Julep Maven March 2014: Skip!

I have a confession, I have never once skipped my Julep Maven box.  Until today.  Even in December when I didn't much care for the colours I ordered it to give as a gift to my little cousin for Christmas.  But this month?  No thank you.

The full collection.  If only the pairings weren't so awful.

Bombshell

Lilou - Lemon chiffon crème

Monaco - Pantone Colour of Spring 2014 - Dazzling mariner blue crème

Classic With a Twist

Myriam - Casino red crème

Soraphine - Classic sheer white crème (What an awful colour.  Its somewhere between milk and a top coat).

Boho Glam

Elisa - Soft wisteria shimmer

Harriet - Gauva coral crème

It Girl

Lizanne - Sea gren shimmer

Margaret - Light periwinkle crème

Princess Grace - Rich papaya crème (Love the name)

If you want to see swatches feel free to click here and check it out on Julep's blog.  

I can't be the only one who isn't a huge fan of the pairings.

This month's collection is the Rivera Collection.  Though this month rather than spend my money on nail polish, I will spend it in France.  Thank you very much.

The special products are the Buff Lip Scrub and the Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment.  Both are targeted to bring back moisture to your lips in the dead of winter.  Unfortunately they only way to get even one of these products (other than to add a costly add on) is to order the Modern Beauty box.

The beauty product included in the rest of the boxes is lip gloss.  Does it look familiar to you?  It should.  It is effectively the same as November's lip gloss, only in slightly different colours.  Though awestruck is pretty (nude and gold shimmer) it isn't unique.

Which brings me to this month's most beautiful colours, the Features Add Ons:

Rae the 2014 Pantone Colour of the Year.

Very pretty.  This colour could be a lot of fun to wear in the spring and summer.

Tania a Multidimensional mermaid teal glitter.

The finish reminds me of Love.  I get the impression that this is a colour that is pretty in the bottle but perhaps not so much for everyday wear.

Rae was sold out when I opened my email.  Boo.  So was Monaco, the only other colour I really liked. When I came back for the screen shot Monaco was back in.  

This month I liked Monaco - Pantone Colour of Spring 2014 (Bombshell), Myriam - Casino red crème (Classic With a Twist), and the two featured add ons Tania and Rae.  

If I had ordered I would have opted for Bombshell because as much as I love Myriam I really was turned off by Soraphine.  I still think the yellow is weird.  And then I would have added on Rae.  I also thought about ordering Boho Glam because even though I didn't  love it, I didn't hate it.  

But that is no way to buy nail polish... so!

My $20 and I will have a fantastic time in Paris.  

All photos are screen shots from blog.julep.com and julep.com.

February 2013 Topbox - Deborah Lippmann Box

Standard Topboxes have been hit and miss lately and in my experience.  Last month I received the Benefit box.  This month I did not want to risk a standard box, so I ordered the Deborah Lippmann box.  I have heard good things about her nail polish, though was not exactly in love with the two colours.  I figured at very least it would make for something worthwhile to give friends.  I already get more than enough nail polish through Julep (selection window opens tomorrow!!).  But lets give this luxe brand a shot.

No anticipation in opening this box because I already know what I will be getting.

From a re-gifting standpoint, I like that the nail polishes came in the standard clear boxes.

On the left: Swagga Like Us, on the right: Since I Fell For You.

I can't be the only one who thinks this is a pretty odd selections of colours: green-bronze, and a shimmery cranberry?  I find the green rim on the copper polish to be interesting.  I'm not sure how that will play out on the nail.

Swagga Like Us, one coat.

The emerald green is no where to be found!

Swagga Like Us is much more flattering with a second coat.  It is a copper metallic with a weird greenish tinge.  Not exactly a winter colour, this may work well in the summer, or the fall.  The longer I wear it the more it grows on me.

One coat of Since I Fell For You.  Gross.

