Glossybox - January 2013

The Detox Box

Vichy Normaderm 3in1 Cleanser

This is a 3in1 cleanser from Vichy that can be used as a face scrub, cleanser and face mask. It is formulated with purifying, peeling glycolic & salicylic acids (which helps spot and imperfections). It is also 25% clay, which purifies imperfection-prone, sensitive skin. 

To use as cleanser/exfoliator: apply to a wet face using circular movements, and rinse off. 

To use as mask: apply a thin layer all over except eye and lip area, and leave to dry for around 5 minutes. 

I haven't used this as a mask yet but the
exfoliator and cleanser was nice enough, although the clay in it makes it a bit of a task to wash off. It left my skin very clean, soft and minimised my pores. 

I like the fact that you can use it for different things depending on how much time you have, although its a pretty average scrub. 

Will update when I have used it as a mask :)

*Update*

I have now used this as a mask, and I have to say I prefer the results much more than just using it as a face scrub. I apply a medium to thin layer all over, staying far away from my eyes, and leave for 5 - 10 minutes. During this time, the mask dries really quickly (especially a thin layer), and makes your face feel quite stiff. If I smile it cracks but doesn't fall off, you can even stroke your face without getting any on your hands or it falling away. Then I wash it off, which takes some time as the clay is quite hard to get off. My face felt really soft and had a sheen to it, it was so clean.

Now I like this product even more as it does the job well both ways. Also I saw a Vichy section in the more expensive skincare section in Boots so I can easily get hold of this stuff again!

Jason - Lips Bee Healthier

 

This is a lip balm by Jason, which means 'healer' in Greek. They use natural ingredients such as Beeswax, Vitamin E & Green Tea Extract. Organic Aloe Vera Gel is there to soothe and protect chapped lips, Shea Butter & Sweet Almond oil help to moisturise the lips.

When I first applied this lip balm, it felt hard but it started to melt onto my lips once it felt the heat. It went on smoothly, and I felt a small tingle from the Peppermint Leaf Oil, which also made my lips feel cool. Usually I don't really like Peppermint stuff that makes you tingly, but this is subtle and feels quite nice! My lips are always dry and chapped, so I loved that I got this in my box, although its pretty cheap. I've found my lips are smooth and soft after use but I'm still yet to find a balm that will cure it completely! Any suggestions?

Premae Skincare - Balance Rescue Face Tonique

This is a refreshing face toner 'for combination skin' which supposedly mattifies and rejuvenated congested skin. It contains antiseptic lemongrass and sandalwood oil, along with the main ingredient, rose water. That's all the ingredients in this bottle, which is simple but very good for skin as there is no alcohol or fragrances. Like a normal toner, it cuts through grease, dirt and oil but without stripping the natural oils, and leaves skin fresh and plump.

It does have a slight scent, which I guess is the oils natural fragrances, along with a slight rose hint. It left my skin very clean and fresh, not necessarily 'plump', but smooth. You use this like a normal toner, after cleansing, with a cotton pad. I found it was nice, but not really that different to other toners I've used, except for the very natural ingredients.

This bottle was 30ml but not quite filled up to the top.

Some benefits of this toner:

Allergy friendly
100% Non animal tested
Vegan certified by Vegan Society
Recycled packaging, ethically sourced
Made in England & 100% natural

This is what they said on Premae Skincare's website:
What will my skin experience in the first 30 days?
In 1-7 days, my skin will appear less oily, greasy with blackheads begin to dissapear
In 14 days, my skin will feel smoother and less spotty, the trapped/clogged pores look cleaner
In 21 – 28 days, my skin will feel more flawless and brighter

Which pleased me! It costs £17.50 for 100ml on their website, but naughty Glossybox told us it was £27.50 for 50ml?! Bad Glossybox.

Sanctuary Spa - Active Reverse Thermal Transformation Mask

I was kinda let down when I saw this in my box, as I already have one of these samples that I got for free. I hadn't tried it yet so getting another one made me more inclined to try it out, especially as your supposed to use these products for 30 days to see a real difference (apparently).
This is supposed to dramatically improve the appearance of your skin, by firming and refining to reveal smoother, glowing, even skin. And it minimise fine lines & wrinkles.

