Fall/Autumn 2015 Luxe Box by TopBox

Luxe Box by Top Box (Previously Loose Button) is a quarterly beauty product subscription service. I have been a subscriber for about a year.

Cost is: $26/quarterly, shipping included

You receive 7-8 trial-sized products.

I look at the different size descriptions as follows:

Sample size: Good for 1-2 applications
Trial size: Good for at minimum 10 applications
Full size: Good for a lot more applications than trial

NOTE: I decided to do window-sill photos for light. I am not pro at photography.

Anything in italics is directly from the website. 

Products arrive in a lovely satin bag with a mailer bag. I reuse the bags for keeping purses and shoes in to travel or to store.

Delectable Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream

This ultra nourishing hand cream is enriched with mango butter, shea butter and aloe vera to smooth, nourish and rejuvenate hand and cuticles. Rich and never greasy, this beautiful blend is kissed with the delectable scent of coconut & cream.

Cost $7 for 60ml at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother

Makes styling faster, easier. Organic tapioca defends against humidity for up to 12 hours.

Cost $24 for 100ml online or at local Aveda salons.

pur-lisse pur-delicate gentle soy milk cleanser & makeup remover

Cleanse away the day with this gentle, non~irritating blend of Soy Milk, Soy Proteins, Whole Oat and White Tea. A mild soap~free, non~foaming cleanser that respects the delicate nature of your skin. Leaves your face touchable and silky soft, without a trace of impurity.


Cost $36 got 165ml. I have used this product previously and like it a lot.

Indigena Skincare Blueberry Bliss Sugar Scrub

This face and body product will leave you silky smooth from head to toe. Coconut oil, wild blueberry seeds, sugar and citrus essential oils make this product a favorite. The sweet orange scent will remind you of a fresh sunny day.

Guess what? This company is out of CBS Newfoundland! Conception Bay South for those not in the know. Wild Newfoundland blueberry seeds!

Cost $17 for 15ml and $60 for 200ml.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 60 High Protection UVA-UVB Cream

High, photostable, broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection. 
In a new, dermatologically-tested formula: this lightweight, non-greasy texture is quickly absorbed and leaves skin feeling supple and refreshed.  Dry touch finish, with no white marks.

Cost $29 for 100ml.

Ciate London Nail Lacquer

Ciaté® Helter-Skelter Nail Polish

Layer this twinkling purple glitter over another polish to take you mani from mundane to marvellous! Layer several coats to build up to a glittering glimmering shade.

Cost is $15 and available at Sephora.

I'm not a fan of nail polish so I will regift it.

Vasanti Cometics Love Brights Gel Matte Lipstick

Beautiful. Bold. Long Lasting. Comfortable. Matte. Instantly brightens your complexion.Innovative formula with the perfect amount of moisture to keep lips comfortable while still offering long lasting color and a true matte appearance. Unique bullet designed by Vasanti - sleek and functional, offering you beautiful, precise application. Infused with luxury ingredients such as Cherry, Pomegranate and Evening Primrose oils .

Cost is $19 and available online at Vasanti.

Colour is lovely! I received Endless Love - A deep matte red.

An additional item was TRESemme Waves Creation Sea Foam

It's not for me but I will gift it to someone.

My overall impression is that this box was well put together. It is a mix of skin care, makeup and nail products. 

What do I feel about this box? I did receive 8 trial (or larger items) - Of the 8 items I will use 6 (Nail polish and sea foam will be given away) so I think it was all a-ok. Their packaging is adorable.

Want to subscribe?

Here are my other LuxeBox reviews.

Cheers!

Lori

Homemade Hamburger Buns/Rolls - Soft Pillows for a Bad-ass Burger

It galls me to spend $3.50 for a package of 8 hamburger buns - I remember when we could get them for $0.99 (oh god, I've turned into my Dad). Frankly these store bought buns are pretty bland and I wondered if I could make a better one.

Turns out I can... and it is as easy as heck! Does it take time? Yep. But most of the time is spent waiting for the dough to rise twice. Plan for about 4 hours total.

PS. I am still not a food photographer - sorry!

THINGS YOU K-NEED (OTHERWISE KNOWN AS INGREDIENTS)

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
1 pkg Active Dry Yeast	1 Large Egg	1 Egg, whisked
1 lb All-Purpose Flour	3 Tbsp Butter, melted and slightly cooled	1 Tbsp Milk
1 Cup Warm Water (100 degrees F)	3 Tbsp White Sugar	1 tsp Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds or whatever you want to dust on top
	¾ tsp Salt
	1 tsp Olive Oil

THINGS YOU DO (OTHERWISE KNOWN AS DIRECTIONS)

Step 1

• Place yeast into bowl of a large stand mixer; whisk in 1/2 cup flour and warm water until smooth. Let stand until mixture is foamy, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2

• Whisk 1 egg, melted butter, sugar, and salt into yeast mixture.
• Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time until completely incorporated.
• While using the dough hook of a stand mixer and knead the dough on low speed until soft and sticky,  about 6 minutes. 

