August Glymm Box

Yesterday was an awesome day, because my Luxe Box arrived. And today was equally awesome because my Glymm Box came!!!! Having received the VIG Glymm Box and being amazed at the products, I had really high expectations for this month. Although I am slightly disappointed at the size of the products in this Box, 2 of the products are from high-end brands so that makes me happy. I am all set to get Glymm's September Box so I am hoping it is a little bit better.

If you still don't know what Glymm is, it is like Loose Button and Birchbox. A beauty product sampling service, great for all beauty junkies and lovers. If you want to find out more about Glymm or sign up for your own Glymm Box just click the link below.

Make Your Life Beautiful with Glymm!

This is what the box looks like when you take off the lid. The card explains about the theme of the box and an overview of the products inside.

The back of the card gives a breakdown of the products in the box.

These are the products in this month's Glymm Box.

B. Kamins Vegetable Cleanser – 0.25 oz

Sample Value - $1.42

Full-Size Retail Value - $34 for 6 oz

On the Card – A vegetable based cleanser and makeup remover that dissolves and removes impurities from the face and delicate eye area. Clarifying and soothing, your skin will literally say “Ahhhh!” How to use – Apply to wet face. Avoid contact with eyes. Gently massage and rinse thoroughly.

My Thoughts – I have to say I am very wary about this product. It is oil based which is why it has to be rinsed so thoroughly, but I have oily skin so I don't know how this will affect that. My skin is very sensitive to different cleansers so I may not be trying this product as I don't want my skin to get any worse then it already is.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in After Glow – 0.14 oz

Sample Value - $12.60

Full-Size Retail Value - $18 for 0.20 oz

On the Card – Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil kiss your lips with a touch of dazzling color so that lips stay soft, shiny and smooth for hours.

My Thoughts – I was super excited to see this product. I have always wanted to try Smashbox Cosmetics and now is my chance. This sample is more than half of the full size gloss so it is very generous. I love the color so much!! I really have been wanting to try a coral gloss this summer and not I get to right before the summer ends. The gloss smells and tastes like vanilla and is a coral with gold shimmer. The texture is extremely smooth and the doe foot applicator distributes it nicely. The colour is a little sheer, but over a nude lipstick the coral really shines through.

Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes (SPF 30) – 1 wipe

Sample Value - $1.62

Full-Size Retail Value - $34 for 21 wipes

On the Card – Formulated to calm, soothe, and protect sensitive skin, these soft, pre-moistened, paraben-free, water-resistant wipes deliver SPF 30 protection for your gorgeous face and body.

My Thoughts – The concept of this product really intrigues me. It claims to be water-resistant, and if that's true would elevate this product. I have not tried it yet but will be putting it in my purse for the next BBQ we have at work to protect me from the sun. I hate how messy sunscreen is to travel with, and apply so this product is perfect for people who are on the go and need that extra sun protection.

Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer – 0.25 oz

Sample Size - $19.60

Full-Size Retail Value - $29 for 0.37 oz

On the Card – Want smoother, brighter skin instantaneously? Easily accomplished with “That Gal” primer that promotes radiance and banishes dullness.

My Thoughts – This is a really little sample. However, if the full size is only 0.37 oz then that isn't much bigger than the sample that I received. I'm wondering if the size of the full size printed on the card is correct. I was actually just about to order this product on Sephora, so I am glad I'm getting to try it now. Because my skin is oily and naturally shiny I don't think I will use this as a primer but more as a highlighter over my foundation.

Jelly Belly Tangerine Jelly Beans

Value – Priceless

My Thoughts – Such a good little treat to enjoy while writing this blog!

What I paid for the August Glymm box + tax – $11.30 CDN

Value of the August Glymm Box + tax - $39.82 CDN

Disclaimer - This Glymm Box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own. I am not being compensated for this review by Glymm or any other company mentioned.



August Luxe Box

It's August Luxe Box time!!! After last months kinda disappointing Luxe Box I wasn't going to renew when my subscription was up this month. This box changed my mind!!! I love every single product in it!

If you still don't know what Luxe Box or Loose Button is then see my June and July blog posts to find out more. Or visit their website and/or Facebook Page.

Loose Button Website

Loose Button Facebook

Product Card and Personalized Letter.

This month's products.

Product Breakdown

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup – 0.15oz.

Sample Value - $16.61

Full-Size Retail Value - $31 for .28oz.

On the Card – Skip the mess and go pressed with Pur Minerals' award-winning foundation, powder, concealer, and SPF 15. Supercharged with Shea butter and vitamin E, this nourishing pressed mineral formula is your way to flawless-looking skin in 60 seconds or less.

