February 2012 Canadian GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX Canada is part of the global GLOSSYBOX network. With access to all the latest information from around the world in beauty, we truly have our finger on the pulse of all cosmetic and beauty needs and innovations. GLOSSYBOX also has no hidden fees or agendas: For $15 we deliver the best in beauty right to your door and there are no additional charges like taxes, or shipping and handling. The best part is that your GLOSSYBOX will always contain 5 deluxe samples, tons of helpful info and a 6th surprise item could show up in your box at any time! We want to keep you excited and constantly dialed-in to the best in beauty.

I know, I might be the only one who is still not convinced of the amazingness of those beauty boxes, but I still think it's great that more of them are coming to Canada, starting with the renowned GLOSSYBOX. Founded in Germany, it was launched this January in Canada and it's rolling out in more than 20 countries in 2012!

I received the February GLOSSYBOX on February 6. When I was offered to be sent a complimentary GLOSSYBOX, I was not told which month I would receive, but I was told that it should arrive by mid to end January. I actually think it's a great timing as I receive the box in the second week of February.

I was delighted to see that my GLOSSYBOX was delivered in a super pretty and sturdy cardboard box - compared to my August Luxe Box that was delivered in a simple bubble envelope, which resulted in the box being a little bent - and when I opened it, I was greeted by a press release a super cute and sleek powder pink box.

Everything in the box was carefully and beautifully packed.

Here is what the February GLOSSYBOX contained:

AHAVA Skincare Mineral Hand Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $22.00$/100ml 

Ahava's best-selling Mineral Hand Cream is rich in nourishing Dead Sea minerals that hydrate and soften skin for increase all-day comfort and an effective safeguard against environmental damage.

At first sight, I thought this hand cream would be a nice size to keep in my handbag but after trying it on... no. This is just too light and it doesn't feel moisturizing at all on my dry and eczema-prone skin. I was expecting much more from a $22 hand cream that contains Dead Sea minerals!

Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Moisturizing Stick (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $12.00/5g 

This Moisturizing Stick is a highly moisturizing lip balm that leaved your lips feeling soft and hydrated and is a great compliment to the At Last Lipstains.

When I opened my GLOSSYBOX, I was like "OMG! I got a lipstick!" but no, it's actually a lip balm. I'm not sure if I have heard of Elizabeth Grant before but apparently this moisturizing stick was a 2008 winner in FASHION Magazine Reader's Choice Beauty Awards, so it must be good... no? I haven't tried it long enough to be able to properly review it though, but so far I can say it's not the best lipbalm I have tried but it smells great, like watermelon!

I always need to have a lip balm handy with my chapped lips anyway and I like its classy packaging... but still, I think I would have prefer to receive an actual lipstick as I feel this box lacks makeup items.

Essie Nail Enamel in Neo Whimsical (received full-size)

Full-size retail price: $9.99/13.8ml 

Essie's Neo Whimsical: Flaunt your classic taste with this unique, blue-based, rose plum hue. An Essie favorite!

The only Essie nail polish I have tried (Really Red) chipped on me after two days so I can't say I was extremely excited to receive another one. Neo Whimsical doesn't look anything "unique" to me - in fact, it looks like a plain lilac - pretty, yes, but nothing over the top.

I must admit creme finishes are my favorite though but this one did not apply smoothly because of the stupidly small and straight brush - Essie, Y U no make proper brushes if you are going to sell your polishes for $10?! However,  I must say that I was impressed to notice only a few minor chips after an intense week-end at work because my hands are definitely put through a lot as a chambermaid - scrubbing bath tubs, washing the dishes, etc. - and I'm used to see my nail polish being all chipped by the end of the week-end, so this was definitely a great surprise and I think this experience have changed my opinion on Essie nail polishes... if only it was not for the @*&?%" brush!

Oscar de la Renta Live in Love Body Lotion* (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $54.00/200ml 

Oscar de la Renta Live in love Body Lotion is like a silky veil and compliments the Eau de Parfum that launched in Fall 2011. Its green floral scent will make any woman feel sensual and divine.

Is it just me or do all lotions solely made to complement a perfume total crap? Well, this one might cost $54 but it's no exception. It has a strong herbal and floral scent that reminds me of old lady perfume (no offense anyone!), it's way too light to properly moisturize and it disappears into the skin before I even have the time to spread it. Did I say total crap already?

Also, why did some subscribers received a nice sample of the actual perfume instead of this cheap lotion? Especially since there's already another lotion included in this box...

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $160/50ml 

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream helps to fight the visible effects of environmental damage and enhances skin's natural moisture.

In the tub, this cream looks rich and thick but it goes on smoothly on the skin and it's absorbed almost instantly. I think it has a pleasant soothing scent although I wouldn't be able to tell what it smells like exactly. Well I obviously don't need an anti-ageing restorative night cream so I will give this to my mother.

Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Wipes and Mist (received samples)

Full-size retail price: $12.50/48 Pack Wipes and $15.99/125ml 

The convenient and effective Beauty So Clean Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes sanitize makeup, removing bacteria in 10 seconds! The Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist removes bacteria and germs on powder-based ad cream-based products.

GLOSSYBOX included these wipes and mist as a surprise additional item "that could show up at any time". These are interesting products but I honestly don't really care about sanitizing my makeup as if I start sanitizing this and that, I'm afraid I would turn into a total clean freak. The world is full of bacterias, starting with your computer keyboard, and I'm sure nobody religiously sanitize it after each use.

I did try the spray though but I think mine was defective because the product would drip everywhere instead of being a spray, no matter how many times I tried...

Overall, based on my experience with the February GLOSSYBOX, I would say the GLOSSYBOX is a great concept, but it is not for everyone. Of course, the content of every box is a suprise, so if you don't like that concept, you could be disappointed. You can make nice discoveries, but you can also end up hating everything. Personally, I would prefer to be able to personalize my box each month to be sure my $12 is well invested.

I think a big problem for me is that I hate clutter - it literally drives me crazy - so I hate having things that I don't use laying around, and it's worst when I actually paid for them! When I don't like something, I try to give it away or use it up. I don't like collecting samples or keeping them in case I'll be going on holidays. Maybe someone who is just starting out with skincare or makeup will not have this problem because I agree it's a great way to test products before comitting to buying the full size version, but for me... it's a no-no.

Something I have noticed with these subscription boxes is that not a lot of them are cruelty-free, and if they are, they are not available wordwide. This is an important issue for me and I don't want to pay for products that have been tested on animals. In this GLOSSYBOX, I received only one product that is not cruelty-free (Oscar de la Renta Body Lotion) so that's great, but still not enough. I'm committed to eliminating every products in my stash that have been tested on animals, so of course I don't want new ones to pile up!

I was also surprised to see that no makeup items were included in this February GLOSSYBOX and I must admit that this was a little disappointing in my opinion because I had higher hopes from what I've seen about the UK GLOSSYBOX on the blogosphere (Deborah Lippmann nail polish, Eyeko Eyeliner, HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette, etc.). I guess you can't have it all every time though, and of course some months are going to be better than others.

GLOSSYBOX Canada is available for $15 a month with free shipping and features a wide selection of brands.

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.