Press Sample Affiliate Link
When I first got the offer to try out this subscription box I was initially unsure about it, mainly because of the price point since I don't always talk about higher end/more expensive products. However, I do want to take the opportunity to try out things that I think you guys might enjoy reading about even if it is a little expensive. Today I'm going to be talking about the Wantable Makeup Box (affiliate link) a subscription service that curates a set of four to five full size makeup items however they also do a box for accessories and intimates.
In my subscription box for September, I received two full size items from Lise Watier, a lipstain and an eyeshadow palette, one full size lipstick from Besame Cosmetics, one full size mascara from Cailyn Cosmetics, and also a sample eyeshadow packet from Lise Watier. I'm not going to do specific reviews on what I got, just a general overview and my first impressions after I talk more about the box.
Now I'll be the first to say that $36-$40 is a steep price to pay for a subscription box ($36 if you have a monthly subscription or $40 for a one-time box and shipping is included), however unlike other beauty/makeup subscription boxes, you receive four to five full size items AND there's a guaranteed value of at least $80 in each box. What's especially nice is that they give you a list with the retail value of each item and since they're full sized, you don't have to do any complicated math to determine the value of your box. You may get an additional sample like I did but the value of that isn't calculated in the box's total. You're paying for a selection of full size items.
Before you get your box, you complete a thorough survey detailing the types of products you would either love, like, or dislike to receive and also the types of colors that you would want. I chose to "dislike" When you receive your box, your choices are noted on the invoice slip. I would say that the only con is that if you're used to those beauty offers that coincide with subscription boxes, you won't find that with the Wantable Box. However a major pro is that unlike other subscription services, you can actually RETURN your box if you're not happy with it. If you want to, you can skip a month if you don't like it or cancel your subscription.
Regarding what I got, I was pleasantly surprised to get the Besame Cosmetics lipstick. I've actually tried out most of their lipsticks before in a little sample set. Merlot is a beautiful dark red with brown overtones that can be sheered out into a deeper berry-red. The eyeshadow palette from Lise Watier is okay, one of the eyeshadows in the quad (the lower right corner) wasn't as pigmented as the rest but it wasn't an overall negative. I did like the Lise Watier Hydra Shine lip stain (it did actually stain my lips) but there is a fruity scent to it that thankfully dissipates. I wasn't sure how I'd like the Cailyn Cosmetics mascara but the dusky denim blue color is actually nice on my lashes. It's subtle relative to the other colored mascaras but if you're looking for a blue mascara to brighten up the whites of your eyes, you might like this one. In my sample packet I got two samples of their Ombre Souffle Supreme and I'm liking it so far. Both colors are quite sparkly but seem to last well on their own without a primer.
The total value? $88.00 not including the sample packet.
Would I personally get it again? Honestly I'm already thinking about getting the Limited Edition Halloween Box with products from Cinema Secrets. They are not a luxury or premium cosmetics brand per say but instead a very well known theatrical makeup brand. October's Makeup Box is actually curated by a fellow blogger, Christina over at The Makeup Blogger! I think I might consider the month to month service before deciding to subscribe (though I do have the option of skipping months or canceling altogether on the subscription service).
Disclaimer: I received this Wantable Makeup Box as a press sample courtesy of the brand. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. The link I marked as an affiliate link gives me credit to my Wantable account based on you signing up and purchasing a box. If you don't want to use it, I'm cool with it!
Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream in Medium Review
Monday, September 23, 2013
Press Sample
Many American brands have jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon and thanks to iFabbo, I was able to try out this Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream. I was curious to see its performance and whether it lived up more like an American BB Cream (of which they're glorified tinted moisturizers) or were like Asian BB Creams (which combines foundation, concealer, and skincare all in one). This retails for $40.00 and is available at Ulta.
Unfortunately like many other American BB Creams, this is nothing like an Asian BB Cream despite the name. This is a tinted moisturizer pretty much. On my skin, the Hydroxotone BB Cream provides light coverage so if you have lots of pigmentation issues, this helps dull them but won't provide real coverage. The wear time lasted a few hours on my oily/combination skin (but not all day wear).
Many American brands have jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon and thanks to iFabbo, I was able to try out this Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream. I was curious to see its performance and whether it lived up more like an American BB Cream (of which they're glorified tinted moisturizers) or were like Asian BB Creams (which combines foundation, concealer, and skincare all in one). This retails for $40.00 and is available at Ulta.
