Topbox February 2013

Woohoo! Guess what I got in this month's Topbox?

I was lucky enough to receive the Benefit Privé Box (Privé Box is basically a box that is filled with samples from one brand)!! I am very happy with this month's box since the box is totally stuffed with goodies from Benefit! Although I never tried any of benefit's, i find their packaging to be very attractive and cute.

So here is this month's goodies... Drum roll please...! *dom dom dom dom dom*

Benefit Benetint

Benefit The POREfessional Balm

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

Left: Benefit Dandelion Pressed Powder 

Right: Benefit Dandelion Ultra Plush Lipgloss

There was also a sample size of Benefit Fine One One, which can be use for cheeks or lip.

Can't wait to try them all!!!

-Bernice

Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Review

I couldn't stand using my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner anymore and I wanted to switch to a liquid eyeliner. Don't get me wrong, I like how long lasting the BB gel eyeliner. But for some reason it takes me forever to apply it. So I end up going on to sasa.com to look up what kind of Japanese brand liquid eyeliner is available. After reading some of the comments and price range, I end up wanting to give it a try on the "Kiss Me Heroine Make" liquid eyeliner.

The liquid dries pretty quickly after applying and it's a dark solid black. I like how the brush itself is very thin, making it easy to apply even to the thinnest line. I tired rubbing it with my finger and there was no sign smudges *thumbs up*! Although I have never cried when wearing this eyeliner, I tried putting a few drops of water on it and its still perfectly safe! However, when water + rubbing = eyeliner completely erased.

Have anyone tried this liquid eyeliner? Let me know! 

-Bernice

Topbox January 2013

This month's Topbox is Clinique's beauty box featuring repairwear laser focus.

I've never tried Clinique's skincare products before so I am pretty excited.

From Left to Right:

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo- 02 Like Mink

Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector (7ml)

Rinse Off Eye Makeup Solvent (60ml)

Clarifying Lotion (30ml)

I really like the duo eye shadow, a very neutral colour that I would use for sure! I also like how the exterior of this case is a mirror. Good to carry on the go!

Was this month's box a yay or nay for you? Let me know!

-Bernice

After one month using The Regimen from Acne.org

I having been using The Regimen Skincare routine for about 1.5 months now. I have to say this product work/ did not work for me. Sounds confusing ay? Let me explain myself.

For me, I realize my breakout continuously came from the left side of my face (near the ear). So I thought maybe it's because I always use the left side to talk on the phone or sleep on dirty bed sheet. But what became weird is that I am getting pimples around my mouth area as well. So I took a guess that hygiene isn't the main cause but actually a symptom of what my body need attention of. For those of you who watches bubzbeauty's video on "What is your acne telling you" ( heres the link to her video: http://youtu.be/ztXsSx0_87I or down below ) would probably have a better understanding of what I am talking about. Like how bubz say, our face is like a blue print that indicates our internal health. But believe me, I didn't bother to do research on what it means to have acne on the chin or cheeks...etc.

Instead I end up going to acupuncture to see what's wrong with this horrible breakout. After going to see the Chinese doctor for weeks, the doc managed to diagnose the cause of the pimples. Its mainly due to what I eat and what time I go to bed (like 1-2am =_=). I am the type of girl that likes to eat and drink things that are cold(ice cream, cold Drinks, fruit salad, sashimi...you name it), especially in the summer. Having to intake cold stuff at a regular base is actually very harmful to your body, especially for women during the time of the month. And its important to be in bed by 11pm (I know it sounds like telling a kid to go to bed) because that is when our body needs rest and regulate itself and trying to get all the toxins out.

Any who back to the Regimen! So when I said the Regimen didn't work on me its because it does not help me PREVENT the pimples from forming. However, the benzoyl peroxide (bp) did help me shrink/ dry up my acne once it appears on the surface of my skin....(evil!). I would recommend to stop using BP once you are sure that your acne is cure because its too strong for our skin- especially if your skin is thin. One thing that scares me is how BP acts like a 'bleach'. Which makes sense on how it helps clear out blemishes. I wouldn't say my face got whiter, but other than noticing my pimples and blemishes going away a lot quicker, I notice the pillow sheets I had been sleeping on obviously got whiter *shiver*!

In conclusion, the Regimen is worth a try (if you wanna cut to the chase, I say stick to the treatment-BP) but don't necessary put your hopes high that it will 100% cure your acne problem. It might work for me (kinda) but doesn't necessary work on you. After all everyone have different types of skin, right?

