Swatches: GlossyBox USA March + April + May 2013

(GlossyBox USA March 2013)

GlossyBox USA March 2013 ($90.89 Total Value):

1. Elite Models Liner in Matt Brown 2.5ml ($15) - I received the full size! The color of this eyeliner is great for those who find black to be too harsh. Unfortunately, the formula doesn't stay put on my oily lids. It fades and transfers to my bottom lash line within a few hours of application. 

2. Koh Gen Do Cosmetics 0.28oz ($32.49) - The full size costs $123/1.06oz. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free and doesn't contain mineral oil, which is a major plus. The product sinks into my skin quickly, feels extremely moisturizing & lightweight, and never leaves a greasy finish. I like using it as my night time moisturizer as well as a primer underneath my foundation.

3. Model Co Cheek+Lip Tint in Rosy Red 10ml ($24.00) - I received the full size! It has a strong cherry scent. When applied with my fingers, it leaves a blotchy finish on my cheeks. I prefer to use a stippling brush. The color looks like a pinky coral shade on my cheeks and lasts at least 8 hours without fading. On my lips, it looks more like a dark fuschia red shade. For reference, my top lip is naturally darker than my bottom lip. The formula doesn't dry out my lips or make them peel and it feels like i have nothing on. The problem is that it doesn't stain my top lip that well and the color fades away within 10 minutes of application. 

4. Prestiche Essential Oil Bar Soap 125g ($16.99) - I received the full size! When it comes to body washes, the scent is very important to me. The Prestiche bar soap smelled like ginger, which I love in cooking, but not on my body. It also came with a $40 gift certificate that can be used on the company's website and I was going to buy the Wonder Polish Ocean Mist Scrub ($59.99/15oz), but my total came out to be $32 because shipping was $12 for me. The $40 gift certificate did not seem to be a good deal for me. GlossyBox also provided a 60% OFF coupon code, which is a better deal, but I still didn't want to pay $12 for shipping for only 1 item.

5. Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce 1.5oz ($2.41) - The full size costs $17/10.6oz. I use it as a hairspray and it keeps my hair in place. For fly aways, I recommend spraying the product onto your hands first and then apply the product onto your hair using your hands. Sometimes, if you spray the product directly onto your hair, you might end up spraying too much product and your hair will end up looking crispy hard.

(GlossyBox USA April 2013)

GlossyBox USA April 2013 ($54.59 Total Value):

1. Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist 0.85oz ($4.45) - The full size costs $22/4.2oz. One of my friends describes it as a "nice fresh scent." I, on the other hand, am not a fan of the scent, which is a very personal thing. The bottle says it can be used on damp or dry hair. I find that it does nothing for me when used on damp hair. When used on dry hair, it gives my hair a volume boost, while still leaving it manageable. I like to spray Narciso Rodriguez For Her Hair Mist afterwards to cover up the smell.

2. Bvlgari eau Parfumee au the Blanc Tea Bag for Bath 0.5oz ($9.50) - I received the full size! This smells sooooo good and it's really strong. I placed the tea bag in a bucket of warm water and soaked my smelly feet (>_<) in it after a long day. It felt so relaxing and it left a very feminine and welcoming scent. I felt like I was dipping into luxury. The problem is that I don't know where to find a reputable seller.

3. The Honest Company Honest Organic Lip Balm in Lavendar Mint 0.15oz ($3.65) - The 3 pack costs $10.95 and each lip balm contains 0.15oz. I like the scent, but I wish the mint was a little bit stronger. It leaves my lips very buttery and smooth.

4. TIGI Cosmetics Glow Blush in Brilliance 2g ($22) - I received the full size! My Milani baked blushes contain 3.5g and my regular powder blushes contain 6g-12g. So, the TIGI Glow blush seems more like a travel size, which is convenient when you're on vacation. Also, I love the color, texture, finish and formula so much that I am considering getting their other shades. Brilliance is a pinky shade with gold shimmers that don't leave the skin looking like a glittery mess. It just leaves a beautiful sheen to the cheeks and lasts at least 8 hours without fading. Also, it applies smoothly, blends easily, and is buildable. 

