Sunday, May 31, 2015

Nature Box #2 | Unboxing and taste Test - VIDEO




Check out my NEW video.  I am currently subscribed to Nature Box.  They deliver delicious nutritious snacks to your front door.  Let me know what you thought of the box or if you are currently getting this as well.

I am really happy with the selection they have.  I was worried with having allergies it may become difficult, but so far it has been awesome.  I think the value is on point as well.   Being an american company I was concerned that it would be too costly, they have surpassed my expectations so I think I will keep this for a while so see what else they have to offer.

I also like that you can skip months if you are just not interested in what they have to offer.  They are also accommodating if you wish to cancel.

Next month I should have a link that will allow you to get a free deluxe sample box.  It comes with the 5 full size snacks.  All you do is pay for the shipping which is $4.95.

I would love to hear your thought so leave me a comment.

And as always Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Shara Shara- Sake set Holiday Edition

I received my final memebox purchase a couple of weeks ago and I have finally been able to put my thoughts together.  I hope you enjoy.
The first item that I pulled out of the box from this set is "Shara Shara - Ceramide sake cream"
Cream
The boxes were very well protected by bubble wrap.  The box of this product is very beautiful.  Splashes of blue and green decorate the outside with the word "Sake" written across it. The jar the product comes in is a gorgeous blue jar and is made of glass, you get 60 ml of product.  I was surprised by the quality of the packaging considering the previous quality of packaging that has come from memebox in the past.  I would have thought the weight of the jar and product would be costly and may incur customs fees - but thankfully that was not the case.  I know many other customers from around the world have not been so lucky.
Upon opening the jar there is a faint scent of alcohol, but it is not overwhelming.  I was expecting it to smell sweet or fresh, but I am not upset with the actual smell of this cream.
The texture of the cream is silky smooth.  It is not over thick or thin.  There is no greasy feel.  I did a patch test on the top of my hand.  It has a cooling sensation that I really enjoyed, it was really soothing.  I think for someone like myself who has dry skin it will help with the redness and the itch.
The cream went on very easily and absorbed quickly with no sticky or greasy feel, it left the patch I tested very smooth. There is a faint smell of sake, but it is not unpleasant. I don't believe that it would bother someone sensitive to scent.
* As a side note - if you would like to know my thoughts on the changes made by memebox and the decision to no longer ship internationally I will link my youtube video for your viewing pleasure
The second item that I discovered in this set is the "Shara Shara - ceramide sake lotion"
Lotion
You receive a large bottle of product 130ML.  Thankfully the ingredient list is in english.
The box is again beautifully decorated with blue and green. The bottle is also made of glass and is very well crafted.  They have impressed me with these items.
The scent of this lotion is very clean.  I can not detect a scent of sake.  I do like more fresh or clean scents when it comes to products that will be used on my skin on a daily basis.
The products felt silk and almost like water, but it is not watery - it has a good texture and applies to the skin well.  It also has a cooling sensation that I have mentioned I enjoyed before.  The lotion absorbed into my skin extremely fast and there is no residue or greasy feeling afterward.  The skin I tested the lotion on is soft and supple.  It feels like it infuses your skin with moisture.
The third item from the set is the "Shara Shara - ceramide sake toner"
Toner
The box and glass bottle are again decorated in a very Japanese theme in the colors of purple and yellow.  You get 130ML with this product.
The bottle of toner has a small opening.  I would have preferred a pump action bottle.  I believe this would save me from using too much or wasting the toner.  I will have to be extra careful.
The smell of Sake is the most evident with the toner.  The ingredient list seems to be similar to the other products, so I am not sure why one would smell stronger than the others, unless with the toner the Sake is in it's most pure form.
I did not patch test this toner as I did not want to open it.
The fourth and last items in the set are 3 - 1 time use sheet masks for the face
Set masks
The first mask is the "real sauce honey mask"
Honey Mask
The claims on the mask say the honey extracts are meant to nourish and give ultra-moisturization to the skin and leave it glossy.  I believe that honey has amazing qualities to heal on the inside and out. If the Egyptian people believed that honey was one of the most prized items then I will certainly be willing to try it.
The second mask in the set is "real sauce strawberry mask"
Strawberry mask
The strawberry extracts claim to protect and clear your skin.  I would think because strawberries are recommended for a healthy lifestyle they would lend their nutrition to helping obtain a healthy complexion.
The third mask is the "real sauce golden kiwi fruit mask"
Set
The kiwi extracts claim to moisturize and help with intensive nutrition care.  I do know that kiwi are loaded with iron which I believe would help with the blood blow and the production of healthy and new skin cells.
My overall thoughts and opinions on this set are that after doing some research on the internet all of the information I have gathered lend a very positive view on these products and I would have to agree with that.  The patch tests that I did are still soft and supple.  There was no adverse reaction to the ingredients in the products.  Ceramide is meant to help nourish your dry and tired skin.  it is meant to be gentle while giving results.
After the spot tests I have done - I believe that these products - Cream, Lotion and toner will be a welcome addition to my skin care routine.  I have come to notice that most Korean beauty products are made with more natural and gentler ingredients.  They lend themselves to those of us with dry and/or sensitive skin.
My concerns for this set is that the sake which is alcohol may dry out my skin or continue to dry out the patches that are dry now - but I am hoping the other ingredients will help counter balance that problem.  I am also worried that I may not be able to use all of the product before the expiration date of October 2015.
Please let me know your thoughts if you have used on of the products mentioned or if you are familiar with the ingredients.
Thank you so much for reading!

