GLOSSYBOX - August 2012 - The Shipment That Wasn't

Just a quick note to let you know that I will not be composing a blog post on the August 2012 GLOSSYBOX for the simple reason that I did not receive one. Unfortunately, last month, my credit card had been compromised and I had received an e-mail from Customer Service indicating that they needed me to update the credit card information associated with my account profile so I could receive a July box.  I immediately logged into the system and updated my information and a July box was shipped and reviewed.

Image from www.glossybox.com

This month, however, I noticed I did not receive any e-mails from GLOSSYBOX, neither informing me that there was an issue with my credit card nor that my shipment was on its way.  I thought, perhaps that they were a bit delayed in reaching out to me so when I did not hear from them, I contacted Customer Service.  The representative was helpful and told me that I was not charged for August as there appeared to be a problem with my account.  I asked why I was not contacted by Customer Service to which she replied that they are a new company and that their department doesn't handle the billing.  So Customer Service doesn't handle billing nor can they explain why I was not contacted.  Clearly, there is no set, consistent protocol for billing issues.  All she could advise me to do was log into my account and enter my credit card information again so I could be billed for September as it was too late to receive an August box.

As you might recall, I had received several UK GLOSSYBOX shipments from my lovely partner in beauty, Grace (www.allthatslap.com), who was willing to get me a few as I had heard that GLOSSYBOX was coming to the USA and I wanted a sneak peek into their boxes.  Unfortunately, GLOSSYBOX did not have a very good reputation in the UK when it came to their customer service and they eventually merged with Carmine, a beauty sampling subscription service with stellar customer service.

I'd like to think that with GLOSSYBOX being offered in several countries, they should be able to anticipate the level of demand from their subscribers.  I don't think my expectations are unrealistic.  I would expect that if there were a billing problem, I would have received some form of contact from the company as I had a month ago.

Overall rating: Boo! Hiss! for customer service, or lack thereof.  I am hoping that we can chalk this experience up to growing pains and that they will get their act together so other subscribers aren't affected in similar fashion.  I have quite a stash so I am not missing out on the monthly goodies but I hate that I am missing out on sharing with you the contents and product information that I so look forward to posting each month.  Based on other blogger posts, it is the second great shipment that I am missing out on.  I was not lucky enough to receive the full size US launch kit.  Here's hoping September brings me some welcome goodies.

Make-Up-Matte Review

For those of you that have been following my blog, you know that I have an ivory vanity in my bathroom.  Until recently, the last step in my makeup routine was cleaning up after myself by wiping down my sink and vanity with a paper towel and "green" all-purpose cleaning spray.  If you're like me, you explore options of shaving time off my morning makeup and skin routine.  Enter Make-Up-Matte (currently available in 9 patterns, $22.95, www.makeupmatte.com, or in 5 patterns, $18.89 on www.qvc.com).  Being the frugal bargain shopper that I am, I ordered mine, in Pink & White, from QVC.

This adorable "Matte", which measures 17" x 12",  rolls out nicely onto my vanity and catches any mess and fall out from my make up application, especially loose powder products which tend to be messy.  It also contains 4 brushes pockets (roomy enough to fit more than one brush based on handle circumference) and 1 large pocket where I place my everyday make up items.  Make-Up-Matte, with its elastic closure, also converts to a handy brush roll.  It is adorable and machine washable.

Here are pictures of my Make-Up-Matte:

Overall rating:  Booyah! for being lightweight, washable and durable and for saving me clean-up time in my morning makeup routine.  It travels easily and is great for the gym or local trips!  In fact, I ordered a second one for my hair items as my comb, slim brush, and travel hair gel fit nicely in the brush slots and my other hair accessories (travel shampoo/conditioner, scrunchies, etc. look cozy in the larger compartment.  In terms of versatility, however, I need to consider those that carry more than my minimal stash or do extensive travel.     In my opinion, for extended trips or as a carryall, Make-Up-Matte misses the mark and receives a Boo-Hiss! rating.  It has limited capacity and if you use short-handled brushes, they can get lost in the deep pockets.  Also, the band is somewhat flimsy and I can see it stretching out over time.  If I had the time, I could probably make myself one of these and tailor it to specific needs for a fraction of the cost.

