February's Luxe Box

I got my February Luxe Box from Loose Button in the mail on Monday. I was so excited to see that the box was red! As a limited edition box, Loose Button partnered up with Flare magazine to bring this month's beauty products. Aside from the packaging being different, the detailed product card was a three-page fold out that dedicated each page with Flare and Luxe tips on each deluxe sample. It definitely had a special touch :)

 My deluxe samples included:

• DKNY's Pure perfume (7 ml)
• Cargo's Lash Activator (sample size)
• Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant (13 g)
• Redken's Color Extend Shampoo & Conditioner (10 ml x 3 packages each)
• 1 coupon code to shop at Dealuxe ($25 off when you spend $75 or more)

Final thoughts: Was I slightly disappointed? Yes. I realized that I need to start setting realistic expectations when it comes to having samples tailored to my Beauty Profile. With the exception of the mascara from Cargo, this month's samples were either a duplicate from a previous box (the Microfoliant), or not relevant to my wants (perfume) or needs (I have never colour treated my hair).

The thing is though - no matter the disappointment, I still can't help but be curious to what March will bring. My credit card information changed a month ago, and so my account has temporarily been deactivated. I was going to sign up again, but it seems like the March boxes are sold out at this point. I've emailed to see if I can simply re-activate via phone with my new CC information, but no news yet. I'll just take whatever answer I get as a sign. Things always seem to work out in the end! :) On a side note... there's a new beauty box subscription in town called the Top Box... ;)

Make-Up Sprays: MAC Fix+ vs. UD All-Nighter

I actually love both of these make-up sprays - and it took some research and some experimenting to find out the difference between the two. Let's start with MAC's Fix + Spray. On the website, MAC totes that this formula is a blend of vitamins and minerals that add radiance to your skin and finishes your make-up. For $24, you are getting 100 ml of product. I'd like to stress the fact that this is a make-up finishing spray and not a setting spray. This product is multi-functional, but it's not meant to keep your make-up on all day.

Here's why I love it:

• It leaves a dewy radiance, that really finishes your entire look. Your skin looks healthy and refreshed. Tip: To avoid any of the spray droplets sitting too long on your face, set your blow dryer on low cool air and hold it about 10 inches away from your face.
• It helps to tone down heavy make-up and cakey applications. Tip: Spray Fix+ directly onto your brush and lightly pat or swirl the product to remove the excess foundation (truly works wonders for me).
• It helps build up the intensity of your eye shadows or blush. Tip: Spray your brush before dipping it into your desired product. You will find that the pigments become more intense and vibrant when you apply on your face.
• Refreshes my make-up and skin mid-day. I had this product with me in my purse every day during the summer months. When it got too hot, and my face needed a pick-me-upper, I gravitated towards this to do the trick.

As much as I love the multi-functional purpose of MAC Fix+, it doesn't do anything for me in terms of setting my make-up to last all day. For that purpose, I would recommend using Urban Decay's All Nighter. It is a bit pricier of the two - $35 for 118 ml of product, but a little really goes a long way. I still have one third of a bottle left from when I bought it back in September and I use it every day. On the Urban Decay's website, this product boasts of a patent pending Temperature Control Technology that won't let your make-up melt in warm, humid weather or become dehydrated in the cold winter months. It also claims to have up to 16 hours of wearing power. The application for this spray is pretty straight forward. After you're done applying your make-up, shake the bottle and hold it  8-10" away from your face. The mist that comes out is evenly distributed which is nice. I usually spray 4 times across my face in a T shape.

I've just re-purchased my second bottle, which says a lot when I am always experimenting with new things. The All Nighter spray really works, and I don't leave the house without using it. However, to set expectations - I think 16 hours is quite an exaggeration. My make-up definitely looks BETTER 16 hours later than without... but I would say by the late afternoon, my make-up begins to dull - not bad though, considering I apply at 7 am.

