Glossybox: September Rising Stars

I'm pretty late blogging this - I'm also going to keep it short and snappy. Loved the packaging and the green box. Specially designed by freelance illustrator Maggie Li for one month only.

Glossybox designed by Maggie Li

On opening it felt a bit light. The first thing to catch my eye was an envelope reading 'Rodial nature, science, skincare'. Inside? Two variations each of very small samples. The first Glamoxy Snake Serum. Initially was a bit excited thinking it may be made of something very exotic however on visiting their website and also seeing 'Dragons Blood' products I believe this to be a marketing ruse.

Rodial Snake Serum

I had to fish around a bit for the rest of the products. Disappointingly I had another tiny perfume sample this time from the crazy house of Lady Gaga. She has apparently bottled fame. Clever. The 'black fluid' is pretty wasted in this vile as you can't see it. Perhaps in a full size bottle you will be in awe of this concept. I wasn't . The smell was also pretty standard. Nothing I will be running out and buying. It's quite heavy and not how I imagine Lady Gaga will smell. I'm sure her little monsters will be rushing out to buy. Little word of advice for anyone who will buy it, apply sparingly it is pretty pungent and lingers. If you are someone who tends to lose smells quite easily and feels like they aren't wearing perfume after 5 minutes of application this may be one for you.

Lady Gaga Bottled Fame

More hair oil next. This is a frequent product in my glossy box. This bottle seems a decent size but is only partially full. It smells nice and spoiler alert - I'm colouring my hair at some stage this week so will maybe give it a go depending on it's colour sealing properties.

Maghrabain Hair Oil

The most substantial feeling product in this month's box is the Vichy Idealia Day Care Cream. Again this may be a bit of a ruse as the box itself feels like it's the substantial thing. The cream inside is quite liquidy and not very thick, however on application my skin was glowy and light reflecting but it also felt a bit damp and not absorbed by the skin. Thus in a couple of minutes I was no longer any different to pre-application.

Vichy Idealia Cream

Finally the Balance Me under eye cream, a very small sample that doesn't appear to be filling it's 7ml casing. It doesn't feel particularly effective under eye, a little sticky after application. All in all, not the best box. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt but next month may be make or break. I'm surprised at this especially all the stick they received after August's box...until next time.

Under eye cream

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Glossybox: International Superstars Edition

It only seems like 5 minutes since my last Glossybox arrived, so I was pleased to see the dispatch notification yesterday (time flies when you're having fun). It was satisfyingly heavy again so I could barely wait to ring around the office and get the customary crowd to ooh and ahh.

I was excited to see international superstars on the insert - although as ever I do not read this until I've had my eager mitts on the actual products. Here is your overview of August's Glossybox...

The first product that stood out (from it's sheer size) was the eye shadow palette. I didn't realise first off that the green corners were shades, I figured this was the design of the set, it wasn't until I read the card and seen  'a selection of 10 different colours' that I counted! These are all totally wearable shades. I tried on a couple of the deeper browns, which went on easily and were satisfyingly bold on their own. Often when I'm blending eye shadows they all merge into one, whereas these remained pretty independent.

Next up was the deep cleansing oil from DHC Japan. On initial inspection I though this was a hair oil, I have had similar products to this previously. Turns out it's a facial cleanser! I would have never have thought an oil could cleanse your face.. the card claims it's 'a revolutionary water-soluble cleanser that is better than any other make up remover you've ever tried'. My current packet of Johnson's make up wipes came to an end last night, so we shall see!

On opening the box there was an overwhelming smell of what I thought was t-tree. It turns out it is 'a soothing blend of mint, lavender and chamomile'. These scents make up the 'all for eve' lip balm. It had a pleasant consistency on my lips. Always useful - will probably live in my desk drawer.

Lipcote was the next thing that appeared through the tissue paper. I was expecting a lipstick but to see a clear nail varnish-y type affair greeted me. One of my colleagues who has previously used this product verified it is indeed a really good thing to keep your lipstick on, shame I'd just slathered them in all about eve balm.

