Jiyubox Cruelty-Free Lifestyle & Beauty Subscription Box | Winter 2019

Jiyubox is a seasonal subscription box that brings you all-natural, cruelty-free, personal care products. They curate natural skincare and wellness boxes for every season. Each subscription box features 4-6 full-sized products. The cost is $59.99 USD and there is no contract so you can cancel at any time.

The box features a lot of indie brands and has a wide variety of skincare and wellness products. It's the perfect way to try out a variety of all-natural and cruelty-free brands that you may not have otherwise tried. It also makes the perfect gift for the cruelty-free and/or all-natural beauty lover in your life.

Let's see what came in the Winter 2019 box, which is still shipping now (as of Jan 26, 2020).

The box arrives packaged well to keep the contents safe, and it has a very simple and minimalistic vibe.

This box contains 6 full-sized products. All but one of the brands are completely new to me!

Native Nectar Botanicals AHA Liquid Exfoliant- 30ml $46 CAD / $35 USD

I'm really looking forward to trying this product out as AHA's are well known for their anti-aging benefits.

Buck Naked Soap Company 

Lavender & Rosemary Bath Bomb $6.50 CAD / $4.90 USD

Lemongrass & French Green Clay Bath Bomb- $6.50 CAD/ $4.90 USD

These bath bombs are so large that I'll definitely be breaking them up and using them for multiple baths. They smell fresh and herbally. I can't wait to use them!

Soukenberi Nourishing Vegan Hair Oil- 50 ML $37.05 CAD/ $28 USD

This is the best hair oil that I've ever used! Most hair oils don't really do all that much for my hair. This product makes my hair instantly shiny and healthy-looking and actually tames my frizz! And it only takes one tiny drop. I feel like my hair will become healthier after using this over time.

Scentuals Grapefruit Tumeric Hand Repair Cream - 100ml $11.50 CAD/ $8.69 USD

Another fabulous product! This is super hydrating and smells so good! It has a very light and fresh scent, it mostly smells like citrus/ grapefruit, I don't really smell the turmeric that's in it.

Salt & Seaweed Apothecary 

Blissful Surf Lip & Skin Therapy .5oz - $18 CAD/ $13.60 USD

I'm already addicted to this balm. I've only been using it on my lips and it's hydrating and smells great!

Everything in this box smells fantastic! That kind of comes with the territory since everything in the box is all-natural. I love that I will actually use everything in this box. Often, with subscription boxes, there are some products that I won't use. I've already been using and loving the Salt & Seaweed Lip Product, the Soukenberi Nourishing Hair Oil, and the Scentuals Hand Cream. I plan on using the bath bombs and the skin exfoliant as well.

Overall, this is a very well rounded box and contains a really great variety of all-natural beauty and wellness products that are perfect for a day of pampering as well as daily care.

Subscription Deets:

• Perfect as the gift that keeps giving
• Seasonal Subscription plan
• Ships the first of September, December, March, and June
• Auto-renewing every 15th of August, November, February, and May
• $59.99USD per box
• No contracts, no commitments, and cancel any time
• 4 to 6 full-sized products

Note: They also offer a starter box for $29.99 per seasonal box. 

This Winter box is still shipping as of today (01/26/2020). 

Not sponsored. All opinions are my own

#jiyubox 

How I Started My Beauty Blog & Became a Micro-Influencer

The beauty industry has blown up over the last 10 years or so and keeps on growing! Like many others, I've had a keen interest in beauty products since middle school (let's not talk about how long ago that was 😉). Back then, my friends and I only had access to beauty information through a few magazines publications and our regular trips to the drugstore to check out the latest beauty releases. The selection of beauty products was so limited back then. I keenly remember that it seemed there was only one choice for foundation and my friends and I proudly walked around with our orange coloured faces thanks to the limited products and information back then. Thankfully, things have changed tremendously since those days, mostly thanks to the vast world of beauty that can now be found online!

Nowadays, we needn't look far to find information on the topic of beauty, from tips and tricks, to reviews and new product launches, the internet is our oyster. Beauty platforms and Influencers both large and small, from all parts of the world are providing us with everything we want to know online. Whether you are looking for the Best Beauty Trends of 2020 or you want to find out if a skincare product might work for you, beauty Influencers from around the globe are letting us in on the latest beauty releases, provided makeup tutorials, and sharing what we need to know before we make our next beauty purchase. All of this information is now easily accessible to all of us and once I discovered it, I wanted to be a part of it!

