GLOSSYBOX - January 2013

To kick off the new year, GLOSSYBOX partnered with Leandra Medine for the special "Man Repeller" edition of GLOSSYBOX ($21; www.glossybox.com).  The insert card reads, "Hey friend!  Pleas enjoy this Glossybox even though you are so damn pretty, you don't need the aid of my fav. products. "Kiss", Leandra (MR)."

The contents of this shipment were as follows:

Estée Lauder - Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara - Sample size: 0.1 oz/2.8 ml/Full size: .27 oz/$25 - Three different high-volume fibers create audacious, false-lash effect.  Lustrous color leaves eyes brighter, wider, more seductive than ever.  Build bigger, bolder, more extreme lashes at the Estée Lauder counter today.

Fresh - Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum - Sample size: .17 oz/5ml/Full size: 1 oz/$35 - Umbrian Clay, Fresh's proprietary ingredient, has a uniquely high mineral content that works to neutralize acidity, purifying and clarifying the complexion.  This treatment formula tones and hydrates while controlling shine and minimizing the appearance of pores.

Le Métier de Beauté - Replenishing Daily Solution - Sample size: .10 oz/3 ml/Full size: 1.17 oz/$225 - This rich, emollient formula protects, conditions and hydrates while it nourishes, rejuvenates and detoxifies skin, restoring a health suppleness to your skin.  Paraben-free.

Narciso Rodriguez  for Her Eau de Toilette Spray - Sample size: .03 fl oz/1 ml/Full size: 1.6 oz/$77/3.3 oz/$104 - A fragrant harmony of musk, intimately refined with a floral facet developing gently and slowly, rounding out into the feminine warm tones of sun-kissed skin, dusted in soft, velvet-like sensuality.

OPI - Can't Let Go Liquid Sand Nail Lacquer - Full size: 15 ml/0.5 oz/$9 - A unique matte purple shade with subtle accents of reflective shimmer.  This long wearing liquid sand lacquer dries to a matte finish which means no top coat is necessary!  Apply base coat and two coats of color for full opacity.

Sebastian Professional - Potion 9 - Sample 1.7 fl oz/50 ml/Full size: 5.1 oz/$19 - The ultimate versatile styling cream infused with nine botanical extracts to help restore lost moisture and rejuvenate the healthy look of your hair.  Perfect for styling your wet or dry hair into multiple looks with flexible hold.

tarte - Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick - Fierce  - Full size: .07 oz/$26 - Achieve vivd long-lasting color with a superb blend of emollient-rich butters (mango, avocado and shea) encapsulated in Tarte's 12-hour power formula.  Helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines leaving your lips with a perfect plumped-up appearance.

GLOSSYBOX Mag - Winter Beauty Edition - A mini-magazine with brief articles on The Man Repeller, Natural Beauty Tips, Trends, Q&A, and more.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  This was a great box jam-packed with great items so the retail value made this box well worth the price and the wait.

Have you tried GLOSSYBOX?  What  are your thoughts?

GLOSSYBOX - Refinery29 Holiday Chic Beauty Box - December 2012

For December, in addition to the regular GLOSSYBOX, there was a special edition Holiday Chic Beauty Box which was curated by Refinery29 ($45; www.refinery29.com).  The insert card reads, "'Tis the season to sparkle, and we hope this limited-edition GLOSSYBOX helps you do just that.  As part of Refinery29's Tinseltown, we chose some of our favorite brands and products to give you that extra-special holiday shine well into the New Year (think flawless skin, gorgeous hair, and a glowing complexion).  From all of us at GLOSSYBOX and Refinery29, please enjoy this special gift set -- we know you'll wear it well."

The contents of this shipment were as follows:

Booty Parlor - Flirty Little Secret Perfume - Full size: 0.33 fl oz./10 ml/$22 - Petite, portable, and packed with pheromones, this long-lasting perfume oil will stimulate your senses with an intoxicating blend of plum, raspberry, jasmine, cedar, and sandalwood.  Roll onto your wrists and neck and see what happens.

Cult Nails - Nail Lacquer - After Glow - Full size: 0.5 fl oz/15 ml/$10 - A rich, deep copper nail shade infused with a subtle pink shimmer.  Rest assured as Cult Nail Lacquers are cruelty free and do not contain DBP, formaldehyde, toluene and camphor.  Three coats for maximum opacity.

Josie Maran - Argan Color Stick - Love - Full size: 16 g/0.55 fl oz/$22 - This dual-purpose lip and cheek color provides flattering, glowing color while treating your skin with Josie Maran's signature argan oil.  Achieve a natural and long-lasting dewy finish while repairing and replenishing the skin.  Paraben- and fragrance-free.

