Review: Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Charade

I have been wanting to try Nars eyeshadows for a long time. I am deeply in love with Nars blushes and have heard a ton of great things about its eyeshadows. The reason why it took me so long to try them is the $39 price tag for a duo. Other high-end brands such as Urban decay has fabulous eyeshadows too and you can get a palette of 10 colors for that price.

I was at The Bay in Vancouver downtown just browsing and spotted a makeup artist (Aaron - Awoz) I watch on Youtube working at the Nars counter. Aaron is such an enthusiastic person and an amazing makeup artist. He showed me all the Nars eyeshadows and gave me great recommendations. This is what I came home with...

The duo I picked up is CHARADE: muted mauve + smokey plum <3

 

Topbox July 2012

My Topbox for this month is here:

It is a monthly beauty box subscription available in Canada for $10/month. Topbox promises to deliver 4 deluxe size beauty samples to your door every month. I really love the fact that it always delivers with a tracking number! 

I have tried Glymm box in the past, but I cancelled it after 4 months because I liked the samples in Topbox better. In comparison to Glymm box, Topbox definitely provided more makeup and nail items, which is what I prefer. I like skincare and hair care products too, but the samples usually only lasts 2-3 applications. 

I am happy, though not super impressed, with the items in the July Topbox. The nail polish is a full size product and the face mask is a decent size. However, the shampoo is rather small and the face cream came in two tiny packets.

Pure+Simple Calming Cucumber Mask (20mL)
Full size: $25.25 (50mL)

It has a cooling gel consistency.

Sampar Essentials Ultra Hydrating Fluid (2 x 2mL)
Full size: $80 (50mL)

NuMe Style Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo (20mL)
Full size: 250mL ($24.99)

China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Blue Sparrow (14mL -  Full size)

There is also a $100 gift certificate for NuMe.

Love:

• China Glaze nail polish - Other than the fact it is a full size product, I also love the bright blue color. It is perfect for the summer.

Like:

• Cucumber mask - The mask feels like very soothing just like the product description says. I am not sure about its ability to firm the skin, but I do feel refreshed after using it.
• NuMe shampoo - I like its scent and the way it lathers. However, I have already used up more than half of the sample after one use. It is hard to tell whether it treats damaged hair or not with one to two applications. 

Meh:

• Samper hydrating fluid - It feels like any other light face cream/ fluid. It claims to provide long-term hydration and protects the skin from harmful effects of pollution with its special Urban Advance Complex. I assume its hefty price tag is due to the innovation behind this fluid and the effect it provides. For me, using the produce twice will not convince me to spend $80.

I highly recommend Topbox is you are in the market for a beauty box subscription. Although this month's content is not super exciting, I have received items from brands such as Deborah Lippman, Stila, and Shu Uemura in the past months.

Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? What did you receive?

Smile, be happy :)

Linda