Glossybox September 2012

So the September Glossybox arrived yesterday and it is about Rising Stars. 

The box was designed by Maggie Li and I have to say that I absolutely love the design. 

At this point I'll have to say excuse the poor photos. My camera isn't playing along nicely today and some of them are quite blurry but anyway here is the box.

and this is the full contents

L'Oreal Mythic Oil Colour Glow Oil.  This is a full size product @£15.95 for 125ml which is a quite substantially sized bottle plus a couple of sachets which are shampoo and conditioner.  The box of the Colour Glow Oil says - Radiant oil for colour-treated hair; contains a blend of linseed oil and cranberry oil.  Instantly absorbed for a lightweight feel and finish, it leaves colour-treated hair feeling nourished and protected and looking smooth and glossy.  I have to say I'm really looking forward to trying this because my hair is heavily coloured and bleached and goes like straw at times. It smells gorgeous.  I'll be reporting back on how these go.

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum and 5 Minute Facial.  2 sachets of each.  It looks as if that is how they are sold as 10 sachets of the serum are £29 so I have £5.80 worth of sample and 10 of the 5 minute facial are £10.95 so £2.19 worth of sample. Although the info card does show a bottle of the product so maybe it is available in other ways. The blurb says - Glamoxy Snake Serum is a revolutionary product with instantly visible results, helping to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles.  5 minute facial is a triple action resurfacing gommage clay mask. I am quite excited to try this and test the 'instantly visible results'.

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Relaxing Complex 7ml. The full sized 50ml is £29.99 so this works out at £4.19.  It is a generous sized sample.  I know from past experience of doing market research for Olay that this is their standard sized sample. No sachets with less than one application with Olay. You get to actually test it over maybe three applications which is a good thing.  I do like their products so I'm looking forward to this one. Blurb says - Instantly helps smooth the look of fine lines. Over time, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  Another one that says instantly!

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream 7ml - Full size is 15ml and £20 so this works out around £9.30.  Blurb says - A triple action cream designed to soothe tired eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines.  I did actually receive this in another beauty box a few months ago and I have to say I do like it.  I'm not sure whether the claims are true about dark shadows etc but it does sink in really well and the eye area feels nicer (when I remember to use it) so I will definitely get use out of this one when my other runs out.

  Last thing was Lady Gaga Fame Fragrance 1.2ml - £25 for 30ml so this is worth about a quid. It's weird stuff as you would expect from Lady Gaga. For starters it's black but turns clear once you've had it on for a few seconds.  I definitely wouldn't recommend spraying it when you are wearing anything light coloured.  The ingredients have a bit of a twist - tears of Belladonna (erm yeah OK), Crushed heart of tiger orchidea with a black veil of incense pulverised apricot and the combinative essences of saffron and honey drops.  After reading that I have to say I was expecting a quite strong scent but in actual fact it is very delicate and if I'm totally honest it didn't last very long on me at all.

So my verdict on this box - I really like it.  I feel like I've got my moneys worth and that they are all products I will use. 

Glossybox July 2012 Review

Just arrived this morning.

Now I know what I have said previously but I've given them another shot. I signed up again just after the July boxes had been dispatched so I assumed my first one would be the August one. I was rather surprised when this turned up.

I love the dusky pink colour of the box. Quite sophisticated actually in comparison to the bright pink of some others.

and a photo of the contents cushioned on black shreddings

The first thing I noticed was the lack of the usual postcard type thing explaining what everything is etc.  Not very impressed with that. So onto the items inside the box.

Paul Mitchell awaphui wild ginger texturising sea spray.  Smells weird and whilst I'm permanently trying to get my frizzy mess of a hair do into something sleek I will probably use it to stop the frizz a little bit.

Collin Resultime Regenerating Collagen Gel. The back says to leave it on for 15 minutes before applying usual cream and then remove.  Smells a bit like perm lotion if I'm honest.

Kryoloan Satin Powder sparkling eye dust. Lovely colour with lots of possibilities.  I'm thinking wet for a bit more colour or even use it on the cheeks.

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Frosting Irish Cream Pavlova.  Love this. It tastes divine, not that you're really supposed to eat it of course.  You can use it on the cheeks too.

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin samples -  usual problem of not enough in them to know whether you want to buy the full sized ones. I'm guessing they are very expensive but without the product list I can't say.

Monu Extra Rich Night Cream. Smells strange but sinks in really well.

So overall I love the lip frosting and eye dust. However I feel that, as there was no contents list, it was a box that was thrown together from what they had left.  When I resubbed I filled out the profile thingy to say only nail products, make up and fragrance so fingers crossed next time I won't get any face creams etc.  If I do then I'm afraid Glossy Box won't be getting a second chance. Simple as that.

