REVIEWING SUMMER BEAUTY BOXES - GLOSSYBOX JULY 2020

Long forgotten this blog has been, neglected, and I've missed it really. But I'm back for now and I am just itching to review some beauty boxes on here. I have missed reviewing products and letting you all know what you can get in beauty subscription boxes. I'm still getting a few of those; my monthly treats that is and, of course, discovering new brands and products to try out.

There's definitely been some hit and misses this year, some boxes I've said goodbye to, and some I've recently discovered.

Let's start with Glossybox, shall we.

Glossybox will give you a minimum of 5 products each month, consisting of haircare, body, face, and makeup, for £10 a month with pp. They promise the total value of your box each month to be worth over £50.

Would I recommend Glossybox? Well before I answer that, below you'll see the products included in this month's box, the size, and the RRP included.

So this month's box came beautifully themed (Their standard boxes are a pastel baby pink by the way) and I just had to keep the box and will use it for storage purposes (I try to keep as many boxes as possible)

There were five products this month and each product came full sized. Just to point out, that's not always a guarantee. There was a good mixture of products this month, some skincare and makeup included.

1. Glow Drop Primer by Jecca Blac promises to deliver a radiant dewy glow and comes in a pretty pink packaging. Although the product is their full size, it's definitely travel friendly. The RRP on the card is at £16. This primer reminded me of the Wonder Glow Primer by Charlotte Tilbury, although this one was more slightly warmer, gold based, and the CT one I found to be more pinky gold. Both give off the same glow though. I didn't take pictures of the products on my skin before I applied makeup (Though I compared this and the CT together, half and half on my face) but I have included a picture of it on my arm. It's not actually that much cheaper than the Charlotte Tilbury. You get 20ml of product for £16 and the Wonder Glow comes in at £39 for 40ml. I do think this one gives a more dramatic glow though. Definitely pretty and something I would continue to use.

2. Orange Juice Hand Cream - Naobay Cosmetics. Let me just say that this brand has some amazing products and this cream is not an exception. It just smells so delicious and fresh and is a non greasy formula and leaves hands instantly soft and hydrated. I'm obsessed with hand creams and have always used them religiously. Would I repurchase? Probably not as this size would cost me £11 and I have tried hand creams at a cheaper price that I have loved. Still, I do love it though. Maybe in a sale.

3. Aloha Bronzer - Give Them Lala Beauty. Stunning packaging? Yup. As for the formula? Well, it blended beautifully. It looked pretty warm in the pan but once applied the colour wasn't actually too bad. I normally contour but have started to bronze and I'm kind of digging it so I will definitely pick this product up again. There are four shades to choose from their website. The card has an RRP of £19.80.

4. Fruit Slice Mask Sheet - Kocostar. RRP £4. Okay, I've tried so many different sheet masks by various brands but these are definitely unique (At least I've never seen something similar) and were definitely more work to me than just your standard sheet mask you pop on.

The packet did say there were two sheet masks so five to use at one time but I ended up using all ten. I didn't quite get just placing five and not having my entire face covered. It didn't feel very mask like to me. I also didn't like how they felt unsecured on my face, the slightest muscle movement meaning they would crease or slip, a bit like those gel lip masks. (Which I'm still deciding if they are pointless or not)...Anywho

I also didn't like the feel of the serum on my face once I had removed the patches. It felt amazing when I was rubbing the serum into my skin at first but, afterwards, left my face feeling very sticky. I had to wash it after, which felt pointless to the whole point of the mask and the benefits it should be providing.

This mask just wasn't for me. Here's some pictures though.

5. Palm Balm by The Beauty Crop. I've been afraid to try these tinted multi purpose balms for anything other than applying on my lips. Don't get me wrong cream products don't intimidate me but I find tinted balms sticky and I've always been sceptical to apply them on my cheeks. Won't they just look a sticky smeary mess? No, not one bit actually. This product took a bit of warming up (Didn't work great with a brush) and I was sure I would have ruined my makeup when I first applied it on. But once I got blending with a sponge it actually looked pretty. I can't decide if the colour is a bit too light (Although I do have a darker foundation on the account of being tanned) but I will try the product out again.

