Review: Naked Princess Lipgloss in the August 2012 Glymm Box

Has it really been over two weeks since we've posted? I think we have both been so depressed by the end of the summer that we were drinking as many iced coffees, spending as much time outside, biking everywhere, and taking weekend trips out of town, ignoring the blog that will inevitably be here when we get tired of living our summer lives. Now that labour day is past though, we can dedicate more time to writing, reviewing, and creating.

I got my Glymm box almost two weeks ago, and just like the last one I was pleasantly surprised at  its contents. Rather than listing the contents of the box, which you can easily find here or on a million other blogs, I wanted to use products to the greatest benefit their tiny size could give. And I'm happy to report that I've fallen in love.

First, here are a few of the other noteworthy items that, if you're thinking about signing up for the monthly box, you can look forward to.

I love clay masks, so the mini pot by Vitamine & Sea was a real treat (and Canadian! which is awesome). But certainly not something I'll be buying more of.

The Mai Couture cheek-tint paper, blotting paper–like sheets with a pretty pink colouring, were cool but don't at all compare to Tarte's Blushing Bride that I'll likely wear until the day I die.

Finding something special in Naked Princess lipgloss really took me by surprise, and totally made me reevaluate being such a judgemental and cynical person—at least in terms of the judging a book by its cover style. I almost didn't even try this gloss, a decision I made based solely on its name. It's a really bad name, especially for an enlightened female who has come to see the term princess as almost derogatory and to whom a product named Naked Princess is the epitome of everything that is wrong with female beauty products. I also don't like gloss, how it feels tacky and your hair gets caught in it and it's usually shiny which is just not appealing to me. 

But this lipgloss tastes, feels, smells amazing, and after I couldn't stretch the sample any longer than a week, I shelled out the 25 odd dollars that it costs. And I can't wait for it to arrive. The sample was in the Coral shade, which goes really well with my pale-pinky colouring, blonde hair, and blonde eyebrows. It doesn't look like shiny gloss; it makes my lips look the way they would ideally look all the time.  

All photos are from the Glymm website.

A Working Girl's Guide to Not Looking Like Shit: Josie Maran Argan Oil

via Sephora

Sometimes the key to looking good is all about getting to a point where you don’t feel the need to wear as much makeup. Isn’t that the end goal anyways? Nobody wants to keep up the “zit spackling routine” they developed in high school, and since we’re evolving our habits should too, right?

 So apart from the obvious requirements of actually washing your face before bed and taking your iron supplements, you can add one more non-committal step to your daily routine: Josie Maran Argan Oil. Beauty oil has been the talk of the town for some time now, and the cool thing about it is you can use the product literally anywhere you want. Why the eff have we been buying lotion SPECIFICALLY for our face when we could’ve been buying oil and putting it EVERYWHERE. Your face! Your nails! Your hair! Argan oil’s multi-purpose applications are truly a dream. I’ve also started to notice a big difference in how I look sans make-up, way more fresh faced in the mornings, which means I can take it easy on the foundation. Once applied, argan oil doesn't feel greasy in the least bit. It's actually known for it's anti-aging properties. If you need more proof, just look at Josie Maran's face (HANDSOME!).

Of course, the only issue here is price. A small .5 oz bottle will come up to $14, which is fine because you are just trying it out, and you’re too young to commit. Unfortunately, if you find yourself falling in love with the product and want to bulk barn it, going up a scale in size to the 1.7 oz comes up to $48. Major bleh, but thank goodness for Sephora travel size samples.

By Navi Lamba

Did you miss Navi's last Working Girl's Guide? Do not fear—you can read it here.

Review: July 2012 Glymm Box

While Amanda has been doing Luxe box reviews forever now, I was never that impressed with them; for a while now I've been looking to try a different kind of monthly sample box. I heard really great things about Glymm from the owner of beauty line who has worked with them and said that they really had their shit together. And after looking at the Glymm site (which is awesome (a magazine, a blog, and a place where you can actually shop for the products you love) and what they are doing on social media (engaging and listening, not just pushing out content) I decided on my next candidate.