Monday, April 13, 2015

First Impressions | Memebox Special #68 Hair Salon

This box Special #68 Hair Salon is the very last purchase from Memebox since they have made significant changes to their International shipping.

*Disclaimer Memebox NO longer ships internationally.*
 If you would like to know about it and my opinion on the changes you can check out my Youtube video Here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UXLVhi0qZw



I purchased this box after learning from several other buyers that they were really impressed with the products featured in the box.  I originally thought that the box would be filled with hair styling products so I held off.  I was happy to learn that it was a different story and quickly purchased the products.

The box was part of  a "Golden Ticket" promotion that they had going on at the time.  All of the boxes in that category had a "Golden Ticket" worth so much off on your next purchase.  It ranged from $3.00 off to being able to freely purchase 50 memeboxes.  Unfortunately for me, as I am in Canada - I was not able to use the code before international shipping stopped.

But none the less I will give my honest thoughts and feelings on the products that were featured in the Special #68 Hair Salon. The box contains 6 items - 5 are Full Sized.  I paid $26.99 - I used points and a discount code - the original price was $35.99

This is what the box looked like when it first arrived. 


The card reads as follows : We've all been there, done that.  No matter how much time we spend in the morning perfecting our tresses, inevitable situations (hate you humidity and frizz) your hair has a mind of it's own and show a frustratingly sad ending to your hair-y story.  But, arm yourself with this box, and you'll kiss stubborn frizzies goodbye and say hello to a world of healthy locks, stunning shine and mega pro-quality hair care! Load up on this box, and you'll have everyone asking where you get your hair care done! 



The First item on the card is : la'dor Perfect Hair Filler - Full sized 13ml - Retails for $5.00

This item is a highly concentrated hair ampoule which was awarded 1st place in the Hair Ampoule beauty category (it does not specify which competition it was given)  The formula is enriched with protein, silk, amino acid, keratin and ceramide.  These are suppose to be hair renewing nutrients.  It claims to replenish abundant moisture and healthy shine to dry, damaged hair with salon quality results. You are to mix the product with equal parts water and mix until it becomes a cream like substance.  I truly need this for my hair.  It's very much on the dry side even though I try and stay away from heat and damaging products.  I am hoping for incredible results. 



The second item on the card is : Natural Waterless Shampoo Outdoor - Full sized 50ml - Retails for $10.00
This item is a non-rinse type of shampoo.  It is targeted to the on-the-go person.  The formula of menthol and 15 naturally derived ingredients refresh and deliver rich vitamin nutrients to hair and scalp.  The foamy type formula easily and quickly absorbs into the hair leaving a refreshing menthol after-feeling.  This would be the Korean version of dry shampoo.  I know that finding the right dry shampoo can be very tough.  I will for sure be giving this a chance to impress me when I need a little boost to my hair.  I originally thought this was a latherless shampoo that would be used in the shower, but this will be a lot more convenient. 



The third item on the card is : Na. 8 Outbath Treatment - Full sized 150g - Retails for $18.00
This item is a leave-in hair treatment.  it is meant to replenish nutrients back to damaged hair.  It adds a protective layer to dry and damaged hair.  It claims to make your hair strong and lustrous.  It deep conditions with a citrus based formula.  I am looking forward to trying this - my hair is dry most of the time and I don't always have the time for a deep conditioning treatment, but with a leave-in style product it will allow me to take care of my hair even with a busy schedule.



