June Glossybox 2012 & Food for Thought

Hey guys,

This is a bit of a strange post, mainly because I made the BIG decision to unsubscribe from Glossybox last month.

You know that feeling you get, when you sit uneasy hoping that you have made the right decision about choosing not to do something, however there is a slight chance that you also may miss out on the next big thing? Well, this is the exact same feeling I have had ever since I made that big unsubscribing decision - would the next box contain a product to rival that initial NARS illuminator?

I used to be as excited as the next person each month when that little GB branded box was delivered to my door, but gradually for me the expectation and excitement of its arrival had turned to more of a feeling of dread. I became accustomed to receiving products that were just not up to scratch really, and it got to the point where I opened each of my boxes with my fingers-crossed (well, not actually with my fingers crossed, but you know what I mean!).

As I have stated before, GB promote their monthly box as containing 5 'luxury' products - the emphasis here really is on the word LUXURY, because for many of the items that I have personally received, this is not applicable.

"Subscribe to GLOSSYBOX now and receive 5 high-end luxury samples from exclusive brands"

I personally feel that brands such as Batiste, Collection 2000, First Aid Beauty (F.A.B.) etc. are not luxury brands, nor are they exclusive (they are widely available in drugstores), so the inclusion of these in the Glossybox is quite simply a farce. Having said this, the flip-side is that I have received some brands that I have been really happy with, however the actual product may not be suitable for my complexion, skin type etc. - which leads me to my next point....

For a while now, under the 'how it works' tab on the Glossybox website, subscribers have been invited to

"Fill in your Beautyprofile to help us select products to complement your personal beauty and styling requirements".

Now, while this concept is not what I would call rocket science, it is such a simple idea, that if it was actually utilised, the whole GB experience would be so much better.

"Our product selection is original and innovative".

But, quite simply, it is not a service which is yet applicable - so what, I ask, is the point? I completed my Beautyprofile a few months back in the hope that the products I received would then be a little more tailored, and yet I still ended up with products for curly hair (when mine is straight).

"Every month, you will receive your indulgently wrapped GLOSSYBOX filled with carefully selected beauty miniatures"

Onto packaging - this is where I think they have us. To put it simply, as my husband would say, you can't polish a turd! Yes, the packaging is amazing. Yes the boxes are girly and come in handy for storage. But are they just sugar-coating the products inside? Sometimes, I just used to feel that the packaging was more appealing than the products it contained.

So, what to do if you are unhappy with your GB? Well, most companies would answer their phones for starters, but when I moved house a while back, and my Glossybox was delivered to my old address - even though I had tried to change my delivery details through the website but it wouldn't let me - it took about 15 attempts to get an answer when I rang in desperation to try and amend this mishap. The outcome? I never received my box, Glossybox were of no use whatsoever and claimed that I could have easily changed my details online (I tried! The service on their website was unavailable!!), and so I ended up out of pocket. The attitude from the 'customer service representative' was more of 'tough luck' as opposed to even the slightest hint of sympathy/empathy/general human compassion. In hindsight, I should have cancelled my subscription there and then.

What about emails? Well, I haven't had the misfortune to use this facility, but my sister has. After several emails sent regarding a duplicate old box she had received rather than the new months box she was expecting after altering her subscription, it took good old pigeon post and a letter of utter disgust before she received a reply - in email format of all things!!! And though the GB man insisted they had no record of previous emails, he then contradicted himself by stating all the dates of emails they had previously received from her - so why hadn't they courteously replied to them? Hmm, you can bury your head in the sand GB, but your problems (i.e. unhappy customers) won't go away!!

Then there is the Glossybox UK Facebook page, where subscribers - old and new - (happy or not) can come together to discuss their feelings about each months box. Is it fair that some get a £20 product and others get samples they can pick up for free at a perfume counter? No. Has there been freedom of speech in this country since the 1950s? Yes. But GB seem intent on deleting comments that don't act in their favour, and keeping the ones that do. Sugarcoating. And damage limitation.