Glymm is $12 a month and gets shipped around mid month.

The packaging might not be as pretty as the little black Luxe Box, but it's what on the inside that counts.

The little orange nylon bag is perfect for people like me who hoard little makeup bags. 

And here are the goods. Quite a nice little package.

First up we got a little pot of exfoliator from Dirt. It smells amazing and is best used on your face. It's got a really grainy texture, and when you rinse it off it leaves a nice layer of moisture that you have to wash off. It left my skin feeling insanely soft, not greasy at all, and I'm still feeling the effects a few days later. This was definitely my fave product of the bunch.

I am under the belief that a lot of hair creams do exactly the same thing, and if it's doing that thing right, it'll keep your hair healthy, untangly, and somewhat shiny. I use all these creams and oils somewhat interchangeably and don't notice much of a difference—but I prefer products like this that you rinse out in the shower. 

I was super sceptical when I saw that this hair perfume was vanilla scented (though 14-year-old me would have been psyched). I'm not much of a scent person to begin with, and a scent for your hair seems totally unnecessary. But I wanted to try it before I knocked it, and when I was walking home after a 9-hour day and my subtly sweet-smelling hair blew in my face, I was surprised in a really nice way. It was like a stop and smell the flowers moment. Would I ever buy this product? No. But I'll definitely use this little spray vial, especially before the summer's out.

I know Cyber Derm by reputation. They focus on a "new kind of moisture formula" with more medically safe and cosmetically trendy ingredients. They focus on different skin needs of their customers—this sample came with a hydrating sunscreen and a PM anti-age. This stuff is scentless and doesn't leave any kind of residue. It's a but unclear that this stuff is moisturizer and not sunscreen—honestly, it would have felt like the best sunscreen ever—which makes me curious and want to try more of Cyber Derm's stuff. Some reviews I've read are pretty negative about the packaging, but I think it's hilarious and it helps the product to stand out.

And lastly, a coupon for 25% nail polish on the website. I'm assuming it's a one-time thing, but seeing as they offer Butter and RGB, I'm pretty into it. 

You can read more about all the products on their website. 

If you like what you see and want to try out a Glymm box, please use my referral link HERE to sign up.

You can check out all these pins and more on my 

Beauty with the Burgundy Girls

We recently wrote an article that was published in the new vive magazine about some of our favourite beauty icons and we had so much fun with it that we just had to share it with you all. (Also, we had to cut the words down for the mag and wanted to share the full version online.) Check out the real deal by tracking down one of those elusive issues of vive at your favourite boutiques around the city.


Always looking to celebs for beauty inspiration? Us too. We love to take our cues from ladies who are outside the typical beauty box.

The look: The Back-to-Basics

Mariel Hemingway

We love Mariel’s laidback approach to beauty, typified by her cool-girl appearance in Woody Allen’s Manhattan. An easy centre-part, a fresh (read: no makeup) face, and some major eyebrows put her delicate features on display. Don’t be afraid to try this bare-faced look–the strong brow (and maybe a little mascara and blush) will lead the way.

Seen on: This simplicity can be seen on the off-duty looks of Cara Delevingne and Arizona Muse

A modern-day version

 How to:

To fill in those eyebrows, go for Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in “Medium brown”

This two-toned powder will enhance your brows and make them look as naturally full as Mariel’s. Use a thin, angled brush to apply, and finish with a cream or wax to keep everything in place.

Her flawless skin can be mimicked by a full layer of Garnier BB Cream in “Light/Medium”

This stuff–part sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, primer, foundation, and illuminizer–works wonders. Without caking on a lot of product, your skin will look radiant and, most importantly, clear.

A no-nonsense hairstyle is aided by Goody’s Quik Style Paddle Brush

This brush a quick and easy way to get the moisture out your hair while getting those 100 strokes a day.