What are your thoughts?

Maybelline Color Tattoos - Limited Edition 2012 and Fall Shades

Maybelline has added eight limited edition shades to their 24-Hour Color Tattoo range.  The first four I found in my local drugstore in a display with the limited edition Great Lash Mascara shades.  Other than the seal, there is no difference from the Color Tattoo shades in their permanent range.

The four shades are:

Blue On By

Fuchsia Fever

Ready, Set, Green

Test My Teal

Here are close-ups of each shade:

Blue On By 

Fuchsia Fever

Ready, Set, Green

Test My Teal

Here are swatches:

Top to Bottom: Blue On By, Fuchsia Fever, Ready, Set, Green and Test My Teal

In addition to these, there are four additional shades being offered under the Fall 2012 Scene on the Runway collection.

The four shades are:

Barely Beige
Gold Shimmer
Mossy Green
Rich Mahogany

Here are close-ups of each shade:

Barely Beige

Gold Shimmer

Mossy Green 

Rich Mahogany

Here are swatches:

Top to Bottom: Barely Beige, Gold Shimmer, Mossy Green, Rich Mahogany

While I was fortunate to get my hands on these lovely, limited edition shades, I was not lucky enough to get them on sale ($6.99 each).  As I eager to get them and feature them on my blog, I was not patient enough to wait for a sale.  Perhaps, I will get my back-ups on sale.

The Fall 2012 display also featured an eyeshadow brush ($2.99) so I purchased that as well.  The brush appears to have natural bristles and a fairly decent length handle.  It is easy to wash and dries quickly.  I used baby shampoo and noticed no shedding.  The brush appears to be different from the Maybelline Expert Tools Eyeshadow brush in that the ferrule is black and brush appears to be more tapered and rounded.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  I love the fact that Maybelline is expanding their shade range with this product.  However, I think that the Fall shades, being more neutral and warm, should be added to their permanent collection.  As with the initial Color Tattoo shades, I found better wearability with a primer.  All shades were nicely pigmented though I noticed that Blue on By and Fuchsia Fever were slightly temperamental, though not as bad as what others experienced with Painted Purple, from the permanent range.

Have you found any of these?  What are your thoughts?

August 2012 BeautyBar.com/Allure Sample Society Shipment

Allure Magazine has partnered with BeautyBar.com in launching a beauty sampling program.  Each monthly shipment costs $15 dollars and contains 5 deluxe samples as well as a $15 gift code for a future purchase of $50 or more, and a booklet of tips.  If you end up using the code, the box pays for itself.

The August 2012 shipment contained the following:

• Arcona - Cranberry Toner (1 oz/28 g; full size 3.2 oz/$32) - Achieve the healthy, vibrant glow you long for; Cranberry Toner makes it simple. This three-in-one formula tones and hydrates, while also infusing skin with protective antioxidants to leave your complexion looking and feeling refreshed. Antimicrobial cranberry, containing vitamins, phyto-nutrients and essential fatty acids, clarifies and protects.
  • Removes dirt, oil and makeup
  • Cleanses and clarifies
  • Refreshes skin
  • Protects against free radical damage
  Arcona knows that lasting beauty comes from within, and that what you put on your skin goes into your body. With both things in mind, Arcona has created a comprehensive line of skin care products made from the finest, all natural ingredients. The result is glowing, healthy skin at any age brought about by effective products and treatments youÆll feel good about using.
  Especially Suited for: All skin types
  Essential Elements: Vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols neutralize free radicals. Rice milk and omegas 3, 6 and 9 nourish and heal.
  Free of: Petrochemicals, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, binders and fillers
  For Best Effect: Use Cranberry Toner anytime to cleanse and tone or to remove makeup.
  