"Let us know what you think about the products you tested. We value your feedback"

This is a link to a review of the men's version of Glossybox written by Jo of 'Beauty and the Books' Blog, which is well worth reading. Even though her post is aimed at the oppostie sex, the less than adequate experience in regards to misleading advertising of products and poor customer service is just the same.

There must be thousands of comments on their UK Facebook page (or at least there were, until some were deleted) complaining about the unfairness of the item distribution, and the fact that many would prefer it if everyone received the same 5 products each month. But they just don't listen to their customers, nor do they ever attempt to reply to any comments on their page (it must be because they are too busy posting photo's of them posing with their GB Pink birthday balloons). Whatever the reason, it is clear to see that they do not value our feedback!!

Therefor, if you are so unhappy with your box that you want a refund, this is the advice that one unhappy customer has posted on the GB wall:

"If you were disappointed with your box, then I'm sure that you can return them within 7 days for full refund including original postage costs under the distance selling regulations. Also, they should be reported to the office of fair trading as their goods are not as described. Most of the items are available from Superdrug or Boots and would not be what most people consider to be 'high-end'. Also GB are pretentious by claiming their brushes are 'high-end', they most certainly are not".

And this is the nice little link to my next and final comment. THAT BRUSH. I hadn't even given the arrival of this months GB a second thought until I came across this picture on the Facebook GB Page:



Lisa Gray Swaps: Here's my five year old daughter using the brush to paint the bathroom floor of her dolls house. It isn't even very good for that :(

This made me chuckle, but just goes to prove how unhappy customers are if they are actually giving their 'luxury' beauty products to their child to play with!! I also have commented on GB's facebook page that they must be putting their efforts (and your subscription money) into developing their own products, rather than towards sourcing the so-called 'high-end' products that they promise.

I have to say peeps, that as I am sat here typing this blog post/rant I am happy and content in the knowledge that I unsubscribed last month, and I wonder Glossybox, will you be holding up your birthday balloon next year?

All comments gratefully received :-)

x X x

May 2012 Glossybox

What Beautiful weather we have been having lately!! My May Glossybox arrived a few days ago, and as it was such a gorgeous day, I decided to open it up outside in the sunshine! I had high hopes for this months box, expecting the team at Glossybox to pull out all the stops as a celebration of their first birthday, and I hate to say it, I really do, but am I the only one feeling quite disappointed with this months Glossybox? Here's what I received in mine:

1. 45ml Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture
2. Pair of Eldora handmade eyelashes D160
3. Collection 2000 lasting colour gel eyeliner
4. 75ml Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel
5. Two Lolita Lempicka Eau De Parfum samples

Extras: A cute little mirror compact and Pearly Pink Balloon

First up Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose - this product caught my eye immediately, and for all the wrong reasons. I had a sample of this exact same product free with Marie Claire magazine a few months back (read full review here) and I HATED it. Sheer disappointment with a capital 'D'. Urgh....

Eldora eyelashes D160 - I am not a fan of fake lashes, so if I were to wear some they would be understated with a natural feel. Even though I can appreciate these little beauties complete with mini mirrors to the tips, unfortunately they would be better suited to a Vegas show girl than to little old me :-) These retail at £5.90 per pair on the Eldora website.

Collection 2000 Gel Eyeliner - I recently purchased the Maybelline version of this product, and although I was really impressed, I am not a fan of pure-black eyeliners as they don't tend to suit my complexion as well as brown liners do. Also, Collection 2000 is not what I would consider to be a 'luxury' brand - so why is it in my Glossybox?! :-(

Noble Isle Bath & Shower Gel - This is more along the lines of what I think should be in a Glossybox! Noble Isle is a brand that uses inspiration from natural and cultural riches of the British Isles to create their luxury bathing products. This particular product smells nice, with a scent somewhat along the lines of CK one, and a full size 250ml bottle retails at £20. I am happy with this product & excited to try it out.

Lolita Lempicka Eau de Parfum samples - these got my blood pressure rising - in a good way! I first spied the Lolita Lempicka perfumes on my recent trip to Paris, and loved the Si Lolita perfume. I had samples of The First Fragrance and also L'Eau en Blanc  - so definately happy to have received these.


