With the recent cancellation of my membership with Ipsy, that leaves GlossyBox (which I’ve been subscribed to the longest) as my only beauty-centric subscription service these days. I admit that sometimes the boxes and assortment of items I receive every month can be downright disappointing- but overall I’ve been very happy through the 2+ years I’ve been a member. More times than not, the value of the products in each box surpasses the $21 a month fee- and I’m always discovering new brands and products to try- so it’s been worth every penny in the long run.

August’s GlossyBox, with the company’s newly integrated more prompt shipping method (which I truly appreciate)– arrived right on schedule- giving me plenty of time to try all of the products and write a thorough review of the pros/cons of each of them.

WHAT I RECEIVED:

GlamGlow YouthCleanse Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

MANNA KADAR Cosmetics Lash Primer

Lollipops Paris Malicieuse Lip Balm (*Full Size!*)

SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in ‘I Feel The Earth Move’ (*Full Size!*)

POP Beauty Kajal Pen in ‘Sooty Black’ (*Full Size!*)

Product # 1: GlamGlow YouthCleanse Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($39)

With all of the beauty box subscription reviews I’ve written over the years, it should come as no surprise to anyone that I am an avid fan of any and all GlamGlow products. Their masks and treatments, both for face and eyes, work wonders for me- and I recently tried (and subsequently fell in love with) their POWERMUD Dualcleanse treatment per a small sample I received. The products- particularly the deep-cleansing masks- have become weekly staples in my skincare regimen.

I have not, however- tried this cleanser. Admittedly, I was worried that using a GlamGlow product on a daily basis would be overly drying to my skin. After all, they tend to suck out any dirt, oil, and makeup clogged in my pores like a vacuum- and that’s not something I necessarily need to do every morning/night. I didn’t want to overdo it- but I tried this cleanser regardless- and I’m really glad I did!

I’ve been using this product each night after removing my makeup with a towelette, first applying it like a mask and letting it sit for a couple of minutes on my skin before I wet my hands and massage it into a lather on my face and then rinse it off. The formula is NOT drying at all (it’s surprisingly gentle!) but it still deeply cleanses and smooths my skin. Recently, and prior to using this product- I had a couple of pre-PMS blemishes spring up along my cheeks- but this cleanser helped clear them up right away with no pain and no irritation! I think I’m in love.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This is a great daily cleanser that took me by surprise and exceeded my expectations. I’m very happy with it and I do plan on stocking up on a full-sized bottle during an upcoming trip to Sephora to replenish some of my skin/hair care and makeup.

Product # 2: MANNA KADAR Cosmetics Lash Primer ($24)

I’ve never really been one for lash primer. I think the last time I used one was over several years ago when I worked for Clinique Cosmetics and the company provided me with a free full-sized tube of theirs to try. I inherited long lashes from my mother, so the need to prime them in order to make them look fuller or longer when I followed-up with mascara was just an unnecessary step in my routine. This MANNA KADAR formula, however- acts as both a lash conditioner and primer in one- and can be used during the day with mascara to enhance the appearance of lashes, and at night by itself to soften and hydrate them. I caved, and tried this product in both ways.

While I didn’t notice much of a difference when using this primer with my ‘Better Than Sex’ mascara (my lashes still looked the same as they did without it,) I did see a slight improvement when I used this product at night. Each morning after I’d applied a couple of coats of this from one corner of my eye to the other- my lashes did look a bit thicker and felt softer to the touch. This primer didn’t cause any irritation to my lids and didn’t cause any blurry vision or anything- which is a plus- but I’m still a bit on the fence about it since I’m not sure it’s something I’d have to have.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. I don’t think I’d re-purchase a full-size tube of this primer to use with mascara, but I’d probably consider it if I wanted to continue with a nice and gentle nightly conditioning treatment for my lashes.  If your lashes are in need of some TLC- this might be a really good product for you to try, but for me- it’s not something I’d rush out to purchase once I’m done with the sample.

