September 2013 TopBox

This month I just went with a regular TopBox, that was in correlation with Chatelaine Magazine. I must confess that I always thought of Chatelaine as an old lady magazine (So did Niggz when he saw me reading it!)

When it came I was on vacation paddling the Bowron Lakes which for those of you who don't know is one of the top canoe circuits in the world, one of the only ones where you start where you end! If you have the choice to do them, do them but not to get anywhere, or to say you did them, just to see the beautiful interior rainforest, the beautiful Cariboo mountains and to spend time with yourself any your loved ones. 

One of my favorite pictures that I took, Looks like a postcard No?

So after all that I was super excited to come back in to civilization and have a shower and see what my TopBox brought me!!

So this month was chalk full of Goodies!

Each box came with the current issue of Chatelaine, a special double issue which was targeted towards beauty and included their Top Products for 2013, the reason the tube was so large was so that it able to fit the magazine. 

Zyderma HS Antimicrobial Clarifying Cream (30ml)- Full Size 30mL: $25.00

 This brand is completely new to me — one of the best things about subscription boxes is trying new brands! Apparently the big thing about this brand is that they use MicroSilver BG™ Technology – and MicroSilver is “a pure metallic silver powder with a very unique particle structure consisting of highly porous micro-sized silver particles” (Zyderma website).

So how do I use it you ask? Well this is the part I love!! You put it on, and no rinsing!!

Zyderma's Clarifying Cream... Is it a cream or is it a cleanser?"
The answer to your question is, yes, to both! It's a "leave on cream" that cleanses your skin.

Here's how it works:
Our Clarifying Cream does not need to be washed off. We say that it cleanses because as soon as you apply the product it goes right to work cleansing your skin. Our product offers a long-lasting effect, thanks to its sponge-like structure. MicroSilver BG™ is thus able to generate enough silver ions and over a long period of time (depot and time-release effect).

Depending on where you choose to use the cream, you can dab onto a small area (cheeks, nose, forehead) or gently massage onto a larger area (whole face & neck, chest, back, etc). We recommend applying to clean skin once in the morning and again before bed.

Redken Diamond Oil Shampoo and Conditioner 

(Shampoo 50ml Conditioner 30ml )Full Size Shampoo 300ml: $18.99/Conditioner 250ml: $19.99

Diamond Oil Shampoo hair care for dull, damaged hair. Rich foam cleanser strengthens hair to prevent breakage and hair fall while boosting smoothness & shine.

 I can't wait to try this!!

CoverFX | Mineral Setting Powder in Light (4.5g) - Full Size (10g) $32

"A loose setting powder to set foundation, control oil and minimize shine."

  A great sample size, at half the amount of the full sized item. The shade is right on and I really don't have much of a prefrance between pressed vs loose powder now that I have a loose powder brush!

 
Benefit The POREfessional (3 ml) Full Size (22ml) $34.00
Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals

To use under makeup: Apply to clean, lightly moisturized skin. Pat on problem areas & blend with fingertips.

To use over makeup: Pat on lightly over makeup & blend.

PRIME IN THE A.M.
Apply a thin layer of this PRO balm to clean, lightly moisturized skin. Pat lightly from the center of the face outward with fingertips. Wait seconds, then apply makeup as usual. Skin appears smooth & even…isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

APPLY WHENEVER PORES COME OUT OF HIDING
If pores reappear, pat delicately on T-zone over makeup & blend. The lightweight, oil-free formula means a beautifully refined complexion. Remember, just a dab’ll do ya!

I cant wait to use this tomorrow morning -I'll let you know what I think!

Bonus:

Katy Perry | Killer Queen Perfume (1.5ml) - Full Size (50ml) $59

"A new charmingly playful yet lethally gorgeous Floriental fragrance by Katy Perry."

Killer Queen is floral and fruity but packs a hidden musk, I like it but have to wait to see what Niggz has to say!

I also got a coupon worth an extra 8000 Shopper Optimum points should I want to purchase a full size!

So all in all I am quite happy with my box, I will use everything in it, I even subscribed to the Chatelaine to get the free Bonus (on top of my Oct TobBox) TopBox next month!

