January 2013 Topbox

As promised, I have for you all today a review of the January Topbox. This month, Topbox started a new and exciting concept called the Prive Box - a Topbox filled entirely with deluxe samples from one iconic beauty brand. As a current member, I got to receive the first ever Prive Box this month and it was from the brand Clinique. (Note: On a regular basis in which a Prive Box is available, only a handful of subscribers will receive it.)

I've been subscribed to Topbox since November of 2012 and if you've read my previous reviews, you know that the first two boxes were complete and utter letdowns for me. So I was really hoping that the January one would knock my socks off! Read on if you want to know my thoughts on this month's box. ;)

HOORAY! Finally, Topbox has scored in my book with this Prive Box! As I have already mentioned, all the products in the box are from Clinique, a brand that I personally really really love. Often I find brands excel in either their skincare or makeup, but Clinique does a really great job in both departments. I have especially heard lots of good things about their specialized foundations (Acne Solutions and Redness Solutions) as well as their Moisture Surge products, so I was really excited to have the chance to try out four of their products.

The Prive Boxes are packaged a little differently than the regular Topboxes - this month's box had special Clinique wrapping on it as opposed to the regular damask-looking pattern to showcase the brand. The products included in this box are:

1. Clarifying Lotion for (3) Combination Oily skin - I've actually used this toner before in conjunction with the rest of the 3-step system and I quite enjoyed it, so I'm happy to have this product again. I like toners because you can really visibly see all the dirt and oil that gets wiped off even after cleansing. The only reason I stopped using one is because the cost of a comprehensive skincare routine starts to add up, especially with a tight student budget like mine.
2. Color Surge Eyeshadow in Strawberry Fudge - I hoped to get the mink version of this eyeshadow but what the hey, this product is FULL SIZED and retails for $25. Receiving this alone pays for twice the value of the Topbox! Woot woot! Also, I quite like the dark red-purple shade in the set, it reminds me of Toasted from the Naked palette which I love. I am sure I will get some use out of the baby pink - I'll make it work!
3. Rinse-off Eye Makeup Solvent - This is another product I was really excited to see in my Prive Box! I do love my MAC Cleanse Off Oil but I'm interested to see how this will compare. And since it indicates that it is specifically an eye makeup remover, I'm hoping it will be very gentle for removing heavy-duty waterproof mascara (I'm looking at you, Benefit They're Real!). Also, you really can't have too much makeup remover. ;)
4. Repairwear Laser Focus for wrinkles and UV damage - I wasn't incredibly ecstatic about this one purely because it's not a product that I would use at this point in my life. But I thought it was a really good quality sample to include because it is an expensive product, and you don't want to be spending all that money on a product you're not sure will work! I passed this on to my mom since I don't have wrinkles yet.

There we have it - at long last, I have received what I think is a good Topbox! I've read a few other reviews and opinions are very mixed. But I think it's inevitable with the entire beauty box concept, and for this month it mostly comes down to whether or not you like Clinique because if you're not a fan of the brand, you're not likely to be interested in their products. Personally I was really pleased with all the products I received this month, and I'm excited to try them out!

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