So did any of this happen to my skin? Hmmm, not really. I don't have many lines so can't comment too much on that. My skin wasn't dramatically improved, but it was a little firmer and smoother. I will use the other sample soon so I can see if there's any more effect but I doubt it.

I do have to comment that the warming effect was pretty intense, not what I look for in a mask but definitely an experience! You apply the serum, and then the clay mask, which heats up when combined together. The heat only last for a short while, when you first put it on for about 3 seconds and then cools. The more mask you put on the more heat. It's very, very warm but doesn't burn your skin. I'm not sure many people will really like the feeling. It's definitely unique and you gotta try it if its free!

The only other thing was I was confused at how many times this sample was supposed to last. It said to apply the serum generously and by doing this I used up the whole sample, which was 3.5ml, but then I had way too much clay mask leftover, which was 7ml. So I could use the mask twice but the serum once... Why did they make the sample quantity so different?! I got to use the mask again but with no heat...hmm.

Anyway they give you a good amount for a sample so shouldn't complain. However Glossybox we know it didn't cost you anything! Cheeky.

Monu - Renu Flash Relax Mask

This face mask has a 'instant detox effect' and provides an immediate boost for your skin. It is paraben-free which is always lovely, so if you can sensitive skin this should be okay. It contains Ginseng and magnesium that relaxes fine lines, and vitamins C & B5 enhance natural radiance and promotes moisture balance.

I'm not really sure why I received this in my Glossybox as they know I have young skin, however I gave it a go as I do like face masks. It is a clear gel, and very easy to massage onto your face, and fairly easy to wash off for a face mask. I left it on for about ten minutes (it suggests 5-10) and in that time it turned to a tacky kind of film. It then sort of turned back into the gel consistency when I started to wash it off.

When I had it on my skin I felt a slit tingling sensation, which I didn't particularly enjoy, but they do warn you about that on their website. It did leave my skins really lovely and soft, but other than that I didn't notice much else. Maybe it's because it's for mature skin?

It retails at £32 for 100ml, and I received 30ml in my box.

Glossybox also gave an extra gift to us this month, which was a pink and black sleep eye mask, which is a nice touch, and I may use this once or twice haha.

If you receive Glossybox then please let me know what you got in your box, and if you have any questions please ask!

Thanks for reading and hope its been helpful.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask

Eve Lom Rescue Mask

The Eve Lom Rescue Mask is a deep cleansing leave on mask that you can use weekly or when your skin needs some rejuvenating. It has hard salt like crystals in and is thick and clay like when applied.

You should cleanse first, then apply the mask all over, even on your eyes as it get rid of eye make up too. I haven't used it on my eyes generally because I don't want a load of product on my eyes especially as it has rough bits in it, but apparently it works! 

You can leave it on for 15-20 minutes and in that time it goes hard and tightens your face like a normal clay mask. Eve Lom encourages you to wipe off the mask with a damp muslin cloth that they also sell, which exfoliates while you wipe off.

Afterwards my skin felt deeply cleansed, my pores were slightly smaller, and my face felt very soft and smooth. You can also dilute some of the mask with water, and use around the eyes to reduce puffiness and then use eye cream afterwards. 

Only one thing that caught my attention was that the product can separate and when you squeeze the tube it can come out very watery, even after a good shake! It does make it clear to shake well before use on the packaging though.

Overall it is a good face mask that I will be using the rest of. What I like most about it is that you can use straight onto make up, so after a night out, instead of getting the make up wipes, you can use this and on your eyes too. 

My rating: 8.5/10

STEAMCREAM

STEAMCREAM

Steamcream is a moisturizer suitable for your face, hands and body, and is vegan friendly. The ingredients are fused together by a shot of steam, which supposedly makes its a smooth formula, lightweight, and hydrating.

You can purchase Steamcream in a variety of different style tins, which are all unusual and pretty, making the tin even more lovely as a potential tin for storing small things, once it is used up. 

I've read some reviews on this cream and most people have admitted to buying it for the sake of the beautiful packaging, and then not so impressed by the cream. It does claim on their website that it sinks in deep instantly, which is far from the truth with my skin, therefore I only use it at night. 

