Let me just start this post off by saying this review almost didn’t happen. The August Glossybox, which I was actually supposed to get for free after redeeming my accrued Glossydots (a reward points system,) was briefly lost in the mail. After contacting both Glossybox customer support, and then the USPS itself- the package was eventually located at a facility in Pennsylvania and shipped to me immediately. Better late than never, of course.

The theme for this box, “Bohemian Summer,” included products fit for the transition from the last hot, humid days of Summer into the chillier, crisp early weeks of Fall, and included skincare, hair care, and makeup. I also received a cute denim pouch from GUESS as a bonus item, as well as a 30% off coupon that can be used in-store or on Guess.com. I’m in the market for some new jeans- so it should come in handy.

What I Received:

Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Pressed Powder (*Full Size!*)

ModelCo Eyeshadow Duo in “Bronzed Goddess”

Anatomicals “Spray Misty For Me” Facial Spritz

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush (*Full Size!*)

Novex Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment Cream

Product # 1: Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Pressed Powder ($28)

When it comes to setting powders, I’ve always preferred loose powders to pressed ones. From past experiences, loose powders give me better coverage and provide longer staying power for my makeup without looking caked on or chalky. However, when I’m traveling or in a rush, those neat little compacts can certainly come in handy. When I read that this particular brand of pressed powder was infused with green tea and vitamin C, both of which are good for my skin, I bit the bullet and decided to give it a try.

Unlike other powders I’ve received in the past, this one matched my skin tone perfectly. It applied evenly, smoothly, and gave decent coverage with a lovely matte finish. My skin looked and felt soft to the touch. Any shine in my T-zone was quickly covered- however- after only a couple of hours- that very same area began to look as though the powder had been caked on and I quickly had to reapply more to correct it.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. While I do still prefer loose powders, a product like this is great for quick, mess-free touch-ups. While I was disappointed with how quickly I had to re-apply more of the powder, I could see myself putting some of this on if I wanted to run out to do some errands without putting a full face of makeup on.

In other words, this powder is great for quick coverage for a short amount of time, but if you’re looking for something to give you consistent coverage for the whole day- skip this product.

Product # 2: ModelCo Eyeshadow Duo in “Bronzed Goddess” ($25)

Summer 2013 was definitely my season of neutral tones, and I was ready to go out this weekend to pick up a couple of violets, greens, and blues for my eyes for the Fall/Winter until I saw this shimmery eye shadow compact in my Glossybox, and opted to give neutrals a couple more weeks. Although it’s hard to tell in the photograph (and it was hard for me to tell in the packaging, as well,) this eye shadow duo- which includes a rich chocolate brown and a light cream color- is VERY sparkly. I actually did a double take after I’d finished applying it to one eye because the amount of sparkle caught me off guard. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s not like applying globs of glitter to your eyelid or anything. This shadow actually goes on easily without flaking or clumping together. After I adjusted to the sparkle, I thought it looked rather pretty on my eyes, especially out in the sunlight.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I’d actually love to try more color combinations of this formula of shadow. The colors in “Bronzed Goddess” were very nice, especially for the Summer, but I’d love to see the same amount of sparkle and pigmentation in a rich plum shade or an olive green sometime.

Product # 3: Anatomicals “Spray Misty For Me” Facial Spritz ($9)

As the temperatures begin to drop, keeping my skin hydrated against frigid climates definitely becomes a priority. I use stronger moisturizers, and more often throughout the day. Unfortunately, with my work schedule, stopping to take my makeup off, reapply moisturizer, and then reapply my makeup is simply out of the question. Enter facial sprays- which I am a big fan of- not only because of the results I get from them, but also because of the convenience. Whether sprayed on over makeup or on a bare, clean face- these spritzers offer instant cooling hydration to skin without ruining cosmetics or making your face feel greasy.

“Spray Misty For Me” from Anatomicals gave me all the aforementioned perks, and then some. Packed with lavender, peppermint, aloe, and witch hazel- this spray smelled amazing on top of being incredibly refreshing. Also, a but unrelated, but the packaging, which included a cartoon drawing of Clint Eastwood on the back, was very entertaining:

See?!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! The refreshing, cooling feeling on my skin, the relaxing fragrance, and the quirky packaging had me sold on this facial spritz. This is my new “must have” in my purse for the Fall. It’s just a great product overall, and for $9 a bottle, you really can’t go wrong.

