Glossybox # 2 - February 2013

I guess I should preface this post with the fact I do not understand why exactly I have received a second Glossybox this month, I can only assume it is due the amount of complaining I have done lately about their service and to make up for the expired products I have received from them, I know they have not been charging me twice, so that's a plus but still very strange, I guess I will be able to build my swap box faster than expected.

This was my second February Box, the differences between this box and the first are I did not receive the special "Givenchy Gloss"  in its place I received:


1) a Burt's Bee's Lip Shimmer in Plum -  This product looks way to dark for my fair complexion, This will be a swap item

2) Elite Eye Liner Pencil - I currently have 2 pencil liners on the go and a gel liner, so I have not even bothered to swatch this product, but I heard from one of the girls in the beauty group that it is a great glitter liner.

I also received an Avon Nail Polish in Plum, this product is supposed to replace the expired Avon Lipgloss from Poland and the outdated Revlon Nail Polish that came in a previous box.  Its a basic color nothing special, I am a little peeved though, some glossy subscribers had the option to pick to previous products as replacements and they were sent straight away, I was not given that option just told they would send me the polish (which took almost three months)

The Essence Eye shadow Quad I received in this box is way more suitable to my taste than the previous one as well, I have arranged a swap on the for the previous one with a beauty group member, Once I receive the swapped item I will do a review of the pigmentation and quality of Essence shadows.

The Biore Strips - I tried this item once over the weekend, and I must have done something wrong, as it did absolutely nothing for me :) I will be testing it again.

The Shower Gel- This product lathered ok, but really is not my favorite sent, I will use it for shaving I think but that's about it.

The Macadamia Oil - I cannot say enough about this product, I think I am in Love, even more so that the Argan Oil. Sooo glad to have two of these!! My hair feels healthier and smoother andfeels to me like it has a little more weight to it. I do warn you not to use it near your hair line though, LOL or you look a bit greasy.

Glossybox February 2013

This months Glossybox is a hit for me I think, after the last several months of disapointment (expired products, products from other countries, and products from 2005) I was really happy to open this months box.

Contents:

Givenchy Gloss - Coral Frenzy (6ml -$30, this gb pricing)
This item was supposed to only go to Glossy Subscribers with a high amount of Glossydots.... but I ended up with one anyways, not complaining, just mentioning.

This gloss is a nice color, doesn't have a funky taste and doesn't go on sticky.

Score: 5/5

Essence Quattro Eyeshadow -oh-so-cute (full size $3.99)

I enjoy Essence products ( you can pick them up at your local SDM, they are cheap but not bad quality) but I am not sure these shades are for me, swap box it is!

Score: 3/5 (1 point for color choice and 1 for it being a very low end brand that I was already aware of)

Biore - Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (6/$9.99)

I have heard both great and terrible things about this product, but I noticed some blackheads the other day so will be trying them later

Score: 4.5/5 (.5 point for it being a product I already knew of ) this score may change once I have a chance to test the product.

Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment -(30mls $13.50)

I just recently got into hair oils (thanks Ipsy) with Argan Oil, so I am looking forward to trying this one out, as winter has done a number on my already dry hair.

This oil has a nice smell  and the packaging is cute, a spot test on my fingers felt very moisturizing and absorbed quickly.

I am planning a comparison review of this, argan and coconut oil.

Score: 5/5 of course this may change once I give it a try on my hair.

Anatomicals You need a Bloomin Shower - Rose and Jasmine Body Cleanser (150 ml $3.00

The packaging on this product is adorable, I love the bright colors. This is a good size sample and at $3 I would be interested in trying other scents, which brings me to........the scent, I am a bit unsure of this smell right out of the bottle, I does smell very much like a bouquet of roses, but I do not get even a hint of jasmine and I am not really sure that I like the smell of roses, but I am willing to give it a try to see what it smells like in the shower. Score: 4 ( 1 point for the smell) this score might change once I have a chance to test it. There were also 3 foil samples, 2 from Eucerin *who just offered the same samples in the mail to everyone, 1 from crabtree and evelyn. And of course the Glossybox cupcake wrappers. All in all I give this box a 9 outta 10.

December Beauty Boxes

So its the middle of the month and I am expecting many pretty things in the mail but have yet to receive anything and the wait is killing me!!! I am expecting:

IPSY - This is my first bag from Ipsy and the reviews of last months bag AND the information on this months bag was amazing so I am really sad that it has not arrived yet, even though I got my shipping notification on Monday the bag has not yet been received by Canada Post for delivery :(

TOPBOX -  I received my shipping notification yesterday with an expected delivery date of December 19th, I usually always receive my Topbox a day earlier than expected, but being the Christmas Season I do not have high hopes!, this one was shipped out late due to a sample not being received on time, the 1 posted spoiler on FB does not really give me high hopes for this one as everyone says that these are all items that have been previously received  but since there are at least 56 variations of Topbox this month I am crossing my fingers mine will be decent

GLYMM - No Shipping notification yet, but I usually receive notification around the 14- 17th each month so crossing my fingers!! Normally Glymm does a hint thing on their FB for one of the products in the bag, but so far this has not happened this month, this one should be a complete surprise  (If I manage not to look at spoilers on FB once the packages get shipped, which we know will never happen)

GLOSSYBOX - This one doesn't even get shipped until the end of the month so not too concerned though it would be nice if they had gotten their act together so we could have it pre-Christmas.

