Introducing Boxx Cosmetics

Imagine the simple charm of a perfect capsule wardrobe being applied to your makeup case's contents, and you'll understand the appeal of boxx cosmetics, a new Canadian beauty line now available at BeautyMark. Created by hair and makeup artist Sandra Milligan, this mix-and-match makeup system reduces waste by letting customers only buy the products and colours they'll actually use and place them in a magnetic reusable compact. I had the chance to see the makeup collection up close during a media preview and complimentary makeup application a few weeks ago.

Any beauty lover will be quick to point out that boxx's concept is nothing new; refillable palettes have been around for ages. But what is novel about boxx is the cleverness of the design. The patented large boxx ($59) has clear plastic interior doors to keep your products safe, while the milli boxx ($12) lets you bring a few select shades in your clutch for an evening out. Both boxx compacts come with a square pick; use it to slide between or under products to pry them out of the case easily. The stout-handled makeup brushes are designed to travel well in handbags and luggage.

Another distinguishing factor is the exceptional selection, versatility and quality of the products. The entire boxx line consists of 90 shades for face, eyes and lips, all of which have vitamin E but are paraben- and formaldehyde-free. Some even have ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid to smooth out wrinkles and plump up skin.

BeautyMark makeup artist Kendra Lovick applied my makeup while explaining how versatile the products could be. When used with a fluffy powder brush, the pressed powder gives skin a glowing finish, while a foundation brush yields more coverage. The lip/cheek colours go on sheer when applied to the skin, but look more intense on the mouth. The highly pigmented eyeshadows can be applied with a dry shadow brush or a wet liner brush. My entire face only required 7 products, all of which fit into the large boxx with room to spare.

The products Kendra used on me: Pressed Powder in 'Gwynn' ($25), Cream Corrector in 'Evelea' and 'Melina' ($22 each), Bronzer in 'Eldora' ($18), Eyeshadow in 'Mauli' and 'Darva' ($18 each), and Lip Colour in 'Garnet' ($14). All available at BeautyMark.

The polished and pretty "after" shot. Thanks for doing such a great job, Kendra!

As a parting gift, Kendra let me choose two products to put in my own milli boxx. I chose the 'Garnet' lip colour and yellow 'Melina' cream corrector. The lip colour, as beautiful as it is, has to compete with the other reds in my lipstick collection, so sadly it's sometimes overlooked as I reach for a MAC, Chanel or NARS shade. But the colour corrector has become an indispensable part of my morning makeup routine. A little bit goes a long way in evening out my skin tone. Some concealer and SPF loose powder on top and I'm good to go.

Thanks to BeautyMark (1268 Pacific Blvd.) for the chance to preview this great new line.