Coat #2 doesn't make things much better.  This is a fairly weak colour that is more of a stain than anything.  Also, the sparkles are hiding.  In the bottle it is such a pretty and rich colour, but I can't say the same for once it is on my nail.

I was so uninspired by this crappy colour that I gave up on doing a neat job.

Nothing special to see here.  I think I will end up cancelling my TopBox account and just focus on Julep and LuxeBox.  Its not that this was bad, it just wasn't good.  Despite the $40 value (polishes are $20 each at Sephora), and the fact that it only cost me about $12, I know I could have better spent the $12 at Sephora.  I have basically given up ordering the regular box.

Beauty from Israel: Ahava

Last month I was lucky enough to spend 10 days in Israel.  Ever since I could remember I wanted to travel to the Dead Sea and bask in its salty mineral filled glory.  And here was my chance!  The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and boarders Israel, Jordan and the West Bank.  The best moment in the Dead Sea, after covering my whole body in mud, was gently floating facing the Jordan Mountains knowing that no sharks or scary fish could hurt me because basically nothing can live in water this salty.   When I got out of the water my skin felt a little... slimy?  I had to rinse off in fresh water.  Annnnnnyways naturally I had to bring back some beauty products, because the minerals in the Dead Sea are super good for your skin.

We were told that Ahava was the best brand to bring back.  It was the most expensive, but also seemed like the best quality.  Bonus!  If we spent over $100 USD we got a special form to get our taxes back on that purchase.  And so I bring you Ahava!

Ahava Clear Purifying Mud Mask (Middle) was about $30 USD,

Ahava Mud Intensive Hand and Foot Cream (Left, Right) was about $30 USD for the pack of two.

Free samples!

Hand cream, foot cream, face mask.

Hand cream: The hand cream has a nice clean scent to it, and is super hydrating. Perfect for Canadian winter.

Foot cream: The foot cream is in the same set as the hand cream, and also smalls clean.  It is much thicker than the hand cream, and more hydrating.  I love to put a bunch on my feet before bed, put some socks on, fall asleep, and wake up to softer, nicer feet.

Face Mask: I am a bit undecided on this front.  Its nice, but it burns a bit.  I left it on for the recommended 2-5 minutes, and it burned.  My skin wasn't noticeably better afterwards.  I'll give it another go.  If it doesn't work maybe my friend who was in Israel with me will want it?  She loved hers!

Julep Maven February 2014: The Dramatic Collection

This month's maven boxes include bold colours, shimmers and glitters, and a new finish called "Stardust".  My interest was piqued when I found out the monthly beauty product was a cream shadow.  For those of you who haven't heard, Julep had some PR issues in how they communicated some changes to their Maven program.  Existing Mavens (like me!) are "grandmothered" in. In other words we get to keep our skip option.  However new Mavens can only earn 1 skip every 6 months.  This was poorly communicated in the form of a "Note from Jane" on their website.  No email notice.  Nothing.  Just a post on their blog.  They claim is makes things more simple, though that is a bit of a stretch.  I understand that one can abuse the free shipping offer by constantly skipping the box, while remaining a Maven.  I think they (or... well Mavens) would be better off to say if you skip your box 3 months in a row you lose Maven/free shipping status.  Maybe I will email that to them...

This month I ordered "Classic With a Twist" and then added on the Stardust polish.  Julep also included "Love" as an additional free polish for Mavens who took this box.  Probably to help smooth over their PR disaster.

I must admit, when I first saw "Love" (far left) online I wasn't too excited.  But its growing on me.  After I put it on, I was thrilled, and oddly enough my boyfriend loved it too.

From Left to Right:

Love - Gold, fuchsia and pearl microglitter (Jane's Gift)

Greta - Loganberry multidimensional microglitter (what on earth is that?!?) (Classic With a Twist)

Cameron - Silver lilac stardust (matte glitter) (Boho Glam add on)

Octavia-Smokey indigo crème (Classic With a Twist)

I like Octavia.  It is a pretty, classy colour, but I found it a bit streaky to apply.

