January Topbox

This is my final Topbox. Sadly.

This month was amazing... they gave me amazing samples in generous sizes. But truly, I cannot use up all the samples I've been receiving via subscription. Plus it really adds up over the months, and I think I'd rather spend my money on other products for now.

I may join Topbox again, but I'm going to take a break for about a year.

This month was themed. Basically Topbox has this new program where your sample tube will be filled with samples from ONE brand. These are supposed to be prestige brands, and each month Topbox members can choose from the regular Topbox or the special "Privé box."

Cute little Clinique branded Topbox box. Adorbs.

However, one caveat that Topbox didn't mention is that the Privé boxes are in limited quantities, so basically members have to make a wishlist and HOPE they get the Privé boxes that month. Kind of a crap-shoot if you ask me. Many subscribers have also shown concern that only beauty bloggers and Youtubers are going to be receiving the Privé boxes... and I can't help but imagine there's some reason for that concern.

Onto my Clinique box:

Rinse off Makeup Remover Solvent: I've used this before on my sensitive eyes and it's fantastic. Doesn't irritate or sting, plus it doesn't feel too 'soapy' or have too much residue.

Clarifying Lotion in 3: This is what my Mom and I have both been using for years (my mom for decades). She and I both love this stuff. We both also use the number 3 lotion, so I'm glad Topbox actually considered my beauty profile for this selection. I've photographed it next to the makeup remover for size comparison.

Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector: I've heard many good things about this but haven't ever tried it. I know this runs for quite the pretty penny in stores, so I'm glad I'll get a chance to try this. My mom was actually very stoked about this too, as she has dark spots. There's even a manual for usage, in case you didn't think skincare was complicated enough...

Finally, the Colour Eyeshadow Duo: This is cute. I have a few of these from Clinique promo bags in the past, but this is by far the 'springest' colour duo I've gotten. There's a pink! Plus it slides out of an adorable mirrored slot. Love.

Overall impression of January's box:

I am very pleased with what I got this month. I am glad to see that Topbox seems to be paying attention to what subscribers want, and are making changes. I am sorry to unsubscribe, but that's how the story always goes. Maybe one day I'll be rich and can afford subscribing to 4 subscription boxes a month. But for right now that's not the case... Alas I will be stuck using up my samples and shopping in stores like a regular consumer for now!

December 2012 Topbox

 I realize this is coming very late, but again I am trying to catch up. So I figured I would post this anyway.

This is my second last Topbox. At first I was subscribed to Glymm, Loosebutton, and Topbox. But gradually each fell away. Finally I realized that instead of spending about $13 a month on subscriptions, I could probably just buy one full sized item each month.

I would really rather do that instead of sometimes getting awful products, but sometimes getting hits. Besides, my samples are piling up.

 

First, there's this powder foundation. Many reviews online claim this to be fantastic and amazing. It is extremely powdery and lots of it spilled out when I first opened it. However, the consistency is quite nice and I am pleasantly surprised by how much I like this product. 

 Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
I'm excited to have gotten this as a sample. I like Murad, and their stuff is often too expensive for me to buy on its own. Also, I know AHA and BHA does very good things for my skin, so I'm eager to continue trying this. The beads are quite unnoticeable, but I know the AHA and BHA should be doing the chemical exfoliation.

 This is bizarre. But I haven't tried it yet... mainly because of the delivery method of the hairspray. Yes, this is a hairspray. It comes out in a little spray, like a perfume would. Not the conventional method. It smells okay, just like a soft fruit scent.

Chloe perfume. Cute packaging. Matches the Chloe body lotion sample I got, which looks similar (taller opaque white bottle). Smells okay, not the best scent for me but I adore this sitting on my desk.

That's it for December. January is the last month I'll be receiving any subscription boxes! And frankly, I'm kind of excited to be free of credit card payments always coming out.

November Topbox

Another Topbox!

As I mentioned last month, I am not longer subscribed to Glymm. I used to be subscribed to Loosebutton's Luxebox too, but alas they didn't make the cut.

It seems that every single subscription company is raising their prices... Glymm is now $12 a month, Luxebox is something like $26 a quarter? Now there's Glossybox which is somewhere in the mid 20s too, so it seems there aren't any $10 boxes left.

However, Topbox is the only box still with a waitlist... so knowing I'm in, I'm going to stay in.

Let's hop into what I got!

Yay for:
Roberto Cavalli Perfume                                                 5ml

This is the cutest packaging. The top feels a little flimsy... if I'm impatient and trying to open this in a hurry I could just snap the opening right off. However, it is a pleasant scent. Actually both my mom and I both like this, which is unusual. It is musky, but not overly so. It isn't a grandma old-person floral-shop type scent. I think this is perfect for wintertime.