The look: The Hot Mess

Courtney Love

With her babydoll dresses, combat boots, and ripped fishnets, Courtney Love’s grunge grrl style took the ‘90s by storm. At once little girl and hard rocker, her rough ’n tumble look straddles that period between being a teenager and a grown up—think “not a girl, not yet a woman,” but with chain-smoking and whiskey. Roll out of bed with last night’s makeup on, smear on some red lipstick, and you’re ready to roll.

Seen on: This disheveled look (and bad-girl lifestyle) seems to come naturally to Taylor Momsen and Charlotte Free

A little more wearable, no?

How to:

Make your lips pop with M.A.C lipstick in “Russian Red”

A bold, bluish red with a matte finish, this lipstick’s got plenty of staying power–perfect for all-nighters. For extra security, apply a liner first–this will stop the colour from smudging out.

Layer your eyes with Stila Smudge Crayon in “Black”

Hate taking off your makeup at night? This thick black pencil is perfect for layering on day after day. But for those who are more feint of heart, applying the kohl to your waterlines and smudging outwards will do the trick.

Muss up your hair with Lakme K.Style Hottest: Chalk

Tap this fragrance-free dust on your roots and rough it up–you get all the matte texture and mega volume of bedhead, without a full 8 hours or a morning tumble in the hay.

The look: The Peacock

Nicki Minaj

This hiphop babe likes to claim she’s not like Barbie, but her style is ripped right from little girls’ scrapbooks–exaggerated everything in technicolor hues, from toes to the top of her teased weaves. This master chameleon is comfortable in every colour, her style speaks to the fantasy of beauty generally, how playing dressup can be artfully done. Embrace her playful attitude by embracing rich colours–this is your time to shine, princess.

Seen on: Other starlets rocking this over-the-top look are cat lady Katy Perry, M.I.A, and the rainbow-hued tresses of Azealia Banks.

Slightly more tame.

How to:
Paint your lids with Makeup Forever Aqua Cream in “21–Turquoise” or “18–Mauve”

We couldn’t decide which was more Ms. Minaj, but either one will do the trick. Since it’s cream eyeshadow, the colour will stay strong and won’t settle in your creases.

Pucker up with Smashbox Be Legendary Lips in “Pout”

Creamy pink lips are a staple for this gal. Make sure to get a highly pigmented colour for super opaque coverage. The more cotton candy coloured the better. You can even put some high shine gloss overtop.

Have some fun with Colour Bug by Kevin Murphy in “Purple”

These solid hair shadows are perfect for changeable colour creatures–in one night, out the next.

Hair DIY: Alice Dellal-inspired hair

I frequently lament having boring hair. It's blonde, it's generally all one length, and it just kind of sits there—after years of mistreatment, I'm too attached to it to make the plunge into any kind of coveted edgy style. I'm always playing around with ways to make my hair look a little different day-to-day. Enter Alice Dellal. I've been drooling over her hair since she came into my consciousness—the colour, the waves, the shaved side—and I wanted to share a way to imitate her look without fully taking the plunge. So here is my first solo video hair tutorial! (What, you think I'd let Amanda have all the fun?)

You'll need:

bobby pins
comb, for teasing
hairspray

To make this style last you should use a strong hold hairspray—it'll keep your inevitable side-frizzies away. You can also mess up the fuller side of your hair by scrunching it up with your hands and adding some more hairspray to the bulk. The messier the better. Alternatively, you can give yourself generous waves with a flat iron and a good faux-finger waves tutorial. 

Pair this style with heavily lined eyes, and a dark lip, and you'll have the look down pat. 

Review: April Luxe Box

Just in the nick of time, I received my April Luxe Box on the last day of the month. You know the drill by now – black packaging, personalized sticker, yadda yadda yadda.

Our first glimpse at the goods!

First up, LB sent this little daffodil pin in honour of their partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society. They made a donation on behalf of the Luxe Box community, which is great, but the pin isn't really my cup of tea. I'll pin it to my bulletin board for a bit of extra colour, I guess.

