March Glossybox - The Harrods Edition

Last month I posted that Glossybox had included a card advertising a mystery box for this month.  You had to go on to their site and use the letters they gave you as a clue to work out what the box was.  I had mentioned that I thought the box might be designer - well I was wrong as the box was in fact Harrods. 

If you are unfamiliar to Glossybox, then you can look at my previous January and February posts for more information or click here to be taken to the Glossybox website.

Rather than the usual dusty pink box, this months box was white with The Harrods Edition written on the front.  You were also given an Age-Defying Skincare brochure which gives advice on how to care for your skin depending on your age.

As usual, inside the box you have a card that gives the details of all the products included.  However this time they do not tell you how much the full size would cost and how much product you get.  This is a little annoying but I guess it is a great marketing ploy as it forces you to go on to their website to find out.  The card also includes a discount code of 20% of selected beauty products at Harrods.com
.

The packaging inside also continued the Harrods theme by including a green ribbon with gold lettering and a Harrods sticker to seal the paper.

Inside, on first glance I was genuinely quite excited about the products.  Although I was a little disappointed to see that there wasn't any full sized products (usually you get at least one).

1. Ojon - Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum £16 / 25ml: 



This is described as being a weightless, highly concentrated serum which helps to restore brilliant shine and softness to dull, damaged hair. You warm one to two drops in the palms of your hands and apply to either damp or dry hair concentrating on the ends. It can be used daily before heat styling or as a finishing touch. I haven't yet tried this on my hair but this is the product that I was most excited about as I have very long/coloured hair and I like to use either a hair oil or serum on the end to protect them. I have a few to use up but once I have tried this I will let you know.

 2. Fendi - Fan Di Fendi Eau de Toilette £35 / 30ml:

I am always disappointed when I receive a perfume sample, firstly because I think perfume is a very personal choice and I love my Chanel and Dior perfumes and very rarely stray from them.  Secondly, because often you can get free perfume samples from counters.  This sample however was nicer than previous ones as it came in a beautiful miniature version of the full size.  The only downfall for me is that the lid is the stopper and I am always frightened of spilling perfumes like this (I once knocked over and spilt a whole bottle of Eternity by Calvin Klein when I was younger - very frustrating).  I much prefer a spray bottle as it's easier to apply and carry around in your bag. 
The perfume is described as a luminous floral fragrance, radiant with sunlight and leaving a lasting impression of light Roman leather on the skin.  I haven't yet tried it on my skin, but I agree that it does have a light floral scent and I think this would be lovely for spring/summer, although it's not something that I'd prefer to wear instead of my current perfumes.

3. Clarins - Extra-Firming Body Cream £39.50 / 200ml:

I could not find this product (or any Clarins products) on the Harrods website.  The price listed above was actually from the John Lewis website.  I'm not sure as to whether or not you can buy Clarins in store but it is rather odd that it isn't on their website which leads me to think that this might be an extra product that Glossybox decided to include.  Or perhaps Harrods are planning on including Clarins in the future. 

This product is described as a formula rich in regenerating and firming plant extracts which immediately helps to lift and tone, for firmer skin and a younger looking body.  I'm always quite skeptical about whether products like this one actually do what they claim to do.  But as I've recently had a baby, my skin could certainly do with a little firming so I'm more than happy to give this product a try to see if it works - fingers crossed!

4. Burberry Beauty - Miniature Lip Cover, Rosewood No4 £23 / 3.8g:

I was really pleased to receive this product as lip products in general are probably my favourite makeup item.  The lipstick is a complete miniature of the regular product and as you can see from the picture the lipstick is even embossed with the trademark Burberry print (so is the lipstick case but as it is reflective the picture doesn't show it).  Described as a soft satin lipstick that offers intense moisture and luminous long-lasting colour. Combining oils and light waxes, the super light formula is easy to apply and contains anti-aging ceramides for fuller lips.   This product is certainly very smooth on application and feels very moisturising on the lips.  The consistency reminds me of the Cremesheen lipsticks from Mac.  The colour is a deep berry stain and complements my dark hair and eyes, however it is a colour that I would be more prone to wearing on a night out.  However you can apply it lightly for a sheerer coverage if you wish for a day time look.  This certainly is a luxury product and one that would look very stylish in any makeup bag, but I am reluctant to purchase a full sized product as there are so many comparable lipsticks at a fraction of the cost.  But if it was bought for me as a present, I wouldn't say no!