That's all for now

~Love and Louboutin
XOXO

Aug 2013 TopBox

This post will be quick as there is not much to talk about.
In Aug, we were given the following Prive Boxes to pick from
Clinique Topbox

Includes Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion plus 3 surprise beauty items.

Darphin Paris Topbox 
This one is a repeat of last month. It includes four Darphin Paris skin care samples. 

GlamGlow Topbox
Another repeat from July. This one only includes 2 items, one of which is a single use sachet.

Miracle 10 Topbox
Miracle 10 is making a reapperance in the Prive selection list. It includes  three skincare items and is available in for delicate/dry skin or oily/acne prone skin.

Velour Lashes Topbox (+ $8 to upgrade)
This is the only box requiring an upgrade fee. It includes ONE PAIR of eyelashes, valued at $65.

Wow did a lot of people complain when their Cliniqe box came.

I went with the Velour Lashes Topbox with Option 4 You Complete Me.

Made for girls who already have decently long lashes but want that extra thickness. The pattern of these natural lashes gradually gets thicker as you reach the outer corner of the eye, with more fur concentrated at the ends. The medium-length maintains a natural look for an all purpose use. Even girls with lashes can wear Velour!

I love them so much!!

~Love and Louboutin
XOXO

Nails

So I went and got my nails done by the Wonderful(!) Shanelle at Shanails in Williams Lake and this is what they look like.



I love them! I will post more pictures here in different light (outside in the sun etc.)

~Love and Louboutin
XOXO

LuvMyBox and Boink Box Update

 So Back in June I posted about Beauty Boxes that were going bust (Here) and that I was waiting until the box came to make a judgment. Well Judgment Made!!
For the Full story check out my Not safe for Work Blog (http://nsfwreviewsgohere.blogspot.ca/)
Sorry for the formating being all funny, I dont want to post about sex boxes in this blog and I really wanted to post about my experiance so others know whats going on.

My advice for anything really, Check FB for any company you are going to work with, for, buy anything from. If they don't have public comments, steer far far away!


Please pass the word on about this deceitful company.

~Love and Louboutin to all my Lovely's!!!
XOXO

Summer 2013 Lou Lou Luxe Box

So here is Luxe Box Review Part II - See Part I here.

Luxe Box is about $26, 4 times a year instead of every month.
So Here is the Box.

Looks nice, there were some spots on the Lou Lou Label that were scratched off which didn't look to nice but it comes off the box so its not that big of an issue. 

 Pretty inside of the box!

 The write up that comes with each Luxe Box.

The Olay Total Effects 7 CC (Colour+Correction) came wrapped up all nice and pretty. I tried this today and the colour is WAY to dark for me, I looked like an Oompa Loompa for half the day until I washed it off at lunch- Of course Niggz told me AFTER "I got to to work that my face looked weird".
Other than the colour I really liked it, it went on smooth and was really fresh feeling.

• This all-in-one triple stream formula combines a daily anti-aging moisturizer, SPF 15 sunscreen and sheer tint for younger-looking skin.
• Instant skin perfecting coverage + correction to fight 7 signs of aging + UV protection
• Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging: Fine lines and wrinkles: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Uneven Tone: Balances and helps even out tone. Age Spots: Reduces appearance of age spots. Gentle Exfoliation: Improves surface cell turnover. Dryness: Provides nourishing moisturization. Moisture Barrier: Strengthens skin's natural defense against moisture loss. Luminosity: Recaptures youthful luminosity

Full Size Shoppers has it for  ~$29.99 or so

Cake, Heavy Cream Intensive Hand Repair Balm, This smells really good, I like the feel.

This supremely hydrating formula renews and protects hands for immediate and long lasting results. Made with 20% shea butter, this warm french vanilla scent melts into skin. 