Hey! It's one of my favourite products ever! Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat is one beauty item I use all the time and recommend to anyone who'll listen long enough. I find it really prolongs the life of my mani and dries my nails to the touch in about a minute. It really is great stuff – I have a full size already, so I'll probably pass this on to a friend to share the gospel. (Note: the little LB card said they's included a full size bottle, but as you can see, a full-sized product this is not.)

Next up, I got this sample of Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask, which, let's be real, is a mouthful to say. It claims to restore just-coloured silkiness and increase colour longevity, which is always good for gals like me who colour their hair often. Haven't tried this yet, but likely will soon, because "just-coloured silkiness" is just the kind of claim I find difficult to resist.

Lastly, I got these generously sized samples of Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo & Conditioner. They claim to offer weightless, silicone-free nourishment for your hair, and that you can "feel the difference with one use". I tried them out this morning, and sure? I guess? My hair feels pretty good today, but I actually took the time to blow dry it, so that could account for the difference. It's definitely not a vast change, but at only $6 a bottle, this probably stand the best chance of being an actual purchase I'd make.

Oh, and Charlie approves.

The only thing left is my First in Line Program pick, which is a pair of underwear from a company called Panty By Post. I really liked that this was included as a First In Line choice, and that we were able to select our size and style (between hipster and thong). I picked hipster and I'm not sure which style I'll be receiving, but it doesn't really matter – based on their photo gallery, they're all pretty cute, and priced at $25-30 for a single pair, it's a really good deal. I should be getting these sometime soon.

And that's it! Overall thoughts? Decent box. I'd probably be disappointed if what I received was all I was getting, but the addition of the underwear really caps it off, and means I'll have a second surprise later this month. I really prefer getting hair products to skincare ones because I have such sensitive skin, so spreads like this are pretty ideal for me. A lot of other reviewers seem to be hitting Luxe Box fatigue, but I still enjoy receiving mine every month. 

If you would like to try Luxe Box for yourself and enjoyed reading my review,

Charlie would love it if you'd use my referral code.

Previous Luxe Box Reviews

October / November / December / January / February / March

Beauty tutorials

I love watching videos of people telling me how to do simple, everyday things that I should already know how to do. And I do this exactly for the same reason that I am an obsessive Googler, write down everything Penelope Trunk says, and save every tumblr post that lists ways to be creative, get out of a bad mood, accomplish your goals, or get the perfect wardrobe staples—because it's so much easier to follow someone else's tried and true advice and instructions than thinking it through for myself. Sound a bit pathetic? Maybe, but I like getting advice from people who are really passionate, and it in turn inspires me to live better, and sometimes to give my own advice.

Anyway, here are some of my current favourite beauty and makeup videos. If you have any that you love, please let me know!

The Persian Babe:

Hey Kayli:

Loepsie:

BEAUTYetc:

Cut by Fred:

The Take Home Series:

Our Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty

We had a really fun weekend around these parts! There was a big swap at my house, complete with brunch foods and baked goods and mimosas and heaps of clothing – plus the best company ever to comb through it all. Everyone got new-old items they love (which you'll see tomorrow!) and Laura and I got some chill hangout time, which was pretty wonderful and never seems to happen enough.

Plus, we got mimosa-saucy and made a video! It's the Seven Deadly Sins Beauty Tag that's been going around Youtube, a series of questions based on the deadly sins, but about your favourite beauty products instead. So if you've ever wondered what it was like to hang out and talk beauty products with us, here's a taste.

Notes:

– The perfume Laura couldn't remember the name of is Bottega Veneta, which is a "leathery floral chypre" that sounds amazing. (Remind me to sniff you the next time we hang out, Laura!)

– I didn't really go into the details of Amaze Gel, but it's a gritless exfoliating gel that works magic on very sensitive skin. Seriously – you rub it in, and dry skin just beads off and your skin is instantly more supple. I can't recommend it highly enough – it's definitely worth the price, plus it's Canadian! You can find out more and order it online here.

