Boxycharm ⭐️ November 2017

BOXYCHARM ⭐️

NOVEMBER 2017

#sweaterweather

Boxycharm monthly subscription box:

1. Usd$21/Month (shipping included)
2. Includes full sized items in each box.
3. Features well known brands + indie brands.

November box:

This month there are five items received in my box which are three full sized products, one travel sized set and one 3-pack mask kit. 

1. Starting with the most anticipated product first is the Cover FX illuminating setting spray. (Full sized 120ml, Rtp USD$31.)

This is an interesting setting spray as it is meant to illuminate and glow the entire face up while also setting your makeup to last the entire day. There is a metal ball inside that rattles when shaking means you do need to shake before every wear to mix the components together. The spray particles however is super fine and smooth and like a mist it slowly falls on the skin. It does leave some shiny residue on the clothes tho so it will leave you with a shimmering top by the time you're done with the last step. 

Throughout the day i do notice my blush and bronzer intact until the end of my work shift, and i do notice a bit of glow on my face then before due to the light reflecting the particles of shimmer. This product is also given the stamp of approval by Tati glamlife guru on youtube in one of her setting spray comparison vid. 👍🏾

2. Luxie Quad eye travel set. (Consists of 4 travel sized brushes) 

Each brush is labelled by the number with a T at the back assuming that it represents the tiny version of the actual brushes. 

For easier reference this is the brush labelled by name and numbers (as does the 2nd brush pic): 

Luxie 213T-Eye shading brush

Luxie 227T-Blending brush

Luxie 207T-Angled shading brush

Luxie 221T-Flat definer brush

Luxie brushes are great, i have received a few of their brushes before and I absolutely love their blush brush. Made out of synthetic hair hence no animals are harmed nor are they crazy expensive (looking at you kylie brushes). This is literally named the travel set hence its the perfect size to stash in a travelling makeup bag.

3. Laqa & co, Cloud lips airy matte lipstick in the shade Storm. (Full sized, Rtp USD$17.)

Claims to deliver full coverage colour for a pillow soft pout due to the avocado oil in the ingredients, putting it to test for 8hours of work wear plus eating my lunch, here's my thoughts:

-pigmentation lasted around 5hours.

-fades after eating.

-afterwards became slightly drying to the lips leaving a ring of colour around the lips. 

-touch up is definitely necessary. 

4. KNC beauty lip masks. (Rtp USD$24.99/5pcs)

This jelly like lip mask is a fun way of moisturising and plumping up your lips before you start your makeup routine and applying your lipsticks. It is an all natural collagen infused lip mask, also contains the well known hyaluronic acid & rose flower oil. 

First thoughts: 

-Slightly sticky and hard to stay in place on the lips. 

-The slit was rather small and the bottom lip keeps sliding away.

I had to lie down, press the top and bottom parts out of air bubbles in order to get it to adhere. Once attached, it doesnt move, within 5-10minutes there is a tingling cool feeling on the lips. Not as bad as a lip plumper's sting but you can still feel some action going on. I removed it after 20minutes and sensed that my lips were slightly redder than before because the tingling got the blood flowing in, in terms of size, there wasnt much difference. However, the moisturising rose flower oil really helped to make my lips a smooth base for a matte liquid lippy application. I saved the remains of the packet to use the oil for overnight use too. 

5. Winky Lux Kitten Palette. (Full sized, Rtp USD$25)

Here are the swatches of all the shades in the different finishes:

Matte shades

-Duchess

-Strut

-Cheshire

-Boots

Satin shades

-Purr

-Romeo

Glitter shades

-Cateye

-9 Lives

Duo-chrome shade

-Holographic

The matte shades are a bit more powdery than the rest however, they have good colour pay off as seen in the swatch it pops out even above the tattoo. They are also easily blendable when applied with brushes. 

The satin shades are the easiest to swatch as they are soft and buttery. The glitter swatches smoothly too and they are not too chunky, the pigmentation pops out the most too.

The back packaging states the other finish as holographic and so is the shade name, however, i find that it is more of a duo chrome that shifts from silver to pink shimmer. (Simply nailogical's Cristine will not agree its holo!)