Full Size 100ml for $22

Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 cleanser for face and eyes

Our award-winning daily facial skin cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin. features & benefits

• deep cleans pores and eliminates makeup build-up
• natural oil extracts help condition skin
• fragrance-free formula

1 oz  is worth about $3.30 as 3 oz is for sale for $10

ELIXIR ULTIME THE IMPERIAL

Versatile nourishing oil for color-treated hair

• Multi-use oil that can be used pre and post styling
• Delivers purest anti-oxidants to protect color-treated hair from external aggressors
• Provides ultimate shine, deep conditioning and nourishment
• Offers UV protection and enhances the true depth of color
• Evokes a soft floral scent

 $25 for 50ml, this is a very little sample (3 ml) but I think I can get a few uses out of it

Trial Size of Clinique High Impact Mascara- I really like Clinique mascara and I can' wait to use this.
 "Get instant drama! Pump up the volume and length of each lash for a look that's lusher, plusher, and bolder. Dress your lashes in pure, deep color—wear it once and you'll feel naked without it."
Just a sample size $19 for a full size.

Essie Sleek Stick Nail Applique.
Re-create chic looks fresh from the runway without picking up a brush. Pre-cured UV appliqués mimic the feel of a handcrafted nail art and last up to 10 days. 
I Love nail stuff..... But I HATE this Colour!!!!
Full size- One set, $10.25

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa 
The first replenishing & soothing spa sleeping mask. A new ultra-sensorial texture that reproduces the soothing freshness and softness of a spa treatment. This light gel-cream envelops skin with velvety softness and is non-greasy and non-sticky.

I've never tried a sleeping mask before, I'm not sure how this will work haha!

This is a 7mL ($38 / 75mL)

Vichy - Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes

Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes is a unique formula perfect for treating eye contours concerns and lashes concerns. With just use, the eye contours are illuminated and more radiant. With continued use, wrinkles are lessened and eyelashes appear thicker, shinier, and more fortified!
I love Vichy, I can't wait to try this
 0.1 fl. oz, $4.50 - sample Full size, 1 oz is $45

Condition Culture - Knotties Hair Ties
Stay cool in the summer heat by keeping your hair away from your face without the creases.
These are Knotties Hair elastics, they are the newest thing in hair care, I really don't like them but hey the 90's are back!
4 ties, $8, apparently they are sold online for 5 for $10

Just Cavalli Eau de Toilette Spray
Just now. Just free. Just lust. Just Cavalli. Just Cavalli for her is a sexy and provocative new fragrance by Roberto Cavalli. This creamy, sexy floral opens with a dazzling top note of Neroli, an essential oil produced from blossoms of the bitter orange tree. The fragrance is followed by a magnetic heart note of the precious Tahitian Tiare flower and grounded by a creamy palissander wood accord that adds power and nobility. Fresh, intense and alluring, Just Cavalli is the scent of youth and seduction. I really like the scent and the bottle is so darn cute!
$6.60 for 5 ml, Full size is $66  for 50 ml
 
Final Thoughts 
The LOULOU Edition Luxe Box contained 10 products, 3 full size, AND a 4 month subscription to LOULOU Magazine! The retail value of all the products is over $90, which doesn't include the magazine price! I paid $24 for my regular Luxe Box subscription ($96 yearly subscription) plus a $5 upgrade fee to get the LOULOU box. so a total of $29, I think I got a pretty sweet deal!
 
~Love and Louboutin
XOXO 

Luxe Box Summer 2013- Regular

So as some of you know, I loved the Lou Lou Limited Edition Luxe Box (See Post Here) so much but was worried that I would miss out from the regular box.





It just looked so good, and with a value of $82, who can go wrong?So I bought both, and Boy am I glad I did!!

This box was a complete surprise, and I couldn't wait for it to come. It is kind of annoying that all the beauty bloggers (Hello what about Polish, Shoes, &Booze!)were sent their boxes first so that they could "get the word out there about how great Luxe box is" - or so said the FB page when they were called on it. I received my shipping notice on July 2nd and my box came on the 10th.
Oh well, what can you do. Its the damn Canada Post!

So lets start this off!!

 Looks Awesome Right!?! Lets have a closer look!!

So I got a bottle of Olay Total Effects 7 CC (Colour+Correction), You have heard of BB cream well this is CC Cream! This is currently not available for purchase in Canada yet!!

