BIRCHBOX CANADA . MARCH 2015 EDITION

They says that all good things must come to an end, but who would have thought that the end of my unfortunate relationship with Birchbox would end in something so wonderful? I'm speaking of the beautyblender and sample sized blendercleanser solid that came with each March box of course, the perfect way to end this subscription. If you're familiar with Birchbox you'll know that it costs $14.95/month for 4/5 deluxe-sized samples, which was a steal this month considering the contents.

We'll start with the beautyblender, a product that I've owned and loved in the past until it vanished from my belongings during the move to Toronto. This is a great addition to the March box given the popularity of contouring this year as it offers an ease to blending cream products once damp. The beautyblender also came with the blendercleanser solid, which I hadn't previously purchased thinking I had no need for it – a thought that will never cross my mind again given it's intoxicating scent. And further to my surprise these weren't the only lovely products in the box  – is it possible that Birchbox listened to our cries!?! I also received the ModelCo Party Proof Lipsticks in Peony, a striking hot pink with a semi-matte finish. I haven't worn a hot pink lip in quite some time, but this shade is deep enough to make me reconsider. Plus I love the long lasting stain it leaves,  with no need to reapply throughout the day. 

The final three samples are quite literally that.. samples, albeit wonderful. The Harvey Prince Imperial Gardenia Perfume is a stunning classic – the floral scent is reminiscent of my grandmother and features a single blossom, the gardenia. I'll definitely be purchasing the full size, especially given the black and gold packaging. Next up is the Embryolise Lait-Crème Concentré, a cult moisturizer that I've always wanted to test. I instantly noticed an increase in the hydration of my skin, as well as a more even texture – plus it doubles as a makeup remover. The final product is the Number 4 Hydrating Shampoo, which contains vitamin B5 to condition, and silicone to add gloss. Plus this shampoo contains liquid complexes created with a blend of natural ingredients, which help to protect, purify, strengthen and revitalize the hair. Overall the March Birchbox made saying goodbye to this beauty subscription service a tad bit difficult, but I'm hopeful that this box was simply a fluke and next month's will once again be filled with tiny samples from brands unknown.

Did you receive the March Birchbox?

AM¥     XO

BIRCHBOX CANADA . FEBRUAR¥ EDITION

The arrival of Birchbox to Canada was meant to be exciting and fun, yet here I am three months into the service with little desire for beauty boxes in general. I've been slowly giving the axe to these subscription services since September after realizing how much money I was shamelessly throwing away. Despite collecting a lot of samples through these programs, the majority of the products simply didn't interest me, and therefore wound up in the bin of cosmetics I keep for friends. And now I may have to end my relationship with Birchbox, which is ironic given that the February Edition is inspired by our 'buddies, pals, partners-in-crime, and BFFs.' Well Birchbox, despite your pretty packaging this month we may no longer friends. #sorrynotsorry

THE PRODUCTS

Tocca | Eau de Parfum in Florence – Full Size 1.7oz ($82)
When it comes to perfume I typically gravitate towards sensual, slightly masculine scents, steering clear of anything that evokes the slightest feeling of elegance. And somehow, given my luck, Florence happens to embody elegance at it's finest. 'Notes of bergamot, gardenia, and jasmine create a floral scent with an old world charm', which suits my roommate seamlessly, yet smells foreign and ill-convincing on me. 

derma e | Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub  – Full Size 4oz ($13.50)

I am always on the look out for the next scrub, mask or peel that is going to help lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation found around my lips, and ultimately reveal a more radiant complexion. However, given the abundance of prestige and natural skincare options I currently have in my vanity, and the fact that this scrub is best suited for normal/oily skin, I'll be passing on this sample. I don't think that my dry skin would approve, especially given the weather. 

Number 4 | Clarifying Shampoo – Full Size 8.5oz ($36)
I've always been a fan of clarifying shampoos, especially come Sunday – they remove build up, amp up volume, and leave your hair feeling squeaky clean. The Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo contains: 'black currant and soy to restore vibrancy; acai berry and vitamin C to deliver youth-boosting antioxidants; oolong tea and Irish moss to defend against environmental damage; and lemongrass and oatmeal to gently cleanse and purify.' Plus the full-sized version is held within a stunning minimalistic bottle, and features a blissful scent of white freesia, golden amber, and warm musk. Needless to say I'm ready for my Sunday shower. 

Whish | Three Whishes Body Butter in Pomegranate – Full Size 150mL ($26.75)
If it wasn't for a long second glance I would have sworn that this body butter hailed from Be Delectable from Cake Beauty – the aesthetic and fonts used by both companies are astonishingly similar! Luckily the formula held within couldn't be more different. The Three Whishes Body Butter is one that truly surprised me with it's non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula, However, given the high price point, and a scent you'd expect from a Walmart body wash, it probably isn't a product I'll be reaching for. 