Unfortunately like many other American BB Creams, this is nothing like an Asian BB Cream despite the name. This is a tinted moisturizer pretty much. On my skin, the Hydroxotone BB Cream provides light coverage so if you have lots of pigmentation issues, this helps dull them but won't provide real coverage. The wear time lasted a few hours on my oily/combination skin (but not all day wear).
This has a pink undertone so while it definitely doesn't suit me (I have more yellow undertones), those who have a more cool toned undertone will like these since most BB Creams do run a little yellow or grey. Medium also runs light for me, Medium Tan would probably be a better fit for me depending if the undertone is more yellow-toned. I'd say if you're more like a MAC NW20, this will suit you better.
The product has mild citrus scent from the orange oil in the formula but it is slight and not overwhelming at all. I can't detect it on my skin the way I can detect the fragrance from my Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream (which I love but whose scent is a downer).
The SPF in the BB Cream is titanium dioxide based so while it technically does protect against UVB and UVA rays, it only protects against UVA2, not UVA1. The high amount of titanium dioxide in the formula means this will not be a photo-friendly skin product unless you want to get that white cast look from the flash photography.
Retailing at $40, I think it isn't worth it to get. It's an expensive investment that I think will only suit a specific skin shade and people who want light coverage. This was a Pass.
Disclaimer: I received this product courtesy of iFabbo. All opinions are my own. The link marked with an asterisk is NOT an affiliate link, it merely directs you to the listing on the Ulta website. I don't receive any compensation from your use of the link.
The SPF in the BB Cream is titanium dioxide based so while it technically does protect against UVB and UVA rays, it only protects against UVA2, not UVA1. The high amount of titanium dioxide in the formula means this will not be a photo-friendly skin product unless you want to get that white cast look from the flash photography.
Retailing at $40, I think it isn't worth it to get. It's an expensive investment that I think will only suit a specific skin shade and people who want light coverage. This was a Pass.
Disclaimer: I received this product courtesy of iFabbo. All opinions are my own. The link marked with an asterisk is NOT an affiliate link, it merely directs you to the listing on the Ulta website. I don't receive any compensation from your use of the link.
Perlier Lemon Sorbet Crackling Ice Water Review
Press Sample
In California (specifically Southern California), summer doesn't exactly stop once August ends. We've been having heat days on and off and combined with the general summer heat, I've been needing something to cool me off. I was excited to try the Perlier Lemon Sorbet Crackling Body Water (available from HSN for $24.95*) which is a can full of fizzy body water. The canister is reminiscent of a hair mousse dispenser and you get this effervescent bubbly foam that you can spread all over your body.
It's like you combined pop rocks with Evian water and it smells deliciously lemony. It actually smells like it would feel sticky on the skin! Once you dispense a foamy amount onto your skin, you can rub it in and more bubbles will pop and fizz on your skin.
It dries quite quickly and there is an immediate cooling effect on your skin but sadly I didn't notice a moisturizing effect and it's not especially surprising when the ingredient list is as follows: propellant (butane), water, two more propellants, and then alcohol denat.
It's a cool gimmick and something that would be nice to splurge on (and I mean splurge since it's $25). If you're the kind of person that likes to use Evian sprays, I think this is right up your alley but since I don't find this especially moisturizing, it's not worth it for most people.
Disclaimer: I received this product courtesy of iFabbo. All opinions are my own and the link marked with an asterisk is not an affiliate link but directly links to the product page on HSN's website (I unbitly'd it myself!)
In California (specifically Southern California), summer doesn't exactly stop once August ends. We've been having heat days on and off and combined with the general summer heat, I've been needing something to cool me off. I was excited to try the Perlier Lemon Sorbet Crackling Body Water (available from HSN for $24.95*) which is a can full of fizzy body water. The canister is reminiscent of a hair mousse dispenser and you get this effervescent bubbly foam that you can spread all over your body.
It's like you combined pop rocks with Evian water and it smells deliciously lemony. It actually smells like it would feel sticky on the skin! Once you dispense a foamy amount onto your skin, you can rub it in and more bubbles will pop and fizz on your skin.
It dries quite quickly and there is an immediate cooling effect on your skin but sadly I didn't notice a moisturizing effect and it's not especially surprising when the ingredient list is as follows: propellant (butane), water, two more propellants, and then alcohol denat.
It's a cool gimmick and something that would be nice to splurge on (and I mean splurge since it's $25). If you're the kind of person that likes to use Evian sprays, I think this is right up your alley but since I don't find this especially moisturizing, it's not worth it for most people.
Disclaimer: I received this product courtesy of iFabbo. All opinions are my own and the link marked with an asterisk is not an affiliate link but directly links to the product page on HSN's website (I unbitly'd it myself!)
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