But all in all, i think this month's box is super cute. I love the travel brushes from luxie. And the new palette to play with. The most awesome item would definitely be the cover fx setting spray! ✨✨

Facetory 🍓Korean sheet mask monthly subscription 🍓November Kit

FACETORY

🍓OCTOBER🍓

#BCA FOUR-EVER FRESH KIT

I subscribed to Facetory in November, however since there were still some of the October breast cancer awareness pink kit i opted to receive that instead hence this is actually still part of the October Four-ever fresh kit. You get 4 sheet masks of cotton or cellulose quality which costs $8.90 per month (including $2.95 shipping). With a total retail value of up to $12.50. In terms of savings wise, the 4 pieces would probably cost cheaper if i choose to purchase from local stores like innisfree or etude house, however i wanted to see what was available from the US market hence the subscription. 

There is also another option available which is the Seven Lux Box, you get 7 sheet masks of higher quality  such as hydrogels and multi step masks. Costs $19.90 per month (including $3.95 shipping) with a total retail value of up to $32.

All 4 sheet masks received have a pink theme in support of breast cancer awareness. Majority will be in korean writing hence i cant really read them all except the basic of what it is and the steps. 

1. Jeju marine plants whitening & anti wrinkle face mask.

2. Dmask Rose water revital mask.

3. Beyond Intensive ampoule collagen mask.

4. Sweet dream deep sleeping mask. 

I personally use sheet masks about once a week when i have time on an off day from work. Hence this will suffice for a month use. Next month will be the December four ever fresh kit coming in. 

Ipsy Glam Bag 💫 August 2017 💫

IPSY GLAM BAG

AUGUST 2017

"Good Vibes Only"

August's bag has 3 different variations and I've received the ombre orange-red with Peace, love, lipstick declared. (Quite right about the lipsticks)

5 products:

-Seraphine botanicals liquid coal eyeliner. 

-Aurora x Ipsy green colour corrector concealer.

-Cliv hyaluronic mask x 2 sachets.

-The balm voyage shadow/luminizer in shade "kuwakaribisha"

-Hikari shimmer bronzer flush

1. Seraphine botanicals liquid coal eyeliner.

Liquid pen eyeliner with a felt tip brush is forever the best form of eyeliner you can ever get, it is the most precise type of brush if ever you need a winged liner or a sleek cat eye. So i really love receiving this type of eyeliners compared to getting a gel/kohl/crayon type of liner that i will never ever use. This is well pigmented and non watery, does not tug and has a smooth felt tip applicator. 

2. Aurora x Ipsy green colour corrector concealer.

Yes i do use colour correctors because i have alot of red/pimple marks on my skin. I'm currently using L.A girl cc concealer pen and its the best so far. Was hoping that this product would work well howeverrr, it applied nicely at first, with enough pigmentation covering the spot, but once you try to blend it out, it starts to crumble and disappears. Almost like it instantly dries when applied, it has a doe foot applicator so it does tend to pick up a lot of product so i definitely have to blend it out but its just impossible. I have never heard of this brand before but it looks alot like something nyx would make. This product is a nope for me.

3. Cliv hyaluronic mask.

Received 2 packs of this to try. I like the mask, it was filled full of the serum hence i had leftovers to use my daiso blank sheet mask to soak in the extra solution. Watery serum, easily absorbed and the mask size and shape fits as per normal without issue. I usually use masks at night as thats the only time i have to rest my mind and body. After use, face does feel more cool and replenished. 

4. The balm voyage shadow/luminizer in shade "kuwakaribisha"

In my ipsy profile it states that i will be receiving a dark brown shade, however upon receiving the bag i realised ive received something else which is this light champagne gold shade. I personally love this more as it works as an eyeshadow and also subtle enough as a highlighter. This is not a very unique shade tho, most palettes do have this highlight colour. Very pigmented and easily blendable, see swatch below. I like this product.

5. Hikari shimmer bronzer flush.

Right off the bat there are a few things that i do not like from this combo.

-Firstly, the 2 blush shades imo are much too pink to wear alone.

-Secondly, the bronzer shades are almost the same but with shimmers. Id prefer matte bronzers.

-Third, the pan is small, means i have to swirl everything in and that is gonna create an overwhelming blend of colours. 

Hence, i decided to give this away without hesitation.

Overall this bag was a meh, as i only liked 3 of the products and the other 2 was a nope for me. Looking forward to the next month's bag! 

