Luxe Box Fall 2012 Review and Swatches

I recieved my first Loose Button Luxe Box for Fall 2012. I wasn't too sure i would be impressed since i didn't even do that much research on this one. I wanted something that i could have a completely un-bais opinion about. Apparently Loose Button, which is an international subscription box company has recently released boxes in the United States. Boxes started out as monthly but changed to seasonal. My first box came in a grey cardboard box that let me know it was members only and already had the allure of exclusiveness. In order to receive this box you must apply for an invite, once chosen you can choose how many seasons to buy, i started out with 2.

My son placing my box on the couch, such a helpful baby.

When i first looked at the slim rectangle box, i thought it looked pretty small, i was a little worried that this box wasn't going to be that good. I was beginning to rethink the $25 dollars i had just spent on it. One thing was for sure it looked elegant.

 The intro card looked more like a fancy invitation.

 Instead of being pack in tissue paper it was warped in a white cloth.

List of items that i received which included a break down of the category that each item is.

 There was a lot more items in here then i expected and the range was fantastic. 4 full sized items including makeup, nail polish, nail strips, and body care, along with face care, and hair care.

 Schick Hydro Silk Razor- These retail for about $6 or $7 dollars which makes it a great addition to this box. I do have to say though, i also got this in my Birchbox about 2 months ago, so that lessened the excitement. I did need a new one though. Its a great product since it has a hydration rim around the razor so you don't need any shave gel or cream on those hard to shave places. Leaves skin smooth and gives an even shave.

 Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black- This felt tip eye liner pen (full size) allows you to have a precise line without any smudging. This item i also received in a past Birchbox (in purple). I like this product because it goes on smooth and there is no mess. Sometimes using a liner that is liquid with a brush can get messy if you are in a rush. This product allows you to get creative or just make a quick line.

 Vichy Refreshing Toner- I put just a little bit on my face right after cleansing but before anti-aging and it was the perfect mid step. It made my face feel refreshed. I never thought toners were that important but this really did wonders especially in the morning for an extra pick me up in the middle of my cosmetic retinue.  

 Bobos Remi- Even though this product is a liquid spray it is a leave in conditioner that is made with Macadamia, Panthenol, and Jojoba Oil which deeply hydrates the hair. My hair felt super soft not just on the surface. It felt moisturized deep down. My hair became manageable but not greasy. I applied mainly to my roots but also sprayed lightly on my roots to prevent frizz.

 Orlane Absolute Skin Recovery Polyactive and Super Moisturizing Concentrate-  Both of these products, applied after toner, made my face feel smooth and soft which lasted all day. I can't say it was more special than other items i have tried but it was a nice product.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips- These strips made painting my nails  super quick. I was able to get the layered, opaque glitter look with just a simple strip. This manicure took about 5 minutes to complete and there was no dry time. With a two year old running around this was probably the most flawless manicure i have had in a while.

 Essie Nail Polish in No Place Like Chrome- This polish is part of the Mirror Metallic's fall 2012 collection and i think it is one of the best colors of the collection. It is a very bright true silver, i experienced zero streaking and it was quick drying. This is one of those polishes that requires you to paint your nails a little quicker but the good news is you will only need one coat to have complete coverage.

Overall i really enjoyed the range of products. Most of them are well known brands and brands i can find in my local stores for repurchase. I liked that there were items i knew of and i liked being introduced to new products and brands as well. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a bit of an elegant experience when it comes to subscription boxes.

Test Tube Fall 2012 Review and Swatches

This seasons box is so impressive I am beginning to wish it was monthly! The range of products will have you set for the next 3 months and are perfectly fall focused. From hair hydration, to get your hair ready for winter dryness, to eye illuminator to keep your eyes bright as days slowly get shorter.

Received
It cosmetics- bye bye under eye.
This product excites me. I have terrible under eye circles. This full coverage under eye cream is the perfect cover up to hide sever dark circles. Not only does this product cover up but helps to prevent aging, helps to reduce puffiness, and moisturizes. So you are able to protect delicate tissue ( under the eye is one of the most sensitive places in the body due to being so thin) while still looking great. One note. I received the shade neutral medium but it is more neutral fair. Maybe choose one shade up when purchasing this product. This product is cruelty free and does not test on animals.
Full size 0.28 fl oz $24, I received 0.11 fl oz worth about 7 dollars.

Moroccan Oil- Intense Hydrating Mask
This product smells perfect. Not a heavy scent but won't leave your hair with a bad odor. This product is meant to prevent future damage from heat and oxidation. Made with natural ingredients like vitamin E and argon oil. Not only does it repair and prevent feature damage but will leave your hair soft and glossy now. If you have greasy roots apply from the middle of your hair down with only a dab to the roots. I like how this prevented my hair from knotting.
Full size $32 dollars for 8.5 fl oz. I received 2.53 fl oz which is about a quarter of the full size and is worth about $8.

