April 2015 TopBox featuring NeoStrata

TopBox has consistently been an excellent beauty subscription box. They typically have great products, their shipping is super fast and they are a Canadian based company.

What I particularly like about TopBox is that they send you an email approximately 3 weeks before your box ships with some options to set your wish list. Typically it is 4 or 5 groups of one, two or items in a collection. If none of the options appeal to you, you can opt to get the regular box.

TopBox costs $12/month, shipping included (but plus tax - $13.80 grand total) and they offer multiple month subscription in 3, 6 and 12 month increments. There are usually 4 beauty samples in each package. Sometimes with the special package there can be fewer items but still within a generous value point.

This month my TopBox selection was NeoStrata skin care. I've not used this brand previously but as I love any skin care products I am game to try.

Anything in italics are direct quotes from the website.

Enclosed in the tube was 3 items.

Moisture Infusion™ Hydrating Cream

Ideal for replenishing skin's moisture. The skin is softer, more comfortable and supple.
Ideal for:

• Dry, normal skin
• Dehydrated skin
• All ages 

Results:

• Replenishes moisture
• Restores softer, more comfortable and supple skin

Size: 50 mL
Suggested retail price: $30.00

 I'm not sure of the size. For argument sake, let's say 10ml. About $6

Glycolic Renewal™ Smoothing Cream 5%

Glycolic Renewal™ Smoothing Cream 5% Glycolic Acid Encapsulated moisturizes skin, while exfoliating dead cells on skin’s surface, and maximizing skin renewal. This daily moisturizer helps reveal a smoother, more radiant, and visibly younger skin.

Ideal for:

• Normal to dry skin
• Uneven, dull skin
• All ages
• Concentration at 5%: Sensitive skin or new users of glycolic acid

Results:

• Skin texture: Pores are less visible, less dilated
• Skin radiance: Skin is more luminous and radiant
• Skin tone evenness : Up to 78% significant improvement in skin tone evenness
• Reduction in wrinkles: Up to 72% of visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles

Size: 50 mL
Suggested retail price: $39.00

The sample I received is 15ml. About $11.70?

Skin Renewal Peel Solution

Ideal quick fix for uneven and dull skin. The glycolic acid will help eliminate the dead cells responsible for the rough skin. This solution contains 10% glycolic acid and 10% gluconolactone, the highest potency available of AHA to achieve results after only 1 treatment.

Ideal for:

• All skin types
• Uneven, dull skin
• All ages

Results:

• Removes build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin
• Evens out complexion
• Reveals radiant, younger-looking skin after just 1 treatment

Size: 50 mL
Suggested retail price: $75.00

 The sample I received is 20ml. About $13.30?

I am really quite happy with this month's subscription. Value is about $31 which is more than I paid. I really don't care as there are 3 items that I have never used before and I wanted to try a glycolic acid product.

Another winning month from TopBox.

 

Here are my other TopBox Reviews.

Cheers, 

Lori

PS. I neglected to mention that I received a small travel sized bottle of Hawaiian Tropic SPF30 in the package too.

March 2015 So Susan Lip Love + Discount Code

Yep, I love a subscription. Yep, I have ordered quite a few over the years. But I found this new one via another blogger and am really excited! This is a beauty subscription from the UK called Lip Love from So Susan. I think the name is a little misleading as the bag has a selection of different items not just lip products.

Worthy to note is that they have a online storefront as well.

Anything in italics are direct quotes from the website.

Here's how it works.

We created Lip Love out of the huge demand (i.e. hundreds of emails!) from our fabulous US-based fans who wrote in requesting a subscription plan for color-focused, skin-loving lip products that are inspired from our own range. This is how it all works :

1. We publish a bag every month via our website, each box containing 4 items, 3 of which are lip based (we try very hard to formulate products with a multifunctional twist) + 1 bonus item which caters for other parts of the face. All bags contain full-sized items.
    
2. You will be able to preview the bag and all its contents. Love what we have chosen? DO NOTHING* and the bag is on its way. Otherwise, you have complete flexibility to skip the month or gift to a friend before the bag goes out.
    
3. We love to encourage chatter about the boxes so let us know what you think via Facebook! Use them, share them, love them and then tell us (and the world) about the amazing looks you've managed to create by sharing them on our Instagram.
4. Don't forget to earn points & cash rewards by becoming an Ambassador of the Lip Love program. 