• This all-in-one triple stream formula combines a daily anti-aging moisturizer, SPF 15 sunscreen and sheer tint for younger-looking skin.
• Instant skin perfecting coverage + correction to fight 7 signs of aging + UV protection
• Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging: Fine lines and wrinkles: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Uneven Tone: Balances and helps even out tone. Age Spots: Reduces appearance of age spots. Gentle Exfoliation: Improves surface cell turnover. Dryness: Provides nourishing moisturization. Moisture Barrier: Strengthens skin's natural defense against moisture loss. Luminosity: Recaptures youthful luminosity

 It is rumored this is going to be worth ~$22 or so

We have a samle of Euphoria by Calvin Klein. According to the Beauty Gods- Sephora who else! Euphoria is about sexiness, fantasy, and being captivating. Sexy and sensual, euphoria speaks to the woman who has the urge to break free from everyday life - to provocatively be part of an exciting world filled with pleasure, surprise, and temptation. Her fragrance is a contrast between exotic fruits and seductive florals, for a rich, creamy, seductive signature. It has a 4.6 out of 5 rating
On the Luxe Box FB page here some have been complaining about the fragrance, apparently they don`t like it and say its stinky. I like it, its light, and sexy. Which to be honest is hard to do in a fragrance.
0.5oz is worth $28 (Sephora sells 1oz for $56)

 We now have this really cute Loose Button Powder brush, Its super soft and seems really sturdy.
I would guess that it is about $15 

Next we have Giorgio Armani- Acqua Di Gioia
and according to Sephora
Off the coast of Italy, the island of Pantelleria is a place where the deep blue-green Mediterranean Sea meets the sun and earth, creating a sense of happiness, serenity, and optimism. This fresh, aquatic fragrance, whose name means, "water of joy," captures the simple happiness one can experience at this extraordinary destination. The fragrance's top notes rise like a soft sea breeze, bringing forward a sensual blend of cool mint, warm brown sugar, and the zest of Italian lemon. Next, the heart notes emerge with beautiful floral hints of jasmine, dew of peony, and traces of pink pepper. The base lingers on a uniquely Mediterranean trail of cedar wood and the complex, herbaceous accords of labdanum.

This smells divine, and it lingers all day. A little goes a long way, it`s watery, airy and fresh. I quite like it.  

0.17oz is worth $10 (Sephora sells 0.34oz in roller-ball form for $20)

This is L'Occitane, Rose 4 Reines' Velvet Hand Cream, I love roses, I love the scent, I love the look, I love the colours, I love everything about them. This smell's amazing!! Nordstrom Says:

This cream, enriched in shea butter and vitamin E, repairs, nourishes and protects hands from daily aggressions. The hands are moisturized and delicately perfumed with the fresh and slightly fruity fragrance of the Grasse rose, the Bulgarian rose, the Moroccan rose and the Turkish rose.

 It retails for $13.05 for 1 oz so 0.3 oz is worth ~$4

 Next we have Joico K-PAK Revitaluxe Restorative Treatment. It is a hair treatment that I had to look up more about.

• Indulge in the ultimate luxury treatment for dry, damaged hair from the leader in hair repair. Actively repairs, restores, protects, and hydrates hair, correcting years’ worth of damage while preventing future damage. With each application, hair instantly becomes stronger, softer, more moisturized, with improved elasticity. Blend of bio mimetic peptides, keratin amino acids, jojoba oil, and aloe extract. 
• A luxurious restorative treatment that corrects years of damage while protecting against future damage.
• Keratin Peptide Complex delivers over 2x more resistance to breakage while protecting against color fade by 94%.
• Your hair will become dramatically stronger, softer, shinier and more moisturized with each application.

It smells good, it doesn't smell like it should be good for your hair, but it is! I can't wait to try it!

 It retails for $15 for 50ml

I now have 4 0.05 oz Smashbox, Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer. Now I have a HUGE issues with under eye bags, I have thin skin so no matter what I do I always have purple under them. Lets read what it does(Yaay Sephora)!

What it is:
An innovative primer dedicated to the delicate skin under eyes.

What it does:
This breakthrough, ultrahydrating formula primes the undereye area while reducing the look of fine lines, puffiness, wrinkles, age spots, and dark circles. Smooth under eyes before makeup application or wear alone for instant brightening. Its soothing qualities improve skin texture and tone, and unlike moisturizer, this silky primer prevents concealer from slipping off and settling into fine lines.