Kelly Van Gogh - Rich & Delicious Caviar Hair Masque - Full size: 170 g/6 oz/$35 - Repair and restore overworked hair with this intense hair masque formulated with caviar oil, keratin protein, omega-rich fatty and amino acids.  This product functions like a spa keratin treatment for the hair, helping it become more manageable, shimmering.

Koh Gen Do - Cleansing Spa Water - Travel size:  3.38 fl oz/100 ml; Full size: 10.15 fl oz/$39 - Made with mineral-rich Japanese hot spring water, this best-selling spa water is infused with six essential herbs to cleanse, protect and nurture skin.  In a single sweep, it gently removes makeup and skin's toughest impurities. (2 Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton Pads were included.)

GLOSSYBOX Mag - 2013 Trend Guide Edition - A mini-magazine with brief articles on Trends, Q&A,  Talk, Editor's Picks, and Issey Miyake and Leandra Medine.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  This was a great box jam-packed with great items; most of which were full-sized.  Unlike other shipments, the contents were disclosed up front so there was no surprise as to what I was receiving.

Have you tried GLOSSYBOX?  How about Refinery29? What  are your thoughts?

GLOSSYBOX - Tis the Season to be Glossy

GLOSSYBOX's "Tis The Season to be Glossy" brought me double the joy in November (monthly subscription: $21; www.glossybox.com).  The insert card reads, "Celebrate and share the experience of GLOSSYBOX this holiday by giving the gift of luxury!  With the festive season of soirees upon us, get gorgeous with our top beauty picks to make you a standout among the crowd of little black dresses.  Whether you're attending the office fête, family gathering or holiday party, the latest collection of products from soothing to hydrating to colorful and fragrant, will keep you looking fabulous from day to night."

The contents of my Holiday shipment were as follows:

Illamasqua LTD - Lip & Eye Medium Pencil - Hex -  Full size: .05 oz/$20 - Designed to glide over your skin and create a long-lasting highly pigmented finish, this creamy pencil lets you write a different story with every look.  Use it to create sultry eyes and sensuous lips.

LIERAC - Gommage Sensoriel - Sample size: 30 ml/1.1 fl oz; Full size: 3.5 oz/$30 - This unique gel-oil texture scrub transforms into a milk upon contact with damp skin for skin-smoothing, toning and invigorating exfoliation.  A mix of three white flower extracts and four precious botanical oils regenerate and soften the skin.

NUME Style - Arganics by NuMe Argan Oil - Sample size: 10 ml; Full size: 4 oz/$59 - A perfect compliment to any hair and skin care regimen, this Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E and other beneficial fatty acids.  Non-greasy and specially formulated for rapid penetration, the oil brings a whole new level of shine and luster to even the most ravaged and damaged hair and skin. A bonus $100 Gift Certifiate towards professional styling tools and hair extensions is included.

Perfumies - Solid Perfume Stick - Femme Fatale - Full size: .07 oz/$7 - A perfect travel companion, these slender and elegant solid perfume sticks allow you to touch up your fragrance on the go.  These convenient perfume sticks have an all natural base, no preservatives, paraben-free and are never tested on animals.

Skin&Co Roma - Truffle Serum: Hydro-Toning Day Face Serum - Sample size: 15 ml/0.50 oz; Full size: 1.01 oz/$36 - Give your face a boost and slow down the signs of aging using this Italian serum infused with Peptides, pure extracts of Tuber Melanosporum and Hyaluronic Acid.  Use daily for brighter, more toned skin.

GLOSSYBOX Mag - Winter Edition - A mini-magazine with brief articles on Trends, Talk, Who's Who in Beauty, What's New, Star Style, Editor's Picks, and International Beauty.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  The variety of the contents was great and This was a great box jam-packed with goodies.  The Illamasqua pencil was a great surprise!

GLOSSYBOX November 2012 - Refinery29's The Hit Kit

The November 2012 GLOSSYBOX is the Refinery29 - Limited Edition - The Hit Kit; monthly subscription: $21; www.glossybox.com.  The insert card reads, "The Refinery29 curated "Hit Kit has arrived!  This collection of elite skincare products, hand-picked by R29's Senior Beauty Editor Megan McIntyre, is stocked with her fabulous favorites.  Now you can get your hands on her must-have items in this ultimate "Hit Kit,"; including everything you need for radiant glowing skin.  Plus, it also includes a surprise product exclusive to GLOSSYBOX - the new OPI GoldenEye nail lacquer from the limited edition James Bond collection in honor of the new 007 Skyfall film."

The contents of my November shipment were as follows:

Lierac - Lierac Creme Mesolift Moisturizer - Sample size: 0.54 oz./15 ml; Full size: 1.8 oz/$54 - Rich and hydrating, this cream has a high concentration of AHAs, Vitamins B5, B6, A, C, and E, helping tone and energize your skin.  Use daily to bring an immediate boost of radiance and vibrance to your complexion.