China Glaze Nail Polish in I Herd That                           Full Size (14ml)

Yes! I love nail polish. I have about 70+ bottles, but I can't seem to stop collecting them. Granted, I do actually use them, so they're not going to waste. This is a glittery gold with some green and red flecks in it, absolutely wonderful for Christmas.This comes from the Safari collection... as you can tell from the awful pun.

Make up for Ever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner                            Size not on pencil

This glides on very smoothly and has great staying power. I hate to fall in love with this since the full size is so expensive...

Meh for:
Cuccio Naturale Pomegranate and Fig Body Butter        9.24g

This seems delicious, but this is a cream. Nothing overly spectacular about it. Plus it has an annoying little cap that seems to snap off at the most inopportune times. More of a packaging issue than anything else.

Overall Impression of November's Box:
Another good box. Good variety of skincare and makeup. People have been demanding more makeup, and they've got it! At least one makeup item per box. And I'll never deny or reject nail polish!

October Topbox

Another month, another box!

Yay for:

Stila Eye-Shadow Palette Sampler                                               10 swatches

 

A lot of people are complaining that this is a tiny worthless sample. I actually really like this idea… it gives people an opportunity to try AN ENTIRE PALETTE before deciding whether they like it. This to me is a better idea than say giving a bigger sized sample of one or two colours… especially with how picky some people can be about what colours they like. I will say all these colours are very shimmery, so I’ll be choosy about when to try them out. 

MaskerAide Detox Diva Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask  1 Sheet

This looks like fun, I’m going to enjoy trying this out. I prefer having the mask in liquid/cream/lotion form so that I can choose where on my face I am going to apply the product, but this suits me just fine!

Meh for:

Stila LipGlaze in Raspberry                                                           1.5ml

I like Stila. There’s nothing wrong with the brand. But I don’t like lipglosses. I often find they’re very sticky, and this one is no exception. In fact, Stila’s Lipglazes are notorious for being overly sticky. It looks okay, smells okay, but my hair is all up in this lipglosses’ business. I would have much preferred getting the Prime Pot, which I saw some subscribers got instead. 

Nay for:

Endocare Concentrated Serum                                          2 Ampoules (7ml each)

I’m not sold on this yet. It’s made out of snail secretions. I’m not saying there’s animal cruelty abounding here, but I am curious to know how they would get the secretions off a snail. And who tested this! On their face! Maybe I’ll try it…

Endocare Tensage Radiance Contour Eye Cream                       3ml (the little tube on the left)

This sounds a little bit more ‘normal’ to me. I’m just running out of eye cream so I’m glad to be able to move on to a different kind. 

Overall Impression of October's Box:

 I liked this month. I'm not a huge fan of skincare over makeup, but I do think it's good that they have a balance. It seems like a lot of people were disappointed this month, but I am quite pleased. It was the eye-shadow palette that redeemed the box for me this month. Not every month can be a complete hit, but I think I'll get good use out of most of these products!

September Topbox

Yay! Another happy Topbox member!

Let’s jump right into what I got.

Yay for:

Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara                                                     3g

Everyone has been raving about this online and this has gotten great reviews. It’s great that we get a chance to try it, since the full sized price is quite expensive. It has a plastic fiber brush with a little spokey ball at the end.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator                    20g

A lot of people complained that they got a smaller size of this from Glymm. I LOVED this. I was actually getting sad because my old one was running out. So I’m very happy I got a bigger sized sample from Topbox. This stuff is great; the exfoliators are truly microscopic so your skin feels fantastic after using this product.

Nay for:

Redken Colour Extend Shampoo and Conditioner                    10ml each x 4

I don’t have colour treated hair. I’ll be giving this to my mom for travel.

Meh for:

 

M. Asam Perfect Teint Vino Gold                                                  5ml

I wasn’t thrilled about this… I got another product from M. Asam (it was their BB cream) but wasn’t impressed with how it worked for me. It feels oily and not light. I’ll try it a few times and hope it works out better for me.

Overall impression of September’s box:

I saw some people got Philosophy Purity cleanser, which I wish I had gotten instead of the shampoo and conditioner packets. I would have gotten a lot more use out of that. Some people also got a bonus from Holt Renfrew, but I didn’t get the promo card for that. Overall though, I am pleased with the selection of products. A little bit of everything.

August Topbox

Yes!! Another good month for Topbox. Let’s jump right into what I got!

