It’s their first box! GLOSSYBOX (Australia) – November 2011

Beauty Box is now officially GLOSSYBOX and I finally received the November box a few weeks ago. I was almost afraid it was never going to arrive, so here’s a review of the service and the samples in the November 2011 box.

Review of the GLOSSYBOX Service Experience

Let’s say it could be better. After re-registering on the GLOSSYBOX, I was emailed to update my address as they no longer deliver to PO boxes. Trés annoying, as our letterbox is tiny and lets in the wet everytime. We were forced to collect my box from the depot as they were unable to deliver to our useless home address. And no, delivering to my work is not an option.

However, when I tried to update my details online, it didn’t seem to have my previous details and I was forced to make a phone call to GLOSSYBOX. Thankfully the phone rang directly to a real person and not some automated answering service, so that’s a major plus. The staff updated all my details and even checked to ensure I had the promised Glossydots for re-registering.

This box also took forever to ship out. It was almost the end of the month by the time it made its way to me. I wonder if this was due to the company change or they were working on increasing the marketing hype over social media.

Nonetheless, the box itself is as well (or even better) packed as when it arrived as a Beautybox.

Instead of the pink packing box with the black box interior, GLOSSYBOX has a patterned logo black and pink exterior box and a pale pink interior box. The box is also bigger, but about half of it is filled with black paper packing filler.

They also threw in a small bag of jellybeans, which I gave to the SO as I am not particularly fond of candy.

Review of the Beauty Samples

Lily Loves Pearl – [Polish Me] Gentle Facial Exfoliant

A full sized sample of Lily Loves Pearl‘s [Polish Me] was included. It contains a number of organic ingredients including grapefruit, jojoba and lime.

I already use an AHA skincare range to encourage exfoliation, but gave the [Polish Me] a go for a week. To use, apply 1-2 pumps to palms and massage into skin before removing with warm water and pat dry.

On arrival, the product had some separation, which are easily dealt with by mixing it around with the pump wand. It has a gel consistency that thins out when you rub it against skin. Of course [Polish Me] has microbead-like exfoliants, which turned out to be quite gentle. My combination skin did not feel tight or dry after using [Polish Me] and thus far, no breakouts, so I am quite happy with the product.

Essie nail polish from their 2011 Summer Collection

The sample size was 5ml was supplied in “Meet me at Sunset”, a bright tangerine orange shade – a really popular summer shade the last season. I have heard about Essie from nail polish fanatic friends, so was curious to try this brand out.

I like the sturdiness of their glass bottle packaging and the consistency of the polish itself. It’s fluid enough for easy application and it provides a nice opaque coverage on one coat application.

What I don’t like is how strong the polish smell is. It slaps you in the face, which is saying something as I work with methylated spirits regularly for art commissions.

On retail price, they’re very slightly cheaper than the popular OPI nail polishes. So if you can stand the smell, Essie would be a brand to consider if you like the quality, but would rather spend a little less on seasonal colours.

Bio-Oil

A full 60ml sample of Bio-Oil was supplied and I’ve heard some amazing things about Bio-Oil through work and friends. Since the product does somewhat rely on longer term use for results, I will put up a more detailed review in the next few weeks.

Jurlique – Purely Age-defying Ultra Form and Lift Cream

The sample size was 5ml was supplied, which is tiny! I haven’t had much chance to try it yet, so stay tuned for its review!

MIRENESSE – 3D Forever gloss

A full sized (14ml) sample of Mirenesse‘s 3D Forever lip gloss was supplied in ‘Hello Kitten’, a pale pinkish coral shade. It contains shea butter and vitamin E, free from paranens, alcohol and SLS.

I really like the citrus scent and it is not as sticky as I thought it would be. It’s definitely more tacky than the Etude House Dear Darling gloss I usually use, but lacks the glitter/shimmer, making it perfect for a day/work look. It doesn’t last all day, but long enough that I only require a refresh application after meals.

Mirenesse is also a 100% Australian owned company, which I am quite delighted with. However, AUD$39.95 for lipgloss is a little too much of a splurge for me, so I might have to park this one for awhile.

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