• Transfer dough onto a floured work surface; dough will be sticky and elastic but not stick to your fingers. Form the dough lightly into a smooth, round shape, gently tucking loose ends underneath.

• Either by using a cleaned out mixer bowl or another bowl, drizzle olive oil into the bowl, and turn dough over in the bowl several times to coat surface thinly with oil. Spray non stick spray on one side of waxed paper and cover bowl. I also cover it all over with a towel. Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours.

• Transfer dough to a floured work surface and pat to flatten bubbles and form into a slightly rounded rectangle of dough about 1/2 inch thick. Dust dough lightly with flour if needed. 

• Cut dough into 8 equal pieces. Form each piece into a round shape, gently tucking ends underneath as before.

• Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper (or grease and flour pan to prevent it sticking)
• Gently pat and stretch the dough rounds into flat disc shapes about 1/2 inch thick. 
• Arrange buns about 1/2 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Dust buns very lightly with flour.
• Loosely cover with a piece of plastic wrap over the baking sheet (do not seal tightly). Let rolls rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 3

• Beat 1 egg with milk in a small bowl until mixture is thoroughly combined. Very gently and lightly brush tops of buns with egg wash (be careful not to deflate the dough). 

• If you wish, Sprinkle each bun with seeds, salt or herbs. (I used poppy seeds and a tiny amount of Hawaiian sea salt.

• Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned on top, 15 to 17 minutes (my gas oven took 15 minutes). Buns will stick together slightly where they touch. Let cool completely, tear the buns apart.

These buns/rolls are amazing. Seriously... You could make hot dog rolls too - just form them... well... into hot dog bun shape.

Happy buns!
Lori

August 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag

I've been a subscriber of Ipsy Glam bag since June 2014 and on the whole I have had pretty good Ipsy experiences. It costs $10/month plus $4.95 shipping to Canada.

Created by Michelle Phan and headed with a group of (You Tube) well known beauty vloggers (aka stylists), their branded glam bags are typically filled with items from well known companies and sometimes emerging beauty suppliers.

Essentially you take a beauty quiz and they send items that best fit the results (within a larger group of items for that month). For instance - I don't use nail polish and I rarely get any. I prefer creams, etc and I believe I have received some type of cream/mask or similar each bag I've received.

Anything in italics are direct quotes from the website.  

Let's move on to this month...

Doucce Ultra Precision Eye Liner in Black

An ultra precise moulded plastic pencil eye liner that provides a soft application which lasts. The smooth and velvety waterproof formula glides on easily for seamless blending. - See more at: http://www.doucce.com/shop/ultra-precision-eye-liner/#sthash.IQn6EyYh.dpuf

The Liner is an ultra precise moulded plastic eye pencil that provides a soft application that lasts. The smooth and velvety waterproof formula glides on easily for seamless blending. 

An ultra precise moulded plastic pencil eye liner that provides a soft application which lasts. The smooth and velvety waterproof formula glides on easily for seamless blending. - See more at: http://www.doucce.com/shop/ultra-precision-eye-liner/#sthash.IQn6EyYh.dpuf

Full size pencil is $22. I received a full size item.

I've tried it for 3 days. Good application, easy to smudge but once it sets it sticks fairly well.

Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment

Daily, lightweight oil for strong, glossy, frizz-free hair. Whether your hair is curly, straight, thick or thin, this Argan Oil Treatment will become a daily staple in your beauty regimen. No matter what your style, your hair will always look its best when it is strong, healthy looking and shiny.  

Full size bottle of  50ml is $7.29. The sample size I received was 20.7ml (about $3).

I've used it in my hair for the past couple of days. I like it... You don't need very much.

La Fresh Good Night. Night Cream

Super hydration restores a visibly smoother and plumper skin appearance as you relax, rest & sleep. Made with collagen-producing peptides, super-hydrating hyaluronic acid, natural shea butter, aloe, antioxidant panthenol, folic acid, vitamin E & an anti-aging botanical complex.

Full size bottle of 50g is $40. The sample size I received was 15g (about $18.75).

Very emollient. I like it a lot so far.

Hikari Cosmetics Lip Gloss

 High-shine matte lip glosses. 

Full size is $13. I received a full size item in the colour merlot.

I like the colour and the texture.

Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish 

Trust Fund Beauty is a quick-drying, chip resistant polish comes in cute bottles complete with some seriously sassy names. Plus, it’s 7-free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Don’t mind if we do! 

 I received the colour Elegantly Wasted. Full size cost is $15.

The names are supposed to be fun and avant guard - I'll let you decide that for yourself.

Nailpolish = re-gift.

Swatch of eyeliner and gloss

 I have used (and will continue to use) all items except the nail polish. That's a pretty good month.

