My Deliveries - Elle Canada Beauty Box

Everybody loves getting packages and deliveries in the mail! In today's metropolis driven world where online shopping has become a completely regular (and beautifully convenient) phenomenon the mailman is no longer just a source of boring bills, far-away postcards and the occasional greeting cards. In fact with the vast expansion of the subscription box market, reliable international shipping options and fast-paced growth of online shopping sites - your mailman can quickly become one of your all time favorite civil servants, bringing all kinds of treasures that are bound to delight every single one of your senses!

When an unexpected, pink rose patterned, sweetly scented, beauty filled box, postmarked by the ubberly fashionable Elle Canada arrives at your door at the end of a very bad day, let's just say a girly girl like me is more than tempted to hug said mailman and scare the poor guy into oblivion. 

However as a frequent flier user of the mail system I recognize the risks of such behavior and  settle for a good old-fashionable happy dance! 

The Elle Canada Beauty Box is a fairly new promotional program that operates a little differently from the standard subscription box plans. The main difference of course is the fact that the Elle Canada Box is absolutely free (no shipping charges either) and doesn't have a particular delivery schedule (at this time). A few months ago, Elle Canada, had a promotion through their website inviting girls to sign up, fill out a short survey after which the participants were informed that if they were "eligible" Elle  would send them a special beauty kit for consideration and possible review in the standard 6-8 week time frame. Basically the entire process was a bit of a mystery, as nobody was clear on the eligibility criteria, whether or not they would get the implied beauty set or what the box would entail in terms of products.

The theme was thought to be Fall Beauty 2013 but even that bit was more of a speculation than actual concrete fact. 

Seeing how I had almost forgotten about this beauty opportunity the arrival of this adorably girly All-Star Box left me both delighted and excited to discover what Elle Canada deemed to be a Fall 2013 Must Have! 

A beauty kit curated by a trendsetting giant such as Elle holds a certain level of predetermined expectations when it comes to product choices. Seeing how this was an essentially free box I was even more curious to see what lay hidden in the chic pink box! 

Lets just say - I was both surprised and delighted with the un-boxing ceremonies!

My Elle Canada Fall 2013 kit included;

- Cover Girl Outlast Glosstinis Mini in Sangria (515) *Limited Edition*

- Cover Girl Clump Crusher by Lashblast in Black (805) *Full Size*

- Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Restoring Repair Mini Shampoo (1.69 fl. oz.)

- Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Restoring Repair Mini Conditioner (1.69 fl. oz.) 

- Crest 3D Whitestrips 2 Hour Express Dental Whitening Treatment (one strip)

- Venus Gillette Coupons 

Elle Canada included a mini magazine, "Looking Glass - The Lookbook" along with the beauty samples which was a lovely addition to an already amazing box. 

For once the box literature actually relates to the box contents, meaning that Lookbook really features the products received. It's filled with unique fall & winter styling tips and showcases helpful step by step tutorials to achieve the new trendsetting looks. Basically this is not some useless filler paperwork - this has the potential to be used as well. 

My final verdict is obviously very positive. The Elle Canada Fall 2013 Beauty Box included relevant, trendy and useful beauty bits that any girl would love and use on an everyday basis. In reality this is the first box I received where I know each and every item will get used - a rarity in the beauty box industry for someone as picky as me :-)

I am so excited about the Cover Girl Outlast Glosstini in Sangria - I can't wait to report on its awesomeness in the near future :-)

Thank you for reading!

Have you received the Elle Beauty Box? Do you subscribe to other beauty boxes?

XOXO

Anja

The Camping Beauty - A Guide for All High Maintenance Girls

There is no hiding or faking it - I am a high maintenance girl! I try to pretend and  act aloof when confronted by this fact but no more - I admit it, embrace it and honor it!

It might not be cool or popular to proclaim but it's the real me so I have decided to make the best of it and be proud of it for once. I have finally made peace with the fact that I will always over pack, I will always have 12 lip glosses in my purse, I will always enjoy a 12 step skincare routine and I will never-ever be the outdoorsy girl that looks perfect in 5 minutes. Never gonna happen!

Despite being the quintessential girly-girl and loving everything that comes along with that label, I will admit that there are times and circumstances when my "maintenance factor" can become a little cumbersome. Camping is one of those situations! The world came up with "glam ping" because if people like me! 

I might be the "princess type" but I am also the "adaptable type" as well so getting ready and figuring out how to improve the quality of my existence even during camping is something I take quite seriously.

Here are some of the essentials that will make any girl feel better out there in the "wild"!

1. Wipes!!! Lots of lots of wipes! 

There is nothing worse for a girly girl (or anyone really?) than that dirty feeling. When running water or pristine sinks are not available then the next best thing are cleansing wipes. Luckily for us today there are many good quality wipes available now, targeting everything from your face to your underarms.
My choice is L.A. Fresh and Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Wipes 

2. Micellar Cleansing Water

It doesn't matter where I am I will always need and want to wash my face. While I would never use micellar water as a primary cleanser i find it works miracles for camping weekends when I am not wearing much makeup. I do, however make sure my choice is an excellent one with a tried & tested formula and good ingredients.
My top pics are usually Caudalie and Vichy 

3. High Quality Sunscreen for Face & Body

This one is pretty self-explanatory and should not apply to high maintenance girls. Sun protection is important for everyone and that includes the boys!
I love the Supergoop Sunscreen

4. Multi-Tasking Balms

As much as I want to bring my entire beauty cabinet with me, I am reasonable enough to realize that in reality that wouldn't fare so well. However being me I have found a way to circumvent that restriction by bringing products that have multi-uses but don't skimp on the pampering factor. A good balm will perform several functions, eliminate the spill disasters and save room in my luggage for other "necessities".
My top choices are Emma Hardie Moringa Balm and Rodial Glam Balm 

5. Multi-Tasking Cosmetics

Even though camping is certainly not the place to showcase a smoky glamorous eye, that doesn't mean you need to leave your entire makeup bag at home. Multi-tasking cosmetics can create a natural, polished look quickly and do wonders for your confidence. Look for quality BB creams (tind+moisture+spf), colour balm (lip & cheek tint) and clear mascara (lashes & brows)!

My top picks are: By Terry Baume de Rose, Givenchy Hydra-Sparkling Lip & Cheek Balm, REN BB Cream, Cover Girl Clear Lash and NARS Multiples. 

6. Facial Spray

This isn't practical at all and it's definitively a frills item but its something I almost always have in my purse. Put it in a cooler for an extra refreshing feeling!

My choice right now is Caudalie Beauty Elixir!

7. Sheet Masks 

This is an item for only the highest brand of girly girls who are prepared for all kinds of teasing and weird looks from camping companions. It takes 10 minutes, it's cool & refreshing, there is no clean up or mess to worry about and your skin will be extra blowy by the campfire.

Check out My Beauty Diary for skin-loving choices!

8. Dry Shampoo! 

A ponytail is only going to keep your greasy roots hidden for so long before the yucky feeling becomes unbearable! Dry Shampoo will keep extend the time you can stand yourself by at least a day!

My pick is the Cake Beauty Satin Sugar because it works great and smells good enough to eat!

This list can go on and on! Camping will never be my first choice but with some beauty loot I am bound to be more comfortable and have an amazing time!

What are your outdoor beauty essentials?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)