She Said Beauty Box June 2012

I picked my box up from the delivery office this morning.  I had a sneeky peek at contents online from the dispatch note.  Unfortunately one item in this box made me cancel She Said Beauty before this box even arrived.  See if you can tell which it is before I get to it

I will apologise in advance for this photos as I'm using my phone for uploading most things at the moment because our computer is very poorly.

The contents in their pink and aqua boxing

St Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturiser - 75ml

I don't use self tan after several rather orange disasters a very long time ago. This however is a gradual tan moisturiser so I'm hoping it will build up gradually.




Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream 30ml

This smells divine. My son asked what the lavender smell was so I'm guessing it must be similar but I hate lavender so I'm not so sure.  It is perfectly sized for handbags at 30ml and I will definitely be using it. My preferred hand cream will always be Hemp by The Body Shop.

Elemis Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixir

Contains skin conditioning cocoa butter, combined with sensuous patchouli, cedarwood and vetivert leaves your body soft and mind soothed.  Definitely one to keep until I can have an uninterrupted bath. Smells absolutely gorgeous.

Yardley Royal Diamond Eau De Toilette

Designed to celebrate the diamond jubilee here in the UK.  The blurb reads - a sophisticated sparkling fragrance opening with a touch of pear and bergamot surrounded by a subtle note of honey, with a delicate, romantic floral bouquet enhanced with a soft woody and vanilla base. 

Yardley has always seemed like an old woman's perfume brand to me. They have some pretty gross smells amongst their collection but this is really nice.  I shall be wearing it all this week and be patriotic.

Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream

Supposed to brighten and even skin tone.  Looking forward to giving this a try.

and that just leaves these

Let's Go Lashes - Flirt

If you haven't already guessed, these are the reason for cancelling my subscription.  I am so fed up of getting fake eye lashes.  I really don't like them! enough said

Overall though I like this box and will use everything (provided I don't end up looking like an oompaloompa after using the St Tropez) with the exception of the lashes.

She Said Beauty Box May 2012

She Said Beauty for May arrived today. 

Yes  if you are here for the crafting or the skywatch pictures you can give a big yawn right now and I promise this is it for beauty reviews for a while.

Anyway if you are here to see what was in the box then you can be yawn free and read on.

Inside the box:

and the individual contents

The Vintage Cosmetic Company False Lashes Gracie

Very pretty packaging but I just won't use them.

Kim Kardashian Eau De Parfum

3ml rollerball. Unfortunately I can't get the rollerball to dispense any scent.  There is definitely some in there because I can smell it and hear it when I shake it but I just can't get to it.  From what I can smell it is gorgeous so once I work it out I am looking forward to trying it properly.

Inika Certified Vegan Lip Whip

I received the peach shade.  There were 4 different ones.  I've tried it and ooooh yummy is the verdict.  Just a small amount of colour which is great for daytime use.  I like that it doesn't feel sticky like some lip glosses can.  It is a full size product at 8ml which costs £14.30. If I were vegan etc then I might consider it but I'm not and I can't justify buying it again.

Natio Lotus Soap

One of a trio set which comes in at £8.50 for the three. I got just the one but it is a large sized bar and smells lovely.  Definitely will be used.

Green People SPF 15 with tan accelerator

Sun lotion with a weird scent.  I honestly can't describe it.  It isn't like any sun lotion I've ever smelt before. Maybe it is the tan accelerator. I've not smelt one of those so I don't know.  It isn't unpleasant just weird.  Ideal size for the handbag or car.

Snowberry 3 Samples

I got samples of Bright Defence Night Cream, Intensive Renewal Face Serum and Nourishing Rich Day Cream.  I've not heard of Snowberry before but the name made me smile which can't be a bad thing.  Looking forward to using them.

So my verdict on this - Again a box I have mixed feelings about.  Not happy about the eyelashes but they are popular right now.  Just not for me I'm afraid.  Not happy about the rollerball on the scent not working but the scent itself seems nice.  The rest are OK. Not what I would buy so it is nice to try them. 

I've tried Glossybox, Luxbox and now this.  To be honest I think there hasn't been much between all three based on their last boxes and in the case of luxbox their first.  I liked some products from all of them but not all and some I definitely won't use or were unsuitable for my skin despite filling in a beauty profile in the case of Glossybox.  I have now cancelled Glossybox and Luxbox. Luxbox took their next payment before the first box which I think is rather cheeky.  I don't know whether I will get a refund for that with cancelling or whether I will just get the next one and nothing after that.  I'm in two minds about She Said Beauty. The eyelashes have definitely put me off and I think they had them in their first box two months ago before I subbed so they seem to like them. 