ALLURE BEAUTY BOX 🌊JULY 2017 🌊

JULY 2017

Allure beauty box

The first box i received, came with a complimentary freematic eye shadow palette. Allure beauty box is pretty straightforward, there isnt much personal customisation but they always bring in the best in beauty for their boxes. 

8 items in total: 

-Burt's bees facial oil

-Beauty for real lip scrub

-Cargo blush in Bali

-Wander beauty bullet lipstick

-Redken sea salt spray

-Briogeo Rosarco blow dry perfection & protection creme.

-Feel bamboo charcoal facial sheet mask.

-Freematic eye shadow doucce

1. Cargo blush in Bali.

Most of cargo cosmetics blushers/eyeshadow/bronzers comes in the signature metallic tin. Bali is a Rosey pink with a satin texture, it is mot matte nor is it too shimmery which is why it is currently my favourite blusher to go for. It gives a very natural glow and highly pigmented. I really do love cargo cosmetics, i discovered the brand purely from subscription boxes and is one of the brands that i look forward to receiving. 

(Swatches in pics below)

2. Wander beauty lipstick in Barely there.

I notice this brand coming out often in beauty boxes such as sephora playbox. Ive yet to see it instores, so my first view is from allure. This is a rosy mauve shade thats a natural mlbb look. Highly pigmented and leaves a satin sheen, not matte nor too creamy. (Swatches in pics below)

Down here are the swatches for the blush and the lipstick:

3. Beauty for real lip scrub. 

This is a really fun scrub to use on the lips, the sugar granules are not coarse yet it doesnt easily melt into softness either. It has a strong scent of cinnamon tho it also has orange and vanilla in the ingredients list. After using, lips do feel softer and smoother, but i still had some dead skin hanging so you might still want to use a toothbrush to brush off. 

4. Burt's bees complete nourishment facial oil.

This is a product targeted for dry skin, it has vitamin E for nourishment and also Jojoba oil and evening primrose oil which helps in hydrating. I am personally scared to use oils due to the fact that i have oily-combi skin hence it might really break the heck out of my face. So i do not plan to keep this for myself, however reviews from allure editors says its a really good product for people with dry skin or if you've just cane back from cold dry winter countries. 

5. Redken sea salt spray.

Now this is one of those products that i wished i got earlier on at the start of the year where i still had my mid shoulder length hair. Now that i have pixie hair, i honestly cannot try to make a beach wave with my non existence locks. So instead i tried it on my girl who has curly hair and truly, sea salt does help enhance the curl and also helps in taming the waves. This is a good product!

6. Briogeo Rosarco blow dry perfection & protection creme.

Based on the web, the key benefits of the product is to protect against heat damage up to 425°F, smooths hair and tames frizz & enhances shine and softness. It is also meant for all hair types and is perfect for blow dry users and if you live in extra hot humid weather.

7. Feel bamboo charcoal facial sheet mask. 

This is an all black charcoal mask which claims to have pore minimizing properties and acts as a powerful detoxifier. I like the colour difference of the mask as it makes it seems more real like it really is full of active charcoal goodness. After using the mask, i dare say that it does tightens and face feels detoxed after use. It doesn't have a sticky residue after wear which i like. 

8. Freematic eye shadow doucce

This is a bonus free item uthat i received for signing up as a new subscriber. It is a magnetic palette that has changeable eyeshadow units inside. The case comes with 4 shades below:

A shimmer rose, matte black, pearlescent white & shimmer grey. Swatches here:

Based on the first swatches, the shimmer grey is much more pigmented compared to the matte black at the last swatch which is really patchy and does not glide on well and not as pigmented. The shimmer rose and pearlescent white works well, are soft and also easily blendable. I have never heard of this brand before, maybe it is only allure exclusive. But i doubt that subscribers would be missing much with this palette. 

Overall thoughts on my first Allure beauty box:

Priced at $15/month i think its still a cheap subscription box and an alternative for a most recent box that i quit on (lip monthly $12.95/month).

I get more products inside, roughly 5-6 products minus the free gift. Great information booklet on each product and uses! 

Allure has an outstanding beauty news department and articles on various beauty product hence its a learning experience trying out the products they rave about. 

I like the box packaging that it comes in, simple yet easily contained the products without flaps and fuss. 

