Adrianne’s May Glossybox

May’s box celebrates Glossybox’s first birthday (in the U.S.). The products embrace the company’s past and future and give a special hat tip to NYC—home of Glossybox.

1. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact

2. être belle Collagent & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask

3. European Wax Center: The Exfoliate and Slow It Body Wash

4. My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer

5. Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick

6. Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray

1. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact: I was a little confused when I opened this little pot. Inside was a sponge soaked in foundation—I had never seen that before. The formula is designed to provide SPF protection, hydration and total coverage for skin. It’s a little difficult to accurately review this one because the color I received didn’t match my skin tone. It was a little too dark and looked a little orange. I opted not to use the sponge and tried both using my fingers and a foundation brush. Though the color was off, the product felt nice and light on my skin and blended well. However, at $60 per pot, it’s not something I’d consider purchasing.

2. être belle Collagent & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask: This mask was a really special treat! The collagen and aloe formula is supposed to improve elasticity and promote hydration. The formula is soaked in the cloth mask. All you need to do is unfold the mask and place it over your face. I made sure to wash my face and remove all my makeup beforehand. Wow! This mask was great. I did as recommended and used it before bed one night. It was a nice treat to lie in bed and relax with this mask on my face. It felt cool and calming. I left the mask on for about 10 minutes. After removing, my skin felt really soft and extremely hydrated. This mask is perfect for my dry skin. For 10 masks, it’s $39.50. 

3. European Wax Center: The Exfoliate and Slow It Body Wash: Every so often I’ll receive samples that are difficult to review. I received two packets—1) The Exfoliate: designed to refine and polish skin and 2) Slow It Body Wash: designed to prevent ingrown hair, clear and hydrate skin and deter bumps and blemishes. I wasn’t able to detect any kind of benefit from either of these samples. But, it could be that these products take a few uses to show results.  

4. My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer: Not only is this product a moisturizer, it also acts as a primer. It’s lightweight, designed to hydrate yet mattify skin and provides anti-aging benefits. Though I can’t attest to the anti-aging benefits, this moisturizer goes on smoothly and melts into the skin. Once applied, it feels like nothing is there. I was shocked at how well it whisked away any shine on my skin. At $68 for the full size product it’s quite steep, but might be worth it if you struggle with oily/combination skin or during the summer months.

5. Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick: This was probably the most pleasant surprise in this month’s Glossybox. When I saw a solid perfume stick, I didn’t have high hopes for it. I had never used a solid perfume, nor did I ever consider it. But, it smells fantastic. It has a very subtle floral sweet scent. The stick lets you control just how much product you apply. The product is white, but goes on completely clear and doesn’t leave behind any residue. Just make sure you store this in a temperature controlled location—if the product gets too warm it will come off very goopy. (It just then requires you to work it into your skin a bit more.) I didn’t think I’d ever be into solid perfume, but this one has changed my mind. And at $14.99 for the full size, I'd absolutely consider purchasing this product. 

6. Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray: I have tried hairspray from the Sebastian line, but never a volumizing formula. The product is a spray gel that is best used applied to damp hair. Since my hair is already straight, I don’t always take the time to brush through it as I use my hair dryer. I noticed that the gel tends to stiffen up without brushing. The extra effort is definitely worth it—I noticed that my hair had more body and movement.

Hope you’re having a lovely Tuesday!

Adrianne's April Glossybox

April’s Glossybox featured a compilation of products to celebrate the change in seasons. From a rosy blush to moisturizing lip balm to beachy hair, this Glossybox says bye-bye to cold weather and hello to summer.

1. Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

2. Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath

3. The Honest Company Honest Organic Lip Balm

4. Tigi Cosmetics Glow Blush

5.Wash With Joe Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash

6. Le Métier De Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution

1. Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist: Because I have stick straight hair, I was excited to receive a hair product that could help give my hair some wave. This spray is meant to be applied to damp or dry hair, then worked through with your fingers to create a wavy loose look. I used this for a few days on damp hair. The spray has a nice fresh scent and didn’t make my hair feel hard or crispy, like some texturizing sprays can do. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice that the spray helped my hair achieve any kind of wave. I noticed some more body and bounce, but as far as a beachy tousled look this product fell short. 

2. Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath: I’m not a huge fan of taking baths. I mostly do it out of necessity to shave my legs and that’s exactly what I did to test out this bath tea bag. When removing the tea bag from its container, I was immediately hit with an overpowering floral scent so I was a little nervous. After a shower, I filled the tub and dropped in the bag. It broke open and the powder contained within dissolved into the bath. Once it dissolved, the bath actually smelled nice and not too overpowering. I did feel like it softened my skin. Even after I drained the tub, the tea bag left a nice after scent in my bathroom.