Yay for:

Chloe L’eau de Chloe Scented Body Lotion                                    30ml

This smells very light and surprisingly fresh. This is a very good sample size, in an adorable little package. I’m going to reuse this bottle after the lotion is all gone for sure.

Marc Jacobs Dot Perfume                                                    4ml

Two fragrance samples? Oh my! Both with adorable packaging? Perfect! I love this little bottle with the dotted butterfly on the top. It smells floral, but not overwhelmingly so. I do like Marc Jacobs scents, so I’m excited to get to try this one out.

Kellett Skincare Clarifying Acne Treatment                       10ml

This comes in a little pump bottle, which is very convenient. It looks very sleek. I haven’t tried this before but I know my skin reacts to benzoyl peroxide much better than salicylic acid. So I’m glad they offer this product, as most acne treatments have salicylic acid.

Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner       89ml

Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo                        89ml

These are HUGE samples! Considering they’re shampoos and conditioners? I can’t believe it! These are perfect for travelling. The shampoo smells like coconut to me, and the conditioner is a bit more fruity. I am very impressed with the size!

Nay for:

Nothing. Very happy with this month’s box.

Meh for:

Expression Blush Brush                                                       Full Size

I don’t hate this. I don’t love it. I don’t use blush so I’ll use this for powder or something else. I’d rather have an eyeshadow brush or something else. But no big deal, it’ll still get used.

Pink Wipes Feminine Wipe                                                  1 wipe

I don’t really see the appeal in these. I understand they’re convenient and good for travel, but they’re not really for me.

Overall Impression of August’s Box:

I’m very pleased. Great sized samples with a bit of everything. I would like to see some more makeup, but from the email Topbox sent, looks like we’ll be getting more makeup in upcoming months!

July Topbox

I got my Topbox nice and early this month, as usual. Unlike other subscription boxes, it never seems like I’m waiting forever for my box.

I got a few items I am very stoked about!

Yay for:

China Glaze in Purple Panic (Neon)                                                           Full size

I am so glad I didn’t get Innocence (I saw some other people got it), because I already have it. The card that accompanies the Topbox claims this colour is a personalized shade… and I’m inclined to believe them. The only thing about this colour is that it dries nearly matte. I do like my polishes shiny, so I just finish it with a nice topcoat.

NuMe Hydropunch Shampoo                                                                      20ml

I got the Conditioner version of this sample in my May Glymm Box, so I will say I am very happy that I got the Shampoo equivalent of this too. I tried the conditioner a few times, and I really liked it. At first I thought it was kind of runny, but it is definitely moisturizing. Plus it smells amazing and the scent lasts throughout the day.

Sampar Essentials Ultra Hydrating Fluid                                               2 Pouches

These came in two little plastic pouch thingys. I’ve only tried one, but I did generally enjoy it. It did leave a film-like layer over my skin. I’m not a huge fan of that, but since this product is marketed toward preventing polluting damage and so on, I’ll go on and suspend my cynicism. Sure, that’s the point of the film.

Nay for:

Nothing! I liked everything in this month’s box!

Meh for:

Pure + Simple Calming Cucumber Mask                                               20ml

I like the idea of this. I like the packaging (so cute!) and the scent is decent. However, it doesn’t seem to do anything! It kind of absorbs instantly into my skin and disappears! At first I thought it was because my skin was dry and needed more moisture… but then when I washed my face later a thin layer of residue came with it. I like masks where I can tell I’ve put a mask on. I just wanted to like this more than I did.

NuMe Gift Certificate                                                                                  For $100

I’ve gotten a gift certificate for NuMe from Glymm before, and I didn’t use it. I won’t be using it now either. Many people have mentioned how you can find NuMe products at Winners or other discount stores for about $30… No matter how you calculate it, that’s a good deal. Plus if you order online, the cheapest item is about $100, and you have to pay about $15 for shipping. I don’t like that too much.

Overall Impression of July's Box:
Enjoyed! Delighted! Can't wait for more!

June Topbox

 

My June Topbox came  a little unexpectedly. It was scheduled to arrive on the 14^th, but CanadaPost had it listed as stuck in Ontario. I didn’t get mine until the 18^th.

No big deal though, I know I’m going to get it, and a week or two late is better than not getting it at all. Customer service was also very friendly and helpful, and they helped me track my ‘stuck’ package.

Yay for:

Stila 10-in-1 HD BB Cream                                                  5ml

This wasn’t on my product description card. Instead I think I was supposed to receive the M. Asam cream, but I got this instead. I’m not complaining, I am a fan of Stila, and a fan of BB creams. I’ve tried this once already and really enjoyed the formula. Not drying, smooth, and silky.