5. Wash with Joe Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash 1oz ($1.75) -  The full size costs $28/16oz. It lathers nicely with a loofah and I love the smell of coffee and mint, but just not together. 

6. Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution 0.10oz ($13.24) - The full size costs $225/1.7oz. I got this in my January 2013 GlossyBox and my opinion about this product still hasn't changed. GlossyBox also provided a $75 OFF coupon code for this product, but $150/1.7oz still has me hesitating. 

(GlossyBox USA May 2013)

GlossyBox USA May 2013 ($55.97 Total Value):

1. Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact in 106 Almond Blush 4g ($16) - The full size costs $60/15g. It has a nice perfume-y scent to it. At first, I thought it was a blush, but when I opened it, it looked more like a foundation. The packaging is cool, something that I've never seen another company do before. The product is packed inside a sponge and the product transfers onto your fingers when you press the sponge. The coverage is similar to a tinted moisturizer. It feels hydrating.and leaves a natural finish when set with powder. The problem is that it's a little dark for my NC30/35 skin tone and it looks slightly orange. 

2. Etre Belle Collagen & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask 1 mask ($3.95) - 10 masks costs $39.50. I used it on a hot summer night and it made my face feel very refreshing and it had a cooling effect.

3. European Wax Center The Exfoliate .14oz ($2.66) - The full size costs $38/2oz. It exfoliates the skin, but it doesn't contain scrubbing beads. It has a gel consistency and reminds me of the Natural Aqua Gel Cure, except the European Wax Center version is alot thicker and has a more fruity scent. I use it on dry skin and as I'm rubbing the product into my skin, I notice my dead skin cells coming off. After the shower, I apply my moisturizer and it sinks into my skin alot easier, leaving my skin feeling more hydrated and smooth. GlossyBox also provided a free bikini line, eyebrow, or underarm wax treatment for first-time female customers and eyebrow, ear or nose wax treatment for first-time male customers at a European Wax Center. (No purchase necessary.)

4. European Wax Center Slow It Body Lotion .14oz ($0.35) - The full size costs $20/8oz. It has a sugary lemon scent to it. I love how buttery smooth it makes my skin feels and it melts into my skin immediately with barely any effort. Also, it doesn't leave a greasy finish. 

5. My Prime Multi Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer 10ml ($11.33) -  The full size costs $68/60ml. I don't notice any mattifying effect and it doesn't fill in pores, but it makes foundation application go on smoother. Also, it leaves the skin feeling very hydrating and buttery smooth. 

6. Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick Lux 369 0.29oz ($14.99) -  I received the full size! At first, I thought it was a deodorant stick, but it's actually a perfume stick. Scents are very personal and this one has a strong floral scent, which I tend not to gravitate towards. I'm more a fan of "sophisticated" and "mature" scents like Narciso Rodriguez For Her, Dior J'adore, BBW Magnolia Blossom, and Britney Spears Curious. 

7. Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray 1.7oz ($6.69) - The full size costs $19.95/5.07oz. I use it when my hair is dry and I find that it volumizes well and the floral scent smells so much better than the Alterna Mist, but it can leave my hair slightly crispy if I spray too much. GlossyBox also provided a coupon for a free 1.5oz Sebastian Professional Shaper or Shaper Plus with any Sebastian purchase at Ulta.

Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact in 106 Almond Blush

Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact in 106 Almond Blush

Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact in 106 Almond Blush

Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick Lux 369

For more information about GlossyBox, check out my previous posts of their August & September box. Also, use coupon code LOVE at checkout to receive a free gift ($23 value) with any GlossyBox order.

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. 

