Sunday, March 3, 2013

Glossy Box -- February 2013

My February Glossy Box arrived and this month's theme was International Style.  Below I have listed the items I received in my box.  I have watched some un-boxing videos on YouTube to see what everyone else received and I have yet to see anyone else get the mask I got.  Many people got a blemish serum and cream instead.  I am really happy I got the mask instead of the cream.

Items in the International Style Glossy Box

Bvlgari Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc soap
Da Vinci Cosmetics - Shimmer Powder -- Champagne
LISI Sheer Sparkle Lip gloss -- Grand Central
Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask
Nail Rock Nail Wraps -- Black and White Strips

Out of the items I received I have tried two, the gel mask and the lip gloss.  I was most excited to try the mask as I use the BB cream from Missha and really like it (I received it in a previous Glossy Box last year).  The snail part of the mask was a little scary as the package states it is extract of snail slime.  That in itself would turn most people off.  It is a product of Korea and most of the writing on the package was in Korean.   From the section in English it states that the extract is moisturizing and helps in skin renewal.  I tried the mask when I woke up this morning and at first I found it very odd.  It comes in two pieces with paper on both sides and the area for the eyes and mouth cut out.  Once the paper is removed the gel mask is applied to the face and it adheres   I waited 20 minutes with the mask on and the directions stated it can be left on for up to 40 minutes.  It had a cooling effect but I felt it was sliding down my face so the longest I could stand leaving it on was the 20 minutes.  It is unlike most facial masks as once the mask part is removed the gel is left on the face to absorb into the skin instead of being washed off.  I do notice a reduction in my pores after using it and my face feels really smooth.  I will wait and see if I get any sort of break outs before ordering additional masks, however my first reaction after finishing with the mask is that I really like how my skin feels after using it. 

 The other item I have tried is the lip gloss.  I also like this product.  It is a thicker gloss than what is normally sold in the States and goes on a little dry.  It also is not a high shine, but more of a muted shine.  The color I received is very close to the natural color of my lips and looks very natural when applied.  It also lasts longer then traditional lip gloss, maybe because of its consistency.  Since I own so many lip glosses and I seem to be receiving them in almost every sample box, I will probably will not buy this product again.  However, I do plan on using it and I've been carrying it around in my purse.    

My first impressions of the last 3 products without trying them out is that they all look like good products.  The color of the eye shadow makes it good for using as either a highlight anywhere on the face or under the brow when applying shadow.  The soap from Bvlgari made the entire Glossy Box smell floraly with a slight hint of musk.  Out of all the products in this box the soap is the most expensive.  A full sized bar costs $30 and the bar in the box was a third size of the full size.  The nail wraps look interesting but I do not have high hopes for them.  I have tried many different nail wraps and I seem to keep buying them or getting them in sample boxes.  I am still on the fence rather I like them or not as they sometimes do not go on smoothly or after a days wear they start lifting near my cuticle area.  I will give these Nail Rock Nail Wraps a try and let you know if they are worth the effort.

That about sums up the International Style Glossy Box for the month of February.  Thanks for stopping by and I will see you next time.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Glossy Box - The Man Repeller - January 2013

I received my Glossy Box for the month of January 2013.  This month's box was a collaboration with a popular blogger, Leandra Medine from The Man Repeller.  The box had some nice items in it.

The items I received are as follows:

Estee Lauder -- Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying  Volume Mascara in Extreme Black
Fresh -- Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum
Le Metier De Beaute -- Replenishing Daily Solution
Narciso Rodriguez -- for her
OPI -- "Can't Let Go" Liquid sand Nail Laquer
Sebastian Professional -- Potion 9
tarte -- Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour lipstick in Fierce

I looked online at what some other people received in their box and there was a tarte blush I was really hoping for.  Out of the items I received I have tried 5 of them.  The lipstick has a nice feel and is a very pretty striking color, my only problem is the color is a little too "fierce" for me.  It takes a very confident woman to wear such a bright red color.  I think on me it looks like I am now a clown.  I will try it again in the summer, maybe if I have some color on my face it will look better.  I am just way too pale for that color.  The perfume, or eau de toilette spray from Narciso Rodriguez smells like an old lady.  It is not a pleasant sent at all.  I really like the Sebastian Potion 9, it styled my hair nicely and my hair doesn't feel "crunchy".  I'm a huge fan of polish, but the OPI on is rather odd.  It is matte with sparkle and texture that I feel will snag on clothing and in my hair.  I didn't wear the color long enough to check out this theory.  The color is pretty and has nice sparkle to it.  The last item in the box that I tried was the Fresh mattifying serum.  I put this around my nose, the most oily part of my face, and it did keep me from becoming really oily during the day.

