4 samples for $12.00 plus tax a month. One of the features is a distinct mailing tube. I might use mine to wrap some Christmas presents this year.

My two boxes were very similar. 

My first box contained: 

Bioderma Sebium foaming gel. 15 mL sample, $19.95/20 mL. Value of sample $1.50

Amina perk-up dry shampoo. This seems very nice. Sample size 21.3 g, guessing value at $1.50

Illumalift brightening cream sample. Sample size. 

Teeez nail polish in raging ruby. Full size, $15. 

My second box contained:

Bioderma Sebium foaming gel. 15 mL sample, $19.95/20 mL. Value of sample $1.50

Amina perk-up dry shampoo. This seems very nice. Sample size 21.3 g, guessing value at $1.50

Lancôme genifique light-pearl. Sample size 5 mL, estimated value $22.

Essie nail polish in sand tropez. Full size, $9.99.

The value is good ($18 for box 1 and $35 for box 2) but the items I know I will use are the two lower end samples leaving me wondering if I should continue with the box or focus $12 on debt and introduce a few less things into my house. 

I didn't update my August topbox. I received a special box (x2) of three ombrelle SPF 60 samples. A great size to pack around, and I hope I'll be able to use them up this fall. 

September ipsy glam bag review

Street style is the word these day at Ipsy. A subscription bag from the US at $11/month plus $4.95 shipping to Canada.

   

I looked at the sneak peak, so I knew what was coming at the beginning of the month. I don't have prices now, but I'll try to go back later and add them. 

First, the Hikari lipstick in Cabernet. This is a gorgeous deep fall red. I'm not sure if this will match me, but it is a colour I would love to have the confidence to pull off. Full size.

UPDATE: Something in this lipstick causes an allergic reaction on my daughter's skin. I tried it out, saw it doesn't match my skin tone, and teased my daughter by leaving kiss marks on her belly. The rash was very mild, and cleared fast.

Pacifica 7 free nail colour in red red wine. Lovely packaging! I'm drowning in nail place polish, so I'll likely gift this to keep my makeup in one room of the house ;) full size.

Mitchell and Peach Floral no. 1 hand cream. This smells just like a hotel hand lotion, and feels similar. 30 mL.

Nourish organic face cleanser in cucumber and watermelon. True to its name, I can't smell anything. Organic and moisturizing. I'll add this to my shower. Size unspecified. 

Be a bombshell smooth criminal powder. This was the product I was excited about and true to BaB, I can't get it out of the box. I look forward to trying this. 4 g.

Cost of this bag $11 plus $4.95 shipping. I'm not feeling rewarded with goodies this month, but I did get a staple and a fun product. If I have time, I'll go back and update the prices, I feel like the value is higher than what I paid. If you want to try Ipsy, please use my link. 

Glamour Doll Eyes OTM September

Wow! I'm so happy with this month! 

Seeing the rainbow in the adorable bag made me think this was going to be awesome. 

First, the colour is "never be royals" described as a light blue with sheer orange overlay/duo chrome. To me, it actually looks liliac. I can't see the duo chrome in the jar, but perhaps once I get it on. 

Second, glitter! I've fallen for glitter, and want to get a few more. This one is beautiful. Called "unicorn tears" made of silver, pink, purple and blue in .004 and .008 hex. 

Third, Glitter Fix! I've been waiting for this to come back in stock (and it will October 15th) and I'm so happy to have a "mini" of my own! I'm going to be using this today. 

Lastly and in theme Unicorn candy. 

Love this month! I think I paid $6 plus $8 shipping to Canada, and I will gladly get this again if my budget allows. I have one more month on my subscription.

September Indie Gift Box Review

As I get ready to leave, the theme for September is office party. 

I don't know where they got such cute tape! Indie gift box is all about little details, and I love it! 

What's in in? 

Cooper Paper Co. notecards. I received 4 card in a very cute and very me leopard heart print. $7. You can find these guys on etsy.

Row house 14 pencil set. Three pencils with fun sayings. I have "beast mode", "hustle", and "like a boss". I have a sentimental attachment to these because I used to have a close friend who was always "hustlin' " and these make me reminsce. $5, also on etsy.

Sugar and type organizer download. $10. I'll have to check this out.

Koco and Viking notebook. Cute with natural pages. I'm not sure how I will use this yet. $10.

Simply Shiao animal magnet. Love! I got a goat and it looks like it can hold a few pieces of paper or a card and still stand up. You could also take it apart and have a goat body coming out of your file cabinet. This tempts me to spend more - maybe once I find out if we are exchanging Christmas presents. $5.

Paper trail pens. My positive pens say "the future is BRIGHT" and "make it HAPPEN". I love these too. I think you can never be surrounded by too much positivity that speaks to you. $5

Total value $42 ($32 without the online download). I paid $24.49 plus $12 shipping to Canada. A fair cost to value with lots of special finds. This is another month I love and I'll say it again, I'll be sad to have to "quit" this box once I start maternity leave. I don't know where they find this adorable stuff!