Unboxing: August 2012 Glossybox│USA

I'm very excited about this month's Glossybox! It has some interesting products I would have never thought of buying. If you don't know what Glossybox is, it's a brand that delivers 5 deluxe samples (cosmetics and perfumes) every month with a theme. This month's theme is Pure Luxury.  The price is $21 for every box (plus tax if you live in New York or California). If you want to suscribe, please leave your email in the comments below and I will make sure to send you an invite!


Just recently they started sending GlossyMag which contains tips, trends, and some interesting articles, etc. I really like this complimentary magazine, as it also has recommendations of new exciting products to try out!

And of course, Glossybox pays a lot of attention to details and the packaging is always lovely. I love how they wrap it and even the box it comes in it's adorable! 

A card that has the description and price of the full size items. This month's box has 2 full size products! I'm very excited to try the Illamasqua nail polish and the Touch in Sol Skin Base.

I titled this post Unboxing as I will be making different reviews for my favourite products. But, here are the deluxe (and full size!) products I received: 


1. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: a high powered vitamin C complex which helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. I don't really have any wrinkles yet (yey!) as I'm only 21. I debated and researched whether I should use anti-aging products but I'm a bit skeptical and don't know what to do yet,  so I will probably pass this to my mum so she can try it out! 2. Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Purity:  a hardwearing and chip resistant nail varnish, it only needs 2 coats to achieve a perfect finish. (will review separately!)  The colour is an opaque coral, lovely! 3. Touch in Sol Feel like Honey Moon Skin Base: For a better makeup application, a moisturizer and a primer are highly recommended! I love all-in-one products and this skin base has a honey texture that firms and revitalizes the skin. I tried this, and the texture is amazing! It's not greasy at all and dries instantly, my skin feels softer after application. 4. Ellis Faas Creamy Lips inL107:  a chocolate caramel long wearing lipstick with a shiny finish. The colour is very appealing and it's not sticky at all! It also hydrates and smooths the lips. The packaging is quite odd, it looks like a pen and it's a little bit too big, but i like it anyway!  5. Biolage Exquisite Oil Replenishing Treatment: this treatment is infused with Moringa il Blend. I truly have no idea what that is, but it gives instant shine and weightless replenishment! 
I'm absolutely in love with this month's Glossybox! I love all the products and will be testing them out everyday! 
Have you got your Glossybox yet? Any products/colours that were different from mine?

Review: Julep Maven Intro Box│Classic with a Twist

A few weeks ago i got an email from Julep Maven, they were offering an intro box which includes at least 2 nail polishes of 8ml each and other mani/pedi product. I got hooked instantly because the price was not the regular $19.99 but a PENNY! can you believe it? $0.01 for all these goodies? I was in! If you don't know Julep yet: a nail and foot care brand with four boutique nail parlors in the Seattle area. You can sign up to get a monthly box with polishes and nail care products. Firstly, you take a quiz to find out which style fits you best, there are a few - American Beauty, Boho Glam, Classic with a Twist, It Girl & Bombshell. I was matched with Classic with a Twist.


The Best Pedi Créme Ever!: A shea butter and coconut oil cream that nourishes, hydrates and exfoliates at the same time! I tried it as directed, applied it on my feet at night and when I woke up they were softer. I love the scent, it has a cucumber/minty smell along with green tea. I don't know what I'm saying, but it smells amazing!



Kate: is a soft white pearl. Now, I had never applied white polish on my nails. I find really hard to pull off a white nail. This polish came half-open, which made it sticky so application was even harder! :( However, the colour is really pretty because it's not plain/boring white. I will probably be using this to make small decorations only.



Rose: is a watermelon red creme. I usually don't wear reds, but watermelon is lovely. Different from Kate, this polish has better texture (obviously, because it was sealed!) and I only needed 2 coats to get a uniform colour. I really like this one, I will be using it quite often.

The packaging is very classy, the brush provides easy application and a nice finish. I like the size because let's get real, will I ever finish a 15 ml nail varnish? Most likely no. And these have 8ml, which is a decent size and they're also really easy to store for it's shape. My only complaint is that the caps don't fit or don't close completely and I think that's why one of the polishes arrived half open, but that's a manufacturing problem. I hope they don't dry because of this though.


