Topbox Wish List: August 2014

After taking a 4 month break from Topbox I am back.  Mainly because I wanted the Benefit box last month, which, thankfully, is back as as option this month! Normal Topboxes are generally pretty bad so I always opt for a Wish List box.

Here is next month's offering:

I requested the Benefit box.  I want the purple Essie nail polish, but I think I will just pick it up in store. So Susan will be in the next Luxebox.

Are you getting Topbox this month?  What did you request?

February 2013 Topbox - Deborah Lippmann Box

Standard Topboxes have been hit and miss lately and in my experience.  Last month I received the Benefit box.  This month I did not want to risk a standard box, so I ordered the Deborah Lippmann box.  I have heard good things about her nail polish, though was not exactly in love with the two colours.  I figured at very least it would make for something worthwhile to give friends.  I already get more than enough nail polish through Julep (selection window opens tomorrow!!).  But lets give this luxe brand a shot.

No anticipation in opening this box because I already know what I will be getting.

From a re-gifting standpoint, I like that the nail polishes came in the standard clear boxes.

On the left: Swagga Like Us, on the right: Since I Fell For You.

I can't be the only one who thinks this is a pretty odd selections of colours: green-bronze, and a shimmery cranberry?  I find the green rim on the copper polish to be interesting.  I'm not sure how that will play out on the nail.

Swagga Like Us, one coat.

The emerald green is no where to be found!

Swagga Like Us is much more flattering with a second coat.  It is a copper metallic with a weird greenish tinge.  Not exactly a winter colour, this may work well in the summer, or the fall.  The longer I wear it the more it grows on me.

One coat of Since I Fell For You.  Gross.

Coat #2 doesn't make things much better.  This is a fairly weak colour that is more of a stain than anything.  Also, the sparkles are hiding.  In the bottle it is such a pretty and rich colour, but I can't say the same for once it is on my nail.

I was so uninspired by this crappy colour that I gave up on doing a neat job.

Nothing special to see here.  I think I will end up cancelling my TopBox account and just focus on Julep and LuxeBox.  Its not that this was bad, it just wasn't good.  Despite the $40 value (polishes are $20 each at Sephora), and the fact that it only cost me about $12, I know I could have better spent the $12 at Sephora.  I have basically given up ordering the regular box.

Topbox December 2013

This weekend was lovely because I came home to two boxes an a Julep order.  This morning got a little brighter when my LuxeBox arrived.  Can't wait to review that one in a few days once my final exam is over.  One little teaser though: love the Essie polish.

Back to Topbox...

As usual, four items.  There is a coconut lip balm, perfume, nail polish, and an eye cream.  Not too bad.  Bonus!  The box is the perfect size for wrapping up some of my mom's presents from Lush!

 Estée Lauder Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Deluxe Sample 2.9 mL
Value $3.33

Growing up I thought this was a brand for my mom, but they have done some serious rebranding.  Instead of smelling like a "Mom" perfume, this smells elegant and classy.  Perfect for lunch with the Grandparents, dinner with your boyfriend and his parents, or even for grabbing brunch with your best friends.  It smells ladylike, and who doesn't want to smell, and feel, like a classy young lady?

Belvada Coconut Lip Butter - Full Sized - 10 mL

Value $10

Nothing special, but it smells yummy, moisturizes well, and reminds me of the ones at the Body Shop.  The packaging leaves much to be desired, but it does the job.

Cuccio Colour Nail Lacquer - Full Sized - 14 mL

Value $10

I get nail polish sent monthly from Julep, so I am always hoping for something else from my boxes.  That aside, this polish applies well (2 coats in the following photo), and is a pretty cherry red.  Not sure if I will keep it or gift it, but either way its nice.  I was only a tiny bit disappointed that it was "Cuccio" and not "Gucci".  Read the label wrong when I first saw it! Oh well, a girl can dream!

Skiin Smoothing and Soothing Eye Cream 3mL

Value $9.99

 The packaging doesn't make me excited.  But I won't judge a cream by its cover.  I already have my skin care routine working well, but will set this aside for my mom.  Other reviews seem to rate it well.  It doesn't show up well in photos but it has little air bubbles or beads in it.  Neat.

Total Value $30.32
What I paid $12

Love Modern Muse and the lip balm.  Pretty indifferent to the other two.  Not bad Topbox, but I hope next month is better (and maybe has a Privé option...)

Topbox November 2013, Wishlist

This will be my first top box, and I am pretty excited!

I got an email today from Topbox asking my to fill out my wish list.

The way this works is that you can select how ever many boxes you would like.  Topbox randomly selects who receives the special boxes, and if you receive a special box it will be in place of the standard box.

I would not be opposed to receiving the regular box given that they tend to be pretty good.  But I figured, what the heck, and made a wish list anyways.

Here are the boxes you can opt into.  Please note that for some you have to pay an upgrade charge.

...Eh?

This is a bit "mature" for my needs.  And Julep sent me a similar eyeliner last month.

How cool is this?

Getting one full sized product, while a great value, defeats the purpose for me.

Not really my thing.  Good value though.
All photos are from www.topbox.ca

I was not terribly excited about most of the upgrades.  Although I am starting to warm up to Estee Lauder, I found their selection to be a bit more mature.  Maybe if I was looking for a gift for my mom?

However I did opt into the Givenchy box, because why not!  The mascara and lip stick look good.  Plus, its a free upgrade for a very high end brand.  I don't own any Givenchy makeup, so it would be a nice way to test out the brand.

If I don't get the Givenchy box, I will get the normal box, which I am sure will be lovely as well.  I'll find out when I open the box in November!  Fingers crossed!

An additional little surprise, they included a code ("TOPBOX") that can be used for 10,000 Shoppers Optimum Points if you spend $75 at www.mural.ca (Shopper's higher end cosmetics focused store.  Side note:  I have only ever seen one retail location which I believe was in Edmonton?)  I think the code expires at the end of this month.

Additional note x2: Murale.ca has free shipping on orders of $75 or more until October 23.  Perhaps they can be used together?  I don't really like buying things online and having to pay for shipping when I could get them for the same price in store.