Glossybox – Valentines Edition (Feb 2012)

Hello once again good people!  :-h  Tammerly from Spoilt sent me a Glossybox to test out so I could share my experience with the world.  This post is associated with the review I submitted for Spoilt, which is now linked through here.

Glossybox is one of numerous innovative new companies based on a ‘Sample Box’ concept, introduced to Australia toward the end of last year.  *-:)  A monthly Glossybox subscription entitles you to a medley of five, hand-selected, luxury beauty miniatures, ranging from high end to classic, drug store brands, all packaged in a beautiful ‘glossy’ box.  Delivered straight to your door for just $14.95 per month, Glossybox also features product information and application tips and tricks for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.  I received the February 2012 special ‘Valentines’ themed edition of Glossybox and here are my thoughts.

My postie delivered me a pink and grey postage box brandishing the Glossybox logo, which housed a delightful hot pink/bright fuchsia coloured inner box to coincide with the essence of Valentines Day.  :x  The suspense and excitement of opening the box was like unwrapping an elegant, mystery gift.  I love that the sturdy inner box is of exceptional quality, therefore reusable and will come in handy for all sorts of things, like makeup or nail polish storage.  (*)  As I lifted the lid, I noticed the white tissue paper, grey ribbon and a love heart sticker binding the contents of the box, all cushioned amongst shreds of crinkly white and pink paper to ensure protection during transit, whilst adding to the appeal of the gorgeous packaging.  

The products I snagged are not exactly what I would consider as being typically romantic or related to the ‘Valentines’ theme,  :-/  but the exceptional presentation tied in perfectly with the occasion, so the products were just a bonus.  Four out of the five products were actually full-sized, (based on the mini nail files being a full-size product) so I think, in this instance, the value of the goods exceeded the subscription cost, making it a worthwhile investment.  =D>  The only disappointment was that after reading through various feedback and reviews from other subscribers online, I discovered some people were lucky enough to score a selection of salon/high end brands, such as Bobby Brown and Jane Iredale, in their box, while many of us got less expensive, everyday-type brands that are readily available from most pharmacies.  :-S   Such a considerable variation of products in the boxes is something I have noticed sparks jealousy, which of course could be avoidable if all boxes contained the same products or at least products of a similar quality.  :-<

Here is a rundown of the products I received in my box:

CARMEX Moisture Plus Lip Balm – Packaged in a slimline, wind-up tube, the sleek design is ideal to pop into my handbag for application on the go. Enriched with nourishing vitamins, it keeps my lips baby soft and hydrated for hours, while the additional SPF properties protects my kissers from sun damage.  This stylish lip balm provides a clear pearlescent sheen on my lips for a chic glossy finish and boasts a hint of vanilla fragrance that smells divine.  @};-

 

PROACTIVE Deep Cleansing Wash  - I was nervous to try Proactive, as I have heard a few horror stories surrounding the brand,  :-SS  but on the same note all the positive advertising spotlights numerous success stories, even from well-known celebrities, so I wanted to try it myself to see what it was like.  I am glad I did too,  #:-S  because with just two uses on my face it cleared up the stress related cystic acne spots I have been suffering for the past couple of weeks.  \:D/   I also like that it perfect for the body as well, because this time of the year body breakouts are not uncommon.  The thick, nicely textured formula contains super fine exfoliating beads, which supply a gentle deep pore cleanse, to clear congestion and reduce oiliness.  It effectively sloughs away dead, dulling skin cells and prevents future breakouts without drying the skin to promote a clearer, brighter, healthier-looking complexion.  This multi-purpose exfoliating cleanser was a surprisingly impressive addition to the Glossybox.  :)>-

FACE OF AUSTRALIA Mineral Lip Shine – One of my favourite Aussie cosmetics brands delivers a lip product that claims to impart the nourishing hydration of a lip balm and the shine of a gloss, with plenty of pigment like a longwearing lipstick.  I got this in 'Beach House', a flattering neutral hue with a golden shimmer, which glides on smooth and doesn’t cause stickiness.  ;;)  It comes in a silver wind-up tube, much like a lipstick, however I find the sheer, lightweight formula isn’t very moisturising and although the colour lasts for ages my lips are left feeling rather dry afterward.  :-/  It's a shame really coz I'm finding the shade very complimentary to my skin tone, but from what I can gather, from previous/ongoing scrutiny, to achieve lasting colour any decent hydrating properties are bereft.  :-<   (Well I've yet to find a good long lasting lip colour with a conditioning formula  [-O<   Is there even such a thing  :-/ )    

