February 2013 Canadian GLOSSYBOX - Glossy Love Edition

GLOSSYBOX launched in Canada on February 12, 2012, and they are sharing the love with their February 2013 edition, in honour of their first anniversary and the month of love, with a special limited edition package for this month's box. 

As a GLOSSYBOX Ambassador, I have the chance to receive boxes and other surprise now and then, and I was delighted when my favorite postman knocked on my door to hand me the Glossy Love edition GLOSSYBOX, which looks stunning with its glossy black box with a shocking pink bow painted around it - even the tissue inside was changed to matching black and fuchsia colours!

L - R: Oh-So-Cute, Coral Frenzy

I was incredibly excited to see Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment ($13.50/30ml) in this month's box since I keep reading on blogs that this is the miracle hair treatment! This was definitely on my wishlish but of course, I won't allow myself to buy it until I use up the many hair treatments I already have, so I am really glad to have received this product in a such nice size - since it is an oil, I guess I won't need a big quantity at a time, so I am sure this will last me a long time.

I was really disappointed when I saw Essence Quattro Eyeshadow in Oh-So-Cute (received full size, $3.99) in this box because I knew I would never wear these shades, but when I swatched them, oh the terrible mess! All of the colors are incredibly chalky, and even what I thought could be a gorgeous dark shimmery blue goes on super patchy. This is weird because I have Essence Quattro Eyeshadow in Over The Taupe and all of the shades go on super smooth and silky! I guess that with such inexpensive products, it is really hit or miss...

I almost could not believe my eyes when I spotted Givenchy Gloss Interdit in Coral Frenzy ($30.00/6ml) - this is probably the only product from the brand I will be able to lay my hands on in all my life! This lipgloss has a really light, smooth and comfortable texture with amazing shine. Coral Frenzy is a nicely pigmented 'my lips but better shade', although I am not a fan of the fairly big glitters in it.

Although I absolutely do not need a 2897672589th body wash in my already overflowing stash, I was happy to receive Anatomicals You Need A Blooming Shower! Rose and Jasmine Body Cleanser (received full size, $3.00) since I am excited to be able to test a product from a UK brand, and also because this smells heavenly - my nose mainly detects the subtle yet delightful rose notes, but I can hardly smell the jasmine.

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (received full size, $9.99) is one of those classic products that are always welcome in a bathroom cabinet - I remember trying them when I was younger and they worked amazingly well for me! Now I am a bit worried that they would rip off my nose ring but I really want to try them again so I will be sure to be careful.

I have never been a fan of these ridiculous one time use product samples that you can find in magazines (the Eucerin Hyal-Urea Anti-Wrinkle Day/Night Cream Sachet Duo (50ml/418.50) were actually a freebie available on their website and in magazines some time ago...) but I have never tried anything from Crabtree & Evelyn and this lightly scented Tarocco Orange Eucalyptus & Sage Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy Sachet ($8.00/250g) is a little teaser for the full size version which will be available in an upcoming box.

They even included a special edition GLOSSYBOX branded cupcake kit so that all of their subscribers can join the birthday celebration with some sweet homemade treats - such a cute, unexpected and very useful touch! I will be sure to feature these cuties in an upcoming recipe post.

I had the chance to receive two other GLOSSYBOX in the past (February 2012 and May 2012) but I was never really impressed by GLOSSYBOX - or any of those subscription boxes. However, I must admit that this month's box changed my mind for a few reasons - it contains a nice selection of makeup, skin care and hair care items, we received three full size products, this box includes nice high end and drugstore products, and, correct me if I am wrong, but all of the products included have not been tested on animals.

GLOSSYBOX definitely stepped up their game with this month's box since all of my requirements were met, but I am still not sure this will last since it is a special box... what do you think?

GLOSSYBOX Canada is available for $21 a month but you can get 10% your first box with code GLOSSY17! 

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Project Pan Them All | September Empties

Another month has gone by, meaning it's time for another empties post, and I have used up quite a few products, yey!

