With nearly two years worth of GlossyBoxes under my belt, I strongly feel that the collaborations and themed boxes are my favorite to receive. It’s always a treat to see what comes in boxes curated by successful bloggers and beauty insiders, and the brightly colored or patterned themed boxes really stand out among the pink and black ones that usually arrive in the mail.

June’s GlossyBox was just that. With a “Stars & Stripes” theme, or as I called it- the “America! F*ck Yeah!” box- which arrived just in time for the Fourth, the box was, as you could probably guess- patterned like the American flag- and was filled with American-made products and a mystery gift card to C. Wonder (the card amount can be anything from $5 – $500!) I plan to re-use the box this week when I gift some Fourth of July goodies to my niece.

What I Received:

RUSK Texture Dry Finishing Spray

Sumita Beauty ‘Champagne’ Eye Shadow Pencil (*Full Size!*)

Camille Beckman Platinumé Gold Imperial Repair Hand Therapy

AYRES Patagonia Body Butter

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL Library of Color COLORBLOC

Product # 1: RUSK Texture Dry Finishing Spray ($18)

I’m going to start with my least favorite product in June’s GlossyBox. From past experiences, texture sprays do nothing for me. Be it because of my curly hair- which I think can be considered a texture all in itself- but most sprays I’ve tried over time have made my curls crunchy, stiff, and have given them the appearance of having a chalky residue on them. Even still, I attempted this spray and hoped for the best. I knew I was in trouble the second I shook the can as directed, pressed down on the nozzle, and the spray shot out of the aerosol container like a bullet instead of a gentle spritz. Sure enough, my hair almost immediately became stiff and crunchy- and even after working it through my curls with my fingers to the best of my abilities- there was still white, chalky residue left behind. Ew.

Would I Purchase?: No. This product was a complete and total dud from start to finish for me. Between the difficulty in spraying it into my hair in short, quick bursts, to the less than desirable results and the patchy white specks it left behind from my roots to the ends of my strands- I would skip this spray entirely.

Product # 2: Sumita Beauty ‘Champagne’ Eye Shadow Pencil ($18)

When it comes to my makeup regimen, especially Monday-Friday mornings before I head to work, convenience is key. I want to look nice and put together, but I also don’t want to be late to the office- and I also don’t want to have to get up at 5:30 a.m. specifically to perfect a smokey eye. Enter this pencil, which just made my weekday A.M. crunch way easier. With a soft tip to ensure no uncomfortable poking or scratching takes place, this beautiful and flattering shimmery golden/nude applied like a dream and stayed in place for my entire work day and well into the evening without fading or smudging. I’ve been wearing it daily, blending it from my lids into my crease. It gives me just enough color to make my eyes look bright and awake- without being too time consuming to use. I’m in love.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I was thrilled that I received a full size of this product, and will absolutely be re-purchasing when I run out of it. This is a pencil I would keep in my purse at all times, as it’s a great, long-lasting eye shadow that is suitable for everyday wear- but can also be used as a lovely highlighter, too.

Product # 3: Camille Beckman Platinumé Gold Imperial Repair Hand Therapy ($20)

In the Summer months, my face gets more oily- but my hands feel dryer. How or why that happens, I’ll never know. Maybe it’s because Mother Nature is a cruel prankster, or maybe it’s because I spend more time outdoors and am frequently using hand sanitizer as a result (but let’s just blame Mother Nature for it for now, okay?) Either way- I tend to keep a rich hand cream or balm in my bag for those instances where my palms need a little extra T.L.C.

I was intrigued when I first opened this tube of hand cream, mainly because of it’s really refreshing citrus and floral scent- which was strong and stayed on me for quite a while- but wasn’t overpowering to the point of causing a headache. It was just a very pretty fragrance that I was frequently complimented on whenever I used this product. And the actual formula of the cream? Amazing. My hands felt so moisturized, so soft, and so relieved for hours. I was really impressed with how often I DIDN’T have to keep re-applying this stuff to maintain the results.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This might legitimately be one of the best hand creams I’ve ever used. It was lightweight, worked wonders on my skin, smelled great, and lasted for a really long time. I would definitely purchase this in the future- and would also probably invest in the body lotion that is available in this collection, too.

Product # 4: AYRES Patagonia Body Butter ($28)

If it wasn’t obvious by now, I am really picky when it comes to lotions/creams. I like my skin to feel nourished and moisturized without looking or feeling slick and greasy- and I also don’t like to be overloaded with chemicals, dyes, perfumes or anything that can cause a painful or damaging reaction. The more natural, the better. I’ve heard good things about AYRES products in the past, and was excited to receive a sample of their body butter in June’s GlossyBox. Sure enough, this formula- good for all skin types- sank into my skin when I applied it post-shower without leaving any kind of film or sheen behind. The texture of this product wasn’t heavy like other body butters I’ve tried in the past- which was also a bonus as it makes for a mess-free experience. My skin felt soft for hours and was lightly scented with a surprisingly relaxing combination of jasmine, rosemary, and a hint of patchouli. I enjoyed this very much.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This is actually a great body butter for the Summer because of how lightweight in consistency it is. The butter is easy to apply, smells nice, is all-natural, and is full of antioxidants and vitamins that are good for my skin. Also? a full-sized tub is only $28. Awesome.

Product # 5: STRANGEBEAUTIFUL Library of Color COLORBLOC ($18)

And lastly, with the Fourth approaching, GlossyBox made sure I was able to give myself a ‘MERICUH’N manicure with these two highly pigmented nail lacquers from STRANGEBEAUTIFUL. After one coat, my nails were vibrantly popping with the bright red and navy blue- but the photo above is after two coats and a top coat to seal the shades in- and I’m very pleased with the results. The polish dried quickly, and even after a lot of typing and everyday wear and tear, there’s been no smudging or chipping.

Do you know why? Do you?

BECAUSE THESE COLORS DON’T RUN.

Sorry. I had to say it.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I don’t know if I would necessarily purchase the same red and navy blue in the future, but I’m really enjoying the pigmentation and longevity of the formula of these lacquers and would love to try some of the other available shades.

With the exception of the pepper spray disguised as hairspray, I thoroughly enjoyed June’s GlossyBox. Through the “Stars & Stripes” box, I’ve discovered four products/brands I will be following/purchasing from in the future, and now with the eye shadow pencil and nail polish- I have everything I need to look pretty and patriotic on the Fourth of July!