Value is $71.75 (quick someone, check my math)

Ipsy is consistently a good quality beauty subscription bag. But here is my issue... With the Canadian $ declining against the US dollar, this bag works out to about $20. Excluding this month - I have to ask myself if it is worth it to continue this subscription.  Probably???

Looking to subscribe?

Here are my other Ipsy reviews.

Cheers!

Lori

An ultra precise moulded plastic pencil eye liner that provides a soft application which lasts. The smooth and velvety waterproof formula glides on easily for seamless blending. - See more at: http://www.doucce.com/shop/ultra-precision-eye-liner/#sthash.IQn

August 2015 TopBox

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 the regular box selection. 

Anything in italics are direct quotes from the website. 

There were 4 items in the pouch with a bonus TRESemme item.

bliss triple oxygen radiant protection energizing serum

 
stand up to skin-damaging pollution with a serum that defends skin against environmental aggressors Full size  of .9 oz is $71. My sample was 0.16 oz and if math is my thing (it is not) this value is about $12.60.

I've used it the last couple of morning and goes on very well with a little amount and has quite a sheen. Once it sets the sheen pretty much disappears.

Model Co  SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss

Create a glamorous, lacquered pout with ModelCo's SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss. The reflective, shimmering gloss lends a luxe touch to your beauty look, and glides on smoothly for a non-sticky, long-lasting finish.

The colour I received was Strip Tease. Kind of a nude colour. Does not provide much of a tint but lots of shine and sparkle.  Full size cost is $20. I received a full size item.

I have lots of lip glosses and this one doesn't inspire me much. Will give to someone.

Ceramic Glaze nail lacquer 

Formulated with:

• Adhesives and plasticizers that secure polish to all nail types – preventing chipping and providing flexibility.
• A special clay like material that works to fortify and harden nails.
• The same ingredients that gives porcelain and ceramic its shiny, glaze finish.
• Extra pigments and dyes that create a uniquely saturated colour for even coverage.  

Price for a full size bottle is $11. Sold at Shoppers Drug Mart. The colour I received was Mermaid's Tale.

I don't paint my nails. Re-gift. 

B.Kamins Maple Body Lotion

A luxurious body lotion infused with honey, soy, shea butter and rich water binding ingredients for ultimate moisture and hydration.  Healing aloe extract and vitamins A and E help soothe and provide vital nutrients to dry, parched skin.

Full size is 180ml (6.08) and costs $41. My sample was 0.23oz - about $1.50

Smells lovely. Have yet to try.

Summary
I am ok with this month's subscription. Value is about $45 which is more than I paid. 2 of the items I will use, 2 I will not. 

 

Here are my other TopBox Reviews.

 

Cheers, 

Lori

PS. I neglected to mention that I received a small travel sized can of mousse by TRESemme in the package too. Meh - re-gift.

 

June 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag

I've been a subscriber of Ipsy Glam bag since June 2014 and on the whole I have had pretty good Ipsy experiences. It costs $10/month plus $4.95 shipping to Canada.

Created by Michelle Phan and headed with a group of (You Tube) well known beauty vloggers (aka stylists), their branded glam bags are typically filled with items from well known companies and sometimes emerging beauty suppliers.

Essentially you take a beauty quiz and they send items that best fit the results (within a larger group of items for that month). For instance - I don't use nail polish and I rarely get any. I prefer creams, etc and I believe I have received some type of cream/mask or similar each bag I've received.

Let's move on to this month...

 I love that they send a different little bag each month containing all of the items.

J. Cat Beauty Liptitude Hydrating Lip Stain

This lip stain is semi-matte and is made with Vitamin E and plant extracts. Comes in 14 shades and costs $5.99. I received a full size container in the colour Blow Your Mind.

Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Foundation Primer

This primer is a familiar one to me. I've used it off and on for a number of years. Always great and this size is perfect for travel. A full size 30ml container will run you about $36.

LAVANILA LABORATORIES The Healthy Body Butter in Pure Vanilla

The Body Butter and the company is new to me. The fragrance is not overwhelming and I like that it is all natural. A 6.7 oz container costs about $19.

AURORA Intensive Eyeliner Pen

I love a eyeliner pen. I am also very picky about it's long lasting wear and the tip - too bulky and I can't use it well. 

The first time I tried it was a failure, it skipped going on and then started to streak early in the afternoon. The subsequent 2 additional attempts met with success - not 24 hour but about 12-15 hours. The tip is bigger than I typically use but manageable.

Price is between $8-12. The colour I received was Blackberry.

tre'StiQue Mini Shadow Crayon

Shadow crayons are fantastic. I use them as a base for other shadows or if pressed for time I will use it alone. I received the Kona Coffee.

Cost is about $26.

I will use every item in this bag. That's a stellar result!

Ipsy is consistently a good quality beauty subscription bag.

Looking to subscribe?

Here are my other Ipsy reviews.

Cheers!

Lori