As you can see from this picture, I still have some pimples underneath my mouth and cheeks. And thankfully some of the blemishes can still be covered with makeup. But I do hope that with the aid of acupuncture and the regimen, I wouldn't need to apply foundation to cover up my whole face!

Hope this review helps a bit and let me know if you have tried The Regimen from Acne.org !

-Bernice

Topbox December 2012

No doubt this month's Topbox is a big disappointment to many girls since its Christmas and we would wish companies like Topbox to show some generosity! But personally, I didn't expect much from them because the more you expect, the bigger the disappoint is... So here goes for this month's samples:

Left: Chloé Eau de Parfum, 5ml

Right: Goldwell Hot form Spray, 150ml full size

A lot of people have been raving about the Chloé perfume on how good it smells. 

I guess it does smell pretty nice. haha. But what I really like about it is the cute little sample bottle!

As for the Goldwell Hot form Spray, its a heat protected spray. 

But considering its a "full size" its actually a pretty tiny hairspray!

Can't wait to give it a try because the only brand that I've tried is the TRESemmé heat protected spray (which doesn't really "protect" my hair ends)

Ferro Cosmetics Blush X3

I've got to say when I first opened this, I looked at the color of this blush and I thought..."its shimmering brown."... no way it can be a blush for my yellow skin type...I guess I will use it as a eyeshadow.. I wasn't very please with the packaging because when I opened, the powdery dust was everywhere! grrr.

Kellett Skincare Clarifying Acne Treatment, 3ml each

I have been having a lot of acne problems for the past few years and its been getting more severe but thankfully its getting better after I start using The Regimen from Acne.org (I shall do an update later on my skin!). So after reading the ingredient in this sample, it contains 5% of Benzoyl Peroxide. What it is, "is used as an acne treatment, for improving flour, for bleaching hair and teeth, for polymerising polyester and many other uses."- Wikipedia

After putting this on your pimples, it basically whitens your blemishes and dries up your pimples. 

Comparing the Kellet skincare with the Regimen, the Regimen only contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide... Personally, after the first week of using the Regimen's BP, it already made my skin super flaky (yes, I might have put too much on my skin to begin with which my skin didnt get used to it) But what I am trying to say is, since the 2.5% BP can already make my skin that flakey... no doubt Kellett's BP could make it worst! Therefore, when using it the first time don't put too much!!

Was this month's Topbox a thumbs up or thumbs down for you?

-Bernice

Skincare Goodies

During my stay in Hong Kong, I brought a lot of skincare stuff. They were mostly things to keep my face hydrated. My skin originally falls within the oily category but after using The Regimen from Acne.org my skin has been dry as the desert. 

Bioderma

Micelle Solution- Combination or Oily Skin

I originally use the pink bottle cap one (for sensitive skin). I was thinking of switching to this green bottle cap one after my skin is all heal up from using the regimen. Its such a good deal to buy this makeup remover in Hong Kong, only cost $148hkd (~$20cnd) @ Sasa. Where as in Canada, cost around $30!

The Saem

Left: Mini Doll Honey Lip Balm SPF 10

Right: Honey Aloe Essence

The Saem is a Korean brand that started out in 2010. Came across this brand when I was at Hysan Place. 

The honey aloe essence is kinda of like facial mask that hydrates your lips with collagen in it (according to what the sales told me) and after, use the mini doll honey lip balm to help lock down the water component. 

I just tried on as we speak, I can smell a strong sense of  honey in The Honey Aloe Essence. Overall, it feels like I just put a blob of honey onto my lips..

Etude House Wonder Pore Modeling Clear                       Correct me if I am wrong, Etude House is a Korean brand that have launched in Hong Kong recently. Their over all packaging is very cute, which attracts a lot of young teenagers/women to fall in love with it. With the wonder pore modeling clear, it states to:  deep cleanse pores, balance your skin's ideal pH level, minimize appearance of pores, refine the skin tones, control a large amount if the sebum, keep the elasticity of pores, and moisturize inside and outside of skin. Will definitely do a review on this later!

Left: I need you, Aloe! Mask Sheet

Right: BlackHead Remover Dual Sheet                    I also got some aloe masks and blackhead  remover dual sheet at Etude House.I really liked the their aloe masks. When I first removed the mask out of the packaging it feels very moist and hydrated. On the packing, it says the each mask contains 1000mg of aloe and serum which helps keep your skin hydrated, smooth and prevents acne.
 As for the blackhead one, its basically a black head remover sheet and a gel sheet that helps tighten your pores after removing your blackheads.