Another product that did look like nail varnish is the Alessandro pro white brightening effect nail polish. I have never received a product like this, and was sure I had checked against receiving nail products in the options. I never have my own nails so there isn't much I can do with this. I will pop it with my collection of nail polishes for the next time I'm un-pedi'd as there is no reason your toe nails can't be radiant white!

I thought this was it, about to throw the box out when I took my customary final rummage among the black tissue...what was lurking within? A small black tube that looked suspiciously like a Glossybox branded lipstick. I then thought it may be a retractable make up brush. On inspection, it was...a lovely matt pink lipstick, full size. After popping it on, it was a really flattering colour. Now the balm had worn off I was also able to top it with the Lipcote to see if this has the desired staying effect.

The Lipcote was really strong tasting and a bit tingly on the lips. You have to keep your mouth open while it dries, which was really hard as it was making my mouth water! On drying the finish was really natural. As for the staying power? I'll let you know tomorrow...

And apologies for the dreadful picture quality, I'm iPhoning it today...

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Glossybox: July Edition

Oh the anticipation this month, blame the Olympics (I'm blaming them for everything else) but finally the box arrived! Luckily on opening I was very happy...worth the wait.

The first thing that catches the eye? Elizabeth Arden of course...two items. First up Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion SPF 15. One nice surprise is that there is another free sample waiting at Debenhams on presentation of the card that comes in the box. Wonderful. The bonus Elizabeth Arden product is a Skin Balancing trio of exfoliating cleanser, skin serum and another balancing lotion. I'm looking forward to having a luxurious pampering day with those.

Next up, squeals of delight completing confusing the boys in the office with the HD Brows Eye & Brow palette, uh-mazing! I love trying to create the smokey eye look and failing so this will be fun. Also at full size? Hello £19.95 worth of goodness.

The thing that caught my eye of the next product was the Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Lip Frosting in 'Irish Cream Pavlova' flavour. It smells sickly sweet. I can't put my finger on the smell but I imagine it will be saved for a very drunken night while wearing bright colours. It doesn't taste all that great and the consistency is pretty horrible. Make that very drunk...

I was surprised to see this little beauty was fake tan...yellow fake tan that looks like it's for exfoliation? Monu Golden Glow. Now I'm kind of terrified of facial fake tans, this one may be left in the back of the draw and / or given to someone as a stocking stuffer...

Last but not least a gorgeous smelling shampoo. Mini shampoos are amazing...holidays in particular when flying with a low cost airline. I will now have nice hair when I go on a certain hen party in a few weeks time. The Clynol Salon Exclusive Enrich Colour Shampoo is perfect travel size at 50ml. I love this final product. Surprisingly it's from cheapsmells.com, may be checking that out as my Lee Stafford is not having the desired effect and my hair isn't in the long and luscious mane I would love.

After receiving this yesterday I've received notification today that my account will be debited for August's box! I would prefer to receive the box in the middle of the month, here's hoping for August!

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Glossybox - June Beauty Edition

I was really looking forward to this months box so - as ever - got very excited when the postman arrived. He usually just has mine (I have it delivered to work) this time he had arms full. I am taking credit for spreading the good word around the building. He didn't look too chuffed with all the extra weight lifting though.

Speaking of weight, it wasn't very heavy. I know it doesn't equal quality but I like a box with a bit of weight to it! Makes me feel I'm in for a real treat. When I opened the box I could see why, the products were mainly very dainty.

First thing to notice was the large card that housed 6 Vichy Derma Blend concealers. They are almost packaged like pills. It's a shame everyone will only get the benefit from one of these little pill poppers, depending on the tone of their skin. A colleague tried it out and was really impressed. Personally I don't use a lot of concealer products - just a Bobbi Brown under eye kit, but generally I can get away without (she says...cue break out.)