Swatches: GlossyBox USA January + February 2013

(GlossyBox USA January 2013)

OPI Liquid Sand in Can't Let Go

Left: One Coat

Right: Two Coats

GlossyBox USA January 2013 ($77.21 Total Value):

1. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara .1oz ($9.26) - The full size costs $25/.27oz. The applicator is made of non-plastic/rubber bristles, which separates and volumizes my lashes really well. However, because the formula is on the wet side, it doesn't hold my curl as well and makes my lashes droop downwards. Also, because it's not waterproof, it smudges throughout the day and leaves traces of mascara below my waterline. Keep in mind that all non-waterproof mascaras does this to me. Since I really like the brush head and how well it darkens, separates and volumizes my lashes, I will definitely try the waterproof version.

2. Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum .17oz ($5.95) - The full size costs $35/1oz. It has a strong scent, which reminds me of produce and the "farmer's market." The scent is not offensive and it personally doesn't bother me because it quickly dissipates within minutes of application. As for performance, I find that it doesn't completely mattifies my face to the point where I look lifeless. It removes excess shine, but still leaves my face looking natural. At the same time, it makes my skin feel hydrated and it doesn't make it look greasy. Overall, I like using it as a primer to prep my skin before foundation application because it makes my skin feel fresh and clean.

3. Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution .1oz ($19.23) - The full size costs $225/1.17oz!!! The formula is very thick and creamy, but it spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly. It has a strong scent to it, but dissipates within minutes of application. It's very hydrating without feeling greasy, but it broke me out. However, I find that it works wonders on extremely dry and rough areas, such as my feet, knees, and elbows and it doesn't break me out there, but the $225 price tag is scaring me away.

          

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Tocopheryl Phosphate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil, Squalane, Corylus Americana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Algae Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Serine, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Oil, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, o-Cymen-5-ol, thylhexylglycerin, Red 4 (CI 14700).

4. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette Spray 0.03oz ($1.44) - The full size costs $77/1.6oz. I am absolutely in love with this perfume. It has a very feminine, sophisticated and classy smell to it. Definitely getting the full size asap! For reference, I love Dior J'Adore, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, Britney Spears Curious, and Bath & Body Works Magnolia Blossom.

5. OPI Liquid Sand Nail Lacquer in Can't Let Go .5oz ($9) - I received the full size! The swatch pictures are kind of deceiving because the bright daylight washes the color out. In person, the nail polish looks beautiful even with only one coat. Also, it applies evenly & effortlessly and leaves a matte finish with shimmers & sparkles. The only thing that may turn some people off is that when you look upclose in bright daylight, the nail polish looks very chunky and thick, but the base color is just so irresistible and gorgeous.

6. Sebastian Professional Potion 9 1.7oz ($6.33) - The full size costs $19/5.1oz. I love using this on the ends of my hair to bring back some life to it. It makes my ends look healthy and not dry. I also use it after I straighten my hair to add texture and to make it look less flat. 

7. Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick in Fierce .07oz ($26) - I received the full size! My lips are extremely chapped and lipsticks tend to emphasize the dryness and flakiness. I can't believe that I finally found a lipstick that's hydrating, pigmented and long-lasting. It glides on smoothly and applies evenly without making my lips peel. Also, it's super pigmented and it stains the lips in a good way. No matter how many times I lick my lips, the lipstick stays put. I can't wait to try their other shades!

(GlossyBox USA February 2013)

GlossyBox USA February 2013 ($45.96 Total Value):

1. BLVGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc Soap 1.76oz ($9.96) - The full size costs $30/5.3oz It lathers nicely with a loofah and smells amazing. It has a very strong perfume-y scent to it and it lingers on my skin after the shower. 

2. Da Vinci Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in 03 Champagne 0.6oz ($15.00) - I received the full size! I The swatch picture is taken without a primer. When worn over a primer, it's super pigmented and looks like a shimmery light golden champagne with a gorgeous metallic finish. It applies evenly with minor fallouts during application like most pigments. Also, It lasts at least 8 hours without fading. I love wearing it as an all-over-the-lid shade and it's so easy to pair with all sorts of shades. 

3. Lisi Sheer Sparkle in 08 Battery Park .31oz ($7.00) - I received the full size! It has a hint of a cherry scent to it. but it's barely detectable. It's sheer and doesn't add any color to the lips. I can see very tiny sparkles in the tube, but thank goodness they don't transfer onto my lips. It just leaves my lips looking very glossy without the glittery mess. 

4. Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask .98oz ($6) - I received the full size! The mask feels very slippery and slimey, but refreshing at the same time. I left it on for 30 minutes and it left my skin feeling clean and hydrated. This is a great way to pamper myself after a stressful week. 

5. Nail Rock Nail Wraps Full Set ($8) -  I received the full size! In my November GlossyBox, I received the Incoco Nail Polish Applique and I prefer that one much better because it was so much easier to apply. The Nail Rock strips don't fit or stick as well and are just overall more difficult to apply. 

For more information about GlossyBox, check out my previous posts of their August & September box.

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. 

Swatches: GlossyBox USA November 2012

(GlossyBox USA November 2012)

(GlossyBox USA November 2012)

GlossyBox USA November 2012 ($59.81 Total Value):

1. Illamasqua Lip & Eye Medium Pencil in Honour .05oz ($20) - I received the full size! The formula is super creamy and glides onto to the skin easily without any tugging. When applied onto my skin, it translates into a chocolate brown shade that's perfect for a day time look because the color doesn't look too dark or harsh.
2. Incoco Nail Polish Applique in Sinderella Full Manicure Set ($8.00) - I received the full size! I never tried nail strips before because I was always worried that they would ruin my nails and that they wouldn't adhere well to my nails. These are actually really easy to apply and they stay on my nails extremely well. (They don't peel off.) The color is very festive and reminds me of the holidays. My favorite thing about these nail strips is that there is no smudging and no drying time. I just stick it onto my nail, buff away the excess with a nail filer and I'm done. These are so convenient! Just make sure you press the nail strips well onto your nails to prevent "air bubbles." (I did my thumb first and as you can see from the picture, there are some "air bubbles" on my nail.) To remove, just use nail polish remover.
3. Kryolan for Glossybox Blusher in Glossy Rosewood 2.5g ($9.00) - I received the full size! It's a bubble gum pink with a matte finish. It has regular pigmentation that's not too sheer or too pigmented when applied with a standard blush brush, such as the Studio Gear #13. (The swatches look extremely pigmented because I applied with a very heavy hand, just to show the color better.) It doesn't leave a chalky finish, but it fades and looks patchy within 6 hours. However, because the compact is so tiny, I just take this wherever I go and touch up throughout the day.
4. Nume Style Arganics by Nume Argan Oil 10ml ($4.99) - The full size costs $59/4oz. A little bit goes a long way. I love this stuff because it makes the ends of my hair look healthy and shiny, but not oily or greasy. (Just be careful and do not over apply it!) GlossyBox also provided a $100 gift certificate towards styling tools and hair extensions; however, I doubt I'll be using it because all the products are priced over $100.
5. Skin&Co Roma Truffle Serum 0.50oz ($17.82) -  The full size costs $36/1.01oz. It doesn't have a floral scent, but I can't pinpoint exactly what it is. The scent kind of reminds me of coconut. The formula is thin and liquidy and it absorbs quickly into the skin. It's suppose to "slow down the signs of aging;" however, I'm a poor candidate to test this claim as I'm still "blessed" with youthful skin. (Check back with me in the next year or two.)

For more information about GlossyBox, check out my previous posts of their August & September box.

Also, I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday and remember, 

there's still time to enter my massive giveaway. =)

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. 

GlossyBox Coupon Code 2012: $5 OFF ANY Subscription

GlossyBox is offering $5 OFF any Subscription* today, only. Each monthly subscription includes 5 travel-sized beauty products, which are delivered at your door for FREE. Enter coupon code FIVE at checkout.

Check out a sneak peek of the November 2012 USA GlossyBox!!

*affiliate link

Swatches: GlossyBox USA August September 2012 + Giveaway

I've never purchased any beauty box subscriptions because they usually send out only samples and mostly skincare products. I do like trying a sample of a product before buying the full size, but It's difficult to assess a skincare product when you only get one or two uses out of it. Moreover, I can get samples at Sephora or a department store for free.