Of the items I have yet to try I am the most intrigued by the replenishing daily solution from Le Metier De Beaute.  I think this is just a face cream, however the card that came with the box states the full size is 1.17oz and costs $225.  I am really just curious if the product is actually worth the cost, not that I would ever buy it.  

That is it for now, thanks for stopping by.  See you next time.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Love Letters Nail Art Tutorial

For this design you will need the following items:
Sky blue polish in the brand of your choice, I am using Ulta
Base Coat
Top Coat
A gray nail polish that will stamp
Nail polish remover and cotton pads
Stamper
Nail plate CH53 from the Cheeky Summer 2012 Collection


First paint the nails with base coat and two coats of the sky blue color. 


Then, using the grey polish and the CH53 plate, stamp the design with the swallows, hearts and envelopes on all 10 finger nails.


Add a top coat and your done.  I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and thanks for stopping by.

Sample Society September 2012

Hi Everyone.  I have received my first Sample Society box from BeautyBar.com and in conjunction with Allure magazine.  I am rather happy with this box and I think I will try it for at least one more month before deciding if I will keep receiving it.  The box costs $15 a month and comes with a $15 coupon off a $50 purchase as long as one item in the cart is from a brand featured in the box.  Now on to the box.  I received the following items:
Stila Smudge Crayon in Smoke
Borghese B Gloss Lip Gloss in Fiore
Ahava Purifying Mud Mask
CellCeuticals Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser
Diptyque Tam Dao perfume sample spray


I haven't had a chance to use all of the products from this box.  What I have tried out I like.  The CellCeuticals cleanser is very mild and cleans very well at the same time.  I have worn the Stila Smudge Crayon once and got a complement on the color so it seems to be a hit.  The lip gloss is nice, however, I would like it to be just a little smoother as it does feel sticky on the lips.  I have yet to try the Ahava Mud Mask or the perfume sample from Diptyque.  Again, the box is $15 a month.  If your interested in signing up the link is www.beautybar.com and my referral code is YASM4622 (if you decide to sign up I would really appreciate it if you used my code).  Thanks for stopping by and see you next time.

My Glam September 2012

Hi everyone.  Here is another review, this time for My Glam.  This month in the box there was a card stating that My Glam was changing their name to Iipsy.  Along with this change there was a card from JustFab for $20 off on shoes.  The code is Ipsy20 so if it works your free to use it.  I have purchased some cute shoes and will post them on here when they come in.   Now onto my items from the My Glam (Ipsy) Box.

The following items were included this month:
SoHo Smudge Brush
Circus by Andrea's Choice in Tightrope
Mirabella eye shadow in #36 Semiformal
Carols Daughter Monoi Repairing Split and Sealer
Jane Sparkle Gloss -- Sparkle Pink (Not in Picture)


Also, I am not sure if your aware but every month My Glam sends with their box a makeup bag that is the perfect size for your purse.  This month the bag is black and has a little strap on one end.  I have used the brush which is really nice and doesn't leave any loose bristles.  I did hear on another blog that this brush can be found at places like Wal-Mart, so it's not going to be the best brush but it is rather nice.  I have also tried the shadow which is a nice warm brown color.  Last month I got another  nail polish from Circus, it is a thick polish that comes out matte however it has stayed on the toes rather nicely.  I am not happy with the lip gloss as it is really sticky feeling and smells like something I had when I was 13.  I have not tried the Monoi Repairing hair cream yet.  I have sampled the product on the back of my hand, it is really silky and has a really pretty smell.  If your interested in signing up for My Glam (Ipsy) the link is www.ipsy.com/ an will cost you $10 a month. 

September 2012 Birch Box

Hi everyone.  I know it has been at least a month since my last blog post, I have been busy with work and school.  Since I haven't blogged for a while I have a few sample boxes that have accumulated.  I am going to post my most recent ones as the others are a little out dated now.  There will be five posts for boxes; GlossyBox, Sample Society, My Glam (now Ipsy), The Natural Beauty Box and BirchBox.  I will start with the BirchBox for September.  I was not happy with this box and I have since canceled my membership.  I felt that the value of the products did not match the amount of money I was paying each month.  I know the monthly cost is only $10.00, however I like some of my other sample boxes so much more that I would rather use my money on those.  This month I got the following items:

Benefit So Radiant Foamingly Clean and Refined Finish (both face washes)
Dr. Jart+ BB Cream
Caudalie Firming Serum
Color Club Nail Polish in Status Update
TwistBand Hair Tie
As an Extra I got a Tili bag


I really like the BB cream and I know I will like the Benefit products as I have used them before.  The hair tie seems like a waste of material, it's not even cute and the Tili bag, though cute, is also a waste as it is basically a designed sandwich zipper bag.  Again, BirchBox is $10 if your interest and the site is www.birchbox.com.  I hope you enjoyed my review, thanks for stopping by.