My Thoughts - I was so excited to get this product. It is my perfect colour. I used it as a setting powder for my foundation and it gave me a perfect air brushed finish. I tried using it on its own without foundation underneath and I didn't really like the coverage it gave me.

Lip Plumping Treatment – City Lips by City Cosmetics – 0.5ml

Sample Value - $3.50

Full-Size Retail Value - $35 for 5ml

On the Card – The award-winning formula in City Lips includes Oligopeptide technology to increase collagen production in your lips, resulting in greater lip volume and a decrease in wrinkles and lines in and around the lips. Get extraordinary results and a luxury lip gloss all in one!

My Thoughts - I have to say that this product was the disappointment of this month's box. Although there isn't a smell, the taste you get on your lips reminds me of crayons and burnt plastic. The texture is horrible, it is extremely sticky and just downright gross. I put it on my bare lips and did not get any plumping at all. It really did and does nothing for me.

Proclaim Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion - 3oz

Sample Value - $0.75

Full-Size Retail Value - $8 for 32 oz.  

On the Card – Proclaim Hand & Body lotion moisturizes dry, irritated skin while protecting from sun, wind, and water. It restores lost moisture and soothes dry, tight skin. Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft without feeling greasy.

My Thoughts -  I fell in love with the Proclaim hair treatment I got last month so I was very excited to see another Proclaim product this month. This hand lotion smells incredible... like vanilla and hot chocolate. The formula is very light but hydrating. It says it is a non-greasy lotion, however, unless you really give it time to sink into your skin it can be a little greasy. 

Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria Fragrance - 3ml

Sample Value - $4.68

Full-Size Retail Value - $78 for 50ml or $102 for 100ml

On the Card – Mysteriously sophisticated. Innocently seductive. Coveted, yet forbidden, this fragrance is the younger interpretation of the iconic euphoria fragrance. It evokes a modern, fresh sexiness with a mysterious twist.

My Thoughts - I really like that this sample it a roller ball instead of the spritzer that I got last month. I have been loving all the perfume samples lately. It has been giving me a chance to try out some new fragrances without shelling out 50 or 60 dollars to do it. The smell of this perfume is strong but in a good way. It is very citrusy, and fresh with a slight undertone of musk. I find it a little strong when you first put it on, but once it has time to mix with your bodies natural chemistry it smells a little nicer. I may have to wear this a few times to decide if I really like it.

Sheyna Handmade Earrings – 1 pair

Value - $18

On the Card – Sheyna has been featured on Oprah's blog, and you can read more about their unique story at www.sheyna.com.

My Thoughts – These are the cutest earrings ever! I love that they are dainty but noticeable. I really like how Loose Button included these instead of the chocolate. Wish I could have earrings every month instead of the chocolate. After checking out Sheyna's website I would be super excited to custom design earrings with them.

What I paid for this month's Luxe Box - $11.30 CDN

Value of this month's Luxe Box - $49.20 (roughly)

Disclaimer – All the products mentioned in this blog were purchased with my on money. All opinions and thoughts are honest and my own. Neither Luxe Box or any other company mentioned are compensating me for this review and blog.



My First MAC Haul

Makeup wise I am not usually a big spender. I am a firm believer that if you have a few high quality basics, and patience you can make cheap, or drugstore makeup work for you. Most of my collection is ELF, drugstore brands, or anything "name brand" drastically on sale. I had never even heard of MAC until I started watching beauty videos on YouTube a few years ago. And it was only recently that I have made my first purchase.

Although tempted by all of the beautiful, highly pigmented eye shadows, I kept my purchase limited to everyday basic products, as I have tons of eye shadows to use up first. However, since using just the products you will see below, I can already say I am a MAC fan. I love MAC because my makeup is looking 100% better, however, my bank account so far is not loving MAC. But I guess, you have to pay for quality.

Blot Powder Pressed in Medium Dark.

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - A unique pressed powder designed primarily to provide shine control without adding any noticeable colour or texture. Sets foundation, finishes faces. For use in professional situations and for frequent touch-ups. Blot Powder contains Mica and Silica to adsorb excess oils and reduce shine on the skin's surface. Can be applied with the puff that comes in the compact or with a powder brush like #129 Powder/Blush Brush. Perfect for touching up Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation throughout the day

This powder is already a holy grail product for me. I have oily skin and this has helped me stay matte. No matter how many times you need to apply it, it never makes you look powdery. I was a bit surprised when the makeup artist told me I was the colour Medium Dark, but so far I haven't had any issues.

Fix+

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!

When I first bought this product, I thought it was just glorified water in a spray bottle. But now, it has become a staple product. I use it every morning before I put on my tinted moisturizer. I spritz my face a few times to prime my skin and get it ready for my foundation. I also love using this with my loose mineral pigments, to enhance the colors and increase their staying power.