Review: March Luxe Box

So I got home, and was so excited to unexpectedly receive my Luxe Box on the first day of shipping that I filmed a video review. And, hey! Surprise surprise, I'm an awkward human being! But I liked this month's box, so if you'd like, check out this video where I sniff my elbow.

It darkened up after posting, so I apologize that you can't see my face so well, but seriously, my voice and the audio feedback are so soothing, you won't even notice.


This is how you grow that seed card.

One thing I missed: the Consonant Organic Face Cream is in a totally rad pump that notes it is "Transit Canada and FAA carry on approved." Nice touch, Consonant! I appreciate that attention to detail. It also smells vaguely grapey but in a natural way, like the inside of green grapes. Plus, this size usually retails for $18! What a deal! I put a perfume sample beside it for size reference.

How do you feel about video reviews generally? Do you prefer photo ones? I promise, I won't be backlit next time. Do you feel neutral? Hungry? I'm hungry.

If you liked my review and would like to try Luxe Box for yourself, I'd be mighty obliged if you'd use my referral code.

Previous Luxe Boxes

October / November / December / January / February

All Up in My Business

I know I've not been around much. But seriously, with a packed work schedule, unbelievably beautiful weather (double digits!) and a time change that's had my days starting in slow-mo, you're lucky to have caught me at all. I haven't been browsing the web much, but what I have been doing is practical – I have a question, I need an answer. Questions like...

What should I eat for dinner?

This Flank Steak and Arugula Salad from Martha Stewart, duh. This was pretty easy and also crazy delicious. The idea of using salsa as a salad dressing base is pretty genius too, Martha. Oh boy, let the season of salads begin!

I also made a pretty delicious roasted beet, wilted beet greens and goat cheese salad this weekend but, as per usual, forgot to take photos because I was too busy chowing down. I promise, I'll do that recipe up proper and soon – I'll definitely be making it again. Until then, this version with oranges looks pretty delicious.

via Dinner with Julie

This simple tomato soup recipe on 101 Cookbooks has also been calling my name. Coconut milk, a poached egg and fried paneer? Count me in.

via 101 Cookbooks

What should I wear?

Right now, I'm wishing for ankle-grazing long flowy dresses, but worn without sweaters, so warm though it may be I'll just have to wait a bit longer.

I'm obsessed with this dress from Tarantula Sisters and it still hasn't been bought. It's calling my name, I swear it.

This one, also from those sisters Tarantula, is also pretty rad, but it's sold, THANK GOD.

How babely is this girl on Street Peeper's blowout?

This Karen Walker model's hair and makeup look are pretty much a platonic ideal. F/W 2012? Try right this fucking minute.

Oh, and today I doubled up on leopard print without knowing. It's days like this I think, how many babies been made offa me, you know?

That's Revlon's Copper Penny, American Apparel's Summer Peach and a random art brush black.

As always, my Pinterest is where it's at.

Review: February Luxe Box

Before I get into the review, I'd just like to say today is the one year anniversary of this little corner of the internet, so happy birthday blog! I can't believe you're one year old, baby, but I think we've got a beautiful thing going. Thank you so much for reading and commenting along these few past months, and Laura and I look forward to making Burgundy Girls better than ever in 2012.



Luxe Box, congratulations. I was not expecting to be so awed.

Seriously. I gasped when I opened this edition.

I know everyone gets a little sick of the red-overload during February, but it felt like such a refreshing pop of colour when I opened it. (Although I was looking forward to collecting my next few boxes to try this killer idea, but I'll guess that'll just have to wait.)

This month, Luxe Box is partnered with Flare Magazine and boy, did they knock this one out of the park. Loose Button used Flare's resources to their best ability, and it helped create a much stronger box overall — the explanation card was bigger, obviously designed and written by the Flare crew, and felt pared-back, accessible and very relevant. A big kudos to the team behind this month's inserts.