It leaves a very greasy feel and look, which I really despise in creams, but I have continued using it as in the morning my skin does feel very soft and supple.

I appreciate that it is handmade using ingredients from only the UK or Japan, and most of their creams are vegan friendly except the ones with honey, but this is something you don't see much of so it's a nice touch. 

The smell is very lavender-esque, which usually I would think of as a bad thing but its acceptable with this cream, fairly subtle, but a strong overall scent. Not a smell I would smell and instantly want on my skin but I can imagine some people would love it. 

My rating: 8/10

Rodial - Glam Balm

Rodial Glam Balm LIP

Glam Balm is a rose flavoured hydrating lip balm that claims to hydrate, smooth and protect the lips. It has Shea Butter and Vitamin E to soothe and soften the sensitive skin on your lips. It includes Hyaluronic Filling Spheres and Rose Wax that plumps up the lips.

The packaging is lovely - a large glossy white and silver box holds a good sized round tub with a lid that is so silvery and shiny, it doubles up as a mirror (handy!). It is the biggest lip balm I've had (10g) so it will definitely last a long time. 

It is a pale, baby pink colour and a texture unlike normal lip balms (thick and liquid-like). The scent is a subtle rose flavour, which isn't my favourite, but it's not an over powering smell unlike usual rose scents. I wouldn't choose the rose fragrance as you can kind of taste it when a little bit gets in your mouth which does not taste great.

When applied, it feels silky on the lips, almost like a lip gloss. It does the work of a lipgloss too, it looks very glossy on, and doesn't feel like its a balm.

Although it does claim to have beneficial soothing and softening effects, I think a rich moisturising lip cream would work better for very dry, chapped lips, like mine.

At £19, its quite expensive for more of a gloss than cream, but you do get your money's worth with the quantity of product. It's definitely a lip balm that you can wear for night make up, over a lip colour. 

The best bit about this product is the clear mirror on the lid so you don't need to fuss about finding one if you want a quick application.

My rating: 7.5/10 

Glossybox - December (Lemon by Mary Greenwell)

Lemon by Mary Greenwell Eau de Parfum

Last item from my December Glossybox

This is a perfume for acquired noses. The name says it all - a very citrusy, lemony fragrance, which is definitely a smell I wouldn't pay money for, especially when I found out it was £60 for 50ml (!) but I will say that this would be a very summery perfume.

Lemon claims to be designed to last on the skin as others don't, which I found to be a bit of a false statement as it did wear off, after a few hours although you could still smell some lemony tones.

Unfortunately I don't have much else to say about this fragrance as its just not forme, but if your into strong, citrus smells then this is the perfume for you!

My rating: 5/10

That's the end of reviews for the December Glossybox, and I think it's been a good box this month. I would of preferred a sweeter scent and a softer shade of lippy but the other products were definitely worth trying. Also the extra bonus of a Glossybox blusher, which is very cute and a different darker pink shade. Now I just can't wait for the January Glossybox!

Thanks for reading and leave a comment if you have any questions!

Glossybox - December (Sleek Lipstick)

Sleek Makeup - True Colour Lipstick

From my December Glossybox

These bold lipsticks are different to other lipsticks as they have a beautiful texture and pigmentation, and there are 20 shades to choose from, including matte and glossy.

I received a full sized lipstick (3.5g) which is worth £4.99, so a good price for a nice lipstick, and in matte 'Stiletto', a bright pillarbox red with a very matte texture. I never wear red lipstick as it doesn't really suit me but this matte lipstick makes all the difference without the shine. 

Also I find rubbing a small amount on top of moisturised lips, produces a lighter colour and looks completely different.

I would of preferred a different matte shade but its just luck with Glossybox if your going to get a shade you like or need. 

My rating: 7/10

Glossybox - December (La Potion Infinie)

Argentum Apothecary - La Potion Infinie

From December Glossybox

Now this is definitely something to blog about. I have never use a face cream like this - let alone used one that is as expensive as this (£147 for 70ml!). 

Glossybox says this about the cream:

The moment you apply la potion infinie, you will notice an immediate tightening and firming effect on your skin. Your complexion will look more even and feel super soft whilst la potion infinite delivers hydration without the shine.

