GLOSSYBOX US August 2012

Hi Everyone,

I received my August Glossybox on Saturday and wanted you to see what I received.  As always, I'm really excited to try all these products. 

1.  Biolage ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment

• This treatment is a versatile serum infused with a Moringa Oil Blend.  This ultimate potion gives instant shine and weightless replenishment to all hair types. 

2.  Ellis Faas Ellis Lips

• The lightweight and long-lasting lip products come in three fabulous textures; creamy lips for a matte finish, milky lips for a gloss finish and glazed lips for a touch of color.  They are paraben-free, loaded with vitamin E and blend into the lips leaving them soft and conditioned.  I couldn't tell what color this is from the box...it's either LIOS or LIO5.

This color is very dark for me and I would have to sheer it out to wear it.  I swatched this on the inside of my arm and I did have to work and getting it off, so the long-lasting part might be true.  I'll see how long it lasts on my lips!!

3.  Illamasqua Nail Varnish

• Award-winning, extremely hardwearing and chip-resistant, there's an Illamasqua Nail Varnish for every shade of humanity.  Apply two coats for extra intensity.  This is in the color Taint.  I am really excited to try this.

4.  Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

• This high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles, fights environmental aggressors and keeps your skin moisturized, nourished and protected.  Apply mornings and evenings.  There was also a coupon included.

5.  Touch in Sol Feel like Honey Moon Skin Base

• Apply this fantastic primer after your skincare routine and before your makeup.  It's honey texture firms and revitalizes the skin and allaows for a better makeup application.

So, there you have it.  The items from my August 2012 GLOSSYBOX.  I'm looking forward to trying all of them.

Have you tried any of these products?  What was your opinion of them?

I hope you're having a beautiful day!

Take care,
Kat

Nail of the week - Maybelline Fall 2012 Nail Collection Boho Gold

I was at my neighborhood Walgreens on Saturday and walked by the Maybelline Fall 2012 Fashion Week Nail Collection display.  The colors were beautiful and I purchased two of them:  Boho Gold and Metal Icon.  Both are limited edition and retail around $4.00 (at Walgreens).


Metal Icon



Boho Gold

Boho Gold is a gold/green duochrome but only the gold shows up on the nails.  From what I’ve read online it is a dupe for the Chanel Peridot nail polish.  I can’t verify that because I don’t own the Chanel Peridot. 

This nail polish goes on very, very sheer and while you could get away with two coats, I recommend three to get the best color.  I have on three coats and a top coat.

Three coats and a top coat

I think Boho Gold is a nice polish to add to your collection but you might want to buy it soon because it’s a limited edition.

Have you purchased any of the Maybelline Fall 2012 Nail Collection? 

Hope you are having a great day.

Take care,
Kat

Beauty Bar Sample Society August 2012

I'm so sorry that I am late in getting this post up.  I honestly do have a long list of reviews to put up on this site, but I just can't seem to find the time to do it. 

That being said, here is the August Beauty Bar Sample Society Box.

Phyto - Phytonectar Treatment Oil

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer - Private Dancer

Jane Iredale - Longest Lash Mascara

Elemental Herbology Skin Care - Facial Glow Radiance Peel

Arcona - Cranberry Toner

Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

The first thing that caught my eye was the Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquer.  Love the color!  It's a mirrored chrome purple color that is absolutely gorgeous.  I immediately put it on my nails.  It wore well, just starting to chip after seven days.  I was thrilled about that.  Plus, I got numerous comments on how pretty the color was.  This is my first Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquer.  As you know, I'm a loyal Zoya nail polish fan but I might have to splurge a bit and buy another polish by Deborah Lippman.  They are a bit expensive - $18.00 vs $8.00 with Zoya.  (Please excuse my dry hands and bad cuticles - I didn't have time to fix them before I painted my nails).

