❧❦ GlossyBox September 2013 ❦❧

September 2013 GlossyBox USA

The September edition of GlossyBox was underwhelming, to say the least.  Many times this company gets it right, but this particular box contained two "Made in China" cosmetics and this is a concern for me.  I find that the quality of cosmetics produced there does not compare with cosmetics produced in France, Italy or the USA.  I also have a concern about the origin of the ingredients used in cosmetics manufactured in China.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Genre Eau de Parfum

A lovely, true deluxe sample (are you taking note of this, Birchbox?).  I have never sampled this frangrance before and it was quite a surprise.  Of course, I have a penchant for scents that include patchouli, amber, sandalwood and vanilla so it was probably a given that I would like this.  I can also detect a substantial amount of tuberose in here, so if you have an aversion to that scent, this fragrance is probably not for you.

Be a Bombshell - Eyeliner Pen in Onyx

Made in China.  I have sampled this item before, and I'm not a fan as I find the nib too thick for my tastes.  I prefer a finer application of eyeliner than this provides.

Nioxin Diamax Treatment

This product promises to increase the thickness of each strand of hair for a fuller effect.  It also promises to strengthen the hair and make it more manageable.  Sounds exciting, and I have the perfect candidate to test this out for me!  A friend of mine has waist-length hair that she is having trouble managing, so I'm going to give this to her.  Check back here for an update.

Océane Makeup Remover Pen

The next Made in China item is the Océane Makeup Remover Pen.  I'm not familiar with this company, but it appears to be a Brazilian drug store brand, perhaps similar to E.L.F.  I'm not a fan of cheap cosmetics packaged in a blister pack, so I don't have high hopes for this.

Emite Makeup Eyelash Curler

I love this eyelash curler - Emite is a brand from Sweden.  This is a very well made, substantial eyelash curler.  In fact, it's quite heavy.  I'll have to test it against my Chanel and Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curlers to see how it holds up.

So, is it worth $21? 
1. I already own two other brands of eyelash curlers, so this will be a spare.
2. The Bon Genre fragrance smells very nice, but I have similar fragrances in my collection and this is nothing I would buy on its own.
3. Two Made in China products is a negative.
4. The Nioxin is nice but I don't need to use a hair thickening product so I have to give this away.
Conclusion?  I think not.  

Read more here:
GlossyBox

Take care,
The Sassi Wench

❧❦ Haul Time! Chanel, Coach, Armani, Tom Ford, Jo Malone ❦❧

Lisbeth Dahl makeup bags

I love Lisbeth Dahl. I just wish it was easier to find their products in the US.  I frequently search Ebay and Amazon for items, or order them from Europe.  But this time I found a cosmetic bag at Southern Simplicity.  They have since sold out of this one, but they do have a pretty flounced version still available and on sale!  These bags are roomy enough for a sizable makeup stash, but pretty enough to sit on your vanity.

Coach Pave Disc Earrings with pink crystals

I was searching for the perfect pair of earrings to wear on Christmas day, and I found these pave disc earrings with pink crystals at Coach.  They have since sold out of the pink crystal ones online, but I saw these in my local Coach store last week.  In the end, I didn't wear these earrings after all, but I love wearing them to work - especially when I know I'm going out after dark.

Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Ivory

I had passed on this color for the longest time.  Each time I visited a Chanel counter I would test the shadow on my hand, but for some reason I never bought it.  Then, a few weeks ago I decided to take the plunge and finally add it to my Chanel makeup collection.  And I'm so glad I did!  A slightly yellow/white shimmer, it's perfect for a brow bone highlight. 

Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso

My second tube of this tinted brow gel, it matches my eyebrow color perfectly, and enhances it.  If I am going through a patchy eyebrow phase (I'm sure it happens to all of us on occasion), then I'll supplement the brow gel with a smudge of an eyebrow pencil (usually Boots).  My only gripe is the huge mascara-like brush.  I wish the brush was smaller, because no one has brows that thick.  It's just not possible.

Armani Eyes to Kill 6

I couldn't resist Armani's Eyes to Kill 6.  (Although I hate it when cosmetics companies get lazy and don't name their products and just assign them a number!)  It has flecks of green, gold and brown - flattering to my dark brown eyes.

Tom Ford Bordeaux Lust

I found some Tom Ford makeup and nail polish at my local CCO.  It's a beautiful color but not worth paying full price for.  I was disappointed in the eyeshadows they had there.  So I snapped up this instead. It's a rich, dark and sexy red.  I can't say that it has any more staying power than other brands like Chanel or OPI, though.

Dior Blush Brush

I saw The Natalie Anna use this blush brush in one of her tutorials, and I was smitten!  Big, fluffy makeup brushes are my weakness and this one is no exception. It's certainly not a necessity but it is a lovely brush that buffs color beautifully on the cheeks.

Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit

And finally, Ginger Biscuit by Jo Malone.  It really does have a gingery, fresh baked cookie kind of smell that is very caramelized.  I can't rave about this enough - I think I wore it every day for a week when I first got it. It's very strong, and a little goes a long way.

That is all.

Take care,
The Sassi Wench