  

  

• Deborah Lippman - Nail Lacquer - Private Dancer (full size 0.5 oz $18) - Looking for a standout color that infuses you with pop star quirk? Deborah Lippmann, manicurist to the stars, started out as a songstress and, as a result, many of her nail colors are named after major pop icons, song titles and other pop culture figures. Try one of her nail lacquers if you're looking to play star for a day.
  • Long-lasting nail lacquer created by celebrity manicurist to the stars
  • A variety of colors inspired by pop music
  • Fortified with biotin, okoume, and green tea
  Especially Suited For: All skin types
  Essential Elements: Lippmann Collection's long-lasting polishes are fortified with biotin, okoume and green tea. Size: 0.5 oz.
  Free of: Toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, animal testing
  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  2 coats on an artificial nail with no base/top coat

• Elemental Herbology - Facial Detox Purifying Mask (0.5 fl oz/15 ml sample; full size 2.5 oz/$46) - Take a deep-cleaning approach to skin maintenance with Elemental Herbology Facial Detox Purifying Facial Mask.
• Balances sebum production for clear skin
• Resolves breakouts and blocked pores
• Eliminates toxins from skin's surface
• Gently exfoliates for soft, supple skin
• Fights against damaging free radicals

Get skin that's calm, humidified and glowing with this amazing mask, which is rich in detoxifying minerals and healthy botanicals.

Especially Suited For: All skin types, and especially those with irritated complexions or skin eruptions
Essential Elements: Oat flour and white Amazonian Clay gently exfoliate and eliminate toxins from the surface of the skin. Aloe, Manuka honey and Calendula soothe and comfort. Essential oils of Cedarwood, Lavender and Eucalyptus regulate sebum production.
For Best Effect: Apply a thin layer over a cleansed face. Wash off with warm water after ten minutes. Follow with Elemental Herbology's Cell Food.

• Jane Iredale - Longest Lash Mascara - Black Ice (3 g/.1 oz sample; Full size 0.42 oz/4 g/$33) -  Command your lashes to go from subtle to "look at me." Get come-hither eyes with Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara featuring a dual-purpose formula that conditions lashes while coating them for a look that is glamorous, rich and full. An extra large, tapered brush makes application easy, separating lashes with ease.
• Dual-purpose mascara
• Conditions and coats the lashes
• Comes with a large, tapered brush
• Especially Suited For: All skin types
• Essential Elements: Longest Lash Mascara contains sea minerals to condition lashes while thousands of cellulose fibers coat the lashes without clumping or flaking.
• For Best Effect: Rock the mascara wand at the base of your lashes first, then brush out to the tips.

• Phyto - Phytonectar Oil (0.33 fl oz/10 ml sample; full size 1.7 oz/$30) - Phytonectar Pre-Shampoo Ultra Nourishing Oil Treatment easily penetrates deeply into each strand bringing damaged, dehydrated hair back to life. The formula, rich in proteins, lipids, and vitamins from egg yolk, restructures ultra-dry hair while preventing oxidation with sunflower extract. Hair feels immediately replenished and its original softness and shine are restored.
• A moisturizing, pre-cleansing oil treatment
• Formula is rich in proteins, lipids and vitamins from egg yolk
• Replenishes and restructures ultra-dry hair to its original softness and shine

Especially Suited For: Ultra Dry Hair
Essential Elements: Pre-Shampoo Ultra Nourishing Oil Treatment contains egg yolk oil, soybean and sunflower extract to nourish hair, restructure the hair fiber, neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidation.
Free of: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates
For Best Effect: Apply from roots to ends, massaging to facilitate penetration. Leave on for a minimum of 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo with Phytonectar. Use Phytonectar oil once-to-twice a week for five consecutive weeks. Do not use for one week after color process.


• Bonus Item: Malin + Goetz - Vitamin E Face Moisturizer (.04 fl oz/1.2 g sample; full size: 8.5 fl oz/250 ml; $82) - Take care of your skin and enhance its beauty with this special formula, Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. A superb mixture of antioxidants, absorbent fatty acids and soothing chamomile and a great foundation for make-up application, it's a must have moisturizer in your daily skin care kit.
  • Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
  • Nourishes and hydrates
  • Absorbs for immediate make-up application
  • Pump makes it non-messy and non-spilling
  Being oil-free and with a pH balance near neutral, it hydrates and soothes irritated skin. It absorbs into your skin effortlessly without leaving any residue or clogging pores.
  
