LUXE BOX BY LOOSE BUTTON . SPRING 2015 EDITION

The beauty unboxing continues with the arrival of the Spring Luxe Box by Loose Button, which landed on my doorstep a mere day after my Birchbox – see a complete review here. I've long considered Luxe Box the queen of Canadian beauty boxes, a worthy title given their ability to curate a unique and exciting seasonal box, alongside their dedication to their customers. Every season (i.e. once every 3 months) each Luxe Box Member receives 7-8 beauty and lifestyle products, with complimentary shipping. If you're interested you can choose to spend $26/season, with the option to cancel anytime you want, or go for a membership plan for a whole year at a discounted price. 

I've been anticipating the arrival of my Spring Luxe Box from the very moment I laid hands on the Winter Luxe Box, and it certainly did not disappoint. For skincare there is the Misha Geum Sul 24K Gold Collagen Caviar Cotton Sheet Mask and Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I was sold on this Korean sheet mask once I realized it contained 24K Gold, however that's not all, it also features collagen to firm skin, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to moisturize and nourish. Here's hoping that I don't fall in love with this mask as I have no idea where I would repurchase it in the future. The Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant also works to increase collagen production providing a firming action, however it does so much more. This toner-like treatment contains 2% salicylic acid, which exfoliates and resurfaces the skin leading to a healthier, glowing complexion with an even appearance and feel.

Makeup-wise this box features four stunning products: the Buxom Show Some Skin Weightless Foundation, Eyeko Brow Gel, Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Petal Pink, and a Loose Button brush. The Buxom Show Some Skin Weightless Foundation comes as a smaller sample, however it features 4 shades to help you determine your perfect shade. I can definitely see myself wearing this foundation all summer long given it's beautiful lightweight coverage and built in moisture. I'll also be reaching for the Eyeko Brow Gel quite frequently, because you can never have too many brow gels, right? This one is perfect for creating a natural, tamed look on days when I don't feel like filling my brows in, but it can also be used to help shape and define on days when my brow game is strong. The Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Petal Pink, and Loose Button Brush are kind of those 'I could always use another' type of products that consume your vanity, yet always come in handy at most unexpected times. I have a feeling that the beautyblender-inspired side of this brush is going to become my contouring saviour this year. Finally, for haircare there is the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, a healthier option for dry-shampoo with a focus on plant extracts. I've been trying to avoid dry-shampoos lately because of their use of butane and propane to propel the product out, however we all have those lazy days where washing our hair is out of the question, and at least this option features a more health conscious approach. Now onto another three months of anticipating my next Luxe Box.

Did you purchase a Spring Luxe Box?

AMY     XO

[*]The beauty box featured in this post has been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product/service. For additional information please see the Disclaimer.

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

NAILS . ESSIE . SPRING 2015 COLLECTION

When you live in a country that experiences all four seasons you're bound to have a beacon for Spring – a sign that indicates the cold, bundled-up days have almost past. For a beauty blogger that beacon is the anticipated release of the year's Spring nail polish collections. And the collection destined to rule them all this Spring is the Essie Flowerista Collection. 'Whether the look is futuristic minimalism or nouveau bohemian, the name of the game is flower power. The Spring 2015 Collection is in full bloom, celebrating the fresh perspectives and energetic nature of the spring season.'

This collection brings added excitement as it marks the first collaboration with designer Rebecca Minkoff, who is joining Essie as their Global Colour Designer. Together, Minkoff and Essie have created a collection consisting of six polishes, three brights and three neutrals, for a refreshing twist to the typical floral-inspired collection. I was enamoured with all six shades when I saw the release on Nail Polish Canada, but it was Garden Variety and Petal Pushers that came home with me in the end. I presume that Garden Variety will be the only brightly-coloured polish making its way into my polish collection this spring given my current addiction to neutrals. The deep, creamy teal blue polish had me at first swatch and has left me day dreaming of outfits to pair it with ever since. Petal Pushers on the other hand is a shade I'm much more comfortable and familiar with. Described as a cool rain slate, this shade will undoubtedly become a go-to of mine year round and will work wonders when incorporated into nail art designs – especially when paired with Garden Variety. 