Here are some pictures of my makeup with the products used. I tried to capture as much real skin as possible and am not using the greatest front facing camera.

Onto the question of recommending Glossybox. I want to be honest and would recommend anybody thinking of subscribing to this beauty box just to check out their social media accounts (You can really find what people have to say) and go and check some reviews out online. There are a lot of very unhappy customers at the moment, probably the most negative criticism I have seen to any of the beauty boxes I am subscribed to. There are lots of people having items missing, broken, boxes not turning up, having boxes sent different to what is being advertised, and having money taken from their account despite having their subscription cancelled. From my own experience (And I have been a subscriber since 2018) I haven't had any issues with any of the boxes I have received. However, it's impossible to ignore how unhappy so many subscribers are. I do think Glossybox need to be closing their subscriptions for now to get on top of the enormous amount of issues they are facing.

GLOSSYBOX UNBOXING - JULY'S BEAUTY BOX

July is all about those Summer vibes and with this month's Glossybox, they've included all the right products you need for all your travel needs.

They've included five products that they feel are holiday essentials and all being travel friendly too.

The cleansing foam by Hungarian brand Omorovicza is the cleanser I'm currently using at the moment and have nearly come to end of. I've really enjoyed using it and although I do have other cleansers to use up (it's an everyday product that is used so they do get used up pretty quickly and don't go to waste) I'm glad to have received another one of these and it is an expensive brand. This cleanser boasts a patented Healing Concentrate system that harnesses the curing powers of Budapest's famous spas.

There is a Natural Bronze Body Lotion by Palmer's. I received the coconut oil formula. This body lotion gives off a natural looking sun kissed glow.

And of course as always there is a face mask. This is the Peel Off Tea Tree and Witch Hazel mask by Boots. It's supposedly meant to help with removing dirt and impurities from your pores. I think I've tried a mask from Boots before, back a long time from a beauty box and wasn't all that overwhelmed but I do have an obsession with face masks and use them all the time so I'm always open to trying different ones.

There is a mascara by Manna Kadar Cosmetics. I've recently started using their trio eyebrow palette and really love it and mascaras are honestly one of my favourite makeup products to try out as I have such short lashes so I'm going to try this.

And the final product is a Moroccanoil hair treatment by Moroccanoil. I do get dry ends from time to time but I use an Argan oil product from a drugstore brand that I really enjoy using and it's lasting a lifetime so I'll see if a family member wants this. It works the same that it's good for dry and sun damaged hair.

1. Cleansing Foam - Omorovicza - (Travel Size)  Rrp £18 30ml - (FS 150ml £52)

2. Natural Bronze Body Lotion - Palmer's (Travel Size) Rrp £2.49 20ml (FS £5.99 250ml)

3. Moroccanoil Treatment - Moroccanoil (Travel Size) Rrp £13.45 25ml (FS £31.85 100ml)

4. Bloom Mascara - Manna Kadar Cosmetics (Full Size) Rrp £23

5. Peel Off Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Mask - Boots (Travel Size) Rrp £1 10ml (FS £4 50ml)

I have loved the products included in this month's box but I am definitely disappointed to see there is only one full sized product out of the five.

Are you subscribed to Glossybox? What are your thoughts on this month's box? If you're not subscribed have you tried any of these products before?

LOOK FANTASTIC UNBOXING - JULY'S BEAUTY BOX

This month's Look Fantastic theme is all about hydration and getting that glowy skin. I'm really excited to try the products out in this month's box and there's only one I plan to part with.

I was so happy to see a product by Naobay as I love their gel to milk cleanser. It's one of the best cleansers I've tried. The product from the brand in this month's box is their Illuminating Micellar Water. I always use Micellar Water as part of the step to removing my makeup. I am currently using the Garnier Micellar Water and do have other Micellar waters I have received but I'm going to be keeping this to one side to use as well.