*This is a monthly subscription programme. After your first purchase you are automatically subscribed to receive a new bag every month. If you wish to skip a month, cancel your subscription or you just want a one-off purchase, simply email us at info@sosusan.com and let us know about your choice.

This month (as my 1st month) I received the March Bag. It costs $20.95 shipping included.

Bag Contains :

• Fairy Lashes Curl by Jelly Pong Pong (worth $22 / £18)
• Lip Dome in “Rhubarb” (worth $12 / £10)
• Blush Duo by The Beauty Crop (worth $16.50 / £11)
• BONUS ITEM : Liquid Powder Shadow Palette (worth $15/ £11)

Bag Value : $65.50/£50

100% Cruelty-Free (We do NOT test our products or ingredients on animals)
They put everything on their website prior to shipping so you know exactly what to expect. If you want to skip a month, send a month to another person as a gift before the sending date.

Enough of the overview, here are my photos and observations.

First item is Fairy Lashes Curl by Jelly Pong Pong (worth $22 / £18).

Any of you who follow this blog or my twitter know I never go ANYWHERE without my mascara. Nope, not even to grab a coffee. I've yet to try this mascara because I am currently trying to use up the 6 I have open. I'll report back.

 Next is Lip Dome in “Rhubarb” (worth $12 / £10). It's really a gorgeous pink colour and has a sweet, fruity smell.

Applied (please ignore tired eyes)

Blush Duo by The Beauty Crop (worth $16.50 / £11). I am conflicted with this product as I don't tend to favour powders and creams living together in a package - cross-contamination and all that. Also the pink is sparkly - very sparkly. Applied with a blush brush you actually need to apply it a couple of times. It adds a lot of sparkle but the pink payoff on my cheeks was not great. I had to go back in with another matte pink blush.

Swatch on my wrinkly hands

BONUS ITEM : Liquid Powder Shadow Palette (worth $15/ £11). Personally I favour a matte, natural eyeshadow look but this colour combo is perfect if I want more zing. I tried the green (lower left corner) as it is matte. The colour payoff was ok but there was a bit of drop down onto my cheeks.

 Last Bonus item was a butterfly bracelet. My 9 year old niece will love it.

Initial Impressions
For a cost of $20.95, I feel this package was well worth it. I mean, look at the bag alone! So freaking pretty. I love the flexibility that if I want to gift a bag or skip a month I can.

Looking to subscribe? Using this link you will receive a $5 off Voucher

Cheers,
Lori

March 2015 MunchPak Original

I decided to branch out a little bit and try a monthly treats subscription. This particular one is from a company called MunchPak based out of the United States. They ship worldwide and you can order a subscription for yourself on a monthly basis/for longer durations or gift it to someone in 3, 6 or 12 month increments.

Anything in italics are direct quotes from the website.

MunchPak is an assortment of the best snacks from around the world delivered to your home, dorm room, or office as often as you would like.

There are 3 options on sizes:

1. MunchPak Mini (5-6 Snacks) - $9.95 +$5 flat shipping to Canada
2. MunchPak Original (10+ Snacks) - $19.95 +$10 flat shipping to Canada
3. MunchPak Family Pak (20+ Snacks) - $39.95 +$19 flat shipping to Canada

You can opt to have delivery weekly, bi-weekly and monthly.

You can customize it up the wazoo and there are extra charges for customization.
 
MunchPak currently accepts; Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Paypal, and Bitcoin.

*This particular box I received was a Thank You from MunchPak. Why? They launched a new website and during my ordering process I noticed a couple of issues and followed up with them. They sent me this box to say "Thanks". I didn't expect it but am sure impressed that they did so.

This box is the MunchPak Original.

I've decided not to give my opinion on the flavour - it is so subjective that for me to express my impressions may not be of any value to you. Review to see if there is anything you find intriguing.

Box was pretty darned full. What's in it?

Jack 'N Jill Chippy BBQ Flavor - These chips have a mean BBQ Flavor and spectacular crunch with a kick  from the Philippines.