3. The Honest Company Honest Organic Lip Balm: Have you ever eaten an orange dreamsicle? That’s exactly what this lip balm smells like. It’s made from organic jojoba and olive, sunflower and coconut oils. This balm is extremely moisturizing, smells great and is made from natural ingredients. I’m a big fan! I keep this lip balm on my coffee table so I can apply it throughout the night if I’m sitting and working or watching tv.

4. Tigi Cosmetics Glow Blush: This baked blush is designed with all skin tones in mind. The rosy color provides a nice shimmer to the skin and the color looks great. I found it easy to apply and long lasting. Here’s how it looks on me:

5. Wash With Joe Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash: I don’t even know where to begin with this product. I was excited to try it because I like energizing scents like citrus or mint—especially if it’s going to help wake me up in the morning. I was a little put off when I poured some of the product into my hand—it’s a dark brown color with the consistency of blood. Weird, right? It didn’t lather up for me or go on my skin smoothly, so it was a little difficult to use. Not only that, I really didn’t enjoy the smell. I got hit with faint notes of coffee, then mint and then I was overwhelmed by a smell I really hate—black licorice. Yuck. I wouldn’t use this product again. 

6. Le Métier De Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution: This daily lotion is packed with ingredients to nourish, rejuvenate and detoxify skin. It was really rich and moisturizing. The Glossybox even came with a discount to purchase. The problem? The full size is $225. No, that’s not a typo. It was fun to try something out that is so expensive, but I know I won’t use it again!

Have you tried any of these products?

Adrianne's March Glossybox

As you might remember from my post about February’s Birchbox, I ended up canceling that service and signing up for Glossybox. 

Let me just say—Glossybox is a HOME RUN! When I initially signed up for a beauty subscription, my hope was to be able to try new makeup products. Glossybox totally delivers on that. Four out of the five items I received were makeup products.

Look at how pretty the box is!

Here’s what I got:

1. Elite Models Liquid Eyeliner

2. ModelCo Cheek + Lip Tint

3. Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen

4. Illamasqua Eye Pencil

5. Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Hairspray 

1. Elite Models Liquid Eyeliner: I used to shy away from liquid liners, but have found some favorites with ones made by Eyeko and Stila. I can definitely add Elite Models’ version to liquid liner rotation. The color is dark brown—the perfect shade to really enhance the eyes, but it isn’t too intense. The product goes on smoothly and dries instantly, so you can apply your mascara immediately afterward. 

2. ModelCo Cheek + Lip Tint: Before trying this product, I read that it was a gel-based stain. It is definitely a stain—so much so that my fingers were tinted pink after using it. When you squeeze the product out of the bottle, it almost looks like a drop of blood. But, when you blend it into your skin, it turns into a really nice soft pink. It’s a perfect color for spring. And, because it’s a stain I didn’t see any signs of fading while wearing it. 

3. Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen: I never hear much about Pixi in magazines or on blogs, and that’s a shame. Pixi has a few really great products that I’ve tested. So, I was excited to receive this shadow pen. This versatile product can be used as an all-over shadow, eyeliner or even a highlighter for the inner corners of the eyes or brow bone. The product is really easy to apply and leaves you with a not-too-dramatic shimmery pink.

4. Illamasqua Eye Pencil: The insert in my Glossybox said I was supposed to receive a sample of Prestiche Essential Oil Bar Soap. But….I guess someone messed up and gave me an eye pencil instead. Score! (Speaking of Prestiche—the box came with a $40 off coupon for this line of products. I tried to visit the website and there was an error. Hmm.)  I’ve heard so much about Illamasqua products, but never tried anything from the line. The color I received is best described as khaki. It can be used on the eyes, lips, face or body (according to Illamasqua). This is something I probably wouldn’t use on anywhere but my eyes—the color is great for a daytime or work look. The pencil glides on, is intensely pigmented and lasts. 

5. Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Hairspray: This hairspray is designed to provide flexible hold to the hair while giving it high shine. I was skeptical when I read this. As a brunette, I usually find that hairsprays just make my hair look duller. The hairspray does work and provides great hold. I wouldn’t say that it provides my hair with more shine, but it definitely doesn’t dull my hair like other products do. The negative on this one for me is the smell. It has a really intense chemical smell.

Have you tried Glossybox? I think I’m hooked!