Last Day to Enter ALL 3 GIVEAWAYS!

Just a quick reminder..

All of my april giveaways (there's THREE! make sure you enter all of them :D) will end tonight, April 29, 2011 at 11:59 pm MDT. If you havent entered yet and still want to, please check out the giveaway links on the right sidebar for more information on how to enter!

Here they all are once again in case you missed out earlier :) 

Note: the giveaway links are in the right sidebar!

Good luck and have a great weekend!

Monthly Deluxe Samples? My First LuxeBox from Loose Button

Ever wanted a box of deluxe samples delivered to your door?

Well, now you can have it! (and yes canadian beauties, that means you too!) No more complaining that Birchbox doesnt shop to Canada, because Loose Button does! and at $10 a month for several deluxe samples from a range of very nice brands, i look forward to that time of the month when my LuxeBox shows up in my mailbox! Read on to find out what I got in my very first LuxeBox!

in comparison to my iphone 4 for size

the packaging is amazing!

It comes in an adorable box wrapped with a super cute bow :) and everything inside comes neatly wrapped in some tissue paper :) i am a sucker for packaging and well, props to Loose Button for making it feel like its christmas all over again! <3

and to make everything easier, Loose Button provides a nice list of descriptions of the samples you are getting, so even if you havent heard of the brand or the type of product, you can easily learn about what you are getting :)

Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara - 
This was the only makeup related sample i got, but i am very happy with it! I have yet to fully test it out, (future review to come) but i am really liking the wand! It narrows down to a smaller brush at the tip so it makes it super easy to coat my lower lashes, something i have lots of trouble with considering i have almost NO bottom lashes lol

Principessa - Ultimate Softening Shampoo and Conditioner
I have yet to test any hair products from this brand although i've sampled some of their raspberry hand cream at Smashing Cosmetica and it smelled amazingly good. These come in adorable pink containers that are packed FULL of the shampoo and conditioner. I dont normally do hair products reviews, but if anyones interested, i can post a review for these :)

Elizabeth Grant - Gentle Cleanser and Body Treatment
Again, havent really tested out this brand before but thats the goodness of these LuxeBoxes! :) both of these sound very interesting in the descriptions, and i am excited to be testing these! However, since i am going to be leaving on a grad trip shortly, i dont feel brave enough to test out new products on a trip lol. I'll be testing these once i get back so if you're looking for a review, you might have to wait a bit.

oh, forgot to mention, they also included a nice little note explaining what they are etc and also, that they included a Daffodil pin this month in honor of Cancer Awareness Month and to show that a portion of the $10 has been donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. How thoughtful! I LOVE companies who pay back to society <3 makes me feel good about giving them my money lol

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As with my other reviews, i'll start with the good:

For merely $10 a month (thats including shipping!), you get 3-5 deluxe samples in every box :) Although it doesnt sound like much, these samples are not just those little 0.00005 oz packages containing barely enough to use, these are deluxe sized & travel sized which gives you quite a decent amount of product to test not just once!

Also, you get a nice mix of different varieties of products including makeup, skincare and hair care etc. This mix is completely random and chosen by the team at Loose Button. Although you might not always get what you want, you'll most likely end up getting some brands you already love and some new brands to test out! I really love the idea behind this and taking a peek at the list of upcoming brands, i am SO excited for my next LuxeBox to come in! <3

and then theres the bad:

although i cant say this will go for every LuxeBox as this was just my first time, I was a tad disappointed that out of the items i received, only ONE of them was makeup related. The rest was skincare and hair products which usually i would love, but for the past while, i've been only really interested in new makeup products since i have found a steady hair & skincare routine that i'd like to stick to.

Of course, this is just my own personal opinion and im sure that the next LuxeBoxes will have more makeup samples, so overall. im still pretty happy with this service and have already signed up for another box! :)

Let Your Skin Breathe in Spring with Origins Vitazing Moisturizer!

everyone says this is "life changing"

but ohh.. im not so sure i would bring it THAT far. i've been using Origins' Vitazing Moisturizer for about 3 - 4 weeks now, and while i do like it, i wouldnt say it is a life changing product. at least not yet!

 

What the website says:

This multi-tasking moisturizer handles the vital jobs of hydrating, energizing and protecting to maintain skin's momentum all day. Gives skin the refreshing zing of antioxidant-rich Mangosteen. And adds a healthy hit of radiance that mimics the glow you get from a week's vacation. All in 10 seconds max.  Slip it on first thing tomorrow - you'll look like you eat right, sleep tight & don't have a worry in sight. 

here are some product pictures showing how it works..