Left: Sasa Aqua Boost Moisturizing Eye         This came in a box with 20 little zip lock bags, and each zip lock contains 3 pairs of eye masks. So in total you get 60 pairs of eye mask for the total of $89HKD.                                                         

Middle: Nature Republic Snail Therapy 10,000 Hydrogel Eye Patch ($35hkd)                             I haven't tried this yet, but the sales sells this eye mask as tho it was magic. It contains snail skin that has the capacity of restoring tissue- eliminating wrinkles, scars and help fight cellulite and acne.                                                        

Right: DHC Eye mask ($60hkd 6pairs)

I brought this again because I liked how you can just stick on without having any gel-ly residual on your hands. Very convenient and clean!

-Bernice

The Regimen- Acne.org (first 5 days)

I've started using The Regimen 5 days ago. Before making this purchase I've read tons of reviews on this skin care routine and how ugly it would make your skin for the first few weeks to a month. For those of you that wants to know how these products work, do go to www.acne.org and it will explain on how everything works. 

The first day using the regimen I was quiet confuse because I didn't have a clue what was considered to be the "right amount" for myself. And I didn't get how you can really cleanse your face in just 10 seconds! But anywho, this regimen is pretty flexible because you can adjust it to the way you want, you do not necessary have to follow their routine daily. For instance, if you feel that the treatment is too much for you (making your face super duper dry)two times daily, switch it to once daily. If the moisturizer is not hydrated enough, add/ use your own set of moisturizer that you prefer.

2nd day: it's amazing how after using The Regimen on the second day, my 2 huge pimples is already dying.

4th-5th day: heck, my skin is crazily dry, wrinkles appearing on my forehead and no longer have a smooth surface on my skin...So for the past 3 days I've gone crazy packing hydrated facial masks onto my face. I had to repurchase my facial moisturizer and eye cream because the one I used to have JUST WASN'T HYDRATED ENOUGH. I find it funny that I have to buy a complete different set of moisturizer from before (From combination to dry). Feels as though I was purchasing it for someone else *laughs*.

I've also notice is that my face was a little bit swollen and red on the 4-5th day. It might because I put too much of the treatment? So I decided to cut down my treatment to just once a day rather than two and continue putting on masks.
*Sorry if I did scared anyone with my dry and wrinkly face. haha. Just want to let you guys see how I look after using the regimen!*

Oh yeah, as for the facial moisturizer, I switched to using Exten-10 from GoodSkin Labs (Image on the left). This can be found in Sasa cosmetic store which cost $400hkd. I really do not believe this moisturizer will make me look 10.4 years younger after 4 weeks... but what caught my attention was how its contains SPF 15 and works on combination/ dry skin! With the SPF 15, my skin can be protected from the sun.. especially after after putting benzoyl peroxide on my skin. First time putting it, I didn't enjoy the feeling of it... it feels very greasy in a way... but its probably because I have always used creams that are more watery type?

As for the eye cream, the sales lady suggested Nircanesque Contour des Yeux from Nuxe Paris-$300hkd (Image on the right). What it does is to make your eye area smooth (ex. less wrinkles fine lines..) and anti-dark circles (which I totally need!). I don't expect much from this eye cream but to make my eye area less dry.. since I've never tired an eye cream that can erase my dark dark dark circles. In general this eye cream is doing its job by keeping my eye area hydrated but definitely not curing my dark circles.

I ♥ Fall TAG

1. Favorite Fall lip product?
Revlon Lip Butter - 050 Berry Smoothie


2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish?
Neutrals


3. Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink?
I don't go to Starbucks much noadways, but if I had to pick a fall drink - Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte. 


4. Favorite Fall Candle?

Bath and Body Works - French Baguette 
Depending on your senses, I find that you either smell baguette or butter popcorn. Quiet strange! I burnt the candle in my room, and it was not overpowering at all. Hmm...delissssh! 

5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory
Boots cause they go with almost everything! 


6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze?

Preferably none! Gaah, I get scared easily... 

7. Favorite Halloween movie?
None that stands out for me. Any suggestions?


8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?
Really depends on my mood :p 


9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?!
Nothing.

10. What is your Favorite thing about Fall?
The colour of fall, especially the colours of leaves. :)


Link me your answers if you've done this tag!
- Bon

IMATS Vancouver Haul

This year was my first time at an IMATS event! Had no idea how it would be like... 

Arrived there at 9:15am, and there was already a huge line up for make up for ever! They pretty much had the busiest counter! Lining up + swatching products + paying took a total of two hours. It was a crazy experience, kind of stressful if you ask me haha... 