Julep Maven has a lot to offer! You get 20% off every purchase you make and free shipping always. You can skip or cancel anytime, it's commitment free! Plus, you can change your style profile anytime! I have changed mine to It Girl in September and it has already shipped! Woo I'm excited! And one last thing, costumer service is EXCELLENT! :)

Overall, I'm really happy I subscribed and got my Classic with a Twist Intro Box! If you want to get your first box enter the code: PENNY at checkout to get it for a penny on Julep.com

Will you be trying Julep? What's your Style?

Swatch: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry

I had never tried before a Super Lustrous Lipstick from Revlon, I usually stick with Mac lipsticks. But for some reason this colour caught my eye and had to have it! Revlon, you did it once again. 

Black Cherry is a deep red purple and it's very flattering on the lips, application can be a little tricky though, since it's very dark and it's hard to get a first perfect application, I rather use a lip brush! The texture of this lipstick is creamy as it's name suggests and glides on easily on the lips. It lasted on me 2 hours before fading and leaving more of a reddish colour on my lips. I'm really keen on trying darker colours like Mac Pro Longwear in Soulfully Rich which is a dirty deep purple with red pearl.

The lipstick wears off evenly and I believe it works for every skin tone. The packaging is classic looking and it has a clear top so you can see the colour through it. Everything about this lipstick is great, the wear, the colour and the stain it leaves behind.
Will you be trying vampy colours for fall?

Review: SpaRitual Lacquer in Days of Wine and Roses

Not so long ago I discovered an amazing brand, SpaRitual. They have spa treatments, nailcare products and of course nail laquers! What I like is that they use vegan ingredients, naturally coloured formulas and every product is free of synthetic dyes. The cap is a plum cap, that has a non slip grip to allow easy opening and application.


I picked the colour "Days of Wine and Roses" which has the numerology 122 = 1+2+2= 5. Each SpaRitual shade is associated with a unique message or meaning and numerological value. This one means Versatility and Adventure. The trail blazer.

I'm wearing Divine Swine from OPI on my ring finger.

The colour is a deep plum with shimmer, and it belongs to the Earthy Low Notes that contain deep browns and maroons. All SpaRitual laquers are carefully hand-blended for superior shine, dry time and coverage. Some other benefits this laquer has is that's 100% vegan, free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene.

I love what this colour means, and that every single one has a meaning! Have you tried SpaRitual?

Picks: Moisturizers

I hope you don't find this post boring, cause I know skincare stuff isn't very eye catching, but it's very important. Actually, it's the most important step on skincare. Moisturizers form a barrier between the skin and the environment that holds water in the epidermis. It helps protect against pollution and sun damage, that's why it's also important to use a product which contains SPF to protect against UVA and UVB rays. I have combination skin and it benefits from oil-free moisturizers. There are all different skin types and moisturizers and when you find the right one, your skin will look bright and smooth!


Benefit triple performing facial emulsion SPF 15 PA++: this is an oil-free facial moisturizer with a very lightweight formula. I first tried it when I bought the B.right Radiant Skin Intro Kit that included a facial polish and two facial moisturizers. I really like how it feels on my skin because it's VERY moisturizing but yet very lightweight! It contains a very pleasant aroma and makes my skin feel fresh and clean. I've heard one or two negative reviews about this lotion before but I really, really like it! It works great on my skin!


L'occitane Ultra-Matte Face Fluid: this moisturizer is recommended for combination to oily skin because it has red rice extract along with other ingredients that help control oil on the skin. I use this after washing my face with the Foaming Rice Cleanser on my problem areas, which is the T-zone (where most of the oil patches are) and it does reduce shine. It has a very light and clean fragrance as most of the products from L'occitane (which I'm in love with!) So if you have oily-combination skin like me, this moisturizer (and cleanser) will work great on your skin!

Depending on your skin type, this may or may not work for you. But I totally recommend these moisturizers for oily or combination skin!

What is your skin type and favourite moisturizer?

Getting Ready: At the Mac Counter

So last week I got an appointment at Mac Cosmetics to get my makeup done and try out some products. The girls at the Mac counter are always nice and very helpful. Big thanks to Carol, who always takes good care of me & my friend! So today I actually got ready there, not at home. But I took my pictures when I got back home!