Yon-Ka - Masque Number 1 time release intense moisture
I received a full size of this product and I am so glad I did. This anti aging moisturizer is a two in one product that will save you time in your morning and nightly routine while also making your skin feel super soft. My complexion looks healthier and feels noticeably smoother due to using this product for only 5 days. Softly scented.
Full size 1.7 fl oz $58

 

Kneipp- Eucalyptus Herbal Bath & Pure Bliss Bath Salt in Red Poppy Hemp:
These bath salts, meant to be used for aroma therapy, smell very natural. You won't feel like you are soaking in or smelling something artificial. I love the natural scent and how different it smells compared to other products. While his product is in an unreleasable bag I did get two uses out of it.
Full size $20 3.4 fl oz. I received 2.1 fl oz worth about $12.

Dr. Brant- Dark Circles Away:
Test tube fall 2012 is really preparing you for the short days to come and the day we gain an hour when day light savings end. Less sleep, less sun, more dark circles. Test tube beauty will have none of that! This product helps to relieve the tired look ( which i learned has nothing to do with lack of sleep but more to do with blood pooled in the vessel under the skin) and helps to boost collage. Under the eye making under the eye look brighter. So if you aren't into wearing a lot of makeup under the eye this serum will keep you looking natural and awake.
Full size $65 0.5 fl oz. I received .085 which is maybe worth about $7.

Philosophy- Hope In A Jar:
This product moisturizes dry skin. While it is a great product and does what it promise I feel it has more hype than worth. I do love the inspirational quote on the tube though. If you love cute packaging this might be perfect for you. Lightly scented and creamy.
Full size $39 for 2 fl oz. I received 0.4 fl oz which is worth $8

Olay - Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment:
I may only be 27 but I don't want to look one day older so I prevent prevent prevent. I've been using this product for a while so I receive another one and full size at that is always nice. You only need a tiny bit of this product to moisturize, prevent wrinkles, and repair already existing fine lines. Leaves skim feeling healthy.
Full size $44 for 1 fl oz.

 

 

Cellceuticals- Cellgenesis Eye Serum-
Another full sized product! This is why I love test tube. This serum helps to tighten and firm the area of skin around the eye. Helps to eliminate dark under eye circles and fine lines. Feels soft, non drippy, and easy to apply both morning and night. Was easy to wear under cosmetics.
Full size $65 for 0.5 fl oz

Extra: Spa Look offer cards

This seasons new beauty magazine includes 10 secrets to staying sexy at any age and how to get flawless skin. If you aren't subscribed you can pick this up where magazine a are sold

Les Twin Sets De Chanel- La Provocante Rouge Allure Velvet Review

I know i am so late with this post but to be fair i really was less than thrilled with this. I was extremely excited about this shade, La Provocante,  from the Fashions Night Out Chanel collection. Touted as a matte finish, deep plum, really fell flat.

For starters the finish isn't matte. I love matte lipstick and finding out that i just spent $32 dollars on a sheer lipstick (why does this keep happening?) is more than disappointing. If i wanted a streaky violet color i would have bought Revlon's Va Va Violet (good color, not enough pigmentation). It is so sad that i have to compare a prestigious brand to a drugstore brand, and not in a positive way. Aside from the streaky and uneven coverage, this shade was just too sheer. To get full color payoff (and i use the word full very lightly) you need to swipe numerous times or just use many layers. Maybe better color payoff can be achieved using a lip brush. Because of the high streak properties it will show every single flaw in your lips. You can exfoliate with a tooth brush and some sugar or salt to smooth your lips out, or smooth out your lips with balm before hand.

 This color does have a savior. Using Pixi line and prime i cam able to take this un-matte, super streaky, low pigmented, bad applying color and make it wearable! Using Pixi line and prime under this lipstick smoothed it out, brought out the color, make it more opaque, and helped the streaky problem. While the shade is still not matte it is closer using this lip primer. Using the primer underneath the color lasted for about 5 hours.

While this shade was sold as a twin set with a matching nail polish i was decided to pass on the polish. If you would like a similar shade try Zoya Katherine. If you missed this limited edition shade of lipstick MAC Rebel is a close second to this shade.

Young Rapunxel - MAC review and swatches

Ah, yet another delicious purple lipstick, if you love fall for nothing else, love it for the purple lipstick! This shade is, sadly, another limited edition. I wonder why MAC is so adverse to giving us some permanent purple, i digress.

This beautiful amplified shade, made for Azealia Banks 90's rapper, was released on September 5th 2012. While some bloggers would describe this as a semi-matte i greatly disagree. This shade is quite creamy and has a good amount of shine. While it isn't streaky its texture leaves room for any flaws on your lips to become very apparent. This shade is very plum, it is very rich, and it can lean on the red side of purple depending on your skin tone. It is similar to La Provocative but this shade is less streaky and a little lighter. So if you missed either one they are pretty interchangeable.

 Are you wearing purple lipstick this fall? If so what shade? Why aren't you wearing this trend?