I hope this post sheds a little light on the difference between a finishing and setting spray. I can't choose between the two, because to me, they perform two different functions.Thanks for reading, and happy shopping! :)

BB Creams (Pt. 2)

I've been pretty particular with how I put on BB creams because they are a lot thicker than my favourite foundation, and the coverage is not quite the same. Due to the thick consistency of the product, I've had to forgo the stippling brush that I love so much. To avoid rambling on (since I really am so good at that), please see below for my step-by-step application process.

Step 1: PREP. On a clean face, apply your favourite moisturizer and eye cream. Since it's the winter time, I've been using a heavy duty one from Clinique (Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator).

Step 2:  NOSE & CHEEK. Put a pea size pump onto the back of your hand and work the product from the center of your face. I like to start at the bridge of my nose, and then work the product outwards to my cheeks. I find that the fingers are the best way to apply BB creams, as they warm up the product, making it easy to blend. Repeat on the other side of your face.

Step 3: FOREHEAD & CHIN. Still using the same pea size pump, work the product on you forehead and then chin - don't forget to bring the product down to your jawline and neck. Don't let the grey cast intimidate you - just keep on blending!

Step 4: FOCUS ON TROUBLE AREAS. At this point, I would've used up the entire pea size amount. If you require more coverage, proceed with a half pump on the back of your hand. I usually go back and gently pat on an additional layer on areas that require a bit more coverage. For me, these areas are underneath my eyes, around my nose and right above my eyebrows. I'd like to emphasize that the key word is pat. I don't rub in the product at this point - only enough so that there aren't any harsh lines. Don't be scared to be liberal with the amount you layer on - I find that no matter how much additional product I use, my skin still looks natural at the end.

Step 5: (optional) CONCEAL. If there are still visible blemishes at this point, you can use your favourite concealer to hide them. I don't normally do this step... not because there aren't any spots, I'm just too lazy to do anything about it :p.  

When you're completely done, you may find that the finish is too dewey. I can see how some people may find it heavy. However, once it's been absorbed and the product oxidizes to match the colour of your skin, the dewiness subsides and so does the heaviness of the product.

Step 6: MAKE-UP. Put on the rest of your face.

Step 7: BLOT & SET. For those of you who have oily skin, you can set your face with your favourite loose powder. Because my skin is extra dry in the winter, I haven't had to do this. It will probably be incorporated into my routine as the weather gets warmer. I find that if you blot gently before you set your face, your make up lasts a lot longer too. To blot, take a piece of tissue, pull it apart so that you have two thin pieces. Save one for the next day and use the other one by pressing it firmly on your face. Proceed then to firmly set your face with your powder. For now, I skip this step and just use a make-up setting spray (I'll save that post for another day).

TA-DA!  You're ready to go :)

BB Creams (Pt. 1) - Skin79's Super+ Beblesh Balm

Huh? BB Creams?! 
 After watching several YouTube videos, and seeing Smashbox launch a line of their own BB creams, I had to find out what this product was all about. So to answer the question, BB creams stand for Blemish Balm (it's also been referred to as Beauty Balm or Beblesh Balm). Originally developed for laser skin surgery patients, this tinted cream was meant to hide post-laser scars, while also protecting, healing and soothing the skin for a quick recovery. It's one of those all in one products that tote multiple skincare claims - including:

• Anti-aging properties
• Whitening of scars and blemishes
• High SPF to protect the skin from the sun and UV rays
• Preventative measures and treatments for acne
• Evening out skin tone
• Moisturizer and priming the skin
• Minimizing pores

There are so many BB creams available in the market today, it was definitely hard to choose my first one. Although predominantly sold in Asia, it has quickly expanded into the North American market with brands like Smashbox, Clinique and MAC producing their own variation of BB creams.

After a lot of research, I finally decided to buy Skin79's Super+ Beblesh Balm with Triple Functions (picture above). It's formulation claims that it's whitening, anti-aging and UV protecting. I've been using it for 2 months now, and I have to say it's my go-to every day face product.