I asked to try out the Matchmaster Foundation and I was matched with the shade number 2. Which got adjusted SO well onto my skin! As always, I get pampered and as soon as I close my eyes for eyeshadow application I get so relaxed and don't really pay much attention to what the makeup artist is doing, but I know she used some of the products from the Heavenly Creatures Collection (that I tried until today) and surprisingly, some items weren't sold out. Also some Prolongwear Eyeshadows (I believe the darkest one was Thru the Night), the Haute & Naughty Too Black mascara, some eyeliners, kohls and the lovely Creme Cup lipstick on my lips. I'm sorry I can't recall everything she used, but the result was pretty good!


On a side note: I wanted to introduce to you to my lovely cat, her name is Coco (yes, as in Coco Chanel ^^) and she used to be a homeless cat, I adopted her over a year ago and she's now 1 year and 4 months of age. I think her eyes look hilarious in this picture! I adore her, she keeps me company and I just love to pet her :)

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Swatches: OPI Minnie Collection

Who doesn't love Minnie? Or at least Mickey? Please tell me you do! Whenever I think of these two I recall childhood memories and amusement parks :') But! Onto the beauty note:
Today I have for you some swatches of two out of the four shades of the Minnie Collection by OPI. The pink shade is called If You Moust You Moust and the glittery red is I'm All Ears.


This two colours are my absolute favourites for the moment, and I rarely wear pink & red nail polish. I'd say If You Moust You Moust isn't the typical bubblegum pink, and that's why I really, really like it!


The application for both colours is very smooth as most of OPI's nail polishes, but i did required 3 coats to get it to look how it does. Especially with I'm All Ears, I wouldn't say the formula is watery, but it isn't thick either. What i love about I'm All Ears is the finish, it has such a beautiful glow!



In general, OPI polishes are one of my favourites. They don't really chip that fast and have a great finish. And all type of finishes as well! This collection came out a while back, and the other colours are: The Colour of Minnie & Nothin' Mousie 'bout It. You can view it here.


Do you like wearing pink nail polish? Which one is your favourite?

Getting Ready: Ombré Lips

It's been a while since I did Getting Ready posts, but I'm back!
Fall is getting closer and I'm starting to prepare for it! Don't you just love when seasons change? The fall trend is shortened in one word (or colour) and that's PLUM! I really like dusky shades of burgundy, plum & cabernet. They are so bold and elegant! So I got inspired and created this subtle eye and bold- ombré lips!


The ombré lips is a very easy technique, you only need 3 lip colours (either lipstick or lip liner). I used Revlon Lipbutter in 001 Pink Truffle as the medium colour and applied it from the outer corner towards the middle of the lips. The darker shade is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 477 Black Cherry (will review soon!) and just applied a small amount with a lip brush in the corners of the mouth. For a hint of shine, I applied Revlon Lipbutter in 060 Gumdrop.


The products that I used:
Eyes: Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer, Mac Select Cover Up in NW25, CoverGirl Lashblast Volume in Very Black, Mac Fluideline in Blacktrack & Crown 88 Professional Eyeshadow Palette.
Face: Mac Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation in NC30, Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick in Nectar.
Lips: Revlon Lipbutters in Pink Truffle & Gumdrop and Black Cherry Super Lustrous Lipstick.

Have you tried Ombré Lips before? What is your favourite shade for Fall?

Wants:

Yet another beauty wishlist! Can you tell I'm a sucker for peaches? Yup! And I fell into the hyped up products every blogger is talking about!

1. Mac Supercontinental Blush: A bright cute coral, recently released in the new collection Style Sleeker that also has some amazing Mattene Lipsticks!
2. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy: I've had this blush in my mind for far too long! It melts me :) Orange + Peach = <3  I also like the shade Blissful.
3. Benefit Sugarbomb Blush: It has shimmering shades of peach, soft plum and pink rose, so gorgeous!
4.Origins Super Spot Remover: I've heard this is like a magic trick, have a dark spot? No problem! Apply a small amount, go to sleep and the next morning is gone, baby.
5. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream: Considering I'm in my early twenties, I need to start preparing for all the aging stuff. This cream is supposed to reduce puffiness & brighten up! Essential!

Any of you lovelies have tried any of these products? If so, what are your thoughts?

Swatch: Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya

Oh Revlon, you did it again. I wasn't looking for a new gloss but this one called Papaya caught my eye and ever since I got it I'm in love with it! Haha, no but really isn't it such a pretty colour?