Product # 4: Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush ($18)

Ever the lip color addict, this bold berry/red balm was the first product from the August Glossybox I tried. Although the packaging has this color listed as “cranberry,” it applied as a bright pink, almost neon purple tone on my lips- which, while sounding cool on paper, didn’t really suit my skin tone all that well. I looked washed out the few times I wore this, since it was so bright that it pretty much drained the rest of the color out of my face.

Longevity wise, this balm didn’t last at all. After a few sips of coffee, resulting in numerous lip prints all over the rim of my cup, and this balm’s color completely disappeared, as did it’s moisturizing benefits.

Would I Purchase?: No. I think I’ll stick to other balms I’ve used in the past, or moisturizer enriched long-wear lipsticks. Between the weird and unflattering color, the speed in which it vanished after I applied it, and the lack of long-lasting hydration benefits for my lips, this product was unfortunately a let-down.

Product # 5: Novex Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment Cream ($4.99)

Keratin treatments at the salon where I typically touch up my red cost a pretty penny, so when I saw this otherwise inexpensive container of “Brazil’s #1 keratin treatment,” I was a little skeptical. The directions say to leave the pleasant scented cream in slightly dry hair, from root to tip, for three minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Not entirely sure how many miracles this could work in a mere three minutes, I left the cream on for five, and then rinsed- and what a difference! Once my hair dried, it felt softer, smoother, and looked a lot shinier. I was very surprised, to say the least. For $4.99 a jar, and with what I achieved after just one use (so far,) I think I’ve found the perfect, cheaper alternative to the expensive treatments I’ve paid for to get similar results in the past.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This would make an incredible weekly treatment for dry, damaged hair- especially in the colder months. Each one of my curls was nourished through and through and best of all- they stayed that way long after I applied and rinsed the cream out.

Despite the delay in receiving my August Glossybox, overall I was very pleased with it. The facial spritz and the keratin hair treatment cream were fantastic Fall finds, and the eye shadow and denim GUESS pouch were fun bonuses. I’m looking forward to continuing to use up what’s left of my samples, sans-lip balm, while I wait for my September box!

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)

Hello Mick!

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

I’ve just recently finished trying the products in my June GlossyBox, and what a box it was! Last month, the service collaborated with fashion illustrator, Dallas Shaw, to put together a collection of some of her favorite products ranging from hair care to fragrance to nails. I was so impressed that I received not one, but two full-sized products- and the quality of each of the samples was superb. Not only that, but Dallas designed a special illustration for the cover of the box as well, which was absolutely adorable.

This is exactly the kind of effort and originality that I look for in a beauty box service.

What I Received:

Phillip B. African Shea Butter Shampoo

Tarte Complexion-Enhancing Lipstick (*FULL SIZE*)

c.Booth Honey Almond Nourishing Dry Oil Mist

Oscar de la Renta “Essential Luxuries” Fragrance Collection (includes a sample of each of the six perfumes)

SpaRitual Nail Polish in “Spice of Life” (*FULL SIZE*)

Product #1: Phillip B. African Shea Butter Shampoo ($8 – $90)

Ah, yes. Another shampoo sample. I was starting to wonder if the higher powers of beauty box subscriptions were trying to subtly tell me something with all the hair cleansing products they offer me, but paranoia that my hair looked/smelled bad aside, I tried this nourishing, fragrance-free, and color-safe shampoo regardless- and I was very pleased with the results. Not only did the lather thoroughly and gently cleanse my hair without stripping it of moisture, but it also de-tangled and softened my curls while adding a bit of shine to them- which cuts my conditioner costs in half. I loved the way my hair felt after my shower, and the feeling lasted all day.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This product was lovely- a breath of fresh air compared to other shampoo samples I’ve received in the past. A couple of drops (about a nickel-sized amount) was enough to wash all of my hair and left me with great, long-lasting results. Best of all? It’s safe for my color-treated red hair, and isn’t loaded with fragrances or chemicals- so my hair felt light and not weighed down.