The goods! A very nice-looking spread. I ooooh-d at the mascara, and was happy to see extra shampoo samples – I was a bit sad that last month's Fekkai sample only gave me one use, so I couldn't really compare the experience over time.

First up, the Beautiful Butter Balm by Mèreadesso. The cute bit of directional copy had me primed to like this. This made my hands feel very soft and protected, but not in a greasy way. It absorbed fast and the scent, a vaguely grapefruity floral, dissipated quickly but was nice while it lasted. The hard plastic makes me think I may not be able to squeeze the last little bits out that easily, but I guess that's just proof of how much I think I'll like this.

There was also a small squeeze sample of Face + Neck Toning Gel from Mèreadesso, which I have yet to try. It came in this big cardboard card that I feel conflicted about. Sure, it's executed well and I like a sense of drama, but find it a little excessive. Really? All those trumpets for such a little vial? Maybe I'll try this stuff and be crying out hallelujah, but until then, a few too many trees may have died for this sleeve. But I am curious to see this 3–5 day boost it boasts.

A rollerball perfume sample! Guys, this is huge! I know a lot of people don't like receiving perfume, but I'm a disloyal harlot who loves to cheat on her one true love, L de Lolita Lempicka. I don't mind a dabble in perfumes, and this awesome rollerball is surefire way to make sure I'll give CK one Shock for her a good trial run. Plus, I even like the scent! It's a fruity gourmand—that seems to be the arrangement du jour— that pairs passionflower, poppy and peony with blackberry, jasmine, cocoa and vanilla. It actually reads very citrusy, with a lemony open and the juicy berry remaining present through the drydown. I can see myself wearing this often.

I'm not going to lie, this little tube of Lise Watier 24 Hours Glam Mascara got me really excited. Gold giraffe print? Like, was this designed specifically for me? It helps that the mascara inside is rad too—the brush has lanky bristles, creating a comb-like effect that really extends your lashes. I tried this as suggested, in conjunction with my standard Cover Girl Lash Blast, and it definitely gave me a longer look (I wouldn't say a falsie look though, as this gives a skinny lash, not a full one). Over all, love it, and will definitely use it up. This is the perfect purse mascara size, and god, just LOOK at the packaging.

Finally, I got these samples of Redken Color Extend shampoo and conditioner. My box included three generous samples which I am thrilled about, so I can see if there's a difference over a period of time (I've been thinking about investing in better shampoo ever since our last Ask A Hairdresser). Offering extra samples of shampoo was one of the things I mentioned in their January post-box survey, so I'm glad they were able to offer more so quickly. Bang up job, Luxe Box gang.

All in all, I thought this month's Luxe Box was simply wonderful. It delighted me with great products in ample sizes, and included items I use regularly and would be interested in potentially upgrading. I thought the changes in the promo cards were very appealing, and really helped to make Luxe Box the beauty resource it aspires to be. Overall, well edited, well crafted, well done. It feels like I'm gushing, but really, this is the kind of box I've been hoping all along would be delivered. Here's hoping elements of this special-edition box make it into the regular rotation.

If you liked my review and would like to try Luxe Box for yourself, I'd be mighty obliged if you'd use my referral code. Or you know, don't, and make Charlie sad.

Previous reviews:

October / November / December / January

The New Inquiry

TNI has been killing it lately, with the addition of a new team of bloggers that clog up my Google Reader and make it harder for me to read about NYFW recaps. They're putting out such interesting, thought-provoking articles that I haven't looked at pictures of cats in days! (Just kidding.) My favourite of the bloggers is Autumn Whitefield-Madrano, who writes the TNI blog called The Beheld, which "examines the concepts of beauty and personal appearance." I think this girl and I may be kindred spirits. She has also worked as a fashion copyeditor (my specialty of choice) and is interested in the feminine appearance, its history, its theories, and how it can be exploited—all in a way that draws you in and keeps you hooked. And this is coming from a girl who couldn't get 20 pages in to The Beauty Myth. Also, I don't think it's a coincidence that I was listening to this song when I stumbled upon her writing.