Final purchases of the day

Royal & Langnickel Brushes 

Powder (BC101-S)

Contour (BC120)

All Over Shadow (C401)

Dome Shadow (C427)

Make Up For Ever

Mat Bronze (#20)

Lab Shine (S24)

Smoky Lash Mascara 

Can't wait to give these products a try! Will do a blog post about any products worth reviewing later on.

I would love to know what kind of products you picked up. Leave me a comment! 

- Bon 

July 2012 Glymm Box

Products:
(Left to Right)

• CYBERDERM: H20 HYDRATION & PM ANTI-AGE

• MANE TEEZE: SOCIAL BUTTERFLY HAIR PERFUME

Unfortunately, the perfume leaked half of the product by the time it arrived! The scent reminds me of vanilla candles. Not the type of scent I want to smell on myself throughout the day, so I'll probably be using it as a room spray.

• JOICO: K-PAK REVITALUXE

There has been too many hair products (conditioners) from Glymm box lately! I've hardly had time to try them all, so I can't say much at the moment.

• 25% ALL NAIL POLISH PROMOTION

• MEREADESSO: BEAUTIFUL BODY BALM

I am always searching for the best body balm! The full size product is actually quite expensive though, 200ML for $54! Hmm... we'll see if it's THAT amazing...

Any thoughts on this month's products?

- Bon
instagram@tallbee

April Haul

Beauty Blender 

After reading all the raves, I can't help but to give it a try! 

Whitening Lighting

I've always been bothered that my teeth is a bit yellow since I love drinking coffee! 

This product seems more simple than white stripes so we'll see how it goes.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (Light)

Laura Mercier Concealer (#2)

Color Tattoo Eyeshadow (Bad to the Bronze)

Swatches

Maybelline, Laura Mercier, Color Tattoo

The Laura Mercier Concealer looks very orange in the swatch, but it blends nicely onto the under eye area. The texture is very creamy and less drying than the Bobbi Brown Concealer. I used to really enjoy the Bobbi Brown Concealer, but recently it hasn't been working out!

Stila Eyeliner (Topaz)

Perfect colour for the bottom waterline.

Sephora Airbrush & Mineral Brush

I have been using the Sephora Airbrush for liquid foundation. It gives a nice smooth finish and the foundation is less likely to look cakey. 

Have you tried any of these products?

- Boni

April 2012 Glymm Box

I'm still not impressed with the Glymm Box so far. I guess it's hard to like every single item, since it's not personally matched. This month's box was more for hair and body?

Products:

• LUCIA - Soap No6. Wild Ginger & Fresh Fig Soap

The soap gave this box an overall nice scent, which is a plus. =P Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of bar soaps, so I won't be trying it. 

• ATELIER COLOGNE - Orange Sanguine Fragrance

I hate this kind of packaging for fragrance samples. It's so hard to open and I don't like the scent getting on my fingers (which it did).... The fragrance is as the name says, orange! It is a nice scent, but I personally wouldn't wear it. It's basically the orange smell you get on your fingers after you've peeled an orange!

• FREE YOUR MANE - Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

I'm excited to try this shampoo and conditioner out since it's sulfate free. I'm quite sensitive to shampoos now, where I easily get itchy scalps if I use the wrong ones. Will update later once I've tried it out. 

• MAI COUTURE - Social Gloss (G'Vinity)

A pearly-light beige sparkly lip gloss? Don't have the urge to try it yet though... 

• NUME - $100 Gift Certificate

I have a hair straightener and hair dryer from them, and so far so good. Excited to put this to good use later on!

Let me know how you liked the April Gymm Box!

- Bon

"Marcelle BB Cream" Review

I purchased the Marcelle's BB Cream in the colour "light to medium." The BB Cream is said to have 8 in 1 benefits, which I'm sure you've already read about it so I'll just cut to the review. 

Pros:

- sleek and convenient packaging 

- creamy & easy to smooth out 

- matches & evens out skin tone (I have a yellow-base/ light skin tone) 

- no fragrant, good for sensitive skin

- decent price

There was a 20% off on Marcelle products at London Drugs and I had a $2 off coupon, so final price came out to around $18. 

Cons:

- very light coverage, it only evens out your skin tone like a makeup base! 

It slightly faded the redness around my cheek area, which is usually my greatest concern when it comes to coverage. If you are someone who likes a bit of coverage, this isn't for you. 

- dry patches 

Dry patches sometime appears around my mouth area and nose after I apply it. 

I don't think I would repurchase this product, since I like a bit more coverage. But I do enjoy using this product when i need to look decent fast, either to the gym or out for a quick munch. I usually wear it with some concealer and blush to make me look more awake!  