I first discovered the world of online beauty in 2011 after reading a magazine article about how it wasn't a good idea to keep your makeup in the bathroom. So I did an online search "how to store makeup." The internet responding with an enormous amount of information. There were all kinds of videos and blogs with the answers to my burning question. I had no idea that this online world of beauty existed, and once I discovered it, there was no turning back. I got sucked into the vortex of beauty online and I found myself frequently checking out YouTube, Blogs, and Vlogs for the latest beauty information. There were regular gals like me who were sharing their favourite beauty products but filming it from their bathroom floors, now known as Micro-Influencers. And, then there were the big beauty Bloggers and Vloggers, now known as Influencers, who were either famous or beauty professionals. They were also sharing their beauty tips, tricks, favourite products, new product launches and so much more.

My love for beauty grew even more after I had found others with the same interests and I started my little blog in 2015 as I wanted to share my tips and favourite products, too. I literally searched "how to start a blog" and went from there. The first thing was to choose my blog's platform, once I did that, the name of my blog came to me right away, it combines 2 of my favourite topics; health and beauty. Since starting my site, I have had so many amazing opportunities as a "Micro-Influencer." I've been able to work with well-known brands as well as brands that are just starting up. I love helping them get the word out about their products or services. It's a blast and takes my hobby and interests to the next level as being an influencer comes with some perks like testing out free products and/or services. Luckily, nowadays, there is a place for everyone, which I'm so grateful for. Like me, many people fell into the world of being an influencer by doing something that they love Jenna Citrus is just one example of this.

Using micro-influencers to promote products makes sense. How many of us purchase a product or service based on a friend or relatives recommendation? It's a similar concept. Anyone remember the old commercial that said: "she'll tell 2 friends and so on..." Plus, it's more cost-effective for the brands!

Whether you have aspirations to become an influencer, a micro-influencer or are considering starting a blog, all I can say is to take your hobby or interests and go for it! You don't even need a blog these days to be an influencer (although some brands do prefer it). There are so many social media outlets and platforms where you can promote brands. If you want to share your hobby, interests or knowledge with others, and it's something you enjoy, you just might get some great perks from it!

This post is in collaboration with Intellifluence. All opinions are my own.

Hello Lassie Beauty and Lifestyle Gift Box Veronica Edition | Jan 2020

This is my first box from the new Canadian brand Hello Lassie. Every month, Hello Lassie curates a new gift box available for purchase. The boxes contain a variety of health, beauty, and lifestyle products and the value is always much more than the cost of the box. It's such a great gift idea as there is no shopping required and no commitment since there is no subscription required. You can purchase a box as a gift for someone or you can always treat yourself. Boxes are also customizable and you can request specific products. If it fits into the budget, they will honour your request and add your requested item to the box. This is a great way to gift someone you love with a fun and fabulous box full of goodies and you don't have to step into a single store!

The cost of a box is $49.99 CAD and the value of the contents is always much more. They also have mini boxes available for $25-$35 which normally include about 3 products. Previous boxes are also available until they are sold out.

The box featured in this post is their Veronica Edition gift box.  This box contains so many great goodies from a beautiful scarf to jewellery as well as name brand beauty products. The value of this box is over $107 but retails for only $49.99 CAD!

Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction In Bloom Body Lotion was included in my box (full- size, scents may vary)

Also included was a thermal nail polish by Née Jolie, which changes colours depending on the temperature of your fingernails. Pretty cool! Colours will vary.

My box also included a beautiful, high-quality, sparkly makeup bag (colours may vary)

I was really happy to see a Sephora brand sheet mask in my box! Perfect for a day of pampering.

Each Veronica box includes a leather bracelet that fits most wrist sizes. The stones vary from box to box.

I'm so glad that scrunchies are back in style! Hello Lassie included a beautiful gold speckled large-sized scrunchie which I've been enjoying on the daily!

Lastly, s soft and elegant scarf was included in this box. It's a neutral grey colour that will go with pretty much anything!

Summary of contents:

• Victoria's Secret Body Lotion
• Thermal Nail Polish
• Leather Bracelet
• 1 Sparkly Cosmetic bag
• Beautiful Scrunchie
• Sephora mask
• Elegant Scarf

This box would make such a great gift for a loved one or you can always treat yo' self! 😊

.

Hello Lassie is a Canadian brand! You can check them out and learn more at www.hellolassie.ca

Or, check them out on Instagram @ Hello Lassie

PR sample. All opinions are my own. Not sponsored.

Getting a Safe Tan Without the Sun | James Read H20 Tanning Drops Review

Sometimes I forget how pale I can get until the middle of winter arrives and I'm looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost! I'm not really a fan of this look on me. Some may like or suit a pale look, but not me. I look best with some colour on my face, which is why I have always been such a fan of blush and bronzer. With my chronic lack of sleep, I'm even more in need of a bit of a healthy-looking tan!

