This month was all about the V-word. That's right, Valentine's Day! The box itself is a hot pink colour, and the packing paper inside is pink and white. A little packet of love heart lollies was inside. Aww! Here's the visual:
It contained:
Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara in Black, no size listed but estimate 3g.
I was happy to receive this product. My mascara's getting pretty old, and it'll be interesting to try a more 'middle shelf' brand. Specifically, whether the bristles really "interlock with lashes like a zipper"!
Beautypedia Rating Summary [see full here]: Product receives a 'straight face' (OK) rating. Does not lengthen or darken any more than other, similar products.
Conscience time: Bobbi Brown do not test on animals but are owned by Estee Lauder, who do conduct animal testing.
21-MAR-12 edit: I've been using this nearly every day and it's actually pretty good. It separates my lashes well (compared to the mascaras I already had, anyway).
Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner, no size listed, but estimate 15ml.
Jane Iredale was one of the first dedicated brands for mineral cosmetics, and I've been curious to try it - the price always put me off! I would much rather have tried a different product than a tanner, but that's the beauty box lucky dip for you! I sometimes use a gradual self tanner on my legs. This may or may not be enough for one application on my legs - we'll see!
Conscience time: Jane Iredale is a U.S. company (as far as I can tell), founded by an individual. It does not test on animals.
21-MAR-12 edit: I've used this a couple of times, and it's reminded me why I don't like instant tanners. It pongs badly! I certainly won't be buying it.
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash, 60ml sample bottle.
I was very glad to receive this as I'm currently suffering from a bad rash of pimples. It'll definitely be used up quicksticks!
Beautypedia Rating Summary [see full here]: This product receives a frowny face (bad) rating for two reasons: the AHA is not effective in a wash-off product, and it contains menthol, which can be irritating. Hmmm!
Conscience time: ProActiv is a U.S. company founded by two dermatologists. It does not test on animals.
21-MAR-12 edit: The menthol in this makes my eyes water and my skin sting. I diluted it heavily with another product before use.
Star & Rose Floral Wonderland Emergency Nail Files.
I was pretty underwhelmed by this product. Even though the design is pretty cute, it's not really a 'wow-factor' product. I'll take them to work, though, I'm sure they'll come in handy. I had a look at the company's website. They are a wholesaler of all sorts of beauty-related products in thoughtfully-designed packaging.
Conscience time: Star & Rose is an Australian company founded by a designer. I could not ascertain whether they test on animals.
Polished London Nail Enamel in Waitress, full size.
Normally I would be like, 'nail polish, yay'! But I already have an Anna Sui nail polish in almost exactly the same blood red colour as this. And you know which of the two brands are going to win out! So I'll probably end up using this in my art journal.
Conscience time: Polished London is an Australian company (so gosh-knows why it's called that!). I could not find out whether they test on animals.
Summary: I'm in two minds about this box. It was great to receive products from semi-luxury brands like Bobbi Brown and Jane Iredale, but on the other hand, I feel that something like a nail file should be a bonus extra rather than a core product. And, for a second, I thought the heart lollies were a bonus product, and was disappointed when they weren't. It's a little thing, but it all adds up!
The value is middling compared to other boxes I've received, but not terrible.
Other subscribers received an ELF black eyeliner, ELF glitter lip gloss, Adorn mineral blush, Carmex SPF lip balm (which I got a few months ago), Spongeables shower gel-embedded sponge, or temporary lip tattoos (what the??) in their boxes. I wouldn't have minded trying the Spongeable, but otherwise I think I got a pretty good deal! I don't know why GlossyBox have this practice of divvying up vastly different products to different subscribers - in my opinion it only leads to envy and disappointment.
21-FEB-12 edit: Today I received an email from GB titled "Tip of the Month", all about how great the Proactiv product is. At the bottom in smallish letters it advises that the full-size product is 375ml, not 475ml. Typos are forgivable, but what a completely lame way to inform the subscribers!
Total Value: $49.586. Cost of Box: $14.95. Benefit: $34.91
Rating: 6/10