Product #2: Tarte Complexion-Enhancing Lipstick ($29)

When I first opened this colorfully packaged lipstick, I was a little concerned. There are two variations of the product- one for fair skin, and one for medium & darker toned skin. It’s no secret that I’m on the pale side, but it seemed GlossyBox had sent me the medium/darker shade in error. A deep nude with a reddish-pink glossy core to add fullness and shine, I was worried it would appear too brown on my lips.

I applied sparingly, and was surprised by how bright the color actually looked. The picture above doesn’t really do it justice (shoddy lighting- my apologies), but the lipstick was a more rosy/fuchsia-tone than a nude or brown. I don’t know if it necessarily enhanced my complexion, but it was moisturizing and long-lasting, which was definitely a perk.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I have a lot of rosy/nude lipsticks and lip glosses, but this is a nice addition to my ever growing collection. I liked the built-in gloss core (very cool idea), the smooth and hydrating feeling of this product on my lips, and the fact that I didn’t have to frequently re-apply throughout the day.

Product #3: c.Booth Honey Almond Nourishing Dry Oil Mist ($7.99)

I own a couple of cooling aloe vera sprays for hot days or post-workout skin refreshment. For maximum results, I keep them stored in my refrigerator, but they can be used and still give relief without being chilled. When I saw this oil spray, I had assumed it was along the same lines, and last weekend I packed it in my purse when I headed to NYC.

Some of you may remember my mentioning that the temperatures were scorching in Manhattan, and at one point, when I had descended into the subway and was sweating bullets from the lack of air below ground, I whipped out this spray hoping for just a spritz of something cold on my face and neck.

To my dismay, this spray wasn’t intended to be cooling as I had originally thought, so I was still uncomfortably hot while I waited for the train. It was, however, so, so, SO moisturizing on my skin (without making it look shiny or leaving any of kind of greasy film on me), and smelled delicious. I may have not felt cooled down, but my face was touch-ably soft for the rest of the afternoon, even after my makeup had melted off.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I love my aloe vera sprays, and I’ll still use them, but this product is a wonderful treat on days when my skin needs a little pick-me-up or feels a little dry.

Product #4: Oscar de la Renta “Essential Luxuries” Fragrance Collection ($150 per bottle)

When I first saw the Oscar de la Renta pouch in my box, I had expected one, maybe two samples of perfume at the most. When I realized I had a sample of each of the six perfumes in the “Essential Luxuries” collection, I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to try them. I limited myself to one sample per day so I could evaluate how long each scent lasted, and whether or not I still enjoyed having it on me by the end of the day. In terms of longevity, the perfume lasted me from the early hours of the morning until late in the afternoon without having to be reapplied once, which is one of the most important things to me. For $150 a bottle, I wouldn’t want to run out of the fragrance so quickly because it doesn’t last.

In terms of the scents, each one was so different from the others, so unique- and they all smelled so good- that it was hard to pick a favorite out of the bunch:

Coralina: A lovely and light floral bouquet scent.

Oriental Lace: A rich, sweet chocolate scent.

Sargasso: A crisp ocean/beachy scent.

Mi Corazón: A clean, refreshing floral scent.

Santo Domingo: An intoxicating smoky, spicy scent.

Granada: An invigorating citrus, floral scent.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Ideally, I would love to purchase every single one of these fragrances, because I enjoyed each of them immensely, but since that would get costly awfully quick, I’ve decided to add “Oriental Lace”, the sweet mocha-scent, to my must-have list for the next time I shop for perfume.

Product #5: SpaRitual Nail Polish in “Spice of Life” ($12)

The first thing I spotted when I opened my June 2013 GlossyBox for the first time was this full-sized bottle of shimmery, candy apple red nail polish. After NYC last weekend, I was in need of some serious nail maintenance. My avocado-inspired polish had chipped and faded, so this arrived at the perfect time. Made without harsh chemicals, this lacquer gave amazing, vibrant color with just one coat (the pictures above were taken with two coats of the color and a clear top coat) and quickly dried to a beautiful shine.

I love the color, although I think it’d be more appropriate for the Fall or Winter.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I’ve browsed some of the polish collections on SpaRitual’s website and I would love to try so many of them. Their metallics and highly pigmented colors are gorgeous.