The fourth item on the card is : Haken Natural Baobab Oil - Full sized 160ml - Retails for: $18.00
This item is an intensive hair care oil for dry and/or damaged hair.  It's formula contains baobab oil and avocado oil which works to not only protect hair from outside stress - UV and heat, but it also deeply nourishes hair.  This super gentle formula include vitamin E, Vitamin A, omega 6, omega 9 and chlorophyll.  These ingredients are all proven to restore aging skin and damaged or dry hair.  I like that this is a light oil.  My hair tends to get oily at the root so I will be using this on the ends of my hair to give it some added nutrients. I am also glad to see that I recognize the ingredients and that they are very healthy for you.  




The fifth item on the card is : Solucion 9 Aztec therapy Shampoo Natural Herb 50% - Full size 50ml - Retails for $8.00
This item is a specialized cosmetic brand that only uses natural ingredients.  The shampoo gets inspiration from the Ancient Aztecs.  They were known to incorporate herbal and medicinal plant extracts in their anti-hair loss for women.  There is a blend of 9 natural herbs that include espinosilla, jojoba oil, nettle, oritigulla, aloe vera, rosemary, chamomile and citrus.  This blend works to soften and strengthen damaged hair and deliver a therapeutic effect.  I am going to have to do a little digging to find out what most of the ingredients are in this shampoo, as I am most certain they are commonly used in Korean or Asian culture - but not so common to North Americans. 




The sixth item on the card is : Ryo Anti-Hair Loss Treatment -Travel Size 50ml (Full size 200ml - Retails for $12.00
This item is meant to treat hair loss in females.  It is infused with biota seed, coix seed, green tea and gold extracts.  It will not only prevent hair loss, but it will also re-energize and strengthen thin, damaged and dry hair.  It has a cooling effect which soothes and replenishes your scalp at the same time.  I am really intrigued by this - I have a lot of fall out from my hair so if I can take steps to prevent it from getting worse I am happy to do so.  Being able to get a head of a problem is always a smart step. 



My over all opinion on this box is that I am pleasantly surprised- I was worried when it was first released it would be filled with styling products, but thankfully I had a few friends buy the box before me and let me know what was inside.  This is probably the only box I purchased from memebox where I knew what I was getting before hand.  The value of all the products combined is $71.00 - it is double what I paid for it originally.  I am hoping that the claims the items make are true because I struggle with frizz and dry hair constantly.  The only down side to this, is that getting more of these items may prove difficult as memebox no longer ships internationally and sometimes the specific products are hard to find.


If you bought this box or have used a product featured please let me know what you thought.
If there is anything else you would like to see me review please let me know.

And as always, Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

First Impression | Memebox Super box #79 Oh My Lips!

I will say now as a disclaimer that Memebox No longer ships internationally. If you want to know more check out my YouTube channel for a video that I did.

Be sure to check me out on all of my social media.  Follow me and I will follow back!


This is one of the last boxes that I received from Memebox.  I was super excited for it when it came out, but with life it gets in the way and it was put aside until now.  So without further rambling here is my first impression and thoughts on Oh My Lips!

From the title you can tell this box is dedicated to the lips.  A very delicate and often neglected part of the face.  Here is the description that was on the information card in the box:

Oh My Lips! The colder season is comin' round the corner. but are your lips ready? If taking care of your lips isn't part of your beauty to-do list this winter, re-think your beauty priorities.  Most people don't know, but collagen loss and wrinkles around the lips add ages to your face, and with winter winds and drier climate, lips are more prone to aging and thinning.  Don't fret because we're here to help you fight against lip-aging with this Oh My Lips box.  All goodies are made with a bold blend of potent age-delaying, moisture-enhancing, volumizing and smoothing ingredients to give you the look of beautiful, plump and youthful lips.

This box came with 5 full sized products all about your lips.  The box comes with an info card which came in handy as most of the instructions or ingredient lists are in Korean.

This is what the box first looked like when I opened it


The first product on the card is the : Vivito Painting Sweet Lip Balm 02 Berry Farm
12g and Retails for $24
The product contains a refreshing blend of blackberry, orange peel, grape, cacao seed butter and other natural ingredients.  It has a jelly texture which is meant to soothe dry lips.  It comes in a super cute tin case for super easy on the go lip care. I am a big fan of natural lip products.  I think this will really help dry and chapped lips in any season.  I also like that it's slightly tinted so it will give your lips a flush of color on top of moisturizing.