What are your thoughts on Essie's Spring Collection?

AM¥     XO

ALL ABOUT THAT BASE . GLOWING SKIN

This season the runways were riddled with fresh-faced beauties rocking luminous skin, barely-there makeup, man-made freckles, and slicked back hair. I fell especially hard for the makeup looks seen on the models in the Erin Fetherson, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Donna Karan runway shows – each model looked ethereal, angelic, and naïve with a hint of sophistication. 

I've always admired those who are able to rock the minimal makeup look on a daily basis – it says a lot about a persons confidence and priorities. And at the age of 25, I finally feel that my skin has an even texture and tone, and remains blemish-free long enough that I'm able to ditch the heavy makeup for the majority of my work days. I always begin my foundation routine with a primer and I've currently been loving the Make Up For Ever Skin Equalizer Nourishing Primer[*], which contains hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, giving an even texture and feel to my skin. Plus, the velvety-rich formula melts into my skin quickly and truly extends the wear of my foundation, which for a luminous look is, of course, the Estée Lauder Double-Wear All-Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup[*]. This BB cream is spectacular in terms of it's wear-time, radiance, and coverage, and never feels heavy or suffocating on my skin. To hide the darkness below my eyes I paint the YSL Touche Éclat in the shape of an inverted triangle and then blend it out with my Real Techniques brush. In order to maintain the glow of this foundation I've decided to skip powder completely, and instead add extra radiance using a cream product, the Make Up For Ever Skin Equalizer Radiance Primer in Blue. By tapping this primer into the inner corners of my eye, as well as the high portions of my face I instantly amp up the luminosity of my look, giving my complexion a fresh-glow. To finish off the look I've lightly filled in my brows using the Victoria Jackson Taupe Brow Pencil, and curled my lashes for a wide-awake look using the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara. Now simply top with a light spritz of the Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix and rest assured that your minimal makeup look will keep glowing all day long. 

How do you achieve glowing skin?

AM¥      XO

PH¥TO . PH¥TOPOLLÉINE BOTANICAL SCALP TREATMENT

Prior to a few weeks ago I had never heard of, let alone tried a scalp treatment before, and suddenly this week it seems that it's the only subject that I'm able to formulate sentences about. I'm addicted... but with good reason.

A little background on the brand; Phyto was created by Patrick Ales, a hair stylist who not only invented the hairstyle we now know as the 'blowout', but also patented the technique used and sold it to L'Oreal. With the money he acquired from this deal he purchased a house in France, which was filled with essential oils used by the previous owner, a doctor who created natural concoctions used to treat his patients. Patrick continued this trend, combining the essential oils to create topical hair treatments which he would use on his clients. The first treatment he created was the Phyto Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment ($50), which is still available in it's original, un-changed formula today.   

 

The Phyto Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment is a botanical elixir formulated with a concentrate of 72% botanical extracts and corn germ oil to give your scalp and hair a serious boost. The formula harnesses the natural powers of rosemary, sage, cypress, eucalyptus, and lemon to purify the scalp and catalyze microcirculation, which in turn calm the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. In every 25ml bottle of elixir there is a concentration of 4lbs of fresh plants, so you can just imagine how botanical the scent truly is. I've grown very found of the scent, however I can see how it would irritate or repulse others. Fear not, the scent rinses away completely once you shampoo! The treatment is meant to be used once or twice a week as a pre-shampoo. I've found that the easiest way to disperse the product throughout my scalp is to separate my hair into four sections, massaging  the oil in circular motions into each quarter of my hair. I've only been using the treatment for two weeks now but I've already noticed quite a difference in my hair. There is less oil build up forming on my scalp between washing, which means I'm able to go total of three days between washing and my hair has added volume, softness and shine. Considering I've already begun to notice the benefits of this treatment I'm hopeful that extended use will truly help to reconstruct my hair from the root outwards.   
 

Have you tried a scalp treatment? 

AM¥     XO