Select Cover-Up in NW20

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - Liquid camouflage for the skin. Texture-free, virtually invisible. Comes in a tube. Blends in. Brightens and lightens dark areas, erases spots, evens-out skin tones. Makes skin flaw-free. Use pre-foundation, or on its own. Don't reveal it, conceal it!

Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump.

This was the main reason I went to MAC. I have never been able to find a concealer that works for both under-eye circles and blemishes. These concealers go above and beyond for me! On days where I do not need as much coverage I use the Select Cover-Up. And on days where I want more coverage, but don't want to keeping building up the concealer, I use the Pro Longwear. Both are amazing for under-eye circles, and any other blemish.

Painterly Paint Pot

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners.

This was another "key" beauty product I was in desperate need of. For the longest time I have been using Hard Candy, Body Shop, and ELF eyeshadow primers, alternately. And none have been doing what a primer is supposed to do. I bought this product because the MAC Artist said it does not crease and helps make eye shadows more vibrant. I have only used it once, but so far...so good.

Frost Lipstick in Angel

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. Angel is a soft pink frost.

My perfect pink nude colour. It is perfect for a date, school, and work. An any occasion perfect pink. I was wary about this color because it is a frost finish. But after using it, I don't think that it belongs in the frost category. This will definitely be a repeat purchase for me.

Black Track Fluidline - Sample

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - Ultra-smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes. Brush sold separately.

I cannot use liquid liner to save my life, and pencil liners just do not stay. I was himming and hawwing

Overall, MAC is definitely impressing me. I want to invest in a blush and some eye shadows next, however, I may have to wait for my next trip to the US of A, as MAC is cheaper there.

Disclaimer: I bought all of the products with my own money. The product information can be credited to maccosmetics.com.

DIY Day: Makeup Palettes

This is my first DIY Day Blog. These blogs are basically me sharing with you how to make different crafts and things that are related to beauty, organization, etc. The first installment in this blog series is Makeup Palettes. I have recently gotten on the band wagon craze of open palettes that you can put all your products in. I like their functionality, but I also like how it condenses everything and takes up less space. After much trial and error I have found my favourite way of making homemade makeup palettes. Hopefully, this picture tutorial will inspire or help anyone reading this blog, to make their own palettes.

Lets Begin. (Side Note: This post is very picture heavy.)

These are the products that I use to make the palettes. In this tutorial I am going to be making a windowless palette. To make a windowless palette you will need:

•  Scissors
• Card stock Paper of any design that you like.
• Self-adhesive magnetic sheets
• DVD Case.

If you are making a window in your palette I would also suggest having a think piece of cardboard and an utility knife handy as well.

For paper I chose a dark purple card stock with glittery multi-coloured hearts. In the past I have also used plain matte black card stock as well. I find the best paper to use can be found in the scrap booking section of most craft stores.

Before you trace and cut out the paper sleeve, you must decide if you want a window in your palette. I have made window ones before and although they are handy in seeing the products and colours that are inside; I find that fallout and excess product gets between the plastic of the DVD case and the paper making it look kinda dirty and unattractive.

If you are going to make a window, then cut out the DVD holding area with a utility knife. To prevent cutting the plastic on the other side of the case, slip a think piece of cardboard in between. You'll cut the cardboard..not the plastic!

This is what the case should look like if/after you cut out your window.

Trace around the DVD case to get the size of your paper sleeve. If you have a window make sure to trace around the inside of that as well.

Cut out your paper cover.

Once it is cut out you can decorate it further if you wish, with labels, names, pictures, etc. This is your chance to make your palette original to you. Something you don't get with generic mass produced palettes.

Next slide your cover into the case under the plastic, to make sure that it fits.

Mine needed trimming. Make any adjustments you need so that cover fits evenly.

I then folded the cover like a book so that the DVD case hinge could be seen in the paper. This will insure that the case closes properly.

For the magnetic bottom I chose to use Adhes-A-MAG. It is a self-adhesive magnetic sheet that can be found at Michael's Craft store for $18 CDN + tax. So far I have made 3 palettes with this and have enough left for at least 4 or 5 more.

Measure your palette on the magnet.

To get the perfect fit, cut out the magnet at little smaller then what you initially traced. Just like the paper it will be a little bit too big. So instead of trimming later and wasting some of the magnet, make it slightly smaller to start.

Before you can lay the magnet down you need to snap off the paper clip like holders, that usually hold the DVD information booklets. They are super simple to remove. Just bending them upward should cause them to snap off.

Once you stick down the magnet the inside of your windowless palette, it should look like this. All ready to hold your eye shadows, blushes, lipstick pans, etc.

This is what the outside out my finished palette looked like.

