In between working and watching terrible horror movies on Netflix to review, I’ve also been using the products I recently received in my September 2014 GlossyBox, a collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar. After the debacle that surrounded August’s box, I was pleasantly surprised my box arrived on time- and even more so at what was inside of it. With an assortment of full-sized and deluxe samples that covered hair care, nails, makeup, and skin care- September’s GlossyBox might be one of my favorite ones to date!

What I Received:

Benefit Cosmetics ‘They’re Real!’ Mascara

BVLGARI Eau Parfumée au thé vert conditioner

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ‘Black Dahlia’ Lip Tar – Matte (*Full Size!*)

essie ‘She’s Pampered’ Nail Polish (*Full Size!*)

Vichy LiftActiv Night Cream

Product # 1: Benefit Cosmetics ‘They’re Real!’ Mascara ($23)

The only product I received in September’s GlossyBox that I DIDN’T try was Benefit’s “They’re Real!” Mascara- not because I’m not a fan of it- but because this is actually the mascara I’ve been using every day for the past couple of months. I’m saving this sample sized tube for the next time I travel for quick and easy touch-ups on the go. This mascara delivers phenomenal results- giving me long, fluttery looking lashes with just a couple of sweeps with no clumping, smudging, or flaking- and the formula stays in place comfortably all day.

Would I Purchase?: Yes, and I already have! While I’ve been a fan of the false lash look for the longest time, lately I’ve gravitated towards a more natural approach to my eye makeup. “They’re Real!” makes my lashes pop without making them look TOO heavily done. I’m a big fan.

Product # 2: BVLGARI Eau Parfumée au thé vert conditioner ($45)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when it comes to BVLGARI, their products are hit or miss for me- mostly because of the fragrance. For example, in past GlossyBoxes, I’ve received samples of perfume and bath teas that have smelled lovely- only to receive a bar of soap with the same perfume that have downright made me gag. This conditioner thankfully smelled really, really nice- and I found myself unconsciously touching my hair throughout the day because this product made it silky soft. The only thing that would keep me from going out and buying a bottle of this right away would be the $45 price tag. I don’t mind, and even encourage, the occasional splurge- but even I draw the line at this!

Would I Purchase?: Yes. Like I said, if I could afford stocking up on multiple bottles of this conditioner without breaking the bank- I absolutely would. It gave me great results and smelled great- but whereas I use LOTS of conditioner for my curls, I can only see myself treating myself to this conditioner every once in a great while.

Product # 3: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ‘Black Dahlia’ Lip Tar – Matte ($18)

Don’t let the name of this highly pigmented lip color or the appearance of it within the tube fool you- while the shade may look like something out of a gothic tutorial, the color when applied on the lips is actually a beautiful deep plum with crimson undertones- perfect for this time of year! I’ve heard a lot of good things about OCC’s Lip Tars, but had yet to try one until now. The product applied easily enough with the included brush, giving me rich, full matte color with just a droplet of the gloss- and it stayed in place for HOURS- through morning coffee and my lunch break. Even when the full extent of the color had faded by dinner, my lips still had a bit of a stain to them. The only downside to this product, and I’m not sure if it’s because of the matte formula or the longevity- is that it’s drying. I highly recommend using a balm under or over before/after applying this to prevent cracking, peeling, and general discomfort.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! The drying aspect aside, which can be easily solved with the aforementioned balm- this is an impressive product that packs a punch- both in color and in how long it lasts. I was surprised with how flattering ‘Black Dahlia’ looked on me, and would re-purchase it in the future- but I’d love to try other shades, too!

Product # 4: essie ‘She’s Pampered’ Nail Polish ($8.50)

I can never have enough brilliant red nail polishes in the Fall and Winter, so I was pretty excited to see this full-sized bottle of bright, bold, cherry-hued polish from Essie in September’s GlossyBox. The photo above is after two coats and a top coat- but despite my love of the color, the polish began chipping within 24 hours and required more than one touch-up- which chipped again in a short amount of time. I was disappointed in the lack of staying power- but other than that- I liked the easy application and the shade.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. Essie is good for a 1-2 day manicure or if you need a quick pop of color for a special event, but for those who like their polish to last more than a couple of days- I don’t think you’ll find what you’re looking for with this formula. While the color was beautiful, I really wished it would have stayed on my nails for a longer period of time.