  

  

  
  
  
  Just For You: All skin types 
  
  A Closer Look: Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer contains glycerin and sodium pca to hydrate, hyaluronic acid and Vitamins B5 and E for nourishing and providing antioxidant properties while chamomile, allantoin and milk provide soothing and calming effects to skin. 
  
  You Won't Find: Parabens, oil, silicones, synthetic dyes, waxes, harsh detergents, dyes, synthetic perfumes. 
  
  Get Started: After cleansing, apply a small quantity of this absorbent moisturizer onto face. Avoid over-moisturizing excessively oily areas. 

August's tips:

1. 3 Ways to Make Dry Hair Shine
2. Metallic Manicure 101
3. One Wand, Four Lash Looks
4. Skin Tricks for Plane Travel
5. How to Do a Home Facial

Overall rating: Booyah! This month's shipment contained items that are suitable for my hair and skin type and who doesn't love Deborah Lippmann nail polish?  A full size costs more than the cost of this monthly subscription. Guess what I'll be using my $15 gift code towards?

Membership is limited so if you get the chance to join the Sample Society, I highly recommend it.

Book Review - Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning writer Anatole France once penned, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."  Having a number of pets in my home, I always feel blessed; as if a little peace of heaven surrounds me.  Just the other day, I had learned of the story of Joey, the pit bull puppy that was placed in a plastic bag and thrown from a moving vehicle somewhere along the Sagtikos Parkway.  Animal lovers and decent human beings everywhere were immediately outraged. A reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible is being offered as Suffolk County Police look to bring justice for Joey.

For every horrible story we hear regarding animal cruelty, there are wonderful people that offer loving homes and rescue strays every day.  Some of these pets are in wonderful health, while others are plagued with disease or injury.  Enter Homer, a small kitten with a raging infection that threatened his eyes.  I came across this wonderful book on a recent trip to my local bookstore.

Book cover image from www.gwencooper.com

Ms. Cooper tells a wonderful tale about how Homer came into her life and, dare I say, changed her perspective on things, especially love and life.  We follow Homer's life from kittenhood to adult cat, from Florida to New York, after which I felt so connected to him.  I simply could not put the book down, even when I relived the horrible tragedy of 9/11 from Ms. Cooper's perspective.

Overall rating: Booyah!  I highly recommend reading this memoir, regardless of whether or not you have a pet.  It is very inspirational and uplifting and I thank Ms. Cooper for sharing Homer with the world.  In having read Homer's story, I reminisced on the lives of all the pets that have shared my life and have a deeper, more profound perspective on adversity, or, at least, on how it is perceived.  Please note that 10% of the author's domestic royalties are being donated to organizations focusing on abused, abandoned and disabled animals.  One such organization is the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.

"Animals are such agreeable friends -- they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." - George Eliot

July 2012 BeautyBar.com/Allure Sample Society Shipment

Allure Magazine has partnered with BeautyBar.com in launching a beauty sampling program.  Each monthly shipment costs $15 dollars and contains 5 deluxe samples as well as a $15 gift code for a future purchase, and a booklet of tips.  If you end up using the code, the box pays for itself.

The July 2012 shipment contained the following:

• Borghese - Tono Body Creme (1 oz/28 g; full size 8.4 oz/$36.50) - An extra-rich treatment creme that locks in hydration with moisture intensifying molecules. 
  The body is veiled in invisible moisture, which becomes obvious in both the appearance and texture of the skin.
  Firms and smoothes skin tone.
  Features & Benefits:
  • Fennel, Witch Hazel, Matricaria, Horse Chestnut and Ivy Extracts - Hydrate skin and improve tone and texture
  • Acqua di Vita Living Water Complex - Restores all-over moisture balance
  • Peppermint, Rosemary, Lavender and Geranium Oils - Treat the senses to aromatherapy

• VBeauté- Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Crème (0.033 fl oz/1 ml sample; full size $85) - VBeaute Eye Never is an age-defining, line concealing eye cream that immediately smoothes and silkens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizing the appearance of puffiness, lines and wrinkles. Formulated with the brand's powerful age-defying complexes, this eye cream boosts collagen production while protecting against free radical damage. At the same time, it helps increase moisture and relax muscle contractions to help prevent future signs of aging.