It's enriched with Green Tea to protect against environmental pollution, and Aloe Vera to rehydrate and soothe.

There is a makeup remover cloth by the brand Glov. I actually have two makeup remover cloths from other beauty boxes I need to try but I'm going to keep this one as well as I plan to stop buying makeup remover wipes now as I just feel it's unnecessary to be still using wipes to remove makeup given how many environmentally friendly makeup removing products are out there so I'm going to definitely start using these makeup remover cloths as I've read so many reviews and seen lots of videos on them and they look pretty amazing. Fingers crossed this one works well.

I love Aromatherapy Associates and love their bath and shower oil but I'm glad to see a different product by the brand to be able to try out. This is their Revive Body Gel. Infused with Grapefruit, Rosemary, and Juniper Essential Oils, this gel stimulates circulation and reduces fluid retention, leaving skin soft and supple.

There is the hydra balance day cream by Elemis. Formulated to provide continuous hydration, this day cream keeps the complexion soft and supple. I'm close to finishing the moisturiser I'm currently using so am going to put this to one side to start using next.

I have already received the Eyeko Chubby Eye Pencil from a previous box. You can use it as an eyeliner or blend across the lid for a diffused look.

And the final product is the gold eye pads by Vitamasques. I've tried a few masks by the brand before and really love using eye masks but haven't tried their own eye products. It says it's made with real gold extract to brighten and hyaluronic acid to plump and firm, these pads leave delicate skin surrounding the eye soothed and radiant.

1. Hydra-Balance Day Cream - Elemis - Worth £19.10

2. Gold Eye Pads - Vitamasques - Worth £5.99

3. Revive Body Gel - Aromatherapy Associates - Worth £12

4. On-The-Go Hydro Cleanser - Glov - Worth £11.99

5. Fat Eye Stick - Eyeko - Worth £12

6. Illuminating Micellar Water - Naobay - Worth £11

Are you subscribed to Look Fantastic? Were you a fan of this month's box?

LOOK INCREDIBLE UNBOXING - JULY'S BEAUTY BOX

So Look Incredible is the most expensive beauty box I am subscribed to. The particular one I am subscribed to is their deluxe edition box which does cost a total of £35 a month. But every product you receive is always from high end brands and always comes full sized. They do have two different other beauty boxes at different prices that you can check out as well. But you'll always receive products from well known brands such as Nars, Benefit, Lancome, Too Faced, and many more.

I'm impressed with the products in this month's box. They've included the new climax mascara from Nars. I have tried this mascara out and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I felt the brush was quite thick and I found it hard to get sufficient product on my lashes. Like I had to apply a few coats and I felt it was definitely going slightly clumpy each time. I've only tried it once so I will try it out again but I wasn't blown away by it. I felt there was a lot of work involved and who can be bothered with that for a mascara.

There is also a lipstick by Too Faced which is part of their Peach Kiss Collection. I know there was different shades within the boxes and a lot of people were unhappy as they received pinks and purples. I received the shade Everything Is Peachy which I'm really happy about as I know I'll be able to wear this shade. The lipstick smells so delicious as well and the packaging is luxurious and feels nice.

I was so meh with receiving the Figs & Rouge Pore Perfect Primer. Don't get me wrong I really love this primer and it's the primer that I'm currently using but I've honestly received this particular one four times now from different beauty boxes. I've nearly finished the one I'm on so I definitely want to keep one back but I know I'll need to part with at least one of them as I just don't need that many. Honestly though it's such a good primer and really makes my makeup sit nicely. It definitely helped minimise the appearance of my pores and helped with the texture of my skin.

I was so excited to see a product from Clarins as I've never tried anything from the brand before. They included a 4 colour palette which I know from the shades I would never use. It's just not the type of colours I would wear. I'm really hoping they'll include another product in the future by this brand as I definitely want to try something out.