Stila Forever Your Curl Mascara                                         3.5ml

I don’t often wear mascara. Anything but waterproof mascara always smudges under my eyes, and I don’t like how difficult it is to remove waterproof mascara. So I’d rather go without. That being said, this holds a curl really well. I think since I’ve been sullied by the thought of mascara, anything that holds a curl and gives length/volume is fine in my books.

Simple Beauty Makeup Remover                                        56ml

This is a generous sample. I love me some makeup remover. Useful, travel friendly, and good for sensitive eyes? Perfect.

Mark Gloss Gorgeous Lip Stain in “Bella”                           1.5g (FULL SIZE)

This is a very flattering colour on me. It claims it is a personalized colour, and I for one am inclined to agree. It has a minty smell and is very shiny. It is a little sticky, but I expect that from a gloss. It has a click end, to dispense the product through the brush applicator.

Nay for:

Garnier BB Cream                                                                 3x 1.5ml

I’ve heard glowing and bad reviews about this product. I’m glad I get the chance to try it. But I’ll agree with what some people have said… this leaves the skin really oily. Not my cup of tea. Better for those with dry skin, I’m guessing.

Meh for:

Pari Precious Glow Eyeshadow Primer Intensifier           No size listed on product

I have my selection of shadow primers, and this isn’t bad. It works. It’s shimmery. It stays. In fact, I think it is too shimmery… and I understand the appeal of a glow, but this is almost too shiny for daytime.

Overall Impression of June’s Box:

Where's that M. Asam product, hmmmm?

Once again, I liked more than I disliked. It is a good selection of products, and I’m glad most of them are makeup related. A lot of people complained that most beauty products are skincare only… but this fits the bill as being well-rounded.

May Topbox

I’ve been on the waitlist for a Topbox since November? December? And I’ve been checking the blogs looking at what people have gotten. And drooled.

 

Finally I got my very first box, and I am so happy. Happier than Glymm or Luxebox has ever made me.

 Granted, I haven’t been with Luxebox since they upped their prices from $10 a month to $12 a month. They have had some pretty good boxes since they’ve increased their prices, but with those extra $2 a month I can get a nice nail polish for myself… so why spend the extra?

Yay for:

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Whatever Lola Wants              Full Size 15ml

First and most astoundingly, I got a full sized Deborah Lippmann nail polish. I don’t know if everyone got this colour, but I am happy with my selection. It is a very sheer shimmery pink. It’ll probably take at least 4-5 coats to make this a little bit more opaque, but I’d rather just layer this on top of another colour. This is my first Deborah Lippmann polish (for obvious reasons… such as their hefty price tag) so I’m super stoked to try it.

Cover FX ClearPrep FX                                                                                 7ml

I’ve tried a primer from Cover FX before and thought it was okay. My skin doesn’t react well to salicylic acid (this has some blemish fighting ingredients), so we’ll see if this is going to work or not for me. I do, however, really need primer so I’m glad I can use this as a backup.

Orlane Anagenese 25+ First Time-Fighting Care Eye Contour                2ml

Orlane products are so ridiculously pricey. I would never buy them on my own but I always really like them. I’ve gotten samples before in my Glymm box and enjoyed their light day cream. I don’t really have undereye circles/bags/fine lines around my eyes YET, but it’s always important to prevent instead of cure.

Holt Renfrew Free Nail File                                                                          Coupon

Unlike some coupon codes I’ve gotten in the past, I don’t actually have to spend anything to get something. I just have to shove a piece of paper into someone’s face and I get something. Much better than getting $100 off a $150 product… I don’t know if I’ll actually have time to redeem this. Holt Renfrew isn’t a place I frequent, but if I’m in the area I’ll stop by. Plus I’ve got a few nail files that do the trick. Don’t really need another.

Meh for:

Expressions Bronzing Powder Brush                                                         Full Size

This is another full-sized product. As soon as I pulled this brush out of the protective plastic roll, the bristles splayed on me. Not a lot, mind you. Not so much that I’d make a face. But enough to make me wonder about the quality a little bit. I’ll give it a try. But I do already have a lot of powder brushes, I’d have preferred something a little more unique.

Overall impression of May’s box:

I am very pleased and impressed. I’ve been thinking about cancelling my Glymm box, but I want to use up my points first. Or maybe I’ll put my Glymm account on hold for a few months to decide. Topbox is scratching my girly itch!