Product # 3: Lollipops Paris Malicieuse Lip Balm ($5.50)

When I first opened August’s GlossyBox, I was hit with a strong whiff of what smelled like vanilla cake. Immediately getting hungry, I pulled the box apart until I found the source- this tube of clear moisturizing balm. It thankfully hadn’t leaked out of the tube- but it’s fragrance was powerful enough to take over the box. I can’t say I minded much- because it really does smell delicious. Part of me hoped that it would taste delicious on my lips, too- and I was really happy to see that I was right. It definitely did!

My love of cake aside, this balm was very moisturizing and lightweight- so it softened and smoothed my lips significantly without feeling greasy or sticky the way other balms can. It also lasts a long time, so when I overdid it on the licking (I swear, I couldn’t help it,) it didn’t come off easily and therefore multiple re-applications weren’t required. It was like- wait for it, wait for it- having my cake AND eating it too! Too cheesy? Okay, sorry. I’ll stop.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This might be one of my favorite products in August’s box. I loved the feel of this balm, and I obviously loved the smell and the taste- but I’m also very appreciative of it’s price point. $5.50 per tube is not bad at all for something that is this lovely. I’ll definitely be re-ordering another tube (or 20) of these when I run out of the one I received.

Product # 4: SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in ‘I Feel The Earth Move’ ($12)

I know that just a few posts ago I was practically pleading with Mother Nature to let Summer stick around longer than usual this year (I need it to, okay? Just let me have that), but that doesn’t mean I can’t dip into lovely Autumn colors on my eyes, lips, and nails just a little bit prematurely, right? I mean, it’s not like I’m breaking out my sweaters and knee-high boots right now (okay, maybe I wore knee-high boots the other day- but they really complimented a dress I had on.)

I digress, I couldn’t put off trying this lovely and very dark raisin shade from SpaRitual until the middle of September or early October. I had to try it now. Now, the color itself wasn’t really easy to apply, and required a steady hand and a good eye to keep it from getting streaky- but considering that’s a common encounter with nearly every dark shade of nail polish ever created- I wasn’t too put-off by it. After two coats and a little touching up, my nails looked dark, vampy, and very Fall-esque. The formula is pretty tough, too. I’ve had it on for a few days and I have yet to see any peeling, chipping, or discoloration. I love it- and I think this is going to be my go-to shade once the cooler weather is upon us.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This bottle is going to probably last me several lifetimes, but if I ever run out I would definitely pick up another one. I’d also really like to try some of the other shades available in this collection. I love that SpaRitual’s formulas are completely vegan and free of harmful chemicals- but that the longevity of the polishes are still fabulous!

Product # 5: POP Beauty Kajal Pen in ‘Sooty Black’ ($10)

Ah, yes- the classic black eyeliner pencil. We meet again. I’m pretty sure this type of product has all but become my sworn enemy through the years- but a thorough review is a thorough review- and I reluctantly tried ‘Sooty Black’ (I admit, I like the name,) to see how it compared to my past battles with other products similar to it. Although this pencil is hard, it didn’t feel agonizing on my lids- and it applied surprisingly smoothly. The other end, used to smudge the liner- came in handy on the one or two minor mistakes I made when trying to get a perfect cat-eye- which was nice. Most impressive was this liner’s staying power. This product didn’t budge once until I used a makeup remover at the end of the day. There was no bleeding, no flaking, and no fading. I didn’t have to worry about looking like The Winter Soldier by the time my lunch hour rolled around- which is always a huge relief.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. I’m still not 100% sold on hard pencil liners (I’m stubborn, after all,) but this one wasn’t terrible. I will give credit where credit is due. It didn’t inflict pain to apply and it stayed in place all day. I like the price, which is very reasonable for the quality- and might consider it down the road if I ever need a break from my liquid and gel liners.

With three out of the five products I received in August’s GlossyBox being hits for me (and the other two I’m still unsure about- but weren’t terrible by any means,) I have to say this month was a pretty good one. I really liked the assortment of items and the value of the full-sized ones that were included. I think this box was a nice way to bid farewell to Summer before subscription services begin rolling out their Autumn collections and creations.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for September!

xx