I believe  this is the first beauty box I’ve received since I started reviewing them where I have loved, and would purchase a full-size of every product included. Major kudos to GlossyBox and to Dallas Shaw for this fun, well organized collaboration. It was fantastic.

xx

To commemorate a successful first year of operation in the United States, May’s GlossyBox was a celebratory one, featuring some samples coveted in past boxes, as well as a couple of new items to keep long-time subscribers’ curiosity piqued. With the samples, I also received a couple of vouchers- one for a free product from Sebastian Professional with a purchase, and one for a free waxing at any one of the 447 European Wax Center locations around the country.

What I Received:

être belle Collagen and Aloe Vera Hydro Mask

Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray

MY Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer

AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact

Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick in “Parc de 59”

European Wax Center’s “The Exfoliate” and “Slow It Body Wash”

Product #1: être belle Collagen and Aloe Vera Hydro Mask ($39.50 for 10 Masks)

Wanting to unwind after a particularly exhausting day at the office, I decided to use this mask before bed last week to see how my skin would look and feel in the morning. One thing that threw me off was how MESSY it was getting the mask out of the package since it is pretty much dripping with the collagen and aloe vera. Once I got a handle on it and rested it on my face, it stayed in place fairly well- although a quick glance in the mirror made me think I looked eerily similar to Leatherface from “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. Regardless, I left the mask on for twenty minutes.

When I peeled the mask off, and rubbed the excess collagen and aloe vera into my skin, I was pleased with how soft and smooth my face looked and felt- the effects lasting well into the following day, even after I’d done my usual morning skin care regime and applied makeup.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I was really impressed with the results I got just after one use. The instructions on the packaging recommended using one mask every three days for upkeep, and although I don’t think I would do it that often (mainly because it’d get expensive awfully quick), I think using one mask per week or every couple of weeks would be just as effective and even more cost-efficient.

Product #2: Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray ($19.95)

I tried two different methods of application with this volumizing gel-spray- once right after my morning shower while my hair was still damp, and once while my hair was dry. Both times, my hair definitely looked bigger and the hold was strong enough to last the whole day, through work, humidity, and driving with my windows rolled down- which was great- but unfortunately with both application attempts, my hair was left feeling stiff and crunchy. I try to avoid this at all costs when I’m considering hair products, so I was a little disappointed in that aspect.

Would I Purchase?: No. As much as I loved the volume and the long-lasting hold of this spray, the way it left my hair feeling was just a bit too much for me. I just kept feeling like I had to wash my hair again and again to get the stiffness out.

Product #3: MY Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer ($68)

This moisturizer already had a possible disadvantage in it’s path to winning me over since I started using it when the temperatures were soaring into the 80’s and 90’s, and when my makeup is usually melting off of my face by noon- but I’m happy to report this product rose to the challenge and delivered phenomenal results. Not only did my skin stay fresh, hydrated (without feeling greasy!), and surprisingly shine-free despite surface of the sun temps outside, but after a few days of continued use, my face looked like it was glowing- in the healthy way, not the radioactive way. I’m completely smitten!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Sure, the price point is a little steep- but a little goes a long way and in the end, it’s paying for a quality product that works well. The benefits of this moisturizer are worth the cost. Not only does it keep it’s all-day mattifying promise, but it has anti-aging benefits, too- which are always a plus.

Product #4: AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact ($60)

I was really curious to try this product since I’d read it not only provided fantastic coverage with a broad-spectrum SPF, but also kept skin hydrated while fighting free-radicals all in one application. There was one problem, however- the color of the sample I received was nowhere close to matching my skin tone.

I applied a little swab of the powder near my jawline, just to see if I even liked the feeling of it on my skin before I wiped it off. The coverage was decent on the area I designated as my “tester” spot, and my skin felt pretty silky. I wish I had gotten a lighter shade so I could have applied it all over and given it a proper all-day, multi-day test, but oh well. I’m sure I can use this as a bronzer or something this Summer.

Would I Purchase?: It’s a maybe for me. I’d really love to try this product in a shade that better matches my fair skin tone, but I’m not in any rush to run out and spend the money on it- just in case it turns out I don’t like it after all.