GlossyBox costs $21 each month (with free shipping) and it's more expensive compared to other beauty box subscriptions, but they provide 5 travel-size products from well-known beauty brands, including Burberry, Illamasqua, Ole Henriksen, Zoya, Missha, and many more. You are actually getting more bang for your buck. I've calculated the value of the August and September box and each of them was worth more than $21.

GlossyBox USA August 2012 

GlossyBox USA August 2012 ($92.90 Total Value):

1. Touch In Sol Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base 1.06oz ($18.76) - The full size costs $20/1.13oz. It's a primer that preps the skin before the application of foundation. It has a gel texture that feels super lightweight and thins out to a watery texture once I start blending it. Also, it quickly absorbs into my skin. It doesn't leave a sticky finish at all, even though it looks thick and sticky in the tube. 
2. Ellis Faas Milky Lips in Burnt Orange L204 0.095oz ($35.00) - I received the full size! It has a creamy texture and excellent pigmentation without any scent or flavor to it.
3. Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Taint 0.5oz ($14.00) - I received the full size! It's a dark greyish brown with a matte finish and it has an opaque finish with 2 coats. This is definitely one of my go-to colors for the fall.
4. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 0.5oz ($24.00) - The full size costs $48/1oz. There's actually enough product in the travel size for me to decide if I like it enough to buy the full size. It has a citrus scent to it and quickly absorbs into my skin without feeling sticky. I have been using this as a serum right before applying my moisturizer. I've noticed that I have gotten less dry patches on my skin when I wake up the next morning.
5. Biolage Exquisite Oil Replenishing Treatment 0.16oz ($1.14) -  The full size costs $22/3.1oz. I have been using this on the ends of my hair because they're a little bit dry. The serum makes my ends look more healthy.

GlossyBox USA September 2012 

GlossyBox USA September 2012 (at least a $56.99 value):

1. Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water 3.38oz ($13.00) - I received the full size! I use this to clean the fallouts underneath my eye. It makes my skin feel refreshed and it doesn't leave an oily residue.
2. GKHair Balancing Conditioner - The GlossyBox card says that the GKHair Moisturizing Conditioner is $20/10.1oz. I received the Balancing Conditioner and couldn't find the retail price on GK's website. On Drugstore.com, it says that the product is $18/10.1oz. I also don't know the value of the travel size because it doesn't say how much product it contains. The conditioner leaves my hair non-greasy and manageable. Keep in mind, I only use conditioner on the middle part and the end of my hair. Also, I haven't chemically processed my hair for about 2 years, so it's pretty healthy. However, my scalp gets greasy if I don't wash it every other day and my ends are a little bit dry. Moisturizing conditioners usually leave my hair greasy, while the deep cleansing ones leave my hair unmanageable. The GK one leaves my hair "balanced." 
3. Kryolan for Glossybox Moisture Rich Lipstick in Glossy Pink 0.14oz ($14.00) - I received the full size! This is a midtone rosy pink shade that's neither too bright nor too dark.
4. GKHair Balancing Shampoo - The GlossyBox card says that the GKHair Moisturizing Shampoo is $20/10.1oz. I received the Balancing Shampoo and couldn't find the retail price on GK's website. On Drugstore.com, it says that the product is $18/10.1oz. I also don't know the value of the travel size because it doesn't say how much product it contains. The shampoo is too moisturizing for my hair, but this would be more ideal for those with damaged, fried and overly processed hair.
5. Missha M Perfect BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ in No.31 Golden Beige 1.69oz ($29.99) -  I received the full size! I'm about an NC35/37, MUFE HD 128 and Dior Forever 31 right now and unfortunately, Golden Beige is too dark for me. I'm going to have to mix this with a lighter foundation.

GlossyBox Giveaway

Prize:

• 1 Month Subscription of Glossybox

Deadline:

• This giveaway will end at 11:59pm EST on October 21, 2012.

Good Luck, everyone! ^_^

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. Also, the giveaway is sponsored by GlossyBox.