The second product on the card is the : Lassie'el Kiss Me! Glam Up! Lipstick
6 each and Retails for $6 - The colors include: Lucid Orange, Lovely Pink, Oriental Red, Natural Coral, Vintage Pink and Creamy Nude.
The product is meant for multiple uses, they are not simply lip tattoos, but real pigmented lipsticks. They are on an easy to carry lip card.  There are 6 colors to match your mood, time of day or a special occasion. I do love the colors that they sent, I think they will go well with different looks and skin tones, but I am concerned that once the package is opened it will dry out or get dirty if it's kept in your purse with other makeup.  I don't believe there is a way to reseal the lip cards.

The third product on the card is the : SR Lip Scrub
30ml and Retails for $12
The product is meant to exfoliate dead skin cells and deeply soothe and hydrate dry and chapped lips.  The formula consists of argon oil, tocopherol, vitamin E, snail filtrate and pearl extracts.  It claims to soften and smooth out roughen lips with  gentle micro-beads.  I am curious to find out if it will live up to what it says - I have tried other lip scrubs and I do enjoy them.

The fourth product on the card is the: Vivito Dessin Solution Lip and Eye Remover
100ml and Retails for $32
This product is meant to remove stubborn makeup from the lips and eyes, so it serves a dual purpose. It melts away makeup and skin impurities and claims to be gentle enough to use around sensitive eyes.  You must shake the upper and lower layer together before applying.  They use a gentle blend of lemon grass oil and rosehip oil to soothe and moisturize as well. The liquid in the bottle looked very light, but you could see the oil when you shook it to mix both layers.  I think this will be a good remover for long wearing lipsticks as well as lip stains.  I am happy that it is also gentle enough to remove eye makeup and wonder if it will be effective on waterproof mascara or long wearing eyeliner.

The fifth and last product on the card is the: Rosemine Vitamin E Lip Balm Mint Tea
12g and Retails for $7
This product is meant to protect your lips against damage and dehydration.  It has a refreshingly minty, herbal fragrance.  The Vitamin E Lip Balm is formulated with a blend of vitamin E, ceramide, peppermint extracts and 5 different essentials oils.  I am a big fan of lip balms. I find them to be very hydrating and soothing when you are looking for something that is light and easy when you are in a hurry.  It doesn't have any pigmentation, but you get that glossy look without the heaviness.


My overall opinion on this box is that they stuck to the theme of the box really well.  They didn't overload it with things that most people wouldn't be interested in.  The colored products that they did include can be used with ease and will more than likely suit everyone no matter your look or skin tone.  I believe that these products can provide the moisture our lips so desperately need in the winter months, but can be used any time of the year as we usually don't worry about our lips.  We have to remember that when speaking that is what we focus on and why not have beautiful lip for someone to look at.  I am impressed that most of the ingredients that they use are natural and they can be pronounced without difficulty.

The value of the box surpasses what I originally paid for it which I believe to be no more than $20 - You get $81 worth of items in the box.  So if you received this box or encountered one of the products mentioned, please let me know what you thought of it by leaving a comment.  Also if there is anything else you would like to see me review on this blog let me know.

And as always, Thank you for reading!

Friday, March 27, 2015

Skin Care Routine 101

This skincare routine is inspired by the Asian culture.  They always seem to have beautiful and youthful skin, so they must be doing something right.


Here is one of the 10 step skincare routines I discovered.

Step 1: Oil Cleanser
- An oil cleanser is specifically designed oils for the face to remove excess makeup and sunscreen.  The first step in a process called "Double Cleansing"

How to Use: You massage a few pumps of the product on to your face to dissolve any excess makeup or sunscreen.  You add water to emulsify the Oil Cleanser.  You then wash off the product from your face.


Step 2: Foam Cleanser
- As the name suggests these types of cleansers produce a gentle foam to clean the face.  This is the second part of a process called "Double Cleansing"  This is to be used along side the Oil Cleanser to complete the process. 

How to Use: You add water to the product.  Apply to face to build a foam lather.  Massage for a minute and rinse off with warm water.



Step 3: Toner/ Booster
- Toners or boosters are generally used to prepare the skin for the later steps of the skincare routine, while providing moisture to the skin.  They are usually very light fluids.

How to Use: Using your hands or a cotton pad you apply the toner or booster to clean skin.  You do not rinse this off.



Step 4: Essence. Serum or Ampoule
- All three of these products when applied to the skin cater to many different skin issues.  You will have to do some research and find out which one best suits your skin issues.

How to Use: Apply directly to the skin.  Allow product to absorb.  Use an even layer.



Step 5: Emulsion or Lotion
- Emulsions and lotions are lighter type moisturizers.  Many are used to calm and soothe skin while hydrating.

How to Use: Apply an even layer to skin.  Pat in for best results.  Let product absorb.