1. Climax Mascara - Nars - Rrp £21

2. Eyeshadow Palette - Clarins - Rrp £34

3. Hydra Pore Soft Focus Pore Perfect HD+  - Figs & Rouge - Rrp £34

4. Peach Kiss Moisture Matte Long Wear Lipstick - Too Faced - Rrp £19

Worth £108

Would you ever consider subscribing to Look Incredible? Do the products seem worth it? Would you use them?

LATEST IN BEAUTY - JULY'S BEAUTY PICKS

Can you believe we are nearly at the end of July? I literally say this at the end of each month but this year really is flying by quickly and I can't believe the end of the Summer is fast approaching.

I've decided at the end of this year I'm most likely going to unsubscribe to a few beauty boxes. It's just unrealistic now to be subscribed to so many given how much stuff I receive each month and struggle to get through the products. Don't get me wrong, I don't waste anything. If I can't use it myself I just donate products or give them away to family but it won't hurt to bring down the number of boxes I'm subscribed to for awhile just to give me a chance to get through current stuff.

Lately I have been going through all my beauty box cards (I do keep all these) and then going from the oldest boxes and pulling out those products to make sure they are the top priority to use up and if I think I won't, I pass them on.

But anyways, that's definitely going to happen. I have decided Latest In Beauty I'm going to stay subscribed to as I just love this particular beauty box and the way this subscription works.

And if you haven't read my previous beauty unboxing posts, I've been subscribed to LIB for some time now. My subscription packages costs £18 a month with delivery costs included and I get to choose nine products in total. LIB is a lot different to other beauty boxes because you actually get to choose your own products from a variety of different stuff. There's quite a few options you can pick from. I've never really struggled to select products and have never found they are limited in choices. The only downside with LIB is that you'll find most of their products are skincare. They do have haircare and bath products but makeup is pretty much non existent so it's not a box I would recommend if you're after makeup products more than anything else.

I do use the Garnier Micellar Water as part of my makeup removal process and saw that this month they had the Milky Micellar Water version from Garnier so I picked this out as I'm close to finishing the bottle I am currently using. It is non perfumed and says it's suitable for dry and sensitive skin. I received a 400ml bottle which says it equates to 2000 uses. And I can agree that it does last a long time and you don't need much to remove your makeup. Plus I cleanse after as well anyway.

I've never tried a product from the brand Biore before and as I use masks a lot I grabbed their Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask. It says it contains Blue Agave (Which apparently is a key ingredient in making Tequila) and Baking Soda. I have read briefly on baking soda used on the skin and some discussions says it's a big no to use on your face but some people recommend it so I don't know myself.

I do have a few different body lotions from various brands I haven't yet tried but as they're always travel size bottles I tend to get through them pretty quickly anyway so I did pick out the Nuxe Scented Body Lotion. I have tried products from this brand before and have liked each one I have tried. I'm currently coming to end of their Moisturising Emulsion. I received this body lotion in a 30ml travel sized product.

Anything from Sanctuary Spa I am just obsessed with. It's one of my favourite skincare brands and their products smell absolutely amazing. I have tried this particular product before but had to sadly through it away because I left it out without sealing the lid properly. It's their after shower Wet Skin Moisture Miracle. You just apply it to damp skin after your bath and shower, let it absorb and pat your skin down afterwards with a towel. I also have their wet skin radiance jelly in their watermelon scent and it's exactly the same kind of thing. You only need to use a small amount and it leaves your skin super soft and smelling absolutely amazing.

I've tried some of the lip masks by Pathology before but pretty sure I haven't tried their eye gel masks so I picked out the Down Time Calming Tea Infused Aromatherapy Eye Gels. I usually pop these type of gels in the fridge before using them to get that cooling and soothing affect.

I did pick out a Rice Leaven Essence Sheet Mask by Mitomo as I have never heard of the brand before but unfortunately it arrived damaged (you can see the tear in the pic) I had to throw the product away. I have had a look on their website and their masks are affordable so I will probably just go and buy some off there to try out at some point in the future.

I also picked out this vegan, cruelty free and natural plastic free Facial Cleansing Kojac Sponge by Beauty Kitchen. It's 100% percent naturally made from plant roots to gently exfoliate.