Product # 5: Vichy LiftActiv Night Cream ($50)

Back in January, I had received a sample of Vichy’s day cream in my GlossyBox that I had liked despite it’s strong fragrance. This cream, it’s nighttime companion- didn’t seem to have such a strong perfume added to it, and whereas the day cream was rich but not too heavy when it sank into my skin- this product started off with a thick, heavy texture and eventually melted onto my skin- almost immediately making it feel tight and firm without irritation or any kind of reaction. After using it for a few days, I noticed an improvement in my skin’s overall tone and texture. I may not need firming/lifting benefits in my skin care regimen just yet- but I was a big fan of this product.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! While I was on the fence with the day cream, I really enjoyed this night cream and would splurge on a full-sized jar in the future. It’s less-overpowering fragrance was a relief, the cream was hydrating (which is important in these colder, dryer months!) and the results I achieved with such a small amount in only a few short days was impressive.

With 4 out of 5 products receiving positive reviews, and one not quite living up to expectations- overall I’d say I was pleased with September’s GlossyBox.  I think Harper’s Bazaar curated a great assortment of goods that covered a broad spectrum of areas. I absolutely loved the conditioner and lip tar- both of which were my favorite things in the box- and I hope to discover more brands/products to get smitten with when I receive my October one near the end of this month!

For as long as I’ve been subscribed to GlossyBox, I’ve not only accepted- but defended- their late shipment dates. For the quality and quantity of products you get for $21 a month- having to wait an extra few days to receive your box as compared to other beauty subscription services that typically arrive weeks earlier isn’t the end of the world. Some past boxes haven’t necessarily been spectacular, but my overall experience with the company has been a positive one.

Recently, I almost canceled my subscription- not only because their shipments ran WAY later than usual- but also because there was no indication as to what the status of my August box actually was, period. I typically get two e-mails a month in regards to my service (not including spoilers of special offers-) one when my debit card is charged and one when my box finally ships. In August, there was no correspondence and nothing in my mailbox for weeks. After being charged for my September box and still not having last month’s one in my possession- I reached out to customer service over social media.

It took the efforts of a lovely girl named Leanna at the GlossyBox USA Twitter account to look into my subscription and give me a proper update- and as she promised- the box arrived at my door a couple of days after our conversation. Granted, it was nearly two weeks past when I usually receive it- but Leanna was polite, friendly, and prompt with her assistance. I ultimately decided to let this minor inconvenience slide and keep my subscription- but I really would like to see some changes in the future when it comes to shipping and keeping customers in the loop when there’s a delay/shortage/etc.

August’s GlossyBox celebrated the company’s third anniversary and included makeup, skincare, hair care, and nail polish- two of the items being full-sized. As always, I took my time trying everything- so apologies for the extended lateness of what was an already late review!

What I Received:

Überliss Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

Kryolan for Glossybox Highlighter in ‘Cashmere’ (*Full Size!*)

Eyeko London Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

SpaRitual Explore Color Collection in ‘Navigate’ (*Full Size!*)

Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream

Product # 1: Überliss Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner ($23.90 & $25.90)

Whenever I receive any kind of shampoo or conditioner in a beauty subscription service, I’m almost always left squinting at the back of the tubes/bottles/containers- scanning the list of ingredients for color-stripping components or harmful, drying chemicals. Lucky for me, this shampoo and conditioner duo were free of both of those types of things- and were instead loaded up the good stuff- like fruit extracts, royal jelly, green tea, lemon peel, and keratin. Both products smelled really nice during my initial trial- which is a huge selling point for me.

The shampoo, sulfate-free and therefore ideal for my color treated red hair- didn’t lather up as much as I’m used to when washing, but my hair still felt squeaky clean and INSANELY soft and silky after I’d massaged it into my scalp and down through my ends before rinsing. So soft and silky, in fact- that I wasn’t sure using the conditioner was even necessary. I did anyway, of course.

The conditioner- which has a sort of unusual, slick, Vaseline-esque texture- sank into my strands easier than I thought it would and didn’t cause any sort of build up on my scalp. I had left it on my hair for about 5-10 minutes in the shower while I used my body wash and face scrub before I combed and rinsed it out- and my curls looked and felt fantastic afterwards. My hair was even softer, silkier, and so, so shiny. Best of all? It didn’t feel weighed down or greasy. I was beyond impressed- and happy!