The second item I tried was the Elemental Herbology Skin Care Facial Glow Radiance Peel. This is a skin-correcting facial peel that protects, brightens, smooths and tones the skin.   I love face peels and masks so I was excited to try this.  This product has a fresh citrus scent and is smooth and creamy with a bit larger than usual granules in it.  I left the product on for four minutes as directed, and washed it off with a warm wet cloth.  It left my face incredibly soft, with a subtle glow.  I don't think I've used it enough to see a difference in my pores but I have my fingers crossed.  I really enjoyed this product and will be purchasing a full size.

I used the Phytonectar Treatment Oil yesterday when I washed my hair.  I was confused by the directions - it says 'apply before washing'.  I didn't know if I needed to applied it to wet hair or dry hair so I looked it up online.  You apply it to dry hair and leave on for 15 minutes.  Then wash and condition hair as usual.  The directions recommend using once a week.  I really like Phyto hair products and this treatment oil was nice.  I did notice a difference when combing out my wet hair.  I didn't have as many tangles and my hair is very soft and smooth.  I don't think it would purchase this product but I am enjoying the sample.

Next up is the Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara in Icy Black.  I have not used this yet but am looking forward to.  I'm always looking for a great mascara.  I'll let you know what I think.

Lastly, the Arcona Cranberry Toner.  I have never heard of this brand or toner before so I am excited to try it.  The description says "this three-in-one cranberry milk toner cleanses, tones and hydrates, infusing skin with protective antioxidants to leave it glowing and refreshed. Removes dirt, oil and makeup".  It's got five stars on www.skinstore.com so I'm looking forward to trying it. 

So that is it my friends.  That is my August Beauty Bar Sample Society box.  I hope you enjoyed reading about the products and if you have any questions about any of them, please ask. 

I hope you all are having a beautiful day!!

Take care,
Kat

Beauty Bar Sample Society July 2012

Hello Everyone,

I received my Beauty Bar Sample Society July 2012 box on Thursday.  I really enjoy getting the Sample Society box as I almost always enjoy the products they send.  I am just as happy with this month’s box.

Borghese Tono Body Cream - Borghese is an Italian brand and I’ve used other products of this brand.  The Tono Body Cream ingredients include:  Fennel, Witch Hazel, Matricaria, Horse Chestnut and Ivy Extracts and Rosemary and Lavender Extracts.  The description on the website says “treat the senses to aromatherapy”.  I think this body cream smells like plastic.  I don’t even get the slightest hint of lavender.  I do like how smooth is makes my skin.  I’ve had it on all day and my skin is still soft and smooth.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl – I received a sample of this product in a Birchbox several months ago.  It was a very tiny sample and this is a much larger sample size.  I love, love, love Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint.  It is SPF 20, oil free, hypoallergenic, fragrance free, water resistant is buildable for a more full coverage.  I have oily skin and this is the only moisture tint that does not make my face look like an oil slick.  I have a full size of this in the color Golden.  It does have some shimmer in it so I top it off with a light matte powder.  I wear it every weekend when I am running errands or just hanging around the house.  LOVE IT!!

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl

Sisley Hydra-Global Hydration Intense Anti-Age – I’ve never heard of this brand before.  I did a little research on it and it is from Paris.  The website says the following:

“Specially developed to provide an all-round solution to the problem of skin dehydration — whether occasional or chronic - Hydra-Global helps reactivate the hydration mechanisms deep-down in the skin, by encouraging the circulation of water as well as its retention.”

I’m looking forward to using it, but I will not be buying it even if I love it.  The full size product costs $250.00 for 1.4 fl. oz.  Sigh….

vbeauté Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Créme – This is another brand I’ve never heard of.  The website says:

“VBeaute Eye Never is an age-defining, line concealing eye cream that immediately smoothes and silkens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizing the appearance of puffiness, lines and wrinkles. Formulated with the brand's powerful age-defying complexes, this eye cream boosts collagen production while protecting against free radical damage. At the same time, it helps increase moisture and relax muscle contractions to help prevent future signs of aging.”