• Sisley-Paris - Hydra Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration (0.14 oz/4g/4ml sample; full size 40ml/$250) - 


If you are suffering from major skin dehydration, turn to Sisley Hydra Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration. Developed with a three-tiered approach to treatment, this formula uses botanical, mineral and aromatic extracts to replenish skin’s thirsty moisture cushion in the epidermis, dermis and stratum corneum layers of the skin. Skin is left intensely moisturized and revitalized, so that wrinkles and line lines are minimized and elasticity and youthful appearance are restored.
• Hydrating anti-aging skin treatment
• Utilizes botanical, mineral and aromatic extracts
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Restores skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance
Especially Suited For: All skin types
Essential Elements: Hydra Global features a unique combination of botanical (padina pavonica, wild pansy and chestnut), mineral (malachite) and aromatic extracts (essential oils of marjoram, lavender and sage) to hydrate and restore skin.
For Best Effect:Use Hydra-Global morning and night, on perfectly cleansed face and neck.

• Vincent Longo - Duo Eye Pencil - Sangria/White Glimmer (Full size 0.64 oz/1,81g/$26) - Smile your way through a glitzy event or a stop at the coffee shop with Vincent Longo’s Duo Lip Pencil. Providing you with maximum creativity and minimal guesswork, this smudge-resistant pencil is easy to apply and long-lasting. The soft texture and rich pigment allow for precise definition and shaping.
  
  
  • Sharpens without breakage
  • Non-chapping
  • Long-lasting
  • Smudge-resistant
  
  
  Available in 10 duo shades, this lip pencil has proven staying power that holds your lip color in place and eliminates bleeding.

• Jouer - Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 (0.17 fl oz/5 ml sample; full size $38) - 
Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 evens out imperfections and fades the appearance of fine lines with its light-diffusing multi-mineral formula. This lightweight, water-resistant, hypoallergenic tint features SPF 20 to protect from UVA and UVB rays while ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract deliver antioxidants to the skin, promoting a healthy complexion.
• Moisturizing brightening tint formulated with SPF 20
• Evens out imperfections and fades the appearance and fine lines
• Water-resistant, hypoallergenic and oil-free
Especially Suited For: All skin types
Essential Elements: SPF 20 protects from UVA and UVB rays while ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract deliver antioxidants to skin.
Free of: Fragrance, oil
For Best Effect: Apply to clean skin to even out skin tone. Layer for additional coverage.

Here are swatches of the tinted moisturizer and the duo lip pencil:




Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint; Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil Sangria, White Glimmer

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint - blended; Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil Sangria, White Glimmer

July's tips:

1. Moisturize Your Body Like a Pro
2. How to Hide Crow's Feet
3. The Three Things Dry Skin Hates
4. Bold Lip Lessons
5. Look Good When You Oversleep

Overall rating: Booyah!

Membership is limited so if you get the chance to join the Sample Society, I highly recommend it.

June 2012 BeautyBar.com/Allure Sample Society Shipment

I have had a busy summer playing catch up and trying all my beauty sampling products.  In my excitement, I noticed I have been remiss in posting updates on my shipments as I receive them.  Here's information on the June 2012 BeautyBar.com Sample Society with Allure Magazine shipment ($15 a month).