The cream does not leave an oily film on the surface of your skin, and moisturises in a different way by delivering hydration to intercellular space, carrying 10,000 times its weight in water. The cream can be used on the face, neck and eye area. We are unisex and promote la potion infinite for all skin types and ages.

Overall, I agree with most of what had been said. My skin instantly felt tight which was very strange, as I have young skin anyway, I could definitely feel it was firmer. It was very anti-shine which I need with a moisturiser. You can actually order a sample of this on their website here (umm thanks Glossybox..?) but definitely try it if your intrigued of this expensive cream. 

I got two sample sachets which were a good size, I've used one which lasted me a few days, day and night. Pretty crazy cream - that's all basically!

My rating: 9/10

Glossybox - December (Seche)

The last Glossybox was a 'bejewelled' Christmas box.

What was in my December Glossybox?

1. Rituals - Magic Touch Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk 70ml
2. Seche - Nail Lacquer 14ml full size 
3. Argentum Apothecary - La Potion Infinie (two sample packets)
4. Sleek Makeup - True Colour Lipstick 3.5g full size
5. Mary Greenwell - Lemon Eau de Parfum sample size
6. Bonus 6th product - Glossybox Blusher 

The box looked lovely this month, ribbon and starry tissue paper and an extra little blusher!

I already did a separate review for the Rituals body cream because it was so gorgeous so no need to elaborate further but if you were/are a Glossybox subscriber then you can get little discounts off the products you receive in your box, and there is a £5 off £25 for Rituals that I might just have to use to buy a full size version.

                                                          Seche Nail Laquer

I was pleased that I got a colour I liked and not another bloody red as I do not need any more of them. My colour was a metallic, copper shade with tiny tiny flecks of silvery-bronze. It's like no other colour I've had. The formula is good, a little thick, but highly pigmented. Only need one layer! Lovely.

My rating: 8.5/10

Glossybox - November (Dr. Jart Beauty Balm)

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm

Last product from my November Glossybox

I was pleasantly surprised with my Dr. Jart BB as it is a very fair sized sample. I have seen the full size in Boots and although it is bigger, this size you can get a lot out of it, seeing as not much needs to be used anyway.

I'm not a massive fan of BB creams as I haven't found the one that is right for my skin colour (painfully pale) and for my oily and sensitive skin. I think I could come to really like one if it was right for me, and although Dr. Jart is the best one I have tried yet, the shade is unfortunately not right.

It smoothed out the surface of the skin and made it feel softer. Blemishes were slightly less noticeable. I think it would be a very nice base for foundation as it doesn't provide full coverage, or to wear instead of foundation on a hot day.

It claims to have self-adjusting flawless coverage, UVA & UVB protection and supposedly repairs damaged skin. It is also suit or for sensitive skin, and it is a moisturiser, primer, concealer and foundation in one.

If I was going out I wouldn't wear this by itself, as i need better coverage, although two applications is better. I can see this product agreeing with a lot of people's skin, and it contains SPF 25 which is always a plus, especially for my prone to burn, pale skin.

My rating: 9.5/10

That's the end of my reviews for the November Glossybox, unfortunately I had to do them all separately because of space, but hope you found them useful and maybe consider subscribing to Glossybox. Feel free to leave comments on your opinion or to ask more questions!

Glossybox - November (Burberry Body)

Burberry - Burberry Body Eau De Parfum

From my November Glossybox

This is a sample of the perfume but larger size to usual free samples.

The bottle is packaged in a cardboard box and the bottle itself is very pretty and made out of thick glass and metal. It is 4.5ml so more than the usual amount for a sample.

The scent itself is very pleasant - not something I would personally go out to buy, but maybe as a gift to my mum as this scent reminds me of her and that's not in a bad way as she is a very modern mum. She normally wears J'Adore - Dior and this is similar in a way. I prefer a more sweeter scent.

I am glad I got a sample of this fragrance as I think it's about £70 to buy full sized which I would never pay for myself (unless I had loads of money of course). 

I will be using the rest of the perfume, but only wear it occasionally as for me it's not an every day fragrance.

