The theme for July’s GlossyBox, “Le Grand Bleu,” was inspired by Summer beauty and frolicking on faraway, exotic beaches in crisp, cool water while under a beautiful blue sky. Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it?  With products for face, hair, body, and nails- including a bonus sample- I was quick to dive in to try everything.

What I Received:

BVLGARI ‘Eau Parfumée au thé blanc’ Shampoo & Shower Gel

evologie Intensive Blemish Serum

Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Lip Balm (*FULL SIZE*)

Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque

Nicka K. New York ABSOLUTE! Make-up Cleaning Tissues (*BONUS SAMPLE*)

nails, inc. Nail Polish in “Baker Street”

Product # 1: BVLGARI ‘Eau Parfumée au thé blanc’ Shampoo & Shower Gel ($42)

For those of you keeping score, this is the third Eau Parfumée Au Thé Blanc sample I’ve received from GlossyBox. The first, a soap sample, I didn’t like at all, but the second, a bath tea- was surprisingly indulgent. The fragrance is a hit-or-miss for me, and unfortunately in this particular shampoo/shower gel combo, it was another miss. I didn’t use this product in my hair (I’m weary about the shampoos I use since my strands are color-treated and it’s easy for my red to turn orange-y,) so I can’t comment on how it works as a hair cleanser, but as a body wash- this product left a lot to be desired. The gel lathered up nicely enough, but the smell, much like the bar soap sample, was kind of gross on me- and it lingered on my skin for a long time.

Would I Purchase?: No. This particular fragrance is just not for me at all. It stays with you, which might be great for people who enjoy the smell, but I’m not a fan, and I found myself trying to mask it hours after my shower with a spritz of perfume.

Product # 2: evologie Intensive Blemish Serum ($35)

I actually received a sample of this blemish serum as part of a duo with a clarifying moisturizer in a GlossyBox from a couple of months ago. I wasn’t a fan of the moisturizer at all, and at the time, I was on the fence about whether or not I liked the serum enough to purchase it. After using it for a few days, I’m still not completely blown away with the results. While the size and redness of imperfections was somewhat reduced with continued use, it’s not a miracle blemish-blaster that warrants a $35 price tag.

Would I Purchase?: No. I’ve found that I achieve the same, if not better and faster results with my facial mask and exfoliating scrub than I do with this serum. I’m going to have to pass on this one.

Product # 3: Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Lip Balm ($9)

First of all- the packaging of this lip balm is so bright, colorful and cute. It sort of reminds me of a prettier tube of Marvis toothpaste. Secondly, it’s made from all natural ingredients- so there’s no petroleum or parabens or other weird add-ins that can make lips feel waxy or sticky. This bright pink/reddish tinted balm that smelled faintly of cherries immediately hydrated and smoothed my lips when I applied it, and although the color lacks staying power- the moisturizing effect lasted for hours.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I don’t think this is a “gotta’ have it A.S.A.P.” kind of product, but it was definitely nice, and I wouldn’t be opposed to picking up another tube for myself or for someone else as a gift.

Product # 4: Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque ($40)

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Brazilian Blowout products, but up until now, I had yet to try any of them. I applied this color-safe and lightly citrus-scented masque all over my still damp hair after a pre-bedtime shower from root to tip, tied my hair back, and let it air-dry while I slept. When I woke up the following morning, my hair was unbelievably soft and shiny, and my usually tight curls had relaxed into gorgeous waves. I didn’t even need to rinse the product out, as it didn’t leave any sort of residue after it had dried, and my hair remained in silky, lightweight condition for days following the initial application.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This product worked wonders for me, and now I can absolutely see why people love Brazilian Blowout so much. The directions to this masque say it should be used as a weekly treatment, and I intend to purchase a full-fized bottle as soon as possible to add it to my hair care regime. I loved it!

Product # 5: Nicka K. New York ABSOLUTE! Make-up Cleaning Tissues ($6.99 for 60 Sheets)

This was a bonus sample in the July GlossyBox, and I’m never one to turn down makeup remover towelettes (I go through them like crazy.) I’m nearly done with my sample packet, and there’s not a whole lot to say about them. These water-based towelettes smell refreshing, they’re very soft, and they do a well enough job at getting all of my makeup off with only one sheet. It’s a very basic product, which isn’t a bad thing at all.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! For the price and the amount of tissues per package, these are a steal. They do what they’re supposed to, and would be convenient to carry in your purse for a quick refresher or if you need to re-do your makeup all together when you’re on the go.

Product # 6: nails, inc. Nail Polish in “Baker Street” ($9.50)

This bold cobalt blue nail polish was the first thing to catch my eye when I unwrapped July’s GlossyBox. I’m so used to receiving neutral colors for my nails in beauty boxes- pinks and reds, mostly- that this unconventional color was a much needed breath of fresh air. The photos above were taken after two coats, and as you can see, two was enough to give me a beautiful result that is eye-catching without looking tacky.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I love this polish (and the name is perfect, too,) and I would love to experiment more with it by creating designs or patterns with some of the other nail polish colors I have in my collection.

Overall, I was very pleased with July’s GlossyBox. The lip balm, the hair masque, and the nail polish completely made up for the couple of products I had received that I didn’t quite care for. Very well done!

xox