PALMER’S Skin Therapy Oil with Rosehip – While this oil is for both face and body, I find it too rich and greasy for my face because I have a naturally oily complexion anyway,  :">  but I love it slathered on my body after a shower in place of a moisturiser.  :D  It boasts the typical heavy fragrance associated with Palmer’s and while the floral scent is quite pleasant, I find it slightly overbearing,  :-&  but thankfully, it fades quickly after application.  #:-S   The formula is lightweight and it sinks into my skin fast, leaving it feeling soft, supple and silky smooth.  It’s a good value, multi-tasking oil that has many uses; it’s great as a massage oil, perfect for adding to bathwater and it also works a treat on reducing the appearance of newly formed scars and stretchmarks.  :)

STAR AND ROSE Floral Wonderland Emergency Nail Files  -  This little pack of miniature cushioned nail files is super cute and definitely ideal to slip into my purse in case of nail emergencies.  Adorning a stunning star and rose design, they almost look too pretty to use.  Maybe a tad too tiny and awkward for frequent use, but handy all the same and the chic design is something I would be proud to be seen using.  :-*

I also received a $15 discount voucher for the activeskin.com.au online store, a $20 discount voucher for a monthly supply of the Proactive 3-Step System and a packet of Swizzels Matlow's Love Hearts!  :x  These are hard, fizzy, lollies in a variety of fruity flavours with a short love message on one side of the sweet!  I’m not much of a candy girl these days so the kids ended up claiming these, lol.  :))

Love how the cute design extends to the files as well as the packaging

My online research has led me to the conclusion that consumers feel that Glossybox is somewhat inconsistent because the contents vary from person to person, as well as on a monthly basis.  It seems the problem is that some boxes accent mostly high-end products; leaving others feeling ripped off, especially if they’ve received a box with all drug store type brands.  =((  Glossybox claims that they try and make each box as even and fair as possible and if that is not possible they try and ensure they even out month to month.  Another issue that needs ironing out is customers have reported receiving the same products they had already received in previous boxes.  /:)  Glossybox have admitted that these manual errors do occur and they will kindly replace any duplicate products if notified. <:-P   Hopefully these are issues that will improve as time goes on, after all this is a fairly new service and generally you can expect a few hiccups to begin with.  :-"

FOA Mineral Lip Shine in 'Beach House' is a flattering hue

So, Glossybox is basically a ‘lucky-dip’ and it comes down to ‘luck of the draw’ as to the value and quality of products contained in each box.  %%-   Despite subscribers filling in a beauty profile, Glossybox are not always able to supply products that suit.  #-o   One thing they can guarantee though is that you will always receive $14.95 worth of beauty booty, if not a whole lot more.  =D>  I love the idea of opening up a ‘surprise’  :-O   beauty package when it arrives in the mail and it gives me the opportunity to try products that I might not have considered buying or trying otherwise.  Personally, I enjoyed my Glossybox experience and while I don’t think I could justify ordering a monthly subscription, I would definitely consider the occasional box as a special pampering treat whenever I feel like a ‘pick-me-up’.  I also think a Glossybox would make an awesome gift idea for someone special; well I know I would be more than happy to receive one of these as a present.  ;)  I rate Glossybox with 3.5/5 stars overall,  (*)  (*)  (*)  1/2 (*)  with the decadent presentation and the anticipation of wondering what is going to be inside as the biggest draw-cards for me.  \:D/  It’s a fantastic concept that just needs a bit more time for any dilemmas to get sorted so it’s all smooth sailing and perfectly polished. 

FOA Mineral Lip Shine in 'Beach House' lip swatch

Have you tried any of the various ‘Sample Box’ subscriptions at all?  Or maybe you have tried them all, if so please fill us in on your thoughts and recommendations.  :)  I’d love to hear from any beauties who have received more than just the one month subscription of these boxes.  Do you think they are worthwhile and you would consider the contents as money well spent every month?  :-?  Anyone been disappointed?  :|  Any feedback would be great peeps ;)

All images in this post are my own.