Next up I grabbed the Agent Provocateur Perfume, this was satisfyingly heavy for a perfume sample. It wasn't until later I opened it to realise it was actually three standard (re: small) perfume samples. The black one 'L'Agent is very eveningy and quite strong. I liked it and someone would certainly know if you walked within a few feet of them wearing it. Think very heavy hanging in the air (and because it's black I'm now thinking boudoir. Perhaps this is the desired effect). The pink one next - simply called Agent Provocateur, I'm guessing it is the signature fragrance. This was much nicer, spring like and feminine. You could easily get away with this everyday and still not be forgotten. The red one - Maitresse I didn't rate as much. It is quite spicy and very heavy, but not in the good way of the first.

I'm now up to my eyes in tiny perfume samples! I may change my preferences so I don't get so many of these. However a colleague in another box had a huge Caudalie perfume. Me, jealous?!
Next up I was very happy to see a new make up brush. I think we are all probably guilty of not washing/binning our make up brushes often enough, but when you do you really notice the difference. Just what I need, and at a value of £15 that's this months box paid for itself. Thank you very much.

Next up is the teeny tiny, yet gorgeous brushed mascara. I really liked the brush as soon as I pulled it out and you can't go far wrong with black mascara. I will definitely be trying this as a new contender. I am currently using a combination of Benefit 'They're Real' and L'oreal  False Lash Telescopic. They both do the job, but I am still open to finding a new one. At full size this comes in at a RRP of £16.90, so right in the middle of the scale (for a decent mascara.) The brand is Yves Rocher France in 'Sexy Pulp'.

You can see how carefully I opened the box

Finally the BM Beauty Summer Warmth Bronzer. I would love to find a brush small enough and effective enough to go in this pot! Personally I'm not a big advocate of bronzer as I am so fair skinned (I generally come in the 'porcelain' shade). There's £2 worth in this pot. Not sure if that will ever get used to be honest. Perhaps I will try and fashion into some sort of eye shadow/highlighter affair.

After seeing some of the other products available in the June box I wouldn't rate mine as high as some previous months. I would have loved the Paul Mitchell Conditioner and Clean Start day and Night kit. Still, this is the luck of the draw! Also, apologies for the quality of the pictures, I have left my camera cord elsewhere...Instagram it is.

Now I know why the box was so light..

Until next month...

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Glossybox - 1st Anniversary Edition

I had high expectations with this months Glossybox having been pleasantly delighted with April's edition. My anticipation reached peak level when my box arrived on the same day it was dispatched (amazing) and was HEAVY, this thrilled me - a-lot.

It was my first one that had the trademark pink box...and the wrapping inside was delicious (by this time peopole have crowded around my desk, anticipation is at unbearable levels - especially because usually I don't read the card but look at the products first so it's a surprise!)

On opening the box it looked stuffed full, which I was happy with. So here's what happened next...

The Noble Isle shower gel smells amazing, I prefer it to the recent Molton Brown one. So far so good. These don't last long however but are great for travelling. It's also the first product of it's kind I've seen to incorporate a QR code - how exciting for nerds.

Next up were the falsh lashes, not something I would usually wear due to being a serial glasses wearer, the length of them doesn't really convey due to my bins getting in the way. These are super cute/over the top with the diamanté on them so I may trim them down and wear them for a laugh at some extravagant night out. I hadn't heard of the brand before and the cost of these wasn't significant (last month I was spoiled with lots of full/large size high quality goods). The value of these is £3.90, for eye lashes this is at the lower end.

The two Lolita Lempicka perfume samples got my attention next, mainly for the wrong reasons. The Narcisso perfume in my first box was gorgeous but they are so small they only really last a couple of sprays so the value doesn't feel as much. I have so many perfumes that I like I tend to not to be in the market for others. I may change my preferences to see if I can avoid getting perfume samples.