I’m looking forward to trying this.  I don’t think there is much of the product in my sample though, when I tried to squeeze some onto my finger, the little tube seemed mostly full of air.  That’s disappointing.

Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil in Sangria and White Glimmer – This is a brand from Italy.  The Sangria color is a deep wine color and the White Glimmer is exactly that….white.  I’m not sure what I’m going to do with a white lip liner but the Sangria liner will be nice in the fall and winter.

Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil - Sangria / White Glimmer

Overall, I’m thrilled with this month’s box.  I love being introduced to brands I’ve never heard of or tried before and except for the Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream, the sample sizes are very nice.

Stay tuned for product review’s J.

Take care,
Kat

Glossybox USA – May 2012 Products & Reviews

Hello Everyone,

I am so sorry I’ve been away from my blog for so long.  Spring and summer is a very busy time for me, but I promise to be more dedicated to my blog from now on. 

GLOSSYBOX finally launched in the USA and I received the May GLOSSYBOX (USA).  It is the largest of the subscription services that I know of, serving 15 countries worldwide.  I was impressed immediately after removing the mailing box.  It comes beautifully packaged and I can reuse this box for many different things, including storage or even as a gift box.

Beautiful pink box

I opened the pink box and found five large (some full) sized samples and one makeup brush.

1. Amore Pacific – Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel
Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel is a hydrating gel moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling bright and refreshed.  Notice your complexion visibly improve, giving you confidence and a natural glow.

2.  Burberry Beauty – Lip Mist Natural Lip Sheer Lipstick in Copper No. 202

A creamy lipstick that offers a hint of natural, sheer color leaving your lips moist and dewy.

3.  Marvis Whitening toothpaste. (full size)
Make the most of your splendid smile with a whitening toothpaste dripping in cool mint freshness, all while protecting against decay, tartar, and plaque.

4.  Phyto – Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask for Dry Hair
Indulge in luxury and aroma with a conditioning treatment that moisturizes and detangles strands without weighing hair down.  Nourish, revive and delight.

5.  Zoya – Summer 2012 Beach and Surf Collection in Zuza (full size)
Dive into the creamy shades and shimmering sea foils of the Zoya Beach & Surf Collection.  Allow your nails to go on vacation every day.

Extra:  GLOSSYBOX Blush Brush crafted from the finest goat’s hair – an essential for any world beauty jetsetter.

I was really excited about all the products that were in the box and impressed with the sizes.

The first thing I tried was the Zoya polish.  As you know, I love Zoya nail polish.  The color is not my favorite and didn’t look good on my skin tone, but that doesn’t take away from the quality, wear, and durability of the polish.  I did buy other colors in the Beach and Surf Collection and I highly recommend Zoya polish.

Zoya in Zuza

The Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel is not really a gel, or what I think of as a gel product.  It has a light, creamy consistency and is a seafoam green color.  It blends into the skin nicely and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.  I used it in the morning under my makeup (before primer) and my skin got very oily early in the morning, so I started using it at night.  Some people think the scent is too strong, but I didn’t mind the scent.  It smells a bit like menthol.  It’s nice, but I would not purchase it – especially since it costs $100 for 1.7 oz.  It is from Korea.

The next thing I tried was the Phyto Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask for Dry Hair.  This is a wonderful product and I love it.  My hair didn’t have any tangles as I was combing it out and after drying my hair was soft, smooth and without any frizzy ends.  The scent is very nice.  The directions say to use a quarter size amount but since I have thick hair I used more.  I will be buying this product when I have used up the sample.  Full size is 6.7oz and costs $38.00.