I LOVE Cameron.  I could just wear it forever.  With one coat it is fully opaque, and my nail became a glitter bomb.  I tried it out as an accent, and I liked it.  I would love to wear it full out to a fancy event.

I gave Cameron and Octavia a try.

And then I had tea.  It was a good day.

I'm not as thrilled with Greta.  It is a pretty shimmery pink, that's about it.  Nothing special, except for its absurd description. I didn't wear her outside.  And none for you Greta-Co-Co.  Mean Girls references are always valid.  Also I looked up what a loganberry is- it is a raspberry-blackberry combo that looks like an elongated raspberry.

I have been wearing Love for the last two days and I don't have any plans to take this gem off.  So that should give you an idea about how I feel.

To show you how much I love Love, I have been typing this post with it on.  So much pretty.  I love the gold sheen and pink flecks and the nude shimmer.  So much to love about Love.

I love, love, LOVED getting to select my cream eyeshadow colour, and ended up with Warm Fig.  Dusty Taupe is my go to eyeshadow colour so I wanted to reach outside of the box.  And I am so glad I did.

 The product is smaller than expected, maybe the size of a loonie?  But a little goes a long way with this baby so I don't think it will get finished any time soon.

Here is Warm Fig in various states of blending.  You really only need the tiniest of bits of this product.  When I first applied it I was shocked.  I looked like I had a black eye.  So I began to blend and blend and blend and put some "Kitten" by Stila (champagne shimmer) on top.  Here are the results!

I used "Warm Fig" to contour, and "Kitten" by Stila everywhere else.  I used the still liquid pen liner in dark brown and the Marc Jacobs mascara.  "Warm Fig" has a certain Naked 3 quality about it.  I like it!

Over all I am much happier with this box than I thought I would be.  The colours look lovely on my nails, and the cream shadow is so pretty.  I wasn't excited about Greta when I selected Classic With a Twist, and I still don't love it.  I may end up giving it to a friend who said she thought it was pretty.  Greta at least deserves to find a nice home.

I can't wait to see what they have next month!  Right now they have some mystery boxes, but I think I will have to abstain.  They also threw in a "buy one get one free" coupon code this month for nail polish which was a nice touch.

On top of that, because this was my 3rd month in a row taking my box I got a code for a free polish of my choice.  The lucky winner was Clio, which is pink, lilac and silver glitter which would look great on top of another polish.  So much free Julep :)

New Years (Blog) Resolution + The Best of January

My New Years Resolution for my blog this year is to regularly post twice per week.  Over the last few weeks I have been lucky enough to discover some new brands (Ahava, Gamila's Secret, Ojon), attend the CAFA after party hosted by Sephora, make my own Z palette, and book some spring travel.

I will also be making a post once a month looking at what I enjoyed the most about it.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

I loved seeing the changing colour Jellyfish display and watching them float along. 

THE LEAFY SEA DRAGON!  THE COOLEST SEA CREATURE TO EVER LIVE.

My Trip to Israel

Walking through the Old City of Jerusalem was like being brought to a whole new world.  The architecture is fantastic, the food is delicious, the cats look like they are going to kill you, and the markets are oh so fun.  Simply beautiful.

Did I mention the food?  So much yumminess.  This pita was hand made in front of me and oil and spices were added.  It was everything food should be, fresh, delicious, and cheap.

Roses!  Pretty roses in Northern Israel!

Sunset over the Mediterranean Sea!

An amazingly delicious Druze snack- a thin pita all wrapped up and filled with a light cheese and zatar!

The beautiful woman behind Gamila's Secret- more to come!

Ripley's Aquarium, Israel, work, and school.  That was my January.  Looking forward to posts about the new brands I discovered in Israel and the new items I picked up along the way!

Topbox January 2014

Topbox has changed their shipping such that the box is shipped on the 15th of every month.  So, on January 16th I came home to my box!