 

Luxbox Launch Box

I signed up for the launch luxbox and it arrived on monday.

The box itself I would describe as a pale lilac. Kind of shabby chic but classy at the same time.

The inside of the box is black with black shreddings and tissue tied up with fuchsia ribbon.

The contents:

MOA The Green Balm - tiny tub of 100% natural healing balm which claims to be miraculous. For skin conditions, bumps, bites, grazes and minor burns, coldsores and shaving.  Smells gorgeous and with a child who comes home with holes in the knees of his trousers most days and grazed knees I can immediately see what I will be using it for.  Might try it on spots aswell.

BM Beauty Eyeshadow - shades Her Majesty and Wolf Howl.  A loose powder eyeshadow.  The colours are a bit vibrant for me but as a crafter I can see many uses for these mixed with water and sprayed on my work or painted or mixed with nail polish.  Or I may give them to my purple loving daughter.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream - Triple action eye cream to revitalise weary eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines.  I've tried this and love it.  I think my dark shadows are past the point of being smoothed away but it feels nice and soft on the skin so I'll see if it makes a difference.

Steamcream Ambigue Limited Edition by Mako Kikkawa - Steamcream represents the latest concept in skincare. Freshly handmade using high quality natural ingredients that are fused together with a shot of steam.  Made for the face but also perfect for the body and hands apparently.  I've used it this morning and I really like it.  The scent is a bit lavendery but not in an old granny sort of way.  It feels nice on the face.  I tried a bit on my hands but I'm afraid they are bit too dry for it. Only Body Shop Hemp seems to make a difference to my paws.

Eldora False Lashes -  These will definitely be going to my daughter. I have no need for false eyelashes but obviously they are very 'in' at the moment amongst younger people. 

My verdict - Apart from the eyelashes I will use everything in the box.  It was reduced because it was the launch box.  I think I will keep my subscription up for the next box and see what it contains.  This one is very much on a par with Glossybox this month. 

I got an email last night to say She Said Beauty have dispatched their May box.  I couldn't resist clicking on the sneek they linked to and that contains eyelashes aswell :( I will review that as soon as it arrives.

She Said Beauty Box April 2012

I decided to try the She Said Beauty Box this month after trying the glossy box one last month. That review can be found here.

They released a sneeky peek on Friday and I couldn't resist having a looksie.

The box arrived this morning and I have to say I wasn't in the least bit disappointed with the contents

It contains the following:

Filthy Gorgeous Nail Polish in valentine which is bright red.

I'm not really a fan of red nails but it will be good for the toes.  It is a full size at 10ml and retail price is £9.  This was the only thing I was vaguely disappointed about and mainly because they say on the sneek that it comes with a plectrum charm thingy and it didn't.  I might query that with their customer services.

Comfort Zone Body Expert Kit

6 of what I would call large sized samples of various body products in a little bag shaped holder.  I haven't tried them yet but the packaging is so nice I might just look at them a little longer.  They are Fruity Peel Exfoliator, Aromasoul Shower Gel, D-Age Body Cream, Body Strategist+ Remodeller, Vital Leg Cream and Tranquility Cream.

Mischa Barton Luscious Lips Pink Pop

I love this. Not sticky like a lot of lip glosses and the colour is just the nicest shade of pink.

Bellapierre Shimmer Powder

This is a full sized shimmer powder in champagne.  Maybe not what I would buy but will definitely use.

Bharti Vyas - The ultimate therapy (UTR) face and neck polisher

Generous sample sized pot.  I haven't had chance to use it yet but I have to say it smells amazing.

Erno Laszio - The Hollywood Collection

WOW WOW WOW I tried the morning beauty rescue sample of this before I looked at the contents leaflet.  It is one of the nicest feeling face products I've ever used.  Then I looked at the leaflet and saw the prices of these items and my jaw dropped to the floor.  I'll be using these in careful quantities in future.  I definitely can't afford the full size ones which as you can see are very expensive.  If I could afford them though I would absolutely buy them

Ava Gardner - Instant Eye Repair - £85 for 0.5oz
Marilyn Monroe - Morning Beauty Rescue - £95 for 1.7oz
Katharine Hepburn - Intensive Porcelain Veil - £140 1.7oz
Grace Kelly - Refresh Moisture Infusion - £125 1.7oz
Greta Garbo - Velvet Night Cream - £175 1.7oz

and last but by no means least this little treat

All in all I would say that this was a good box. Not keen on the red nail polish and missing charm thing from it but apart from that I'm happy.