How did you like the Marcelle BB Cream? 

- Boni

Right side: bb cream smoothed out 

Glossybox March 2012

Finally! After the long wait for the Glossybox its finally here! 

Since this month's Glossybox arrived late, I have pretty high expectation from them.

But having high expectations usually lead to disappointments... :( 

I didn't like this month's box mainly because 3 out of 6 products is either I didn't need (hairspray- my scalp can get sensitive very easily, so I can barely put any on head) or already have (Evian & Aveeno).

Here are the things I got:

1. AVEENO- Daily Moisturizing Lotion

2. BAILEY- Fresh Lip Gloss in Berry

3. EVIAN- Brumisateur Facial Spray

4. PANDORA'S- Blush St.Tropez

5. SEBASTIAN- Re-Shaper Hairspray

Extra: ALGEMARIN- Foam bath

Let me know what you think about this month's box!

-Love, Bernice

Eye Masks Review

As promised earlier, this post is about the eye masks that I've purchased when I went back to Hong Kong.
All of these eye masks can be purchase at a cosmetic store in Hong Kong called "Sasa". You can basically find Sasa EVERYWHERE O_O in hk...

Just a little info about myself, I have combination skin type, heavy dark circles but weirdly no eye bags and few pimples and red blemishes from here and there (OK, maybe a little more than a few..!).
Some of these eye masks maybe a hate or a like for me, but does not necessary goes the same for you!

Dr.Morita- Q10 Eye Mask
I hated this eye mask! I think I have allergic reaction towards the ingredients or some sort. After putting the eye mask on for few minutes, my right cheek (upper) begins to have a bit of stingy feeling... So I just immediately took it off and when I look into the mirror, there's already a small swollen bump near my eye area... gaaa!!! But I did give it a try again a week later, yet there is still a little discomfort...Therefore, this eye mask is a No-No for me!

Dr. Morita- For Dark Circles
I guess the reason I brought this is because it says "FOR DARK CIRCLES". I have heavy dark circles so I would basically buy anything to get rid of my dark circles (as long as i can afford it of course). In comparison to the Q10 one that I've just mentioned, this one is much more mild and gentle. Basically in this eye mask the main ingredients were vegetal placenta, platinum peptide, vitamin K and tranexamic acid. What it does is to help rejuvenate and revitalize our skin by hydrating and increasing collagen as well as whitening effect! But to be honest, I don't feel this product really helps cure my dark circles.




DHC
What I liked about this eye mask is that its not the type that would make a mess after taking it out. It's basically like sticking two pieces of stickers under my eye. I usually use this when I am super duper tired that day so I can just fall asleep immediately without worrying I might get all the serum on my pillows. On the other hand, without the liquid serum texture, it feels as though it defeated the purpose of the product- revitalizing the eye area. It really does feel like I am putting stickers onto my face.





My Bright Face Mate- Brightening Patch
This eye mask is similar to the DHC one, a hydro gel type of eye mask. The key feature of this patch helps to "brighten dark circles and spots". After removing the patches, what's left on the patches is only the cotton layer and the jelly layer was gone.






Lifecella
This eye mask contains ingredients such as Ceramide and Trehalose. Ceramide helps block and protect skin from any harmful pollution in the air. As for Trehalose, what it does is to help keep the water component within our skin.






In general, I don't really think these eye patch work for me.. probably because my dark circles is just WAY too dark to be cured. However, using these patches do make my eye area feel more hydrated, so thumbs up for that!

-Love, Bernice

Upcoming Reviews

Will be doing a review on some of these goodies soon!
Bare with me while i give them a try!
Has anyone tried any of these products before? Let me know what you think!

February 2012 Glymm Box

A bit late but here is the February Glymm Box!

I was a bit disappointed since they forgot to include the GlamGlow mud mask in my box. It also turns out to be the most expensive item out of the four. I e-mailed customer service, but unsure if they're going to replace it in my March box or send me something else. Will do a follow up post!

This month's box consists of:

• SULA Natural Shadow (On My Mind) 
• BURT'S BEES Tinted Lip Balm (Tiger Lily)
• GLAMGLOW Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask 
• MAI COUTURE 2-1 Oil Blotting/Bronzing Papier 

I didn't get a chance to try out all the products, but I have been using the Burt's Bee Tinted Lip Balm. It's very moisturizing on the lips, and I love how it gives my colourless lips a hint of colour! Staying power is quite good. As for smell, it actually reminds me of a lipstick...that kind of plastic-ish smell? But not to the point that it bothers me.

How did you like your February Glymm Box?

Instagram @tallbee

- Bon