 

it comes out as a white moisturizer with grey specks. the grey specks are what causes the color changing aspect of this moisturizer

 

here it is half blended, you can see the color change. but overall, it is still very sheer and dewy.

 

again, another picture showing the color change

 

here, it is already fully blended in. 

Pictures before and after:

 

before... no makeup at all EEEK!

during... and then with the help of concealer & pressed powder..

How do I apply this?
The first few times i used this product, i used my fingers. because thats usually the simplest method for quick makeup application yet the warmth of your fingers also allow flawless blending. wrong. i find that if i use my fingers, streak marks can easily appear if i dont blend carefully enough. 

So, i started using my trusty Sigma F80 and/or my Sigma Miss Taylor Kabuki (both of which i ADORE and cant live without). and guess what? perfection! the flat top kabukis are a wonder when it comes to blending in the product and are also great for buffing it in nicely so you end up with no streaks <3

 after, just origins vitazing, maybelline concealer and rimmel powder appiled

First, the good.

This product is definitely a multi-tasker as it doubles as both a moisturizer packed with anti-oxidants to make your skin better, and a tinted moisturizer to give you some coverage. I would say that using only the product itself will give you SHEER coverage in that it helps even skin tones but doesnt cover blemishes or acne scarring. However, adding some concealer and then setting it all with some pressed or loose powder provides sufficient coverage (for me at least). It also comes in a tube form, making it very convenient and sanitary :)

The moisturizing aspect of this is quite nice. I like to use it after my usual gel moisturizer, but even if i am in a hurry and just use this product after washing my face, i find that my skin doesnt dry out throughout the day. (note, i do have combination skin) As well, this product does give a nice dewy glow if you decide not to set with a powder. Overall, i would say this is a good product to use for spring and summer when you dont want too much product on your face.

future note:

i have yet to fully see the benefits of all the antioxidants as i have only been using it for 3-4 weeks. I can say that i my skin tone does seem more even and i haven't been getting any more blemishes, which is a good sign (a really good sign!) but i will have to continue and see if this product is actually the reason for that. updates to come!

and the bad.

I expected this product to have higher coverage.. but then again, i guess it is just a tinted moisturizer. For the majority of us who suffer from acne or acne scarring, a concealer will be needed in addition to this product. Also, this is for most, in the higher price ranges costing $35 US for 1.7 oz. (for us canadians, it costs $44!) Although you dont need much to cover your entire face, for sheer coverage, this does seem to be a tad overpriced.

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Overall?
I am actually quite liking this product! and i think its perfect for spring and summer time when i opt for a more natural look rather than a full heavy face. Although it does have a sheer coverage and costs more than i'd like, i think i can splurge again when i run out just to get that pretty glowy look and even out my skintone <3

Urban Decay Cheek Tints Swatches!

Aren't they pretty??

Since sephora is deciding to extend their 15% off sale until monday, I've been taking a look to see if there's anything I really want. So far, I dont have anything particular that I want or need, but these urban decay afterglow cheek tints do look cute! And look at the colors!! I may end up picking one up hehe

Here are some pictures taken with my iPhone 4 :)

Quickie, fetish, score, indecent, greedy, crush

Quickie, fetish, score, indecent, greedy, crush

What do you think? I'm liking all of them! Especially indecent hehe I think itll be a nice natural color :) but I also like greedy !  and omg crush looks AMAZING swatched! i wonder how it'll be like on the cheeks haha hmm guess I have the weekend to decide if I should get it! Let me know what you guys think! :) and have a great week!


p.s.. isnt this mirror just adorable!!!! i'd so get it if it didnt cost $64! lol




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone :)

Cant Get Enough of Accessories - Aldo Haul

I need to go shopping again...

So about a week or two ago, i did some "much needed" retail therapy to get away from all the studying and cramming.. (im going to go straight to the mall after im done with all my final exams! lol) anyways, i ended up buying a few accessories and a pair of heels from aldo! and i loveee everything i got :) so today, i'm just sharing with you guys what i got...

sorry.. my nails are chipping bad and i havent had time to redo them :(

So i purchased this gorgeous snake ring! i was born in the year of the snake so i am totallly loving this! (although it freaked out my friend lol cause she hates snakes) still, i think its gorgeous! what do you think?

ohhh, and one of my other friends told me that a celebrity from china (or was it taiwan?) has a snake ring TATTOOED on her finger! how sweet is that? haha i totally need to ask my friend again for her name so i can search her up and show you guys :)

