GlossyBox November 2011: First Impressions

Hey lovelies, 

I won't bore you with the wrapping and presentation of the box, 

which was perfect as always, so look above if you'd like to see.

Now on to the box itself, 

there's been a lot of very vocal feedback about the contents of this month's box, 

and I can't say I'm surprised, 

No Make-Up? Seriously?!

This month's Glossybox's theme was, 

"The Christmas Gift-Guide: Part 1. 5 Products to try before you buy (whether for yourself or others)".

 Here's the box I received:

Oh, Glossybox, I'm not angry, just disappointed. 

I've recommended so many of my friends to sign up, with promises of Nars, HD Brows, and OPI, 

and I have to say I'm a little embarrassed. 

The box looks so empty.

Have a peek below for a more detailed view of the contents.

Left to Right: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps, Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask, Arbonne Ultra Hydrating Hand Creme, Illamasqua Freak Eau De Parfum.

 Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: 40ml, £4.20 (Full size 500ml, £52.50)

GlossyBox Say: "Intensive, super-moisturizing pre-shampoo treatment for all hair types. Adds elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine".

I say: The only product I was 'wowed' by from this box. Although I don't have damaged hair, I love taking care of it, so I'm excited to give this a try. I've never tried a Pre-Shampoo Treatment, and Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is hyped to be the best of the best, so I'll let you know how I get on. There is bound to be some disappointment this month, as some people received a Moisturiser/Bath Salts/Foot Cream instead of this, so I'm really glad my box contained this gem.

 Arbonne Ultra Hydrating Hand Creme: 15ml, £2.40 (Full Size 118ml, £19.00)

GlossyBox Say: "Soothing creme moisturises hands, leaving a healthy appearance and skin feeling smooth and refreshed".

I say: I'd usually scoff at a hand cream, but I'm actually glad they included this. As I said, I'm not really fond of hand creams, and as a result, I don't own one. But as the weather gets windier, my hands have been craving moisture. This cream is light and fruity, so more of a day cream. Perfect for you handbag, though hands in need of more help may prefer a creamier texture.

 Dead Sea Magik Delicate Boosting Mask: 25ml, £2.90 (Full Size 75ml, £8.80)

GlossyBox Say: "A creamy mask containing pure Dead Sea Mud in a gentle formulation, showing immediate and remarkable results".

I say: Not had a chance to try this mask out yet, but you all know I love a good face mask, so I can guarantee it will be used. Again, this item was a 'luck of a draw' type, and I much prefer this to bath salts. One thing I am a bit miffed about is that the brand 'Dead Sea Magik has been used in GlossyBox before, and isn't the whole idea of GlossyBox to try something new?

 Illamasqua Freak Eau De Parfum: 1.5ml, £1.18, though free samples can be obtained from counters, (Full Size 75ml, £59)

GlossyBox Say: "Celebrate the night with Freak, the dangerously exotic first fragrance from the cult British beauty brand, Illamasqua".

I say: Normally I feel a bit short-changed by perfume samples, and yes, you can get this for free at counters, but I love this fragrance! It has a spray nozzle, which I prefer, and at 1.5ml, I'll stick it in my handbag for a quick refresher. The fragrance is not as over-powering as I was led to believe, but it is still strong. I was worried that, considering the fragrance is meant to be Unisex, it was too flowery and feminine to be worn by men. So after a quick spray and sniff some rigorous testing by the boyfriend, he confirmed it does indeed, and I quote, "Smell like a man, a bit 'lynxy'". On the bright side, the fragrance appeals to both sexes, but as, at least in my experience, we wear perfume to appeal to the opposite sexes, it might not be what you're looking for.

Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps: Red Lace, 16 Nail Wraps (Full Size, £6.65)

GlossyBox Say: "The new Nail Rock wrap range is designed to last up to 7 days on nails and 8 weeks on the toes. They won't chip or stain the nail, require no drying time and deliver on trend in just 15 minutes".

I say: Yet again, another repeat product (though this time by a different brand). I've yet to use Nail Wraps, as the last set I received were plain black, and a bit boring. I really like this design, and will definitely give them a go, although as a Nail Art fan I know I will miss painting my own nails. However I do see why they would appeal to a lesser experienced nail fan.

Total Amount Spent:

£12.95

Total Worth of Box:

£17.33

This box is definitely more of a grower than an instant 'wow', 

as I've had a closer look at the products, I have warmed to the box. 

I can honestly say that I will use every product from the box, 

which I've not been able to say from some of the previous boxes. 

This box is also the least 'value for money' box yet, (saving only £4.38), 

though to be fair, you are still getting more than you paid for. 

Considering last month's box didn't have a great reception either, 

GlossyBox really need to pull out something special for the December, 

or they will be losing a lot of subscribers in the New Year. 

Personally I'd love to see GlossyBox go back to it's roots, 

High-End Luxury products, with more make-up and some cheeky full sizes. 

With new rivals Carmine, Boudoir Prive and Feel Unique gaining more fans, 

GlossyBox can't afford to be complacent.

What did you think of this month's box? 

Will you continue to subscribe?

If you would like to subscribe to GlossyBox, then please click here.

M x

Also, Don't forget to enter my Christmas Giveaway, bundle of prizes include Bourgois, Eyeko, MUA and Forever 21.

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with GlossyBox in any way. The product's were bought with my own money and opinions are my honest own.