I also picked out their Hall of Fame product of the month which is the Shiseido Power Infusing Concentrate. It's a serum that is satin textured and quickly absorbs into skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and is formulated with exclusive technology that combines a botanical blend of Gingko, Japanese Shiso, and Aromatic Thyme that all boosts the skins natural immunity to improve texture and tone. I've never really heard of the brand before so did go and check out their products. They are definitely on the high end price spectrum. I received a 10ml sample size of this product but you can buy it in bigger sizes. I just checked it out in 50ml size from the Look Fantastic website and it's £95. The price point reminds me of the brand Avant which I have a few products of. They're ridiculously expensive too and within the same kind of price range.

The ninth product I actually forgot to snap a picture of and it's the Clinique Charcoal Face Wash for men. I've given it my OH and he's been using it. They did however throw in a free product and it's a hairspray by John Frieda. I don't use hairspray products myself and it's for blondes so I'll see if my sister wants it as she's blonde.

Latest In Beauty I definitely recommend you check out. Especially if you have been subscribed to a beauty box before and unsubscribed because you've been disappointed with the type of products you receive. You might find this particular beauty box is for you.

GLOSSYBOX UNBOXING - JUNE 2019 BOX

This month's box Glossybox is packed with all the essential products you need to get ready for whatever occasion you have coming up. With five products in total, each one comes full sized and with the value of the box being well over £100 pounds.

I was super stoked to see another product by the brand Avant just because of how expensive the brand is (Not something I can ever afford myself) and how positive the reviews are on the products performance. This particular product in this month's box is their pro perfecting collagen touche eclat primer. Silky, lightweight and universal it mattifies and softens your complexion while also reducing lines and wrinkles.

I'm kind of meh about receiving yet again another hair mask by the brand Husk because I have enough hair masks I am getting through and I'm not sold by the whole hair mask thing and don't agree with the costs for a lot of them. I received (There was 3 different ones you could have received) the Brut Rose deep conditioning mask that protects and hydrates colour treated locks.

There is a lip product in this months box and I'm super happy with the shade because I do tend to receive a lot of lip products in colours that just aren't right for me. This is the lip creme matte by Modelco which comes in a peachy nude. It boasts a long lasting and highly pigmented colour that instantly gives you a rich matte coverage.

I was disappointed to see another Sleek palette. Although I love the brand, this exact palette had only recently been in a Look Fantastic box which Glossybox come under the same company as Look Fantastic so it definitely was disappointing to see they had put them in both of their boxes. I will end up giving one away as having two is absolutely unnecessary as it's definitely a palette that will last forever. I got the palette in light and it features a contour shade, a blush, and a highlighter.

And the final product is by a brand I have never come across before. It's the eyeshadow chubby stix by Meech N Mia. Boasting a rich and creamy formula this highly pigmented gold eyeshadow pencil glides on effortlessly and promises amazing pay off.

Overall the box definitely doesn't come under some of my favourites but I am definitely happy with the primer and lip creme, will use the hair mask, will get rid of the palette and most likely the eyeshadow stick as well.

Each product is full sized but below is the RRP of each individual product with a total value of the box as well.

1. Pro Perfecting Collagen Touche Eclat Primer - Avant - RRP £85

2. Unwined Deep Conditioner - Husk - RRP £3.99

3. Lip Creme Matte - Modelco - RRP £15

4. Face Form Contouring Palette - Sleek Makeup - RRP £9.99

5. Eyeshadow Chubby Stix - Meech N Mia - RRP £12.99

Total cost of products £126.97 - Mothly subscription cost £10 + £3.25 PP

https://www.glossybox.co.uk/referrals.list?applyCode=JOSEPHINE-R3

You can use my code at get 20% percent off your first box subscription. I would get referral credits myself if you use my code just an fyi.

Are you subscribed to Glossybox? How did you feel about this month's box? If you're not subscribed, what do you think about the products? Have you tried any of them before? Do you think it's good value? Would you consider subscribing?