My big gripe with Glossybox is that, even though £12.95 is not that huge an amount, the products I receive are wholly hit-and-miss for me. I understand that Glossybox can't please everyone, but this month I have paid £12.95 for a shower gel mini that is to my liking, and two perfume samples that I could possibly have got free at a department store counter. I know lots of Glossybox subscribers love the element of surprise, and I do too, but this is never fully satisfied for me with the products that I receive. I have also read many reviews commenting on the pretty packaging, and though I agree that the packaging is lovely, in this day and age where we are trying to recycle as much as possible and companies are trying to cut down on their packaging, I have to ask if the amount of packaging used is necessary? And more to the point, does it compensate for the fact that alot of the time we are sent out samples that are not 'luxury' or that we could possibly pick up free in a department store. Sugar-coating so to speak.


Now for the big question - do I unsubscribe? Hmmm.... Decisions, decisions

Let me know your thoughts please girls!

x X x

April Glossybox is here!!!

Well, my April Glossybox arrived about an hour ago, and at first I was confused as to whether it was a Glossybox at all because it arrived in a plain outer brown cardboard box rather than the normal Glossybox print packaging. On opening the outer box, all sort of became revealed I suppose as the inner box as such is made of a very natural feeling neutral coloured cardboard, suggesting that there were organic products inside. Am I the only one disappointed with this? I just feel that after sooooo many different boxes, the novelty has well and truly worn off for me. Bring back the pink I say!!

Anyway, once past this little issue, I was pleased as punch with the products inside!!

First up, Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum. I had already purchased the Caudalie spray on a recent trip to Paris and know just how high end this brand is. All Caudalie products are paraben free, and contain only preservatives used by organic brands in their products. The Vinosource Serum should be applied morning and evening to face and neck before moisturising as normal to ensure that skin never lacks moisture. I tested a small amount on the back of my hand, and it has a light scent to it, rubs in easily, and a little goes a long way. As I am always on the lookout for any skincare products to keep my skin looking healthy and on the younger side of thirty, this is a product that I am really excited about!

I also had a full size Inika certified organic eyeliner, which retails at £11.75. I have never come across this brand before, but Inika is a luxury natural cosmetics brand. I am always up for trying new products, and I especially like that I have received shade 10 Green Lagoon, as normally I tend to stick to smoky greys/browns. It is a very subtle metallic green colour, and as I have dark auburn hair and hazel eyes, this colour will be great for me.

The Monuspa professional skincare enriched body cream is described as a rich, indulgent cream to comfort and nourish the skin. Monu is another organic brand, and none of their products contain damaging chemicals, artificial perfumes or synthetic colours. They are also against animal testing - BIG thumbs up! This is a 30ml sample, and full size 200ml retails at £23.00. Consistency wise, I would describe it as being on the thicker side of a lotion more than a cream, but it has a really lovely, relaxing scent and I will definately be using this product.

The Figs & Rouge peppermint & tea tree lip balm is another organic product in this months box. It is full size, and retails at £3.29 for 8ml. It comes in the cutest little tin, and smells really good. The only downside is that it doesnt taste too great.

And the last product I received was a 15ml trial size of the Philip B drop dead straightening balm. It is heat activated, and wont work unless hair is dried with a hairdryer. This doesnt have the greatest of scents, but it is a botanical product containing matricara & althaea extracts that promise tangle-free hair with a sleek finish. Lets hope it does what it says on the tin (tube even!)

So thats it for my April Glossybox guys, what products did you get?

Claire

x X x

Would you like to open my Harrods Edition Glossybox with me?

Hey everyone,

This morning I received my much-awaited Harrods Edition Glossybox. I have been a subscriber to Glossybox for almost a year now, and I have received some really great products, mixed with some that I have been rather disappointed with. But there has been so much hype across the internet gearing us up for the exciting arrival of the Harrods Edition Glossybox, that I thought I would share the opening of my box with you!!

We were promised big brands, and extra special products all wrapped up with the exquisite Harrods seal of approval. The box itself is glossy white instead of the usual matt pink (I say usual matt pink, but three of the last four boxes have all diverted from this). The Harrods logo is stamped with pride of place on the lid, and the inner packaging is sealed with a Harrods sticker and wrapped in the classic Harrods Green Ribbon which also has the logo printed on.