Would I Purchase?: Yes to both! I absolutely loved both the shampoo and the conditioner and the results they gave me! After each use, I have such a hard time keeping myself from touching or playing with my hair. It just looks and feels so much healthier! The price tags for both of these products- especially combined- might be a little staggering, but I promise it’s a splurge that you wouldn’t regret. This duo is worth investing in- and I will definitely be purchasing the full-sized bottles very soon.

Product # 2: Kryolan for Glossybox Highlighter in ‘Cashmere’ ($18.95)

On days where I want to achieve the “no makeup” makeup look, I use little more than a lightweight foundation, a highlighter for my cheekbones and brow bone, and a touch of mascara. I love highlighters that give my typically pale skin a subtle glow- a look that is flattering year round and perfect for those days where I want to look fresh-faced and natural but am in a rush or on the go (like when I’m running errands, for example.) This creamy highlighter- with a silky texture and a hint of shimmer- illuminates my skin without making it look glittery or oily. Instead, my face appears radiant and bright. Results aside- I’m also a fan of the small, sturdy packaging- which makes it the perfect size to throw in my bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I love the texture of this highlighter, it’s natural finish, and the way it makes my skin look flawless after application. A little goes a long way, too- which means the $18.95 price tag is not going to waste. This has definitely become a “must have” in my purse.

Product # 3: Eyeko London Skinny Liquid Eyeliner ($16)

This product isn’t shown in the unboxing photo above, since the size of the tube was pretty small and seemed to get lost in GlossyBox’s black packaging confetti. I hadn’t even realized I’d received it until I went to put the box aside for future gifting purposes and it tumbled out!

Although I’m a stickler for gel eyeliners, I’ve noticed that in recent months I’ve also added pen liners to my makeup collection. For the most part, the fine, Sharpie-style points make for easy application and the formulas give me hours of smudge-proof and flake-proof wear. This Eyeko product, although designed much like a pen liner in terms of the shape of the applicator- was significantly more difficult to apply. It took numerous, uncomfortable attempts to get the tip of the liner to run smoothly along my lids and give me an even line. I also noticed that the pen seemed to dry out shortly after being opened- whereas other pen liners I own are still going strong after being used multiple times. The only saving grace to this product was that the longevity was fabulous. This liner stayed in place from early morning through well into the night without fading or smudging.

Would I Purchase?: No. I just wasn’t “wow’d” by this eyeliner. Sure, the staying power packs a punch- but applying it perfectly is nothing short of a hassle and the pen dries out quickly. The other marker-like liners I own are easier to work with and hold up for a lot longer than this one did. I’ll stick with those.

Product # 4: SpaRitual Explore Color Collection in ‘Navigate’ ($12)

This is actually the second full-sized SpaRitual polish I’ve received from GlossyBox. The first, from my June 2013 box, was a beautiful red I had fallen in love with. The formula was easy to apply, gave rich color and a beautiful shine- and lasted for a long time without chipping. In August’s box, I was treated to a gorgeous sky blue from SpaRitual’s Spring 2014 “Explore” collection. Just like the polish I’d received before it, this glided on my nails with ease- giving me plenty of color with one coat (two coats pictured above.) Also like the polish before it- I thought this particular shade was a bit un-seasonal. This blue would be better suited for the Spring/Summer, much like the candy apple red I received last Summer would have been more appropriate in the Fall/Winter. Either way, I’m a fan.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This is another hit from SpaRitual- a brand I’m confident enough in to highly recommend. Their shades are brilliant, the applications are mess-free, and the longevity of their lacquers is fantastic.

Product # 5: Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream ($85)

When looking for a good daytime moisturizer, I really only need three things and three things only: I need SPF, I need it to be fragrance and oil-free, and I need it to be lightweight. I’m still in my twenties- so fine lines, wrinkles, and the loss of elasticity is (thankfully) not a concern for me just yet.

This moisturizer was indeed lightweight,  contained some oil (Avocado, wheat germ, and Sesame, to be specific,) but no SPF- and also had a slight fragrance to it- which caused concern. I have sensitive skin, and from past experiences, anything with any kind of perfume in it causes an allergic reaction or breakout on my face. Even still, I decided to give this cream a chance. Fortunately, there was no allergic reaction or breakout. The cream made my skin feel soft and hydrated- but not too greasy despite the oils in it. However, after a few days of use- I still haven’t noticed any changes in firmness to my skin. It still looks and feels exactly the same- not tighter or anything- as I had sort of expected it to feel with continuous use.