I also bought a girly necklace :) its very simple and chic, i love it! the old key, the pink rose and the white pearl brings a vintage feel which i am totally digging!

and last but definitely not least! i bought myself another pair of heels! lol i seriously cant get enough of shoes and bags and makeup and omg.. everything LOL please tell me im not the only one with a major shopping problem?

anyways, these shoes were 50% off and i picked them out because i totally need a pair of heels that was more sophisticated and suitable for work. plus, they are SUPER comfy and have a nice suede detailing! andd, since they are more of a natural shade, they make my legs look longer then they actually are *score!* haha but seriously, for about $25, i think this was a good buy :)

these shoes are more of a lighter grey taupe in real life, sorry! lol my lighting totally sucked today...

and thats about it! sorry about the short post again today, i totally am overwhelmed with all the material i need to know for my finals :( i seriously cant wait till my finals are over because i am in neeeeed of some new makeup products in my life! i've been reading so many blog posts and its making me crave everything!! lol okay, i hope you all have an amazing week and i'll be back soon hopefully with a makeup haul! <3

Looking for Company Sponsors for PinkboxMakeup's One Year Anniversary Giveaway!

Has it been one year already?!

image edited from google

Almost! I started Pinkbox Makeup on May 1st 2010 and since then, my little blog has grown :) all thanks to all of my wonderful readers! I am so happy to be able to help match readers with products that will hopefully work well for them, to provide swatches and reviews of new (and old) products and most of all, to be able to meet so many wonderful and talented people in the blogger community.

In order to thank everyone for their support, feedback and love, I have decided to host another giveaway to celebrate my blog's one year anniversary! Throughout the past little while, I have already been picking up some goodies to add onto the prize list for this giveaway :) However, after asking my fellow twitter-friends, I received many answers all suggesting i should ask if beauty and makeup companies would help sponsor my giveaway! Prior to this, I had given it some thought as well, but wasnt sure if I would come across as being "rude and greedy".. However, with so many people supporting the idea, I thought "it doesnt hurt to try!" :)

So here I am, in search for any beauty, skincare and/or makeup related companies who would like to sponsor a prize (whether it is a product and/or gift certificate etc) for Pinkbox Makeup's one year anniversary giveaway!

If you are interested in sponsoring a prize, please click on the "contact me" tab above where you will have access to my email information.

If you know of someone or a company who would be interested in sponsoring a prize, please be a dear and pass on this post to them :)

Once again, thank you all so much for your support :) Pinkbox Makeup wouldnt be what it is today without each and every single one of you! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion GIVEAWAY - CLOSED!

April Giveaway #3 - Skin MD Natural

Ready for #3? :D This time around, the lovely team at Skin MD Natural have offered Pinkbox Makeup one bottle (4oz) of their famous shielding lotion! (retail value $18)

I have previously reviewed (quite a long review) the lotion, and long story short, i LOVE it! if you havent read my review yet, click here to read about what you'll be winning!

Giveaway details:

1. the giveaway will end on April 29th at 11:59 pm MST. I am planning to go on a grad trip on May 1st so I want to be able to announce winners prior to leaving on my trip.

2. the giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents as specified by Skin MD Natural.

3. if you are under the legal age in your country, please get adult permission to send me your address in the case you are a winner

 Here's how you can enter: Mandatory for entry

1. Follow me publicly through GFC (click the "follow" button on the left sidebar)

2. Leave me a valid email address so that i can contact you if you are chosen as a winner

and if you want, you can receive 10 extra entries! Here's how:

1. Follow me on twitter @PinkboxMakeup and retweet this post! You can also tweet the following message: (2 entries)

" Got dry skin? Win a Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion from @PinkboxMakeup ! Click for details: http://tinyurl.com/3m5maos #giveaway"

2. "like" my facebook fan page! PinkboxMakeup  (2 entries)
3. "like" Skin MD Natural's facebook fan page! (1 entry)
4. Follow Skin MD Natural on twitter! @SkinMDNatural (1 entry)

3. Write a blog post about this giveaway, share on facebook or post on sidebar!  Must include picture and link back to this post. (2 entries)

4. Subscribe to my YouTube channel: xPinkboxMakeup. (2 entries)

I know theres not much on there right now lol but once i have more time on my hands i will be making more and better videos :)

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Please fill out this form in order to be entered! If the form does not show up in your browser, please click here to be redirected to the original link. If you have any other problems accessing the form, please email me or leave a message on this post. Thank you!


Note: Comments for this post are left open only for questions and comments on post material, no entries will be accepted through the comments section below!

