Friday, September 14, 2012

Coordinates

Ok, I'm going to get all mushy for a bit and gush about my husband. I'm also going to admit that I'm a giant jerk and I'm proclaiming it to the world (or the three people who read this blog). And here's why...

August 30th was our fourth anniversary. We generally don't go crazy with anniversary gifts and if you asked me what the traditional presents are for 4 years, I'd have no idea. This year I got A. the 2nd season of Walking Dead on Blu-Ray because it was something he'd specifically mentioned wanting. He seemed happy with it and we went on our merry way. He did say that I'd have to wait until September 8th to receive my gift because it was "on its way." No problem.

September 6th rolls around and he says he needs to take M. to the mall to "pick something up." When they get home, M. presents me with a box and says, "we got you a necklace!!" (Girl can't keep a secret.) And this is when it all went to pot.

I opened the box and see what looks like a black dog-tag on a simple chain. Fairly unremarkable but I could see there were some small characters engraved on the face. A. explained their meaning and I proclaimed it "nice." Ouch, right?


Want to know what the engraving is? Those two lines are the longitude and latitude of the place, the EXACT spot, where we met 7 years ago - Camp Julien in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Since that night, I have worn this every single day and every day I think about how I should have been more grateful and excited. So, here's me, hanging my head in shame and shouting my thanks to the world. I love you A!!

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

August GlossyBox and Fall Luxe Box

Today was a good mail day. I have been obsessively tracking both my GlossyBox and Luxe Box and, as fate would have it, they both arrived in my mail box today! I thought since I was able to open them both at once, I would post the comparison here. Keep in mind that they are different price points so, naturally, the products will be of differing quality.

Let's start with GlossyBox. I have been received this box for about 4 months now and have generally been pleased with the samples I receive. GlossyBox does tend to be more drug store brands, which some people don't like, but I don't mind it because I'm more likely to buy a Biore facial wash than a $100 cleanser. Call me cheap. I love the high end samples simply for the chance to try them but, for me, GlossyBox is a more practical option.

 This month's samples arrived in the standard GlossyBox packaging - a good quality light pink box with black tissue paper and a pink ribbon. I've been saving these boxes for use come Christmas.
 Befine Fine Food Skin Care - 5 single size samples that will invigorate, protect and detoxify your skin. I especially love clay masks so I'm looking forward to trying that.
UPDATE: I've been using the cleanser and the night cream for the past couple of days and LOVE the night cream. It's a nice texture, not too heavy, doesn't leave my skin oily, and smells amazing!
 Biore Make-Up Removing Towelettes - 10 pack. I liked the cleanser I received last month and I like towelettes for their convenience factor so I will definitely be using these.
 Sebastian Potion 9 Lite. A good addition to the shampoo I received in a past box.
UPDATE: Like all other Sebastian products I've tried this one has a nice scent and really does seem to leave my hair feeling softer.
 Layla Smalto "Bijou" nail polish. I've never heard of this brand before and I LOVE the purple colour. Can't wait to try it on my toes.
 Elastoplast SOS Blister. Can never have too many band-aids. The card says this is a full size travel pack but it would have been nice to receive more than one.
 Trend Trunk Mystery gift card. This card could be worth anywhere from $5 - $250 at Trend Trunk which is described as being a "social marketplace which allows you to buy, sell and donate your amazing new and pre-loved fashion!" Interesting concept but not sure if I will use it. Adds no value to the box in my opinion.
 Kryolan for GlossyBox lipstick in Glossy Pink. My one gripe with the boxes I've been receiving is too much lipstick! I generally don't wear it and would much prefer a lip gloss or balm. Most of the tubes I've received have been pink (as is this one) and 50% have been frosty which looks TERRIBLE on me. If I have to receive a lipstick I'd rather get something like a universally flattering red. Lipstick colours are so subjective to the wearer. That said, this is actually a decent colour (seems most people got this same one - not sure if there were alternate colours) so I might wear it.
UPDATE: I've been wearing this every day and am quite impressed with it's staying power. Even after eating and drinking, my lips have a nice colour to them.
All in all, I continue to be satisfied that I'm getting my money's worth from GlossyBox.

Next up is Luxe Box. In the spring, Loose Button decided to change the format of their beauty box from a monthly offering to a seasonal box. The price increased to $26/quarter and was to include 7-8 high end samples. There was a lot of negative reaction to this change but I was looking forward to something a little different from the rest of the boxes. After months of waiting, my first seasonal box finally arrived.

 First, the packaging. What an improvement over the old, flimsy black boxes. This box is a lovely cream colour with the Loose Button logo embossed in gold. Feels luxe!
 Inside the products are wrapped in a silky piece of fabric and Luxe Box is embossed in gold on the inside of the lid.
 The product card envelope is sealed with a monogrammed sticker and I must say, I loved this personalized touch. The simple addition of a sticker made it seem like this box was packed specially for me.
 Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray. I really like Moroccanoil products but tend not to purchase them for myself so I'm excited about this sample. Especially since I just ran out of hairspray.
 Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner. I have never used liquid eyeliner in my life and I'm sure it will take some practice. Reviews have said this eyeliner is great for staying put so I look forward to trying it.
 Loose Button Exfoliating Pad. That about says it all. Might toss in the shower.
 China Glaze "On Safari" nail lacquer in Adventure Red-y. Another awesome addition to my polish collection. I've actually never tried China Glaze (I'm normally a Revlon girl) but I've heard great things about it.
 Vichy Proeven Daily Dark Spot Corrector. I like Vichy so I'm willing to give this a try. Not sure that I have "dark spots" per se but I'm up for anything that will even out my skin tone.
 Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer. This may be the product I'm most excited about. I've never used primer before but I generally end up with raccoon eyes by the end of the day so I'm hoping this will help.
Madonna Truth or Dare Eau de Parfum. Probably the sample I'm least excited about. I'm pretty picky about perfumes because I'm sensitive to scent so I tend not to wear them a lot. (That, and my work is a scent-free environment.) Also, I HATE the packaging. The box is fine but the sample itself is in a glass tube with a stopper (hard to get out) and a rounded bottom! It doesn't even stand up on its own. Will be going into my give away pile.

So, this being the first seasonal box, I am fairly pleased. There was a good variety of brands and products but I actually thought there would be another full-sized item. I'm looking forward to seeing what Loose Button comes up with for Winter.

Were you pleased with the samples you received this month? Which beauty box is your favourite?
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