Product #5: Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick in “Parc de 59” ($14.99)

The last perfume sticks I owned were a limited edition trio of Clinique’s three variations of their “Happy” fragrance, and I loved them. They were easy to apply, mess-free, and the scent wasn’t overpowering like it could sometimes be with sprays or roll-ons. They weren’t particularly long-lasting, but they came in handy after the gym or when I needed a quick refresher on a date. Most of my perfumes are in spray form, however, and rarely come in stick form unless they’re being sold in a department store as a gift set or something.

I was so pleased with this chic packaged perfume when I opened it. It was light, and crisp- a very pleasant, clean, floral fragrance. Like the Clinique “Happy” sticks, the scent didn’t last all day, but again, this would be something I would carry in my bag for post-workout and emergency touch-ups, and you can’t beat the price.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I think “Parc de 59” is perfect, but I really would love to check out the other fragrances in the collection.

Product #6: European Wax Center’s “The Exfoliate” and “Slow It Body Wash” ($38 for The Exfoliate, $20 for the Body Wash)

Last but not least, I received two out of three samples from the European Wax Center line (the third was a body lotion) containing just enough product to try one-time in the shower. The first, “The Exfoliator”, a body polish, was unlike any body scrub I’ve ever used since it didn’t feel like it had any actual exfoliants in it- no salts, no sugars, no abrasive anything- and yet my skin felt very smooth once I rinsed it off.

The second, “Slow It Body Wash”, was the product packed with light exfoliants. I had briefly thought maybe there had been a mistake in the packaging or labeling, but the wash, meant to scrub away bumps, blemishes, and prevent ingrown hairs, foamed up nicely and left my skin feeling very clean.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe to “The Exfoliator”, because even though I liked the results, I also like a bit of grit with my body scrubs- but yes to the body wash! It cleansed thoroughly and sloughed away dry, dead skin cells without irritation. I was left with soft, smooth arms and legs with no dry patches or bumps.

May marked my fifth month of experimenting and reviewing GlossyBoxes, and despite a couple of products I didn’t particularly care for here and there, overall I’ve been very satisfied with the service and look forward to trying future boxes. Congratulations to everyone at GlossyBox on their first year!

I love natural beauty and wellness products. The less harsh, hard-to-pronounce chemicals and the more organic ingredients, the better. I also love having a more subtle look with my makeup in the Spring and Summer months, especially since I’m so active in the warmer weather. April’s GlossyBox, which I just finished playing around with, was inspired by Earth Day and was right up my alley- delivering luxury sized, good-for-me samples to indulge myself with and to help me achieve a fresh-faced finish.

What I Received:

Alterna Haircare’s “Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist”

The Honest Company Organic Lip Balm

TIGI Cosmetics Glow Blush (Full Size!)

Le Métier de Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution

WASH WITH JOE Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash

Bulgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath

Product #1: Alterna Haircare’s “Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist” ($22)

If you’ve been reading this blog for any considerable amount of time, you’re probably well aware by now that I have naturally thick, curly, often unruly hair, and that trying to tame it is a challenge in itself. Creams, serums, sprays- I do it all, mixing and matching depending on my mood and how well my hair is behaving, if it’s even behaving at all. When I read the instructions to this light, clean-smelling spray- simply spritz some on from the root to the ends of damp hair and let air dry- I was a bit skeptical. Usually in order for me to obtain “just left the beach” waves, I need an arsenal of product, a flat-iron, a curling iron, and a lot of time and patience.

I was blown away by the results of this spray, however. While my hair wasn’t particularly wavy, my curls were touchably soft, considerably defined, and frizz-free. The spray cut my styling time in half, and the results were phenomenal.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I love this spray. It’s perfect for the Spring and Summer when all I want to do is get up and go. It’s lightly scented, it’s effective, and it doesn’t weigh my hair down or leave any kind of greasy residue. I’m completely smitten.