5. Erno Laszlo - The Hollywood Collection: 5 Piece Cream Gift Set:

I had never heard of this product before so I went on to the Harrods website as I was intrigued to find out more. However once again, I could not find the brand. However on doing a bit of research I was able to find out some information. This Hollywood Collection is to celebrate 85 years of Erno Laszlo.  Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Madonna are just a few of the Hollywoods finest who have been huge advocates of this revoluntionary skincare and there is a store in Covent Garden where you can purchase the products. Dr Erno Laszlo was a Hungarian dermatologist who, back in 1927, started the company that went on to become a worldwide sensation. At first, the Erno Laszlo institute would only treat those who came via recommendation, thus assuring its exclusivity. Now, however, anyone can enjoy the benefits of Laszlo’s skin-boosting systems, from their classic Black Sea Mud soap to luxury spa treatments that target anti-ageing, brightening and problem skin.  So perhaps Harrods are about to launch this product in their stores too.

This sample pack contains Morning Beauty Rescue, Refresh Moisture Infusion, Instant Eye Repair, Intensive Porcelain Veil and Velvet Night Cream.  I'm not sure what all of the products claim to do but you can click here to go to their website.

As you know, I love my Liz Earle skincare products but I might just have to give these products a try.  I just hope that I don't like them too much as I doubt I will be able to afford the price tag as the US website has the items ranged from $85 to $175. 

A little tip - if you have samples in a sachet make a hole using a safety pin so you can squeeze out a small amount at a time ands then seal with some sellotape afterwards this ensures that you don't waste any of the product and so they last longer and don't expire.

Initial impression:

I'm really pleased with my box this month, and I'm happy with all of the products, especially with the hair oil.  The only thing I am slightly disappointed with is the perfume sample which I feel you can get over the counter anyway, but other than that I think this months box was a great edition and I look forward to future limited edition boxes that Glossybox do.

Glossybox - February 2012

Last month I posted about the January Glossybox which was a Valentines Day limited edition box.  This month it is back to the traditional dusty pink box containing products that reflect London Fashion Week (23-26 February).

If you are unfamiliar to Glossybox, it's a monthly subscription where you receive 5 or 6 luxury product miniatures (some of which may be full size) from high-end brands every month.  You just register to create an account and subscribe to receive your first Glossybox.  The box is sent directly to your door every month and will allow you to test out new products in the comfort of your own home. You can also provide product feedback in order to receive Glossydots which you can collect in order to claim a free box.  The box also contains product information, application notes and tips and tricks about beauty and style. It gives you the chance to try new perfumes, make up, body and care products of high-end and niche brands some of which you may not have heard of or tried otherwise.  The beauty box costs £10.00 per month (plus p+p).

This is the traditional box that you will receive each month which is a dusty pink colour with the Glossybox logo on the front.

There was a little more literature than usual in this months box.  It had the standard product information card that tells you where you can buy the products, how much they cost and any discounts that are available to you if you want to purchase the products.  But it also contained a flyer about London Fashion Week with a 15% discount code for tickets. 

The last item was a small business card that says "Expect The Unexpected" and to log on to the site from the 24th February for more information.  When you log on you see the following image:

Every day when you click on the box you receive an individual letter that spells a clue about the mystery box.  So far I have received the letters D, G, and I.  I think that the box may have something to do with designer, but that is just a guess and I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Back to this months box and as usual the products were beautifully wrapped.

Finally let's take a peak inside this months Glossybox.

1. Duwop Venom Gloss in Buttercup £16 / 10.4ml:  This doesn't look like anything much in the tube but on application the product is quite sheer and gives a nice neutral sheen to the lips with gold reflex.  It causes a light tingling to the lips (due to the venom) which I'm not really a fan of and the product has quite a strong sweet smell which becomes slightly sickly after a while.  I have so many lip glosses that this wouldn't be one that I would reach for on a regular basis but it might be pretty as a top coat to tone down a stronger lip.  The product is also very sticky, so I definitely won't be wearing this on a windy day as I'd rather my hair wasn't stuck to my lips.

2. Impress Press on manicure £17.40 / Set:  I have my nails done professionally, so I never use press on nails.  But even if I did, these would not be something that I would try, purely down to the colour which is neon orange (the picture doesn't quite capture the true colour as it is much brighter).  This is a new product that claims on application to last up to a week.  The packaging is innovative as it looks like a nail polish bottle and keeps the nails contained so you won't lose them, but sadly this will not be a product that I'll be trying. I would have prefered to have received a nail varnish as at least I could wear it on my toes, but I never wear press-on-nails so I am rather disappointed with this product.

3. Paul Mitchell Quick Slip £14.25 / 150ml:  This is a styling cream that claims to p

rovide flexible hold and definition, s

hields vulnerable strands from the sun and s

peeds up drying time while it conditions and protects.  It also contains s

oftening conditioners and UV protection to leave hair looking and feeling healthy.  I have yet to try this product, but it is definitely something that I will try as I love experimenting with products claiming to protect your hair.  The product has a thick creamy consistancy (like most conditioners) and the inclusion of a pump means that you can control the amount being used without wasting any product.  It has the same scent that can be found in other Paul Mitchell products which is quite strong and sweet (to me it smells like fabric softener).