Why I love it:

• It does an amazing job at covering pores
• It gives a very natural finish
• You have the option of layering more product for better coverage on troubled spots without looking cakey
• It has sun protection built into the product already
• It has helped to even out my skin tone

Unfortunately, there is only one shade to this BB cream and it's meant for people with fair to medium skin tones. It comes out in a greyish cast, but oxides to match the colour of your skin after 15-20 minutes. The picture on the left shows the texture and colour of the BB cream.  As you can see, the formula is pretty thick, but after you work it in, it blends quite well into my skin. I'm not sure if you can see it in the picture, but the coverage is quite good. It manages to hide most of the red blood vessels and blotchy spots on the back of my hand.

If you live in Toronto and want to buy BB creams at store level, they are almost everywhere in Pacific Mall (not so much if you go to First Markham Place). Skin79 is a very popular brand and can be found in most stores within Pacific Mall that sell beauty products. I will suggest to shop around when you're there. I bought mine for $27, without realizing that some stores were selling it for as little as $22! If you're not  accessible to any Asian malls around your neighbourhood, you can buy BB creams online - most companies will ship anywhere in North America (www.skin79northamerica.com). It's even readily available on eBay! 

For someone who wants a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, I highly recommend using BB creams. The finish is really natural, but I wouldn't say it's completely flawless. For a flawless face, I still depend on my favourite foundation by Guerlain (I'll save that post for another day). But for every day use, I think BB creams are great. My evened out skin tone makes my skin look so much better without make up on -  a big BIG bonus for sure! :)
 
For more information, check out FrmHeadtoToe's YouTube videos on some of the most popular BB cream brands available in the market today.

My Favourite Curling Iron

I used to be so intimidated to curl my own hair. As much as I loved the look of loose curls, I was always scared that I couldn't recreate it on my own hair. I would describe my hair texture as straight, thick, and very heavy. I was worried that my curls would never hold, or that I would spend hours trying to curl all of it. 

However, I decided to give it a go and bought my first Conair curling iron in my early twenties (23 perhaps?). I made sure to buy it on a budget as I wasn't sure how much use I was going to make out of it. It took a lot of trial and error to find the right technique (especially for my bangs), but I nailed it down and I finally got my hair to look like how I'd always envisioned it. My good old handy Conair lasted me a good year before I decided to upgrade!  

Today I own four curling irons, with my most recent purchase being my absolute favourite! The first time I encountered this curling iron was at my girlfriend's place. Even then, I had loved it but reviews online talked about Babyliss being the best and so I bought two (one tourmaline and one ceramic) before I realized that I should've just listened to my gut. It's been 3 days since I've bought it and I have used it every day - each day I fall in love with it more than the last :) If you're looking for a great curling iron, go buy the Isinis Ceramic Curling Iron with Spring Handle (mine is a 1-1/4" barrel).

So what makes this curling iron superior than the rest? The clamp on this barrel is by far the best. It holds my hair effortlessly as I curl it. What I've found with my Babyliss curling irons, is that my hair constantly slips out from the clamp as I am working my way down to the ends. The curling process becomes twice as long, as I have to gather the section of hair again to re-curl. This might be a non-issue for someone who doesn't have a lot of layers, but because my ends are thinned out at the bottom, the slipping usually happens half the time. 

I love the results and the time that I'm now saving. It doesn't get as hot as the Babybliss ones (25 heat settings vs. 40 heat settings for the tourmaline), but it's enough to make my curls last. In fact, I think it's actually better for keeping my curls because the clamp grabs all my hair tightly as a turn the barrel. I don't even need hairspray to set it! 

I bought my curling iron at Trade Secrets for $59.99. They're on sale right now because Isinis just came out with a newer model and they're trying to phase out this one. I'm not sure what's different about the newer model, but it retails at $77.99 at the Eaton Centre. You should keep in mind though that Trade Secret stores are franchised and different stores may have different pricing (you can definitely see if they'll price match with different store locations). If you're having trouble finding this at stores (since they're discontinued), you can try looking online. I've never bought from here before but Fabove.ca sells them for $69.99 and shipping is free if you spend over $100. 