Cynthia Rowley Beauty | Creamy Lip Stain in  Heartthrob – Full Size 0.17oz ($23)

The Cynthia Rowley Creamy Lip Stain was the only product within this month's Birchbox that elicited some level excitement when I saw it. Cynthia Rowley packaging always leaves me smitten, and this tester did not disappoint. And although I anticipate losing this trial-sized lip stain in my bag all too frequently, I know that it won't be long before I hit pan and order the full size. The shade Heartthrob is the perfect bright red for my skin tone. The orange undertones help to warm my complexion, and the stain imparts serious pigment and lasting power, while remaining comfortable and creamy on the lips. A product worth checking out!

At the end of the day I commend Birchbox for portraying February as a month to celebrate all those we love, not simply a significant other – us single ladies need love too. But no matter how much love was poured into the making of the box itself or curating the products found inside, it simply wasn't worth the $15. Next month I plan to save my $15 and invest in another shade of the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain, which ironically I suppose is what these boxes are for?    

Do you still subscribe to a beauty box? Do you think I should end things with Birchbox?

AM¥     XO

BIRCHBOX CANADA . DECEMBER EDIT

When I first got word that Birchbox had answered all of our prayers by shipping to Canada I nearly fell off my chair. Birchbox first began in 2010 and turned the beauty industry on it's head. It was the beginning of a new era – and the trend took off with beauty subscription services popping up everywhere. Yet still I longed for 'the real McCoy'. This box marks the first month of Birchboxes arriving in Canada, and I cannot wait for what is to follow. 

'Get a monthly shipment of beauty products customized for you for just $10 a month, plus $4.95 shipping and handling! You can earn back half the value of your box by reviewing all five of your samples. 50 Birchbox Points equals $5 to spend on your full-size favorites in the Birchbox Shop!' To subscribe click here!

I love when a beauty box has you covered from 'head to toe' – this festive offering includes a facial exfoliator, body cream, leave-in conditioner, cheek/lip tint and an eyeliner. I've used the Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator in the past and absolutely loved it – the micro-crystals buff away dead skin, while papaya enzymes, aloe vera, coconut and panthenol help to reveal a brighter, more hydrated, complexion. Plus it smells amazing. The Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream and Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave-In Conditioner on the other hand are products that I've never even heard of. The body cream features a subtle citrus scent that my mother will love... me, not so much. The leave-in conditioner is much more appealing – it promises to instantly detangle, provide thermal & UV protection, seal cuticle, smooth hair, lock in colour and add shine. The scent is pretty dreamy as well. The final two products are the most exciting and the most visually appealing; the Benefit Lolli Tint and Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner in Black. I've been dreaming of a pink barbie lip, which is now totally possible thanks to Lolli Tint, and every girl could always use another black liner.

It seems as though the majority of boxes were a variation of this one, so hopefully Birchbox mixes it up a bit more come January. If your box was different then mine be sure to leave a link in the comments below.

Will you be signing up for Birchbox?

AM¥     XO

LUXE BOX BY LOOSE BUTTON . WINTER EDIT

A lovely surprise arrived in the mail the other day – it was the Winter Luxe Box by Loose Button. I've been off the beauty box game as of late, but the recent arrivals of Birchbox and Glossybox to Canada have reignited my initial excitement. 

Luxe Box by Loose Button was the very first beauty box I subscribed to when I began blogging years ago, and has been the only subscription service I've maintained. If you haven't been introduced yet, Luxe Box is a quarterly beauty subscription service, which offers 7-8 deluxe sized samples with a minimum worth of $70 for as low as $24. They also ofter a variety of seasonally curated boxes – this Winter there was the Zoomer Edition, Chalet Chic, and The Enchantress. But since I love the thrill of the surprise I always choose the regular box.

I absolutely love skincare products, and this edition was chalked full of skin-saving beauties. The first, and personally most exciting, is the Biotherm Aquasource Cocoon Ultra Comfort Balm-In-Gel. I've absolutely loved each and every Biotherm Aquasource product I've ever tried so I have high hopes for this one – they deliver an absurd amount of hydration for something so lightweight. The other facial product in this box was the Suki Transformative Purifying Masque – a potent salicylic acid mask meant to even out skin tone or to be used as a 'spot' treatment overnight – just in time as I can feel a blemish forming above my lip, urgh. The final skincare product, Paula's Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths, are meant to eliminate those annoying red bumps that form on arms and legs when skin is too dry – they'll definitely come in handy with this weather. The remaining goodies include: the E.Vulcano Hair Wash & Creme, a Loose Button Eyelash Curler, So Susan Flutter Mascara, and a mini Nicole by OPI Polish in Mer-Made For Eachother. I used the Flutter Mascara this morning and loved the thin formula and blacker than black pigmentation, and the Nicole polish shade feels hand-picked just for me – totally embodies my persona.

Overall I was so delighted with this edition of the Luxe Box by Loose Button. They are such a great company and always deliver amazing curated boxes. If you haven't tried this subscription yet I highly recommend you get on board for the Spring edition.

AM¥     XO