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And thats it! I hope you are enjoying all these giveaways on Pinkbox Makeup! I am so excited to share all of these with you guys because i really want to thank you all for supporting my blog :) I am hoping to put together yet another giveaway for my blog's one year anniversary as well so stay tuned! <3

P.S: Dont forget to enter Giveaway #1 - Sigma Makeup! One lucky follower will win a Miss Taylor Flat Top Retractable Kabuki! :D Click here for more information on how to enter!

and enter giveaway #2 for a chance to win a Karmin Styling Iron worth $130! Click here for more information on how to enter!

Please Note: The above product has been offered to Pinkbox Makeup for giveaway purposes. No monetary compensation has been received for this post. As always, reviews and opinions are always my own honest view and based solely on my own experience.

Perfect Timing: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

 Has winter left you with dry hands?

Me too :( on top of that, I've been washing my hands like mad lately ever since i got my new puppy. She likes to lick alot so i have to keep my hands nice and clean! As a result, my hands have never been drier.. omg i dont remember the last time they were like this!

So when i got an email from the lovely Sarah from Skin MD Natural, I was SUPER excited! even more when their famous shielding lotion came in the mail and i finally got to test it out! *yay* read on to find out what i thought!

warning - this is quite a long post! plus, its a tad picture heavy..

 for comparison.

i also received several samples of their new shielding lotion with spf 15 :)

More information from pamphlet given: 
click to enlarge!  you can also visit their website for more information.

In case you didnt know:
"a shielding lotion enhances the power of the top layer of the skin to resist environmental irritants while protecting the inner natural moisture."

What i liked most about the company:
"Skin MD Natural is also an eco friendly skin care option. Our product is made in the US using solar power energy. Our lotion is never tested on animals and contains no animal ingredients making it both vegan and cruelty free. "

many rave reviews from fellow bloggers. One most recognizable - Christine from Temptalia!

Overall Review

 before - dry hands :(

after - moisturized! :)

First, the good:

i absolutely LOVE the texture and how it dries to a velvety smooth surface in a matter of minutes! If you know me, you'll know i love gel moisturizers and tend to avoid thick creams and lotions. I hate that oily greasy residue you get from most lotions. BUT, this shielding lotion is amazing. The gel texture glides on so smoothly and absorbs SO FAST! I couldnt get over how fast it dried and how soft my hands were after the first application! There was NO (ZERO!) residue left on my skin. amaaaazing!

PLUS, this lotion can be used on face, body & hands. Thats right, you read it right, ON YOUR FACE! I *bravely* used this lotion on my face after my neutrogena oil free moisturizer and prior to applying my tinted moisturizer and i was impressed! (no breakouts! *yay*) It has a silky gel texture, and dries fairly quickly leaving you with a feeling like you just applied a light layer of primer (without that heavy silicone feeling!) There is however, a SLIGHT sticky feeling, not very much.. but compared to the application on your hands, theres a bit. Either way, I lovee how multi-purpose this product is!

Then of course, the bad:

Theres not too much of a downside to this product, but of course, we bloggers always like to find something to write about haha.. so i guess i would say that there is limited retailers that sell this product & brand (in Canada at least), although Skin MD Natural does offer a store locator on their website that you should check out if you're interested! There isnt one around my area which sucks :( so i guess i will be ordering online, which is an extra $9.95 for shipping! 

Which leads to another slight downfall, the price. Originally, it costs about $18 for a 4oz bottle, which is already pricey for a student like me. But add another $10 for shipping and it starts getting a bit overwhelming! (note, the product i received was a 4oz bottle as well, see the above comparison picture for size)

Although to be honest...

if things continue the way they are now, i just might be re-purchasing once i run out anyways :) calgary weather is brutal. not only do we get long cold winters, but our humidity is super low! meaning super dry hands and feet :( thank god for the lovely team at Skin MD Natural! <3

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if you'd like to try out this lotion, Get your free sample here! You can choose to either go directly to a store to ask for samples, or purchase 2 samples for $2.00 (the $2 charge is for shipping and handling worldwide).

OR ... you can wait for my giveaway post! Sarah has kindly offered me to giveaway one bottle of their shielding lotion to one of my lovely followers! :D
Until then, i hope you all have a wonderful week! Good luck to all who are writing (cramming for) final exams! <3

Please Note: The above product has been sent to Pinkbox Makeup for review purposes. No monetary compensation has been received for this post, however, the links above are affiliate links and may lead to commission if sale occurs. As always, reviews and opinions and always my own honest view and based solely on my own experience.