I have always had a thing for SPAresource Hand Creams ever since I first tried them - I just love their amazingly thick and rich texture that never leaves hands greasy and that moisturize my dry and eczema-prone hands super quickly. SPAresource hand creams are made with shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, aloe oil, vitamin e and honey extract - talk about wonder ingredients! Oh, and did I mention the scrumptious and insanely juicy smell? OMG!

I received a sample of AHAVA Skincare Mineral Hand Cream in my February GLOSSYBOX and at first sight, I thought this hand cream would be a nice size to keep in my handbag or in my locker at work but after trying it on... no. This is just too light and it doesn't feel moisturizing at all on my dry and eczema-prone skin. I was expecting much more from a $22 hand cream that contains Dead Sea minerals! 

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme seems to be a staple among a lot of beauty bloggers and as much as I love everything about it - its citrusy smell, its thick and creamy texture, how well it moisturizes my parched cuticles, its super cute tin - I'm just too lazy to remember to apply it on my cuticles and nails every night so most of the time, I simply use it as a hand cream before bed before slipping on some cotton gloves because it tends to get a bit greasy, but it works oh-so well on my eczema! 

I am rarely disappointed by Burt's Bees products but as much as I tried to find a way to use Burt's Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil that would make it work for me, it just did not do it - my skin just doesn't feel moisturized after using it, and it fails to calm the itchiness due to my eczema.

I was sent Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream in October of last year to help my eczema and even though it appeared to really help at first, I'm not sure if it's because my skin got used to the product but the effect quickly wore off and I had to rely on my steroid creams again, which is never good. But again, maybe it's because I ran out of Rosehip & BioRegenerate fruit & seed oil blend, which was supposed to be used together...

I mentionned Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother in my Summer Essentials post and raved about it but I never got to review it before using it up - what can I say, this stuff is purely genius! I have always overlooked after-sun lotions because I'm lazy and I figured out that a normal body moisturizer would work just as well but this product completely changed my mind! It was not until I got a really bad sunburn on my chest, arms and belly - I forgot to re-apply sunscreen after going swimming - that I realized how this product was a miracle worker - my sunburn was completely gone within only two days and my skin never showed signs of sun damages!

It's weird how I actually liked Beyond Coastal Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ the first few times I used it because it glided on the skin nicely without leaving white residues behind but now that the tube was almost empty, I found it hard to properly apply and rub on my skin because of its now thick texture, and my skin was left with random white patches of sunscreen, not to mention that I felt a bit sticky until I washed off at the end of the day. I don't understand what happened - could it have gone bad? I only got it this summer though, weird!

I quite enjoyed LUSH Satsumo Santa Bath Bomb because as soon as I entered the bath, I instantly felt my skin being smooth and moisturized - it was amazingly silky! After the bath, I could really feel my skin being nourished, and I couldn't believe that the dry patches of skin I had on my elbows were almost all gone - and that's not a light statement, having struggled with eczema almost all my life. I wish the delicious fruity and fresh scent wold be strong enough to linger in the bathroom or on my skin after the bath, but I'm used to such disappointment with bath products in general.

I don't use mouthwashes on a daily basis and I have given up on finding the perfect whitening mouthwash because nothing works on my naturally yellow teeth! However, I know I can always go back to Scope Outlast for a super long lasting fresh breath that no other mouthwash can provide.

I have been incredibly disappointed by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat* as it does not fully dry in 30 seconds - of course - but the worst is that no, it absolutely does not live up to its claim of no-chip shine for up to 10 days. I think I'm definitely done with top coats!

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

May 2012 Canadian GLOSSYBOX

If you read my post about the GLOSSYBOX event I attended last Thursday, you might remember that I said that every guest was was given a gigantic swag bag and the May GLOSSYBOX. I now I might be the last one to blog about last month's box but I still wanted to present you what I received in mine.

I'm not a GLOSSYBOX subscriber so I don't know when this change has been made but I noticed that they included two presentation cards in the box, one in English and one in French - in the first box I received (February), the card was only in English - which is great for those who don't speak English, but still, it would have been less of a waste if there was only one card included, with a language printed on each side.