Step 6: Eye Cream
- Eye creams are just that.  Specifically balanced for the delicate skin around the eye, as it is the thinnest skin.  Some eye creams are for lifting, firming or brightening.  Again you will have to find one that suits your needs.

How to Use: Apply with your RING FINGER.  This is your weakest finger and it won't cause damage or pulling of the skin.  Apply evenly with a patting motion. 




Step 7: Sheet Mask
- Sheet masks come in many different types - Cotton, collagen and gel masks.  They are sealed in essence that will cater to many specific skin issues.

How to Use: Apply the sheet mask directly to the face.  Wait the recommended amount of time.  Rinse off or pat in the remaining essence, as per the instructions on the package.




Step 8: Spot Treatment
- Typically salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are used to treat spots on the face - Acne or pimples.

How to Use: Apply product to the effected areas on the face.  Apply sunscreen if used during the day.




Step 9: Cream
- Creams are the heavier moisturizers that provide heavy hydration to the skin.

How to Use: Apply to face as needed.  Can be used day and night. 




Step 10: Sleeping pack
- Sleeping packs or masks are heavier and stickier.  They tend to double the hydration of your skin at night.  When sleeping your skin can repair it's self better and quicker.

How to Use: Apply before going to sleep.  Rinse off in the morning.



I know that this seems to be an over abundance of steps, but I know that each one has been added to the routine for good reason.
You may however want to modify the steps to go along with your specific skin care needs.  The weather and our overall environment also play a large part in taking care of our skin and how it reacts.  Trying to find a balance is the key in any skin care routine.

But the most important thing we have to remember is the skin we have now, is the skin we will have in the future.  I think overall having a skincare routine no matter how simple or complicated is something we should all do for ourselves. 

Bringing these steps together will make the outside just as beautiful as the inside.

I would love to hear about your skin care routines and how they have changed your skin - for better or for worse - How did you deal with it?
If you have any holy grail products that you think everyone needs to know about, leave a comment.

And as always - Thank you for reading!




Monday, March 23, 2015

Maybelline color sensational rebel bloom - swatches and first impressions.

I walked past my local shoppers drug mart last week and noticed a new display of Maybelline products. This Sunday after having the day to myself I was able to go in and investigate. I had heard murmurs of these lipsticks and this was my first chance to take a good look. 
There are eight shades in the collection. The website does not say they are limited edition if you have not had the opportunity to pick up your favourites
Pastels and the color of spring flowers are the inspiration behind these new vibrant colors. They also added honey to the formula to keep lips soft and supple.
Barely Bloomed - #700


The first color from this collection that I purchased is a beautiful nude with a pink and peach under stone. The color is very subtle and would go well with a bolder eye. It is a matte lipstick, but from the swatch it is not drying. There is good color coverage if multiple coats are applied. The smell is very pleasant. There does not seem to be a lot of color transfer and the shade is true to the color cube on the bottom of the tube.
Blushing Bud -#705


The second color from the collection that I purchased has a slightly darker pink hue. I also see a mauve undertone peeking out. I believe this would look good with a berry themed makeup look for a flush of color, but not too distracting from your other makeup. The floral smell is lovely - does not remind me of lipstick at all. True to the matte finish, but I believe would look amazing with a gloss topper. This shade reminds me of spring and the vibrancy the season brings.
Peach Poppy - #745


The third shade from the collection that I purchased is a pretty pop of peach, just as the name describes. When I opened the tube I was expecting something extremely bright, but it looks more natural than I first thought. Beautifully matte, but again would look really good with a gloss topper. I think this would look fantastic with a simple summer time makeup look. It reminds me of summer and having a more natural eye look. I think this could become a staple in the warmer months. 

The formula for all three of these lipsticks is creamy and buttery. They go on very smoothly and with minimal effort. All of the colors are true to the matte formula, but remain moisturizing on the skin. 
I think the colors that I have chosen are excellent for spring and summer and will more than likely become staples in my everyday. They can be warn with bolder or more natural makeup looks. They can also be glossed up or left on their own.
The packaging is super sleek and beautiful. That is what originally attracted my eye to the lipstick display. 
My overall thoughts are that these lip colors are gorgeous and now that I have seen them up close and personal, could easily see myself buying more shades. I think that the colors I have showcased here are perfect for someone who is going for a more natural or subtle flush of color on the lip. They Rs also ideal for the makeup beginners they are an affordable drugstore brand.
Please let me know what you thought of these or any of the other shades in the collection.
As always thank you so much for reading!