What else you need to know:
This product is infused with antiaging, good-for-your-eyes ingredients such as caffeine, peptides, and optical diffusers.

Research results:
This primer immediately provides the following key benefits:
-69 % increase in hydration
-56 % improvement in clarity
-46 % improvement in radiance
Key benefits shown in 8 weeks:
-37 % decrease in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
-28 % reduction of dark circles
-21 % decrease of puffiness

$21 for 0.2oz - It sells at Sephora for $32 for 0.33oz 

 Last but not least we have Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate. According to the gospel according to Sephora:
Inspired by cutting-edge science, Lancôme introduces Advanced Génifique—a serum so powerful it creates more radiant and smoother skin that you can see and feel. This innovative formula featuring Génifique’s powerful complex with added biotechnology-derived ingredient is incredible to the touch, and acts on 10 key signs of youth including texture, resiliency, elasticity, firmness, sagginess, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, clarity, and skintone. Complete with an exclusive self-loading dropper that gives you the perfect dose of serum for each application, skin will feel refreshed, renewed, and healthy.
(It is worth $25.65 for 0.27oz, 1 oz sells for $95)


So Everything is either not available in Canada or available from high end stores (Sephora and Nordstrom) and Salons.
So that is a grand total of ~$140!!! Worth the $26 investment? I Think so!!!!!
I am very very happy with this box and will use everything!

~Love and Louboutin
XOXO

The Perfect Red

So after many polishes I have found that each red I use leaves something to be desired. Isn't quite right and leaves me wanting more. Then I found this Photo, and I knew that my quest at some point must end, the red on her hand looks fantastic!!

In my search I found

            China Glaze- Ruby Pumps

            Finger Paints- Romanticism Ruby

       OPI- I'm Not Really A Waitress

      Now I story of why I have both RP and RR. In my young and stupid days I bought the Finger Paints one first since it was cheaper. The first time I used it I knew there was a reason it was cheaper, I have 2 colours from Finger Paints and I dislike both of them, they go on really light and need tons of coats and still the colour doesn't ever look right.

       

      

 China Glaze RP has a ton more glitter and a lot more coverage, it also goes on smoother. Finger Paints RR just doesn't have the same glitter and the same look. They are pretty well dupes of each other and that doesn't warrant having both but RP is the clear winner!! (I love the colour and may try it with a matte top coat in the future and see what it looks like.

After hearing so much buzz online about OPI's INRAW that I was reluctant to try it, one red that looks good on everyone? Really? How is that possible. I have heard of everyone from Mothers, Sisters, and Grandmothers wearing this colour so I finally gave in. What would you know? I really like the colour. The application was easy and smooth, and  it smoothed itself over nicely and even in the first coat had wonderful pigmentation.

It is a deep red with microshimmers in it which give it so much dimension that the polish almost glows on your hand!   

I think that I have almost found the perfect red, I would like a red that is the same colour as RP's but without the glitter.

Let me know what you think and what your Go-To red is~

~Love and Louboutin
XOXO

The Perfect Tiffany's Blue

About a month ago I started Loving Tiffany's Blue....

And I mean Really Loving it!! I just had to have that iconic colour in a nail polish! So after scouring the interwebs for a good dupe. I already had OPI's Get In Lime (1), and I heard that China Glaze's For Audrey (2) (Named after the always fabulous Audrey Hepburn for Breakfast at Tiffany's!) was a great candidate for the title of Tiffany Dupe.



So after going to Sally's (3 hr's away) and looking at  For Audrey, I was convinced that they were the same..... I went home empty handed, then decided against it and got my WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC Polish Pusher (AKA my Little Sis!) to pick them up for me and bring them down to me next time I saw her. So she did and now I have both, and now I can say that they are not the same, GIL is much more Green than FA

 I really like "For Audrey" as a Tiffany Dupe, "Get in Lime" with Rainbow Connection (Blog Post to be added later) It reminds me of Birthday Cake!

I love For Audrey, and I find that its really funny that before I tried GIL with RC I didn't like it that much. In fact I almost got rid of it in the great polish purge of 2009. But for some reason I didn't and as such am internally happy that I didn't.

~Love and Louboutin
XOXO