I'm usually disappointed to receive drugstore products in these "boxes", but for once, I must say I was happy when I saw Curel Foot Therapy Soothing Cream (received full-size, $3.99/100ml) because I really needed a new foot cream - I just ran out of Julep The Best Pedi Creme Ever!. It has a nice consistency, it's absorbed quickly in the skin and it smells amazing, a bit sweet but not overpowering.

I can't say I was completely disappointed to receive Sebastian Professional Volupt Shampoo (received full size, $15.78/250ml), but I certainly did not need a 9038476747265782th shampoo in my already overflowing stash. I'm always interested to try new volumizing products though, so I might just give this a try and if it does not work, I will give it away.

I'm not sure what to think about the two Simple samples - Eye Makeup Remover ($9.99/56ml) and Facial Wash Gel ($9.99/50ml) - because they are drugstore samples, but I must admit I was a bit curious about them because Simple is said to be the UK's #1 facial skincare range, altough I would probably not have picked these two products to try out. Also, I'm a bit annoyed at how these two samples count as two separate products according to the presentation card. I personally think the point of these "boxes" is to discover new products, and so, I was certainly not expecting to receive two samples from the same brand.

I don't think I have heard of Pandora's Makeup Box before, but I was excited to see that at least one cosmetic item was included in the box, and even better - it's a lipstick! Although I was surprised by the -refillable - cardboard packaging of Pandora's Lipstick in Butterscotch (received full size, $16.00), I thought it was cute and vintage. At first sight, Butterscotch looked like a pale peachy nude that went on super creamy on my hand, but on my lips, it's another story.

The second I applied it, my lips started to tingle - that's always a bad sign! Also, this shade does not suit my skintone at all - yes, I'm talking concealer lips - no thanks!Maybe it's not that obvious in the above picture because it was taken with a flash, but trust me, it's really that awful! Maybe I will try to layer it with a lipgloss...

Overall, this May edition has not changed my opinion on GLOSSYBOX. I would say the GLOSSYBOX is a great concept, but it is not for everyone. Of course, the content of every box is a suprise, so if you don't like that concept, you could be disappointed. You can make nice discoveries, but you can also end up hating everything. Personally, I would prefer to be able to personalize my box each month to be sure my $12 is well invested.

I think a big problem for me is that I hate clutter - it literally drives me crazy - so I hate having things that I don't use laying around, and it's worst when I actually paid for them! When I don't like something, I try to give it away or use it up. I don't like collecting samples or keeping them in case I'll be going on holidays. Maybe someone who is just starting out with skincare or makeup will not have this problem because I agree it's a great way to test products before comitting to buying the full size version, but for me... it's a no-no.

Get 10% your first GLOSSYBOX with code GLOSSY17!

#GlossyPartyMTL - Get GLOSSY with GLOSSYBOX‏ Event

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the first GLOSSYBOX event for media and GLOSSY ambassadors since its launch in Canada, along with a few fellow bloggers such as my friends Josianne and Isanielle. I finally had the opportunity to meet face to face with Sanya, Kristelle and Ellie, and I also met some interesting bloggers from Montreal, such as The Green Geekette and Marie Frédérique.

Josy, Izzy, Sanya and me

But first, let's start with a little FOTN and OOTN, shall we?

Benefit The POREfessional | Marcelle Concealer Palette in Universal Beige | 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer in Brown Sugar | Milani Baked Powder Blush - Luminoso | Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Primrose

 theBalm Time Balm Concealer - Light | Wet N Wild Color Icon Palette - Lust | Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx (upper lashline, waterline and lower lashline)* | Marcelle Power Volume Mascara | Wet n Wild Coloricon Brow & Eye Liner - Taupe

*Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner is NOT cruelty-free

Tints of Nature Conditioning Permanent Colour in 2N Natural Darkest Brown | Babyliss Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron | Shielo VOLUME Flexible Design Hair Spray

Dress - Winners | Blazer - Suzy Shier | Heels - Glo Women's Jayden Patent Platform Pump - K-Mart | Nail polish - Julep Nail Vernis 'Alyson' | Tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark'

We enjoyed a luxurious night of pampering at Victoria Park Spa, which included a variety of beauty bars such as makeup bar, braid bar and even candy bar! We had tons of fun at the Bioré photo booth and we even had our photo taken in a life-size GLOSSYBOX!