MISSHA - M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 - No. 23 Natural Beige - Sample size: 20 ml; Full size: 50 ml/$29.99 - Hailing from Korea, this Blemish Balm, also known as BB Cream, is a multi-tasking powerhouse for the face.  This amazing cream provides light coverage, soothes, protects, and moisturizes.  Suitable for all skin types.

O.P.I. Nail Lacquer - GoldenEye - Full size: 15 ml/0.5 fl oz/$8 - Release your inner Bond Girl with one of twelve limited-edition lacquers celebrating 50 years of Bond 007.  Two to three coats are recommended.

PHYTO - Phytonectar Oil - Sample size: 10 ml/0.33 fl oz; Full size: 1.7 oz/$30 - A pre-shampoo hair nourishing treatment that penetrates each strand of hair - bringing damaged, dehydrated hair back to its original softness and shine.  After application, wash out before shampooing.

Rosebud - Mocha Rose Lip Balm with Vanilla - Full size: 0.5 fl oz/$6 - Mocha Rose Lip Balm is a blend of essential oils, shea butter, vitamin E and natural beeswax infused with mocha, chocolate, and vanilla coffee shop flavors.  Perfect for parched chapped lips.

vbeauté - Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator -  Infused with rosemary and coconut, this gentle exfoliator uses super fine particles to remove dead skin, minimize pore size and help control shine.  The Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (ARBT) helps preserve, protect and reinforce the skin barrier to bring new life to the face.

GLOSSYBOX Mag - Winter Edition - A mini-magazine with brief articles on Trends, Talk, Who's Who in Beauty, What's New, Star Style, Editor's Picks, and International Beauty.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  This was a great box jam-packed with great items.  I am still working on the BB Cream from an earlier box but I love this smaller tube.  It's great for my gym bag.  The polish shade was very festive and timely with the new Bond movie racking up at the box office.

Have you tried GLOSSYBOX?  What do you think of this subscription service?

GLOSSYBOX Shipment - October 2012

The October 2012 GLOSSYBOX is the Spa Luxe edition with products to help us 
"Let Go, Unwind, and Restore."  Just in time to help me focus on myself post Hurricane Sandy.  The insert card reads, "GLOSSYBOX delivers a unique experience of indulences this month, ensuring your moment of beautiful, pure relaxation.  Break away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in a luxurious array of treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.  The combination of products, essential for a pampering Spa Luxe experience, are ideal for creating a sense of well-being and the ultimate beauty oasis."

The contents of my October shipment were as follows:

Alterna Bamboo - Luminous Shine Mist - Sample size: 0.85 fl oz/25 ml; Full size: 4 oz/$22 - An eco-certified shine mist made with Indian gooseberry and organic bamboo that controls frizz and flyaways.  It is a brilliant and weightless gloss for any hair type.

Kryolan for GLOSSYBOX - Blusher - GLOSSY Rosewood - Full size: 2.5 g/$9 - The micronized pigments in this semi-transparent cream powder allow for a vivid yet light application.  Perfect for the cheeks and can be used on the eyelids too.

Full swatch on top; blended on bottom

Heartland Fragrances - Exfoliating Loofa Soap - Peppermint - Full size: 6 oz/$8 - A truly unique hand-poured loofa soap encased in gentle glycerin provides the perfect blend of moisture and exfoliation.  This soap is designed to improve circulation and is great for exfoliating those tricky rough, dry areas.

Modelco - Lip Duo Lipstick & Ultra Shine Lip Gloss - Dusk Lipstick; Striptease Gloss - Full size: Lipstick .13 oz; Lip gloss .07 fl oz/$39 - An ultimate pairing in lip color - a flawless, long-lasting lipstick and an intense beaming gloss.  Each may be worn separately or layered for an individually tailored hue.

Lipstick Alone

Lipstick and Gloss

Lip Gloss Alone

Nastassja Skin - Enzyme Facial Peel - Sample size: 0.25 oz/7.5 ml; Full size 2 oz/$40 - This revolutionary facial peel is infused with vitamins and nutrients.  It exfoliates with papain, a naturally occurring enzyme in papaya, and gently eliminates dead, dry skin cells to reveal a more radiant you.

BONUS: Physique 57 - A coupon code was provided as part of this shipment for 20% off any DVD purchase at www.physique57.com.  Offer expires on November 15, 2012.

GLOSSYBOX Mag - SpaLuxe Edition - A mini-magazine with brief articles on Trends, Expert Advice, Star Looks, Editor's Picks, International Beauty, Beauty News, and Wellness.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  I loved the mix of products I received this month.  Value of this box was well over $60 and the variety was not to be beat!  Came in handy once my power came on and I needed to unwind.