Product #2: The Honest Company Organic Lip Balm ($10.95 for a 3 Pack)

I have a few Spring & Summer lip looks. I love a good coral tint on some days, or a bold pop of neon pink on other days, but my go-to, always-in-my-purse standby is just a classic, clear, moisturizing lip balm. When I’m out in the sun or sipping on an iced GTL (green tea lemonade, and my warm weather on-the-go drink of choice), the only thing I’m concerned with when it comes to my lips is that they’re staying hydrated and smooth. This balm, loaded with olive, sunflower, and coconut oils, applied nicely, didn’t feel thick or sticky, and didn’t slide off too easily. It’s a nice and simple.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I don’t think I would go out of my way to purchase a pack of 3, since I have so many lip products already, but if I saw this in a store, I’d probably pick one up to keep in my purse. These would make a great gift for someone, too.

Product #3: TIGI Cosmetics Glow Blush ($22)

It took me a couple of tries to get acclimated with using a powder blush again since I’ve been using cream blushes for so long, but once I got the hang of this beautiful, flattering, flushed-pink shade, I knew there was no turning back. The color may look dark in the container, but it applies lighter and has a touch of shimmer to really highlight cheekbones. It lasts for a long time, so re-applying throughout the day isn’t necessary unless you want to gradually build up the color, and a little goes a long way, so you won’t be using a ton of it to get the desired look.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I never thought I’d stray from cream blushes, but this one has changed my mind completely. I love it, and I’d love to try a more nude-tone shade of it, as well.

Product #4: Le Métier de Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution ($225)

This is actually my second sample of this particular product. My first, received back in January, had yet to be reviewed at the time I posted the entry. Since then, my opinion of the product hasn’t really changed all that much. The price point to the moisturizer is a little shocking, even with a $75 voucher that GlossyBox included in this month’s package to apply towards the purchase of a jar of it. It wasn’t exactly a miracle product. Sure, it was hydrating, the SPF was a perk, and my skin felt soft all day, but I still don’t think I’d ever pay that much for it when I can achieve similar results with other products.

Would I Purchase?: No. The first “no” so far in this month’s GlossyBox. I’m all for splurging and treating yourself, but to me, this particular moisturizer just isn’t worth the price. That’s not to say it isn’t a good product, because it is, but it definitely shouldn’t be marked at $225.

Product #5: WASH WITH JOE Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash ($28)

Two things I realized as soon as I poured some of this product onto a wash cloth in the shower: 1. It smelled delicious (think a peppermint mocha latte), and 2. It had the color and consistency of chocolate syrup, which I was NOT expecting. The unusual coloring and texture aside, this wash was really nice. It didn’t lather up particularly well, but my skin still felt soft, clean, refreshed and tingly after I rinsed it off. Just a reminder that when you’re done using it- it’s a good idea to rinse around your shower, just in case some of the product splattered against the walls. My shower curtain looked like I had been messily baking a chocolate cake after the first time I used this.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! If you want a really bubbly, sudsy body wash, this isn’t the product for you- but this product does thoroughly clean your skin without drying you out, and it smells so, so good.

Product #6: Bulgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath (9.50 per bag)

Some of you may remember my review of Bulgari’s Eau Parfumée Au Thé Blanc Soap from the GlossyBox I received in February, where although I was more than satisfied with the result the soap gave me, I was completely put off by the fragrance. When I saw I had received another product infused with the same perfume, this time a teabagged version of a bath bomb, I was a little disappointed. I decided to give it a try anyway, and took a nice hot soak earlier this morning before I got going for the day. Unrelated note: I think I need a bigger bathtub, but that’s a whole other story.

To my surprise, the scent in this adorable little white tea packed bag, although the same as the soap, was a LOT less overpowering. Even better? My skin was left with the same smooth, silky feeling that I had coveted with the soap sample. I couldn’t think of a more relaxing way to spend twenty minutes on a Saturday morning than with this soak, a good book, and the window open to let in some fresh air and listen to the birds chirping outside. I’m still in a zen state of mind.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Absolutely. This is such a treat for myself, and would make a great gift for others. I loved the results, the scent was infinitely nicer than the soap from the same fragrance line, and unlike the clean-up with most bath bombs, this product was mess-free.

With the exception of one product that just didn’t “wow” me, I was so pleased with April’s GlossyBox. The samples were fun to try and gave great results, and now I have a few more full-sized products  to add to my “must buy” list.