Delicious cupcakes and sparkling wine

Beauty Bar and Candy Bar

Izzy enjoying the braid bar

Of course, keeping true to the GLOSSYBOX way, there was tons of giveaways from brands such as Marc Anthony, Bioré, imPRESS Press-on Manicure, Kiss, John Frieda, Algemarin and more - not to mention that every guest left with their very own gigantic swag bag, complete with the May GLOSSYBOX! I almost could not believe it!

Izzy and I with our - amazingly heavy! - bags (image: Être Radieuse)

So many goodies! As for the May GLOSSYBOX... the content will be unveiled in an upcoming post!

Big thanks go to GLOSSYBOX Canada and Tracey Brooke PR for putting together such an amazing event!

February 2012 Canadian GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX Canada is part of the global GLOSSYBOX network. With access to all the latest information from around the world in beauty, we truly have our finger on the pulse of all cosmetic and beauty needs and innovations. GLOSSYBOX also has no hidden fees or agendas: For $15 we deliver the best in beauty right to your door and there are no additional charges like taxes, or shipping and handling. The best part is that your GLOSSYBOX will always contain 5 deluxe samples, tons of helpful info and a 6th surprise item could show up in your box at any time! We want to keep you excited and constantly dialed-in to the best in beauty.

I know, I might be the only one who is still not convinced of the amazingness of those beauty boxes, but I still think it's great that more of them are coming to Canada, starting with the renowned GLOSSYBOX. Founded in Germany, it was launched this January in Canada and it's rolling out in more than 20 countries in 2012!

I received the February GLOSSYBOX on February 6. When I was offered to be sent a complimentary GLOSSYBOX, I was not told which month I would receive, but I was told that it should arrive by mid to end January. I actually think it's a great timing as I receive the box in the second week of February.

I was delighted to see that my GLOSSYBOX was delivered in a super pretty and sturdy cardboard box - compared to my August Luxe Box that was delivered in a simple bubble envelope, which resulted in the box being a little bent - and when I opened it, I was greeted by a press release a super cute and sleek powder pink box.

Everything in the box was carefully and beautifully packed.

Here is what the February GLOSSYBOX contained:

AHAVA Skincare Mineral Hand Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $22.00$/100ml 

Ahava's best-selling Mineral Hand Cream is rich in nourishing Dead Sea minerals that hydrate and soften skin for increase all-day comfort and an effective safeguard against environmental damage.

At first sight, I thought this hand cream would be a nice size to keep in my handbag but after trying it on... no. This is just too light and it doesn't feel moisturizing at all on my dry and eczema-prone skin. I was expecting much more from a $22 hand cream that contains Dead Sea minerals!

Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Moisturizing Stick (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $12.00/5g 

This Moisturizing Stick is a highly moisturizing lip balm that leaved your lips feeling soft and hydrated and is a great compliment to the At Last Lipstains.

When I opened my GLOSSYBOX, I was like "OMG! I got a lipstick!" but no, it's actually a lip balm. I'm not sure if I have heard of Elizabeth Grant before but apparently this moisturizing stick was a 2008 winner in FASHION Magazine Reader's Choice Beauty Awards, so it must be good... no? I haven't tried it long enough to be able to properly review it though, but so far I can say it's not the best lipbalm I have tried but it smells great, like watermelon!

I always need to have a lip balm handy with my chapped lips anyway and I like its classy packaging... but still, I think I would have prefer to receive an actual lipstick as I feel this box lacks makeup items.

Essie Nail Enamel in Neo Whimsical (received full-size)

Full-size retail price: $9.99/13.8ml 

Essie's Neo Whimsical: Flaunt your classic taste with this unique, blue-based, rose plum hue. An Essie favorite!

The only Essie nail polish I have tried (Really Red) chipped on me after two days so I can't say I was extremely excited to receive another one. Neo Whimsical doesn't look anything "unique" to me - in fact, it looks like a plain lilac - pretty, yes, but nothing over the top.