I can easily see myself still subscribed for at least a year as the products are worthy. Hence i highly recommend normal everyday makeup/skincare enthusiast to give Allure beauty box a go. 👍🏾

IPSY GLAM BAG 🍳JULY 2017 🍳

IPSY GLAM BAG

JULY 2017

"Over easy"

This month Ipsy glam bag is themed around the character 'Gudetama' which is actually an egg yolk lazing around most of the time. I like that there are some differences to all the bags and not all of them are circled around the same hipster designs. 

This month theres are 5 items in the bag. I have accidentally misplaced an item before the reviewing process and did not manage to find the item. However here are the other 4 products received:

1. Tarte cosmetics; park ave princess bronzer.

Made of amazonian clay, most of Tarte's products are well known due to this little nugget info of the ingredients. It is supposed to last long and strong throughout the day. You can find this particular bronzer shade in most of Tarte's contour and highlight product. Hence it is not really a new shade introduced, however i do love receiving brands like Tarte and also the bronzer is something new I've not tried before. 

The pic quality is potraying the colour to be super dark but in reality it is much more lighter than this and is more like a milky brown than a dark fudge. The packaging is light weight with a faux crocodile skin cover. It is easy to blend not chunky or chalky and smooth to the touch. Picks up colour well on brushes too. (Swatches all the way below)

2. Trèstique concealer in Porcelain.

I have received lip products from the brand Trèstique before however not for other face products. Its good to receive a concealer. Im normally not too fussy with the concealer shades as long as it is pretty similar in tone because its only going to cover small areas of my face with blemishes. I am no longer into the whole caking your face to contour trend and would much prefer a natural look instead. 

Coverage wise, it offers a fairly good coverage but over my tattoo swatch you can still see through the dark colours. Tends to fade abit fast throughout the day. 

3. Seraphine botanicals Ginger + Gold blush.

I love this brand! There is just something about that feminine packaging and plant related names that pulls me in. This is an illuminating peach gold blush.

Again, like the photo of the bronzer, this blush is not this dark in reality and it is a light shade of shimmering peach. This blush is not too powdery when swatched and has shimmers which looks nice on the cheeks even without highlights. Pick up well with a blusher brush and transfers to the face smoothly. Pigmentation wise tho is not as strong but the shimmers relfected makes up for the colour payoff. 

4. Ciaté Gel kohl liner. 

Who else thought that Ciaté only come up with nail polishes? Its good to know that i found out that this brand also carries makeup through my subscription boxes like this. I love the ciate matte liquid lipsticks too.

This unique product is double ended, has a black pencil liner on one end that is supposed to be gel-kohl, and the other end is a brush to smudge out the line. I like the brush, it feels sturdy yet soft bristles nit the hard edge type. The liner is also really smooth and draws without tugging. 

Below are all the product swatches:

5. The last product that unfortunately i misplaced, is the Hanalei rose lip treatment. 

I actually really like this product, it contains pure kukui oil which helps to moisturize and smooth your lips. You can use it before bed and after lip scrubs for the full treatment. It comes in the clear version too, this is tinted rose hence has pink tones in it. Good for those natural dry no makeup days.

Overall i think the July glam bag is cute, simple and i love that the products all have different purposes for the face. I wouldn't have liked it if i get repeats or two same product functions. 

PLAY! BY SEPHORA 🐚 JULY 2017 🐚

PLAY! BY SEPHORA

JULY 2017

"Glamp out"

This is box #072 for reference. July's box has a beauty staycation theme. I like the look of this box so far. Has a mix of beauty and skincare.

1. It cosmetics superhero elastic stretch volumising mascara.

The brush shape seems to be average and doesnt have a special curve or thin separative combs, however, on the first swipe it already gives me definition and thicker looking lashes. I have naturally thin short lashes hence i needed something to darken and lengthen. This helped in that area, im pretty sure its the formula. I usually apply mascara after curling and the curl still sticks. Compared to better than sex, it doesnt smudge as often as bts does. 

2. Fresh rose face mask.

The website claims this product hydrates and tones the complexion to restore radiance and suppleness to all skin types. Upon opening the sample jar, you will notice the strong rose scent immediately. If you are very sensitive to scents on products meant for face, this might not be good for you. Application was simple, dip and spread. Not so hygienic unless theres a spatula included. There are rose petals in the gel, and when spread on the face it sort of melts away. It leaves a tacky feeling after applying, which i leave on for 10minutes, after washing away, i couldnt feel a significant difference but it does make your skin feel a bit fresher. 