My rating: 7/10

Glossybox - November (Espa Mango Body Butter)

 The Alison Clare Mango Body Butter

From my November Glossybox

This was a fair sized bottle with a pump which is pleasing as some products from Glossybox are very small.

The cream has a very strong smell of mango and could be overpowering for some people. I haven't used much as I have others to try but it seems like a fairly nice cream. It does sink it reasonably well but not as well as others I've tried, and I find it leaves a tackiness on my skin, but not greasy which is good.

I'm not 100% on the fragrance, it is enjoyable but it could be a nicer smell. It is suitable for sensitive skin which is always a plus, and includes anti-ageing ingredients.

My rating: 7/10

Glossybox - November (Nails Inc)

Nails Inc - Kensington Caviar Top Coat

From my November Glossybox

I have many nail polishes by Nail Inc but I had not tried the caviar top coat until now.

The three colours in the image are the choices of which ones you get in the box, and the top coat is the one on the far right.

It is a good top coat especially if you have glitter or gems on your nails, as it seals them on for quite a while. However, I didn't find it that much different to other top coats I own. The colour in the bottle is a slight shade of pink but this isn't noticeable on the nail.

My product was very cute looking as it is tiny and I would of appreciated a full sized one, but I know the full sized polish is around 9 to 10 pounds, and as my Glossybox is £10 for the whole box, I can understand why.

I don't actually have much to say about this top coat but overall it's a good polish and handy sized.

My rating: 7/10

Glossybox - November (Dermologica)

November Glossybox

Glossybox is a monthly subscription service, where you receive 5 beauty products in a beautifully packaged box. I chose Glossybox over other beauty box subscriptions as you make your own beauty profile which asks a few questions that will relate to the products you receive. Also I love to keep the box after to organise all my beauty products.

November is my first box and the products I received were:

1. Dermologica Daily Microfoliant 
2. Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Topcoat
3. Espa Alison Clare Mango Body Butter
4. Burberry Body Eau De Parfum
5. Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm

Different people get different products, but on their website www.glossybox.co.uk they have a selection of all the things you could potentially get.

Dermologica Daily Microfoliant is a rice based exfoliatior but gentle on your skin. It comes in a talcum powder type of bottle. It's very unique as you pour some of the powder into very wet hands, rub together and then apply to face. First it's like a light scrub, and then evolves into a creamy lather. It different and easy to use and very gentle on my skin. 

My skin after was so soft to touch, I had to keep feeling it as it was so smooth. This product definitely does what it says on the tin and its a fun way to start the day. Once I've finished this I will be buying a full sized one. I would recommend this to people who are sensitive to face scrubs.

My rating: 9/10

Rituals... Magic Touch Cherry Blossom & Rich Milk body cream

I received this luxurious whipped body cream from my December Glossybox.

Glossybox is a monthly subscription service where you receive 5 sample size (sometimes full sized) products of different variations. I have received two so far, November & December boxes (which I will review separately) and I have been pleased with both.

I recommend Glossybox if you are a bit wary to try new products or just enjoy a variety of beauty surprises each month!

I got a 70ml bottle of this cream and I have almost used all of it. Unfortunately it's not the full sized product I received from my Glossybox, however I'm glad I got the chance to sample some as its so lovely. It's now January so the tube didn't last that long as I only applied it a few times, but those times I used it all over my body.

I've read other reviews about Magic Touch and everyone seems to have positive thoughts about it, me included.

The smell is lovely, unlike any other body cream I have used, and I don't even particularly like the smell of cherry anyway, I find it too sickly and strong. However this cherry smell is more subtle but still very fragrant, and creamy. You almost don't need to wear perfume when you use this cream.

The whipped cream also worked like a treat - absorbs easily which I always want in creams, leaves skin soft and supple, and it's long lasting too. 

It didn't go sticky or greasy, I just found that leaving it undisturbed on your body for 5 to 10 minutes allowed it to sink in completely.

After using up my untried body creams I will definitely be purchasing this beautiful cream. I love that it uses natural ingredients too. 

I thank Glossybox for including this and Rituals for creating such a lovely product!

My rating: 9.5/10