I must admit that I haven't been very impressed with their regular boxes, however I have been thrilled with my privé boxes.  First the Givenchy box, and now the Benefit box!

The box is lovely, themed for Chinese New Year.  Check it out!  I was pretty happy to be getting this version.  No new products to try, but I have tried all of them and liked them, just not enough to buy the full size.

Benetint, BADgal Lash mascara, The Porefessional Primer and Total Moisture Facial Cream

BADgal has a massive brush.  Not my favourite mascara, but it is reliable, and perfect for travel.  The primer sample is smaller than I would have liked, but again great for travel.  This is a great general primer, on par with Smashbox.  The Benetint is tiiiiiiiiiiiiny, but travel and purse friendly.  I love it on my lips because it gives a nice tint, without being goopy (its a stain), and is kiss friendly.  As for the face cream, it does the job.  I am in love with the heavy glass jar.  I got a sample this size last year and I still use the jar for various products when I travel.

On Topbox, I really do not recommend the normal box.  I wasn't thrilled with my last one.  However the Privé boxes partner with great brands and often are a good choice.  While the surprise factor is lost, I like knowing that I will love (or at least not hate) what comes in the mail!

Luxebox Winter 2013

This is my second Luxebox by Loose Button, and my first regular box (last month I opted into the LouLou box upgrade).  I was very excited to open it when it arrived, and was not disappointed!

The box its self looks lovely.  I wrapped a friend's Christmas get in my last box and she commented on how sturdy and pretty it was.

Gold and white  <3

So excited!  I see some items from this season's LouLou box!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer 30 mL

Value $8.80

Two days ago I ran out of my favourite Ole Henriksen moisturizer.  I wanted to go pick up another one, but decided against it for three reasons.  One, I put it on my Christmas List.  Two, I also put Sephora gift cards on my Christmas List.  And three, it is a rather expensive product.  If I buy it after January 1st it will count towards my 2014 VIB Rouge count.  Given that, I was happy to receive enough moisturizer to tide me over until January 1st.  While it doesn't leave my skin feeling as refreshed as Ole's does, this one does the job.  I probably won't buy this one again, but thats just my brand preference.  I have normal skin, and this product claims to work for everybody.  Its fine for me, but I don't love it.

EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Conditioner 75 mL

Value $7.50

LUXE TIP---UltraShine will be unlike any conditioner you've used before. It will feel completely different, because it is. Rather than coating hair (as most other conditioners do), UltraShine penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and repair hair from the inside out. Specialized amino acids rebuild damaged hair, gradually returning hair closer to its ideal composition. When you apply the conditioner it will feel as if it is vanishing. This is because it is being absorbed rather than just sitting on top of the hair. UltraShine will also balance the pH of your hair to its optimum level of 4.5 - 5.5.

I admit to having tried this product before reading the Luxebox website.  It was difficult to get out of the bottle (perhaps because it was so cold from transit, though I think it is more a formula issue).  At first I was confused as to why my hair didn't feel slippery when I applied the product, so I added more... and it still wasn't slippery.  I read the package and it all made sense, so I brushed it through and gave it some time to soak in.  Though my hair didn't feel conditioned in the classic sense, it was wonderfully soft and silky all day.  It was even good enough that I used it the next day.  My hair felt light, and dried quickly.  The brand celebrated being organic, vegan, and sulfate free (sulfate is what mass your normal shampoo foam up and removed a bunch of good and healthy hair oils).  Their website challenges consumers to a 2 week challenge.  Personally I would rather have two weeks of both their shampoo and conditioner to try out before investing in their products-- I think I will get about 3 uses, maybe 4, out of this sample.  While I am indifferent to organic and vegan labels on products I liked the results this one delivered.  I can't guarantee that I will purchase this product, but it makes my list of things to look out for in my travels!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 10 mL