Argo Yogo Fruit Candy With Yogurt Filling - Yummy yogurt covered fruit pieces are so smooth, rich, creamy and delicious. Yum yum. From Poland

Wedel Delicje Biscuit Raspberry Flavour - Delicje is a one of a kind, very soft and sweet biscuit topped with melty chocolate, tart raspberry, sweet cherry or fresh strawberry topping and has a yummy filling in the center.  From Poland.

Hazelnut Poker Wafer - A treat great for any occasion. This full flavored wafer has a taste infusion of hazelnut and a wholesome crunch. From Italy.

 Pocky Milk - The original Pocky was followed by almond flavored coatings in 1971, and strawberry flavored coatings in 1977. Today the Pocky product line includes variations such as milk, mousse, green tea, honey, banana and coconut flavored coatings. From Thailand

Viktorija Nykstukas Biscuits - These fun and delicious biscuit crackers are sweet and wholesome. They make an excellent addition to coffee and tea time or for any in between meal snack times. From Lithuania.

Maamoul “TEASHOP” - made from premium Saudi dates and is a delicious gourmet snack. From Saudi Arabia.

Eiffel Bon Bons Apple - Chewy Fruity and deliciously tasty ball shaped candies in apple flavor. From France.

Pei Tien Corn Roll (French Thick Corn Soup) - Crunchy and Delicious Snack that tastes like buttered corn. From Taiwan

Glico Caplico Mini Obukuro - This fun and delicious baked wheat cracker looks like an ice cream cone centered with vanilla, chocolate or strawberry filling. From Japan.

So there you have it. Let's double check on the promise:

MunchPak Original (10+ Snacks) - check.

I find this a very interesting mix of treats from 9 different countries. None of which is familar to me.

You may notice that I didn't put links or a value to these treats. I found it difficult to find some and certainly put a cost on them. I think I'm subscribing for the novelty of something new to me.

Looking to subscribe? 

Cheers,
Lori

March 2015 MunchPak Mini

I decided to branch out a little bit and try a monthly treats subscription. This particular one is from a company called MunchPak based out of the United States. They ship worldwide and you can order a subscription for yourself on a monthly basis/for longer durations or gift it to someone in 3, 6 or 12 month increments.
Anything in italics are direct quotes from the website.


MunchPak is an assortment of the best snacks from around the world delivered to your home, dorm room, or office as often as you would like.

There are 3 options on sizes:

1. MunchPak Mini (5-6 Snacks) - $9.95 +$5 flat shipping to Canada
2. MunchPak Original (10+ Snacks) - $19.95 +$10 flat shipping to Canada
3. MunchPak Family Pak (20+ Snacks) - $39.95 +$19 flat shipping to Canada

You can opt to have delivery weekly, bi-weekly and monthly.

You can customize it up the wazoo and there are extra charges for customization.
 
MunchPak currently accepts; Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Paypal, and Bitcoin.

Whew - that's a good bit of information. Let's look at what I received in detail.

Bon Chance Salami Taste Flavored Crisps from Lithuania. I haven't tried them yet - likely I will try it with cheese.

Cajillions Blue Raspberry - Tiny, tasty, sweet, chewy little candies in a lot (about a cajillion) teeny tiny little delicious pieces. Blue raspberry flavor. Product is from China.

Kinder Bueno - The Kinder Bueno is a chocolate bar made by Italian confectioner Ferrero. Exceptionally delicious milk chocolate with Hazelnut cream filling. 2 bars in each package. Product is from Italy.

Argo Milky Dream Candy with Milky Filling - Deliciously smooth and creamy milk flavored candy. Dreamy, rich and exceptionally scrumptious and chewy. Product is from Poland

Ming Chi Taiwan Lemon Wafer - Lemon flavoured snack from Taiwan.

Ming Chi Sunshin Scallion Pumpkin Cake from Taiwan.

So there you have it. Let's double check on the promise:

MunchPak Mini (5-6 Snacks) - check.

I find this a very interesting mix of treats from 5 different countries. Only 1 of which I have ever had before (Kinder Bueno). 

You may notice that I didn't put links or a value to these treats. I found it difficult to find some and certainly put a cost on them. I think I'm subscribing to the novelty of something new to me.

I'm going to keep this subscription - I think it is neat. 

Looking to subscribe? 

Cheers,
Lori