Would I Purchase?: No. While I liked the overall hydration this day cream provided me, it’s anti-aging purpose doesn’t fit my current needs and it’s lack of SPF means I’d have to put a sunscreen on top of it, too. Not only that, but the $85 price tag is a little steep for something that doesn’t meet my basic requirements for a moisturizer.

Overall, I loved three out of the five (six if you count the shampoo and conditioner separately) products I received in August’s GlossyBox- which isn’t bad at all. Not worth the extra waiting time- but still not too bad. I’ve already been given two sneak peeks into September’s box, a collaboration with Harper’s BAZAAR, which is shaping up to be a great assortment of products! Here’s hoping I receive it on time!

And once again, thanks to Leanna at GlossyBox’s U.S. customer service department for her help in getting the shipping fiasco sorted. Her efforts were, and are- greatly appreciated!

xx

I had anticipated my July GlossyBox arriving while I was in San Diego, what with it being close to the end of the month and all- and I was right- which is a shame, considering I could have gladly used some of the samples I received while on the West Coast- especially the body cream and GlamGlow mask.

I digress. The fine folks over at GlossyBox couldn’t have possibly predicted I’d be out of state when they shipped July’s goods, so I was content with trying them out when I got home. It’s better late than never, after all.

WHAT I RECEIVED:

Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm

GlamGlow YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment

Mitchell and Peach Body Cream

Philip B. pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist

Skin Inc. Skin Supplement Bar Custom-Blended Brightening Serum

Product # 1: Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm ($12)

I had actually received a full-sized tube of this lip balm in an Ipsy bag back in January, where I was left on the fence as to whether or not I’d purchase it in the future. Since then, my feelings haven’t changed much. It’s a good, moisturizing, long-lasting balm with a non-sticky consistency- but the tube is small- a little too small for $12. Oddly enough, the sample I received in July’s GlossyBox wasn’t full-sized, but still had a more convenient applicator tip than the one that arrived in January. If there’s logic there- I’m failing to see it.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe (again!) If I keep receiving this product, I’ll never have to purchase it- but I’m still indecisive as to whether or not I would actually spend the cash if and when the time comes. I don’t mind splurging now and then, but $12 for .35 ounces is just a little excessive, in my opinion. It’s a good balm- it is- but it doesn’t have a “wow” factor for me. I get the same results by using Carmex, which is a fraction of the price for the same exact amount of product per tube.

Product # 2: GlamGlow YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment ($69)

In the GlamGlow collection, I’ve owned the SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment, a mask that has given me phenomenal results every time I’ve used it- which is once every couple of weeks to keep my pores clear. I’ve seen the YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment before, and had been tempted to try it- but was reluctant to drop the $69 in case it didn’t work as well as SUPERMUD, or worse- caused some kind of reaction. July’s GlossyBox had me covered, though- offering me a nice sample size of the product. My skin, still adjusting to airplane cabin pressure, West Coast-then-East Coast climates, and the fake blood from my Daryl Dixon cosplay- was in desperate need of deeper cleansing and extra exfoliation- so I broke out the Tinglexfoliate to work it’s magic.

The name doesn’t lie. Shortly after applying this mask all over my face, it definitely tingled as it dried. What I didn’t expect were the pieces of green tea leaves that were mixed into the formula and stuck in little clumps all over my skin. I did a double take on more than one occasion when I noticed one on my cheek or along my forehead. When the clay finally dried and it came time to rinse the mask off, I rubbed the then-dampened exfoliants into my skin with circular motions- and I could definitely feel them. They were pretty abrasive.

Once my face was gently pat dry, my skin looked and felt smoother, cleaner, and clearer. I followed up with a lightweight moisturizer to prevent my face from drying out- and I’m quite pleased with the results!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I think when I’ve finished the last of my tub of SUPERMUD, I’ll be making the switch to YOUTHMUD to use as a weekly/bi-weekly treatment. It cleans out my pores the same way that SUPERMUD does, but has more exfoliation- which I find I need every now and then. Both treatments are the same price, too- so I wouldn’t be spending more for the YOUTHMUD, which is always a plus.