Not even last is the Aptiva masks 'express beauty with cucumber'. These are apparently £3.50 per sachet which feels a lot, so hopefully these will be lavishly decadent. I will take them on holiday to repair my sunned skin.

I thought I had been swizzed as I couldn't see the hair treatment one of my friends was excited about after reading the card, the little sneaky pot had camouflaged itself in the black packing paper. The retail price is £19.99 for this aragon oil hair treatment. The size of the sample is only 10ml, so £2 worth. This smells so good I almost wanted to eat it. Ideas mused around the desk were it smells of Haribo or it smells of Red Bull..common denominator? Sugar. My hair is in for a sweet treat. I cannot wait to use probably the whole thing in one sitting. Again, this will be a holiday treat one evening to repair my sun bleached hair.

Overall this month's box isn't as much value as the previous ones and the products aren't necessarily things I'd buy. I will try them however - and it may be fun to be cucumber face masked up with diamanté eye lashes on...

The ''birthday treats' were a welcome surprise, compact mirrors are always useful but the balloon caused some confusion around the office, it was a nice touch!

Happy Birthday Glossybox - see you next month x

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Glossybox - Natural Beauty Edition

After the Harrods special edition I was expecting to be a bit disappointed by the April Glossybox. Oh how I (sometimes) like to be wrong.

As soon as I opened the natural packaging the smell hit me before I opened the paper. It smelt really 'fresh' and almost herbal. I was expecting it to be some sort of bubble bath that had exploded everywhere. Luckily this time I was wrong.

The first thing I noticed when I ripped inside was the size of the products! Much larger than last time. They all practically looked full size. The first product that caught my eye was the Figs & Rouge lip balm, it looked so kitsch and cute, looking quickly I almost thought this was the Burt's Bees product with its striking yellow packaging. Inside it smells minty fresh and although a little oily gave my lips a satisfying tingle. Will definitely be popping that in my handbag, and may try it on top of lipstick to see if I get a nice glossy effect. Also - this is a full size product worth £3.29.

Next up, was the actual Burt's Bees milk and honey lotion. I've popped that on and it smells almost good enough to eat. It has given a really moisturising feeling as well. I think I'll be using that for now instead of my usual cocoa butter, as I get a bit sick of smelling like Willy Wonka. This although pretty sizable is actually less than half size, so worth about £4.

Getting a bit more luxurious as we go another full size product. This time a fully certified organic eyeliner from Inika. My current eyeliners from Benefit and Bobbi Brown seem to last forever, however they are all black. This is purple (cue excitement). You really can't go wrong with an eyeliner, especially as this is natural so I won't be having any adverse effects to my eyes. This is worth more than the cost of the whole box - £11.75, oh how I love a bargain...

Monu collagen cream got some of my colleagues very excited as is supposed to be fantastic. It says it is for dry or dehydrated skin, which I don't actually have, but I am getting a but paranoid about lines so will add this before my normal moisturiser and see how it works. Going on the skin it feels quite thick, so I think I will minimise using it in problem areas (i.e. the creases above my nose!),I think this is what has made the whole box smell amazing as it does smell fantastic. At a whopping 50ml this full size baby is worth £17.50 (don't worry about the tallying up, I've done that for you later on!)

Last but by no means least is the Caudalie Vinosource Thirst Quenching Serum, now of course I'm thinking vino source? Thirst quenching? This sounds perfect for those less than fresh hungover mornings when you need a bit of help achieving that oomph. The applicator is quite clinical being a very fine nozzle, so I will use sparingly. This feels really rich quality - and will be reserved for those mornings when my eyes just have too much puff...at a third of its full size this exclusive sample is still worth £10. So for the whole box I have an amazing £46.54 worth of goodness.

I am still powering through the Burberry lipstick from last month, the perfume was gorgeous and was used up pretty sharpish! As this box was so late I'm hoping we don't have to wait too long for May, I can barely wait...

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