I must admit creme finishes are my favorite though but this one did not apply smoothly because of the stupidly small and straight brush - Essie, Y U no make proper brushes if you are going to sell your polishes for $10?! However,  I must say that I was impressed to notice only a few minor chips after an intense week-end at work because my hands are definitely put through a lot as a chambermaid - scrubbing bath tubs, washing the dishes, etc. - and I'm used to see my nail polish being all chipped by the end of the week-end, so this was definitely a great surprise and I think this experience have changed my opinion on Essie nail polishes... if only it was not for the @*&?%" brush!

Oscar de la Renta Live in Love Body Lotion* (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $54.00/200ml 

Oscar de la Renta Live in love Body Lotion is like a silky veil and compliments the Eau de Parfum that launched in Fall 2011. Its green floral scent will make any woman feel sensual and divine.

Is it just me or do all lotions solely made to complement a perfume total crap? Well, this one might cost $54 but it's no exception. It has a strong herbal and floral scent that reminds me of old lady perfume (no offense anyone!), it's way too light to properly moisturize and it disappears into the skin before I even have the time to spread it. Did I say total crap already?

Also, why did some subscribers received a nice sample of the actual perfume instead of this cheap lotion? Especially since there's already another lotion included in this box...

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $160/50ml 

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream helps to fight the visible effects of environmental damage and enhances skin's natural moisture.

In the tub, this cream looks rich and thick but it goes on smoothly on the skin and it's absorbed almost instantly. I think it has a pleasant soothing scent although I wouldn't be able to tell what it smells like exactly. Well I obviously don't need an anti-ageing restorative night cream so I will give this to my mother.

Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Wipes and Mist (received samples)

Full-size retail price: $12.50/48 Pack Wipes and $15.99/125ml 

The convenient and effective Beauty So Clean Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes sanitize makeup, removing bacteria in 10 seconds! The Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist removes bacteria and germs on powder-based ad cream-based products.

GLOSSYBOX included these wipes and mist as a surprise additional item "that could show up at any time". These are interesting products but I honestly don't really care about sanitizing my makeup as if I start sanitizing this and that, I'm afraid I would turn into a total clean freak. The world is full of bacterias, starting with your computer keyboard, and I'm sure nobody religiously sanitize it after each use.

I did try the spray though but I think mine was defective because the product would drip everywhere instead of being a spray, no matter how many times I tried...

Overall, based on my experience with the February GLOSSYBOX, I would say the GLOSSYBOX is a great concept, but it is not for everyone. Of course, the content of every box is a suprise, so if you don't like that concept, you could be disappointed. You can make nice discoveries, but you can also end up hating everything. Personally, I would prefer to be able to personalize my box each month to be sure my $12 is well invested.

I think a big problem for me is that I hate clutter - it literally drives me crazy - so I hate having things that I don't use laying around, and it's worst when I actually paid for them! When I don't like something, I try to give it away or use it up. I don't like collecting samples or keeping them in case I'll be going on holidays. Maybe someone who is just starting out with skincare or makeup will not have this problem because I agree it's a great way to test products before comitting to buying the full size version, but for me... it's a no-no.

Something I have noticed with these subscription boxes is that not a lot of them are cruelty-free, and if they are, they are not available wordwide. This is an important issue for me and I don't want to pay for products that have been tested on animals. In this GLOSSYBOX, I received only one product that is not cruelty-free (Oscar de la Renta Body Lotion) so that's great, but still not enough. I'm committed to eliminating every products in my stash that have been tested on animals, so of course I don't want new ones to pile up!

I was also surprised to see that no makeup items were included in this February GLOSSYBOX and I must admit that this was a little disappointing in my opinion because I had higher hopes from what I've seen about the UK GLOSSYBOX on the blogosphere (Deborah Lippmann nail polish, Eyeko Eyeliner, HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette, etc.). I guess you can't have it all every time though, and of course some months are going to be better than others.

GLOSSYBOX Canada is available for $15 a month with free shipping and features a wide selection of brands.

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.