LUXBOX - I signed up for this one by the deadline for the Winter Box and was charged and then the payment was mysteriously reversed and when I logged in I was told I had no active subscription, but word on the Beauty Box FB pages is that the guy who runs it is a bit shady.  Though the spoilers I have seen seem to indicate the winter box being an "O.K" box I am not too sad that I won't be receiving this.

BEAUTY BOX 5 - I signed up for this one solely based on a brush..........yep, you heard me.......a brush, I figure if its crap or the rest of the box isn't worth it I can always cancel in the new year LOL - no idea when I should be receiving it because I only ordered it yesterday.

and last but definitely not least

GOLDEN TOTE - I have been waiting very patiently for this one,  I assume because its shipped from California and has to go through customs is what is causing the delay, but I tell ya hoping it has arrived makes my walk home from work go much faster! I was super hoping that my November Tote (Very late order, my bad) would have arrived by today as I have been dreaming of some of the items in the tote and would have been great to wear today for the Realtor's Luncheon, I am very excited about my December totes as well (ya two of them ! one large tote and the accessory tote as well LOL) these ones where posted this week so I m crossing my fingers that they arrive prior to Christmas or at least New Years as the dress I chose as one of my pieces would be great for holiday parties, though I note that they change the other option which was a cardigan that I didn't much care for to another lace dress (This one with long sleeves and absolutely to die for) which made me run to their page and try and order another one :) Thankfully for my credit card they are sold out

So to Canada Post please bring me pretty things in the mail soon!

Glossybox November 2012

So Friday I arrived home to find my Glossy Box jammed into my mailbox (I really should look into getting a larger one lol) I pretty much already knew what would be in it from FB Beauty Box Spoilers, so I wasn't really too excited as its a pretty boring box.  I will most likely use everything in the box but almost everything I could run out and pick up at my local walmart or SDM, so they not "luxury" samples nor do I feel like I am being exposed to Brands I normally wouldn't purchase or know about.

Curel -Cuticle and Hand repair formula 100mg $5-7 for full size 3.5 oz 
I used this yesterday after removing the sparkly polish I recieved in my Glymm bag, as that can be tough on my hands.  Inital thoughts: it moisturized, didn't feel greasy and absorbed fast, so overall I enjoyed this sample, its a generous size as well. With the colder weather approaching I can see this getting alot of use. Plus I didn't currently have a hand creme.

Nexxus Therappee shampoo and Humectrus conditioner. $15 each for full size which is over a liter so these samples are the most low value ones in this box. Inital thoughts:  smells amazing, hair seemed full of body (though this might be due to the new styling regime I found on Pintrest) I have recieved shampoo and conditioner samples in the last like 4 beauty boxes so I m pretty played out but at least I m stockpiling travel sizes.

Vitabath - Citrus Twist Bath and Shower Gelee, 6.5 oz -- $18 for 10.5 oz (they also sell it in 32 oz for $40) I m actually really happy with this product as I didn't currently have a bubble bath and it being winter I do like to indulge in baths, so I have been using Dishwashing Soap. Inital Thoughts: smells delish,  good bubble production, to soon to say if it makes a difference to my skin.

Kryolan for Glossy Box - Blush
No price as its exclusive to GB,  this obviously is a full size sample.  Inital thoughts: pretty color, good coverage. Meh whats to say its blush??  will swatch later if I get a chance.

Maybelline -NYM Lip Gloss
I can't seem to find a price for this as I can't seem to find these glosses. Inital Thoughts: Smells good, color.ans shine are fine.  Formula is way to thick I do not like the feel of it on my lips at all

Nicole -Kardashian Kolor
$7-14 obviously this is full size
Inital Thoughts: pretty color have tried it yet

There you have it November 2012 Glossy Box, this was the first box for me at the higher price and aside from the fact we got a mini magazine (that the US has been getting in their boxes) I don't really think that the quality of the box improved with the price jump.  I did get $21 worth of product and I will still stick it out at least until GB's Anniversary Box in February,  hoping to see an increase in box quality, if not I ll just stick
to the gazillion other subs

Subscription Boxes

Have you heard of or tried Subscription Boxes? I recently over the summer fell in love with both the IDEA and the actual service of curated items being delivered to my door. In Canada we have access to several strictly Canadian sub services along with a few from other countries (Shipping can kill the savings though)

Liz over a subscription addiction has a great list of American ones that you can check out here (Some offer shipping to Canada)

http://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com

I also found out about a few from

http://www.subscriptionboxes.com , this site also offers user reviews to help you make your choice a little easier

My first sub choice was Topbox because of all the rave reviews, but this was back in January and I had to go on the 8 month long waiting list. (my opinion is down below as I am now off the waitlist)
http://topbox.ca/