My ELF colour book eye shadows inside the palette. (In my next DIY Day tutorial I will show how I dissembled the old eyeshadow palette and made the pans magnetic for this palette.)

If you chose to make a window in your palette then this is what the inside will look like when you are complete.

Overall, this palette cost me about $5 CDN to make, and meets my everyday needs. Although sturdy for everyday use I feel that if used when travelling, you may find that your eye shadows will move around, because the DVD Case is more of a "soft" case.

Hopefully this picture tutorial was helpful. If you have any other DIY Day ideas, or would like to see something specific, leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: All of the products used in this tutorial were purchased with my own money.







Smell Like Dessert - Cake Beauty

Cake Beauty, a Canadian company, gives you the ability to eat your cake and smell like it too!

I have seen Cake products reviewed before, and as a lover of both luxury bath products and dessert I knew that these products would be perfect for me. However, upon investigating their website, cakebeauty.com, I realized that smelling like dessert doesn't come cheap. With their cheapest bath products ringing in at $20+ tax I thought I would never be able to try these products.

It's not that I don't think some products are worth the cost they are set as, but for bath products something that is literally going down the drain, I think that $20 for a cup of product is a bit extreme. I had totally given up on these products with I stumbled across them at Indigo Books & Music here in Canada. There were four different sets available and unfortunately for me they were the same prices as online. Even with my 30% discount it was still too steep a price.

Luckily for me though, during their Annual after Christmas Clearance Sale, all of the sets went drastically on sale. I'm talking $5.00 a set on sale!!! I quickly snatched up 1 of each set for just under $15. I had planned to use them, but seeing as I had and still have a stash of stuff to use first, they have been pushed to the side.

I just started using them now and thought it would be the perfect time to write a first impressions/my thoughts/informational blog on them. As I use the different sets I will write a blog. I don't want to put them all in one before I use the products.

Product Breakdown

milk made Mani-CURED on the move

This is described as a portable hand and nail essentials kit. Get Mani-cured spa-like results in seconds. Anytime. Anywhere. Shape, smooth, exfoliate and nourish with 5 portable single servings of hand and cuticle buffer, a handy-dandy key chain nail file and a full size serving of our best selling velveteen hand creme. Au lait!

This set retails for $24+ tax CDN, and is considered airplane friendly and carry-on luggage approved!

Milk Made Scent is described as warm vanilla with a hint of raspberry. This is the exact scent I get when I smell it.

milk made smoothing hand & cuticle buffer

How to use: Shake well. Pour into hands and massage gently for 30 seconds, concentrating on the cuticle area. Rinse hands and pat to dry.

Ingredients: Sugar, grape seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, milk amino acids, phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol, sorbic acid, fragrance, red 17, violet 2.

My Thoughts: This buffer is really cool, not super rough, but rough enough to help get rid of cuticles and any dead skin. It is also very moisturizing. One of the best hand exfoliaters I have ever used. The only downside is that they are not very portable or good for on the go like the box says. Because you need to rinse the product off and it doesn't totally absorb into your hands you have to be somewhere where you have access to a sink, or at least a fountain.

Cake Mini Nail File Keychain

It is a pink and white nail file on a keychain.

My Thoughts: This is super cute and totally functional. Perfect size for your keychain, if you are in to having a nail file on your keychain. I am not one of those people. But I do like having a file handy, so this is perfect for in my on the go makeup bag.

Milk Made Velveteen Hand Creme

Nourish those over worked (and under paid) hands with this rich, vitamin packed hand creme. Decadent mango and Shea butters, whole milk, and marshmallow extract soothe, comfort and keep hands super smooth. Au lait!

My Thoughts: This hand creme smells AMAZING!!! It is like the perfect blend of vanilla and icing and marshmallow fluff. The perfect dessert smell I have ever smelt in a bath or lotion product. The consistency is really good and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It melts into your hands leaving them super soft. The only downside is that I feel like it doesn't 100% absorb into your skin, and you notice it when your hands get sweaty.

Overall, I think that this kit was really well put together. However, I do not think that it is very portable and on the go. Yes the lotion is portable, but the bottle is just a little to big for my makeup bag. It takes up too much space. I find I have to transfer it to a smaller pot to use while travelling. This kit is perfect for at home hand spa treatments. Using all 3 products leaves you hands super soft, and smelling great. To make it a little bit better I recommend getting some spa gloves (I got mine at Walmart). Lather your hands in the lotion before you go to bed and put on the gloves while you sleep to really lock in the moisture, nourish, and repair your hands.

I give this set 4 stars, as it doesn't really live up to its portable claim for me.

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money. All opinions and thoughts are honest and my own. None of the companies mentioned are compensating me for this blog post. All information about the products can be found on cakebeauty.com.