I recently started using James Read H20 Gradual Tanning Drops for the face (30ml/ SRP $35), I like to call it "sunshine in a bottle!" You just add a few drops to your skincare (serum or moisturizer) and apply to your face and neck. Within hours, you end up with a beautiful, natural-looking tan without the orangeness that many sunless tanners provide, so you don't run the risk of looking like Donald Trump! 😄 You can control the level of tan that you achieve by using more or less drops and it's also buildable.

The drops are like the consistency of water but it's super easy to apply when you add it to your moisturizer, which is the recommended way to apply it. In the past, a lot of self-tanners made me not only look orange but they'd up on going on streaky. This one does neither of those things. It is also mostly free of the typical self-tanner scent. It has a barely detectable scent, which I appreciate.

James Read has many tanning products which I am eager to try now. From body tanning drops (linked here), to face masks, and self-tanners with special skincare ingredients, even makeup!

These drops are such a great way to get a really natural, healthy-looking tan without the harmful rays of the sun or tanning beds. I feel more confident and can use a lot less makeup when I use these drops. I look healthier and that makes me feel more confident.

Shop Now (30ml/ SRP $35) 

Currently $25 on Amazon.com!

Have you tried any products by James Read? If so, what do I need to try next? 

Not sponsored. Some links are affiliate. Thank you if you choose to use them

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm Review with Swatches!

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm $28 USD/ 3 Grams

True to other Nars Orgasm products, this lip balm is described as a sheer, peachy pink with golden shimmer. The Afterglow Lip Balm is available in 8 shades.

Described as moisturizing lip balm infused with a blend of antioxidants to condition and protect lips.

Details:

• Sheer coverage
• High shine colour
• Contains Monoï Oil for long-lasting hydration
• Fragrance-free
• Alcohol-free

As I get older, my lips get more and more dehydrated and lined. So I tend to look for hydrating lip products that add a hint of colour and this lippie seemed to tick off all of my boxes. And, with the Nars Orgasm name behind this shade, I was expecting something really special!

I have to admit that the rose gold packaging is stunning! I find the lip balm to be hydrating and it provides a sheer wash of colour to my lips. However, for the price, I was expecting it to have a wow factor. Don't get me wrong, I do really like it and enjoy using it but the wow factor just isn't there for me. I fee that I can get the same look from a lot of tinted lip balms.

It's very sheer, as it claims to be, but adds a decent amount of pink to my lips (this will vary for each person depending on how pigmented your lips are to begin with). It does swatch quite light and I didn't expect it to show up as much as it does on my lips based on that. It's described as a peachy pink with golden shimmer. It shows up as a sheer, shiny pink on my lips, however, I do not see any golden shimmer.

It is quite hydrating, as it should be. I find that the lasting power is average for a balm. Considering the price tag, I was expecting more here as well. After about 30 minutes, the colour, shine, and hydration start to wear off and I feel the need to reapply. However, if I do not reapply, I find that it does leave a very slight pink tint to my lips that does last as does a little bit of hydration.

Below are swatches from various angles during a dreary day, some with overhead lighting and some without.

As you can see, it is quite sheer against my pale skin. Of course, the effect will be different on your lips since they will have more pigmentation.

Here are a few comparisons of Nars Afterglow LipBalm in Orgasm beside ELF's Bare Kiss Lip Balm and Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Pink Blossom.

I read on a very reputable website that ELF's Bare Kiss was a DUPE for Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, so I purchased it right away. As you can see, they are not even close to each other. The formulas are also completely different (ELF is waxy and dry, Nars is sheer and hydrating).

Top: Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, Middle: ELF Bare Kiss, 

Bottom: Burt's Bees Pink Blossom

Below is right after application

30 minutes after application in the car

Overall, I do love this product even though it didn't have that wow factor that I was expecting. But, I also feel that I can get the same effect from many tinted lip balms. I would definitely repurchase this product if the price tag was around $10. But, at over $30 here in Canada, I would say it is very overpriced for what it is. However, I do think it would make a nice gift for someone who likes tinted lip balms as it comes in such beautiful packaging and it is very pretty. It's just not something I can justify repurchasing at its current price.

In hindsight, I would probably purchase the mini Afterglow Lip Balm that comes with the corresponding blush (linked here), and probably will when I finish this balm. 😊

$28 USD (Shop Now)

Once I find a DUPE for this product, I will be sharing with y'all as soon as I find it!

Let me know what your favourite coloured lip product is for aging lips in the comments below!

Not sponsored. Contain referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them!