4. BM Beauty Pure Mineral Eyeshadow in Wolf Howl £7 / 2g:  I am not the biggest fan of mineral eyeshadows, purely for the fact that I have a tendency to spill them.  I received the colour Wolf Howl which is an iredescent midnight blue colour.   I tend to wear more neutral eyeshadows however I would probably wear this to line my lower lash line to add a pop of colour. 

5. Como Shambhala Invigorate Shower Gel £20 / 300ml: I have so many bath/shower products at the moment that I didn't really need a new shower gel (I'm currently trying to use up a large bottle of Snow Fairy by Lush).  However this 50ml bottle would be perfect for travelling so I know I will use it at some point.  It is described as being an invigorating shower gel which contains a blend of essential oils (eucalptus, geranium, lavender and peppermint) which are designed to uplift your mood.  You can really smell the lavender and peppermint especially in this product and the smell reminds me of Turkish Delight.  I wouldn't pay £20 normally for a shower gel so I don't think I'll be repurchasing this as there are some brilliant alternatives for a lot less money, but it's always nice to try out something new and a little different.

My initial impression....

Some nice products, but generally a little disappointed, especially with the colour choices of the lipgloss, eyeshadow and press-on-nails in particular.  I'm looking forward to seeing what will be in next months Mystery Box - hopefully it'll be something exciting!

If you would like to read future posts relating to Glossybox then please subscribe.

Glossybox - January 2012

Over the last 6 months beauty boxes have been taking the beauty community by storm.  There are various companies offering similar boxes but the one I am subscribed to (and have been since September 2011) is Glossybox.

Have you heard of Glossybox?

It's a monthly subscription where you receive 5 or 6 luxury product miniatures (some of which may be full size) from high-end brands every month.  You just register to create an account and subscribe to receive your first Glossybox.  The box is sent directly to your door every month and will allow you to test out new products in the comfort of your own home. You can also provide product feedback in order to receive Glossydots which you can collect in order to claim a free box.  The box also contains product information, application notes and tips and tricks about beauty and style. It gives you the chance to try new perfumes, make up, body and care products of high-end and niche brands some of which you may not have heard of or tried otherwise.  The beauty box costs £10.00 per month (plus p+p).

The Box..

Each box comes beautifully packaged each month and carries the Glossybox logo. 

The traditional boxes are a pale pink and black in appearance, however they have limited addition boxes to represent certain occasions.  For example the December box was glossy red and black to represent the Christmas season and this months much awaited box was advertising Valentines day.  Imagine my surprise when I opened the packaging to reveal a bright hot pink box - very excited!

Within each box there is a card that reveals information about each of the products in your box as well as the pricing for a full sized product and website addresses for where the products can be purchased.  It also reveals any discount codes or promotions that are offered if you purchase one of the products.

Each box is packaged to a high standard which makes the experience even more special when you open it.

So, what's inside this months box?

1. Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner (Full sized product) in Midnight Blue £9.50:  Not really a colour that I would normally use (I'd have preferred Black or even Brown) this eyeliner has a very creamy consistency when applied.  It also has a handle attached to the eyeliner to allow for the entire product to be used unlike regular eyeliners.  It is advertised as offering precise definition and an intense colour with a long-lasting finish.

2. Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream £48 / 50ml:  Advertised as being an innovative night cream that not only addresses skin renewal and firmness, but also helps to slow the ageing process with neuro-immune protection.

3. Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream £46.50 / 50ml:  Designed to infuse skin with firming benefits that are immediate and long-lasting.

4. FAB Body Moisturiser £13/ 237g: Formulated with ingredients to nourish and restore, it is designed to improve the skin barrier function and lock in moisture after bathing.  It is allergy-tested, fragrance free, dermatologist recommended and contains no harsh chemicals.  It is also safe for sensitive skin.  Personally I like moisturisers that are have a fragrance but I shall give this a try nevertheless.

5. Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish £29 / 30ml: An oil-free primer which ignites a radiant glow, powered by light-enhancing minerals.  Sounds exciting and exactly what I look for in a primer.  As my primer is almost run out, I shall definitely be trying this one.

My initial impression....

Seeing as though this box was a Valentines Day edition and had been publicised throughout January, I have to admit that I was rather underwhelmed.  With so much potential available for an exciting Valentines box I was rather disappointed about the products included unlike the Christmas box which I really enjoyed.

I'm not going to review the products just yet as I have only just received them and I haven't had the chance to test them properly.  If you would like to see a review for any of these products then please leave a comment below.

I'm hoping that next months box will be a tad more exciting.  But that's why I like receiving a beauty box, as you never know what you're going to get.  I'm currently debating whether or not to try another beauty box for comparison...any recommendations?  Maybe I will, you'll just have to wait and see!