After April’s shipping debacle, it seems GlossyBox is back on track- going above and beyond with May’s box- a collaboration with BERGDORF GOODMAN. Not only did subscribers receive six high-end samples covering skin care, hair care, and makeup- but we also got an added bonus in the form of a $25 BERGDORF GOODMAN gift card that can be used on any merchandise in store or online. I’ve been perusing their website over the past few days, debating on what I should apply my gift card towards, and I’m leaning towards a nice, thin scarf for when I travel this Summer- since it can get a little chilly on airplanes!
But enough about my indecisive shopping- let’s get to the samples.
What I Received:
Alterna Professional Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction
Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in ‘Lychee’
Lancer Skincare Eye Contour Lifting Cream
Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue
Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer
RéVive Skincare Intensité Volumizing Eye Serum
Product # 1: Alterna Professional Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction ($25)
I’m a big fan of Alterna’s Bamboo line, since the styling products have given me fantastic results in the past. I’ve heard great things about their CAVIAR collection, too- but I’d never tried it ’til now. This lightweight cream, which provides multiple benefits such as frizz-control, anti-breakage, and UV protection, combed through my damp hair easily without weighing it down- and didn’t feel stiff once it had dried. My curls looked shiny and felt silky smooth to the touch- and stayed that way all day. The best thing about this product is that it can be used by itself. It doesn’t necessarily have to be paired or followed-up with anything to make my hair look and feel great.
Would I Purchase?: Yes! I LOVED this cream. Just a small amount per use gave me incredible results in minutes, and the protection and nurturing benefits were only a plus. When I stock up on my Bamboo products, this will also be a must-have in my order. I highly recommend it for all hair types.
Product # 2: Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in ‘Lychee’ ($34)
I am so ridiculously picky about lip glosses- especially ones that cost a pretty penny. If I’m spending more than a reasonable amount on a lip color- I expect mindblowing results. This $34 tube of bright pink pigment was described as being able to stay shiny for up to six hours while providing continuous hydration. If by “hydration,” they meant “stickiness,” then yes- that’s exactly what it did. My lips felt tacky for a couple of hours after I applied this gloss- and the color? It barely showed up. In order to get any of the pink to pop, I had to layer a ton of this stuff on. I wasn’t a fan, and this product is definitely not worth the price.
Would I Purchase?: No. This lip gloss was a total dud. Between the lack of color and the horrible sticky finish- I was disappointed in this one. From my own makeup collection, a good dupe of the color without all the fuss (but with SPF!) would be Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear in either the shade ‘Kissyfit’ or ‘Cabana Crush.’ The best part? Clinique’s is waaaay more affordable.
Product # 3: Lancer Skincare Eye Contour Lifting Cream ($275)
I’ll give you a minute to get over the insane price tag on this one. Take your time. Believe me, when I found out- I needed a couple of minutes myself. Reluctantly breaking away from my $3 tub of Vaseline, I gave this light cream a try- gently patting it around my eye area before bed for a few nights. Admittedly, the cream felt a little weird when it started to sink in. It wasn’t painful or irritating by any means, but my eyes did water- if only slightly and very briefly. The mornings after each use, I have to say- the area around my eye looked smoother, and brighter. I was impressed.
Would I Purchase?: Yes! Okay, okay, hear me out. I would absolutely purchase this if I won the lottery- or if I had an excess of cash, didn’t have to worry about things like bills or keeping a roof over my head or food in my kitchen- and felt like being frivolous. This really is a good product that delivers quick results and if $275 was within my reasonable and rational price range to spend on a .85 oz bottle, I would do it.
Product # 4: Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue ($140)
When it comes to anything rose scented, I’m a little cautious. I love roses, and their fragrance is pleasant in moderation- but many times in perfumes or candles- it can easily cross the fine line between subtle and overwhelming. When I first sniffed the opened bottle of this perfume, it did seem a bit strong- but once it was on my skin, it smelled more like a beautiful blend of floral and musk. It was, in a word, intoxicating, and it stayed on me for hours and hours without fading- so multiple retouches weren’t necessary at all.
Would I Purchase?: Yes! I don’t think I’d wear this perfume much during the day, since it seems a bit heavy for the office or when I’m out at brunch with friends, for example- but this would be a beautiful evening/night out perfume- and unlike a $275 eye cream, I wouldn’t feel guilty for splurging on this.
Product # 5: Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer ($45)
I don’t ask much when it comes to primer. Hold my makeup in place and don’t clog my pores- and we’re good. This particular formula, infused with Vitamin E and chamomile, not only held my makeup in place all day without causing any blackheads or breakouts- but it kept my skin looking and feeling soft and supple, too. As the description of the product stated, this primer helped my foundation ‘glide’ over my skin- giving me even, flawless, and long-lasting coverage. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful primer love affair.
Would I Purchase?: Yes! I’ve tried a lot of primers over the years, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I liked the consistency, the ease in which it applied to my skin without drying me out (or making me look shiny,) and the way it held my makeup for hours. The price is a little steep, but a little goes a long way- so if and when I do purchase this in the future, I know it’s not a product I would run out of quickly.
Product # 6: RéVive Skincare Intensité Volumizing Eye Serum ($350)
I know you’re probably still reeling from the $275 price tag of the other eye cream I received in May’s GlossyBox, so I’m sorry to throw this $350 one at you so soon. The final sample I received, and unquestionably, the most expensive of the bunch- was built up to be the crème de la crème of eye serums- capable of considerably diminishing dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines in no time at all. I half expected unicorns, rainbows, and a wish-granting leprechaun to pop out of the bottle the moment I opened it.
I applied this as instructed for a couple of nights (and on one occasion, I accidentally got some IN my eye and there are no words to properly describe how badly it burned,) only to wake up and be completely underwhelmed with the results. While my eye area did look a little brighter- it wasn’t nearly as effective as the Lancer eye cream. $350 for this? I’ll pass.
Would I Purchase?: No. This serum was all hype and minimal results. I wasn’t impressed with it at all.
Overall, May’s GlossyBox was a fun, if not extravagant experience. While I did find a couple of products that I would definitely consider splurging on- the others were simply nice to try. As far as the two samples I didn’t enjoy, however- they were more than made up for with the $25 gift card. Very, very cool.
We got the same box, I wasn’t impressed either really. Whatcha getting with your gift card?
I was originally thinking of getting a scarf, but I’m really loving my Alterna CC Cream- so I think I may buy a full-sized bottle of that, instead. What about you?
I think I’m going for the Guerlain Meteorites. I’ve had my eyes on them for awhile.