Now for the BIG Unveiling......

I thought that the easiest way to do this would be to review each product individually. The first product that I opened was the Erno Laszlo 'The Hollywood Collection' 5 piece cream gift set. The description of this product is that it is a Limited Edition Collection of custom blend skin formulations inspired by our most famous and iconic devotees: Marilyn Monroe, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo and Ava Gardner.

This contains trial sizes of 5 different products: Morning Beauty Rescue, Refresh Moisture Infusion, Instant Eye Repair, Intensive Porcelain Veil and Velvet Night Cream. The amount of product in each sample is not specified, but I think the best way to describe their size would be to say that they are each like the trial samples of foundations etc. that you would receive in the pages of a magazine. I may be committing beauty reviewer suicide now, but I have to say that I had never heard of Erno Laszlo before. However, I LOVE skincare, and am really excited to try all of these products - especially the eye cream, as I am turning the BIG Three-OH in a few days time, so anything that helps to keep the nasty wrinkles at bay is warmly welcomed!!! I also searched the Harrods website to ascertain the cost of full size products, but Erno Laszlo was nowhere to be found!! I did however do a Google search of 'Erno Laszlo Harrods', and thanks to British Beauty Blogger, I am now aware that the Erno Laszlo Brand is having a big re-launch in the UK which is taking place in 27 days, 12 hrs and 18 mins (and counting...) at Harrods - so the inclusion of this product in the Glossybox obviously ties in nicely with this.

Next up, Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum. As many of you will know, I suffered moderate hair loss following the birth of my baby, which has left my hair limp and thin. Not good :-( I also have really dry ends, which is the result of years of over-styling and highlights. The Ojon brand is again one that I haven't come across before, but with the promise of a 'weightless, highly concentrated serum that helps restore brilliant shine and softness to dull, damaged hair', this is another product that I am excited to try. The product received in the Glossybox is the full size as sold at Harrods, and retails online at £16 for the 25ml bottle. Smiley faces all 'round :-)

Another little skincare treat in my Glossybox is the Clarins Extra Firming Body Cream. This is a 30ml trial size, and I was so excited to receive this product as I absolutely love the Clarins range and use the Hydraquench Moisturiser everyday. The cream has a lovely subtle scent to it, and is great in consistency - not too thick, but not watery either. Perfect! The only issue that has confused me slightly is that the Clarins brand is also nowhere to be found on the harrods.com website. I can sort of understand that the Erno Laszlo range is not available on there yet, but Clarins is a brand that has been well-established in the UK for years. Surely it would have been good practice to have all of the items that were sent out in the Glossyboxes freely available for purchase on the Harrods website, otherwise aren't Harrods just pushing us to purchase full size products elsewhere, thereby taking our custom away from themselves? Hmm... Bad advertising practice I think.

The next item I received was a 4ml sample of Fendi's Fan Di Fendi eau de toilette. It comes in the cutest little bottle, although unfortunately the scent is not to my liking. It is described as "A luminous floral fragrance, radiant with sunlight and leaving a lasting impression of a light Roman leather on the skin". I usually go for light, Fruity, Floral scents like Stella in Two or Gucci Flora. But this has the distinct aroma of Calvin Klein's CK One, which takes me back to my teens. I am sooo over that scent!!

And last but by no means least, the product I have seen so many raving about... Da da da... The mini Burberry lipstick. Oh Yes! This is a miniature Lip Cover in Rosewood No4. Described as a "soft satin lipstick that offers intense moisture and luminous long-lasting colour for fuller lips", it is a pretty rosy pink shade that has definate staying power and is really moisturising. However, I'm not sure that this particular shade is for me, as I tend to wear more subtle lip colours.

So that's it for my Harrods Edition Glossybox. Overall, I am very happy with the items that I received, and think that Glossybox in conjunction with Harrods have done a really good job - they have set themselves a high standard though, that hopefully they will be able to keep up!!!

What items did you receive in your Glossybox?