The June 2012 shipment contained 5 deluxe samples as well as a $15 gift code for a future purchase, not to mention their usual booklet of tips as follows (descriptions courtesy of BeautyBar.com):

• Jane Iredale - Just Kissed Lip Plumper - Madrid (Sample; full size $25) - Make your lips full and kissable with Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper. Special peptides give moisture and visible plumping that lasts. One single sweep of this tinted cool mint and ginger lip plumper and your lips will be transformed with sheer natural color and a refreshing feeling you can't top.
  • Refreshing lip plumper that makes lips full and kissable
  • Delivers a sheer natural color
  • Special peptides moisturize and plump lips
  Especially Suited For: All skin types
  Essential Elements: Just Kissed Lip Plumper features spearmint and peppermint oils, in combination with ginger root extract, to stimulate blood circulation making lips fuller faster without pain. Shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe vera soften and hydrate lips, while the essential oils of lemon and tangerine help to exfoliate dead skin cells
  For Best Effect: To moisturize, condition and plump your lips while adding just a kiss of color, sweep on Just Kissed Lip Plumper straight from the tube or with your Lip Brush.

• Oscar De La Renta - Live in Love (Sample; full size $58) - 
Inspired by Oscar de la Renta's passion for life, Live in Love Eau de Parfum Spray is a reflection of the woman who lives each day filled with joy and beauty. A green floral bouquet, with a sparkling heart and sensuous dry down. A classic scent in its richness and beauty, but with an updated more contemporary feeling.
• Women's fragrance inspired by her passion for life
• A green floral bouquet
• A classic, yet contemporary scent

• Alterna - Boho Waves Texture Mist (Sample; full size $22) - 
Alterna's breakthrough Bamboo Style Boho Waves Texture Mist combines strengthening organic bamboo extract and nourishing blue yucca root in a weightless texturizing spray that instantly gives you natural, tousled, "just-back-from-the-beach" waves. Sport them at the office, at the wine bar, on the beach - these waves are meant to be seen in.
• Adds texture, volume and shine
• Creates natural-looking, shore-sexy hair
• Weightless spray won't weigh hair down
Especially Suited For: All hair types
Essential Elements: Made with Certified Organic ingredients.
For Best Effect: Spray on damp or dry hair from roots to ends, and shape with fingers for loose, tousled style.
Free Of: Sulfates, sodium chloride, parabens, gluten, TEA, phthalates.

• Caudalie - Premier Cru Eye Cream (Sample; full size $95) - Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream is the ultimate anti-aging eye cream for immediate and long-lasting visible results. It targets all the visible signs of aging around the eyes: wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dehydration, dark circles, puffiness, dark spots and loss of radiance. Premier Cru The Eye Cream immediately brightens and correct dark circles thanks to silvery, coppery and iridescent pearlizers.
  • Anti-aging cream
  • Targets visible signs of aging around the eyes
  • Eliminates dark circles
  Especially Suited For: All skin types
  Essential Elements: Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream comes in a 0.5-ounce bottle.
  For Best Effect: Put a small amount of The Eye Cream on the tip of your finger and then delicately apply with a gentle tapping motion working around the eye from the inside out. Then, lightly smooth the area, beginning with the undereye, then moving out towards the temples and up to the eyelid. Repeat 3 times.

• Murad - Clarifying Cleanser (Sample; full size $26) - 
Use Murad Clarifying Cleanser that helps eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria and clears blemishes. This cleanser prepares your skin to allow maximum penetration of ingredients and prevents new breakouts. It is especially designed for those with blemish-prone skin.
• Helps clear blemishes
• Prevents new breakouts
• Prepares the skin to maximize penetration of ingredients
• Suitable for blemish-prone skin
It contains various organic and pharmaceutical ingredients that releases acne treatment for hours even after rinsing.

Just For You: Blemish-prone skin 

A Closer Look: Murad Clarifying Cleanser contains various organic and pharmaceutical ingredients that cools and calms inflamed skin. It also can provide powerful antibacterial protection to inhibit blemish formation. 

Get Started: Massage a small amount over damp face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

• June's tips:

1. Make Your Lips Look Plumper
2. How to Wear Fragrance Politely
3. Getting the Sexiest Beachy Waves
4. Eye Anti-Aging 101
5. Clear Skin Made Simple

Overall rating: Booyah!

Membership is limited so if you get the chance to join the Sample Society, I highly recommend it.