November 2012 Topbox

Here is a look at my first Topbox box! It comes is a paper wrapped cardboard tube. Definitely a different and reusable form of packaging.

Topbox is a beauty sample subscription box available in Canada. You pay $10 a month and receive a package each month with at least 4 deluxe beauty samples (Although starting in December boxes will be $12/month)

I've been on the waiting list for topbox for 6 months! So was this box worth the wait and does it live up to the hype? Read more to find out what I think =)

I received 4 items in by November box. 

A nail polish, a perfume, a mascara and a butter. 

1) Benefit ~ They're Real! Mascara

I really love Benefit products, but unfortunately I can't use non-waterproof mascara. So until I find a way to make it work for me, this will be sitting in a drawer or going to a friend. 

This is a pretty nice sample though. 
Full size = $29/8.5g
Sample size = $10.24/3.0g



2) Cuccio Naturale ~ Pomegranate & Fig Butter

This sample was interesting. When you take the lid off, you need to cut the nozzle to open it. I think there should have been instructions because I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be sealed like that...Nice product though. Nice light scent and non-oily.

Full size = $18.95/240g
Sample size = $0.72/9.24g

3) Pandora's Make Up Box ~ Perfume + Polish ($24.50/pair)
These two items were interesting, they are a paired polish and perfume, both in nail polish bottles. I got Citrus Playful, a bright coral red. This is definitely not one of my go-to colours, but I'm glad I can add this to my stash. It's a really pretty colour. The formula was ok, opaque in 1 coat but I did 2 for good measure. There was a bit of streaking and pulling when I applied top coat, but the polish was pretty decent. 

The perfume has a light citrusy scent that's not bad at all. It's a neat idea having it in a nail polish bottle, definitely something different. I don't know if I would value this set at $24.50 though. 

I thought this box was ok. The benefit product was great, but unfortunately something I can't use. The butter was nice, but not even worth $1. The polish + perfume set was cool and a fun addition to my collection. I know some people got China Glaze polishes which would have also been cool. I'm glad I didn't get the Vera Wang perfume sample as I already have it. I do wish I had received the MUFE eyeliner though, or the lip stain some people got. Overall I was content with the box. Hoping for nice things next month!

Topbox is changing their prices from $10/month to $12/month as an attempt to provide better samples and also provide free shipping on their newly launched online store. Personally I think they should have kept the boxes at $10 and charge people shipping for buying extra items, but obviously it helps their business to give the discount to people spending extra money at their store. Hopefully this price increase does translate to better samples =)

Are you interested in joining? Sign up now to reserve your spot on the wait list.
Already signed up? What did you get in your box this month? Thoughts?

Color Club Halo Hues ~ Cloud Nine

   

Today I decided to try my first of the Halo Hues. This is Cloud Nine, a light pink-lilac colour. 

As I applied this polish I was a bit disappointed in the colour. This is supposed to be the "purple" of the collection so I wished it would be a more vibrant purple. It kind of reminds me of Glitter Gal Frappe, but not as sheer. 

The formula was ok, better than nfu oh/gosh/layla/MUS, but not as good as OPI/Jade. I'd say it's on par with the china glaze OMGs. It was a bit thick and there was some pulling and streaking. I ended up using 3 coats followed by Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat. It did dry fast though which was nice. 

This would be a good colour for someone looking for a more neutral, but still in-your-face-holographic polish. The base colour is quite dull. I'd show you but I wasn't able to capture it in a photo, maybe in cloudy daylight it would work. Under every light source I tried, all I could get was holographic rainbows!

   
        
                                                   

Many of the pictures show a blue cast and that's because 

the holographic effect is just so strong!

Below is a picture under the least rainbow inducing artificial light source I could find!

In the end, I was pleasantly surprised with how holographic Cloud Nine was. That quality definitely makes up for the dullness of the colour. If you love holos I'd say the Color Club Halo Hues are a must!

**Edit. Here is a picture I took in cloudy daylight the next day =)

I really love how Cloud Nine has a foil look. It's not matte like the nfu oh/MUS/Gosh/Laylas. It gives the polish dimension and even in the shade it still looks gorgeous!

This polish is definitely one of the most holo I own. I'm looking forward to comparing it to others. 

Any suggestions what I should compare it to??

Color Club Halo Hues Collection!

Here is the Color Club ~ Halo Hues collection! A group of 6 beautiful holographic polishes. 

L-R: Cloud Nine, Halo-graphic, Cherubic, Angel Kiss, Blue Heaven, Harp On It. 

 I've finally been able to get my hands on them! They were supposed to be released in Aug/Sept but my local supply store has just received their stock. They are also twice as expensive as the regular color clubs =( but these polishes look very holographic in the bottle and I can't wait to swatch them and compare them to other holos. I'm glad color club is stepping up to the plate and coming out with holos! I also love the silver caps! They are much sturdier than the OPI and China Glaze ones.

Above is with flash and below is in natural light. 

Check back soon for swatches!

Have you been able to find these polishes? If so, where?

The Polish Bar - Satellite

Hello everyone! Today I have a gorgeous indie polish from the UK to show you!! I don't own very many indie polishes at all (tops 10), but when I saw this polish featured on Holographic Hussy, I headed straight to Etsy and placed my order! So without further ado, here is
 

The Polish Bar ~ Satellite:

I'm wearing 2 coats of Satellite over BYS ~ Magenta.

I'm really not a glitter person, but this polish is just so amazing!! It applies like a dream, dries quickly and has the perfect combination of glitters!! There are hexes of all sizes and colours. I can see blue, pink, silver, limegreen. AND AND ANDDDD they are ALL holographic glitters!!!! Talk about some in-your-face sparkle! At every angle you can seem some of the glitters "glowing".

You can buy this polish on Etsy and I highly recommend you do =)  this polish is truly magical!

So what are you waiting for?? Go! <3 Kim