So seriously, do yourselves a favour and check out The Beheld.

Review: January Luxe Box

It took a while, but when I finally got my hands on this month's Luxe Box, it was a nice surprise: a double decker.

Look at all the stuff!

And onto what's inside.

A full-sized China Glaze nail polish! This was a very pleasant surprise indeed. It's a pretty colour too, a rich bright pink creme called Wicked Style. A little sleuthing online tells me it's from the new Electropop Spring 2012 collection, which should be available in stores now. I'm impressed that Loose Button included a brand new colour – that tells me they've got a good relationship with their suppliers. I feel like my photo doesn't quite capture how fuschia this colour reads in person – this picture over at The PolishAholic reads much truer to life.

Hey, another NYX eye pencil. This one's a jumbo, a cool bronze colour called Iced Mocha. A very basic pencil, but it's in a colour I can see working with many complexions and it glides very nicely. It's very shimmery, but the colour reads as neutral. I'll use this for sure.

I guess Loose Button's cleaning out its drawers – they included a satchel with a couple perfume sample vials, some of which were included in previous Luxe Boxes I've received. (Note: apparently they did this on purpose, in case I'd run out of previous samples.) New to me are the Lady Million by Paco Rabanne, and the two Prada scents, Candy and Infusion d'Iris.

I was very surprised to find I really enjoy Lady Million, which is a strong fruity, woodsy scent, with notes of neroli, raspberry, gardenia, patchouli and amber. It does have a very strong drydown though, so I can see sensitive noses disliking this one.

Prada Candy is warm, sweet, caramel scent, with amber and vanilla notes in the mix. Very gourmand and very grown-up, which can be difficult balance to achieve. I can see myself wearing this a lot.

Prada's Infusion d'Iris had the most generous bottle of the samples, but it was not a spray bottle, so it's a little messier to apply. This is a very soapy scent, heavy on the floral and very clean smelling. Overall, not to my tastes, but one I can see being popular with an older demographic.



I also received a hefty sample of Biosilk Silk Therapy, a lightweight leave-in treatment that I've been curious to try for a while. The bottle has a enough for a few applications, and looks like a lighter formula than the Morrocan Oil I got a few boxes back. Yeah, I'm digging it.



And I received a sample of Seattle's Best Coffee in a medium roast. Seeing as I'm pretty addicted to my Tassimo disc brewer, I doubt I'll be using this. One of my pot brewin' friends, this is one's up for grabs.






In the additional Bath & Body Box, I received a Schick Hydro Silk razor. A few of my friends have tried this and loved it, but to be perfectly honest, it'll be hard to get me to try something other than my Intuition. What can I say, I'm a sucker for an all-in-one-step razor, since I hate shaving as is. I likely won't even open this one until the spring.


I also received a sample of the Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing shampoo and conditioner that "everyone has been raving about". Sure? Okay? I mean, I've never heard of it, but I also don't have my ear to ground on the latest trends in shampoo. I tried it this morning and it felt pretty good. It lathered up really nicely, smells good and left my hair feeling very soft. It's a little flyaway-y than it usually is, but I didn't use anything other than my heat-protecting spray to style it. Not a product I'd likely buy, but it was nice as a sample. (Oh, and there was an included coupon for Shoppers Drug Mart when you buy any Fekkai products that I likely won't be using.)


Overall, a much better Luxe Box than last month's. Sure, getting doubles of previously received perfumes was a little disappointing, but overall, I feel very satisfied with the quality of this month's offerings. THIS is the kind of fun I've ben hoping for with this service – a little bit of everything. Okay, Luxe Box, let's stay together.

If you'd like to sign up and try Luxe Box for yourself, I'd very much appreciate if you'd use my referral code.

You can also see my previous Luxe Box reviews for October, November, and December.