Next up while I’m making the rounds with my monthly subscription services is my review of March’s GlossyBox. I’ve been on the fence with this company for a few months now (I feel like I say that every month, really) since the service is often hit or miss and I’ve been finding the assortment of products I receive each month is starting to feel repetitive- which is ultimately what led me to cancel my Ipsy subscription a while back- but I’ve been trying to tough it out since reviewing these pretty pink boxes every few weeks has been a tradition since I first started writing ‘Legally Redhead’ back in 2013.

March’s GlossyBox did not have a particular theme/collaboration this time around, and featured two full-sized products with three deluxe-sized samples

WHAT I RECEIVED:

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in ‘Chihuahua’

I Love…Cosmetics Super Soft Hand Lotion in ‘Raspberry & Blackberry’ (*Full Size!*)

Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504 (*Full Size!*)

Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner

Vine Vera Resveratrol Merlot Moisture Day Cream

Product # 1: Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in ‘Chihuahua’ ($21)

I wanted to start this month’s review with what was hands down my favorite product in March’s GlossyBox. I’m a big fan of Too Faced cosmetics, and although I’ve seen the tubes of their Melted Lipstick staring up at me each and every time I’ve gone into Sephora recently- I never got around to testing the product- let alone buying a full-sized one. I’ve heard mixed reviews, and was very happy to receive a rather large sample size of their rose/neutral shade, ‘Chihuahua’ to play around with- and from the first time I applied this shade with the sponge-tipped applicator- I was in love.

I love how this formula feels on my lips. It’s creamy, not greasy- but dries to a beautiful and long-lasting finish that stays in place for a long time until it eventually fades out into a non-drying stain. The color is flattering, but what makes me even happier is the price point. Similar highly-pigmented lipsticks like this one tend to break the bank. $21 for a tube that will last a long time seems pretty reasonable to me- and Melted Lipsticks come in so many shades that I can find a perfect one for any season/occasion.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! While ‘Chihuahua’ complimented my skin tone for sure, I’d actually really like to try some of the other, bolder colors this formula comes in- like a nice poppy shade or a deep violet. I think I’ll be adding a couple of these to my basket the next time I’m in Sephora!

Product # 2: I Love…Cosmetics Super Soft Hand Lotion in ‘Raspberry & Blackberry’ ($6)

I love the smell and taste of both raspberries and blackberries- so combining the two in a product I will never, ever say no to (any type of hand cream) is pretty much an automatic win in my book. Not only was the packaging to this $6 intensely hydrating and quick-absorbing hand lotion bright and fun- but the product smelled so delicious and so convincing that it immediately made me crave a smoothie while I was vigorously rubbing it into my hands and cuticles. While my skin is nowhere near as dry as it was about a month or two ago when I was in the thick of frigid Winter temperatures- I still try to treat the rougher patches of my body (including my hands) to some TLC as much as possible. This lotion definitely helped get the job done.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I really enjoyed this hand cream- and after doing some research into I Love… Cosmetics- it looks as though the company offers an assortment of other creams/body washes in different fragrances, too. I’m currently eyeing the coconut one since that is my favorite scent of all!

Product # 3: Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504 ($16)

Typically when I receive any type of makeup brush in a subscription service, I pass it along to my other makeup-fiend friends or family members since I’ve been more than content with my longtime collection of brushes, sponges, and tools. However, I’ve recently been playing around with contouring lately- and having misplaced a couple of my brushes during some light travel over the past couple of months- I found that this one arrived just in time to help me get a defined and radiant look with my blushes and highlighters. Apart from the fact that this brush is pink (!!!), it’s bristles are also incredibly soft and deposit the colors I choose evenly on my skin as opposed to causing any colors/powders to look chalky or caked on.

Sorry, friends and family- I’m keeping this one for myself!

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. I highly doubt I’ll be in need of a replacement any time soon since this brush seems pretty well-made and durable, but if I find myself in a bind and need to re-order- I might consider picking up another one- especially for only $16, which is a steal compared to similar brushes from other high-end companies.

Product # 4: Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner ($20)

Typically the words “liquid” and “eyeliner” put together makes me cringe and/or recoil in horror, since I always end up looking ridiculous whenever I try to apply a decent cat-eye with my shaky hands- but this black eyeliner from Eyeko is actually the “marker” version of liquid eyeliner that I enjoy since it has a fine point applicator and is easier to control than a sopping wet brush.

Sure enough, when I first tried this liner pen, I was able to create a subtle lined look that didn’t require multiple do-overs or corrections, and for the most part- this product stayed in place. I say “for the most part” because on a couple of separate occasions, I had noticed that the outer corner of my eye where I had flicked the liner up to create a cat-eye was starting to look a little dark- like the product was in the early stages of smudging/fading. A touch-up with my concealer and highlighter later and it was gone- but I dread to think of how I could have easily resembled a raccoon had I not noticed it in time.

Would I Purchase?: No. I didn’t hate this liner by any means, and for someone like me who typically can’t line their eyes to save their life- it was easy to hold steady and apply evenly. I think I just need something that has a bit more staying power for those days/nights I don’t have time for touch-ups- and that’s why I’ll be sticking to my gel liners and other tried and tested brands of “marker” style liners, instead.

Product # 5: Vine Vera Resveratrol Merlot Moisture Day Cream ($146)

For years, I’ve heard about the benefits of wine when it came to heart health (… or stress relief), but never once thought about it being beneficial in skin care. I suppose it was only a matter of time before someone tried it out and created a skin care product out of a chardonnay or Merlot- which is where Vine Vera comes in.

When I first saw the two very small containers from the brand in March’s GlossyBox, I thought for a second that maybe one cream was a day cream and the other was a night cream- but they were both day creams- and I have to say I wasn’t a fan of the way it was packaged. For a product that costs $146 for a full-sized version, I’d have hoped to receive something that didn’t look like it had been an afterthought/last minute choice to add to this month’s assortment of items and placed in something that resembled one of Sephora’s small take-home tester containers.

My dissatisfaction with this product unfortunately didn’t end with it’s packaging. While the cream was lightweight and made my skin feel nice at first- it was temporary. After each use of this product, I noticed a series of bumps and blemishes appearing around my face that required a mask and a bit of extraction to get rid of. I had to stop using this after the fourth time it made me break out along my chin.

Would I Purchase?: No. Apart from the weird reaction I had to this cream, I’m also at a loss for it’s price tag. I’m aware that anti-aging products can get a little expensive- but I don’t even see any indication, anywhere, that this cream has any type of SPF in it or how it’s even supposed to work. A peek at Vine Vera’s site shows multiple (and oddly vague) 5-star reviews for this cream- but again- no truly specific information. I’m gonna’ pass on this one.

Although I loved the lipstick and the lotion (and didn’t have any problems with the brush) in March’s GlossyBox- the eyeliner and especially the day cream left a LOT to be desired. This wasn’t the worst box I’ve received- not by a long shot- but I wasn’t exactly blown away by it, either.

I’m currently accruing GlossyDots in order to receive one of my upcoming boxes for free. I’m hoping to be dazzled and wowed again by the company before then so I’ll have incentive to keep subscribing- because with the exception of a couple of recent themed/collaboration boxes- it feels like they’ve been falling a little flat.

‘Til next time!

xx