3. Tarte rainforest of the sea lipstick.

I received this in the shade 'set sail', the colour was a verly close mlbb shade, so when i wear it i almost couldnt realise the point where it begins to fade off, if it was a brighter colour im pretty sure it would be more obvious. I was quite happy to have received this in this month's box tho, always happy to receive tarte products. But i know for sure that im still not going back to bullet lipsticks eversince the liquid mattes arrival. 

4. Madam CJ walker beauty culture deep conditioning hair masque.

From the reviews i read, this has very good positive feedbacks especially for curly thick hair. The cream is thick and covera enough for the thickest of hair. My hair is pixie short average thickness. And i rarely have the time to do hair masque that requires me to walk around with a towel on my head after shower. At most i only have time to nourish my hair when its a 2in1 step like a conditioner+mask kinda thing. So i will clear out one of my days to try this out.

5. Clinique pep start 2-in-1 exfoliating cleanser.

I have not tried this cleanser yet as at the moment i am on a anti acne skincare regime that im not about to break yet. Hence this is going to have to wait for when im done with the routine. As it is i have a few more cleansers that are lined up to be tried too. 

6. Mon guerlain eau de parfum.

I like this perfume sample! It is not too strong yet it has a distinctive scent that can set you apart from the sea of smells in the morning train ride to work. With notes of lavender, jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla. Whats not to love? I have already used the mini sample bottle to its end. 

Overall review of July's box, i liked 3/6 of the items so thats actually half of the box. The other half is part of skincare/haircare routine that i rarely have time for. It will be the least to get finished up hence i will probably still have it for a long period of time. Looking forward for better use of products in the next box. 

PLAY! BY SEPHORA 💦 JUNE 2017 💦

PLAY! BY SEPHORA

JUNE 2017

#083

My box variation received for June is box #083. Lets dig in! (You can find your box variation from viewing your order detail in your sephora account, its the last 3 digit of the item number.)

The box i received for June did not look as exciting as the previous boxes I've got nor did i get most that I've seen from the spoilers. I was however excited to see kat von d and tarte in the box.

1. Kat von d everlasting liquid lipstick in K-dub.

This is a very out of the ordinary loud purple magenta lipstick. It reminds me very much of a slightly darker version of Colourpop's Lychee ultra matte lip. But i wish i got the other colour I've seen in the spoilers, i think it was lovesick. Because the red seems much more wearable than a purple. However, formula is consistent like the regular line, dries matte as usual. Sample size has the regular doe foot applicator too.

2. Tarte guard tinted moisturizer with spf 20.

This is a tinted moisturizer from tarte and its the first time that I've heard of tarte having a moisturizer line. This isnt too thick and has a light bb cream kind of texture. The tint helps blend the moisturizer to my skin tone better, and this helps to prep my skin before foundation as it has spf 20 to protect from uv rays. This is an excellent light moisturizer for going out to the beach on a very sunny day if you intend to still wear some makeup on. 

3. Dr dennis gross Alpha Beta Glow pad- self tanner for face.

Why sephora, why this. I have light-med skin with slight olive undertones and i am asian, i think I'd end up looking swarthy if i decide to tan myself, and it isn't really a trend here to self tan. This was a dud for me as i found absolutely no use for it.

4. Bumble & bumble - bb dont blow it fine (h)airstyler.

I have a short pixie hair cut, altho at this state i usually just wash and go. But sometimes i do add product to style it. This, doesn't really do anything much for the hold or styling wise. And on a sidenote, i read that this tested on animals. Im giving that a pass.

5. Briogio curl charisma.

My girl has thin curly hair, i use this on hair to tame the curl and give a bit more of definition, it looks good and gives better defined hair texture than her wispy curls.

6. Derek lam 10 crosby - blackout eau de parfum.

One of the perfume samples i could not tolerate was this. It is so strong and spicy that it reminds me of a guy's perfume. And it was so overpowering as well. Ill skip this one thanks.

So in conclusion, this months's box wasnt that helpful for me. It was full of hair products which i dont really seem to be interested in with short hair and also alot of misses with the lipstick shade and the useless tanner pads. The only takout that im using more of from this box is the tarte moisturizer and the curl charisma leave in.