This lipgloss has a very good consistency, and it lasts a while (about 2 hours without eating or drinking anything) I looove coral oranges, so this one is a yes for me. It has micro shimmer in it with a semi opaque and a glossy finish. The packaging reminds me a little bit to the Chanel Lévres Scintillantes Glossimer, It's kinda the same size and length, but not really.


I've also noted it moisturizes my lips, it says it contains sweet almond oil and vitamin E, so if you have dry lips this will work out for you! The gloss itself doesn't feel heavy at all since the texture is very lightweight and the best part: it's not sticky! Revlon says this lipgloss is scented with sweetened vanilla, but i don't really feel anything and at first i thought it was fragrance free.


Overall I really like this product, it's very well pigmented for a lipgloss and it's such a gorgeous shade! I will definitely be picking up more shades!



What is your favourite Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss Lip Shine shade?

Products Worth the Hype!

If you're a constant reader and beauty blogger then you know there are always products everyone is talking about, or yourself can't stop raving about! Well, i recently saw some Vloggers like Essiebutton and Ghostparties do tag videos and posts about which products in their opinion, were well worth the hype! So i was really excited on doing my own post!


1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette: A classic, I think everyone already knows this palette is absolutely worth the money! The shadows are amazing in pigmentation, texture and range of colours. This palette has become so famous due to it's natural-to-buildable shades, perfect for everyday wear.
2. Nars blushes: Colour payoff, texture & shades: A+  Do i need to say more?
3. Givenchy Phenomen Eyes Mascara: This is a holy grail mascara! It doesn't clump, smudge or flake. Ever.
4. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains: These are so different from other stains I've tried, and I must say that Revlon has exceeded my expectations.

What are the products you consider are worth the hype?

Review: Influenster Latina Voxbox

I signed up for Influenster about 2 months ago and I recently received my Latina Voxbox! If you don't know what Influenster is, click here. And if you're wondering if I'm latina, yes I am! :)

These are the products that i received in my Influenster Latina VoxBox:

- VEET READY TO USE WAX STRIPS, LEG & BODY (40 STRIPS)
- ALWAYS RADIANT INFINITY PADS (16 PADS)
- ALWAYS & TAMPAX RADIANT COLLECTION (1 PURSE, 1 PAD, 3 DAILY LINERS, 2 TAMPONS)
- HAWAIIAN TROPIC SILK HYDRATION LOTION SUNSCREEN (2 FL OZ.)
- NYC NEW YORK COLOR LIQUID LIPSHINE IN NUDE YORK CITY (0.24 FL OZ.)
- BATH & BODY WORKS SHEA-ENRICHED SIGNATURE COLLECTION SHOWER GEL IN TWILIGHT WOODS (3 FL OZ.)

Next, are my favourite products from this box:


NYC NEW YORK COLOR LIQUID LIPSHINE IN NUDE YORK CITY 582: If you read my post on NYC nail polish, you may know that was the first product I've ever tried from this brand, until now of course. And I'm starting to wonder why I never did before, it's great! This lipgloss is a very sheer nude colour with a caramel scent. NYC says it isn't sticky, however i find it a little bit sticky, what I liked the most about this gloss is that it comes with a long applicator that bends for easier application and it doesn't fades as quickly as other lipglosses.


HAWAIIAN TROPIC SILK HYDRATION LOTION SUNSCREEN: As I'm always looking for sun protection in my beauty products (including makeup) this came right on time. This isn't your typical sunscreen, it actually has a nice scent and it isn't greasy as most of the sunscreens are. It also moisturizes skin and it's waterproof.


BATH & BODY WORKS SHEA-ENRICHED SIGNATURE COLLECTION SHOWER GEL IN TWILIGHT WOODS: I just can't get enough of shower gels, shower scrubs and bubble baths! This one in particular smells amazing! I want the full size!


The ALWAYS & TAMPAX RADIANT COLLECTION included this little pouch which i find is perfect for keeping your lady stuff!   * I gave this to one of my friends :)


VEET READY TO USE WAX STRIPS: I waxed my legs with these easy to use wax strips and at first I experienced a little discomfort and redness, but it eventually faded away. My legs feel silky smooth. Recommended product!!!


Are you suscribed to Influenster? Did you received your Latina Voxbox?


*** DISCLAIMER: I received this products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.