If you have layered hair like me and you've experienced hair slipping out from the barrel clamp, I highly recommend this curling iron. It took me 4 years to finally get it, but I'm so happy I did!

January's Luxe Box

I'm a little behind on writing this post, as it's already February and I'm about to blog about my January Luxe Box. Just like the Glymm Box, the Luxe Box from Loose Button is a beauty box subscription service that delivers 4-5 deluxe size samples to your doorstep. At $12/month ($2 more than Glymm Box), the samples range from skincare and make-up to fragrance, body, and haircare.

After you subscribe, you are asked to fill out your beauty profile. Questions included what products were you most interested in receiving and what products you cared for the least. For me, make-up was what I wanted to sample the most, and fragrance was the least. I have to admit, the first 2 Luxe Boxes that I received in November and December were a bit disappointing. I was getting a lot of fragrance samples and almost little to no make-up :( Although skincare products are great (and I find that I am more in need of them now than ever), I find it hard to truly determine whether I love the product or not in a deluxe sample. I say this because results for skincare are hardly ever instantaneous (except for Clinque's Moisture Intense Skin Hydrator of course ;)) 

However, with all that being said, I was pleasantly surprised with January's Luxe Box. The parcel was twice as big than what they're normally shipped in, and when I opened it, I couldn't believe that it had come with 2 Luxe Boxes! The black box contained beauty products and the limited edition white box contained bath and body products. 

One of things that I love about the Luxe Box, is the personal touch found in the packaging. In every box, wrapped in black tissue paper, a sticker reads: "Made for Mandy". It's a simple touch, but it really does make a girl feel special! 

So for January, the deluxe samples I received included: 

• A full size China Glaze Nail Polish (14 ml) in Fuschia Fanatic. I love the colour and I can't wait to use it!
• One full size Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil (5 g) in Iced Mocha. I actually had this in my hand to purchase last month and decided against it last minute - I'm so glad I did!
• A 15 ml sample of Silk Therapy by Biosilk 
• Six samples of fragrances with a note that tells me that I have been chosen to be a part of their pilot test with these fragrance bundles. Although I loved how the fragrances came in a mesh bag, I find it a bit ironic that I was chosen for the pilot after I had raised my hand (both in the beauty profile and on separate feedback forms) that I didn't want any more fragrance samples. With that being said, it's not too bad when 1 deluxe sample comes in sixes rather than just one. I think I might really end up liking the Prada Infusion.
• The fragrances in the bundle included: two from Prada (Candy; Infusion), two from Nina Ricci (L'air du Temps; Nina), and two from Paco Rabanne (Black XS for Her; Lady Million). 
  
• Bonus: A 56 g package of Level 3 ground coffee from Seattle's Best Coffee

As for my white Bath and Body Luxe Box, I received 2 samples. Both that I think are great - but just a bit wasteful to be carried in such big packaging.

• The first one is the new Schick Hydro Silk Razor. I don't think this is available in North America yet. A very useful item, and I'm happy I received it.
• Two (x 9 ml) packages of Fekkai's Advanced Brilliant Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner. 

 Although I was seriously contemplating on canceling my subscription for the Luxe Box, January was a pretty good month and I think I'm going to stick with it for a little while longer. Something different that Loose Button offers is the option to choose premium products to go into your next Luxe Box. For example, a few weeks before they sent out this box, an email was sent to me with three premium products. I was allowed to choose any one to be included in my next beauty box. Quantities are limited, and unfortunately I wasn't able to get any of the Benefit products that were being offered. However, if you're fast enough to respond, you could get yourself some pretty awesome stuff!

For more information or to subscribe to your own beauty Luxe Box, click on the link: www.loosebutton.com. If you want to shop around or learn more about the Glymm Box, you can click here for my full review!