Product # 3: Mitchell and Peach Body Cream ($61)

I’ve never been to Kent, but from the way a lot of beauty product companies based in or around there describe it,  I envision beautiful rolling hills, lush greenery, picturesque sunsets, and large, beautiful homes surrounded by quaint little communities (basically any of the scenes from the 2005 version of “Pride & Prejudice,” really.) I’ve wondered if the majority of Kent is self-aware of their status as a beacon of luxury, and if so- what they think of it.

Mitchell and Peach are one of those companies, and their body cream- packed with vitamins, pure honey, organic cocoa, floral essential oils, and shea butter- is touted as being “from the Mitchells’ fifth-generation estate in Kent, England.”

The body cream smells strong at first- with the floral oils taking over- but it eventually fades as the cream is rubbed in, after which more of the honey can be detected. Texture wise, the cream is nice. It’s not too heavy and yet not too watery- and it quickly sinks into the skin without leaving behind residue or any kind of greasiness. The results are long lasting, too. It’s a great everyday body moisturizer.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I love body moisturizers that don’t take forever to rub into my skin but don’t deprive me of hydration, either. This body cream is lightweight, but it packs a punch- leaving my skin soft, smooth, and (eventually) lightly fragranced for hours. $61 might be considered a high price point, but this really is a good product, and one I’d purchase to treat myself- or give as a gift to someone else.

Product # 4: Philip B. pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist ($24)

As someone with naturally thick, curly hair- I can recall many memories from my childhood of tearing up while my mother frantically saturated me with Johnson’s detangling spray and tried to un-knot my poor, frizzy ends before sending me off to school. Thankfully, my hair has become more manageable with time and practice- and products for curly hair have come a very long way. This milky textured, color-safe leave-in detangling spray from Philip B. is a perfect example of that. Described as having the ability to “adjust the pH of tap water to seal the cuticle of your hair, for a remarkably smooth, shiny finish,” (science!) this spray is also infused with apple cider vinegar- which is right up there with coconut oil in being a natural, multi-purpose product with numerous benefits.

The problem with apple cider vinegar, however- is that it doesn’t exactly smell good- and unfortunately for this hair mist- it’s ALL you can smell when you’re spritzing it into your locks. Yes, it goes away- more quickly when you begin to style your hair as usual with your everyday products, but the first whiff of the stuff is off putting, to say the least.

In terms of results: I didn’t see any. My hair didn’t look any more or less frizz-free and shiny than usual. It didn’t de-tangle anymore than when I use my leave in oils and products. I can’t say for certain if this is a product that would work better on straighter hair- but for me- it didn’t do much of anything.

Would I Purchase?: No. Putting aside the eye-watering smell of vinegar omitting from this product- it did not give me noticeable results, and after using it a few times to see if I could detect a gradual difference- I eventually went back to using my regular products and skipped over this one entirely.

Product # 5: Skin Inc. Skin Supplement Bar Custom-Blended Brightening Serum ($45)

I will openly admit that when I first laid eyes on this serum, my initial thought was “I’m going to feel like a chemist when I use this.”

Skin Inc. is a pretty interesting concept, because rather than just mass producing serums or creams that target any one specific product for any one specific skin type- and therefore leaving out other people that don’t fit into that bracket- they also fine-tune their products to an individual based on the person’s needs and concerns by using their SKINCheck identification system and creating a personalized product that is then mailed directly to that person’s address. Their serums are pure, highly-concentrated, and lightweight on the face.

In July’s GlossyBox, I received the custom “Blended Brightening Serum,” and applied as directed- after cleansing my skin and before my moisturizer. The serum spread evenly and sank into my skin very quickly- so using a lot wasn’t necessary. I noticed even after putting my makeup on that the texture of my skin looked smoother, and upon closer inspection- that I seemed to have developed more of a natural, healthy glow.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Even though I really enjoyed the results I got with the “Blended Brightening Serum,” and would purchase it in the future- I’d actually like to try custom-creating my own serum through Skin Inc.’s lab, too. Brightness isn’t necessarily a concern for me at this point in my life- so it’d be interesting to develop a pre-moisturizer serum to target problematic areas: i.e. the occasional breakout, dry patches, etc. I do think the serum I received in July’s GlossyBox is lovely for every day use, of course.

Overall, I was pleased with July’s GlossyBox. While the detangling spray fell flat and the lip balm didn’t exactly blow my mind- the other three deluxe samples were a lot of fun to try and are definitely products I would purchase in the future.

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!

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.