Value $2

Love this product!  I have the full sized and I love it.  I will add this purse friendly mini to my collection as #3.  I love having these to toss in my purse to protect my hands from winter.  Anybody else noticing a "Moisture" theme so far in this box, or is it just me?  So happy to have another one of these!  At this rate I will never need to buy the full sized again... :)

L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette

Value $2.93

This has a pretty floral, feminine smell.  The box is prettier than the bottle.  I haven't decided if I will keep it or put it in my gift bin.  Regardless, this is nice and light, just not entirely my style.  But I appreciate the brand, and the quality.  If I do keep it it looks like the contents will be easy to transfer to an atomizer.

Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm "Ruby Twist"
Value $10 (Full Sized)

Mmmmmmm drug store brands...not exactly thrilling in a "Luxe" box.  Anybody else feel that way?  Maybe I am just biased.  Actually I am biased.  But this is not "Luxe".  Putting that aside, full sized products are good.  And this is a pretty colour that does its job.  I would not buy this again given that I have a fair number of other similar products.  But this is nice, and gets the job done.  I will probably toss this on for a less done up sort of day.

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black
Value $5 (About? Full sized is $19 and this is a standard mini)

More mini-mascaras!  I will never ever ever ever ever run out of mascara.  I have about 10 minis I have obtained in various boxes and promotions, and some full sized mascaras Sephora gave me as a VIB Rouge thank you gift.  This will go in the little place where I stash future use mascaras.  Given that they only last about 4 months once you start using them (bacteria and such) I will not be giving this one a try for a while.  Sometimes I even end up giving my mini-mascaras to friends when we are getting ready for an event together and they forget theirs (WAY more hygienic than sharing a mascara).

Essie "Hors d'Oeuvres" Nail Polish

Value $11 (Full sized)

I know it looks silver in the bottle, but on my nails it is this amazing, complex glitter.  Okay, maybe not complex, butI would describe it as a gold micro-shimmer base with variously sized silver pieces of glitter. It isn't a pure gold, or silver, more of a white gold.  It feels very luxurious- I could't stop looking at it on my nails.  My only complaint is that it chips so easily.  Even with a base coat and a high quality top coat I found it chipping with in 12 hours of applying it.  If you are planning to wear this to an event I would recommend applying it the day of.  I can't wait to wear this on Christmas for dinner so I will apply it Christmas Day after all the presents are opened.  I recommend two coats to get the full coverage "luxe" feel.  Note: This polish was featured in their advent calendar.  Lucky me!

Loose Button Lip Brush

Value $14 (Full sized)

This is a neat little brush.  You need to put the two pieces together to make the brush emerge.  A lip brush has been on my list for a while, but I never get around to buying them because something prettier always catches my eye.  This is a great brush for lip balms in little pots (yay hygiene!) but I wouldn't recommend it for applying lip stick as it is too soft and the bristles too long.

Total Value $61.23 (+/-)

What I paid $26 (+/-)

I am beyond impressed with the value and quality of this Luxebox.  While I may not be in love with every single item I have a use for each of them.  I will note that I am very happy that I did not pay the extra money to upgrade to the LouLou box because of the items in the LouLou Box six were in my regular box (noted in bold).  The part that makes this better is that I actually got the items I wanted from the LouLou box (including an Essie nail polish in a colour I simply LOVE).  

• Kiehl’s | Ultra Facial Cream (7 mL)
• Essie | Assorted Shades (Full Size)
• L’Occitane | Shea Butter Hand Cream (10 mL)
• CoverGirl | Jumbo Gloss Balm in Ruby Twist (Full Size)
• No Dark Shadows | Complexion Enhancer (Full Size)
• L’Occitane | Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette (5 mL)
• Loose Button | Lip Brush (Full Size)
• Pantene Expert Collection | Advanced+ Keratin Repair Split End Fuser (30 mL)
• Bonus 4-issue subscription to LOULOU Magazine