My First Sub was Glossybox, (was $15 now its $21 a month)

http://www.glossybox.ca/referal?CI=MTMxMzQ=

I ordered GB in June and received my first box in July, now my opinion of Glossybox has been sort of hit and miss, some boxes have been amazing and others less so. Glossybox's website promises "5 deluxe beauty samples delivered each month." but some months we have received drugstore items such as Venus Razors (don't get me wrong I love them :) ) or other items that have come in P&G sample packs, basically stuff I could pick up at SDM for cheap. There has been a general uproar on Facebook in the last few months due to the fact GB raised there price (which was already the highest at $15.00 a month) to $21.00 and their reasoning for doing so being the "Making a North American Standard Pricing (GB USA has always been $21) and so they can continue to improve and provide us with great products" So I am sticking it out for a few months to see if there is an improvement or at least less of a variance with the types of products and samples, I have not been taking pictures of the boxes or doing reviews, but I will starting November. 

My Second Sub was Glymm ($12 a month)

http://www.glymm.com/share/mmayer2009

Glymm has been pretty consistent with their type of samples, I have pretty much had a use for everything I have been sent (even the baby butter hair creme, its perfect for my daughter's hair), I have no complaints except the high number of Shampoo and Conditioner samples as I m don't really feel that you can get a good sense of a product in three or four uses, I don't foresee cancelling this in the near future. Once again will start reviewing and posting pictures with the December bag.

Third Sub...TOPBOX (was $10 now its $12 a month)

Finally off the Topbox wait list, and was a bit disappointed with my first few boxes from them, as prior to this all I heard was RAVE reviews everywhere but I guess you can't win all the time and they are trying to accommodate lots of subscribers at this point, but I m looking forward to future boxes and I haven't received anything terrible or drugstore quality, so again I do not foresee cancelling this one.

Fourth Sub - Indie Giftbox -- Not a Beauty Box ($20 plus $10 shipping)

http://indiegiftbox.com/

I was put on a waiting list for this one for several months, Indie Giftbox describes itself as "We curate great items from independent artists and small businesses every month and organize them into themed boxes that you can purchase. Our goal is to help you discover new artists and companies, and to help those artists and companies grow their businesses! "

I was very happy to be able to get in on the Winter themed box for November, as Indie has a limited amount of boxes available and you have to be on the ball to order one when they become available.
I paid a little more for shipping as this is an american box, but once I received the box I was extremely happy with the contents I received: 

1. a wonderful travel size candle in a great reusable tin from (Will update with the scent when i get home)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/plainjbodyandhome

2. a really cute Christmas Ornament from 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopofworldlydelight

3. a Loveley Snowman Gift Tag (plus one to make yourself, my daughter loved this)

as seen here (Also a link to her Etsy Shop) http://www.etsy.com/transaction/102825503

5. Lovely Christmas Card, thats almost to cute to use ( I love note cards and it was extremely good quality)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/112429864/peace-mistletoe-holiday-card-qty-1


6. Snowflake necklace (Not exactly the same as the chain is different, but still wonderful for winter)

http://eef.storenvy.com/products/684750-proper-snow-at-last-silver-tone-snowflake-necklace

I also received coupons and gift cards from the following:

issa.ino:handmade, Wired Essentials, Megandowntherabbithole, My So Called Chaos, and Sebastian Design.

All of which would make finding a gift for that hard to shop for person easier, plus your supporting small business!

6th Subscription Box - GOLDEN TOTE ($49.00 for 2 to 3 items, or $149.00 for 5-7 items, plus $20 shipping)
http://www.goldentote.com

I have been considering this one on and off since I discovered it Via Liz's website (link to Liz's website above)
This is a little more pricey then a beauty box but its CLOTHES!! amazing clothes !!

One of the reasons's I was hesitant to try this was not only because of the higher cost, but the lack of reviews out there from actual subscribers, that of course was until Liz posted her review and I immediately went a bought the $149 dollar tote







These are the choices for I made for the 1st Item and the 2nd, the remaining items in your tote are a complete surprise, One of the main reasons I ended up ordering is the Aztec swear is absolutely gorgeous.

The Girls behind this sub are the clothing designers behind Puella, so you know the stuff is going to be quality, I ordered my November Tote today and the December one goes on sale on Monday (hehe I maybe reviewing these both at the same time)

 I don't know if this is something that I will indulge in every month at $170.00 including shipping or $70.00 for the other version, unless I can wiggle the room in my budget else where, but then again that's whats great about this sub, if you don't like the choices for 1st and 2nd you can skip the tote all together. I love the idea of adding to my closet( Which is sorely lacking) without hitting the mall and with pieces that are curated and seem to be high quality. 

(Below are the two choices that I passed on)










That's all for now folks I will be revealing and reviewing my boxes and posting pictures starting with Glossybox November Edition, followed hopefully by Golden Tote and then Topbox and Glymm then Golden Tote and Glossy HAHA what a great month for mail!!