I was thrilled with the Burberry Beauty Lip Mist Natural Lip Sheer Lipstick.  I thought the sample size was a nice amount of product.  It was in the most gorgeous packaging with the Burberry print on the exterior packing and imprinted on the lipstick itself.  It is adorable.  I think it’s a really nice lipstick, very smooth and creamy on the lips.  I used it with a Estee Lauder lip pencil and thought it looked beautiful.  This is another product I was purchase when the sample size is gone.  It’s a bit expensive, but I will ask for it as a birthday gift.  Full size is $30 for .12oz.

Burberry Beauty – Lip Mist Natural Lip Sheer Lipstick in Copper No. 202

The Marvis Whitening toothpaste was…..toothpaste.  Not much to get excited over but the mint flavor was nice.  I won’t buy this – a full size is $7.50 for 1.230z.  That’s a bit expensive for toothpaste.

Finally, the GLOSSYBOX Blush Brush was nothing really special.  I don’t think it works well as a blush brush but I guess it could be used to dust powder over your face.  It isn’t very soft either. 

All in all, I was very happy with the May GLOSSYBOX and can’t wait for my June box.  I have high expectations for the June box so I hope I am not disappointed.

I did cancel my subscription to MyGlam.  It just wasn’t worth it for me.  The first two months were great, but I have been disappointed ever since.  I’m going to look for something else to subscribe to in it’s place.

If you received a May GLOSSYBOX, let me know what you thought.

Stay tuned, I have a lot of product reviews coming soon!!

Take care,
Kat

Zoya Nail of the Day in Heidi

Hello :)

I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day! 

I took advantage of the last Zoya promotion code and got six nail polishes (buy 3 get 3 free).  I wanted a pretty coral color and bought two different shades of coral.  Here is the first one, called Heidi.

This is two coats of Zoya Heidi with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat.

I think it's a bit too orange, but I still like it.  What do you think?

Did any of you take advantage of the Zoya promotion?  What colors did you get?

Take care,
Kat

BeautyBar Sample Society with Allure Box - March 2012

Hello, Everyone,

I subscribed to a new cosmetic/skin care monthly subscription service and I just received my first box. This is the very first box from Beauty Bar's Sample Society with Allure.  BeautyBar Sample Society is similar to Birchbox or GlamBag except it costs $15.00 (includes shipping) a month instead of $10.00 like Birchbox or GlamBag.

Membership to the BeautyBar Sample Society includes:

• 5 deluxe-sized samples from "luxury" beauty brands.
• $15 gift code to redeem on a $50 purchase - when any product from the brands you've sampled is included in your order.
• Expert beauty advice to accompany your samples from the editors of Allure (Mini Mag).
• A bonus one-year subscription to Allure magazine ($12 value).

Sample Society is not customized at this time and members do not have the ability to choose their samples. However, customization is something they hope to provide in the future according to their website.  Also, my credit card was charged the day my box shipped and I received it within 7 days, just like it promises on their website. I like that they charge my credit card on the actual ship date, rather than a month in advance like the GlamBag.

Contents included:

• Fekkai Advanced Glossing Cream - 1.6 oz
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Deluxe Sample - 0.45 oz
• SKYN Iceland Icelandic Eye Relief Pen - 0.14 oz (which is a full size product worth $20.00)
• REN Glycolactic Radience Renewal Peel Mask Deluxe Sample - 0.5 fl oz
• Oscar De La Renta Expirit d'Oscar Deluxe Mini-Rollerball - .1 fl oz
• Mini Mag

 Mini Mag

Cover

Page 1 & 2

Page 3 & 4

Page 5 & 6

Back

Unfortunately, due to high demand Sample Society is unable to accept new subscriptions at this time. However, you can sign up to be notified when they start accepting new members.

I think the value of this box is fantastic. The full size SKYN Iceland Icelandic Eye Relief Pen is worth $20 alone!! I haven't used any of my products yet since I just received the box yesterday, so stay tuned for a proper review of all the products.

Did you subscribe to the Sample Society?  If you did, what are your thoughts about it?

Take care,

Kat