GlossyBox: Back To Basics: January 2014

Just for anyone that is new to GlossyBox (GB) – it’s a monthly subscription to a beauty box where you receive a random selection of 5 beauty related products.

“Each month, we deliver a diverse selection of 5 beauty treats that include niche, high-end and emerging brands. Our global experts curate the latest trends and products to bring you reusable and stylish boxes full of beauty essentials, that will leave you looking and feeling great, time after time.”

The subscription in the UK is £10 plus £2.95 P&P. There are other subscription levels available. For more information check out the GlossyBox Website.

Earlier this month, GB announced that their boxes would be receiving a “glossy makeover”. After getting my box today, I can say there is are a few subtle changes to the box and packaging itself. The boxes are shiner - appearing to look ‘glosser’ and feel smoother to hold (…actually living up to its name). Inside, the ribbon that ties it all together is now embossed with the GB corporate identity giving it a more official look. Now, I am disappointment that they changed their ribbon but it’s for shellfish reasons. I like saving the ribbon for wrapping presents with. In addition to the changes, the box is also slightly longer in length.

It’s not often that I complain about the GB Boxes. I like to keep an open mind about the products I received – after all - as the quote from GB suggests, I should know exactly what my money is paying for. Right?

This month’s GB surprised me. Before I received my box, I hopped over to their Facebook page to see some spoilers. Although I do like the elements of their ‘glossy makeover”, I like many others on Facebook are less than enthusiastic about the contents. The theme of the GB is “Back to basics”. But it’s like they have taken every sense of the phrase to the dullest ends of life. Rather than being motivating, it’s boring and uninspiring to say the least.

Contents are as follows:

Yu-Be Moistrurising Skin Cream

“Japan's no.1 selling vitamin-enriched skincare cream is here, with its unique super-moisturising glycerine formula. Perfect for dry areas like lips, elbows, knees and cuticles, its non-greasy blend of antioxidants and camphor calm and protect skin, leaving it soothed, hydrated and beautifully soft.” – CultBeauty.com

I haven’t tried this stuff yet but after reading some reviews online – it appears to have some usefulness to it. It’s a multi-use cult cream from Japan marketed to revamp skin. If you have use this before – leave a comment below letting me know what you think.

t’s slightly on the expensive side: £13.50 for a 33g tube. Some may argue that other moisturising products on the market would do the same job but cheaper! Click here for more info

Balance Me: Super Toning Body Wash

“An invigorating, tone-enhancing, naturally foaming body wash with our signature “super”, spa-inspired aromatic blend of juniper, bergamot, geranium and lavender essential oils.”- balanceme.co.uk

I have tried and tested a number of products from balanceme and I do like their range of products. But, similar with their products and would of preferred something different .On the whole, I like the smell. It can be used as a shower gel or bath soak. But it’s something new to me.

It’s £10.25 for 260ml

Anatomicals: Puffy The Eye Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches

“Puffy the eye bag slayer under eye patches by Anatomicals”

o “Enriched with moisturising agents and collagen”

o “Helps to reduce dark circles and signs of ageing”

o “Eliminates puffiness”

Anatomicals is another brand that isn’t new to me. I’ve used several of their products now and used them before I subscribed to GB. That side, I like anything to gives me the opportunity to reduce the under-eye baggage. They are cooling and soothing. These would be great after a long day.

You can get 3 pairs for £6 from ASOS. com

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Slated Tweezers

Probably the product that I am most disappointed about. These tweezers are OK – but do not compare the HD Brows set that received in a GB earlier last year. I’ll probably use them for applying false eye lashes but nothing more. I am not impressed with the quality, and more of the print work was smudged. The company sell lots of lovely looking items and it appeals to individuals more who love their chic'ness.

Montagne Jeunesse Facemasks x2

Passion Peel Off:

“Gently peel away dead skin with our amazing Passion Peel Off deep cleansing masque. Our Pomegranate and Passion Flower formula cleans, purifies and protects leaving your skin feeling fresh and radiant.”

- Montagnejeuesse.com

Blemish Mud

“Enliven your skin and help combat unsightly blemishes with our Aloe Vera and Willow Blemish Mud. Our special blend of nature’s remedies naturally targets your problem areas for a clear and clean complexion.”

- Montagnejeunesse.com

I have used Montagne Jeunesse facemasks before and have loved them. And again, like some of the other products received in this month’s GB – I have used them already!! They’re great if you need a pick me up or lift. They smell great and feel good afterwards. Excellent bargain of £1 per facemask.

Final Note:

Overall - not really impressed with the products in this months GB. I got where they were going with the full 'back to basis' theme but it does lack imagination and thorough consideration for its consumers. The only product I am excited to try is the Anatomical: Puffy The Eye Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches. The feedback from Facebook should prompt some thought as to where they went wrong with this. I only hope that next months box is more fruitful!!!

Thanks for reading!