I've no doubt that you guys have read a million and one of the reviews on the disaster of the January Glossybox. I absolutely love my Glossybox subscription. Receiving five surprise beauty products a month really brightens my day, and I can't wait to rip open the box and dive right in to sampling and testing this and that. It's one of the highlights of my month, which is why when it goes bad, it goes really really bad. So let's see what products I received inside my box, the price of them, and my opinions.
The big hype this month was about the box redesign itself. Instead of the shallow, matte looking box with just the logo in the centre of the lid, the whole box is now bigger, deeper and has a glossy finish, and as you can see, the full name is now on the lid. I don't like the box redesign all that much, but really it's not about the box it's what's inside the box that counts.
As usual, the box had the Glossy magazine and the Back to Basics guide to the products inside your box, including where to buy and how much the full sized items are. These are nice touches, although I rarely ever read them (oops!). I did read them this time, though, to try and work out the price the box is worth.
Another change to the box design itself is the ribbon, which now has the Glossybox name and symbol instead of just a plain pink ribbon. I know a lot of people have a problem with this because they used the ribbon inside to wrap other people's gifts as well, which now can't be done. This ribbon is much thicker, so I think it looks a bit messier when you open it. But onto the products!
1. Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream - ''This multi-use cult moisturising cream from Japan revamps your skin, enriching it with vitamin E, vitamin B2, camphor and a uniquely high glycerine content. It's an essential for all skin care regimes.'' Full size £13.50 for 33g, I received 2x3g tubes worth £2.45, however it clearly states on the tube that these are testers and so are not intended for sale whatsoever, so the actual worth is
£0.00
2. Anatominals Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer Wake-Up Under Eye Patches - ''Looking like the walking dead? These under eye patches by Anatomicals will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and revitalise the delicate skin around your eyes!'' Full size £6.00 for 3 pack, I received a 2 pack worth £4.00
3. Balance Me Super toning body wash - ''With a blend of juniper, bergamot, gernaium and lavender essential oils, Balance me's Super toning body wash is the best way to start your day!'' Full size £10.25 for 250ml, I received 50ml worth £2.05
4. Vaseline Essential Moisture Lotion - ''Is your skin weathering the elements? If so, then you need the Essential Moisture Lotion from Vaseline. Its non-greasy formulation and multi-layer complex absorbs quickly leaving your skin silky smooth and looking healthy.'' Full size £4.99 for 400ml, I received 50ml worth £0.62
5. The Vintage Cosmetic Company Floral Slanted Tweezers - ''Get rid of boring brows with these pretty floral tweezers by The Vintage Cosmetic Company. These high quality, stainless steel must-haves are the perfect accompaniment for every vintage doll's make up bag'' Full size £8
The total of this box is worth: £14.67
So what are my views on this box?
Well honestly I think it's a bit of a disaster. I know the theme was supposed to be "back to basics" but Glossybox promises "a diverse selection of 5 beauty treats that include niche, high-end and emerging brands" and we get given a sample of Vaseline. Let's face it, every girl, their mother, and their dog will have some form of Vaseline moisturiser in the house. I don't consider it to be niche, high-end or emerging. The moisturiser smells like a chemical factory and feels awful on the skin, leaving a greasy film that's unpleasant to the touch. I smelt like a Barbie doll, but not in a good way. In a plastic way. The cleanser is alright but the sample is so small compared to the free sample given away in a popular beauty magazine only a short while ago. The tweezers are pretty but that's it. They're absolutely awful at plucking anything because the tips don't press together properly. The little eyebrow hairs just slide right out. They'll make a nice decoration, though.
In fact, the only thing I'm even a little bit excited about is the under eye treatments. I have dark circles all of the time (darn you stupid genetics!) so I'm hoping this might help a little bit. Plus the packaging is fun and the catchphrases and blurbs are quirky and funny.
The Glossybox team have spent more time on the box design than the products inside it. I feel that this "back to basics" theme was just an excuse to throw all of the old crap they no longer want into the box and ship them all out. I've since cancelled my subscription and am going over to Birchbox instead!
What are your opinions of Glossybox? Or Birchbox? Are there any other beauty boxes around that are worth checking out? Let me know! :)
